5
She was pacing when he came in. Still absolutely stunning in that sheer concoction. He couldn't even remember buying it, but damn she made it look good. Voluptuous curves peeking through the gauzy gown. Her hair looked alive with how frazzled she was and Severus wanted nothing but to embrace her. But there were serious matters he had to address. He knew this day was coming, but he wished he had more time to prepare. Or rather, he wished that kiss hadn't complicated things.
Hadn't made him want more.
"Master Snape," she gasped, finally turning to see him standing there.
He stalked towards her, his large hands smoothing over the fuzzy trim. "For me?" He uttered, inexplicably to himself and likely her as well. He had not meant to say that. Severus knew he was supposed to come in, lay out the situation and then leave. But then he got distracted by Miss Granger.
She bowed her head, bit her lip and was looking up at him with doe eyes, "Yes. An….extension to your birthday present," she admitted with a blush. "Um….that is, if you wanted more sir." Her voice was shaky and unsure. Something Severus found he quite liked. In this case at least. Confidence was always more attractive but well placed humility could be just as intoxicating. Nevermind that what she was offering was already above and beyond his expectations. But frankly, he had to decline.
"Unfortunately I must refuse your offer," he drawled. "It has come to my attention that you have been kept in the dark for far too long. Have a seat Miss Granger." Obediently she moved to perch on the edge of her bed, the robe parting as she did, revealing even more of the satiny skin of her breast. It was moments like these that made him curse his nobility. He so wanted to enjoy the rest of his present. However he knew even the kiss was inappropriate. "Surely you are wondering why Lupin was here earlier and what the meaning of our conversation was about. To put it simply Miss Granger, there is still a group of people willing to fight for the Light. Only this time we will win. I find myself as the...quasi-leader of this new organization. I've been trying to bring down the Dark Lord from the inside. Dumbledore did his best, but unlike his counterpart he did not nearly do enough pushing for followers. We cannot afford to continue in that vein. I'm glad our efforts have not been for nothing. The magic wielders in America have agreed to help us. It seems they're used to stepping in when countries fall under the rule of tyrants."
Severus paused, inspecting her face for signs of understanding. He smirked at what he saw, Miss Granger looked like she was itching for a quill and parchment to take notes. Typical. Forging on he said, "With our main base, the Lion's Den, compromised I fear the timeline for when we need to strike will be pushed up. That means I need to get you caught up with everything quickly. We need all available wands in the fight and you are a formidable witch in your own right. Plus, Potter has been nearly unreasonable about seeing you lately."
"Wait, Harry's alive?!" she let out with hopeful tears springing in her eyes. For some reason the tiny smile she wore at the new information irritated him.
Severus nodded, "It seems he and the youngest Mr. Weasley had the brilliant idea to take polyjuice….." He paused, waiting for that information to sink in. And it was clear when it did. A sob wracked through her and she folded in on herself as she cried. Severus stared blankly for a moment before his arms lifted, seemingly of their own will and circled around Ms. Granger.
"I always knew he was braver than what people gave him credit for…." She whispered, still clutching onto him. A slave seeking comfort from her master, how terribly cliche. And yet, Snape made no move to reject her. And then she was straightening her stance, gathering her strength. Amber eyes gazed boldly into his own as she said, "Tell me how I can help. I'll do anything to end him."
That determined spark in her whiskey colored eyes was all Severus needed to see in order to be assured of her readiness. News of the Order's survival had obviously allowed the witch to feel hope again and that was precisely what her own survival and presence was bound to do for the remaining survivors of this war. "You can start by getting dressed," He answered, a not so small part of him wishing she didn't have to change. "You will find your wardrobe now holds more practical attire. Come to my room when you have finished." He took one last look at her, his dark eyes mapping out every sumptuous curve beneath the see-through fabric. He took in her made up face, the sexy heels that encased magically pedicured feet and the extra care done to her hair. Had this really all been in effort to please him? "Amazing," he whispered, realizing too late that he had spoken the words out loud.
He need not have worried, Miss Granger looked the furthest from appalled. In fact, a coy smile colored her lips, "You are too kind, Master," she practically purred. His eyes narrowed at her flirtatious smile. Surely he was deluding himself, seeing things that weren't really there. A small curtsy was given and then he watched her saunter over to her wardrobe. And then he turned to stalk out of her bedroom before he did something they would both regret.
