Another reminder that this is rated M. Lemon alert.
Hermione walked around Hogsmeade, perusing the village for the first time in this decade. Her friends had left for the winter holidays earlier in the morning and Severus wouldn't return to collect her until the afternoon. The crisp winter air blew around her, chilling her and reminding her of happy winter memories at Hogwarts.
She found herself wandering into Tomes and Scrolls and perusing the shelves.
Books.
Inhaling, she took in the glorious scent of musty parchment and ink. The scents felt like the beginning of a treasure hunt.
Hermione walked around browsing for a few minutes before she felt a familiar prickling sensation over her arms. Her heart rate began to increase slightly, and she found her vision narrowing to a corner of the nearest bookshelf.
Sometimes the only explanation is that it has already happened before…
Finding the side-by-side books, she frowned.
For what purpose is fate directing me here? I have these books already.
Yes, but Severus doesn't.
Hermione sighed and gathered the books up before wandering around and looking for a muggle section. Resigning herself to let destiny take the reigns for now, she thought about what else was already bound to happen.
Might as well find him the silver filigreed copy of Jane Eyre as well.
Severus met her at the entrance hall. She had to stop herself from starting a running leap into his arms in excitement as he turned to look at her, but quickly pulled herself together when she saw his expression. He appeared stoic, almost grim.
It appeared his glower was due to nervousness, perhaps to hide his designs on her if they were spotted. Thankfully enough for the pair, the entrance hall and grounds were deserted. As soon as they had made their way onto the snow-covered grass and began walking towards the gates, he relaxed somewhat.
As they walked, he slowed his pace and reached over, holding her hand in his. He pressed closer to her, his winter cloak hiding their conjoined hands. Hermione flushed partly in pleasure, partly from the cold weather, turning her head and smiling up at him. Severus showed almost no change apart from the slight tick at the edge of his mouth. They were in public after all.
After reaching the school gates, he apparated them to the house at Spinner's End and shuffled her inside quickly. He kept his polite, indifferent mask up as he gave her a formal tour of the downstairs.
"I am determined to spend as little time as possible inside," Severus told her after showing her the lower level of the house. He ran his hand through his hair, having finally let his guard down. He appeared embarrassed at the shabby wallpaper and furnishings. "There are plenty of events I can take you to… places I can show you…"
It was clean, at least. He had done his part preparing the place for her stay. There was no dust, and the furniture was less worn than she remembered it being 20 years from now.
Hermione blushed and turned to him. "Are you really?" She responded cheekily. "You haven't shown me the upstairs yet."
Severus arched an eyebrow, eyes widening slightly before he gave her a brief nod and directed her up the stairway. Hermione noted the stairs were not yet hidden behind a bookcase.
She was lost in reminiscing before she realized that Severus had led her first to the upper room she most remembered. She was standing in the same room she had stayed in the last Christmas she'd spent with him, the same room she'd nursed him back to health after near-death in.
It was an odd feeling, being back in this room.
"Severus, I…" She trailed off, almost overcome with emotion. From the walk through Hogsmeade alone this morning, to being back in this bedroom… this felt the closest to being back in the 90s as she had experienced in months. Hogwarts was entirely a different place with different students and teachers and hadn't felt familiar in the same way.
It felt almost like being home now.
"Do you approve? It was my parents' room, but I've altered it significantly. I spent most of this morning doing the transfiguration work and adding in the fireplace. The bed and all the furnishings are completely new- I wouldn't have you sleep here otherwise."
"Thank you, Severus. It's lovely." Hermione held the homesick tears back as she cleared her throat. "Are you staying- Where are you staying?"
"My room is down the hall," he said stiffly. "I didn't get to cleaning it yet, so wait for me to show you that one."
Hermione nodded, turning her head away and biting her lip. It wouldn't be right to ask him to stay here with her tonight.
"This room is nice," Hermione said awkwardly, trying to hide her discomfort. "We could sit by the fire in the evenings."
"I wouldn't presume," he replied. "If you wish to invite me in on a given night, you may do so."
"Right," she said flatly, trying not to show she was hurt. "I suppose I'll unpack then."
Severus gave his telltale quick nod. "I will be in the kitchen." He closed the door and she sat down on the bed.
God, this was all getting so complicated, so confusing.
The way their kissing had been going, it had seemed the next step was sleeping together. Physically, she had no objections. Emotionally… it might be too much to tie herself to him knowing it would mean nothing to him in the long run. That even an intimate relationship with her wouldn't compare to an unrequited devotion to Lily.
After almost no actual unpacking, but a few more minutes of thinking, Hermione joined Severus in the kitchen. He had just finished making tea.
"I hope you like it," he rumbled quietly, handing her a mug. "It's my own brew."
Hermione took a deep whiff of the dark liquid. "Jasmine and… lavender?"
"I thought you might enjoy that one. Lavender calms and jasmine..."
"Brings feelings of love and happiness," she recited from memory. He smirked at her and nodded.
"Lovely," she murmured after taking a sip. Sitting quietly for a few minutes and sipping the tea did wonders for her nerves. "There's…" She frowned and wrinkled her nose. "There's another mug."
"Yes, I am expecting another for tea. Only a short visit, but he must be fashionably late even for tea, I suppose."
Hermione took another sip of her mug and relaxed further. A visitor would explain his odd behavior.
"Who-" A rushing noise sounded from the other room.
"There's the floo now. Just a moment." Severus briskly exited the kitchen and returned a few seconds later. Hermione nearly spit out her tea and had to physically fight to keep herself calm when she saw the man trailing after him.
"… but it could stand to be fixed up further; it's practically a hovel. Are you sure you aren't in need of more funds, Severus? I assure you, it can be arranged…" The tall blond man trailed off on seeing Hermione. "Well, well. Who do we have here?"
Hermione rose from her seat at the small table.
"Lucius, this is a… friend of mine from school. Lucius Malfoy-"
"Anna," Hermione said quickly, sticking out her hand. "Anna Perri."
She noted a small brow movement from Severus, but he moved on fluidly from her introduction. "Yes, Anna Perri. She is an Italian transfer student who comes to us by way of Romania."
Lucius took Hermione's hand and brought it to his lips for a chaste kiss. "Charmed to make your acquaintance, Anna." Despite the archaic gesture, it was quite cordial. "Italian, you say?" Lucius eyed Hermione's wardrobe and she blushed, feeling very frumpy and inelegant in her regular jumper and jeans. He was probably actually wearing something Italian based on how overdressed he appeared.
They all sat, Lucius conjuring his own chair to sit at the table. Despite what he thought of the state of the place, he was polite enough not to sneer at the shabbiness. He did mention what he had upon entering, however, and attempt to give Severus additional funding for furnishing the place. They spent a few minutes on this, with Lucius really doing his best to give Severus more money and Severus politely declining at every step.
"It is enough now simply to have an address outside of Hogwarts," Severus replied smoothly. "I hate the place, frankly, and any further renovations would be wasted on it. I can look into a suitable dwelling once I leave Hogwarts."
"Yes, about that. What are your plans upon graduation?" Lucius inquired, sipping at the tea.
"I have decided on a Potions Mastery," Severus replied. He inclined his head politely in her direction. "It was Anna's suggestion, and I think under examination it holds merit. I have always had an interest and talent in potionmaking and the skills are practical, career wise."
Lucius raised an eyebrow and turned to look at Hermione. "Really? I see you hold her opinion in high regard, Severus."
She gave him an icy smile in return. "I know he holds your opinion in high regard, Mr. Malfoy."
Lucius didn't look offended by the comment, nor at her refusal to call him by his first name, simply chuckling and raising his mug to her before drinking again.
Perhaps the calming and loving feelings induced by the tea were so we could get along, Hermione realized. Despite the tea, she was struggling to keep her famous Gryffindor temper in check. A tea party with Lucius Malfoy, a Death Eater, on no warning!
"I agree with the suggestion," Lucius finally said. She hadn't realized Severus had been holding in a breath until she saw him exhale slowly and unclench his hands from under the table. "I can certainly see the utility of a career in potions…" He shrugged. "I will do what I can to assist you in this. The Mastery payments, however…"
"You needn't worry about my scrounging, Lucius," Severus replied in answer. "As much as I have appreciated the generosity thus far, it is better to make my own way here forward. I can work to pay for the needed books and ingredients, the Mastery programme as well."
Lucius nodded. "And you, Anna? What are your plans following graduation from Hogwarts?"
Hermione thought about giving him the same answer she'd fed Slughorn about starting a family, but that didn't seem to be the right play here.
"I haven't decided yet," she said quietly. "I suppose I'll have to wait and see the state of things around that time."
"The state of things?" Lucius said curiously. "What do you mean by that?"
"I have debated looking for a Ministry position, perhaps in policymaking or in research- I'm partial to Charmwork and Arithmancy calculations, so something in that area. That will all depend on the state of the government, I wager."
"Do you predict the Ministry of Magic to go through any major changes in the next six months?"
"I wouldn't dare to make a prediction. Astrology and Divination have never been my strong suit."
"Yet?"
"Yet these are… volatile times, Mr. Malfoy. One needs to be prepared for all possibilities." That's what a Slytherin does, after all.
Lucius smirked. Just as with Severus, it seemed a smirk from him could be an attempt at being good natured. "I do approve of your friend, Severus. If you wish, you may bring her to the family gathering. As for now," Lucius rose from his seat and vanished it, "I have finished my tea."
Severus and Hermione rose, Severus walking Lucius out to the floo and speaking in a low voice to him while Hermione's legs nearly buckled at a new train of thought.
Lucius Malfoy has sway with the Hogwarts Board of Governors- is he on the Board of Governors? Has he seen my school records? Does he find out about my time travelling? If he knows I time travel, what could he do with that information? Would he use it to hurt Harry?
When Severus returned, he found her with angry tears running down her face, pacing around the tiny kitchen.
"Severus, how could you! He's a Death Eater and you're introducing me to him, trying to get him to approve of me? This is- this is too much!" She tried to think about the future implications of meeting him here, but her heart was racing too quickly.
"Hermione?" To his credit, he did look confused at her outburst. "Lucius has supported me, emotionally and financially for the past year. He's practically family-"
"Family?!" She couldn't help but shriek. "He- He-"
He gave Ginny that possessed diary- a horcrux, remember, with part of Voldemort's soul; he's the father of a boy who tormented me mercilessly and called me a mudblood; he tried to execute Buckbeak; he and his Death Eater pals tortured muggles at the Quidditch World Cup, helped Voldemort return, then tried to kill us all at the Department of Mysteries!
Her eyes widened. Family?
"He- he mentioned a family gathering- don't tell me that you're inviting me to a Death Eater meeting, I absolutely refuse to be a part of that! If he plans to do me or my friends harm-"
"I would never let you come to harm!" Severus looked angry now. "Lucius paid for the house and arranged for the Ministry to look the other way. He even dealt with the Muggles who were snooping around," he explained. "But I suppose all Slytherins must be intent on doing you harm."
"Malfoy is," she snarled at him angrily.
"Ah, and I suppose this sentiment comes from information you can not disclose. Let me guess, it was prompted by Potter or Black or any one of their little female hangers-on that you associate with." He folded his arms across his chest and sneered his best Professor Snape sneer. "You believe their promises and intentions immediately, but my own-"
"Your own what?" She cried. "You have promised me only what you needed to! You have not promised to stay out of revolutionary action, you have not promised to tell me what is happening! I have to practically beg to keep my friends from harm, and I can only choose specific friends to hold you to protecting! As far as anyone is concerned, I'm only a friend to you at any rate! I guess it makes sense why it doesn't matter to you at all. You can't understand what I'm going through because you don't have any other friends to care for!"
Almost immediately, the tone in the room shifted and she realized she had said the absolutely worst thing she could. She hadn't meant it to be cruel, she'd meant exactly what he'd said before, that the Slytherins weren't truly his friends, only acquaintances or classmates. Besides, if they needed protection, he expected them to take care of themselves.
He said nothing, but she closed her eyes in shame.
"I- I… Severus, I didn't mean…"
"You are mistaken," he said quietly. "Lucius is my friend. I care for him and his family. Perhaps," he whispered stonily, "I should not have called you my friend."
He walked over to the table and began silently collecting the mugs. Hermione choked out a sob and ran out of the kitchen and up the stairs, slamming the door to her room.
Hermione awoke bleary-eyed with a pounding headache a few hours later. They'd had tea at the appropriate time in the afternoon, so it must be late. After casting a tempus with a groan (10 o'clock, really?), she realized she had completely missed dinner, explaining the hunger-induced migraine.
It was all insurmountable, at least right now.
I can't be in two minds about this anymore, she thought after summoning a glass and performing aguamenti. She held it in her hand before drinking, staring numbly into the water. I either need to support him completely, which means helping him become a Death Eater and associate with Death Eaters… or I need to make a clean break.
She had to break it off with Severus. This was the logical conclusion, she knew. Hermione was a logical person still, wasn't she?
She had listened to Severus initially and let it be for now, but how long could they sustain a relationship on kissing and parallel intellectual pursuits? Sure, they were compatible in those senses, but in ideology? In life view? How could they agree on all the minor insubstantial things and none of the important ones?
She should break it off with him.
Yet her chest constricted, and she almost had to push the thought away so she could breathe properly. The thought of ending it hurt physically. She felt doomed to heartache no matter what her decision was.
But it'll be heartache in the end, anyway, won't it? She thought grimly. Because of Lily.
There was a soft knock on the door.
"Come in," she called hoarsely. She realized she was still holding the full glass of water and drank it as Severus entered the room holding a tray. He was wearing black jeans and a white t-shirt that hung a little loosely on him.
"I made dinner," he said stiffly, gesturing with the tray. "I didn't know if you wanted to eat alone…"
"That's up to you," she said quietly, looking away. "I certainly don't expect you to eat with me after what I said."
Severus set the tray on a table by the fireplace she hadn't noticed before. He appeared to hesitate after setting it down before walking over to the bed and sitting next to her.
"It was nothing I hadn't heard before," he said upon sitting.
"Oh, oh that's why I'm so sorry I said it," she whispered, tearing up again. "I didn't mean that you had no friends, you just told me yourself the other Slytherin seventh-years weren't friends to you… it all came out wrong. I- I'm sorry for being rude about Malfoy too." She swallowed, still feeling sick to think about Lucius Malfoy, but knowing she had gone beyond the proper bounds of complaint.
"Please forgive me, Severus." She reached out to hold his hand. He didn't remove his hand when she touched him, which she took as a good sign. "I want to be counted as a friend."
"Hermione," he sighed. "I meant what I said. I should not have introduced you as a friend." He began to squeeze her hand and rub her fingers with his as he held it.
"I'm not forgiven?" She whispered softly, her heart sinking.
Severus looked up at her quickly. "You- of course you are. I only mean I should have used the proper language. You are… you are dear to me, Hermione." He squeezed her hand again. "I apologize for springing this visit on you. I can not introduce you to my family, as I have none left, but Lucius has… somewhat adopted me. He understood what I was doing, but I was perhaps too circumspect with you by using the term 'friend'."
"You mean you were too subtle for a Gryffindor?" She said with a small smile.
"You said it, not me." He met her eyes with his dark ones.
Severus took the hand of hers he had been holding and raised it to his lips, kissing the palm reverently. He stared into her eyes as he moved her hand to hold his cheek.
"Are we… set right?" He whispered.
Her throat closed up a little, her body trying to prevent her mind from doing the cold, logical business of breaking both of their hearts.
"Severus, I hate fighting with you," she said honestly. "I can't help but wonder if… if we aren't…" she swallowed, "…compatible…"
"I don't," he said firmly. "I never wonder that." He released her hand so he could scoot over closer to her on the bed. He opened his arms, leaving her the option of moving forward to enter them, which she did readily. He held her against his chest as she released a shaky breath.
"I wanted you to meet my family because you are important to me," he said. It all came out in a rumble in Hermione's ear as she was still held against his chest, engulfed in his arms and comforted by his musky scent. "The gathering he mentioned, it isn't political. It's just dinner on Christmas Eve at his home."
She pulled away to look up at him. "He really is family to you, isn't he?"
Severus looked a bit embarrassed but nodded. "Becoming so. He and his wife have had some trouble conceiving in the last few years. He and I already got along well and when she heard about my parents, his wife encouraged him to take an active role in my… formation, if you will. I think she's been craving some mothering."
Hermione frowned. "He can't be that much older than you. Not enough to adopt."
"No, no it's more of an elder brother relationship. A mentor. Some of the adopted family connexions are there, however, just in how they've taken me in as their own." Hermione nodded and he continued. "I know you've had your misgivings about my politics. I wanted to show you I decided on the Potions mastery as well. If it does keep me out of trouble… well, that should set your mind at ease, I hope?"
Hermione bit her lip and snuggled back into his embrace, not thinking that was a good enough concession, but not wanting to enforce anything.
After a few moments of silence, he repeated, "Are we set right?"
"One condition," she mumbled into his chest. He bristled at the words but waited.
"Stay with me tonight," she whispered, blushing furiously. "Sleep in here with me." It had seemed to be the natural progression of their relationship, but she was still embarrassed to ask. He didn't answer immediately, and her embarrassment grew. "You don't have to. Only if you want to, it isn't required. It isn't really a condition, I mean-"
"Hermione." He pulled her away from his chest, lifting her red face up and holding it in both his hands. He kissed her sweetly, helping relieve more of the twisted pressure that had built up in her chest after the crying and the worrying of that evening. He pulled away from the kiss too quickly for her liking and she couldn't help but let out a small whinge in frustration.
"Gods, girl," he purred, seeing her reaction. "As if I wouldn't want to share a bed with you."
"You didn't seem to want to," she mumbled, biting her lip.
He laughed in surprise, but quickly corrected himself into a sober expression when she looked hurt. "I wasn't about to bring you here and invite myself into bed with you," he said seriously. "That has always been your decision."
"And if I only meant for sleeping?"
"Then I am grateful to be close to you at night." There was no hint of disappointment in his face.
She smiled at him and pulled him back in for a kiss.
Tired of being mad or sad or doubtful of him and aching to let out some of the emotion she had been feeling, Hermione quickly pushed the kiss further, opening her mouth and running her tongue along his lips. He groaned, pulling her onto his lap in their favorite position, her knees on either side of him. Daringly, she nudged him backwards until he fell on his back, continuing to kiss him and writhe on top of him on the bed. She laced her fingers through his dark hair, lips pressing against his, alternately licking, sucking and biting on his lips as he eagerly held her against him. When she released his hair and tried moving her hands down his body, he moaned and held her hands at bay.
"I- there's… dinner," he panted. His hair was wildly sticking out and all angles and his lips were bright red.
"R- right," she said a bit unsteadily. "I suppose we'll need sustenance to continue this discussion anyway."
He smirked at her.
The first night in bed together was a bit awkward due to the milestone. Hermione dressed in about the loosest pajamas she had, nervously brushing her hair out for far too long until Severus came and took the brush away.
"We'll just sleep," he crooned. "I'll hold you."
She finally settled down after an hour lying in the dark, held in his arms and whispering back and forth to him.
Hermione was strange about these sorts of things. It was easy to overthink the intimacy, which is why being carried away in the heat of the moment was so much easier and more thrilling.
The next few days at home with Severus were relaxed. He showed her around the neighborhood, even pointing out where the Evans family had lived only a few months previously. She made sure not to ask many questions about Lily as he seemed withdrawn and evasive on the subject.
They toured a local used bookshop and lost each other for a few hours only to rejoin with an armload of selections each. The knowing look they exchanged on seeing the other with a mountain of new books made Hermione's heart skip a beat. Severus gave her a sly look, suggesting he'd reward her inquisitiveness later.
Severus was quite a good cook, making up for Hermione's lack. He would concoct a delicious meal with as much finesse as if it were a potion, making her feel as if they were out fine dining every night. Hermione did not have any skills at sauteing or cooking meat to perfection as Severus did, though she wasn't bad at baking. Holiday treats did help make it feel like Christmas time even more, so she was glad she could contribute something to the atmosphere.
Nights were spent by the fire reading and talking before snogging relentlessly. Snogging would take place on the couch, on the floor by the fire, anywhere but the bed. Ever the gentleman, Severus did nothing but hold her once they were in bed, waiting for her to initiate anything. Hermione was feeling insecure initiating anything. Her confidence in the romantic department kept going up and down due to all the different relationship impediments she knew about. Nevertheless, she did want to enjoy her time with him while she had it, and he didn't appear to object.
It was getting bloody frustrating.
One night she was having a particularly engaging dream and began shifting and turning in the bed to get comfortable.
Severus was dressed in full professor regalia, looking down at her fiercely. She was sitting at a desk in his Defense classroom, head hung low and hiding behind her curls. Her skirt seemed much shorter than usual and her shirt was unbuttoned near the point of being indecent. Dream Hermione seemed to be in trouble for something.
"You have been deceitful," Snape hissed at her. "You have lied about yourself, you have changed the past, and worst of all Miss Granger, you have attempted to seduce your professor." He stood directly in front of her as she hung her head. He leaned forward and lowered his voice. "What do you think should happen, Hermione?"
"I suppose…"
"No! What should happen?"
"I should be punished," she said quietly.
"Quite right, witch," he hissed, making her whimper in fear. "Stand up."
She rose, quivering. She could smell his tell-tale scent of the library and feel the heat emanating off him.
"Turn and bend over the desk."
She did as he requested, bending over the cool wooden desk and resting on her forearms, her skirt lifting higher up her thighs. Professor Snape positioned himself behind her and slowly, gently, lifted the skirt up up up until her knickers were completely exposed and the skirt edge was up over her waist.
"You've been playing as a schoolgirl, but I'll have no more pretense," he rumbled in a low, velvety voice. Hermione's breath hitched as she felt him place his hands on either side of her waist and slide her knickers down. When they trapped her thighs together, he stopped. She tried to keep herself from wiggling and rubbing her thighs together.
"Let's start with the number of years you went back. 20, wasn't it?" And he slapped her hard on the buttocks so it stung. She cried out in surprise. "19 more," he murmured.
Hermione jolted against the desk with each slap, his hand sharply stinging her with each blow to the exposed flesh. Despite the pain, she felt she deserved it, as he had been right about his complaints. He was also incredible erotic and foreboding like this and she wanted to allow him the liberty.
"There you are," he said roughly after a particularly harsh slap that made her squeal. "Now get up."
Shakily, she pushed herself up, knickers still partway up her legs. Severus caught her from behind as she stood, holding her upright and pressing her back into his chest. He held her tightly by one hip as he pressed his erection to her, reaching around and unbuttoning the rest of her shirt with his other hand.
"Twenty Goddamn years, Hermione. You wasted my time for so long, but there will be no more teasing." His hand slipped from her waist to between her legs as the other hand palmed her breast and massaged it firmly. "You are mine now, Hermione," He breathed in her ear. "You will not leave me again." His hand moved between her legs, stroking her exposed lips with a soft touch. "Oh yes, sweet witch, you are so wet for me." He swiftly pressed two fingers inside her and pumped them up and down.
"Severus!" Hermione moaned quietly.
"Hermione?"
Hermione jolted awake. She was still very aroused, but she was now in the bed with a completely different, younger Severus. He was propped up on his elbow, staring at her wide-eyed.
"You said my name," he said, by way of explanation. The light from the fireplace cast a dim glow over his face.
"I- I didn't mean to." She was already hot with sweat from thrashing in her sleep but seeing that look from him made it worse.
"What were you dreaming about?" He asked hoarsely. It was clear from his heated gaze that he had already guessed.
"Er…"
"Hermione… I can smell you."
It wouldn't do to deny it then. "Y- you. I was dreaming about you."
"You want me?" He breathed, eyes wide.
"Oh God yes," she said in a rush. She bit her lip and flushed at her admission but still continued to meet his eyes.
Severus smirked dangerously and scooted closer to her. She was already nearly shaking with pent-up arousal.
"There's no way we can go to sleep like this," he said in a low voice. "I know I'll be up the rest of the night otherwise… and I want you to relax as well."
She nodded quickly a few times in agreement, though she still had a surprised, deer-in-the-headlights look to her face. He noticed her hesitancy and paused for a moment before continuing.
"Show me what you like," he whispered.
"Wh- what?" She blushed even deeper, completely entranced by his words and his heated look.
"You are my only experience in these matters," he said honestly, not even appearing embarrassed to admit this in his blatant desire. His eyes raked over her form and back up to meet hers again. "Show me how to touch you. Show me how to pleasure you."
"I- um…"
He scooted back to where he had been previously and propped himself up on his elbow to watch her. "Close your eyes. I'm not even here. Imagine you're alone. Just… show me."
She blushed but did as she was told. She scooted and lay flat on her back, inhaling and exhaling to calm herself. Keeping her eyes closed, she began to reenact the lonely nights she had spent behind silenced curtains in the four-poster bed. Now she was actually putting on a show for Severus Snape, she realized, and this one wasn't only in her head.
Her hand moved immediately to her sleep trousers, pushing them down. She slid them slowly down her legs and kicked them off, trying to pretend Severus wasn't watching her. He was appropriately silent.
Then she put her fingers on top of her panties, already damp with arousal from the dream, and slowly stroked up and down, circling her clit over the silky fabric before trailing lower. Her left hand moved upward to push her shirt up, exposing her breasts. Hands moving in tandem, one below and one above, she pinched and stroked slowly, arching as well into each hand as she could. Her breathing began to grow unsteady, coming out in small pants.
Now she could hear Severus' breathing. There was a rustling and she wondered if he was removing his own clothing. She frowned, still not opening her eyes, but ceasing her hand movements, wondering if he would touch her now.
"Don't stop," he said in a husky voice that was right at her ear. Hermione gasped in surprise at his proximity but didn't move away or open her eyes. "Show me," he purred. "Show me how to please you."
Hermione nodded, still not opening her eyes, as if Severus were her own private daydream motivating her to climax. Her hands slowly began to move again.
"Yesss," Severus exhaled in a low, velvety tone. "Imagine I am touching you."
She continued squeezing her breast and twisting her nipple deliciously in one hand while rubbing against her clit through her panties with the other. Severus' breathing was becoming more audible, and she could feel by an accidental movement against him at her side that he had removed his shirt at least.
"You are divine, Hermione," he whispered. "Exquisite."
This caused her to moan, arching up into her hands. Knowing he was right beside her watching her and hearing his gorgeous voice egg her on was only enhancing her desire.
"Oh, oh Severus," she breathed, squeezing her eyes tight. She finally gave in to the need to touch herself directly and moved her hand under the fabric of her knickers, making quick short circles around her engorged nub with her finger.
He groaned at the motion she made, and she finally grew daring enough to open her eyes. Blinking, she looked over and saw that he was shirtless and on his side facing towards her, devouring her with his dark passion-filled eyes. A trail of sparse black hair ran down his chest, accenting his thin, muscular frame. His sleep trousers were pulled down slightly and he was gripping his exposed manhood tightly and stroking himself up and down. Her eyes widened, taking in his form, her mouth becoming dry at the sight of him aroused and pleasuring himself. She was doing this to him, and that knowledge was even more erotic.
She continued moving her lower hand faster, arching her hips off the bed as she watched him watch her. Her other hand cupped her breast, skimming the nipple lightly. Severus appeared hypnotized by her motions, wanking harder and faster. This caused Hermione to moan, as if they were automatically energizing each other in a closed loop system, sending pleasure back and forth and driving each other higher and higher.
"You are the sexiest witch I have ever seen. Your body is incredible."
"Ohh… Severus…"
"Come Hermione," he hissed, still masturbating. "Let me see you come."
"Sev- uhh Severus I can't- I ohhh!"
She felt herself bucking into her hand in the familiar motion she had experienced so many times before, soaking wet and unable to get herself past quaking in ecstasy. Her lower body pulsed and she shuddered, whimpering as she looked into his eyes. Yet again, she was too sensitive to carry on. So so so close but she couldn't make herself continue. She bit her lip and looked away, shakily removing her hand from between her legs.
"What's wrong?" He could tell she was upset.
"I- I can't… not on my own…"
Severus quickly jumped forward to her and held his body against hers as she moaned in satisfied longing to feel his bare flesh.
"Please, please!" She whimpered, letting him know she needed his touch. He quickly pushed her panties down further to give him better access, inhaling unevenly at the sight of her glistening before him.
"Hermione," he growled.
Almost frantically, she moved his fingers between her legs, too overtaken now to be shy or embarrassed. "Like- like this- here- yes. Yes, there, yes. YES! Oh Severus, yes! Uhhh YES!" Inspired by her interrupted dream, she had positioned his hand at her wet entrance, before slowly maneuvering it inside.
"Fuck, Hermione," He moaned. "You are so wet and tight." Per her directions, he had his thumb on her clitoris and two long fingers inside of her as she pressed into his hand, holding it in hers and showing him which motions to make against her. He rubbed with his thumb, pressing with his fingers as she arched upward. As his hand moved with hers down below, Severus used his free hand to cup and squeeze her breast.
"Come for me," he said sharply, as a command. "Come on my hand."
"Ohhh Severus, yes." Hermione wriggled around on his fingers, arching her hips towards him.
Severus began pumping roughly up and down, faster and faster and she started to lose her breath, coming to the edge of the precipice. Her head fell forward onto his chest as they both moved his fingers frantically up and down.
"Oh yes, Severus don't stop- don't STOP! Please, DON'T STOP! Oh my God yes! YES YES YES YESSSS!"
Hermione gasped as her whole body shook violently and fluid gushed from between her legs. Her vision grew spots of black and many small white lights flickered in her line of sight. Severus gripped her tightly as she shuddered, waiting for her to calm before slowly removing his fingers from her pussy. He smeared fluid up her thigh as he removed his hand and raised it up. She lifted her head to see him close his eyes and insert the digits in his mouth, sucking up the remaining bits of her arousal.
"Severus…" She whispered in awe.
He removed his fingers and opened his eyes, darker than she ever remembered seeing them. As he lowered his hand again, she reached up and brushed some stray black hairs away from his face, never wanting to lose contact with those eyes. He still cupped one breast with his free hand and he squeezed it gently, shaking her out of her daze.
"Will you… show me…?" Hermione lowered her hand to his erect shaft, touching it lightly. He hissed, still meeting her eyes intently. Silently, he covered her small hand with his, showing her how to squeeze and twist, gripping and pumping together. She gasped, her mouth forming an 'o' to feel the new sensation of his hard and silky manhood.
As his own breathing began growing erratic, he lowered his mouth to her neck. She continued moving her hand up and down with his own, finding she enjoyed gripping him, especially seeing and hearing his reaction to it. He sucked and kissed her neck and shoulder, continuing to massage her breast and pinch her nipple with his other hand, alternating to the other breast to touch it equally. She closed her eyes and sighed, waves of soft pleasure rocking through her from the attention to her breasts. Her body had only needed the initial jump start with his help and now pleasure came more freely.
Severus began to whimper and thrust more desperately into her hand. "Hermione," he groaned just below her ear, "Oh God, Hermione!"
His face was still pressed into her neck and she stroked his hair with her free hand. "Come, Severus." She whispered.
"Oh yes, Hermione! Yes! Bloody fucking hell, YES!"
Severus grunted loudly and she felt a few swift thrusts into her hand before he held himself stiff and came spurting onto her and the bedsheets, her abdomen absorbing some of his seed.
After a few long seconds, he whispered a cleansing spell and removed his hand from hers. His face was still hidden in her neck. She took a few more seconds to loosen her grip and release him gently. She continued lightly stroking his black hair.
"Well… that was…" She whispered dazedly.
"Incredible," He mumbled into her neck.
"Indeed," she said dryly, perfectly imitating him.
He snorted and raised his head. He was wearing a self-satisfied smirk that held none of its usual harshness. His brows were relaxed and untroubled. He leaned in for a kiss to her lips with half-lidded eyes. She kissed him back gently, both of them smiling shyly as they withdrew.
"Thank you," he said sincerely. "I… I am…" He swallowed, having trouble voicing whatever it was he was thinking. "I am honored to share your bed." He settled for finally.
She didn't know how to answer that apart from a declaration of love that might not be well received. Hermione smiled gently at him and kissed him again softly. "Technically, it's your bed," she teased.
He chuckled and brought his lips to hers again. Hermione felt her heart might explode out of her chest. It hadn't stopped frantically beating after her orgasm.
After withdrawing from the kiss, she cleared her throat and looked around at their barely-on clothes. "Is there a point getting redressed?" She said aloud, blushing and trying to smooth down her completely wild hair.
"None," Severus said, smirking. He pushed his sleep trousers off completely, tossing them to the floor, and lay back on the bed in his naked glory. Hermione tried in vain to hide her smile, rolling her eyes at him. She turned her back to him, stood up and removed the rest of her clothing as well. She climbed back into the bed, quickly pulling the covers over herself as Severus pulled her into his arms.
Hermione sighed languidly as he held her, laying her head against his chest.
"My darling," he whispered in a low rumble, stroking her curls gently.
The light of morning did nothing to dampen Severus' enthusiasm, and it took no convincing at all on his part for her to teach him more about her body. He spent much more time now kissing her lips (far too neglected in the dark) as well as stroking playfully down her form, paying special attention to her breasts. When he first got a good look at them in the light, he appeared utterly captivated and she caught him muttering something about her having the best breasts on the planet, "better than the magazines in the attic," he'd groaned. He had almost a scientific fascination with the orbs, examining them fully in every way he could. He was determined to cradle, lick, suck, and squeeze her breasts and nipples until she rubbed herself against him and desperately pleaded with him to move lower.
She was about ready to hex him before he brought his hand downward and lightly stroked her hot core, causing her to whimper in lust.
He repeated the tip she had taught him with the fingers and thumb the night before, entering her with his long fingers and pumping without any additional instructions on placement. He simultaneously sucked at her breast while he worked her with his fingers, causing her to gasp, moan his name, and fiercely grip his dark hair at her breast. She finally shattered below him as he flexed his long fingers inside her, curling and pointing them.
Not long after, he came groaning and spurting between her thighs as she demonstrated what she had learned from him, stroking and twisting his shaft with one hand and adding another hand to cup his ball sack per his new directions.
"Hermione," He breathed, jaw slack as he looked down at her afterwards. "You are… magnificent."
She beamed at him, blushing. "You are pretty fine yourself, Severus."
He pulled her roughly into his embrace and kissed her another time, grinning through it. Hermione couldn't stop blushing and smiling ecstatically, which only seemed to enhance his ardour.
Eventually they did have to rise from bed and eat, though it was a few more hours of cuddling, drifting back to sleep, and gentle kissing before they bothered. They neglected dressing appropriately as all pretense of propriety was long gone. Severus wore no shirt, having stoked up the fire earlier, and Hermione donned only her pants and a shirt of Severus', coming to her mid-thigh. They sat languidly with plates of fruit and deli meats by the fire, taking turns feeding each other and teasingly touching exposed skin, though not in any particular hurry to act.
There was even a time for a Potions theory discussion between lust-filled glances. Severus eagerly sought Hermione's input on Charms and Arithmancy-based experimentation, admitting he did not have a natural affinity in those subjects. After nodding seriously and adding a few helpful suggestions to adapt a potion from a multi-disciplinary standpoint, Hermione teasingly reminded Severus about the recent educational pursuits he did posses a natural talent for.
She was pleasantly surprised to find he was already aroused by her mind and they didn't even bother fully removing their clothing, content with frotting and kissing on the rug. He clenched his buttocks as his hips ground into her wet arousal, quickly bringing her to orgasm beneath him. Her soft cries were replaced by his feral sounds, snarling and almost growling in frustration.
As she brought her legs around his waist to grip him, he shoved the shirt she wore up and sucked at her breast as if he were starving. Her whimpers and moans from his suckling and fondling both breasts might have been enough to push him over the edge alone, but once he released her breast she flipped them over, laying prone against him and directing his hands to her thighs and hips to help her rub against him.
They sighed together as they kissed and she took the lead, rubbing against his clothed erection in just the right way to hit her clitoris and send her keening and shaking again. At this, Severus gripped her buttocks roughly and arched up into her as he kissed her. Their lips parted and his tongue thrust between them, penetrating her mouth as his manhood only teased through his trousers.
"Fuck- sweet- witch," he snarled as she whimpered. He kissed his way to her ear, groaning loudly into it once he reached it. "You are the- oh yesss- the death of me." Hermione grew desperate, having already left a large wet patch on his trousers. She fumbled for the fastenings and tried to shimmy his clothing down his lithe hips. Once she reached his pants and gripped him roughly through the fabric, he thrust quickly into her hand, gritting his teeth. "My- oh, Hermione, you undo me! Gods, you- uhh fuck yes! Fuck yes!"
Shit, she thought, gasping. A rush of fluid left her as he arched into her hand and came in his shorts. It was erotic to the point of ecstasy to see and hear him lose complete control.
They collapsed on the rug together, a hot heap of limbs and clothing soiled with their emissions. After Severus appeared to catch his breath, he pulled her mouth to his for a long and unhurried kiss.
"I cannot get enough of you," he said quite seriously as he pulled away. He pulled her to snuggle against his bare chest for a few languid sweaty minutes as they recovered, eventually casting some cleansing charms.
"Severus?" She asked.
"Mmm," he replied sleepily. He traced his hand gently over her back as she curled against him.
"We've only a few hours now til dinner. Do you still want me to come tonight?"
"If… if it is not too much…"
"If you think I wouldn't hurt anything for you, I would." She sighed, lazily tracing her fingers against his chest. "I'm not exactly a high-society girl and I'm not going to lie and pretend I'm happy with some of your Slytherin associations."
"Simply be honest in a way that won't cause any issues."
"How?"
Severus smirked and rolled his eyes. "Gryffindor." He ruffled her curls. "Emphasize the positives and downplay the negatives. It's not a lie to say you are… unsure, hesitant, perhaps on my politics. You don't want me to get into trouble, which Narcissa can relate to; however, you don't want pureblood magical traditions to be lost to history either, correct?"
"So, sound like I'm part of that camp?" She wrinkled her nose.
"Just that you could be. Just that you aren't opposed to hearing our side of the argument." Severus wrapped his arm around her and gave a light squeeze, pulling her further into his embrace. "There is no danger to you. If there's any sign of trouble, we'll leave. I would never allow you to come to harm under my watch."
Hermione looked up at him, seeing his sincerity. He gave her a shy smile and her heart jumped up and down in her chest.
"I know, Severus. I know you wouldn't." She smiled back at him before moving forward to kiss him gently.
Not physical harm, anyway, she thought. It's already too late to keep from hurting me now.