Disclaimer: I own nothing… so there.
A/N: Thanks to all who have reviewed. My friend and I greatly appreciate it. Here's my chapter. I hope you like this one… Oh, and there is an adult situation at the end of the chapter. If you read the title, you'll get an idea as to what it will be.
CHAPTER NINEAn Oral Exam
Hermione waited up for Ginny to return from her meeting with McGonagall. It was another late night. The book that was resting on her lap was all but forgotten as she stared into the fireplace. What could be that important to cause Ginny to have to stay during break? And why are these meetings always so late at night? Was Ginny in danger because of Lucius' escape? Hermione bit her lower lip, worrying. She snapped her book shut and stretched. She was about to give up when the portrait hole opened. Ginny stepped into the common room, followed closely by Professor O'Neill. "Ginny?" she quietly asked.
Ginny seemed to have ignored Hermione and made her way, sullenly, up the stairs to her room. Confused, Hermione looked over to the professor. Lily sat down on one of the couches and motioned for the girl to sit next to her. Hermione sat down, momentarily forgetting that she was jealous of the teacher. "Miss Granger, I need you to continue your Head duties. But, you will be doing them alone for a while."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I'm used to that," she scoffed.
Lily looked at her in confusion. "Whatever problems you and Mr. Malfoy have are your own. Unfortunately, he is currently in the hospital wing." She ignored Hermione's wide-eyed expression and continued. "We hope that he will be better before the start of term. Now, it's late. I suggest you get some sleep."
Hermione watched as Lily got up and head towards her quarters. What could have possibly happened during the meeting that would cause Draco to wind up in the hospital wing? Sighing, she made her way to her own room and fell asleep.
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The start of term found Draco better but still not able to complete his Head Boy duties. Hermione was pulling double shifts, walking the corridors every night. She made her way back to Gryffindor and slumped down on one of the armchairs. The fire made her feel drowsy and she was about to welcome sleep when someone sat down in the chair next to her. She opened one eye and saw Harry smiling at her. "Why are you so happy?" she groaned.
"Working late again?" he asked, amusement in his voice.
Hermione glared at him then put her head back, closing her eyes. "What do you want?"
"Have you spoken to Ginny lately?"
She could hear a note of worry in his voice and opened her eyes. "She really hasn't been up to talking to anyone… why?"
Harry shrugged. "Just concerned."
Hermione was about to say something when Persephone Jenkins walked by. "Hi, Harry," she said. Hermione noticed that Harry just smiled at the girl and she could see a hint of longing in his eyes.
"Harry?" she ventured.
"Hmm?" he answered.
Yep, Harry had some kind of feeling for this girl. This could work to Hermione's advantage to get him away from going after Ginny. After all, Ginny was trying to score an even bigger catch and didn't want Harry standing in the way. "Do you want to go to the ball with me?"
Harry whipped his head in her direction… raising his eyebrow. "Why?"
Hermione shrugged her shoulders. "I need a date. I know it's short notice and all but maybe I could help you." She motioned with her chin to the Gryffindor girl that had just walked by.
Harry narrowed his eyes at Hermione. "What are you getting at?"
"Harry, it's obvious you want to get to know Persephone better. If you go with me, I'll introduce you. She's in my Advanced Potions class and we've brewed sometimes," she lied. She never brewed with the girl but it was a good starting point.
Harry blushed and looked down at his hands. "You don't mind? I mean… I know you and Gin are friends…"
Hermione held up her hand to stop him. "Harry, I hate to say it but I think you both have moved on." Harry looked at her questioningly and she continued. "You obviously want to meet Persephone. Besides, you will be graduating this year. Ginny still has one left. You both need to realize that you were only meant to be friends. It's quite alright to develop feelings for someone else." Hermione grabbed Harry's hand. "So… what do you say?"
Harry looked at Hermione and then at Persephone… who was quietly talking with some of her friends. "Sure. But only if you introduce me and keep Ginny busy that night."
Hermione smiled. "No problem." Well, it wouldn't be a problem, she thought. Ginny was going to be occupied by a certain Slytherin anyway. She hugged Harry, said goodnight, and made her way up to her room. After warding her door and slipping into some pajamas, she snuggled under her covers and fell fast asleep.
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The day of the ball, Hermione was finally able to get Ginny to come out of her room for more than just classes and food. They were in the Common Room in the early afternoon, as classes had been cancelled for the rest of the day to get the Great Hall ready. Hermione put her book down and looked over at her friend. She sighed. "Um… I got Harry to go to the ball with me," she said, trying to break the silence.
"That's nice," Ginny returned not taking her eyes off the fire.
Hermione turned in her seat. "Gin, listen… I don't know what happened during your meeting with the Headmistress but you're scaring me."
Ginny sighed. "I'm sorry, Mione, it's just… I don't think I'm up to dancing and having any sort of fun tonight."
Hermione took Ginny's hand. "Maybe this is just what you need. A chance to forget everything that's on your mind and unwind. Draco has been doing better and I know he'll be there."
Ginny's eyes widened. "Draco's going?" she asked.
Hermione nodded her head. She couldn't believe that Ginny had forgotten about it. "Well, I did tell him that he had to be there because he's Head Boy. I'll even charm your hair to be a darker shade of red. That way, you can surprise him. I think you both need some fun."
Ginny thought for a while about what Hermione had said. "You're right. I haven't seen him in a while. Thanks, Hermione."
Hermione hugged Ginny. "What are friends for?"
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Hermione studied herself in the full-length mirror. Her lavender dress clung perfectly to her curves. She had pulled her hair into an up do with loose tendrils hanging down the back of her neck. She had put on minimal makeup because she wasn't one to wear much. She turned and noticed that Ginny was standing behind her. Hermione smiled at her friend. "Wow, Gin… you look even better than that day at the dress store."
Ginny blushed. "Thanks. Um… about my hair?"
Hermione pulled out her wand from the bedside drawer and tapped it on her lips. "Hmm… let's see… ah, yes." With a flick of her wrist, Ginny's hair turned to a deep shade of red with curls hanging loosely around her shoulders. "It's still red, but no one would believe it's you."
Ginny looked at herself in the mirror. She smiled and then turned to Hermione. "It's beautiful. I wish my hair could look like this everyday."
Hermione laughed. "It's nice but I like your normal color. Now, let's put on our masks and meet our dates downstairs. I'll go first and make sure Harry doesn't see you." Hermione hugged Ginny, grabbed her mask, and headed down the stairs. She found Harry waiting by the fireplace dressed in dress robes like he wore at the Yule Ball… only this time, they were green to match his eyes. His black mask was secured firmly in place with magic… just like Hermione's. "So, you ready?" she asked.
"Yep," he answered as he held out his arm to her. He sniffed the air. "Were you just eating an apple?"
Hermione giggled and walked up to him. "No, it's my soap. Like it?" Harry nodded and they left for the Great Hall. The hall was decorated in the house colors with small round tables situated throughout the perimeter. Couples were already talking and dancing when they arrived but Harry steered her towards an empty table. He pulled out a chair for her and she sat down while he took the one next to her. "So, do you see Persephone anywhere?" she asked.
Harry scanned the room and smiled. "By the punch bowl," he replied. Hermione looked and saw her. "Do you think she'll talk to me?"
"Of course. I mentioned your name to her the other day in class and I noticed that her eyes lit up a little. I sort of said that you were my date and she asked if I'd be willing to let her dance with you… at least once." Hermione did her best to stifle a giggle when she noticed that Harry was staring at the girl. "Why don't we go over and say hi." Harry merely nodded his head. They got up and walked over to the punch bowl. "Hi, Persephone," Hermione smiled.
"Hey, Hermione," she replied.
"Persephone, this is Harry. Harry, this is Persephone." Hermione winked at the girl, as she knew everyone in school knew who Harry was.
"Hi, Harry," the girl said.
"Hi," he responded.
"Well, as much as this conversation is stimulating, I really should go. I need to get some Head Girl duties out of the way," Hermione said as she started to leave the two alone to get acquainted. She shook her head and smiled. Harry really needs to open up, she thought to herself.
She scanned the room quickly just to make sure no one was breaking any rules. Everyone seemed to be having fun and that made her smile even more. But, the one person she was really looking for hadn't shown up yet. She then noticed that Professor O'Neill wasn't there either. Hermione's jealousy came back in force but she tried to squash it down.
"Hey, Mudblood," Draco drawled from behind her.
Hermione closed her eyes, quickly counted to ten, and turned around. "Hey, Malfoy," she replied. "You look better." Draco was in his finest black dress robes but was missing his mask. "Where's your mask?"
"Look, I'm here. That's the best you're going to get." He looked at her expression and sighed. "You told me I had to be here but you didn't say I had to wear a mask."
Hermione waved him off. "I guess I should be glad you're here. At least I won't have to do my duties alone."
Draco looked at her. Something seemed a little off with the Gryffindor. "What's up, Granger? You seem… distracted."
"Not that it's any of your business, Malfoy, but I'm looking for someone."
Draco thought for a moment. He knew who she was looking for but wanted to tease her a little bit. "Weasley? Nah… he seems too cozy with Looney over there. Potter? I don't think so. I just saw you introduce him to that other Gryffindor. Now, let's see… who could you be looking for?" Draco looked around the room while tapping his lips with a finger.
"Just stop it," she sighed. "Why don't you go and bother someone else?"
Draco ignored her. "Wait. I think I see the person you're looking for." Hermione looked to the doors and saw Snape enter. Even though he was wearing his traditional professor robes, she found herself staring at him in awe. Draco snorted… very unlike him. "Maybe I'll go over and say hi." Hermione glared at him. "Or I could…" Draco raised his hand and she felt her heart speed up. He wouldn't dare. "Professor!" he yelled across the room.
Hermione blushed and took off… away from Draco. How dare he. What is he playing at? she wondered. Did he really know about her feelings for Snape? If she survived the night, she was going to hunt him down and hex him into the next world. She managed to get far enough away and backed right into someone. "Umph… sorry," she mumbled.
"Hermione?" Ginny whispered so low, the older girl barely heard her.
"Ginny? When did you get here?"
"Just a few minutes ago. I steered Neville towards the girl he likes and decided to find you." She looked at Hermione and grew concerned. "Are you alright?" Hermione told Ginny what Draco had done. "Why that cunning little…"
"I know," Hermione interrupted. "What do you see in him?"
Ginny blushed. "He makes me feel alive. I know it sounds stupid but it's true."
"Well, I don't think I'll ever understand it but you seem happy. Why don't you go and see if our little disguise works. You'll have to tell me all about it later tonight."
Ginny looked around and saw that Draco wasn't looking at them. Actually, he stood propped against a wall looking bored. Ginny smiled at him mischievously. She turned to Hermione and hugged her friend. "And you'll have to tell me all about your night," she said, winking.
This time, Hermione blushed. "I have no idea what you mean," she feigned innocence.
Ginny laughed. "Yeah, right."
Hermione watched as Ginny sauntered away and shook her head. Well, at least she's off to get her guy, she thought miserably. Hermione looked over at the entrance to where the potions master stood. He was listening to McGonagall and, like Draco, looking rather bored. She was just about to go over and ask him about the potion they had worked on when someone ran into her. She turned around, angry. "Will you watch where you're going?" she yelled.
"Oh, sorry, Mione," came Ron's voice from behind a gold mask. "I lost my balance. Luna has had me dancing all night."
Hermione laughed despite the fact that Ron had stepped on her foot. "No problem. I'm just glad you're having a good time."
"I'm having a great time," he answered. "I would have never thought we'd have so much in common. Thanks for persuading me to take her." He gave her a huge hug and then turned to walk back to where Luna was standing.
Yep, everyone seems to have found someone… everyone except me. She turned back to the entrance and noticed that Snape was gone. She looked all around the Great Hall and didn't spot him. Oh no, she thought, I've lost my chance. She walked out of the room and scanned the hallways. She barely noticed a swish of black fabric disappear around the corner heading for the dungeons. It had to be him. She quickly, and quietly, followed… hoping to keep up with him but also keeping enough space between them so he wouldn't notice her. She followed his lead and saw that he was heading for his office. She also noticed that he took a swig of something from a flask every so often. She waited, with bated breath, as he entered the room and closed the door behind him. It was now or never, she thought to herself.
Making sure her mask was securely in place; she walked up to the door and placed her ear against it. She couldn't hear anything and she thought that maybe he wasn't there. Could there be another room located somewhere within his office? she wondered. Cautiously, she pushed open the door and was startled to find him just sitting behind his desk. She was about to turn around and run out when she noticed that his eyes were closed. Upon further inspection, she saw several empty liquor bottles lying around. She silently made her way over. She saw that there was enough room between the desk and the professor for her to stand… or even kneel comfortably. As she stood there, and he still had his eyes closed, she marveled at the sight. His hair, from this proximity, looked silky not greasy. His nose was just the right size for his angular face. His lips, when they weren't drawn together in hatred, looked… kissable. She giggled internally at that thought and leaned forward to brush hers against his own. She came away with a hint of firewhiskey lingering on her lips. She licked them, savoring the taste. He still didn't open his eyes but his lips parted in a sigh. Becoming a little bolder, she ran her hands down his clothed chest and his muscles twitched under her fingertips. Her hands finally settled on the bulge under his pants and she smiled. She knew what she was going to do and she would relish in the fact when she told Ginny later that night.
Snape opened his eyes and looked at the girl in front of him. He couldn't tell who it was for the mask she wore and because of his liquor enhanced state. "Who are you?" he questioned silently.
"Shh," Hermione answered as she placed a finger against his lips. She captured his mouth again in a lingering kiss, which he deepened upon impact. She sighed, causing her mouth to open slightly, and he took advantage as he pushed his tongue inside. Their tongues met in a frenzied dance that nearly took her breath away. She broke the kiss and knealt down in front of him.
She unbuttoned his pants, slowly, and released his throbbing member through his black boxers. Her eyes widened when she saw how large he was and wondered if she could even do what she wanted. She wrapped her small hand around him and squeezed. She saw his eyes flutter close and heard the sharp intake of breath. She smiled, wickedly, for she knew that just that little movement caused him pleasure. She cautiously flicked out her tongue and ran it over the tip of his cock causing him to gasp again. Then she ran her tongue up and down his shaft while moving her hand at the same time. She kept this up for a little while until she readied herself and took him into her mouth. The professor was a little bigger than what she was used to and after adjusting her jaw to his size, found that she could easily pleasure him. She moved up and down his quivering member with her mouth and pumped him with her hand simultaneously. She loved the feel of his velvety skin inside of her as each vein pulsed. Snape grabbed a hold of her hair and guided her head, making a pace that he wanted. Soon, her slow motions became faster and as he reached his climax, he shouted something that she would soon not forget.
"Lily!" he moaned as his seed shot into her mouth and down her throat.
She came up for air, staring wide-eyed at the professor, as soon as he let go of her head. She couldn't believe that he shouted HER name! Did he really think that the DADA professor was the one that gave him the ultimate pleasure? Silent tears filled Hermione's eyes as she stood up and straightened her dress. She threw off her mask and wiped her mouth… hating the tears that fell. She ran out of his office… leaving her mask behind on his desk amidst the empty bottles. She didn't stop running until she made her way to Gryffindor Tower. In the common room, couples were snogging or talking… but she could have cared less. She ran all the way up to her room, threw open her door, warded it, and collapsed on to her bed. She cried herself to sleep, still in her dress, unable to comprehend that the professor didn't even know it was her. She had a fitful night of sleep… dreams of Lily and Snape making love in front of her and laughing at her childish crush. She vowed that she would squash these stupid feelings for her professor and just concentrate on graduating… where she would soon be rid of the horrid man forever.
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Severus woke up a few hours later, and even though he had a huge hangover, he was smiling. His dream seemed so real… one that involved Lily O'Neill. He stretched and went to stand up when he realized that his pants were undone and his flaccid member was still hanging out. Could the dream have been real? He pondered this question as he fixed himself and buttoned up his pants. Then he walked over to a cabinet and pulled out the hangover potion. When the effects of the liquor started to where off, he noticed a faint scent of apples in the air. He inhaled the intoxicating scent and vowed to never forget it. He noticed that it was just slightly after 2am and knew that the ball had ended at midnight. With renewed vigor, he set off to roam the halls for any stragglers. He was in a good mood and maybe taking some house points away would make the night end even better.
He could find no students lurking about and was turning around to head to bed when a thought occurred to him. If what happened earlier wasn't a dream, then why did Lily just take off? Was she embarrassed by what she had done? Snape wanted answers but he wasn't about to go and storm into her private quarters for them. No… he would wait to see what she would do next. His days as a spy, and a Death Eater, made it easier for him to play the waiting game. He strode back into his office and with a wave of his hand, cleared his desk of the empty liquor bottles. It was then that he noticed a small plain gold mask sitting there. He picked it up and frowned. He hadn't seen Lily at the ball… but then again, maybe she was there. He wouldn't have recognized her with the mask on and he wasn't really looking for anyone in the first place. McGonagall was boring him with all her talk about his potion. No, she could have been there and he would never have known. And then, she must have followed him down here. He would just have to wait to see what transpired. All thoughts of Granger left his mind as he pondered what Lily would say to him during breakfast later. He left the mask on his desk and walked into his private chambers. Once the door was warded, he climbed into his diminutive bed and fell asleep… dreaming of chestnut hair and chocolate eyes.
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Hermione woke up earlier than she had wanted. It was a Saturday so there were no classes. Yet… she needed to do something to occupy her mind so she wouldn't think about last night. She was about to head for the bathroom when someone started knocking on her door. She tried to ignore it but the knocking just got louder. Maybe if they think I'm asleep, they'll leave me alone, she thought. No such luck. This time, though, a voice sounded beyond the closed door.
"Hermione?" Shit, it was Ron's voice. What the bloody hell did he want? And at this hour? She remained still… not even breathing. "Mione? You awake?"
She waited until she heard the familiar steps of someone leaving. She sighed in relief as she flopped back down on her bed. She pulled the covers back over her head hoping that maybe she could just sleep the day away.
"It's no use," Ron said as he joined Harry in the Common Room.
Harry looked up at Ron. "What? She's not in?" he asked as Persephone snuggled in closer to him. Harry's arm was firmly wrapped around her shoulders.
"She didn't answer," Ron replied.
"I swear I saw her come in last night," Lavender said from the corner.
"So, maybe she's just sleeping?" Harry answered.
"I guess," answered Ron. Just then, the portrait hole swung open and Ginny climbed through. Ron looked at her, his brows furrowed in confusion. "Ginny? Please tell me you're not just getting back from last night?"
Ginny smiled, weakly but no one seemed to notice, and patted her brother on the arm. "Nah, just went out for an early morning stroll." Luckily for her, she knew how to transfigure her dress into some sweats to avoid any unwanted questions.
"Oh… good. Hey, you're a girl," Ron stated.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Last time I checked."
Ron, not understanding her sarcasm, continued. "Could you check on Hermione for me? She's not answering her door."
"Maybe she's just sleeping," Ginny muttered.
Harry waved his hand. "That's what I said."
Ginny held back a giggle when she saw that Persephone had fallen asleep on Harry. At least she wouldn't have to worry about Potter anymore and that was a relief. She turned her attention back to Ron. "I'll go and check on her." With that, she bounced up the stairs to the Head Girl's room. She knocked on the door. "Hermione? You awake?" She listened for a little while than tried again. "Hermione, I know you're in there. Open the door." A few seconds later, she heard the wards come down and the door opened. Ginny cautiously stepped into the room and found Hermione sitting on her bed… her head in her hands. "Hermione? You ok?"
Hermione shook her head no. Ginny made her way over to the bed and sat down next to her friend. Hermione's eyes looked bloodshot… like she had been crying for a while. "Oh, Ginny… Why?" Hermione nearly choked on her words as her tears came back full force.
"Why what?" Ginny asked.
"Why did I do it?" Hermione stood up and walked over to the fireplace and just stared. "I should have never followed him."
Ginny grew concerned for her friend. She walked over to her and put her hand on her shoulder. "Who are you talking about? Sit, and tell me everything."
Hermione let herself be led over to the armchairs and sat down. She took a shuddering breath and told Ginny everything that happened in Snape's office. "I'm such a fool," she finished.
Ginny took her friend's hands. "What did you expect? Did you honestly think that Snape would appreciate having a student give him a blowjob? Seriously, I'm surprised you even went that far. I didn't think you had it in you."
"This is not a laughing matter." Hermione started to cry again. Ginny was right… she was fooling herself if she thought she'd ever stand a chance with a man like Severus. "How will I ever face him again?" she cried furiously.
"He doesn't even know it was you," Ginny offered.
"But I know," she sighed.
"Things will work out," Ginny offered. "But, if you don't come downstairs soon… the boys will come up and drag you out." Ginny smiled but Hermione didn't look away from the fire.
"Tell them I'll be down in a few," she stated.
"Alright. You sure you're going to be ok?" Ginny asked as she headed towards the door. Hermione merely waved her hand. Ginny sighed, turned, and walked out the door. The one person she could tell about her night with Draco was wallowing in her own misery. There must be something she could do for Hermione. Of course, she'd have to talk to Draco about it… praying that he wouldn't meddle in Hermione's affairs too much. As she descended the stairs, she answered the boys' question of Hermione's whereabouts with the response of that she would be down shortly. Then, she kissed her brother's cheek and waltzed back out of Gryffindor… hoping to find Draco and tell him everything.
A/N: Sorry this chapter is so short. I really just wanted to get this out because there will be even more interactions between the potions master and the know-it-all. I had trouble writing about fellatio so I hope it wasn't too horrible. Let me know, as I'm better at sex scenes. Oral sex is just the beginning so you don't have to spend too much time writing that part. LOL and, if you're put off by things like that… I'm sorry but I think that Snape/Hermione pairings are great. Two great minds and all…. Stay tuned for my friend's chapter where she'll go into detail about what happened to Ginny and Draco at the ball. Much love to all our reviewers.