Disclaimer:- I neither earn nor own anything you recognise. I merely like writing and exploring new frontiers for well loved characters.

sSs

A/N:- Thank you to Petite Mule for suggesting this story, and for her ideas and help proof reading it. At the end of this chapter there is a scene which involves Severus and Bella in a consenting but aggressive sexual encounter. Just a warning in case you find this offensive. I hope you enjoy this chapter…

hHh

Chapter 5 – The Final Nail In The Coffin

A dubious calm descended on Thursday and extended into Friday. Professor McGonagall soon forced Hermione back to the Great Hall for her meals after she missed Thursday breakfast and lunch. This did nothing to quell the young woman's still rolling emotions and troubled mind, as now most of the Gryffindors – even the young ones - had been turned against her and sitting with them was excruciating.

The head girl's mind was still attempting to fathom exactly what this all meant. Her thoughts now felt even more ponderous and convoluted and there was a knot tightening further in her stomach with every passing day.

Her trip down the dungeons to brew on Friday evening was accompanied by Draco. "I do not need an escort you know, I can look after myself," Hermione assured him, but she was secretly glad of the company. He's been so sweet; he's nothing like I've always been told. None of them are, she pondered as they walked.

Draco waved her off, "I need to speak with Severus about something anyway."

They arrived, and while the two men talked quietly Hermione started setting up the cauldron they used for the hospital brews. The mere presence of her professor was making her so heated. She was almost incoherent and swaying on the spot while waiting for further instructions. Hermione was so caught up in her thoughts, that his voice telling her they needed to make a cleansing potion tonight, made her jump.

She shakily collected the ingredients from the store and started preparing them. Once Draco was gone, Severus hovered behind her. Hermione could feel the heat of his body, just far enough away so she couldn't touch him, and it was maddening.

Her lack of concentration was also about to get her in even deeper. Blindly reaching for the next ingredient, she suddenly heard a voice in her ear.

"No, kitten," it purred, and a large hand closed around her.

"Sorry," she almost whimpered, before groaning at the extra contact of his hand on hers. Oh my God, did I just groan out loud? She heard a decadent chuckle slip into her ear confirming her worst fear.

"Do you know what would have happened had you added all the ginger flowers at once? There was silence as the young woman appeared to try and get her mouth to release words. Snape took pity on her, "The consequential effervescence would have resulted in a very over heated brew. It must be added slowly," he drew the word out, "so the reaction can be controlled. Nothing can be gained from rapid and uncaring insertion," he told her. "Then you need careful stirring with a knowing hand to ensure satisfactory climax."

Hermione was uncertain if they were still talking about the potion. Her chest constricted even more when she felt his hand slide around her waist. "I will hold you steady and we'll add it together, ready?" Hermione felt faint, his lips were just skimming the shell of her ear as he murmured the last word in a decadent rumble. "Open your hand, my kitten."

Hermione felt his grip on her hand slacken. But try as she might, she couldn't get her fingers to work. Oh my sweet Merlin how I want to lean back against him, give myself over to bliss. She had never thought something like this could happen to her, she now realised how much she was missing. She had always thought this wizard dark and brooding, he was, and very much forbidden fruit, but no matter what she did her mind refused to think on any other track. Even her other problems faded into nothing when he was close as he was now.

Closing her eyes, she swallowed hard and focused all her might on getting her hand to open. "That's it, slowly does it." Hermione opened her eyes to see the pink tinged flowers cascading from her hand through his fingers and into the brew.

"Good girl, kitten." The gently bubbling cauldron shimmered as each flower broke the surface of the brew.

Hermione watched, transfixed. After a moment she realised she'd forgotten her problems and was actually happy, very flustered, aroused and wanton… but happy.

Of course this feeling didn't last long. The brew finished, Severus moved away and it was time for her rounds before bed. To add to her troubled state of mind, while they'd been busy brewing, a dreadful storm had blown in.

xox

It somehow felt like winter's last stand, the cruellest night yet, in a run of abysmal evening weather. The storm outside was even making the occupants of the paintings jump with its ferocity every time lightning raced in an arc across the sky, fleeing the clattering thunder.

Severus had escorted her to the point where her nightly patrol began. To tell the truth, she was very sorry to see him leave, and not just because she wanted him near. It was a truly awful night.

Unbeknown to Hermione, as soon as he'd been swallowed by the darkness, Severus had ducked into the closest alcove, and was currently watching her looking dubiously around. Each spear of sharp light turned night momentarily into day. This is the perfect night for trouble, he thought as he stalked back into the hallway on seeing her move off. He stayed some distance behind her and drew his heavy cloak more securely around himself. No one in their right mind would be caught out here tonight, unless they had to be. Never the less I know Potter and Weasley will be out here breaking curfew. Their equipment will freeze and fall off if they have any amorous intentions. His eyebrow rose at that thought. Granted that would probably be doing the Wizarding gene pool a huge favour, he pondered, chuckling to himself, but his thoughts soon turned back to Hermione ahead of him. She still seems to be very conflicted. There was a moment tonight, when I thought I'd actually managed to distract her. I should have kept her after we finished brewing, but I suspect she may be the centre of illicit Gryffindor conversation when we find them. I hate to do this to her, but she needs to hear it straight from them, that will make her decide.

He thought back to their brewing tonight. Every time she was near him, he watched with pleasure as the pulse that thumped life through her delicate frame became a little more pronounced when his robes brushed her legs, or he lingered behind her, just close enough for her to feel his body heat. When I placed my hand on her waist to hold her steady, I thought she was going to swoon. I really wanted her to lean back against me. She smells amazing. Oh listen to yourself, I must owl Bella and go over there tomorrow night. I need relief.

He'd made a point of standing close to her while she stirred her cauldron, just to see that jump in sensation. The affect of the brush of his hand over hers was remarkable. Tonight when she had finished the cleansing Potion and turned her eyes to him, he saw the evidence he wished to, plainly written in their chocolate depths. Her pupils were dilated with lust, desire just for him.

Snape felt his body start to react to his thoughts, he wanted this little witch. He was hungry for her. His rather magnificent olfactory sense, so sensitively trained to detect the slightest change in a potion's aroma, had twitched with the delicious scent of female arousal again tonight.

Yet she wasn't ready for him, no matter how much her breast heaved, yearning for his touch, or her tender slippery flesh longed for his long pale fingers. I wonder if she touches herself after she leaves me.

His musings saw him securing his cloak around himself to hide the results. Another rattling peel of thunder broke the silence; in its wake he heard an idiotic laugh. The disturbance tore him from his thoughts; it had carried from the hallway around the corner where Hermione had just turned.

Moving quickly to the corner, he stepped closer to the wall and waited, the angry tiger awaiting his satisfaction. His kitten's sharp gasp was followed by the grating tones of idiot Potter spawn. Snape's lips curled into a smirk; complete with his brown nosing simpleton offsider, and the two Gryffindor whores. I'm sorry, my sweetheart, but you need to see and hear this.

Severus disillusioned himself and closed the distance between him and Hermione. Her reaction time's off tonight, she's hasn't even noticed me, here we go. He whispered Disillusionment and Silencing charms, and then quietly placed an arm around her middle. "Do not be frightened, kitten, I won't let anything harm you, but you need to hear this. I'm sorry, but it is imperative that you know this."

Snape heard her breathing increase. Then an almost pitiful, "Why?" escaped her lips, "I trusted you," she sounded crushed.

"And you still can, now listen. Hear what they're saying, I'm here and I won't let you go."

Hermione knew there was no point fighting him; it had been Lavender's laugh that had alerted her to their presence. Deep down she knew what she was going to hear, and that she couldn't put it off any longer. But she was tired; it had been a very emotionally strenuous week. She was freezing and just wanted to finish up and go to bed, after a nice hot soak to get her circulation moving again.

Another shaft of lightning cut through the troposphere, illuminating the scene before her. Ron had his arms around Lavender; her so called boyfriend was cuddling and necking in a way he'd never done with her, with Lavender sodding Brown.

The Potions master's voice purred in her ear once more. "Listen and watch, my kitten. We will punish them later, but now you need to free yourself from them." Hermione watched in horror as a giggling Lavender turned her head around for a heated kiss. They were both laughing and kissing. It feels like they're mocking me. He's never kissed me like that.

Another voice echoed up the corridor. "So where's the ugly mudblood tonight, I hope the slack bitch is doing your homework again. She caused you both so much trouble this week? Ginny Weasley turned; she had a sneer on her face and slapped her brother. "Oi, stop snogging Lav and tell me, ay."

"Why should I care where Miss frigid bloody Hermione Granger is, thank fuckin' Merlin she's not here?" He turned to Harry who was busy devouring Ginny pulse point, "Hey Harry," he called, "would it be all right if I stopped pretending to be the troll's boyfriend soon? Lav wants us to be able to say we're a couple."

Harry pushed Ginny away roughly and pulled Ron away from Lavender. "Now you listen here Ronald Weasley, after your piss poor effort at keeping her on the hook in Potions this afternoon, I'd say that's a big NO!" Harry seethed, holding the redhead by his robe collars. "And further more if you expect to pass, you need to keep sucking up to her big time, so the silly bitch keeps doing our work for us. I'm sure as hell not touching her. Ugly little maggot." Harry's smile turned nasty, "Besides your Mummy thinks you're going to marry her," he laughed.

"Oh, yeh. That's right, sorry Lav."

"Ohhh, Won Won," she slid her body up and down his then whispered something in his ear.

"Yeh, too right," he answered. "It's only til bloody school's finished."

"But I want to go to the graduation ball with you," the blonde witch pouted.

Ron smirked evilly at Harry. "Maybe I'll drop Granger just before the exams, give her a challenge. Let's see if the smart cow can do her exams while pining over me." He started backing Lavender into the alcove, "Now you said something about fucking."

Hermione was dumbfounded; this was actually all true, this is what they thought of her. Everything just crashed down on top of her. She was openly sobbing now, Severus turned her, and secreting her within his voluminous teaching robes with an arm around her, he cancelled the Disillusionment charm on himself. Secure in the knowledge no one could see her, his voice took them completely be surprise. "Potter, Weasley, Brown and Weasley," a peel of thunder crackled, perfectly coordinating with his roar of displeasure. "Take yourselves back to your common room immediately. Fifty points each will be deducted from Gryffindor, and you will all report to me tomorrow night at 7 pm, then for the following 10 days as well, for detention," he barked, there was stunned silence before they scattered.

It was then he looked down at the woman sobbing uncontrollable within his embrace. "Damn," he intoned softly, and waited for the coast to be clear.

xox

A quick Patronus to Draco alerted his snakes to what had happened, they were sneaky enough to find the little shits and retaliate without getting caught. Severus knew every secret passage in the castle, and he used them now. Sweeping the shivering and distraught witch into his arms, he kissed her forehead. "I'll get you somewhere safe, kitten. Hold on."

One more turn and they came out next to his quarters. Once inside, he thought about Calming brew but decided Firewhisky would solve two problems, it would calm and warm her. He placed her gently on the lounge and covered her with a fur rug he kept for cold winter nights. She whimpered when he let her go, "I'm not going anywhere, I'll be back, here wipe your eyes, little one," he said, handing her a cloth and quickly shedding his cloak. He sent it and his teaching robes to their peg by the door and walked to his drinks cabinet.

Coming back he placed the whisky on the coffee table. Lifting Hermione's head and shoulders off the lounge, he sat and pulled her into his lap, knowing she needed the assurance of his security. Summoning the glass he asked her to drink, "Just a small sip sweet girl, its strong liquor."

Hermione gingerly took a tiny bit into her mouth. She coughed and wheezed as it went down, but it warmed her, and surprisingly she quite liked the burn. "Good girl," Severus purred into her ear. "Is this uncomfortable for you? You may sit on the lounge if you wish."

"No," her tiny, crying cracked voice said, "I like sitting like this with you," she continued in a barely audible voice, and snuggled close.

"I'm pleased," Severus returned, "Have one more sip, then we're having a talk," he said, his tone broaching no argument.

Hermione obeyed, and Severus produced another clean handkerchief and handed it to her, vanishing the soiled one. "Wipe your eyes, kitten."

Severus was pleased when she did as he asked and he felt her snuggle into his chest once more. But this was also the start of his undoing, as his traitorous mind told him how comfortable she felt there. He tried to ignore it, but as he stroked her hair to comfort her, he realised he was doing it because it felt good and not just because it was a comfort for her.

After that realisation his internal struggled went downhill. It didn't show on his facade, but he suddenly felt like he was sinking in quicksand. Regardless, he ignored it and ploughed on. But, lifting her face to his and seeing her pretty eyes all red and swollen, still swimming with tears, hurt him deeply.

Severus tried to disregard the affect of her sorrow on him. The mantra in his head became more insistent. You are only doing this because she's down trodden, not because you care for her. She is a project, you will make certain she has her start on the right foot and you will let her go her own way, just like Emily. But his urge to kiss her grew, and he hoped valiantly that she was too distracted to feel the evidence to the contrary of his minds assertions. He cleared his throat, "Now I'm going to talk and you're going to listen, very well?"

Hermione was already feeling blissful from his attentions, and as the whisky added to the sensation of unreality and she sighed, whispering, "Yes, Severus,"

"Good. Now you need to know that what you heard in the hallway on the seventh floor was what the people who have been masquerading as your friends all these years actually think of you." He watched a hot fat tear trickle down her face, the sob that escaped with it twisted his heart. His internal battle upped its defences. You are cold and heartless, you will not feel anything, you will call scheming Bella tonight, straight after this and you will fuck her mercilessly into your mattress, you cannot feel with your heart for this beautiful innocent creature, he asserted cruelly. But even as his voice placated softly, "Shh, darling one," and he brushed the back of his hand across her cheek to tenderly remove her tear, he was becoming aware that he did indeed care for her.

Taking a deep breath he spoke again, "But what is even more important for you to hear, is that they are superficial fools, and the only ones who think that. You are a lovely and vivacious young woman, who with a few tiny adjustments and a boost in her confidence will be simply irresistible."

"I will?" she blinked at him. "No one's ever told me I'm lovely."

"Well believe it, because you are." Knowing his self control was not endless he started summing up. "Now tomorrow, I will escort you to Longbottom Hall. We are taking tea with Lady Augusta Longbottom and Justice, The Right Honourable Cygnus Prewitt."

Hermione looked up at him, "The two Gryffindor governors I saw in your memory on Wednesday."

"Yes, they wish to speak to you."

"What about?"

"Well for one thing, I believe they wish to inform you that not all Gryffindors are as one eyed as the chief Gryffindors and the current members of your house, and I believe they also have a proposal for you." Severus had heard in her last words that she was starting to sound tired, and he went on not allowing her to ask any more questions. "You're staying down here tonight," he continued, "so come, I'll make you comfortable."

Hermione was just reluctantly getting off Severus' lap when there was a scratching noise on the door. Moving to opened it, Severus was accosted by a large ball of orange fur. "I do believe your familiar has found you, my kitten," he drawled openly amused, as the half kneazle strutted into the room like he owned it, glaring at the Potions master as he passed him.

"Um… is that all right with you?"

"As long as he is a gentleman and doesn't bother Persephone."

Hermione turned to see a sleek black cat, with lamplight yellow eyes and long ears lifting her head from her fireside position to examine the interloper, her tail twitching rhythmically. She hadn't even noticed the majestic looking feline before. "Hear that Crooks, better be on your best behaviour." Crouching down she scratched him behind the ears and he rubbed his head on her leg.

"He will be good company for you," the Potions master asserted, as he led them to a door. "This will be your bedroom, you have your own bathroom and you will find the drawers and wardrobe full of clothes. Think of everything in these two rooms as yours," he said. He smiled hearing her gasp and waited for her question.

"M-mine, but whose are they really?"

"That is not a question for tonight; allow me to just say that you will not be usurping anyone by using them. Now I suggest a relaxing bath and a vial of Dreamless Sleep for you. Good night, sweet girl." He allowed himself one caress of her cheek. "The sleeping potion will be on your beside table when you return from the bath."

Hermione nodded, she felt lighter than air, even after what had happened. "Thank you, you have been very kind," she asserted, boldly clutching his hand and bringing it fervently to her lips.

Severus wanted to snatch it away like it had burnt him; it was painful to him because it was so beautiful. Especially when he realised her touch was something he craved badly, but he stoically made himself remain his control. "It was nothing, I shall see you in the morning," he replied in a business like way, pulling his hand out of her grasp.

"Good night," she said, confused and finally seeing he would do no more.

"Don't forget that potion, you need your sleep." The last thing I need is you catching me with Bella; you wouldn't understand that yet, my darling. Having closed the door behind her and her orange monster, Severus brought the hand she'd kissed up to look at it. It was still tingling from her touch. Not able to help himself he placed his lips over where she'd kissed it. Of course this caused a callous reaction from his sensible brain. Get a grip old man; she's a project, nothing more, it reminded him.

xox

Snape had now arranged for his occasional lover to floo straight to his bedroom. He'd told her to make herself comfortable when she arrived. Consequentially, half an hour later when he felt her come through his wards he arrived from his office to greet her. The Potions master had permanent silencing charms active on this room, because his sex life was nobody's business. He entered his bedroom and found her decorously arranged on his favourite armchair.

Ever the bold Bella, she was clothed in a rich dark green negligee. It was floor length and fell slightly open as she waited, revealing luxurious black underwear. She tittered and ran her finger sensuously through her lips, eyes trained on Severus' bulging crotch. "Don't tell me the virgin lioness is getting to you, darling," she purred, smiling at him suggestively.

Knowing he needed this - had to do it - there was no way he could hold himself in check without it. Yet he found himself defending Hermione, hissing through his teeth in opposition to her assertion. "Do not call her that, she is a chaste young woman. There is nothing wrong with that."

This scenario suddenly wasn't a good idea. Bella's brown eyes weren't the brown eyes he craved. Her painted lips were wrong and her copious black curls, the incorrect colour. Oh shit, don't think that… you're only helping Hermione. Your heart can't enter this, it is cold and dead. Stay impartial, he told himself.

Bella could see his interest flagging, visibly deflating as she watched. Rising with feline grace, she locked eyes with his and closed the distance between them. This usually garnered a positive reaction from him, yet tonight he merely looked on dispassionately.

Sensing his mood, she cautiously moved to placate him. Stroking his chest softly, her fingers trailed towards his crotch, causing him to release a breath in response. "That's my Sev," she crooned.

He faltered hearing her words, and roughly grabbed her hands halting her movements, before stating coldly. "I am not nor will I ever be, your Sev. I am no one's."

Her eyes sparkled with mischief and she ignored his statement, she was only teasing him, but it was interesting to think he felt the need to chastise her. She knew why she was here, merely to offer relief to her friend. Hooking her fingers around his belt buckle she pulled him by it until he was standing and she was sitting once more in the chair. Within seconds, her skilled fingers had released him. She watched with practiced eyes as his impressive manhood appeared, although now only half hard.

Bella licked her ruby lips and smiled when she felt him twitch under her red taloned fingers as she encompassed him. Holding his cock steady, the end of her tongue flicked around the head, and soon had him ready for action using her warm mouth and skilful hands.

Severus hissed out a breath through his teeth and moved his hands to her head to control her mouth, closing his eyes to savour the moment, he found himself denied when Hermione's face swam before him on the screen of his mind. He reacted badly, and roughly thrust himself into Bella's mouth. How dare she, how could this happen to me, he asserted internally, fucking his companion's mouth with little care.

Hearing Bella gagging from his efforts, drew him from his thoughts. It was at that moment that he realised his dispassionate façade had cracked and he needed to get this little scene over, he merely needed release. Reefing her head back, he watched his now lipstick smeared member pop out of her mouth.

Undeterred, Bella observed him. This was going to be a wild ride; but she loved it when he was in a bad mood and dominated her completely. He's such a sexual animal when he's mad. This little Gryffindor's really got under his skin, and he was never going to like that. As if to punctuate this, Bella found herself being brusquely spun around. The sudden jolting sound of her green silk robe being ripped from her body, made her wetter.

Her expensive lace knickers met the same fate. Severus wasted no time when he found her ready for him. Growling he slammed home, accompanied by her squeal of delight. Sheathing himself in one stroke, he set a brutal pace, scowling as she vocalised her approval loudly.

"Harder, Sev," she encouraged, and a moaned, "Yes," left her lips when he obliged. "Oh yes, that's it… just there."

The sounds of her of pleasure filling his ears, made him madder. He was not in the mood for her talk, and was tempted to put up a silencing charm, but that would be tipping the balance. So he concentrated on his task of fucking the witch, livid that she was enjoying herself. His fingers dug further into the flesh at her hips, and his thrusts pounded into her with little or no regard. His mantra of, I'm a cruel heartless bastard, continued to echo around his mind.

His hands moved from their bruising purchase on her hips. One pushing the middle of her back down and the other grabbing a handful of her copious curls and pulling her top half more upright he started ploughing into her again.

It was only as she started to contract around him and came with a wracking sob like cry that he realised that he had completely lost it. He had taken his pain and confusion out on one of his dearest friends. Her orgasm toppled him into his, but shame filled him as he looked down at the sagging woman impaled on his still twitching cock. He was abruptly filled with remorse and oblivious to everything except his now overwhelming regret.

Feeling fingers trying to loosen the grip of his hand, Severus realised he was still holding Bella's hair in a punishing grasp. His fingers sprang open in shock. Producing his wand to clean them both he then turned away, truly shocked.

By the time she'd regained her composure he'd tucked himself away. She studied him a moment. "Sev, we have had an arrangement for physical release on the rare occasions when we need it for many years. But you cannot run away from your feelings for your little ingénue by fucking me," she stated seriously.

He now took in her changed appearance. While he had not been watching, she had vanished the ripped clothing and transfigured her satin corset into a robe. Her face wore an expression both impartial and inscrutable.

"I do not have feelings," he snarled, but even he flinched at how insincere and petulant he sounded.

"Bella smiled and curled her hand around his neck, drawing him down for a kiss. "Darling, we've been friends too long, I know you. Stop running. I don't think this would be a good idea again." She motioned between them with her hand. Kissing him once more, she turned to the floo. "Now, I'm certain you have some serious thinking to do. I believe will be confining myself to my delicious Julien from now on. Good night, Sev, don't fight so hard, I think she'll be good for you." With a last caress, she picked up floo powder and was gone.

Severus collapsed into his chair the moment she disappeared, mortified and feeling much worse than he had before his encounter with Bella. It had proven nothing, and had possibly broken a dear friendship. Was he turning into his father?

Rising he procured a drink, sitting back down he studied his drink morosely. It was that moment he realised Firewhisky is the exact same colour as the amber flecks in Hermione's eyes. He felt like throwing the drink in disgust, but drank it instead and poured another.