Payback is a Witch

by Ms-Figg

Part 3 of Bang Series. Seven years later Potions Mistress Hermione finally gets her revenge on the bastard Severus. for his sexual workover. But wait! Something goes horribly wrong! MF,Lemon,Oral, Adventure, Violent Situations, OCs

2. Chapter 2

Payback is a Witch Part 2

Hermione hovered over Severus, her eyes hard with lust, her lean, pale body tensed. The urge she felt to take the wizard was overwhelming. Dimly she was aware that this was what it was like for the wizard when he desired sex…that his brutality was a result of his hunger to connect, to lose himself in another human being. It wasn't emotional…it was physical, feral, animal.

As she looked down at the wizard, so open and vulnerable to her, Hermione could hold back no longer and plunged downward, spearing Severus, driving into his body almost desperately, growling as his heat and softness enveloped her. Hungrily, she drew back and plunged again, then again, then again, pleasure pulsing through her as she pummeled the wizard for all she was worth.

Severus felt his body giving over and he had no choice but to go with it…gods Hermione ached so, slamming into him with abandon, jerking his body, caressing and possessing him, forcing him to accept her raging lust, her powerful need. She was so deep, so hard but yet there was freedom there…he didn't have to control this, he didn't have to maintain detachment…not where he was now. The wizard buckled and despite himself, he cried out.

"Yessss," Hermione hissed, her body going into overdrive. "You can feel me now, Severus. Let go. Let go, wizard. I've got this."

And Severus did let go, allowing Hermione's body to immerse itself in its own dark desire as the witch took him, pistoning into him, faster and faster, groaning, her dark eyes locked to his body, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. All the wizard could feel was need for more of this, more power, more possession as sweat dripped on his body from the witch's efforts as he cried out, a sweetness growing inside him, ballooning with each frenzied stroke

"Fuck yes!" Hermione groaned as she buried herself between the wizard's thighs over and over with greater urgency, her belly tightening, her lungs burning as his sleeve caressed and gushed around her.

Damn, it felt so good. No wonder Severus was such an animal when it came to sex. She felt like she wanted to just sink inside the wizard crying out under her, sink inside him and just curl up in the bliss of his body. She continued riding Severus, her strong body flexing over him. There was no kissing or caressing. This act was purely physical, visceral. Yet, despite her intentions…punishment was not a driving force…not now. The driving force was her own fulfillment, to get as much pleasure as she could stand before succumbing to the sweetness of the wizard beneath her.

Severus felt as if he were being lifted upward, buoyed by the witch's strength, each brutal stroke lifting him higher and higher towards an aching, longing awaiting mystery. Was this what Hermione felt when he shagged her…this sweet surrender? Did every witch feel this under him? It was like nothing he had ever experienced before. He had always been vaguely aware he gave pleasure to witches, but in his selfishness never cared to know how much. This was almost to much as he felt Hermione release his legs and drop down to his body, her hard frame rippling over him as she locked her mouth to his, snaking her tongue deep in her hunger for complete possession, slamming into him with growing intensity, her body beginning to shudder. Severus felt himself tightening.

"Oh Merlin," he sobbed into the witch's mouth as he burst into a million trembling bits of pleasure, showering down, melting, his mind lost to bliss, drawn beyond the physical to another place…a place he never wanted to leave as he climaxed, clamping down on the hard pole of flesh thrumming through him, and thick, wet heat pouring out as if he'd sprung a leak deep inside.

Hermione was in Severus' body, but she was no Severus. Holding back required mental strength to combat the physical pleasure. Hermione didn't have that strength…she was a witch…and witches surrendered to their pleasure, and so, when Severus came, his hot tunnel grasping clutching at her like a velvet fist and his release washing over her, the witch stiffened and let out a hoarse cry as she came, heat and ecstasy streaming through her as she slammed deep into his body and let go…jet after jet of rich, creamy release filling the wizard and washing back over her as she clutched him close.

Hermione had let go of his wrists when she came, and Severus found his arms wrapped around his own lean frame, holding on for dear life as he spun back earthward, the urge to remain close to the witch taking him over. There was great emotion now, a reaction to receiving such pleasure, and feeling Hermione's weight on top of him, shuddering, touched him deeply. In his own body, he never felt this. It must be a witch thing.

Hermione felt her pulsing slow, then stop and became aware of the soft body trembling beneath her. What an amazing experience…and she felt the wizard surrender to her. For this bit of time, Severus Snape had belonged to her completely. He could try to deny it, but they both knew it was true. Gasping, but not lifting her head, which was resting against Severus' cheek, her large nose buried in the curls of his short hair, the witch reached for the nightstand, pulled open the drawer and felt around for the syringe. She got it, and raked the tip against the edge of the drawer, pulling off the rubber stopper.

She lifted her head and looked down at Severus, who opened his amber eyes, his breasts still rising and falling with emotion.

"Now, you know what it is to be me," the witch gasped, sticking the needle into his arm quickly and injecting him. "I release you."

Severus hissed and jerked his arm away from the sharp pain.

Suddenly, the wizard felt as if he were being flipped over. It was a sickening feeling and he closed his eyes. When he opened them, he found himself on top of and embedded in Hermione, who was looking up at him tired but defiant.

"The antidote," he said to her in a low voice, "It was ready and you didn't tell me."

"No I didn't. I wanted to do you first," Hermione replied, her brow furrowed.

Severus stared at Hermione a moment, then pulled out of her and stood up, picking his robes up off the floor. He put them on, not bothering to scourgify himself or look for his boxers. The wizard then walked over to Hermione's robes and retrieved his wand out of the pocket.

Severus turned to the witch, looked at her with a strange expression, then disapparated with a crack of thunder.

Hermione blinked at the spot he had been standing in, bewildered. Of all the possible aftermath scenarios she had played out in her head, Severus disapparating without a word wasn't one of them. She imagined he might even beat her for her violation of him. Or wait until he recovered and take her viciously in return.

But she hadn't expected him to leave.

Hermione sat up, then fell back on the bed as the ache hit her. Damn. She had possessed the wizard strongly, but she had to pay for it. The witch hadn't been as creative or long lasting as the wizard was in his natural state, but she knew by the way her body felt, she had put it to him good. Now, anytime Severus found himself in a position to be intimate with her…he would always have at the back of his mind the fact that she had taken him to the point of surrender. He could seek revenge, but he couldn't undo what was done.

But still, Hermione hadn't expected him to just leave. That seemed so out of character. But getting reamed by a witch with a huge tool might just have that kind of influence on a wizard. Especially one as macho as Severus.

Maybe he left to keep from killing her.

Now there was a thought.

With a grimace, Hermione slowly slid out of bed, her lower belly aching and inner thighs burning. She looked down and saw bruising between her legs. Damn. Well, she couldn't blame Severus, that was for sure. She did her own damage this time. But the ache was still rather delicious.

Hermione slowly walked toward the bathroom.

She was sure she had some purple potion in her medicinal stores.

---

Severus apparated to his bedroom at Hogwarts and stood in the center of the room unmoving for several moments, his eyes distant. Then the wizard unclasped his robes and let them drop to the floor. He could smell the scent of sex clinging to his body, and felt the slight burn his organ always got when he rode a witch hard. But he hadn't been doing the riding. Hermione had…and she had made him surrender…not a word in his vocabulary until now.

Naked, Severus strode into the bathroom, making a beeline for the shower. He slid open the door and turned on the spigot, mixing the water until it was as hot as he could stand it, then entered, letting the water flow over his body for a few minutes, soaking himself thoroughly before picking up the soap and the washcloth and washing the emissions of the night away.

But scrub as he might, he couldn't wash away the memory of Hermione driving into him until he knew nothing else but her.

That would never wash away.

---

A month passed without Hermione hearing anything from Severus. She contacted the solicitor, who informed her the patent was still in process and that the Potions Master would contact her when it went through.

Hermione returned to work, but felt rather strange the first few days in her body. She had become used to navigating the wizarding world in the tall, lean, frame of Severus Snape. Now her stride was shorter and her weight oddly distributed, but in about three days she was right again. She did a hair-growing spell so her hair was restored to its proper length, and she began to dress more witchy. When she first returned to the Ministry, she noticed everyone treated her rather coldly. After about a week, they all warmed back up to her, now that she had reverted to her former friendly self. Everyone thought she must have been going through a difficult time and whatever it was, Hermione had ironed it out.

A witch named Sappho walked up to her one afternoon, said she was sorry but it seemed she made a mistake and walked off, leaving a rather perplexed Hermione behind. The worst thing was Ron.

Hermione saw him in passing for the entire month, but both were always rather busy and were satisfied with quick greetings. Toward the end of the month Hermione was feeling a little randy and in the mood for a bit of fun so approached Ron and asked him if he wanted to come over and tangle up the bed sheets for a bit.

Ron blinked at the witch.

"Er, Hermione…I'm…I'm involved with someone now. Looks serious too," Ron said gently, his brown eyes looking a bit confused, "Besides, I thought you said you were seeing someone exclusively?"

Hermione looked taken aback, then scowled.

Severus. That sneaky bastard. He cut Ron off while he was in her body. Shit. She should have buggered him.

Well, she couldn't let Ron know about the switch, so Hermione said, "Ah, yes. Didn't work out."

Ron looked sympathetic.

"Aw. Too bad Hermione. But you know, you got me thinking. I'm almost thirty now and mum's been after me to settle down, and I'm kind of tired of bouncing from bed to bed. Multiple partners are nice, but I really want a witch of my own now. Maybe a couple of little Rons too," the wizard said. "Harry's married, and he seems happy enough in America with his family. He has two girls and a boy now. Anyway, you know Susannah, the witch I've been seeing on and off for a few years now…"

Hermione nodded.

"Well, she's really a sweet witch, and she never really fooled around with too many wizards…always been kind of stuck on me, even though she knew I was a free spirit. She can cook, clean, take care of a home…she reminds me a lot of mum, you know? A nice witch. So I asked her if we could be…well…an item. And she said yes. It's been nice. Really nice, Hermione. I think she's the one."

Hermione blinked at her friend. It seemed Ron had finally grown up. She was happy for him really.

"That's wonderful, Ron," she said, embracing him and giving him a smile.

"Thanks," he said, frowning just a little. "You going to be all right? You're not going to go back to Vlad are you?"

Hermione shook her head.

"No. Vlad and I have irreconcilable differences," Hermione replied, trying to keep the image of her reaming a tied up and screaming Vlad with a black strap-on out of her head.

"Well, that's good then," Ron said with a satisfied nod. "You're a good looking witch, Hermione and brilliant. There's a lot of wizards out here who would give their left nut to be with you. You'll find someone."

"Yeah, I will Ron. They say there's someone for everyone. I just haven't met my wizard yet," the witch replied.

They chatted a bit more then went their separate ways. Hermione was pissed at Severus, but realized that if Ron so quickly settled in with Susannah, most likely he had been ready to move on to a real relationship anyway. Knowing Ron, the only reason he hadn't done it sooner was to be available to her as an alternative to Vlad.

Sweet, sweet Ron. Hermione hoped he'd be happy.

Hermione found upon returning to the Ministry, that Severus actually had worked on some of her projects and made a couple of advances. He kept clear notes, and his research was impeccable. Because of his work she was able to get out a Repelling potion by the end of the month. He really was a brilliant wizard.

---

Severus sat in the solicitor's office, looking over the patent papers. It seemed everything was in order. Now, all he and Hermione had to do was to go to a few of the many "New Product" expos that popped up all over the wizarding world, and advertise in the top magical trade journals and magazines. They would be well on their way to fame and fortune.

The thing was, he had to go and see Hermione, something he had been avoiding for the past month. Severus was a bit put off by this. He had faced death numerous times as well as the Dark Lord, but felt hesitant to see a little witch.

A little witch that had shagged the shit out of him while in his body.

Since that night, Severus found himself in a state of mind completely alien to him. At first, he questioned his manhood. He had responded to Hermione's domination of him quite passionately. The wizard had wanted it. Did this mean he harbored some secret desire to have sex with wizards? Was he in the closet? A bottom?

It didn't help that Severus hadn't had the desire to take a witch since that night. He thought that might be more proof that he was really batting for the other side. Finally, the wizard had to knuckle under and talk to someone about it. The only one he could think of was Albus. Gods, he hated the idea…but for what seemed like the first time, Severus really needed someone else's opinion, someone who he respected and trusted. Hopefully, Albus would see this as the serious matter it was.

---

It took half an hour for Albus to stop laughing as Severus sat in the armchair across from the Headmaster's desk, his arms folded and his eyes glinting darkly at the tearful wizard. If it had been anyone other than Albus laughing about him not only getting trapped in a witch's body but getting penetrated by that same witch, Severus would have hexed him into the next decade. But all he could do was wait until the Headmaster calmed down.

"Hermione certainly is brilliant," the Headmaster gasped.

After securing Albus' word that he wouldn't take any belated action, Severus had finally confessed to him about what happened on New Year's Eve and the weekend Hermione stayed with him. At first, the Headmaster was livid. He knew Severus was dark and incorrigible for the most part, but he believed the wizard had some ethics. Obviously not when it came to Hermione Granger. True, she had been the age of consent in both incidences, but she was still young and inexperienced. Until Severus got to her that is.

Which is why Albus was so delighted when he found out the retribution the witch had taken out on the wizard, and the lesson he had been forced to learn.

"Really Severus," the Headmaster chuckled, "You should thank the witch. Not many wizards have the intimate knowledge you do about what makes witches tick. Up to now, we could only guess. This is truly a first, Severus."

"A dubious honor at best, Headmaster. But I find myself…out of sorts now…" the wizard began uncertainly. He had never in his life shared his fears with anyone.

Albus imagined he was out of sorts. Severus' sexual ardor was something whispered about for years, and the Headmaster had heard some disturbing things about the condition he left many witches in. Not that he did them irreparable harm, but still he was known to put a hurting on a woman. If Hermione demonstrated even a quarter of his ardor when she possessed his body, Albus didn't doubt that the wizard had quite an experience.

"What is the problem my boy? Just say it. I know it is difficult, but just present the facts," Albus said, looking at Severus evenly.

The wizard's black eyes shifted about the office, lingering on the listening portraits.

"Could you send the portraits elsewhere Albus? I would prefer my personal business not be chatted about throughout the wizarding world," Severus said, scowling at the paintings.

Portraits were terrible gossips and loved spreading scandalous news. It was all they could do really, since they were more or less trapped in the world of imagery. Severus believing he might be gay after all these years of reaming witches would be hot news for sure.

Albus looked at the paintings.

"You heard him," Albus said, "Begone. All of you."

Grumbling, the portraits exited their frames, moving to other parts of the castle. Severus cast a silencing charm around them just in case.

Then the wizard talked to Albus, telling him all his fears and what he experienced with Hermione. At first, it was difficult for Severus, but as he talked…it became easier and the weight that seemed to rest on his chest, lightened as the words came out. Finally he was finished, and looked at the Headmaster, half expecting to be scorned and laughed at.

But Albus looked at the wizard thoughtfully.

"You've been given a great gift, Severus…truly you have. You have experienced what it is like to be a witch who has you for a lover. True, you are a wizard, Severus…and a very masculine, testosterone driven one. Sex has always been an outlet for you…the only act you could commit without restraint, the only solace you could find in a world that required strict discipline on your part. You never thought of the witches you took beyond making them orgasm, and even that, Severus, was for your own satisfaction…to prove you were a man in every respect."

"The surrender you experienced with Hermione is not because you harbor some homosexual leanings. For that moment, Severus, you were embroiled in a witch's body and emotions. You reacted as a female, because you were in a female body. You no more want a wizard to sleep with you than I do," the Headmaster said. "Most likely, you haven't been partaking of any witches because you are now so aware of what they experience, the emotions that are involved…emotions that you as a wizard had no idea existed. Now that you know how powerful they are, you are hesitant to invoke them since you've always maintained a strong sense of detachment when you took them. Knowing you make another human being feel so much is well…a deterrent now. When Hermione took you, she opened you up to another perspective. Now you see sex from both sides. You can no longer be detached. You are no longer the wizard you once were."

Severus stared at the Headmaster. What he said made sense. Terrible sense. Hermione had not only made him surrender, but made him feel.

Shit. What the fuck was he supposed to do now? Selfish, non-committed sex was his one bright ray in an otherwise dark and lonely life. Now Hermoine had inadvertently given him a damn conscience. Before, all he thought about was how good a witch felt physically, not how she felt about what was happening to her and how much rode on him as he rode her. Circe's squealing piglets! How was he supposed to enjoy a quick shag now?

Severus' expression grew terrible. She'd ruined him. Hermione had ruined him.

Suddenly Severus stood up.

"Thank you for listening, Headmaster. I know what I have to do now," the wizard said, his black eyes glittering.

Albus looked up at him.

"Are you sure, Severus?" Albus asked him curiously, "Would you mind sharing your epiphany with me?"

Albus thought this was the least the wizard could do. Advising Severus Snape on his lust life was a once in a lifetime occurrence. He would like to know the results of his efforts.

"Certainly, Headmaster. I intend to go back to the source," the Potions Master replied silkily.

"Ah, closure," the Headmaster replied, his blue eyes twinkling behind his half-moon glasses.

"Something like that," Severus replied, exiting through the floo.

Severus stepped out into his study and wasted no time gathering up the patent papers. Then he walked into his bedroom and into his bathroom, pulling open his medicinal stores and taking out a jar of salve, pocketing it.

"You may have taken your inch of flesh, Hermione Granger, but now its time to pay the Potions Master, witch," he said under his breath. "I can't get back what you've taken from me, or return what you've given me...but I am still very much a man…and you're going to prove that to me. Over and over."

With a snarl and a great billow of robes, Severus disapparated.

---

Hermione was sitting in her living room, reading a Potions trade magazine when she heard the knock on the door. It was about seven in the evening, and she had no idea who it could be. She closed the magazine and set it on the coffee table, then slipped her bare feet into her fuzzy slippers. She was wearing a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt. She had been doing a nightly workout since her return to her body. Severus' strength made her aware that she was decidedly out of shape, so she intended on rectifying that. She looked out the little peephole and saw Severus standing on her doorstep. He was scowling.

Hermione's heart leaped as she saw the wizard, and immediately a pool of heat formed in her belly. She shouldn't be reacting like this, but how could she help it? She had explored that lean, strong body so many times and knew what it was capable of, from both sides. Damn. She couldn't show him though. Not after what she had done to him. He deserved it, but still…when he had taken her, he had given her some semblance of choice. That was the difference. She hadn't given him that option and felt a little guilt…she was a Gryffindor after all, but had been in a Slytherin's body. So, she had acted accordingly. And gods, it had been good.

Hermione felt another pulse, then drew in a deep breath and opened the door.

"Severus," she said, somewhat breathlessly as he stared down at her.

"Hermione," he said by way of greeting, striding past her and heading directly for the living room. The witch closed the door and followed him, her eyes on his billowing robes.

Severus stopped, turned to face her and pulled some folded parchments out of his pocket. He held them out to the witch.

"The patent papers have come through. We need to discuss the next leg of our partnership. We must arrange some demonstrations at the next few expos," he said evenly, his eyes washing over her.

Hermione took the papers from him wordlessly, sat down on the sofa and began to look them over. Severus sat down in the armchair and watched her amber eyes move from left to right. She had grown her hair back. It was now in a rather messy ponytail. His eyes raked over her clothing. She was in workout clothes and fuzzy slippers. That was good. Her body, though strong enough for a good shagging was weak in other aspects. Hermione looked up at him.

"Everything appears to be in order," she said, "can I get you something? Pumpkin juice? Wine? Firewhiskey?"

Severus noticed the little hitch in her voice when she offered him the firewhiskey. That was what she used to get him to become so uninhibited the night she took her revenge on him. The wizard realized later on that the witch's body had no tolerance for alcohol, and she had purposely given him strong drink to facilitate the act. Very shady and very effective.

"How polite of you, Hermione," he said sarcastically. "Actually asking me if I want something."

Hermione reddened and didn't reply. She knew he was referring to their last night together.

"I'll take a firewhiskey," Severus said silkily.

He noticed the reddening. He had expected a little hint of defiance at least. Obviously she felt a bit out of sorts about what she'd done to him. Well, that evened things out nicely.

Hermione stood up and walked into the kitchen. She kept the liquor under the kitchen counter. She didn't have a liquor cabinet because she didn't imbibe. She took out a tumbler, washed it out and brought both the bottle and the glass to Severus, setting them down on the small table beside the armchair. She returned to the sofa and watched him pour himself a drink, those long, pale fingers wrapping around the bottle. Hermione couldn't help thinking about how she wrapped those same fingers around his member and brought herself pleasure after pleasure. She pulsed again.

Suddenly, Severus looked up at her oddly

"Something wrong?" she asked him.

He looked out of sorts for a moment.

"No," he said unconvincingly, setting the bottle down and recapping it before taking a sip of his drink.

But something was wrong. He had felt a distinct albeit faint yet pleasurable pulse come from the direction of the witch, as if she cast a small spell at him. Suddenly, he felt compelled to say something.

"Yes. What were you just thinking about?" the wizard asked her.

Hermione flushed. Why was he asking her such a thing?

"About the patent," she lied.

"Don't lie to me, witch. Now, what were you just thinking? I need to know," he demanded. "Don't make me use legilimency."

Hermione scowled at him.

"I'm an accomplished Occlumens, Severus. I learned occlumency as part of the curriculum of 'Protecting your Potions.' But you're welcome to try," she said evenly.

Severus did, and Hermione slammed her occlumency walls down, effectively blocking him from seeing anything. The Potions Master frowned at her.

"I distinctly felt something sexual from you," he said, watching for her reaction. It wasn't at all distinct or clear, but he was fishing here.

"What do you mean, you 'felt something sexual?' I didn't do anything," the witch replied, staying cool. How did he know she was thinking about handling him?

"I was pouring my drink, and I felt a physical pulse from you," he said, his eyes fixed on her face. "There was pleasure involved."

"You imagined it," Hermione responded.

"I know when I feel something, witch…and I felt something that issued from you," he said, anger creeping into his voice.

"So tell me, Hermione…what have you been doing since you've regained your body? Have you 'put it through its paces' yet?" the wizard inquired, deciding to dive in. Gods knew he hadn't touched trim since he'd diddled in hers that night.

Hermione frowned at him.

"No I haven't since you arbitrarily removed all my sexual resources," the witch said angrily. "I understand Vlad, but why did you have to cut Ron off? I enjoyed Ron."

"I simply cut him off to keep him from pursuing me," Severus lied. "I figured you could re-establish your little friendly shagfests when you returned to your own body."

"Well, Ron is involved with someone seriously now," Hermione said a bit sullenly. "Probably because you cut off his access to me."

So…the witch didn't have any sexual partners. She was probably randy as hell. He had been in her body and she had quite the little sex drive.

"If Mr. Weasley became involved with someone in such a short period of time, she is probably someone he had been considering long before I came along. You can't blame me for that," the wizard said evenly, his black eyes raking over her again. "I imagine you are hot for a bit of a shag right now, witch."

Again, he was hit with a pulse…but much stronger than the first. This time it was definitely desire. He could feel the witch's desire physically. Now wasn't this an interesting development?

Hermione had to squeeze her thighs together at the wizard's lewd comment. Damn it, he was hitting her right where it ached.

"What I'm hot for is none of your concern," she said, hoping she sounded convincing as her body protested the lie. It certainly was his concern if he were feeling randy as well.

"It is my concern, being that my 'servicing' is quite available witch. Besides, you owe me for that little switching act…not to mention my silence. I can get your degree pulled, you know," Severus said…moving in for the kill.

Hermione sighed.

"Severus, why do you always manipulate me like this? You have plenty of witches to shag. You don't even like me," Hermione said to him, her eyes glistening as she did so, hating the fact that she knew to her body it didn't matter whether he liked her or not. He was able to take it where it wanted to go in the way it wanted to be taken.

Severus leaned back in the armchair and took a sip of his drink.

"I've wondered that myself, Hermione," he said to her silkily. "In the beginning, your naiveté and the little pedestal everyone placed you on motivated me to take you. You were such a 'good girl.' I wanted to be the one to pull you off it, and teach you the hard realities of life concerning sex with wizards. The second time it was the villain in me. The idea of having you at my mercy for an entire weekend was quite delicious. You needed my cooperation and I just couldn't pass up a young, nubile witch with a next to untouched body, a body that I broke in. Besides, you agreed to it, Hermione."

Hermione stared at him, silent. Severus leveled his eyes at her and took a deep breath before he continued.

"Now as to what happened between us when our bodies were switched, I've had time to consider it. I don't believe that you were motivated by revenge when you shagged me…not truly. When you switched our bodies, you had the antidote ready to change us back, so that tells me you meant to place me in an uncomfortable situation for a little while, possibly as payback for my treatment of you in the past. It was only because you had no more antidote that we remained switched for a month. If the bottle hadn't broken, it would have been a quick little bit of vengeance on your part. As a Slytherin, I understand the need for vengeance."

"However, Hermione…when you took on my body, you took on my inclinations as well. At some point, egged on my physical nature and my proximity, you decided shagging me would be the ultimate revenge. That was a distinctly Slytherin thought. You didn't have the discipline to handle my desires. I understand that now…but that doesn't mean what you did to me will be forgiven. When I returned to Hogwarts, Hermione…I was not the same man and had doubts about…about…my own sexuality. It plagued my thoughts morning and night. My dreams…gods, they were nightmares because I was responding to my own body taking me. I began to question my manhood. I actually had to go to Albus for advice."

Here he frowned blackly at Hermione, who made a choked noise that sounded very much like swallowed laughter. Severus Snape having to share his sexual fears with Albus? Gods. He probably had to tell him the entire story from beginning to end. Hermione fought back the urge to burst out laughing.

"How did Albus respond?" she asked him, her voice strained as she held a straight face.

Severus continued to scowl at her. It was obvious she found this funny. Well, she wouldn't be laughing in a little while.

"After he stopped laughing and saying how brilliant you were for besting me, he opened my eyes to a few things that I didn't see at first. He actually put my fears at ease…at least psychologically. Physically…"

He looked at her meaningfully.

"…physically I still have to come to terms with my sexuality as it stands. I need to know I haven't lost my fire. You're going to help me with that, witch. Tonight. Regardless of what my mind tells me, I am a man who requires physical proof. You will provide that."

This time Severus was hit with such a powerful pulse he actually gasped. He looked at Hermione, realization hitting him. He was still intimately connected with her body and could feel its sexual responses to him. When he switched back, he had taken a part of Hermione with him. That could be the only explanation.

He arched an eyebrow at the witch. She wanted him. This would not be one-sided. For some reason, Severus felt good about that. Normally, he wouldn't have cared. Another side effect from being shagged.

Hermione was being bombarded by waves of lust. She had suspected his visit wasn't all business. She shouldn't want the bastard, but damn it…she did. She knew he would fulfill her. Hermione shifted on the sofa, dropping her eyes so Severus wouldn't see the heat she knew was reflected in them. Let him think he had her again. Let him think she was giving in to his manipulations and not her own desire. She didn't want the wizard to know she desired him. It was too sick after all he had put her through.

"I haven't been with anyone intimately since my night with you, Hermione. I believe it is because I now know what witches feel during sex…the great emotion involved. As a wizard, I had no such emotion…only lust, so it was easy to remain detached. Now, if I take a witch, it won't be the same for me, and I don't want to be wrapped up in her surrender. I think, Hermione…you've ruined me for sex. At least the kind of sex I am used to…"

Severus' eyes went hard, very hard as he looked at the witch who had made him surrender.

"But, I need to feel you surrender to me now. Totally, completely and more intensely than when I surrendered to you. I am not able to take away what you've done to me, Hermione, but I know I can top it. Being taken by a wizard who knows your every intimate sexual desire should be an experience you will never forget. I will be as securely cemented in your mind as you are in mine. It will not be the kind of revenge I would like it to be, but it is better than feeling my surrender was greater than yours. I will at least be able to sleep at night when I'm done with you."

Severus gripped the sides of the armchair as pulse after pulse of desire poured over him from the witch. It was hot as fire, aching, thrilling. He fought to maintain a cool demeanor as he felt her need for his body flow over him. This was another new experience for him, and he didn't want her to know of their connection.

Not yet.

---

Hermione still had her eyes lowered, only now she had both her arms wrapped around herself tightly as if trying to hold what she was feeling inside. The Potions Master managed to adjust to the strong pulses he felt coming from the witch and leaned toward her.

"Hermione…look at me," he said, his face unreadable.

Hermione continued to look down. She didn't want to meet his gaze.

"Look at me witch," he said again.

Stubbornly Hermione would not respond.

Severus stood up and strode over to the sofa, standing over the witch and looking down at her.

Hermione could see the lower part of his robes as he stood there silently. She could also seem to feel the heat of his body, and hear him breathing rather quickly. Suddenly she felt fingers gripping her chin and forcing her face upward. She met the dark eyes of the Potions Master, who studied her face.

"You're trying to hide it from me," he said in a low voice. "But you can't. I know what you want witch, even if you lie to yourself about it."

"I don't want anything from you. You are a domineering bastard," she hissed at him even as her belly twisted upon itself at the touch of his fingers on her skin. She twisted her chin out of his hand. The Potions Master's black eyes glittered.

"I really think, Hermione, that's what you find so sexy about me," the wizard said, grasping her wrist and yanking her out of the chair so she was suddenly flush against his body. "The fact that I am a domineering bastard who will twist any scenario possible to get at you. It saves you the trouble of coming to me, doesn't it?"

Hermione pushed at his chest, trying to separate from him. The proximity of his body was doing things to her…delicious things.

"I've never wanted to come to you," she hissed up at him.

Severus could still feel her pulses of need.

"You want me to bed you, Hermione…only you are too cowardly to admit it," he shot back at her, adjusting her in his arms and pulling her tighter against him. He fell silent for a moment, and Hermione got the distinct impression he was listening to something.

"If fact, you want me to do more than bed you," he said, his black eyes staring at her. "You want me to do things that no wizard has ever done."

Hermione looked up at the wizard, her eyes narrowed. The witch was no child any longer. She had plenty of sexual experience and had tried almost everything at least once.

"I don't think you can do that, Severus…the blow to your ego it must be. I am well rounded in the sex department, believe me. I didn't sit on my laurels after you."

Severus looked at her rather thoughtfully.

"Do you forget, Hermione? I occupied your body for a month. I experienced your most intimate desires. I know one aspect of them has never been fulfilled for you. I know it like I know myself, witch," he said to her.

Hermione searched her memory to see if there was anything that was lacking. Not that she knew.

"What is it then?" she asked him, frowning.

"This," he replied, picking her up and locking his mouth to hers, kissing her deeply. He could feel her body's reaction thrumming through him as he did so, longing, hungry, wanting more contact.

At first, Hermione struggled, then just let it happen. Severus was a good kisser, though she imagined he didn't kiss much. He didn't. He kissed her slow, almost lazily, sucking on her lips at first, then slipping his tongue into her mouth and swirling it slowly. Hermione began to feel very lightheaded and began to kiss him back. Then he pulled away and set her back down, his black eyes studying her as he felt the waves of desire wash over him, slower now, softer yet still hungry.

Hermione's eyes were closed, and her lips still pursed. She opened her eyes and looked up at him…then seemed to snap out of it.

"You see, I know what you need, Hermione…emotionally," the wizard said. "That is what will make you surrender to me. Mr. Weasley and that animal Vlad did not meet your desire for emotional connection. I can do it. I will do it, if only to possess you more completely than any other wizard has."

"You have never been loved, Hermione…or been in love as far as I can tell. Therefore sex has always been physical for you, and for a witch…that isn't enough. Your body might be sated, but your emotions are starved. I do not love you, but I know what you need to feel complete. How you need to be kissed, to be touched. You haven't had much of that in your life."

Hermione almost felt like crying. It was true. She had never been in love and although she found physical release with Ron and Vlad, it wasn't emotional release. She and Ron romped in the bed, they weren't lovers in the true sense of the word. Ron might kiss her, but they were rough playful kisses, and tickling was the closest he came to caresses.

And Vlad had never heard of foreplay in his life it seemed. Domination was his only motivation. Even the first time they had sex, that was all it was…rough, strong, dominating sex. He might have kissed her twice and kneaded her breasts as if they were made of dough. The wizard was more focused on driving into all her orifices and bending her into all types of positions for better access.

Hermione also had short, quick trysts with a wizard or two that struck her fancy, but again, all were hot and fast interactions focused on the act itself. Hermione was a woman like any other woman, and wanted more…yes…but she never could seem to find a wizard that would take the time to move her heart or even her mind like he moved her body. True to form, the witch simply pushed this aspect of her sex life to the back of her mind, rather than dwell on it and be miserable. She never had a love life, and honestly doubted she ever would.

Hermione was pretty and brilliant, but she couldn't play the games witches and wizards played. She wouldn't pretend she was helpless or dumb herself down so a wizard might feel a sense of responsibility and protectiveness toward her. Most wizards didn't want a woman smarter than they were. Or one that was too independent. Hermione was both.

Severus' kiss had moved her, though she didn't want to admit it to the wizard. There were never slow, lazy kisses for her, or moments of just being held or caressed. It was always the bare bones of appreciation, then the sex. Severus knew this. Hermione had no idea when she created her potion, what the long-term effects would be. She would never be able to market it the way it was. Severus would have to tell her, but not now.

"You can try to deny it, Hermione, but you want more than sex, witch," the wizard said quietly, "You want kisses and caresses, to be held and to be told more in the heat of passion than your trim is good. You want what every witch wants. At least a sense of connection, if not love. No one has ever given you that. Emotionally, you are still a virgin, witch."

Hermione scowled at him.

"I've been with plenty of wizards," she said. "And there's certainly nothing virginal about me, Severus. You took care of that years ago."

Severus looked at her with an odd expression.

"Did I, Hermione? I took you, but gave you nothing else…just like every wizard after me. But…maybe I am mistaken. Have you never been in love witch?" he asked her.

"Have you?" she retorted. She didn't like the wizard delving into her psyche this way.

"I am a different story, Hermione. I purposely avoided entanglements such as love. It was a choice with me because of the kind of life I led. I don't believe it is that way with you," he said evenly, loosening his hold on her a bit. "I ask you again, have you ever been in love with a wizard who shagged you? Or at least emotionally invested?"

"Ron," she said weakly.

Severus snorted.

"Mr. Weasley was your friend. Certainly there was an attachment, but not the kind I am speaking of…and you know that. If you felt that way for Mr. Weasley, there would have been more between you than the occasional pleasurable tumble. Remember, I spoke to him. There was no possessiveness, no jealousy, no horrible sense of loss when I said I was involved with someone else. Only acceptance. Nothing more."

Hermione didn't say anything.

"Your silence says it all, Hermione," the wizard said, releasing one of her arms and looping his own into her other.

Severus pulled his wand out of his pocket, aimed it at the front door and warded it securely with his signature. So much for interruptions. He looked down at Hermione.

"Come with me, witch," he said, "I'm about to give surrender a new definition for you."

Hermione dragged her feet as Severus pulled her toward the bedroom, though she didn't know why. He didn't either. He could feel her ache clearly. Why couldn't she be honest about this? Admit, at least to herself that she was randy for him.

Because it would be giving in to him, that's why…on a completely different level. He would no longer be her devil incarnate. He'd be more like her savior.

Severus entered the bedroom, pulling the witch behind him. He released her and closed the bedroom door, warding it as well.

"You act like I'm going to run away from you," Hermione said to him. She didn't have her wand with her, having left it in her robes when she changed into her workout clothing.

Severus reached in his pocket and pulled out the jar of salve. He set it on the nightstand within easy reach. Hermione's eyes widened. She knew what that brand of salve was used for. Vlad had jars and jars of it.

"You just might try," the wizard said, smirking at her and starting to unbutton his robes.

Severus wasn't worried about Hermione running.

She might look a bit upset at seeing the salve…but her pulsing hadn't slowed a bit.

---

In fact, Hermione's pulsing increased when the Potions Master placed the salve on the nightstand. It also became somewhat…sharper, more intense. Severus paused for a moment, looking at the witch. Hermione was looking at the jar of salve, her breathing increasing noticably before she looked at him, slightly flushed.

"She wants me to bugger her. Her dark side ignited the moment she saw the salve," the wizard thought, his eyes hooding a bit.

It seemed he would have to meet her darker needs first. Well, he could do that. He hadn't had a good blowjob in a while. She wanted to be dominated? He'd oblige her, then he'd give her what she craved.

"Undress," Severus said to the witch, opening his robes and sliding them off. He tossed them over to the wooden chair sitting against the wall. "Or would you rather I undressed you?"

Severus was working on his cuffs now and his trousers were extremely tented. If the wizard thought he might have lost his fire for witches, he had been terribly, terribly wrong. His eyes fell on Hermione's mouth, and he remembered her performing orally for him seven years ago. He had taught her what to do New Year's Eve, and the witch didn't forget. She had been delicious.

In answer, Hermione pulled her t-shirt over her head, revealing her full breasts encased in a white cotton bra. Severus' eyes glittered as he quickly unfastened his shirt buttons. Hermione's eyes seemed unable to decide what she wanted to look at…his pale chest and ribbed abdomen or the enormous tent in his trousers. Her eyes flicked back and forth, the pulsing of her dark desire increasing.

"Do you remember how to give a decent blowjob, witch?" Severus asked her, taking off his shirt, his lean, muscular torso visible. The pulse that hit him felt strong enough to knock him back several feet. His nostrils flared.

"Would it matter to you if I didn't?" Hermione asked sarcastically.

"Not really," Severus replied, feeding her masochism. "I'd shove my tool between your sweet little lips anyway. It's like riding a broom, witch. Once you latch on it will all come back to you."

Hermione released a gush of fluid as Severus undid his trousers. The wizard then sat on the edge of the bed and removed his boots and socks. He could feel her body's every response…and it was a heady secret. Knowing the witch wanted to blow him and get reamed by him was a real turn on for the wizard. It was the first time he really knew a witch wanted to perform these acts for him. Other witches had done it, but he was never sure if it was because they wanted to or because he expected it of them. Hermione wanted to do it.

Severus wished Hermione would tell him how she felt. It would be a turn on to hear such a dirty admission from the witch's lips…but that wouldn't happen. He was the monster, the bad guy, the wizard who made her do all kinds of sexual acts for his own selfish pleasure. Oh well. Up to this point, he had been. True, he did still have his own agenda, but this encounter was going to be very different than any sex he had before. After the domination, that is.

Severus stood up and pulled down his trousers, stepping out of them and sending them sailing to the chair as well. Hermione was in her white cotton knickers now. She started to take them off.

"Leave them on," Severus said, sitting back down on the bed in his silk boxers, his legs parted. Hermione looked luscious standing there bare breasted, trying to hide her excitement. Time to feed her need.

Severus looked down at his tented boxers, then at the witch.

"You know what I want," he said to Hermione.

The witch did her best to look reluctant, but Severus felt the strong pulse of lust her body gave off. He decided to be even more dominant as Hermione started to walk toward him.

"No," he said, holding up one pale hand. The witch stopped.

"Get on your hands and knees," he said, his black eyes glinting as he throbbed.

Hermione looked at him as if he were crazy.

"My hands and knees? I won't," she said defiantly, but the signals her body was sending him were off the charts.

"Either you do it, or I will force you down myself," he said. The wizard meant it too.

Severus drew a deep breath as Hermione's desire blasted over him hot as dragon's breath. Damn, there had to be a way to tone his reception of her responses down. He'd figure it out later. Hermione slowly and insolently dropped to her hands and knees, her amber eyes narrowed as if she were angry. Severus knew she wasn't.

"Now, witch…come over here," he breathed. "Right between my legs."

Severus purposely didn't tell her to crawl, but Hermione knew what he expected her to do. He wanted to feed her need to be subjugated, but not degrade her verbally in the process. He still had to make an emotional connection to her after this.

Hermione slowly crawled the several feet, moving her body between his legs. The wizard throbbed powerfully as the witch obeyed him. Oh gods, this was good and she hadn't even touched him yet.

"Rise up on your knees," he ordered her, falling back on his elbows. Hermione obeyed him, resting on her knees between his legs, his silk boxers tented before her.

"Unveil what will undoubtedly be the source of your pleasure tonight witch," Severus said, thrusting his hips a bit.

"You like ordering me about," Hermione said in a husky voice. She was doing a terrible job of hiding her desire, much to Severus' appreciation.

"Yes I do. Now unveil me, witch," the wizard replied with an impatient snarl.

Hermione looked up into the wizard's glittering eyes for a moment, then slowly raised her hands and caught hold of the elastic band of his black silk boxers. She reflexively licked her lips, causing Severus to buck a bit in reaction, then she lifted the fabric high and drew it down, revealing his thick, pulsing organ. Now it was Hermione's eyes that glittered as she looked at the wizard's leaking organ. Severus could feel her lust pouring over him as she looked at the tool she had owned and enjoyed for a month, the appendage that for an eternal moment, let her experience what it was intimately like to be a wizard in the throes of passion. It was such a strong, delicate, sensitive organ.

Severus groaned as her need washed over him.

"I expect you to do more than look, witch," he said to her hoarsely. He shuddered as he felt her hand grasp the base of him, and her soft, warm mouth enclose the throbbing head.

"Yessss," Severus hissed as she applied suction, his loins shuddering in pleasure as Hermione began to lick him as if he were a lusciously flavored lollipop, covering every inch of flesh, her soft tongue washing over his shaft, wetting him and leaving his flesh glistening with her saliva. The witch grasped him with both hands and began working them up and down his length, her mouth once again covering him.

"Oh dear gods," Severus groaned as he watched her work.

Hermione was dripping as she attacked the Potions Master's tool, remembering how sensitive it was, how easily it responded to the slightest stimulus. She knew how to handle it, because she had handled it, and was determined to make the wizard go out of his mind with pleasure if she could. She was no longer the naïve witch he had tricked into his bed years ago. Hermione had experience, and she'd be damned if he didn't recognize just how much she'd grown. She nibbled on his shaft like an ear of corn and the Potions Master jerked and cursed as her teeth and lips moved over him hungrily before returning to his head and sucking deeply.

"Fuck!" he hissed, sitting up and wrapping his fist in the witch's hair. "Swallow me," he demanded hoarsely, dragging her over him now, thrusting into her mouth lustfully. Hermione couldn't swallow him, but returned her hands to his thick shaft and caressed it as she bobbed over the swollen head, dragging her lips and making loud sucking noises that made the wizard go wild.

Gods damn Hermione was exquisite.

Severus felt the familiar tightening and yanked himself from the witch's mouth. He had to drag her back by her hair, she was so intent on finishing him. He jerked her head back so her hot eyes met his.

"You're wanton," he said to her breathlessly, then stood up and stepped over her. Hermione turned.

"Stay right where you are, witch," he breathed as he picked up the jar of salve and opened it.

Hermione remained on her knees as her bottom wriggled reflexively.

Severus tugged his silk boxers down around his thighs and generously covered his throbbing member with salve, his eyes on Hermione as he did so. The witch was kneeling over the bed in the perfect position to be penetrated, her forehead resting on the mattress submissively. The pulses he received from her were sharp and hungry. Dark. Severus almost drooled on himself as he knelt behind her and pulled down her white knickers, spreading her cheeks and looking at her little puckerhole. He knew he wasn't the first wizard to take her this way, but it was his first time, and that made it special enough.

Severus slid his salve-coated hand between Hermione's cheeks and heard the witch hiss, her body jerking at the contact as the cold salve came in contact with her flesh.. Time to feed her dark nature a little more.

Severus stood up, hearing Hermione's gasp as he moved away from her to retrieve his wand from his discarded robes pocket. He returned to her quickly, kneeling and pressing the tip against her rectum and muttering a cleansing spell. Hermione writhed for a moment as it took effect, then stilled, panting heavily.

"The first thing I thought when you switched our bodies witch, was that I should bugger you for that indignity. Finally, I get my chance," he breathed. "I want you to know, witch, this is personal…for my vengeance and my own selfish pleasure"

Again he felt Hermione's lust burst over him…and this time it almost felt like needles pricking his skin. She wanted to be punished. Well, he would take what he needed. Most likely there would be some pain, but nothing like she expected…again, Severus was thinking of the connection he needed to make. He didn't want to break the witch this way. Yet…that didn't stop him from thrusting hard and sinking into her tightness hungrily, the witch crying out as he burrowed deep into her body, wrapping her around his thickness and plunging through her forcefully.

Hermione cried out, her pulse of darkness egging the wizard on as he pulled back from her tightness and buried himself inside her again, deeper this time, grasping her waist and pulling her back as he drove into her.

"Severus!" the witch shrieked.

"That's my name," he assured her as he pulled back and plunged into her again.

"This isn't a needle, witch…but I'm sure you feel my sting," he gasped at her, finding his rhythm and hitting Hermione with a steady stroke, the witch crying out as he filled her over and over. "There's no switching here. I'm going to ride your sweet bum until I'm satisfied."

Hermione choked as Severus hit her extra hard to drive his point home, his shaft caressed by her tight sphincter muscles as they tried to expel him, only increasing his pleasure as he bounced off her soft cheeks. Gods, the bliss was overwhelming.

"Who's the man?" he demanded of Hermione, who could only cry out. "Who's the man, witch?" he asked her again, speeding up now, penetrating the witch with abandon.

"Who's the man, Hermione?" he cried, really putting it to the witch.

"YOU! YOU SEVERUS!" Hermione screeched as the Potions Master lunged so deep he drove the breath from her body.

"Yessss. You know that, don't you?" he breathed, pistoning into her hungrily, grasping Hermione's shoulders now, pulling her into his stroke until she keened long and loud, orgasming. He felt her pulsing and continued to take her for a good while before he let go, groaning as he filled her, shuddering and falling over her back, burying himself in her up to the hilt.

"I'm the man!" he gasped, thrusting slightly as the heat of his release washed back over him, the witch's back quivering under his chest. "You know that, don't you witch?"

Hermione whimpered, overcome by her release and his ardor.

"That's just what I thought you'd say," Severus hissed, pulling out of her with a pop, his deflating organ resting sated against his thigh.

He wouldn't need it for a while.

---

Severus' black eyes rested on Hermione's buttocks for a moment, watching it slowly close, his thick release dripping between her cheeks. He growled a bit at the sight. He had enjoyed that…in fact the wizard believed he enjoyed it more because he knew Hermione had liked it. It wasn't one-sided as it usually was for him. He picked his wand up off the floor and scourgified the witch, then himself. He rose and caught hold of Hermione's arm.

"Up you go and into the bed, witch," he said, pulling her up. He wasn't rough, just firm.

Still panting, Hermione obediently climbed into the bed. Severus could feel her lustful pulses slow somewhat, but there was an underlying, hungering throb that was much softer. The wizard climbed into the bed and turned toward her. Hermione was looking away from him.

"Don't want to look at me?" he asked her softly.

"No," the witch replied.

This was the cold part of sex for Hermione. The awkward part. The aftermath where the wizard lay on his side of the bed, and she on hers, silent until he either got hard again or left. But she knew Severus wasn't leaving. He was going to use her until he was sated.

"Am I that ugly?" he asked her

"Yes," Hermione said meanly, wanting to hurt the wizard's feelings.

Severus smirked at her.

"Well, luckily for me I have other attributes that make up for my lack of rugged good looks," he replied, his black eyes washing over her. He could feel the coldness in her now, and knew it was a protective coldness.

"How can such a hot, passionate little witch turn into an ice princess only a moment later?" Severus asked her, pressing his nose into her hair and inhaling its jasmine scent, then shifting closer so his body rested against her side. Hermione tried to shift over to break the contact, but Severus pulled her back against him.

"I want to feel you against me," he said.

He felt that underlying pulse ripple a bit as the witch looked at him.

"Why? So you can get hard again?" she snorted at him.

"No. Because you are soft, warm and feel good next to me," he responded.

Hermione just blinked at the wizard. No one had ever said that to her before. Sustained contact was for sustained sex. Not because she just felt good.

Severus felt the smooth pulse grow a bit stronger. It was warming too. Not so much coldness now. He placed a pale hand on her belly and felt her draw a sudden breath at the contact. He began to rub her gently.

"I don't believe I've ever told you how alluring I find you, Hermione," the Potions Master said.

Hermione scowled at him.

"Alluring? Severus, you just wanted to do me, plain and simple. You already said you wanted to knock me off my pedestal. You did it," she said sharply. "Not only did you knock me off, you rolled me in the mud."

Severus chuckled.

"Maybe I just wanted to be your first," the Potions Master said, "Maybe I knew that if I tried to approach you honestly, you would have seen me as a lecherous old Potions Professor just trying to get some young snatch."

"That's exactly what you were," Hermione spat at him. "Don't try to put a romantic spin on it now. I'm not falling for it, Severus."

The Potions Master smirked.

"Yes, I was," he replied. "But you're a mature witch now, Hermione. Brilliant, independent and lovely. You can think circles around those sanctimonious bastards that trail Vargas around as if they're sniffing his ass. They're scared to death of you, as well they should be. You've already turned the field on its ear with your 'Aisle of Non-magic.' Wait until they get a load of that. You're going to be in the history books, witch. Just like I knew you'd be. And that, my dear, is definitely alluring."

Hermione looked at the pale wizard lying beside her, his warm body pressing into her hip. Was he serious? He looked it.

Severus could feel her warming towards him even more. It felt good to tell the witch what he actually thought of her. And he did find her alluring, though he wouldn't have ever admitted that to either her or himself before the switch.

Suddenly, the Potions Master pulled the witch toward him and kissed her, capturing her lips between his own and sucking on them gently, tasting them before once again probing her mouth, reveling in its softness before drawing away.

Hermione stared at him, obviously deeply affected.

"I thought you didn't kiss?" she said softly.

Severus' black eyes glittered at her.

"I do now," he replied, rolling on top of the witch and attacking her mouth once again, gently but hungrily.

Hermione was shocked, but damn, it was nice to be kissed. The wizard wasn't trying to position himself to take her again. He was just…kissing her. And doing a fine job of it. Hermione began to kiss him back, and Severus felt her arms encircle his back. He had never had a woman hold him like this unless he was driving into her body. Hermione's pulse now seemed to envelope him in its warmth, drawing him in as the connection manifested. Severus moved from Hermione's mouth to her throat, kissing and sucking it gently as the witch sighed with pleasure.

"You're doing this to make me surrender," she said to the wizard, her eyes closed as his warm lips moved over her skin.

"Yes," he answered as he moved lower, his hands beginning to caress her body as he approached the swell of her breasts. Hermione began to heat up again…desire pooling in her belly. Severus felt the swell of lust in her but had no intentions on shagging her for quite some time. She arched upward as his mouth closed over her hard nipple, and she let out a groan as Severus suckled her, his other hand gently caressing her other breast, then sliding over her waist and hip, slowly and appreciatively.

"Gods, this feels so good," she sighed. She had never experienced a wizard taking this much time with her before as Severus continued kissing and caressing every part of her body, moving over her shoulders, his lank hair dragging across her skin.

The wizard was finding kissing Hermione this way extremely pleasurable. Her skin was soft and warm, her body undulating under his administration. He could feel her emotion too, and it was as if he were inebriated by it, everything around him blurring and becoming unreal. The only thing real was Hermione. He ran his lips down between her breasts and tongued them, the witch cursing softly now.

"Are you going to shag me?" she asked the wizard, her pelvis grinding under him.

Severus paused and looked up at her.

"Not yet, witch," he replied, "I find your body delectable this way as well. There's time for shagging you later."

Hermione's head fell back. He'd rather kiss her body than shag her. No wizard had ever wanted that.

Severus shuddered as he felt a powerful pulse burst of emotion from Hermione. Suddenly he was aware of her hands in his hair, pulling him upward painfully. Before he could complain the witch rolled him over on his back. Knowing her strength, Severus would have never believed it possible. The witch climbed on top of him and began to kiss him much the same way as he kissed her.

The Potions Master never had a witch claim him this way. Actually, besides Hermione taking him as a wizard, he had never been in this situation before. He gasped as Hermione slid down to his throat, then to his ear, sticking her tongue in it and making him shudder. His hands rested on the witch's back lightly as her soft mouth moved over his body. She was kissing his chest now, her breasts sliding over his stomach. He hissed when her mouth suckled his nipple, and again when she ran her tongue over the ridges of his abdomen. Her hands seemed to be everywhere. Gods, this felt amazing. Hermione's emotions rolled over him in waves as she kissed and licked his body, her mouth moving over his erection now, but not taking it in, now moving to his thighs. He buckled reflexively

Hermione didn't know what was happening to her, but she wanted to taste every inch of Severus, and hear his silky voice rise and fall in pleasure. She had felt such a swell inside when he said he didn't want to shag her (yet) that she had to react. The feel of his hard, lean body under her lips and hands was so arousing, so exciting. She knew instinctively she was the first witch to treat him in such a manner. It was another first.

Severus yanked Hermione back up and embraced her tightly, delving into her mouth hungrily then rolling back on top of her, and starting the entire process of tasting her body all over again, this time delving into her core with his tongue, feeling the witch arching into his mouth as he licked and lashed her. She cried out when he lightly bit her nub, then kissed it, suckling gently. Hermione was leaking profusely and he drank in every drop thirstily, then probed inside her heat for more, making the witch orgasm so strongly his face was covered in her release.

"Damn," he breathed, swallowing her down.

Both of their bodies were slick with sweat as Hermione pulled him back up and planted kisses on his face before falling to his mouth, tasting her own essence as she did so and rolling back on top of him.

It was like some kind of sensate dream for both witch and wizard. There was a sense of unreality…as if the entire world had come to a stop and they were the only ones in motion. For Severus it was doubly affecting. He had never been appreciated this much by a witch. It was always "do me". But this, Hermione was deliberately doing this for his pleasure as much as her own. He watched as she lifted his organ and greedily drew it into her mouth, and he thrust upward in reaction to that blissful heat surrounding him.

The wheels were turning in Severus' head even as he groaned in pleasure while the witch blew him, her chestnut locks resting on his thighs. Even if he had his fire back for other witches…after this, shit…he knew having sex with them would most likely feel like a sorry imitation. He liked being treated this way…feeling wanted beyond his rather gifted endowment, though Hermione certainly was enjoying it at the moment. The wizard realized that only an emotional connection could make sex like this possible. But he couldn't form one with every witch who came his way. He didn't want to.

Suddenly Hermione stopped sucking him and sat up, shifting her body forward until her core pressed down on his hardened organ. The witch's amber eyes rested on his face for a moment, full of fire and desire, her lust pouring over him. She wanted sex.

Severus lifted his head to see her better as she grasped his erection, positioned herself over it, then slid down, sheathing him deep inside her pulsing warmth, moaning with pleasure. Severus let out a growl as she came to rest against his thighs, and his hands gripped her small waist.

"I'm going to shag you again, Severus," she breathed at him.

"Yes, you are," he agreed, shifting his hold on her slightly, "but this time my tool is where it rightfully belongs, witch. Attached to me."

Hermione gave the wizard a slow, sexy smile . . . then she went to work.

---

Hermione took her time as she rose and fell on Severus, sliding on to his hard flesh her eyes closed in pleasure. Severus hissed as she wound her pelvis lustfully, twisting his organ inside her, then tightening her inner muscles, her sleeve seeming to suck on his shaft as she rode him. The witch then leaned forward, placing her small hands on his shoulders for leverage as she began to speed up, her hair framing her face, her mouth dropping open.

Severus let the witch ride him, groaning and fighting the urge to thrust as she began to bounce on him, her buttocks rising and falling, her amber eyes blazing into his like two fiery suns, her lower lip caught between her teeth. Gods, the witch was good, her tight sleeve pulsing over him wetly, her emotions pouring over him in a flood. Severus had never let a witch take control before, and Hermione never had a wizard patient enough to give her free reign, so both witch and wizard were on new sexual ground, and loving it.

"Yes, Hermione…yes witch," Severus hissed, his black eyes watching Hermione's breasts swinging back and forth from her ardor, her body glowing with sweat. She was wanton and beautiful.

Severus felt his back arching as wave after wave of pleasure washed over him at every penetration of the witch's sweet body. Finally he pulled Hermione down to him, locking his mouth to hers and wrapping his arms around her. He began to thrust, holding the witch as close to him as he could, plunging up through her softness, Hermione crying out into his mouth as she kissed him passionately. Severus rolled her to the side, never missing a stroke, never breaking the contact of their bodies. He pulled away from her mouth.

"You're beautiful," he breathed, his eyes hot as the witch jerked and cried out in his arms. He felt a powerful pulse of emotion wash over him. "I want more of you. So much more of you, Hermione."

Hermione lay in the wizard's arms, completely lost to him. Severus was holding her so close, his hard, lean body flexing against her as he stroked her hungrily. As far as she was concerned he could have as much of her as she could give him. Again, he kissed her passionately. Hermione had never had so much intimate contact with a wizard, and even more heat poured through her…she wanted more of him too.

Severus felt the pulse of lust underneath her connection, and without separating, he rolled on top of her, still keeping her close. There would be no rising up on his hands this time. He was staying body to body with the witch until the very end. Severus increased the speed of his stroke and his depth, pushing with his toes to add strength as he rippled over Hermione's body, burying himself in her to the hilt, the witch crying out his name now and starting to babble unintelligibly. Severus felt her lust and her emotion flow together in one continuous pulse now. He pulled away from her mouth.

"Hermione, I've always taken you," he gasped against her ear, never slowing down, "Now I'm asking you to give yourself to me…asking you…not demanding it of you. I want every part of you witch. Not just your body but your emotion, your secret desires, your darkest needs. Let them all go Hermione…let me have all of you."

Hermione sobbed and Severus felt such a powerful pulse wash over him it felt as if his hair was blown back. He began to piston into the witch for all he was worth, clutching her to him.

"You feel good in my arms. I won't let you go," he panted. "Surrender to me, Hermione. Of your own free will this time. I know what you need. I felt it when I was in your body. I feel it now."

Severus was taking the witch so hard and fast that she was nothing but a pulsing, shuddering, pleasure-filled extension of his lust…his need. She could feel the wizard's need for her, his longing to possess every part of her. She felt it and she was going under, her entire body igniting then pulling in upon itself until she felt as small as a pinpoint, Severus' pounding member seeming like the pulse of the universe. Severus felt her coil inside and drove frantically into the witch, trying to break her free, to make her release

"Come for me, Hermione," he breathed, "Come for me harder, stronger and with more passion than you have ever come for any other wizard, witch. Let it all go."

Severus locked his mouth to hers again, driving into her brutally, seeking to burst the dam that held back her flow as her emotions pulsed over him wildly, hard and soft, undulating, swallowing him up and drawing him into her world. He felt Hermione breaking apart before she broke and slammed into the witch, melding with her, becoming one with her as she screamed, arched and burst, hot flow pouring out of her, the witch feeling as if her very soul had been shattered into a million pieces and was now falling into blissful space, tiny bits of herself drifting downward, spiraling, her axis the pole of iron pulsing inside her clutching core.

Severus had released the exact moment she did, shouting something incoherently as he came strongly, his release rushing through him in a burning stream of pleasure, his entire body shuddering from the force of it as Hermione bore down on him. He was dizzy, disoriented, disconnected from everything but the soft, living body quaking beneath him. He felt as if he could stay inside the witch forever as she throbbed around him. There was no desire to pull out when his climax ended…and he lay on Hermione heavily, their hearts thudding against each other. This had been something different. Something amazing.

Hermione felt boneless as she lay under the wizard…boneless and spent. She had never had a more intense and rewarding orgasm in her life. Hell, she had never had a more satisfying sexual encounter for that matter. And who was the wizard to give it to her of all the wizards in the wizarding world?

Severus Fucking Snape.

Dear gods.

---

Severus dozed for about an hour, Hermione lying beside him, studying his profile, trying to come to terms with what happened between them. When the wizard awoke, he looked at the witch and said, "We should discuss the upcoming expos," and rolled out of the bed. He scourgified himself and dressed, exiting the bedroom.

Hermione also dressed and followed him into the living room. He was sitting on the sofa in front of the coffee table, looking through her trade magazines. Hermione sat down beside him, but not too closely. Together they chose three expos to start with, Hermione saying she would contact the directors tomorrow and arrange the demonstrations. The first expo would be a month from now. It was a big one too.

Satisfied with their arrangement, Severus rose and told Hermione he would see he at the expo. Then just like that, he left. There was no mention of what occurred in the bedroom only an hour or so ago.

Well, that was standard Severus. "Squish, Squish. Thank you, witch."

But it had felt like something more…much more.

Now Hermione lay in her bed, mulling over what had happened between them. Gods, he had been so unlike his usual, selfish, dominating self this time…well after he got his blowjob and buggered her. The wizard told her straight out he was doing it for vengeance. But as for the sex…hadn't he made it clear this was payback for the switch as well as a way for her to insure his silence about the uncontrolled experiment? Just because he was good didn't change that. It wasn't like he wanted to continue.

Hermione snorted. Like she would. Just because the wizard gave her the most intense, powerful, enjoyable and yes…emotional sexual experience of her life…it didn't mean she would let him become her lover. Especially after the start they had.

True, back then Severus lived under an entirely different set of circumstances. He was a spy for Voldemort. He faced death every day. He couldn't form relationships then. But the wizard had been free of the Dark Lord for years now, and still he didn't have a steady relationship with anyone. He still operated the same as he did before. Bedding witches indiscriminately and forming no relationships, giving no commitments. Why would he change now?

Hermione scowled.

He was probably at Hogwarts right now, gloating and patting himself on the back for making her respond to him the way she did. She desired him and showed him that she did in no uncertain terms. She had done things to him that she hadn't done to any other wizard. He had gotten to her

Hermione's eyes darkened. Severus really had been amazing. It was as if he knew everything she needed and how she needed it. And he had kissed her, over and over again…very passionately. Gods, he could kiss. And he had held her, talked to her without being lewd or obscene. He didn't act anything like she thought he would after being shagged by her. She thought the wizard would do his best to leave her in pieces, unable to even walk. Even when he took her anally, he wasn't as brutal as she initially believed he would be, though the gods knew he was thorough.

Hermione felt a dark pulse go through her at the memory. That had been so…right. Then she sighed. This was Severus she was thinking about, and Severus was only interested in his own gratification.

"But he took care of you," a little voice in her head said.

"He took care of his own ego," Hermione spat back. "It was the ultimate payback…to make me feel all that, then just…just walk away without a word about it. To act as if nothing happened between us at all. He just took everything I gave him. Took it and left."

Hermione snatched her wand off the nightstand and plunged her bedroom into total darkness. The witch curled up.

And then she cried.

---

Severus returned to Hogwarts, took off his robes and immediately began pacing.

He should have said something to her. At least told her about the connection.

But the wizard wasn't used to such emotional trysts. Normally he knew just what to say to a woman, especially one he had shagged before. But he didn't know what to say to Hermione about what happened between them…how to express how amazing and fulfilling it was without sounding…well…pussywhipped.

But gods, Hermione had whipped him. She could have asked him for anything in the world while she was riding him, and he would have given it to her. And the way she had kissed and licked his body. Merlin.

The Potions Master rubbed his forehead. Hermione probably thought he was more of a bastard now than ever because of how cold he acted and the way he left. He could have at least kissed her.

But he wasn't the kissing kind of wizard. At least not out of the bed. It would have been awkward and in fact, implied more than what was really there. He had only been trying to top her performance with him, to let her know that he was indeed "the man." To get back a bit of his own, not start a relationship. He didn't need a relationship. He was a confirmed rake.

The wizard strode into the bedroom and divestoed the rest of his clothes, climbing into bed naked. He folded his arms behind his head and looked up at the ceiling.

Suddenly a strong wave of sadness washed over him.

Hermione.

Damn. How strong was this connection? Had he inadvertently strengthened it tonight by taking Hermione the way he did? His orgasm had been intense, and for the first time in his life he actually felt a part of a witch he had taken rather than her being just a vessel to receive his seed. Had the bond between them grown stronger? Good gods, he hoped not. All he needed was to be bombarded by Hermione's emotions day in and day out.

Severus scowled. So Hermione was unhappy now. Hell, she could have said something as well as he could have. But she didn't. She was equally as uncommunicative as he was, so she shared the blame for her current state. It wasn't all his fault.

Severus flipped over and lay on his stomach. Gods…it had been so good tonight. The best sex he had ever had…well…close to it. The weekend spent with Hermione in her seventh was pretty top ranking, one-sided as it was. Even then…it was Hermione and not some other witch.

The wizard let out a long sigh. As fantastic as connected sex had been…it was over and done with now. He needed to concentrate on getting rich now. He didn't know what to do about Hermione, so he would do what he always did.

Wait.

---

Three weeks later, Severus found himself rather randy and went to visit a witch he knew named Priscilla.

She was delighted to see him.

"Severus!" she said, grabbing him by his sleeve and yanking him through the door of her flat. "Come this way."

She immediately headed for the bedroom. Priscilla wasted no time. The witch was only an inch or two shorter than Severus, black-haired and green-eyed. She was quite buxom however, with large breasts and hips.

She entered the bedroom, Severus following her. She immediately began removing her clothing. Severus watched her, remove her blouse and bra with enthusiasm. Suddenly, Priscilla stopped.

"Why are you just standing there? Get undressed Severus. There's shagging afoot!" she said to him.

Severus continued to stare at her wordlessly. Priscilla stopped undressing.

"Severus, what's wrong?" she asked him.

"Everything," he replied, turning and exiting her flat.

Severus didn't know what was wrong with him. Priscilla was a hot witch, willing to submit to anything he wanted to do to her. She liked to be dominated, ridden hard and sprayed in the face at the end of the act. He enjoyed doing that too.

Well, he used to.

He knew he wasn't the only wizard who did Priscilla. He had been turned away a couple of times when she had another wizard there…but once he was invited in to participate. He accepted the invitation but found he preferred to take his witches solo. He had no idea how clean the other wizard was. So he watched. This wizard liked to spank the witch, and he reddened her cheeks but good. To Severus, although he wasn't against a bit of spanking, the wizard was too brutal when he spanked her, and when he shagged Priscilla she was truly screaming in pain as he bounced off her. A little too Revelish for the Potions Master.

He had fully intended on shagging Priscilla…but as he saw her eagerness, he realized she was probably just as eager with her other wizards. There wasn't any real emotion involved. The witch just wanted to get off, and he was the tool to do it. A living dildo. True, there would have been some physical pleasure…but no. He just didn't want her. But he was still randy.

Severus made several more stops to the homes of witches he knew that were almost always ready for a good hard one. But they all ended the same way…with him leaving without so much as a blowjob.

Disgusted, the wizard apparated for Hogwarts.

Damn Hermione. Damn that witch to hell.

She really had ruined him.

---

Hermione felt she had gotten over Severus sexually. It was just another encounter he manipulated out of her. Nothing had changed between them really. She hadn't seen him since that night, and regulated him to the ranks of other wizards who had come and gone.

Well, she would see him this weekend at the expo. She really wasn't looking forward to it. She was embarrassed now by the way she reacted to him, and the things she had willingly done to him. She hoped he had the decency not to refer to it. She didn't know if she would be able to take it.

She was about to sit down in her living room and read the latest Potions journal, when she heard a "Tap. Tap. Tap." on the main window. The curtain was drawn, so she pulled it back. It was night and at first she didn't see anything. Then something glittered down at the bottom of the window. Hermione squinted and saw that it was a black bird. A raven. And it looked pissed off.

Hermione walked to the front door and opened it. At first nothing happened…then suddenly the bird streaked in, flapping loudly and startling the witch. The raven flew into the living room and perched on the back of her sofa, making a short, barking noise that sounded suspiciously like laughter as the flushed witch approached. A letter was tied to its leg.

The raven stuck its leg out, but when Hermione went to retrieve the parchment, it snapped at her nastily. Hermione drew her wand and pointed it at the bird.

"We can do this the easy way, or the hard way, bird. Now which is it?" she said through clenched teeth.

The raven looked a bit cowed and stuck out its leg again, this time keeping its beak shut. Hermione untied the parchment from around its leg and the bird took off immediately, flying to the front door. But it was closed.

The raven dropped to the floor and made an awful racket until Hermione walked back and opened the door. The bird walked out slowly and imperiously, then took off from the doorstep, leaving a large, wet dropping behind.

Hermione scowled and looked up. Good thing the bird was black or she would have singed his tail feathers. She scourgified the doorstep, closed the door and returned to the living room. She picked up the parchment off the coffee table and turned it over. On the back was a wax seal in Slytherin green with the initials "SS" pressed into it.

Severus. That raven must be his familiar. It seemed just like the kind of familiar he'd have. Snarky like he was.

Her brow furrowed, Hermione opened the letter and read it.

Be prepared to spend some time with me after the demonstration this Saturday. We need to talk about a very important matter concerning your Switching potion.

Hermione sighed. More than likely the money-mad wizard wanted in on that potion too. She crumpled up the parchment and tossed it in the trash. Good old Severus…always focused on the two most important matters in life.

Sex and Money.

Not necessarily in that order.

---

Hermione met up with Severus on Saturday morning at the Expo grounds, which was located on a large lot of open land just outside of Hogsmeade. A huge red and white striped tent had been erected, large enough to cover a one-block area and hold thousands. Inside the tent were an endless amount of booths, tables, chairs, cordoned-off sections and food stands. Hundreds of witches and wizards milled about, setting up their booths to attract potential customers and investors.

Hermione entered the tent and spoke to one of the wizards in charge of set-up. He looked at a list.

"Granger?" he asked her.

"Yes. Hermione Granger and Professor Severus Snape," Hermione answered him.

The wizard looked at the list, his bushy brow furrowed. He looked up at Hermione.

"What are you here to do? Sell something?"

"No, to demonstrate a spell," the witch replied.

The wizard appeared relieved.

"Ah, that's why you aren't on the booth list," he said, shuffling his papers and looking at another parchment. "Here it is. You will be demonstrating your spell before the examiners at twelve noon. Arrive about a quarter to twelve for set-up. The demonstration will take place at Area one."

"Area one?" Hermione asked. She didn't know where that was. The wizard pointed up and Hermione saw there were numbered banners hanging over sections of the tent.

"Oh, ok. I'll find it," she said.

The wizard nodded and walked away.

Hermione stood there a moment.

"You look rather lost, Hermione," a silky voice said behind her.

Hermione turned to look up at Severus, whose black eyes rested on her intently.

Immediately Hermione's body responded to him with a huge pulse of excitement. Hermione might have pushed what happened between them to the back of her mind, but to her body, the wizard was definitely front and center

"I'm not lost," she replied, her amber eyes drifting over him. "I was simply getting my bearings. This expo is huge."

Severus nodded as he looked around the large tent. A pair of wizards were trying to erect a small fireworks display to attract customers when they inadvertently bumped into a booth on which rested a cage holding a small dragon. Disturbed from its sleep, the dragon let out a small blast of fire towards the wizards, igniting the fireworks display, causing everyone to flee the area. Flames, sparks and bursts filled the tent, which luckily was magically fireproofed. The dragon curled up and went back to sleep. Obviously he found being jostled by thoughtless wizards more disturbing than screaming hordes of people. Finally the mayhem died down and everyone went back to preparing his or her booths.

Severus shook his head.

"Idiots abound," he said with a snort.

He looked back at Hermione. She was dressed in blue robes, her hair brushed out and had a small briefcase in her hand. Probably filled with chemicals for the demonstration. He swallowed. The wizard had felt her body respond when she first saw him, and it had been a rather powerful pulse. But the witch's eyes reflected none of her body's inclinations. But then again, Hermione was good at repressing her feelings, just as he was. Severus felt a slight throb when he first saw her talking to the wizard, but fought it back successfully. They were here for a reason and had a spell to present. Later, he would address what needed addressing.

Severus caught Hermione by her arm. The witch looked rather shocked by the sudden contact, and the wizard felt her quiver slightly.

"Let us take advantage of the food stands and have a cup of coffee. Then we can peruse the booths until it is time for the demonstration," he suggested, still holding her arm and guiding her toward a food stand that had several tables and chairs set up in front of it. Hermione didn't resist. His hand was so warm and firm. The witch drew a shuddering breath. She was so aware of the wizard. Suddenly, the image of the Potions Master holding her, his black eyes locked to her face as he stroked her passionately filled her mind.

"You're beautiful," he breathed.

Hermione let out a gasp and pulled her arm away from Severus in reaction. The wizard looked down at her in concern.

"Are you all right?" he asked the trembling witch.

"Yes, I'm fine," Hermione lied.

But Severus could feel she wasn't. She was reacting to him or memories of him.

"I think maybe some herbal tea would be better for you than coffee, Hermione," he said, pulling out a chair at a small round table. Hermione sat down, and put her briefcase down on the ground beside her. Severus began to walk toward the food stand.

"Wait!" Hermione said, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a small purse. She opened it and began digging for coin.

Severus' nostrils flared for a moment, then he purposely turned and continued on to the food stand. Hermione scowled after him, then set a few coins to cover her tea on the table and waited for him to return.

Severus did return and placed her tea in front of her. Then he sat down, pointedly ignoring the coins on the table. He looked annoyed however.

Hermione pushed the coins toward him.

"For the tea," she said.

Severus' black eyes flicked up to her face. He looked very angry as he stared at the witch.

"Stop acting like a child," he said coldly.

Hermione seemed taken aback.

"I'm acting like a child because I want to pay for my tea?" she responded as his eyes glittered.

"You are trying to get a rise out of me. A reaction. You're angry at me for not returning and talking to you about what happened between us. This "I'll pay for my own tea," act is nothing but a mini-tantrum. You are trying to impress upon me that you are still your own witch and don't need me to take care of you with this little gesture. Put your money back in your purse, Hermione. I won't play your game."

Hermione stared at the wizard. She hadn't thought about it, but actually what she did was rather childish. If she had been with anyone else, she would have just accepted the tea as a matter of course.

Severus leveled his eyes at her.

"I was the best, wasn't I Hermione?" he asked her in a low voice, "I gave you something no other wizard ever gave you and you're having a hard time coming to terms with that. It was easier for you to deal with me as someone who possessed you with detachment. Someone who only wanted the gratification your body could give me. Well, blame yourself for it witch."

Severus sounded decidedly bitter.

"What do you mean 'blame myself?' Why should I do that? Yes, it is hard for me to reconcile you as the man you were three weeks ago with the selfish, heartless man I knew years ago…but how can I take blame for that?" she asked him.

"Your little switching potion, that's how, Hermione. It has properties that you had no idea existed. Properties that wouldn't be observable in nifflers and horned toads. You will never be able to market that potion to the general public," Severus replied evenly.

"Properties? What kind of properties?" Hermione asked him, frowning.

"It leaves residual effects, Hermione. Effects that in my case have changed my life irrevocably I fear…and I hold you responsible for it witch. I may have returned to my body, but it seems I still have a connection to yours. One that I can feel whenever you evidence strong emotions. I can feel your desires, what you want and how badly you want it. I used that connection when I took you that night, to make you surrender to me completely by giving you exactly the experience you longed to have. Everything I did to you, I knew you wanted. Even in the beginning when you were on your hands and knees for me, you wanted that," he breathed. "I felt you react to me today as well. When you first saw me your body was drawn to me. Deny it and I will call you a liar, witch."

Hermione stared at him, horrified at first. Then she became angry.

"Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell me you could feel what I felt?" she demanded of him.

"I didn't know until I came into contact with you that night," Severus replied. "And then…well…I thought it best to let the connection guide me…let your desires lead me. As a result, your night with me was unforgettable. Rewarding. Special."

"As a result, you took advantage of me the way you always do, Severus. The fact that it was done with kisses and caresses still doesn't change that," Hermione seethed.

"Kisses and caresses you desperately wanted, witch," the wizard replied, his eyes hardening. "You were most grateful too. Gods, Hermione…the things you did to me…"

"Stop it!" Hermione hissed. "You stop it, Severus. Don't you dare bring up what I did, you bastard!"

Severus looked at her steadily.

"It's what we did, Hermione. You weren't alone…not for a single moment. I stayed with you…" he said, his eyes going uncharacteristically soft as he looked at her.

"Stop it!" she yelled at the wizard. Then she grabbed her briefcase, stood up and disappeared into the milling throngs.

Severus looked after her. That hadn't gone well. The wizard didn't intend on telling about the connection until after the demonstration…in a less public setting, but she had angered him. And he didn't even get a chance to tell her exactly how the connection had ruined his sex life. She probably wouldn't give a fuck anyway. Probably she'd be glad she had clipped his libido.

The wizard scowled.

He had no intentions of leading a sexless life, that was for certain.

---

At a quarter to twelve, Severus arrived at area one. It was a roped off area, in front of which was a long covered table. Pitchers of water sat on it. Several bearded wizards were seated behind it, looking over the parchments describing the demonstration.

There were two small tables in the enclosure. One had a cauldron set up on it, and the other had small battery-operated muggle items on it. A flashlight, an electric toothbrush, and a CD player.

A crowd was gathered around the perimeter of the roped off area. This demonstration was of great interest. Most were lay wizards and witches, interested that the spell was supposed to make muggle objects work in the magical world. Hermione had to use small battery operated items because there was no electrical systems to plug in large objects, like a television or computer. But in time, there would be.

Severus pushed through the crowd until he could clearly see Hermione. She had opened her briefcase and given a wizard several tins to take to the examiners. The wizards gathered around and opened the tins. They were knowledgeable men and knew about chemical properties, which was why they were selected to judge the demonstration. Instead of sitting back down, all seven wizards picked up the tins, ducked under the ropes and walked over to the table Hermione stood at.

"We must watch what you do closely," one wizard said to the witch soberly.

Hermione nodded then rolled up her sleeves and cast the spell.

The examiners all felt a subtle shift in magic.

"The spell is cast. Now I am going to make a simple chemical base," she said taking three of the tins and adding them to the simmering cauldron. The examiners watched with raised eyebrows as the chemicals combined smoothly. Normally they would have just dropped to the bottom of the cauldron, not interacting at all.

"Extraordinary!" an examiner with a forked beard said, looking at Hermione with wide eyes.

"Amazing!" another exclaimed.

Hermione then added another chemical, changing the base into an acid. The examiners applauded, which in turn made the audience applaud. Severus watched, his eyes glittering.

In another part of the crowd, a pair of gray eyes also glittered, but with envy. Master Vargas watched as Hermione was applauded. It was obvious her spell worked. Damn it. Damn Severus. The Potions Master wondered what other projects the witch had percolating. Vargas was a coward, but his cowardice was only surpassed by his greed for wealth and acknowledgement. The idea that this witch was already shaking the very foundations of magic as the wizarding world knew it, irritated Vargas. She was overshadowing him. He'd have to do something about that, Severus or no Severus. He continued to watch as the witch moved to the table with the muggle objects on it.

"Gentlemen, please inspect these objects and make sure they do not work," Hermione said to the examiners, who picked up the objects and checked them out, flicking the switches, opening them up and pulling out the batteries before reinserting them. Satisfied, they placed the flashlight, toothbrush and CD player back on the table.

Once again Hermione cast the spell.

"Please turn on the objects, gentlemen," the witch said.

Severus held his breath.

The examiners picked up the objects and clicked the switches. A bright beam issued from the flashlight, the toothbrush started vibrating, and the CD disc began spinning in the player. The wizard put on the headphones and began bobbing his head.

A cheer went up from the audience and Hermione gave a small smile as the examiners each shook her hand.

"This is an amazing spell, Miss Granger. It will revolutionize almost every aspect of wizarding life! We will now be able to utilize muggle technology and science! Congratulations to you and Professor Snape," the wizard said.

Hermione scowled at the mention of Severus' name. But he was part of this.

The examiners left the area, followed by Hermione who needed to collect the proper paperwork from them. On all sides wizards were clamoring for the details on acquiring the spell. Hermione looked at them wildly as they screamed at her. Suddenly a tall shadow fell on the wizards to her right, and the clamoring all stopped as Severus Snape glowered at all of them darkly.

"Gentlemen, the spell will be available in a few days," he said, reaching into his pocket and taking out a large stack of business cards. He divided them in half, handing one stack to the crowd on the right, the other to the crowd on the left.

"Pass these out among yourselves. That is the contact information for my solicitor who will be handling transactions. He will let you know the details. Now please disperse," the wizard said, his scowl belying his politeness. The crowd slowly thinned.

Hermione collected her paperwork and made to walk past him. Severus caught her by the arm.

"I haven't finished talking to you about this situation yet," he said.

Hermione yanked her arm away.

"The only thing I want to talk to you about Severus, is business…and business only from here on out. This is the absolute last straw. I will no longer allow you to manipulate me…so from now on, if you get something on me, Severus Snape…you might as well go tell it, because I am not knuckling under to you anymore. Ever."

Severus started as he felt the swirl of magic around them. Dear gods. She had taken a wizard's oath.

Shit.

"Now excuse me. I will send a copy of the paperwork to Hogwarts as soon as I get them filed at the Ministry," she said, stalking away from the wizard.

Again, Severus found himself watching the witch walk away. Damn. She had cut herself off from his manipulations. The wizard shook his head with dismay. From here on out, there was only one way he'd be able to approach Hermione Granger.

Honestly.

---

As Hermione approached the tent exit, she found herself block by Potions Master Vargas.

"Congratulations on your success, Mistress Granger," the wizard said, his gray eyes glittering down at the witch unpleasantly. "It seems you have proven me wrong about you."

Hermione looked up at the tall rotund wizard. She saw that his congratulations were not at all heartfelt. She thought about the two goons he had put on her at the Potions convention and scowled.

"I have a feeling you are wrong about a lot of things, Master Vargas. Most likely I am the least of them," she replied evenly, "Now if you will excuse me."

Master Vargas had watched the angry exchange between Hermione and Severus. He didn't know what it was about, but it was clear the witch had stalked off from him. Most likely they weren't close and the wizard was not always around the witch. Which meant that she didn't have his constant protection. Vargas caught Hermione by the arm.

"I was wondering if you might be interested in another business partner? I have even more resources than Master Snape," the wizard said, his eyes gleaming.

Hermione wrested her arm away.

"I am very aware how you operate, Master Vargas. Others may think you are above board, but I know you are a thug sir. I would never have you as a business partner. I probably wouldn't last the year," she spat at him.

The wizard gave her an ugly look.

"I can help you in our field. I can give you the recognition you desire." he said, his mouth twisted nastily. "All it would take is one word of acceptance from me and you will be instantly respected."

Hermione scowled at him.

"I prefer to earn respect based on my own merits, Master Vargas. I imagine today's demonstration has already afforded me recognition. Or it will shortly. In other words, Master Vargas, I don't need your help. In anything," the witch said.

Vargas was furious. The witch was so sure of herself. She was brilliant, but arrogant. She needed to be taken down a few pegs.

"You think yourself brilliant, don't you witch?" he seethed, "Well you aren't. You are very, very foolish. In this field, you need others, Mistress Granger. You don't go it alone."

"That's not what I've learned, Master Vargas. Most Potions Masters are very careful to work alone, to try and protect their work from being stolen," she said accusingly. "I happen to ascribe to that sentiment. Again, I do not need or want your assistance sir. Despite your warnings, I will go it alone."

"Alone is not a good way to be, Mistress Granger," the wizard said, his gray eyes hard. "Things happen to people who are 'alone.'

Hermione scowled at the wizard.

"Are you threatening me, Master Vargas?" she asked him.

The wizard gave her a nasty little grin.

"I don't threaten people, Mistress Granger. You are a bright witch. Think about my offer and if you don't contact me in a few days, I will most certainly contact you," the wizard said evenly.

"I don't need time to think about it. I… Hermione began, but the Potions Master strode away. She blinked after him, then shrugged.

Severus had already warned him off. Hermione believed the wizard was just trying to bully her because of her success and the perceived continuance of her successes.

The fact was, she would be a very rich witch in a few months and would need neither Severus nor Vargas to give her money for patents any longer. Plus, she was a Ministry employee. The only reason she could patent the Non-Magical Aisle was because it was a project she had started before getting hired by the Ministry. Anything she worked on from here on out was considered Ministry property. So she had nothing for Vargas to become involved in anyway, even if she were inclined to take up his offer…which she wasn't.

Hermione exited the tent and when she was clear of the grounds apparated for home. Once she arrived, she walked into the living room and sat down on the sofa. Suddenly she felt exhausted. Her thoughts immediately turned to Severus and the Switching potion. Hermione had never thought for an instant that the potion would be made available to the public because it could easily be used for evil purposes. Most likely the Ministry would use it for surveillance and spying. There might be special licensing for the medical field as well. Imagine, healers being able to enter the bodies of their patients and be able to identify their aches and ailments firsthand. But it would never do if there were residual connections. Damn. This meant much more research and study with other human subjects. Most likely prisoners from Azkaban.

The Ministry had started utilizing them years ago for experimentation and research, particularly those serving life sentences. If something went wrong, there was usually no outcry. Who missed a condemned criminal anyway? It was also a good way to cut down on overcrowding. Hermione shuddered a little. She had heard horror stories of prisoners that died from spells and potions. She hadn't done any research with them herself, but was going to have to sooner or later. Ah well. All for the sake of magic she supposed.

She wished she could use Severus as a subject for a really painful project. That rotten bastard. He used his connection to make sure he became her dream lover. How selfish was that? The worst part was she was so into the wizard, responded to him hungrily…it was as if she couldn't get enough of his kisses and caresses. He did meet a deep need in her on several levels…her dark need, and her need for closeness…for that kind of connection. He was right, he had been there with her, kept her close. It almost felt as if…as if he cared what she felt, how she felt beyond the sex. She should have known he was up to something.

Well, from now on she was going to keep the wizard at broom's length. She hoped he really enjoyed himself, because that was the last time he'd ever stick his tool in her. The absolute last time.

She'd find someone suitable after a while. Until she did, she'd just have to take the matter in hand.

---

Vargas returned to his manor. Flapfoot, his house elf greeted him at the door, bowing deeply.

"Welcome home, Master," the elf squeaked.

Vargas looked at the elf with narrowed eyes and Flapfoot cringed. Master Vargas had a terrible temper, and sometimes after a very bad day, would beat him.

"Flapfoot, I want you to go find Jackson and Fletch and bring them to me. I need to talk to them immediately," the Potions Master said, removing his cloak.

Flapfoot wished the wizard would pass him his cloak just once, so he could leave the manor forever. But Vargas never did.

"Yes Master," the elf said, winking out.

Vargas strode through the great hall to his large study. It was filled with books, but the walls were covered with awards and a great number of trophies were set on pedestals, tables and shelves. Vargas liked to surround himself with his accomplishments, and any time he had guests, this was the room he brought them to so they could admire his accomplishments and of course, him.

Vargas walked over to his desk and opened a lower drawer filled with files. He leafed through them until he came to the "G" file, rifled through that and pulled out a piece of parchment. It was Hermione's registration for the convention and had her address on it. Vargas jotted it down, put the registration back in the drawer and closed it.

Address in hand, the wizard strode over to his liquor cabinet and fixed himself a cognac, then sat down in front of the fireplace, placed the address on the small table next to the armchair and stared into the flames as he thought about Hermione's discovery. Now there would be no way to halt further development in the curriculum of potions. Students would be required to study chemistry now, just to keep up with the times…which also meant he would have to study as well. He hadn't actually studied anything in years. He would also have to learn to use muggle technology. Vargas was so put out by this and by how much money Hermione and Severus would make, he broke the glass he was holding in his hand.

The wizard cursed and picked the glass out of his bleeding hand before pulling out his wand and healing it quickly. Then he scourgified his robes and the broken glass. This worsened his mood. Suddenly there was a knock on the study door.

"Come in," Vargas bellowed, his brows furrowed.

The door opened and in walked the two men that had followed Hermione at the potions convention. Jackson and Fletch, wizards for hire. This pair would do practically anything as long as the galleons were right. They walked around the armchair and stood in front of the fire and looked at the Potions Master..

"Got a job for us?" Jackson asked.

The short black-haired wizard rubbed the dark stubble on his square jaw as Fletch stood by silently, the firelight adding flickering highlights to his blonde hair.

Vargas' gray eyes flicked over them both for a moment.

"Yes I do. Remember the Potions Mistress I put you two on at the Potions convention?" he asked.

"The little curvy one?" Fletch inquired, a smirk on his face, "Yeah, I remember her all right. Nice little bird there. You want us to work her over?"

Vargas looked at Fletch with distaste.

"No. You are not to touch her. But I want you to break into her home, find any research you can, duplicate it and bring it to me. I want you to do this during the day, when she's at work," Vargas said, his eyes narrowed.

"Aw, what's the fun in that?" Fletch complained. He'd really like a go at Hermione.

"It is not meant to be fun, Fletch. I want her research. She works at the Ministry, so you can go to her house after nine in the morning on Monday. I expect that research in my hands Monday night," the wizard said, looking at both of them sternly. "And no advance this time. You crooks took galleons from me when you trailed her last time for less than ten minutes work. You'll get paid when you bring me what I want."

Fletch and Jackson looked at each other.

"All right Vargas…fair enough. Usual payment?" Jackson asked the wizard.

"Of course not. You aren't going to do anything to the witch, so the price should be less," Vargas said, his gray eyes glittering.

Jackson began to haggle. After about fifteen minutes they came to an agreement. Vargas handed them the piece of parchment off the small table.

"Here's her address," the wizard said. Both Fletch and Jackson memorized it and nodded.

"Got it," Fletch said.

He was still disappointed. He liked working over witches. It usually involved a good, hard raping. Well, maybe she'd be home and discover them…then she'd be fair game.

Vargas dismissed the two wizards.

"Don't get sticky fingers on your way out," Vargas warned them both, "Flapfoot has standing orders to hex you if you so much as breathe on anything I possess."

"Aw Vargas, you really think we'd steal from you?" Jackson said, his black eyes shifting over all the gold trophies.

"You'd steal from your own mothers you scallywags. Now, out of my manor. I will see you Monday night. Don't disappoint me," the wizard replied, rising to fix himself another cognac.

Jackson and Fletch left. Flapfoot was waiting outside the study for the disreputable wizards and followed them to the great doors. The elf warded the doors securely when they exited.

"Vargas really doesn't trust us," Fletch said to Jackson who looked at him.

"Would you?" Jackson asked his comrade.

"No," Fletch said with a wicked grin. "Mum still hasn't forgiven me for filching her wedding ring."

Both wizards laughed and disapparated.

---

A/N: The plot thickens. Vargas is a sneaky old bastard. Jackson and Fletch sound like real winners (not). Well at least they aren't supposed to touch Hermione. If they do this right, she won't even know Vargas has her research. Please review.