AN: Alpha/Beta love to Bondgirltrb and SyrenGrey. Thank you guys!

XOX

Hermione helped Ginny out of the tub, wincing when she noticed the bruises that her friend was covered in. The ginger witch had given her a defeated look, as if she were actually embarrassed of what had happened. What was worse, was that Ginny seemed to think Hermione's bruises were real as well.

"Don't look at me like that, Hermione. You're just as bruised as I am."

Hermione didn't know how to respond. Snape had told her to tell the witch only what was necessary. But she couldn't let her friend think Snape was going to hurt her— she deserved to sleep peacefully as well. Besides, if she couldn't prove herself skilled enough with Occlumency, Snape could simply obliviate her. Hermione had no doubt that was her own future if she didn't master the skill soon.

"Come on, Ginn. Let's put these clothes on and get into bed. We have a lot to talk about.

"He—he gives you clothes?" Ginny asked, bemused.

"Yes," she answered simply.

The young women dressed quietly, avoiding each other's gaze. They pulled on their matching set of loungewear and moved over to the bed. Hermione smiled softly.

"What?" Ginny asked a bit defensively.

"It's just… Well, it's like some sort of odd slumber party, isn't it?"

Ginny smiled a little as well, finally starting to relax. Hermione walked back to the bathroom again, picking up a hair brush that Snape had obtained for her. She sat behind her friend on the bed and started combing her hair. The witch sighed contentedly, by the looks of things it had been quite some time since she had bathed or brushed her hair.

"Ginn?"

"Yeah?"

"I have a lot to tell you. I'm not really sure how to start, let alone how to explain-I don't fully understand it myself."

"Why don't you start from the beginning?"

Hermione sighed. If they were going to discuss this, they'd need some tea. Snape had said Kreacher would listen, so she supposed now was a good chance to try.

"Kreacher?" She practically whispered. The elf arrived with a pop, crossing his arms as he waited. Not overly friendly, but he did at least come. "Could we have some tea and biscuits please?"

The elf nodded, arriving back shortly with a relaxing herbal blend and some chocolate digestives. Ginny smiled— apparently Kreacher had remembered her favorite kind. Hermione was elated to see even an ounce of happiness on her friend's face.

"Right. Well, go on then," Ginny mumbled as she tore into another digestive. "From the beginning."

Hermione cleared her throat, cradling her cup of tea as she sat cross legged, facing her friend. "I guess it all started after Snape took me to the woods."

Hermione informed her friend of the ritual, leaving out most of the more intimate details. She pushed back her sleeve to show her brand, explaining how she just discovered that he had marked her with protective runes, right under Voldemort's… well, she supposed she couldn't say under his nose, but certainly done right in front of him.

Hermione went on to explain the curse Snape had been hit with— explaining how it directly relates to his heart rate so if he becomes too stressed or anxious it will activate. She told her that he was as much a victim as she was, although Ginny didn't seem to fully accept that answer.

"So, is he on our side then?" Ginny asked.

"I really believe he is. He's been different since he showed me his memories. He won't tell me what the plan is, but I know there is one. For now, he wants us to practice Occlumency. Did Harry ever..?"

"No. He didn't learn it himself, let alone teach me." Ginny looked away with tears in her eyes. Hermione reached over, laying a hand on her leg for comfort. "I miss him," Ginny said. "Harry. Ron, Fred… so many died."

"Have you seen any of the others? Your parents? The professors?"

"No," Ginny shook her head. "But I've heard the bastard talk about it. Voldemort is having them start to rebuild the castle. Apparently he's keeping them compliant by threatening us. They've been told we will be killed if they don't comply."

"What do they need the castle for?"

"Evidently they want to keep educating. Pure bloods only. I saw Snape once, actually. He and Dolohov were going over some school stuff. Snape wants to make him head of the Dark Arts. He said there won't be any more Defense class, only literal Dark Arts. Can you imagine? There won't be any more houses or anything like that. No Muggle Studies, or any other subject that isn't Death Eater approved," Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Has he done anything else? Anyone else coming to visit?"

Ginny took a few minutes to think about it. "The Lestranges are there a lot. Well, the wizards at least. I don't ever see Bellatrix around. They are always bragging about what they are doing to poor Neville though. We really need to get him out of there before they kill him."

Hermione blanched as her imagination grew dark with what she feared that evil witch was capable of. Poor Neville.

"They did fight once," Ginny offered as an afterthought.

"Who?"

"Rabastan and Dolohov."

"What was it about?"

"I'm not sure. Dolohov was talking about some sort of spell he was trying to create, Rabastan didn't agree with it. Said it was wrong to keep something like that secret from You-Know-Who. One thing led to another, and it was an outright brawl."

"That's good information, Ginn. Maybe I can tell Snape and–"

"No!"

Hermione furrowed her brow.

"I still don't trust him, Mione. He… he killed Ron. If he was good, as you say, then there would be no reason to kill him, right?"

"I–"

"I don't trust him." Ginny crossed her arms, pleading with Hermione to agree. Reluctantly, the older witch nodded her head. She'd think of a way to tell Snape without Ginny knowing. She valued her friendship, but perhaps this was something that could take Dolohov down. Hermione decided to change the subject.

"You know a lot more about what's going on than I do," Hermione said. Truthfully she was a bit hurt that Snape hadn't told her more.

"It's not like he tells me. He just forgets that I can fucking hear everything he says. Maybe he thinks if he beats me hard enough that I'll forget. But I'll never forget. I'm counting down the days until I can kill him myself."

"Soon, Ginn. Very soon." I hope. "In the meantime, let's get to studying, yes? Maybe if we teach ourselves enough, Snape will tell us the whole plan."

XOX

They studied as long as they possibly could. With neither of them being trained in Legilimency, they couldn't exactly test one another, but they focused on quieting their emotions and clearing their minds. It was exhausting work, so after they ate their dinner, they got under the covers and simply talked. Hermione had missed almost a year with her friend, being on the run with Harry and Ron. Ginny had told her what classes were like under Snape's reign, and Hermione told stories of their adventures.

They were almost asleep when they heard the door slam open. Hermione startled, jumping out of bed with her heart pounding. This was never a good sign. He had been gone for hours. What if the curse had activated fully? If he raped her in front of Ginny, there'd be no way to convince her friend that Snape could be trusted.

"Stay here," Hermione demanded.

"Like hell," Ginny said.

"Let me see what's going on first." Ginny started to get up anyway when Hermione turned her pleading eyes on her friend. "Ginny, please. Trust me on this."

The redhead listened, albeit reluctantly, sitting back down on the bed, pulling her knees against her chest. Hermione took a deep breath and walked out the door, looking for the source of the noise. She gasped finding Severus bloodied and leaning against the wall.

"What happened," she gasped.

"It's not all mine," he whispered. His breathing was labored, and Hermione could tell he had lost a decent bit of blood, based on his complexion alone.

"Come sit down, let me take a look."Hermione tried to lead him to the sofa but he shook his head.

"I'm fine. Let me be."

"You are not fine. You're bleeding everywhere," she scolded.

Snape seemed to stand a bit taller, brushing some hair out of his face and sighing. "Calming drought. Bathroom, second cabinet." Snape rolled his eyes as she tilted her head in confusion. "The curse, girl. I need to get my heart rate down."

"Right! Sorry sir!" Hermione quickly ran through the bedroom, tearing open the cabinets looking for the calming draught as well as the little wooden box of first aid potions she used on him last time.

"What's going on?" Ginny said, moving to get off the bed.

"Snape's hurt again. I gotta take care of him. Stay here, no matter what you hear." Hermione closed the door behind her, wincing when she saw Snape collapse onto the sofa.

"Sir?"

"I'm still here," he groaned. "Unfortunately."

Hermione scoffed. "Here, open." She unstopped the phial, tilting the calming draught to his lips and watching his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed. A little bit trickled down his chin, which she quickly wiped up with her thumb, pressing it against his lips to get him to finish the whole thing.

Snape swatted her hand away. "One drop is hardly going to make a difference, Granger. Get your finger away from my mouth."

She blushed, unsure of why she had even tried to get him to do it. "Sorry."

"It's fine," he grunted, trying to sit up. "Help me get out of these damned robes."

She quickly tried to unbutton his layers, struggling between the sheer amount of buttons, not to mention, they had become quite slick while coated in blood. Snape rolled his eyes, once again handing her his wand.

"Just slice them off," he groaned. "The blood is drying around it so it's going to hurt. I'd rather it be quick."

Hermione nodded her head, waving the foreign wand and muttering "Depulso."

Snape's hand immediately moved to cover himself. "Fuck, witch! I meant a simple Divesto."

"Sorry! I panicked."

"Fuck," he growled. "That bloody well hurt. Grab me a blanket or something for Merlin's sake."

"Aright, alright, keep your shirt on."

"Glad to see you are able to make jokes, girl. I'll remember that," he snarled.

"I'm simply trying to keep you calm, sir."

"Well it's not fucking working. You stressful little chit."

Hermione snorted, covering his lower body with a blanket so he'd feel more comfortable. "It's not as if I haven't seen you," she blushed, regretting having opened her mouth.

He lay still for several moments before muttering a quiet, "indeed."

Summoning her courage, she started to examine his body. There were some deep slices, but nothing that looked to be fatal. "Would you like for me to heal them sir?"

He opened his eyes, looking at her with a vulnerability that made her stomach flip. "We will sanitize them first. Then I'll teach you how to heal them. Is Miss Weasley still here?"

Hermione nodded her head.

"Silence the door then. It's going to burn."

Hermione's eyes widened, obviously she had missed something. From what she saw, he wasn't in that bad of shape. She waved the wand, casting the Muffliato as she watched Snape wandlessly summon his blood replenisher. He reached out for her hand then, wrapping his fingers around her wrist to bring the tip of his wand to his chest. Hermione listened as he murmured a spell, it sounded almost song-like. She watched as the trickle of blood slowed, residue clearing as the skin stitched itself.

"That didn't seem so bad," she offered.

"Yes, well. You'll have to do my back," he said, gasping as he attempted to roll to his side.

Hermione dropped his wand, hearing it clatter to the floor as she covered her mouth with both hands. His back was cut deeply, dark red blood pouring from the wounds and soaking into the sofa. "Oh my God! What happened?"

"Heal me first,"he growled. "The curse… it's starting."

"Fuck. Okay, okay, you can do this," she whispered to herself.

"Same incantation," he reminded.

Hermione watched as his body started to twitch beneath her, spine curving as he started to hunch over. The cramps were starting. She didn't have long to heal him before the curse kicked in. And she did NOT want him to be brutal with Ginny next door, silencing charm or not. She pointed the ebony wand at his back, singing the incantation just as he had done, watching as the blood flow eased, and the skin knitted itself back together. It was heartbreaking, listening to his cries of pain. For some reason, she expected him to clench his jaw, or simply growl. But he sounded like a wounded animal and it made her heart hurt.

She sat back on heels, breathing heavily as tears started to fall.

"Who did that?"

"There was a… misunderstanding amongst the inner circle. The Dark Lord suspects a spy." Snape gingerly moved to lay on his back once more.

Hermione gasped. "Do they know?"

"Am I alive?" he said pointedly.

"Not really," she mumbled under her breath. "So they just, what? Attacked everyone?"

"Basically," he half shrugged. "The Dark Lord somehow obtained information that a certain Death Eater is still alive. He assumes one of us was not only aware, but is, in fact, harboring them. Then he kindly left us to sort out amongst us who it was."

"And did you?"

He hesitated.

"Someone was blamed, yes."

"Who?"

"Goyle," he whispered.

"Did he do it?"

"Does it matter?" he sighed, digging the heels of his hands into his eyes as if he was staving off a bad headache. "Go back with Miss Weasley before this fucking thing kicks in all the way." Snape rolled onto his side tenderly, pulling the blanket over his shoulder and closing his eyes. She watched the way his breathing slowed as if he were trying to meditate.

"You said we'd try to stay ahead of the curse," she reminded. Snape looked over his shoulder angrily.

"Granger. I was just fucking filleted. The last thing I want is to… give into the curse. Now. Let me be. Perhaps if I can—" he was cut off with an anguished cry, doubling over as the stomach cramps worsened. "Just leave me be."

"Shut up, Snape. Let's just…get it over with, yes?"

He opened an eye to glare at her. "I wouldn't be so eager if I were you. You know what to expect."

"Not if we do this before it takes over your mind, sir."

"Granger," he growled. "I'm not keen to fuck a student, curse or not."

"We've talked about this sir," she said, bravely walking over to him. "Besides, I haven't been your student for over a year."

Snape sighed, pinching his eyes shut as his body continued to cramp. Hermione took this as a sign of resignation. She inched closer, moving to sit on the sofa beside him.

Damn, Hermione. What did you get yourself into this time?

"Do…do you need assistance sir? To… prepare?"

He laughed bitterly. "No. The curse takes care of that aspect, unfortunately." He moved to sit up a little, reclining against the arm rest instead of laying flat on his back. "Do you?"

"Sir?"

Snape rolled his eyes. "Is your body sufficiently prepared, girl? Or should I use the spell?"

"I don't want the spell," she whispered. "It makes me feel…uncomfortable."

"You'll be more uncomfortable if you're unprepared," he uttered, reaching out for his wand. She pulled it out of his reach momentarily.

"I'd still rather not use it."

He huffed. "It's uncomfortable for us both if you are insufficiently prepared!"

"So then prepare me some other way!" she yelled.

Snape was obviously taken aback. "As if it's that simple."

He was stalling, and she knew it. "Just– I don't know! Kiss me or something."

"I don't kiss," he snarled.

"What? Ever?"

"Oh, Christ, Granger. Just– come here."

Hermione yelped as he pulled her down on the sofa, moving to roll on top of her. He grumbled, annoyed that he couldn't get comfortable. "Where's my wand?"

"Here you go, sir," she said, shifting a bit to grab it from her waistband.

"Stop calling me that if you want this to work." He waved his wand, expanding the sofa enough that they could each move a bit more comfortably. He flicked his wand once more, neatly removing her clothes, cocking an eyebrow to draw attention to his more refined way of taking her clothes off. She still yelped, wanting to cover herself.

"Not as much fun on the other end of things, is it, witch?" he smirked.

Hermione was breathing heavily now. This was the first time they would be intimate without it hurting, hopefully. Not to mention, she was very curious about what the man was willing to do to arouse her. She had read some things, of course, but never got around to trying any of it. Sex so far was a terrifying and painful experience. As much as she wanted to, she just couldn't relax. Her thighs were trembling, afraid she'd hyperventilate, and he hadn't even touched her yet! He was just lying beside her.

"Shh," he soothed, a bit harshly. "Calm down, it's okay. I'm still in control of it." She could tell he was losing his patience, but at least he was trying to be calm. She felt his hardness brush against her thigh and tried to not panic. He sensed this, she thought, because she next felt his hand run over her thigh. It was soft, but commanding. Like he was trying to calm a wild animal. He smoothed long strokes against her overheated skin, from ribs to knee, over and over until her breathing evened out.

"Okay?"

"Okay," she confirmed.

He exhaled a little, moving to lay on top of her. Supporting himself on his arms, he was able to look down at her, the look of apprehension and apology surprised her. He was nervous too, it would seem. Closing his eyes, he lowered his body on top of hers. As he slid down, he breathed over her belly, lips gently caressing the sensitive skin of her hips. This time, when she quivered, it was for a different reason.

His face was now aligned with her most intimate of areas, and gods… the way his breath felt as it ghosted over her made her groan.

"Still okay?" he asked.

Fuck yes.

"Yes," she breathed.

He turned his head, kissing her inner thigh as his hand pressed against her to spread her legs further. She was humiliated to discover that she was already growing quite wet, and was fearful he too would notice and stop before he kissed her where she really wanted.

His tongue was wicked, running intricate patterns on her sensitive skin, following each line with a sharp nip from his teeth. He was driving her crazy, teasing her mercilessly. Soon, she was writhing beneath him, hands fisting in his hair as she tried to bring his face over to her core.

"Please," she begged.

Two black eyes looked up from between her legs, burning with a passion that made her cunt quiver. Resting a hand over her mons, and his chin atop that hand, he took on a bored tone.

"Please what, Miss Granger?"

There was no way she could possibly say it. Instead, she bucked her hips, hoping to get her point across. Snape, the bastard, simply smiled, pressing his hand down hard enough to still her hips.

"I didn't quite catch that."

"Please," she begged once more, hands returning to pull at his silky hair, "touch me."

"I am touching you."

"Damn it, Snape. Lick me, please."

He chuckled, lowering his head to give her cunt one long, flat lick. Her back arched as she cried out. Hermione had never felt anything so good in her life. She could easily orgasm from his tongue alone.

"I believe you are sufficiently prepared, Granger," he laughed, sliding up her body to bracket her face between his arms.

"Are you fucking serious?" She stared at him incredulously. Surely he wasn't going to stop now?

"This is for the curse, remember?"

He looked concerned. Between his expression and the reminder that this wasn't real, she felt like he had tossed a bucket of cold water on her.

Of course this wasn't real.

Holding back tears, she simply nodded at him. Unsure of what to do, she traced her fingernails down his side, smiling a bit as he twitched beneath her. Her hands landed on his hips, squeezing a bit harder than she meant to, but her nerves were growing. Snape leaned over to one side, taking himself in hand and pumping a few times.

Hermione bit her lip, unable to look away from the glorious sight before her. There was something commanding about the way he took himself, fist moving languidly as it slid over his entire length. She felt the smooth head of his erection press itself against her warmth, nudging against her as he slowly pressed himself in. It was gentle at first– Snape slowly rocking his hips, easing into her welcoming channel. After a few moments, he groaned, almost frustratingly as he thrust forward a bit harder than before.

They both groaned as he bottomed out. Hermione was holding her breath, willing her muscles to relax and fully enjoy him. Looking up, she saw how his eyes were closed, lips parted as his tongue ran over his top teeth. Gods, it was an attractive sight. There was a vein that bulged in his neck that Hermione fantasized about licking, sinking her teeth into him and marking him.

Who would have thought this could be enjoyable?

"I need to move," Snape gasped. Hermione nodded her head, wanting him to move as well.

"Wrap your legs around my waist," he commanded.

"Oh," she gasped. That changed the angle a bit, and felt very very good.

"Yes," he whispered as he slowly withdrew. Hermione whined at her feeling of emptiness when he completely removed himself, earning another low chuckle as he ran the head of his cock through her folds and over her clit, stimulating her again before sliding back inside her languidly.

"You're so wet," he gasped.

"Mmm. Feels good," she whimpered.

He continued to rock his hips against hers, low moans erupting from the stoic man. Hermione felt powerful in that moment. She was in charge for once. She made this man vulnerable. The curse had started it, but he gave himself to her freely in that moment and it felt incredible. She felt her orgasm start to bloom, arching her back in an attempt to get herself all the way there. Snape seemed to sense this, changing his angle just enough to rub his pubic bone against her right where she needed it.

"Ahhh… oh, fuck, please… please…" she begged wantonly.

Snape started pistoning his hips against her, taking her rougher than he had been. She didn't mind. His cock seemed to know the perfect angle to stimulate her as it brushed against that sensitive spot.

"Oh–oh Merlin," she cried out.

"Fuck," he growled, burying his face against her neck, biting her a bit harshly where her shoulder joined. She whimpered, enjoying that sting of pain that accompanied the most pleasurable experience of her life.

Snape lay still against her for a few moments, breath evening out. Hermione gasped as he quickly pulled out, feeling his seed drip down her thighs with his hasty removal. He flicked his wand at her, cleaning her up as he quickly summoned his robe, knowing full well that she had destroyed his other clothes.

"Snape?" Hermione was worried now. He seemed almost frantic.

"I need to get dressed," he muttered, stalking towards the bedroom as he pulled his cloak around himself tightly.

"But sir!" she exclaimed. He ignored her, throwing open his bedroom door. Hermione heard a scream from Ginny as Snape shouted obscenities. He quickly stalked out of the bedroom, face beet-red as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Would you be so kind as to grab me some trousers, Granger?" he hissed.

Hermione quickly tossed on her transfigured clothes and ran into the bedroom, ignoring the gawking Ginny Weasley as she gathered him some fresh clothes and scurried back out to him. He snatched them away, storming off and cursing more about not having any privacy.

Hermione lowered her head, sighing as she moved to return to the bedroom.

"What the fuck just happened?" Ginny shouted. "Why was Snape naked? And why do you look so happy about it?"

AN: We are moving forward, a bit with this story. Out of the dark, for a little while at least. Let's see what type of trouble these two can get into...