It Happened One Hallow's Eve

by Ms-Figg

Honorable!Snape and Student!Hermione Severus Snape is sent to save Hermione from evil ghosts. Her innocence is a liability. But she doesn't want to be innocent. They must survive until sunrise. A relationship develops. AUAR, Graphic Lemon,MF

5. Part 4

It Happened One Hallow's Eve Part 4

Hermione's stomach felt as if it were turning inside out as she entered Severus' bedroom. The wizard turned her toward him, his face sober as he looked down at the witch, his black eyes focusing on her mouth for a moment. He brought one pale hand to her cheek and caressed it gently.

"You're sure about this, Hermione?" he asked her once more, though the gods knew he didn't want her to back out now. He was so ready for the witch.

Hermione looked up at him.

"Yes, I'm ready…and I think this should be a memory for Voldemort. My first time performing fellatio. It should be popcorn worthy," Hermione said, trying to sound light-hearted though she was a bit afraid now. What if she wasn't good?

Severus studied her.

"If we make this a memory, Hermione…" he began.

"I know," she said softly, "I know how you'll have to act, Severus. But at least you could let me start the way I want, couldn't you? You could block that part out with Occlumency so Voldemort won't see."

The wizard met her eyes. No one had ever looked at him…with such desire…such trust.

"Yes, Hermione…I can do that," he said, a slight hitch in his silken voice as the witch reached up and pulled him down into a soft, sweet kiss.

"Put your arms around me," the witch said against his mouth, "I need to feel how you really feel about me, Severus…before we do this."

Severus did as the witch asked, holding her close as they kissed deeply, feeling Hermione heating up in his arms, and an answering desire running the length and breadth of his body as he lost himself in the witch.

She kissed him hungrily, her passion like an all consuming fire washing over him, her need igniting the wizard as if he were made of dried kindling. As their tongues battled, he felt the witch pull back from his body slightly, her arms slip from around his neck and her hands reach between them, unfastening the top button of his robes. They continued kissing as Hermione unfastened his garments, panting into his mouth as her hands moved lower. He felt her part the heavy fabric, then her hands returned to his throat again

Hermione pulled away from his mouth, her eyes focused on his white shirt as she opened it, revealing the pale, muscled torso beneath. She stared at his alabaster flesh as she tugged his shirt out of his black trousers, Severus watching her, unmoving, his hands on her small waist, his eyes like smoldering charcoal. He hissed when she slid her hands around his waist, pressed her lips to his chest and began to kiss it almost reverently, sighing as she did so. Severus began to caress Hermione's hair gently, slipping his fingers into the curls, massaging her scalp as his other hand caressed her back. The wizard closed his eyes in pleasure as her mouth moved over his skin, soft, warm and promising, her lips pulling at his nipples, then hesitating before she drew one, then the other into her mouth, the wizard hissing as she did so.

"Yes, Hermione," he sighed, urging the witch on as she moved lower, her hands exploring his back, her mouth moving over his belly, licking and sucking at him. Dear gods the witch was going to make him explode before she got to her destination.

He felt her hands slide to his sides as she lowered herself to the floor, her gaudy Christmas skirt fanned around her. He looked down at the witch, who was staring at the huge bulge in his trousers, then she looked up at him…hunger in her eyes.

"Do it," Severus breathed down at her, feeling as if he couldn't think, couldn't draw another breath if the witch didn't act soon, "Open my trousers, witch. I feel as if I'm going to explode."

Hermione slowly lowered her eyes again and fumbled a bit with his silver Slytherin buckle before opening it, letting it fall and dangle, her eyes resting on the coiled serpent for a moment before bringing her hands to the single button of his trousers. She grasped the black button between thumb and forefinger and after several tries pushed it through the buttonhole. Severus groaned as she tugged at the zipper, jerking him slightly before drawing it down. His boxers ballooned through the opening.

Hermione hesitated.

"Keep going," Severus hissed at her, his eyes glazed with desire now, his nostrils flared, "You're almost there…almost at the prize."

The wizard pushed his hips forward slightly as urgency took him over. His hand began to tighten in Hermione's hair. Severus was moving into the zone now. "Keep going," he growled.

Hermione felt his hold on her hair tighten, and a small gush poured out of her as he demanded she continue.

"Gods," she breathed, shuddering as she grasped the legs of his trousers and pulled downward, the fabric sliding down around his thighs, his boxers ballooning even larger.

Severus was trembling himself now, his need taking over. He was impatient. He wanted to feel Hermione's mouth on him, wanted to feel her heat and wetness encircle his aching organ, bringing him relief.

"My boxers. Down. Now," he managed to get out, jerking her head slightly to make her comply. Hermione creamed herself and hooked her hands into the elastic waistband and did as he asked.

His thick pale tool sprang out, hitting her in the chin, the wizard letting out a groan as his swollen organ rested against her face for a moment, the head leaking profusely. Hermione moved back slightly, her eyes hot as she looked at his erection before grasping it in both hands and flicking her tongue over the tip, tasting him. She paused as she absorbed his slightly salty, bitter yet clean flavor. Severus groaned again as her hot hands grasped him and her tongue flicked over him.

"Kiss it," he breathed.

Hermione looked up at him and kissed the tip, just like in the image she showed him during the attempted Occlumency lessons. Severus shuddered.

"All over…kiss it all over witch," he instructed hoarsely, again jerking her head slightly. "Kiss it, lick it. Make me feel good."

Hermione began to kiss and lick his organ, feeling its strength and heat under her lips as she moved from tip to stem and back again, Severus moaning with pleasure and guiding her lightly.

"My balls…lick them too," he breathed, pulling her downward and throwing his head back as her tongue rolled over them. Then the witch sucked them into her mouth.

"Gahhh!" the wizard gurgled in shock and pleasure as he filled her mouth. "Yes. Yes. You naughty little witch. Mmmm."

Hermione rolled the little stones around in her mouth gently. That had to feel good to him, the way he was groaning and pressing his loins against her face. She thought she felt a little pulse from them as she suckled them. The wizard began to gasp.

"Stop!" he hissed, yanking Hermione's head back by the hair and pulling out of her mouth with a pop.

The witch was panting prettily, flushed and excited by Severus' reactions to her. It was as if he couldn't help anything he was saying or doing. All his discipline was gone. And she had taken it.

Severus looked down at her, his eyes full of lust and hunger.

"Now it's time for the main event, Hermione. I expect you to become proficient at this," he purred, pulling her back farther then reaching down and grasping his organ, pressing the head of it against her soft lips with a groan.

"Open up and let me into that hot, sweet, virgin mouth," he breathed.

Hermione obediently opened her mouth and felt his hardness fill it, the soft skin behind the thick head sliding back as her lips closed on his shaft.

"Aahhhh," Severus groaned. "Now suck on it, Hermione. Move your head back and forth. Yessss, just like that witch. Oh….yes. Yes."

Severus closed his eyes and again threw his head back as Hermione's hot, wet mouth began to move back and forth over him, her tongue whirling, sucking strongly just the way he liked. Gods, it was as if the witch were tailor-made for him. The Potions Master let go of his organ, grasped her jaw and began to thrust deeper into her mouth. Hermione instinctively held on to the back of his thighs for balance as the wizard began to draw her over him faster.

Suddenly the witch gagged and Severus slowed for a moment.

"Relax, don't fight it," he hissed, starting back again, groaning as he possessed the witch's mouth hungrily, his face contorted. "You wanted this, Hermione. You've been after me for weeks. Now suck it."

Severus sped up his possession of the witch, driving into her mouth passionately, his teeth bared in a grimace of pleasure as he watched himself slide between the witch's lips, her eyes half-closed as she accepted him. She was so turned on by Severus' roughness, his urgency as his hardness filled her mouth over and over, his pale hands dragging her over him. The witch was close to orgasm, deriving pleasure from the wizard as he did as he wished, claiming her mouth with abandon.

Severus began murmuring obscenities as he worked the witch, cocking his head as he took what he wanted from Hermione almost brutally, praising her and cursing her as she brought him closer and closer to the edge, the room around him fading out, the only thing real the lovely little witch on her knees before him doing her best to make him crumble…and the wizard could feel himself toppling, falling to her physically and something beyond physically.

Suddenly, Hermione let out a small cry around him, and the wizard paused, feeling her shuddering.

"You came," he breathed down at her, then he began to move wildly, trying to catch her swell.

"You sweet little…" the wizard hissed, gripping her head tightly and shoving himself as deep into her mouth as he could, his balls drawing up. "Swallow me, Hermione! Swallow!"

The wizard let out a roar and bent over the witch as he ejaculated, his eyes rolling up with bliss as his seed blasted through him, filling Hermione's throat as she gulped him down. There was no spillage as she swallowed, in fact very little taste as well since Severus was pressed so deep in her mouth, quaking against her and gasping as if he couldn't get enough air. He held her head tightly, pulsing powerfully, groaning with pleasure until his release ended, and the world returned.

Breathing heavily, the wizard straightened, relaxing his grip on the witch and slowly withdrawing, his member flopping heavily against his thigh. He tilted the witch's face up, studying her. Hermione's eyes were closed and Severus could see wet streaks under her eyes as her breasts rose and fell with spent passion and great emotion.

"Hermione?" he said gently, still filling the thrill of their act running through him.

Her eyes slowly opened and she looked at him, her gaze hot and soft.

"Did I do all right?" she asked him, her brow furrowing slightly.

Severus drew her up and pulled her against him, pressing his lips against her forehead, then against her mouth before he replied.

"You were exquisite, Hermione. Perfect," he said, kissing her again. And she had been.

He held her for a few moments before releasing her and drawing up his boxers, then his trousers, fastening them, Hermione watching with a sad expression on her face.

"What's wrong?" the wizard asked her, walking her to the bed and both of them sitting down on the edge of it.

"I don't want to leave," the witch said softly, resting her head on his shoulder. Severus reflexively wrapped his arm around her.

"But you have to leave, Hermione," he said gently.

"I want you to take me Severus…I thought this would be enough but I feel as if a furnace is burning inside of me. Let's make another memory. I want to feel what you're like. The blowjob was so good…you were so…so….gods I can't describe how you made me feel. My body is hungry all over," the witch breathed. "I need more, Severus. More of you."

Severus listened to her, closing his eyes against the temptation. The way he felt right now, he could just lose himself completely in her.

"Let me spend the night," Hermione said, drawing her hand across his pale belly beneath his open shirt, "I want to stay with you, Severus. You can take me all night long. Satisfy this ache inside me completely. I want to know what it's like to be satisfied. I'm always wanting you."

"You'll be missed from Gryffindor tower," the wizard said, knowing she wouldn't be. There was no Head of House taking count. Hermione continued caressing his belly softly, her fingers moving over the tight ridges. They felt so good.

"You know I won't Severus. Let me stay. Please. You'll be glad I did," the witch said persuasively.

Severus looked at her, his dark eyes seeming to see through her. Her words, combined with her gentle petting were breaking him down.

"If you stay, Hermione…it will be a long, long night…" he began.

Hermione felt him giving in.

"That's what I want. A long night with you on top of me," she breathed.

Severus looked at her, desire once again taking him over as he pulled her toward him. He was done for. The witch had broken down his resistance. But it felt good to give in.

"You are a dangerous weakness, Hermione Granger, a very dangerous weakness indeed," he breathed, claiming her mouth hungrily, both falling back to the bed, once again lost to their passion.

---

Severus knew it was folly to let Hermione spend the night with him. He was being weak, foolish, led by his libido, his lust and his attraction to the witch, particularly his desire to claim her again as his own. As Hermione crawled all over him, seeming to have more limbs than the giant squid as she managed to get his robes and shirt off, Severus found he didn't give a damn about his lack of discipline.

"Slow down, witch," he gasped as Hermione crawled off the bed after opening his trousers. She pulled off his boots and socks, then grabbed the bottom of his trousers and yanked hard, pulling them down his thighs, then shaking them roughly from side to side until she got them below his knees then ripped them off of him, throwing them to the floor.

"The exuberance of youth," the wizard thought as Hermione leaned over him, hooking her hands into the elastic of his boxers breathlessly. He clasped her hands.

"Now wait a minute witch. You haven't removed any of your garments yet," he said to her silkily.

Hermione straightened and pulled her wand out of her sweater sleeve and pointed it at herself.

"Divesto," she said, all of her clothing disappearing.

Severus blinked at her as the witch placed her wand on the nightstand.

"Now, out of those boxers," Hermione said, bending over him again, her breasts swinging invitingly.

Severus obediently lifted his hips and Hermione slid them down, then tossed them aside like she did his trousers, shirt and robes, all of which lay crumpled on the floor. The wizard lay naked on his back turned sideways in the bed, Hermione looking as his nude body hungrily. The wizard scowled.

"I don't appreciate your shabby treatment of my clothing," he said archly, "They are rather expensive. They should be hung up or at least placed on the chair."

"You can hang them up later," Hermione breathed, climbing on top of the wizard and kissing him passionately, sliding her hands into his lank hair. Severus gave himself over to Hermione's enthusiasm, delighting in her innocent passion for him as her hot little tongue practically raped his mouth. She was getting much better at kissing, and her soft body writhed over his, the witch humping against his cock and getting the desired reaction as the wizard began to harden.

Severus pulled back from her mouth, gasping.

"I need air, witch," he said as Hermione fell to his throat, the wizard arching his head back to give her more access as his hands smoothed over her shoulders, back and ass. Hermione didn't answer as she worked on marking him. Severus realized what she was doing and tried to pull away, but Hermione clung to his neck like a vampire, doubling her efforts.

"Arrrgh!" Severus groaned as her teeth nipped at his skin, "Stop it witch. You can't mark me like a fifth year."

But it was too late. Hermione pulled back and examined her handiwork. Then she looked at the scowling wizard.

"It's official. You belong to me, Severus Snape…you've got the mark to prove it," she said, smiling at him naughtily.

Severus felt a little tug inside at her declaration, as well as a powerful throb in his nether regions. Hermione felt it too, and her eyes went hot.

"I do, do I?" he asked the witch, his scowl easing and voice low as his dark eyes rested on her face.

"Yes," she said softly, kissing him again.

Severus accepted her kiss for a few seconds. Her ardor and nakedness was too inviting and the wizard suddenly stopped her.

"Get in the bed properly," he said hoarsely, "It's time for me to mark you too…the difference being my mark will be internal. Only we will know it's there."

The wizard meant the ache he would leave behind when he took the witch…if she could take it. He'd have to find out first. Hermione slid off him and Severus repositioned himself in the bed, the witch laying down facing him. Without ceremony he rolled on top of her, fitting himself securely between her thighs, his cock resting on her vulva. He slid it up and down against her, and Hermione let out a delicious moan, her eyes fairly flaring with desire and need.

"Oh gods," she said, looking up at the wizard, "Severus, I want this so much."

"Do you?" he asked her, working his body faster, the witch undulating beneath him.

"Yes!" Hermione said with a sob as his hardness slid back and forth between her thighs. The wizard's cock was covered in her juices, she was so turned on. Severus kissed her, continuing his teasing, the witch groaning into his mouth and pulling at his body with her small hands. He growled as she gripped his buttocks then stopped moving.

"Severus," Hermione cried out.

"Shhh," he breathed, sliding his arms under her legs and spreading the witch under him, raising himself up on his hands, then using one to position his swollen organ at her entrance. Hermione buckled as she felt his hardness against her, and looked at him with such need the wizard shuddered. He replaced his hand on the bed, nestled against the witch and stared down at her. So young…so lovely in his eyes.

"This won't be in the memory, Hermione…but you have become more than a desire…you are a need now witch," he said softly. "I don't deserve you, but having had you, I will not let you go…do you understand me? You have added a dimension to my life I've never had before, and it is addicting. You are addicting. You will stay in my life, witch until I cease to draw another breath. You belong to me now. If any other wizard touches you…"

Here a dangerous look filled the wizard's eyes.

"I will kill him. If you have let him touch you…there will be dire consequences for you as well. I do not share what belongs to me, Hermione Granger, and you…you belong to me. Remain loyal to me witch, and there is nothing on this earth I won't do for you."

Hermione gazed up at the wizard, absorbing his dark, passionate statement. He hadn't said he loved her, but he expressed…in a rather frightening way, that he wanted to keep her to himself. Always. That couldn't be far from love.

Hermione felt she already loved the wizard, but she had never loved a man before and couldn't be sure. But she knew she didn't want anyone else but Severus.

"All that I am is yours, Severus," she said softly. "Yours alone."

The hard look went out of the wizard's eyes. They became soft, almost tender.

"Give me all that you are then, witch," he breathed, entering her in one smooth motion, his girth and length filling Hermione to the hilt.

"Ooooh," the witch moaned as the wizard hissed at her tightness and warmth. He began to move, gently at first, groaning with pleasure as Hermione pulsed around him, caressing him, receiving him, her sweet voice washing over him like a blessing.

"So good," he breathed, feeling his belly tighten as he moved inside the witch. He looked down and watched as his huge shaft penetrated her pink core over and over, his pale shaft shining as if oiled. He gave the witch long, deep strokes, pulling almost completely out of her before returning, a little deeper, a little harder, her body beginning to bounce rhythmically as he took her.

Severus closed his eyes and leaned his head back, biting his lip as he rode the witch.. Gods, Hermione had the best sex he'd ever experienced. It could be he felt that way because he was the only man to ever have sex with her, but for whatever reason, it was true. He began to stroke her harder, burying himself inside her, listening to her voice to gauge how well she accepted him.

Hermione was in heaven as the wizard's hardness slid in and out of her body. The harder he hit her, the better it was.

"You feel so good, Severus," she managed to whisper to the wizard. "Harder. I want you harder."

Severus drew back and gave the witch what she wanted, slamming into her and holding himself there as she shrieked, then began to shudder powerfully.

"Was it too much?" he asked the witch, who couldn't answer him, but she opened her eyes and they were blazing. Severus continued to stare down at her.

"I like it," she breathed.

Thank the gods.

The wizard dropped to the witch's body, releasing her legs and locking his mouth to hers as he began to take her thoroughly, driving into her with increasing force, Hermione crying out into his mouth as he flexed over her, moving faster, sweat beginning to trickle down his back. Yes, oh yes…she was taking him.

Hermione kissed the wizard frantically between shrieks as he drove into her harder and harder feeling his power, his strength, his ache as he wrapped his arms around her, his tongue deep in her mouth, groaning and growling against her lips as he jerked her body roughly. This was how she thought a man was supposed to feel. How she was supposed to feel. Completely possessed, completely wanted. The ache felt so right…so perfect.

Suddenly Severus pulled away from her mouth and let out a cry of pain that startled her. He stopped and rolled off her body, grasping his arm. Hermione let out a cry as he separated from her. It had been so, so good.

"Noooo," he groaned, his black eyes full of pain as he looked at the witch. "I have to go, Hermione…I'm being summoned by Voldemort."

"No, Severus…we haven't made enough of a memory," she gasped at him.

The wizard sat up.

"It will have to do…I think it will be enough," he said, his black eyes full of hunger as he looked at her. "I have to go, or the pain will start again. I'm sorry, Hermione."

He climbed over the witch and still erect, walked over to his discarded robes, searched the pockets for his wand then scourgified himself. It wouldn't do to appear before the Dark Lord smelling of pussy. Hmm, then again…considering the situation it might have pleased Voldemort if he did turn up smelling of a student. Ah, well…too late now.

Hermione watched silently as he pulled on his boxers. Her body was protesting as she watched the wizard cover up what she wanted and needed. Severus turned and looked at her.

"You may stay here tonight if you like, witch. I don't know when I will return. Voldemort is aware this is a holiday and I don't have classes. Perhaps he will let me return more quickly if he thinks I intend to spend the holidays defiling you. We can hope," he said, sliding open a panel in the wall and pulling out his Death Eater robes.

Hermione watched as he donned the robes, the cone-like hood hanging in back. He picked up his shoes and socks, walked back over to the bed and sat down, pulling them on. Then he turned and looked at Hermione.

"I am sorry," he said softly, leaning down and kissing her mouth softly. Hermione wanted to haul him back into the bed, but knew he would resist. He had to.

"Just go, Severus. Go and come back to me. Tell him I'm in your bed and you pretended you needed to go to the lab so I wouldn't know you were summoned. He'll let you come back," she said.

Severus eyed the witch. She would have made a good Slytherin the way she thought.

"Not a bad idea for a Gryffindor," he said, pulling his Death Eater half-mask out of his pocket and drawing it on. He pulled up the pointed hood, and Hermione felt her heart catch as she looked at the half skull face, the wizard's sensuous mouth and jaw visible. He was frightening. All Death Eaters were frightening.

Severus arched an eyebrow beneath the mask and moved toward her as if to kiss her again. Hermione drew back reflexively.

The wizard smirked. He knew he would get that reaction. Maybe one day he'd do her wearing the mask and the robes.

"Take care, witch," he said, disapparating with a crack of thunder.

Hermione sat up in the bed and wrapped her arms around her belly.

"Come back to me, Severus," she said to the empty space. "I'd die if anything happened to you."

---

Severus appeared in the Dark Lord's throne room. There were about twenty other Death Eaters present, all big and all looking at him with narrowed eyes beneath their masks. This didn't bode well at all. Voldemort sat on his throne of bones on a slightly raised dais, his red eyes resting on the wizard as he bowed low, his eyes on the floor.

"I am here, my Lord," Severus said, his stomach tight.

Voldemort studied him for a moment.

"Arise, Severus and approach the throne. I hope you have some interesting news for me this time. You have been sorely lacking as of late, and my patience with you has expired," the red-eyed wizard said in his high-pitched voice.

Ah, so that explained the burly Death Eaters. Voldemort intended to punish him if he was not pleased with his information. He would be beaten by them first, then manacled and whipped terribly. But he would not be killed, he knew that much…he was still important to the despot.

Severus straightened and approached the throne.

"Speak," Voldemort commanded, his forked tongue flicking impatiently from his lipless mouth.

"Order membership has dropped significantly, the members believing you are not as much a threat as perceived. Albus is about to have a recruitment drive to up the numbers…they are at an all-time membership low and at a disadvantage," the wizard lied, "There are only about fifteen hundred members now, as opposed to the four thousand they had two years ago. It seems your decision to lie low is paying off, my Lord."

Severus was lying his ass off. The Order was ten thousand strong. If they could trick Voldemort into making a move, his forces could be overcome and the wizard defeated.

Voldemort tapped one thin elegant finger against his cheek.

"That is interesting news, Severus. How did you come by it?" the despot asked him.

"I was meeting with the Headmaster in his office when he was suddenly called away. I searched his desk and found the membership roster and recruitment drive information. I read them quickly and was seated by the time he returned," the wizard replied straight-faced.

"Good," Voldemort replied. "This information pleases me."

The Death Eaters standing about all sighed. No fun tonight.

Severus bowed, then said, "I have some other, more personal news that might also please my Lord. I ask permission to share it with you."

Voldemort looked very interested.

"Personal news you say, Severus? Well, out with it," the despot said.

"I have bedded Harry Potter's best friend and the witch believes I want a relationship with her. She was seventeen at the time of her deflowerment. I took her under the guise of protecting her from the Night of Madness. Since Harry Potter is about to graduate, I felt the witch would be helpful in keeping tabs on him. She is also quite bright, and might be corrupted into your service after a time, my Lord. But she is muggle-born. Her name is Hermione Granger."

Voldemort brightened.

"Hermione Granger? I know of this witch. She has the highest marks in Hogwarts. My Death Eaters have been complaining about her outshining their children for years and wanted her punished. So you've fucked her, Severus?" he asked the wizard.

Severus nodded.

"Yes my Lord. Twice, though I was in the process of fucking her the second time when you summoned me," the wizard replied. "She had just given me a blow job for the first time."

"Her first time?" Voldemort asked excitedly.

"Yes, my Lord," Severus replied.

Voldemort looked thoughtful.

"Does Albus know?" the despot asked.

"Yes, but he approves. He seems to think I need some "happiness" in my lonely life. He says the witch is mature enough to make her own decisions and now is the age of consent. I practically have his blessing," Severus said with a smirk.

Voldemort's eyes glittered.

"Albus has always been a fool, thinking the best of everyone. I'm surprised he's survived as long as he has," Voldemort said, then he smiled lasciviously.

"Show me your dealings with the witch, Severus. Legilimens," the wizard breathed.

The Potions Master had already blocked what he didn't want the wizard to see. Voldemort watched as Severus hauled Hermione over himroughly, plunging into the witch's mouth and gagging her, one hand fisted in her hair, the other gripping her chin. The wizard grinned as he pulled out of Severus mind.

"You weren't too easy on her for a first time, Severus," the Dark Lord observed.

"I saw no reason to be, my Lord. I do not love the witch, or even like her. But a blowjob's a blowjob and pussy is pussy," he said, "And virgin pussy is the best."

Voldemort nodded in approval. He appreciated crass language.

"This is true, Severus," he said, "Now let me see you fucking her."

Again Voldemort entered his mind and saw the wizard riding her strongly, the witch shrieking into his mouth as he rammed into her over and over. Then the image abruptly stopped.

"What happened?" Voldemort asked, disappointed.

"You summoned me, my Lord. I didn't get a chance to really finish her," Severus replied. "She is still in my bed. When I received your summons I made an excuse to go to my labs. She thinks that where I am now," Severus lied.

"She's in your bed? Well, go back then Severus. Fuck her good and hard and make her love you. She might come in handy," the wizard said.

"Yes my Lord, thank you my Lord," the Potions Master said, backing up.

"Maybe you can take her anally," the despot suggested as Severus prepared to leave.

"After I break her pussy in, my Lord, that is next on my list," Severus replied, Voldemort nodding with approval.

The wizard disapparated, glad Voldemort was such an easy mark for all things remotely evil and corrupting.

Now, back to Hermione. The Potions Master had something he very much wanted to give that witch.

Over and over again.

---

Voldemort looked thoughtful. Membership in the Order was at an all-time low, eh? Only fifteen hundred members? He had close to four thousand Death Eaters, more than twice Albus's ranks. This might be the perfect time for the Final Battle.

"Peter!" the wizard called.

Peter Pettigrew appeared instantly at the side of the Dark Lord's throne.

"Yes, my Lord?" the wizard said, bowing low and trembling slightly. He was afraid since Severus slipped through his grasp, the Dark Lord might feel like Crucioing him for entertainment.

"Bring me my maps. I have an attack to plan," Voldemort hissed, smiling evilly.

---

Severus reappeared in his Potions stores. The stores and his bedroom were keyed for apparition. Often when he was tortured by the Dark Lord, when he returned to Hogwarts, he was in need of potions to heal him enough so he could contact Albus and be taken to the infirmary. He appeared here tonight because he wanted to sneak up on Hermione and hadn't cast a silencing spell before he left the Dark Lord's stronghold.

He exited the stores, walked through his classroom into his office and opened the wall to his private rooms. Stealthily, he entered, moving quietly toward the bedroom. He peeked in. He had only been gone about forty-five minutes, but Hermione was asleep on top of the covers, belly down. The wizard's black eyes moved over her plump buttocks for a moment, then he stepped back, pulled his wand and pointed it at himself.

"Divesto," he whispered, all his clothing disappearing.

He was already erect…the sight of Hermione had taken care of that. Quietly he entered the bedroom and approached the end of the bed. Moving slowly, he climbed in and inched forward on his knees toward the witch. Hermione's legs were spread and he easily moved between them. He looked down on the sleeping witch, throbbing. Suddenly he leaned and slipped an arm under Hermione, pulling her up to her knees, the witch waking up. She twisted her head to look at him.

"Severus?" she said sleepily, then she let out a cry as the wizard entered her from behind.

"Mmmmm," Severus growled, his jaw dropping slackly as Hermione's tight sleeve slid over him. He leaned over Hermione, twisting his body slightly so he could reach her mouth, and kissed her hungrily before moving her hair aside and kissing her throat and shoulder.

"I'm back," he purred against her ear, then began to stroke into her, the witch gasping at first, then crying out as he began to pummel her…but he didn't go full force…he was just…ardent enough.

"Yesyesyesyes," he groaned, straightening and catching Hermione by her waist and pumping into her, his long tool giving her just the right amount of ache, his loins slapping against her soft buttocks, the wizard's eyes focused on them as they jiggled and rippled under his stroke. He began to caress the jerking witch as she cried out his name over and over.

"So sweet, Hermione, so tight," he breathed, arching into her as she let out a beautiful shriek and gushed over him, her sleeve tightening and pulsing as she orgasmed. "Dear gods."

Severus plunged into Hermione's wetness, her fluids squishing audibly around him as he rode her climaxing body. The wizard's head was flung back and his mouth hanging open slackly as he immersed himself over and over in her sweet body. Suddenly he pulled out of Hermione and rolled out of the bed, the dazed witch still on all fours and looking up at him before he grasped her legs and drew her to the edge of the bed, picking her up in his arms.

"Wrap your arms and legs around me," he commanded, grasping his member and sliding it into Hermione, kissing her as he continued possessing her, lifting her up and down quickly, groaning into her mouth.

Hermione didn't know anything but Severus…his arms wrapped around her body, his tongue halfway down her throat and his organ plunging into her wildly. He was holding her so close, lifting her as if she weighed nothing at all as he took his fill. Severus pulled back from her mouth, his eyes resting on her contorting face, watching her reaction. She was beautiful riding him, her body and hair bouncing rapidly as he tore into her, her cries of passion egging him on.

"You'll give yourself to no one else, Hermione. No one else but me," he panted, driving his point home with his body. "Tell me who you belong to."

Hermione dimly registered what the wizard said, she was so lost to the feeling of him taking every inch of her. The wizard stopped moving, and Hermione writhed in his arms, changing the angle of his penetration and the wizard hissed, holding her tighter so she wouldn't move. She was hot, wet and slippery now…inside and out.

"Hermione, who do you belong to?" he asked the panting witch again. "Tell me. I want to hear you say it."

Hermione's eyes opened and she looked at him for a moment.

"You. Severus Snape. I belong to you…only you," she breathed.

"Yessssss," the wizard hissed, starting to take her again, the witch falling back, arching over his arms as she jerked helplessly, whimpering now.

Severus sped up, turned on by the position, but moving back toward the bed and lowering her to it, following her down, his knees resting on the floor as he didn't miss a stroke, staring at the witch laid out before him, her head twisting from side to side, breasts bouncing, her body shining with perspiration.

Severus grasped Hermione ankles and held her legs in a "v" before him, poling into the witch steadily, his black eyes on her face as she undulated, trying her best to match his thrusts.

"Yes, witch. Yes…you like this, don't you?" he breathed, sneering slightly in his lust as he stroked Hermione. Her damp hair was partially flung across her face and sticking to it. "Such a hot little Gryffindor."

"I…I love it…and I love you!" the witch cried out as he hit her hard. Severus stopped for a moment, staring down at Hermione. She had said she loved him. Merciful Merlin. The wizard pulled Hermione's legs together and moved them to the right, tightening her around him deliciously, then resumed taking her, harder this time, urged on by her words. He wanted to hear more.

"You think you love me, Hermione?" he gasped down at the witch, who was nearly howling now, his ache was so consuming. Severus worked her legs back and forth, stimulating himself even more as he let loose on the witch. He knew she couldn't answer him like this, so he slowed. "You think you love me?"

"Yes! Yes!" the witch gasped, her eyes flying open and meeting his.

"You don't know what love is yet," he hissed, speeding up slightly, but easing his power so the witch could answer him.

"The way you make me feel I can't help but love you…Severus," the witch groaned, her eyes hot and soft before her head arched back in pleasure. "Gods, no one's ever made me feel this good."

Severus looked down on her a moment, then released her legs and leaned down, placing his face just above hers, slipping his hands under her shoulders, still stroking her.

"You make me feel good too, Hermione," he said as she wrapped her arms around him reflexively when she felt his lean body come into contact with hers. "Damn good. And you're about to make me feel better."

Severus locked his mouth to Hermione's and pulled her down into his stroke, thrusting into the witch hungrily, his back locking into automatic as he let loose and took everything, his body flowing over Hermione, his back and hips undulating like a snake as he let his passion for the maddening, sensual young witch out, claiming her fully as she screamed into his mouth.

Hermione was no longer on earth. She had been torn from it into Severus' furious, passionate world and she clung to him, reveling in his desire, his freedom, taking him in, wanting him this way…he was freeing her as well and she could let go, react, be who and what she really was with him just as he could be who he was with her. His pounding was a heartbeat, giving her life even as he took from her, filling her with his strength as he filled her with his thick, hungry member. His kiss was all-consuming, his tongue exploring every surface of her mouth, his head moving sensuously as he sort to kiss her even deeper, matching the ardor of his possession of her body. Again, the growing sweetness spread over her body and Hermione began to shudder powerfully under the wizard. Severus felt her heating up and this time he let himself go as well, wanting to reach the pinnacle with her. He pulled away from her mouth.

"Come for me," he gasped at Hermione. "All of you…I want…all…of…you!"

Hermione cried out, arching upward as she gave the wizard what he asked for, her entire being melting around his hardness as she orgasmed. Severus hissed then let out his own stuttered cry as he came, slamming into the witch and hunching against her with each delicious pulse, emptying his passion as well as his seed into her quivering body, pressing his lips to her temple and holding her close. Gods, what a connection he felt.

He held the witch tightly until his pulsing ended, then kissed her quivering lips for a moment before letting his head drop to the side and breathing deeply, trying to calm his heart. He was still inside her, softening…still feeling her dying pulses and sighing with satisfaction. He could feel Hermione's heart fluttering against his chest, and hear the rhythm of her exhalations as she returned to earth. The scent of sex was heavy in the air, and the Potions Master couldn't remember a sweeter perfume as he lay against Hermione's body, sated for the moment. He felt the witch turn her head and kiss his cheek softly. He turned his head so he faced her, his dark eyes searching her face as he remembered what she said to him in the throes of passion.

"So do you still think you love me, witch?" he asked her softly, "Or was it the passion of the moment that made you make such a declaration. It is understandable if it was."

Hermione's amber eyes glistened as she looked at him.

"I know I'm young, Severus…and I've never been in love before…but I feel that if you were taken away from me, my entire world would end. Does that sound like love to you?" she asked him softly.

Severus felt the same way about the witch beneath him, shuddering around his limp organ, her innocent eyes meeting his hopefully.

"I don't know," he answered as honestly as he could. If he said yes to her question, then it would be admitting he loved her as well. It was too soon for love.

"Well, I'm going to call it love then," she said to him, running her fingers through his damp, lank hair. "I know that word won't come so easy for you. It's like the way you care about the wizarding world. Your actions show what your words don't. I'll go by your actions, Severus. Not your words."

The wizard stared at her for a moment then said, "You do that, witch," and kissed her deeply. Then he slid off her body, feeling spent. Hermione let out a gasp as he slid out of her.

"I feel alone again," she whispered to the wizard, who had closed his eyes.

"Let me sleep for an hour or two," he replied, his eyes still closed, throwing an arm over the witch and pulling her closer. "I guarantee you won't feel lonely for long."

Hermione lay against the wizard's warm body, yawned and smiled. She could still feel him, his presence inside her…his marking of her a dull, throbbing, delicious ache. Severus had been demanding, but she was just as demanding, her body wanting and welcoming his strength, his hunger. The Potions Master was a passionate wizard…the opposite of the cold, disciplined image he presented in the classroom. And she was the only one who knew his secret.

Oh, she knew there were other women who had him…but she had a feeling they never had him the way she did. Severus didn't stay with them, didn't want them the way he wanted her. She doubted any woman other than her had ever torn his clothes from his body, or seduced him the way she had.

She doubted any witch had ever walked about nude under her robes for weeks, hoping to ambush him in some dark, out-of-the-way place just to masturbate in front of him and get herself off. And she doubted he ever gave a witch oral sex as a result of said masturbation.

Hermione smiled wickedly.

Severus Snape may have been her first lover, but she was sure she had given the wizard a number of 'firsts' herself. She made an effort to stay close to him, to make her desire for him plain, to keep him wired and aware of her, and it was working. His declaration tonight that she belonged to him proved that. Hermione doubted he had ever said that to any witch before her, or else he wouldn't have been alone.

Severus began to snore, and she pinched his large nostrils shut for a second or two. That was what her mother did to her father when he blew a few decibels. Severus snorted, his face contorting, but he didn't wake up, and stopped snoring.

Hermione's eyes began to flutter. She was so tired. She leaned closer and kissed Severus once more, and the wizard actually smiled in his sleep.

"I do love you, Severus Snape," she whispered.

"I'll always love you."

---

Crookshanks lay in the boughs of the Whomping Willow, delicately spitting out as much fur as possible of the field mouse he'd caught and consumed. Crookshanks was a half-kneazle with subtle delusions of great grandeur, hauling his prey into the tree like a larger cat, such as a leopard would do. Thank wands he could hunt…if he waited for Hermione to feed him lately, he'd be just skin and bones.

Ah well, he could smell the scent of desire on her almost constantly. Some young wizard had her tail in a knot. He knew it was coming. He scratched his claws over the limb he was lying on lightly, and the willow shuddered with pleasure. They got along.

This rather strange association started in Hermione's third year, when Crookshanks learned the secret of pressing a knot at the base of the tree's trunk to keep it from bashing. The familiar began visiting the tree frequently, streaking under its flailing boughs and pressing the knot with his paws, then climbing up and using the tree as a vantage point. The Whomping Willow was very protective of its territory, but soon became used to the cat's presence. Crookshanks wasn't doing any harm and had a delightful way of digging his claws into the bark in a manner that obviously gave the tree pleasure. One day the cat approached and the tree made no effort to bash him. Cautiously, Crookshanks climbed up on a branch, very watchful of the smaller, more supple limbs, lest one should grab him and strangle him. A limb did approach slowly and non-threateningly, and scratched the orange cat behind the ears. An instant friendship was born.

Crookshanks watched a group of first-years fly shakily around the castle led by Madam Hooch. There had been marked improvement, but still a few plummeted toward the earth, Madam Hooch streaking after them. The cat flicked an ear, his expression bored. Suddenly he heard the crack of apparition and looked toward the gate. Draco Malfoy and his father Lucius stood there, the senior talking to his son.

"Remember, Draco…your role is important. You must unward the gates the night of the third so our ranks can overrun Hogwarts," Lucius said to his son.

Draco's gray eyes met his father's.

"Why me? Why can't Professor Snape be the one to do it, Father? I don't want to be the one," the boy said. Suddenly Lucius backhanded him, hitting him so hard Draco stumbled sideways.

"It is a great honor that the Dark Lord chose you to unward the gates. You will not bring shame and death on our household. You will unward the gates as directed…or else, I swear to the gods I'll kill you myself," Lucius said, his face twisted in fury. "Voldemort will kill us all if you fail. Me, your mother, your baby sister…everyone. You will do as you are told!"

Draco straightened, his hand held to his cheek.

"Yes, father," he said sullenly, turning and unwarding the gates and entering the grounds, warding the gates back.

Lucius stared at his son. What a disappointment he was. Draco should have been proud to have been chosen to be the one to betray Hogwarts and Dumbledore. They had all worked toward this for years. The Dark Lord would kill Harry Potter, and every living creature at Hogwarts. The children of Death Eaters would not return on the third, but those Slytherins whose parents were not followers of Voldemort were also slated for death. Voldemort only wanted loyal purebloods.

One thousand Death Eaters would be disillusioned and waiting outside the Ministry for the Aurors who would automatically be made aware of the attack on Hogwarts when Unforgivables were used. They could not disapparate inside the building and had to come outside, where they would be ambushed. The Death Eaters would then take the building and kill the Minister, his Council and anyone else on the premises. They were to take no prisoners.

With Hogwarts and the Ministry under his control, Albus and the current administration dead and no one in authority, Voldemort would be in a better position to take power, claiming a coup and making a show of restoring order. His first act would be to require registration of wands, his purpose being to confiscate them gaining access by saying it would take a day to process each wand. It would be considered a crime not to produce a wand and his Death Eaters would go door to door collecting them, bullying wizards and witches into handing them over. When the population was without power, then the true horror and exterminations would begin.

Draco walked across the grounds, very troubled. He had taken the Mark because it was expected of him, and had witnessed but not participated in a Dark Revel. He had thrown up, and his father had been livid at the embarrassment. His son was supposed to be stronger than that and he punished the boy severely when he brought him home, caning his back unmercifully until blood ran.

Draco believed that the wizarding world would be completely destroyed if Voldemort came into power. There would be nothing but death, destruction and pain. And his would be the hands that brought it on…every lost life would be on his head. Draco was not a particularly sensitive wizard, but he did feel guilt…and the weight of it was already hanging over him. How could he do this and live with himself?

Draco stopped in front of the castle, staring up at it. This had been his true home for the past seven years. Life at the manor was harsh because of his father always pushing him, making demands of him…beating him. Only at Hogwarts did he feel safe. And now he was expected to let his father and Voldemort ruin the one safe haven he'd had over the years.

Draco scowled.

No. No. It wouldn't happen. He wouldn't help destroy the wizarding world. It wasn't perfect, yes there were too many damned mud-bloods, but it was a whole site better than what it would be if the Dark Lord ruled.

The blonde wizard began to walk purposely toward the castle.

He needed to talk to Dumbledore.

---

Severus awoke with his arms around Hermione, the witch's back pulled into his chest. She was still asleep. He noticed the dried tears on her cheeks and his eyes went a bit hot as he remembered the rest of their night.

He had taken Hermione four more times, and lost it completely the third time, having to stop himself as the witch begged him to get off her. Luckily, his onslaught hadn't lasted long and he held the sobbing witch close, apologizing for losing control but subtly blaming her for his ardor.

"You told me you wanted to find out what I was like, Hermione," he said to her softly, kissing her temple and rocking her in his arms like a child. "You are so alluring, so delicious…I couldn't help myself. I wanted to climb inside you, witch."

He calmed Hermione, and let her rest for a while before he took her one final time. She was stiff, and he spent a long time kissing and caressing her before he entered her again. The Potions Master made slow, gentle love to the witch and she responded to his tenderness, her passion for him returning. It had been the best out of all of their engagements. It would be sometime before the wizard let loose on her full force again. Hermione just wasn't ready for it, though she was strong.

His stomach gurgled loudly and Hermione's eyelids fluttered, the sound waking her. She opened her eyes and looked up at him.

"Good morning," he said to the witch.

"Good morning, Severus," Hermione replied.

She shifted, then grimaced. Every muscle in her body was as sore as if she'd run a marathon without proper preparation, not to mention the inner ache. It wasn't so delicious now. But Severus was prepared for this. He had healing potions, pain potions and replenishing potions in his nightstand drawer. He had retrieved them from his stores while the witch slept after their third go-round.

"You look as if you could use a bit of relief," he said softly, his dark eyes sweeping over her body as he became aware of his morning erection. But this wasn't a piss erection. It was definitely a "morning shag" erection.

Hermione's eyes drifted down his body and widened as she saw his erection. Her amber eyes shot back up to his. The wizard was smirking at her. She thought he meant sexual relief.

"I'm…I'm extremely satisfied Severus," the witch said, not wanting to seem as if she were denying him. Severus chuckled and kissed her lightly, his eyes full of mirth.

"Not to worry witch. I always wake up this way. Most men do. It has to do more with my plumbing than my desire for you," he lied. "I need to use the loo."

Hermione let out a big sigh of relief.

"Thank Merlin," she breathed.

Severus sat up and caught her arm.

"Come on, up with you," he said, helping Hermione sit up. The witch gasped.

"I guess it will be some time before you crave me again, witch," he said to her, reaching for the nightstand and opening the drawer.

Hermione looked at him.

"Maybe sex-wise, but I'll still want your kisses," she said softly, "Your touch. Your company."

Severus shifted and sat on the edge of the bed, taking out the slew of potions. He opened one and offered it to her.

"Let's fix you up," he said as Hermione gratefully took the pain potion from him.

After several potions and minutes, Hermione felt much better. There was only a little ache, and it was delicious again. A reminder of what they had shared the night before. Hermione took a moment to tap her inner thigh and check her contraceptive patch. Yes, it was still glowing green. It was fine.

Suddenly her stomach growled.

"Gods, I'm hungry," she complained, bringing her hand to her belly.

Severus looked at the clock. They had missed breakfast…it was after ten.

The wizard stood up, Hermione admiring his long, lean body and blushing slightly as she remembered the way that body had possessed her. He turned to face her, his erection pointed straight at the witch. It was impressive to say the least. Hermione could hardly believe she took him as she did. She felt a little pulse at the thought of it, her eyes going a bit misty. Severus looked at her knowingly, but said nothing about the look she gave him.

"I will order something from the kitchen, then we can eat and shower afterwards. You'll use my floo to go to Gryffindor tower," he said, his dark eyes resting on her. "I am going to key it to you, so you may enter my rooms at any time you wish."

Hermione stared at him in disbelief.

"But Severus, I know how much you value your privacy," she said, "I don't want to impose."

"I value my privacy, but I value you more. I believe you'll know when I truly need to be alone and act accordingly," the wizard said, looking at the witch soberly. He knew Hermione valued her privacy too, and needed alone time. The situation on Hallow's Eve showed that. She would be no trouble. "You may also use my library, but don't lose any of my books."

Hermione smiled at him brightly.

"Your library? Oh Severus!" she gushed, leaping off the bed and into his arms, kissing him passionately.

"Watch it, witch," he growled against her mouth, "Or your mouth might start something your body will have to finish."

Hermione quickly let the wizard go.

Severus' dark eyes glittered at her.

"Now, what do you want for breakfast?" he asked, walking toward the loo.

---

Hermione and Severus had just finished dressing when a voice sounded from the study. It was Albus' voice.

"Severus. Severus I need you to come to my office immediately," the Headmaster said, urgency in his voice. Severus strode into the study.

"I will be there immediately, Headmaster," he replied. Then he turned to Hermione.

"I have to go. By the way Albus sounds, something very important is occurring. I will see you either at lunch or supper," he said to the witch, walking over and kissing her gently. He then walked up to the floo, grabbed some powder out of a box on the mantle and tossed it into the flame.

"The Headmaster's office," Severus said, stepping through.

Hermione sighed. It seemed the night was over. She walked up to the floo and took some powder out of the box. She threw it into the flames.

"Gryffindor Tower," she said softly.

The flames turned green with a "foomph" and Hermione took one last look at the study, then stepped through.

---

Severus walked out of Albus' floo. The wizard was sitting at his desk looking quite solemn, his normally twinkling blue eyes dark and foreboding.

"What is it, Albus?" Severus asked, walking around the armchair. He stopped as he saw Draco sitting there, who looked up at him, his gray eyes glistening.

"Sit down, Severus," Albus said darkly, gesturing toward the other armchair, "Mr. Malfoy has something very important to share with you."

Severus sat down and leveled his eyes on the young wizard. He didn't look too well. His face was bruised on one cheek and his complexion pale and drawn. Something was going on. Something important.

"What is it, Draco?" he asked.

He hoped it wasn't bad news, but judging by Albus' demeanor…it was.

---

Molly Weasley had just finished checking the goose and wiping her hands on her apron when a heavy knock sounded on the kitchen door. She checked the rice, then walked over to the door and pulled it open. She gasped.

Severus Snape stood on the doorstep, dark and dour, his black eyes focused on her and looking grim as the reaper himself.

"Mrs. Weasley, forgive me for intruding on your Christmas holiday, but I have come to retrieve Harry Potter. I need to speak to Arthur as well," the wizard said silkily.

Molly scowled.

"Retrieve Harry? On Christmas day? That's preposterous. Albus distinctly told us…" she began, putting her hands on her hips.

"Mrs. Weasley, I assure you if there were any way Mr. Potter's return to Hogwarts could be delayed, I would be the first to accommodate him. However, I am afraid that it is of the utmost importance that I retrieve the boy. It is a life and death situation. His," the Professor said.

Molly stared up at the wizard, then sighed. Her mother hen gene folded and she stepped aside.
"Come in, Professor. I will get Arthur and Harry," she said a bit sullenly. She was so looking forward to Harry having a home-cooked meal.

"Thank you," Severus said, striding into the cluttered but homey kitchen. It smelled heavenly and the wizard's nostrils pulsated as the scent of Christmas dinner filled them. He felt a twinge of remorse at the news he needed to share with Arthur. Severus had never had much of a family life due to his mother's alcoholism and his father's violent temper. But the Weasleys were a close knit family. This news would most certainly ruin their holiday and cause a rift. But it could not be helped.

As Mrs. Weasley walked off, Severus called to her.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Weasley…is Percival here by chance?" he asked the witch.

Molly turned. "Why yes he is, Professor. Why do you ask?" she asked him, her eyes searching the wizard's sober face.

"Just wondering," he replied.

Molly gave him a strange look and went to go and retrieve Harry and Arthur. Arthur was sitting in the living room, reading the Christmas Edition of the Daily Prophet.

"Arthur, "Molly said to him, "Professor Snape is here to take Harry back to Hogwarts."

Arthur lowered the paper, a perplexed look on his face.

"I thought he was to stay the entire holiday," the wizard said, putting the paper on a small table next to the chair he was sitting in and rising.

"The Professor said it was a matter of life and death. He also wants to talk to you," Molly said, her eyes curious.

"Does he now? Well, I'd better go see him then," Arthur said, running his hand through his thinning red hair and straightening his robes. "Is he in the kitchen?"

Molly nodded.

"You go get Harry packed. I'll talk to Severus," Arthur said walking toward the kitchen.

Molly looked after him, then at the stairs. Harry would be very disappointed…as would Ginny. Molly knew the two of them were quite attracted to each other, and heartily approved. If Harry married into the Weasley family, he would never be alone again and have the love he'd missed all his young life.

The plump witch sighed, wiped her hands on her apron again, and began to walk up the stairs calling Harry. She did this to give him and Ginny warning. She had already walked in on them snogging once. Their reaction had been priceless, both turning bright red. Molly pretended she didn't see anything and simply told them supper was read.

In Ginny's bedroom, Harry came up for air, Ginny panting heavily as both heard Molly calling him.

"Mum has the absolute worst timing," Ginny breathed up at the wizard, her brown eyes full of passion.

Harry gave the witch a smile and released her. They were sitting on Ginny's bed and had been heavily kissing and petting. The young wizard didn't seem able to keep his hands off of the witch, and was with her at every opportunity. He sported a black eye under his glasses. Ron had caught him kissing Ginny and the face-off Harry had been dreading happened. There was a lot of shouting, then the blows came, Ginny screaming as the two wizards pummeled each other until Arthur, Charlie and Bill came running and broke them apart.

"I thought you were my bloody friend!" Ron yelled at Harry as Bill restrained him.

"I am your friend!" Harry shouted back.

"So why are you shagging my sister?" Ron had screamed.

Both Harry and Ginny turned red. They had shagged, but Ron was taking a wild stab that they were doing more than snogging. Both of their reactions said all that needed to be said. Bill, Charlie and Arthur looked at each other, then at Ginny.

"We're going out. We would have told you, Ron, but you're such a git!" she said to her brother. "I like Harry and he likes me. There's nothing wrong with that."

"There is something wrong with that. Harry's like a brother to me, Ginny," the wizard said.

"Just because he's like a brother to you, doesn't make him a brother to me, Ron," the witch spat back. "You need to live your own bloody life and leave other people alone! There's no need to fight about this. You can't change how we feel about each other. Get over it, Ron!"

Ginny stormed from the room, and the two wizards calmed, Charlie releasing Harry and Bill releasing Ron, who looked after Ginny for a moment, then turned his blue eyes on Harry.

"I trusted you around Ginny, Harry. You were the only one I trusted, then you go and do something like this. That was just dirty, Harry. Plain dirty," the wizard said in a hurt voice.

"You can trust me around Ginny, Ron. I'd never let anything happen to her," Harry said to his friend, willing Ron to understand he had nothing but good intentions toward the witch.

"Yeah, until a bunch of Death Eaters pinch her because she's your bloody girlfriend," Ron snarled back at him, wiping the blood running from his nose on his robes sleeve.

Ron had stormed out and made himself scarce from that moment on.

Molly knocked on Ginny's door.

"Ginny, Harry are you in there?" she asked.

"Yes, mum. Come in," Ginny called back. Molly opened the door and looked at the two sitting on the bed, giving them a soft smile. They looked so cute together. Then her eyes sobered.

"Harry, Professor Snape has come to take you back to Hogwarts," she said to the wizard, deciding it was best to be straight about the situation.

"What?" Harry and Ginny cried together.

"I don't know why, but it's important…so you need to pack. I'm so sorry, Harry," Molly said, twisting her hands together helplessly as she took in both Harry and Ginny's disappointment.

"The greasy git…now he's even ruining my holiday," Harry seethed, rising from the bed and walking past Molly, heading for his room. He knew if Snape came to get him, it had to be important. The snarky wizard would leave him at the Burrow for the rest of the year if he could.

Harry entered the room, pulled his suitcase out from under the bed and placed it on top of the sheets, opening it. Then he set about packing. Ginny stood in the doorway, watching him silently, her brown eyes drinking him in. It figured this would happen…things were going so good between them. But one had to expect things like this to happen if they were going out with The-Boy-Who-Lived. Whatever was happening, Ginny fervently hoped that it didn't involve Voldemort.

---

Arthur entered the kitchen, his hand extended.

"Happy Christmas, Severus," he said with a smile, clasping the wizard's hand firmly.

Arthur appreciated Severus. He was well aware of the wizard's work for the Order, and thought him a brave, courageous wizard who could be trusted.

"Happy Christmas, Arthur…although once I reveal what I have to tell you, I am sure you will recall happier Christmases than this one," the dark wizard said soberly.

Arthur's smile faded and he drew out two chairs from the food covered kitchen table. He motioned for the wizard to take a seat then joined him.

"What is it, Severus?" Arthur asked. "What do you have to tell me?"

Severus told Arthur about the Dark Lord's attack plan. Arthur paled. Then the Potions Master revealed something most disturbing, something that made Arthur Weasley turn red with rage.

"I don't believe it," Arthur declared firmly.

Severus looked at him.

"Arthur, I assure you I would not say it if it were not so. He has to be…" the wizard tried to continue, but Arthur leaped up from the table and stormed outside. Bill, Charlie, Ron and Percy were flying about on brooms playing "Kill the wizard with the Quaffle."

"Boys! Boys, get down here, now!" Arthur bellowed up at them.

Bill and Percy who had been grappling over the Quaffle flew down, followed closely by Ron and Charlie. They dismounted and walked up to their father.

"What is it, dad?" Charlie asked him. Arthur looked so serious.

"Restrain Percy," he said darkly.

"What?" Percy said, surprised as were his brothers. But they obeyed their father and grabbed him. Percy looked at Arthur.

"Dad, what's this about?" he asked his father, who looked at him steadily.

"That's what we're about to find out," Arthur said, walking up to his son and grabbing his left arm. Percy began to struggle.

"Hold still!" Arthur yelled at him. Startled, Percy ceased struggling. Arthur extended the young wizard's arm, yanked up his robes sleeve and stared at his arm. Charlie, Bill and Ron stared as well.

There, emblazoned on Percy's pale forearm was the Dark Mark. Percy was a Death Eater.

Arthur looked up into his son's face, and Percy looked back at him defiantly.

"You joined Voldemort," his father said quietly. "I didn't believe it when the Professor told me. What have you told him? What secrets have you given Voldemort, Percival?"

Arthur only called Percy by his full name when he was in deep trouble.

"I haven't told him anything…yet. I haven't been presented," Percival said, "Dad, we're purebloods. We should be fighting for the pureblood cause."

"Voldemort is fighting for no cause except his own, Percy. He is a murderous tyrant who would destroy our way of life. I can't believe you would volunteer to be a part of his dark designs," Arthur said, his voice breaking slightly.

His son. His own son a Death Eater. And in the house with Harry too. The boy could have been ambushed…killed. And it would have been Percy's fault.

"He wants to make the world better for purebloods. I'm tired of being looked down on and being called a muggle-lover because of your associations. I want to be somebody, dad," Percy snarled.

By association, he meant Arthur's job at the Ministry concerning Muggle artifacts. Arthur often went to muggle London to talk with and hang about muggles. He found them fascinating. Percy found it an embarrassment.

"You're somebody now, eh Percy? A member of a society that has been murdering innocent muggles and magical folk alike for years. I bet that makes you feel like a big man. Where is your wand?" Arthur asked him.

Percy pressed his lips together tightly. Ron ran his hands over his brother's robes and found the wand in his pocket. He pulled it out and handed it to his father.

"Here you go, dad," he said, staring at Percy in disbelief. His own brother, a Death Eater. Had the entire world gone mad?

Arthur put the wand in his own pocket.

"I want you to take Percy to his room and ward it securely so he can't get out. We have to keep him incarcerated for the time being," Arthur said.

"Incarcerated?" Percy gasped, beginning to struggle again.

Bill and Charlie looked at their brother with hard eyes, increasing their grip on him until he ceased struggling.

"Come on, Death Eater," Charlie said through clenched teeth as they dragged him toward the house, Ron following, a dazed look on his face. Molly came outside and saw Percy being forcibly dragged toward her.

"Help mum!" Percy cried to her.

"What's going on here? Let Percy go Charlie! Bill!" she demanded, putting her hands on her hips.

"Can't do that mum. Go talk to dad," Bill said, forcing Percy through the kitchen door.

Molly watched them enter the house then stalked over to Arthur and Severus, who had been silent the entire time.

"Arthur Weasley, you tell me what's going on and tell me right…" she began in her best nagging voice. Arthur turned to his wife, his eyes cold.

"Be quiet Molly. I will tell you what's going on once Harry leaves," he said in a commanding voice. Arthur was usually very mild-mannered, but it was easy to see he was upset about something.

Molly shut her mouth with a snap, but gave Severus an angry look. Whatever was going on around here was because of him. He was ruining Christmas.

"All right. I'll just go in and see about Percy," she said, walking toward the house.

"No! You will wait in the living room for me. After I talk to you, then you can see Percy. Right now you will just interfere. Now go wait for me, Molly. I mean it," Arthur said, leveling his eyes on his wife.

Molly's face contorted as if she wanted to say something badly, but she turned and walked quietly into the house.

Harry was on his way down the stairs with his suitcase, when he saw Charlie, Bill and Percy struggling up the stairs. He backed up and watched as they hauled him up the stairwell.

"What's going on," he asked Ron.

"Family business," Ron said to him sullenly, following his brothers down the hall. Harry looked after them as Ginny appeared out of her bedroom. She looked at Harry.

"What's going on?" she asked him.

Harry shrugged.

"Family business," he replied a little coldly.

Ginny heard scuffling and ran down the hall.

Harry continued down the stairs. He and Ginny had said their goodbyes and she would see him at Hogwarts in a week or so. Harry passed Molly, who was sitting in the armchair facing the fireplace, staring into the flames.

"Goodbye, Mrs. Weasley. I had a great time," he called to her.

Molly started.

"Goodbye Harry. I'm sorry you couldn't have Christmas dinner with us," she said to him, rising and walking over.

"Maybe next year," he said, smiling at her. Molly gave him a warm, motherly hug.

"Yes, next year," Molly said, looking at him fondly and ruffling his already mussed hair.

Harry said goodbye and exited out the kitchen door. Molly's smile faded as he walked away. She returned to the armchair with a bad feeling in her belly about her family, Harry and everything.

Harry walked out into the yard, scowling reflexively as he saw the Professor, who returned his scowl.

"I'm here," Harry said sullenly, "Though I don't know why I have to go back."

Severus leveled his dark eyes on the young wizard.

"Destiny calls, Mr. Potter," he said silkily, "Destiny calls."

---

Harry and the Potions Master apparated back to Hogwarts, Harry standing back as Severus unwarded the gate. The green-eyed student studied the tall, pale wizard, dislike evident in his gaze. Severus looked at him.

"Come along, Potter," he said darkly, "The Headmaster wants to see you immediately."

Harry walked through the gate and started across the grounds as Severus warded it back. The wizard put on his stride and caught up to Harry, whose silence was so thick with questions it was deafening.

Severus looked at him sidewise.

"No deluge of questions, Mr. Potter?" he asked him.

"No. Dumbledore will tell me what I need to know," the wizard replied shortly.

Severus approved. Finally, the boy was showing some discipline. Maybe what he had to do wouldn't be so bad. The Potions Master had been quite reluctant when Albus suggested it, but there was nothing for it. He owed Harry's father a life debt after all. If he could keep the little bastard alive until Voldemort fell, he'd be free of all things Potter.

They entered the castle and flooed directly to Albus' office. The Headmaster was sitting behind his desk. He smiled when he saw Harry, then stood up, walked around his desk and embraced the young man.

"Harry. It's good to see you my boy," he said to the young wizard.

Harry accepted Albus' embrace rather stiffly. This was not the time for niceties. He had been taken from the Burrow on Christmas day. Something important was going on and he wanted to know what.

"Thank you, Headmaster," Harry said when Albus released him. "Now what is going on?"

Albus' eyes grew dark.

"Have a seat, Harry," the wizard said, returning to his desk and sitting down. Severus sat on the sofa against the far wall, where he could observe Harry's reaction. Harry took the armchair in front of Albus' desk, sitting on the edge of it.

Albus looked at Harry, cleared his throat then began to speak.

"In little more than a week, you will be facing Voldemort, Harry. He is going to initiate the Final Battle and try to kill you and everyone here at Hogwarts. The time has come for you to face him," Albus said, his eyes sympathetic as Harry went pale.

Severus studied him. At least the boy had the good sense to be afraid.

"Voldemort is under the impression that the Order ranks are at an all time low, due to misinformation delivered to him by Severus. If we can surprise him, it is likely his horror will end. However, his main focus will be destroying you, Harry. You must meet him and keep him engaged," the Headmaster said.

Harry had been practicing his defensive and offensive spells since his fifth year and was a good duelist, but he knew he was no match for Voldemort. He might last five minutes at best.

"Headmaster, I hate to say this…but I don't believe I can beat Voldemort. He's too powerful," Harry said.

Albus looked at him sadly.

"I know, Harry, but you still must face him. You must fulfill the Prophecy," the wizard said.

Harry took a breath.

"In other words, I have to die trying to destroy him," Harry replied.

Severus interjected here.

"It is quite likely you may die, Mr. Potter…but we believe that the connection you have to Voldemort might offer you some protection. He transferred power to you when you were a child…it is likely that if you battle him, if he hexes you…he might feel some residual results," Severus said.

Harry frowned.

"When Voldemort was brought back at the graveyard, he crucio'd me and didn't suffer any effects from it," the young wizard said.

"Not at the time. I have it on good authority that when he returned to the stronghold, he was weak and needed to take a double amount of his elixir. The cauldron he was resurrected from was full of that same elixir. He should not have needed any more, but he did. He has also suffered great headaches that corresponded with your magical visions of him…when you bothered to tell anyone. That is another reason he wants you dead. He can feel any magically generated pain you suffer and believes at your death, the power he gave you will be returned to him," Severus said.

Harry absorbed this, then frowned at the wizard.

"Why didn't anyone ever tell me this?" he demanded.

Severus scowled at him.

"Because you weren't ready to know, that's why. You might have done something…stupid," the wizard purred. "Like trying to find him and confront him before you were ready. You aren't known for your restraint, Mr. Potter. Or for your good sense. Remember the Ministry."

Harry's face contorted as he remembered his error then, which resulted in the death of his godfather, Sirius Black. He had been tricked by Voldemort into believing Sirius was being tortured and gone to the Ministry to save him. Sirius wasn't there, and was killed when he arrived to try and save Harry. It had been horrible, and Harry still felt guilt about it. His eyes filled.

Severus was unmoved. Harry had to show restraint this time if he hoped to defeat or help defeat the Dark Lord. He continued.

"His attack on you will be physical, though he may use magic to 'soften you up' willing to take the pain in order to subdue you. He will try to kill you with his own hands. Most likely with a dagger or sword," the Potions Master said, his eyes shifting to the wall behind Albus. "Our hope is that you will be able to weaken or disable him enough that someone else can strike the killing blow."

Here, the Potions Master's eyes glittered for a moment. Then he reoriented on the wall behind the Headmaster.

"May I, Albus?" the wizard asked.

Albus nodded soberly, and Severus stood and walked behind Albus' desk, removing a beautiful jeweled sword that hung there. Holding it reverently, the dark wizard walked around the desk and up to Harry, presenting him the handle. Harry took it, and a golden glow washed over both him and the sword, then faded. Albus looked very pleased.

"This is the sword of Godric Gryffindor, forged in the days before Hogwarts to battle evil. It is very powerful. If you can strike Voldemort with it, he will die," Severus said.

Harry stared down at the sword.

"And what will happen to me, Professor?" the wizard asked, looking up at the wizard. "The sword is magic. Magical attacks affect us both."

"I don't know, Mr. Potter. You may be spared because although it is a magical sword, it is still a sword and the attack will be physical, though the resulting effect magical. That difference may be enough to save your life…but there is no guarantee," Severus said.

Harry looked down at the sword again. It was a beautiful blade, slightly curved.

"I…I don't know how to use a sword," Harry said softly.

Severus stared at the young wizard and drew in a breath.

"That is why I will be teaching you, Mr. Potter. How to use the sword and a number of offensive hexes that will slow him down without weakening you too much. Now since you will not be proficient with the sword in such a short time you will need to utilize your surroundings in order to even out the discrepancies between your skill and the Dark Lord's. You need to fight with something at your back, Mr. Potter. Since the attack will take place on the Hogwarts grounds, the best place to face him will be near the Whomping Willow, which will be stilled in advance so you aren't dispatched by the tree. Your training will begin tomorrow morning. As far as the spells are concerned, I will give you the proper invocations and wand movements. I suggest you have Miss Granger assist you. She is familiar with them, and from what I understand, quite the taskmaster. You will wear full protective gear while we swordplay, Mr. Potter…to keep from losing a limb or three. I will not hold back or give you any quarter."

Actually Severus was looking forward to hacking at Harry. He smirked. Hermione definitely wouldn't approve. Ideally, she would be there to watch him have at her best friend. She'd be furious, but would have to accept it because all in all he would be trying to help Harry save his own life. He would just enjoy the process.

Harry looked up at the Potions Master. He was going to train him? The wizard sighed. He was in for it now. More than likely the wizard would take advantage of the situation to vent some of his frustrations on him. Then Harry brightened.

"Will we be dueling with the new hexes I learn?" the wizard asked.

Severus' eyes narrowed.

"We will not be using the actual hexes, no. But we will engage each other to hone your skills. You will have your chance to blast me off my feet, Mr. Potter. I sense that has long been a dream of yours," the wizard said, amusement in his voice.

Harry grinned, he couldn't help it. That was one bright spot in a very dismal future.

Albus shook his head slightly. The two wizards were going to let out a lot of steam this coming week. He only hoped Severus could help Harry get up to snuff. The Potions Master knew all about dirty fighting and most likely would utilize this dubious skill to teach the boy. Most likely Harry was in for a painful week ahead.

---

Severus didn't show up for either lunch or Christmas dinner, nor did the Headmaster. Hermione was surprised however to see Draco seated at the table. He looked distracted and didn't even give her his normal sneer of disdain as she seated herself at the table.

Argus Filch looked at the witch with distaste. He wasn't spying on her and Severus any longer…but he had "happened" to be around when Hermione went to the Potions Master's office last evening. She never came out.

"Like rutting hippogriffs," the caretaker muttered under his breath, cutting into his goose and masticating on the meat with a few browned and snaggled teeth too stubborn to release their grip on his gums.

Hermione picked at her food half-heartedly. Where was Severus?
After a rather dismal dinner, Hermione left the Great Hall. She hesitated, trying to decide if she should go down to the dungeons and find out if Severus was back, or head up to Gryffindor Tower and try to get some studying in. She had received some clothing from her parents for Christmas, but nothing else exciting. She sighed and turned to take the main stairs when a silken voice called out to her.

"Miss Granger, a word if you please."

A thrill went through Hermione and she turned to see Severus standing by the dungeon corridor entrance.

"Severus! You're back!" she said joyfully, running toward the wizard, only to slow when he scowled at her blackly and made a motion with his hand for her to slow down.

Standing behind him, Harry's brow furrowed. Had Hermione just addressed the Potions Master by his first name?

"Yes, I have returned, Miss Granger," Severus said, emphasizing his formal address of her warningly. "And I have a Christmas gift for you…of sorts."

Hermione stared at him.

"What is it?" she asked.

Severus stepped aside and Harry appeared, his green eyes shifting from Hermione to the Potions Master.

"Harry!" Hermione squealed, flinging herself on him and kissing his cheek.

Severus' jaw tightened, but he didn't say anything. The two went back to their first year and were only friends. Still, he felt a bit jealous as Hermione pressed her body against the wizard and kissed him.

"What are you doing here on Christmas? I thought you were staying with the Weasleys?" she said looking the wizard over.

Harry's eyes cut to Severus, who said, "I will leave you now. You both have a lot to talk about."

Hermione looked at the wizard, who met her eyes for a moment.

"Miss Granger…Mr. Potter," the Potions Master said, then swept down the dungeon corridor with a billow of robes. Harry noticed Hermione stared after him.

"Hermione," he said.

The witch didn't respond.

"Hermione," Harry said again, louder. Hermione started and looked at him.

"Yes, Harry?" she said.

Harry scowled at her.

"What's going on with you and Snape? You called him by his first name and sounded genuinely happy to see him," the wizard said suspiciously.

Hermione's eyes shifted.

"Nothing," she said lamely.

Harry looked at her.

"Hermione, I can always tell when you are lying. Now tell me the truth," he said.

Hermione sighed.

"You're not going to like it Harry," she said softly, "You're going to have a bugbear."

Harry stared at his best friend.

"I already know what it is, Hermione…you're doing the Professor," he said heavily.

Hermione scowled at him.

"I'm not 'doing' the Professor, Harry. We…we are kind of in a relationship…the beginning stages," she said.

Harry snorted.

"The greasy git is just using you for sex, Hermione. You're young, pretty and obviously susceptible to him…though gods know why," the wizard said, "Why would you even let him touch you? He's bloody horrible. You must keep your eyes closed."

Hermione frowned at Harry. He didn't understand how it was between them. How she felt about the dark wizard. How he felt about her.

"It's complicated Harry. Promise me you'll keep it to yourself," she said to the wizard.

"Like I'd want to spread that around," Harry said, shuddering. "I can't believe it, Hermione. You could have got someone younger, handsomer and much, much nicer. Someone who wasn't half evil."

"He's nowhere near evil, Harry. How can you say that knowing what he goes through with the Dark Lord? How he risks his life everyday," she said to him angrily.

"And takes it out on everyone else, making them miserable," Harry retorted. "He shares the pain, believe me."

"It still doesn't make what he does any less courageous. How would you act if you were constantly tortured? You wouldn't be a very merry wizard," she countered.

"I wouldn't act like Snape either," Harry said.

Hermione sighed. They'd better stop talking about this or they were going to have one hell of a row.

"Harry, let's talk about this later," she suggested, "Right now, I want to know why you're back here."

"Voldemort is going to attack Hogwarts on the morning of January fourth, Hermione. I was brought back to be trained up so I can meet him in battle," the wizard said heavily.

Hermione gasped.

"No, Harry. He's…he's too powerful for you to face alone," she cried, terror in her eyes.

"Snape is going to train me, teach me how to weaken and survive him. How to use a sword…I have to kill him physically…not with magic because we are magically connected. And I need to learn some new hexes. Snape said you knew them and suggested I ask you to help me learn them," Harry said, his eyes curious how Hermione would know such spells, and more…how Snape knew she knew them. Maybe through pillow talk.

Harry shuddered at the thought.

"The Professor is going to train you to fight with a sword?" she asked to make sure.

"Yes. And duel me," Harry replied, his eyes lighting up at the prospect.

Hermione frowned. This didn't sound good. Neither wizard liked the other. But then again, that might be a good thing considering hatred would be a factor when Harry met Voldemort. The witch still didn't like the idea of the two wizards she loved most in the world trying to take each other's heads off. Because that was what was going to happen. She stared at Harry, realizing he might be preparing for his death. Her eyes filled with tears.

"Oh Harry," she cried, clutching him close and sobbing.

Harry patted her back.

"Don't worry Hermione. I'll be ready for this. It will be a relief to finally face him. Voldemort's been a dark cloud hanging over my head all my life. At least…at least it will finally come to an end and I'll be free of him one way or another," he said softly. "Besides, if I can weaken him enough…someone else might be able to kill him. I think the Professor wants to do it. He didn't say it…but I could feel it, see it in his eyes."

Hermione drew back from Harry. If what he said were true, then Severus would also be risking his life. He could die as well. This was too horrible.

"Oh my gods," Hermione breathed, tears streaming down her face. Harry wrapped a comforting arm around her.

"Come on, Hermione…let's go to Gryffindor Tower. You can tell me about these spells," he said softly to the sobbing witch.

Hermione sniffled. Yes, she could make sure Harry learned all the spells and help him. There was something she could do that might help him stay alive. As long as she did that, there was hope he might survived.

Hermione bucked up, wiping the tears from her eyes and drawing a deep breath.

"All right, Harry…let's go then. You are going to have a lot to learn over the next ten days. I'm just the witch to teach you," she said bravely.

Harry gave her a smile.

"That's the witch, then," he said affectionately.

They both headed for the main stairwell, arm in arm.

They had work to do.

---

A/N: Interesting chapter. I'm very tired so no notes really. Just please review. Thanks.