Polyjuice ball

by Kwikquotesquill

A Snamione fic. After the war a broken Hermione is working at Hogwarts. She gets along well with all her colleagues with the exception of her infuriating colleague, Professor Snape.

Hi Readers! This smutty slow burn Snamione fanfic takes place after the final war and is non-cannon. Sirius did not die and Hermione saved Snape's life after he was attacked by Nagini. Enjoy!

After the war employment opportunities abounded. The Ministry of Magic had offered Hermione a position as a department head. They didn't seem to care which department, as long as they were able to announce to the Wizarding world that the golden trio were in the Ministry's employ. Harry and Ron had taken the offers without hesitation and were now heading up the Auror and Sports departments respectively.

Hermione however, had not immediately jumped into a new job. She didn't feel ready after the war. Hermione didn't understand how people were just moving on with their lives as though nothing had ever happened.

Hermione had not been able to undo the memory charms she had put on her parents and had no home to return to.

Sirius had offered her one of the many empty rooms at Grimmauld Place which she gratefully accepted.

Hermione was a shadow of her former self, directionless. Day after day she buried herself in the Black library, reading to distract herself from the flashbacks that overwhelmed her.

A tawny brown owl landed in her lap with a soft hoot, bearing a scroll of parchment. Hermione knew what it would say before she opened it. This was the fifth letter of its kind, a job offer from McGonnagall for the vacant role of Muggle Studies professor.

She had responded in the negative to the first offer which had seemed to spur McGonnagall to turn up to Grimmauld Place in person and stage an intervention. When that had failed, various Order members had dropped in under various excuses and tried to convince her to take the post. Hermione, recognising these visits for what they were, had stopped pretending to humour them politely and had resorted to ensconcing herself in her room whenever visitors dropped in.

She felt bitter, angry in a way she never had before. Everyone was just carrying on with their lives as though it never happened, as though she, Harry and Ron hadn't sacrificed everything. As though she hadn't lost some of the people she cared about most. As though her only family, her parents -

With a careless flick of her wand she sent the unopened letter sailing into the fire.

The owl gave a reproachful hoot, before shooting back out the open window as though it feared being the next object of her rage.

A honeyed baritone addressed her from the doorway of the library, smooth and mocking.

"My, my. Without even opening it. Minerva would be so disappointed to hear that her star pupil no longer considers her correspondences worth the time it would take to read them."

Hermione glanced towards the doorway, unabashed. "What do you want, Snape?"

He stalked closer, "is that any way to address a former professor?" He asked silkily.

"Would you prefer Professor, Sir, or perhaps...Severus?" She replied mockingly, unable to keep the bitter sting out of her tone.

He stalked around her, laying a pale hand on the armrest of her armchair. "So bitter," he tutted "it doesn't suit you. Are you missing the attention from being a member of the golden trio? No longer feeling important or relevant now the Dark Lord has been vanquished?"

Hermione's rage increased. Her eyes burned with hatred.

"Or perhaps, you just enjoy doing nothing? I hear that the Ministry pay out means that you will never have to work a day in your life. But even so, I always expected more from Griffindor's princess."

Hermione cursed. This man knew nothing! Nothing!

"Or perhaps, the Golden princess is too high and mighty for a mere teaching post at Hogwarts."

Hermione cursed, unable to hold her tongue any longer.

"It's not like that!"

"Are you just too busy then?" He asked sarcastically, shooting a glance at her pyjamas, tea and pile of books "do forgive my intrusion. Clearly you have much more pressing priorities to attend to."

That utter, complete Asshole!

Hermione would have thought that he might have shown at least a little bit of gratitude after she saved his life in the Shrieking Shack with that Merlin-damned phoenix tear!

"Perhaps I'll see you at the Order meeting tonight" he offered silkily.

Hermione grunted by way of reply, flipping a page nonchalantly as she feigned interest in the same page she had been open at for the last three hours.

"Or, even better," he added with a nasty smile "perhaps I won't. Especially since the Order is concerned with taking action. I expect you will be too busy sitting on your perky ass to attend."

Before she could retort he had turned on his heel. With a crack! he was gone.

Prick!

Order meeting

Sirius seemed surprised as Hermione trudged down the staircase that evening wearing a black sweetheart cut midi dress.

"You've showered" he said.

"No need to seem so surprised" Hermione replied acerbically.

Sirius opened his mouth to reply before wisely shutting it.

Living alone together in the large house, Sirius and Hermione had fallen into comfortable companionship. He alone seemed to understand how it felt to lose your family before they died. And best of all, he never pushed her, never tried to force her to play along, to act as though everything was okay when it was not.

She flicked her wand towards the coffee pot, setting it into motion. It was going to be a long night.

The order was still trying to round up death eaters following the war. What was the point anymore?

Hermione was only attending the meeting because Snape's comment about sitting on her ass had rubbed her the wrong way. She recalled him saying that he hoped she wouldn't attend. She'd show him!

As she entered the study where the rest of the order members were already seated. She noted their surprised glances with irritation.

She glanced around and realised that they hadn't even kept an empty seat for her. A lingering part of her former self burned with embarrassment. For a moment she paused, she didn't feel welcome here.

As though sensing her hesitation Snape wordlessly conjured a chair. When she hesitated to take it he murmured quietly so noone else could hear, "if you are going to sit on your pretty ass all evening, you may as well do it here."

Biting back her retort, Hermione took her seat.

Arthur Weasley spoke "establishing cases against death eaters is not going so well. They just say they were under the imperious curse and we have a hard time proving otherwise."

Hermione stirred restlessly. She'd heard it all before.

"And the search for Lucius continues" Shacklebolt added. Beside her, Hermione felt Snape stiffen. Hermione would bet 10 galleons that Snape knew exactly where Lucius was hiding.

"I'd assist but semester starts soon" McGonnagall replied "and we are still short staffed". McGonnagall shot Hermione a glance.

Snape offered a lazy smile "I wouldn't hold out for Granger if I were you."

He talked about her as though she was not sitting right there next to him!

"Actually" Hermione challenged, mouth kicking in seconds before her brain "I will be taking the post." She shot an acidic glance towards Snape.

He simply raised his eyebrows mockingly. Somehow she felt as though she had just walked into a trap.

"Excellent!" Exclaimed McGonnagall before Hermione had a chance to take it back. "I'll see you on the first of September. Oh and you'll be Griffindor head of house."

Hermione realised that this was probably a great honour. "Thanks?" She offered belatedly.

Beside her, she felt Snape's cruel mouth widen in a twisted smile.

Homecoming

As Hermione stood at the gates to the castle she breathed in that same familiar scent from her schooling years. Oak, grass, and that tingling whiff of something she could only describe as magic.

She paced restlessly as she waited for McGonnagall to come and let her in. The familiar sight and smell of the place that was her home for so many years was overwhelming. She was regretting this already. She was not sure what had possessed her to take the role during that meeting!

Hermione turned on her heel, preparing to apparate. I'll just send her an owl to let her know I've changed my mind!

At her back, the gate creaked open.

A cruel voice rang out behind her "Already tired of the role then? I expect the journey here alone was too much exertion for the Great War heroine."

Hermione ground her teeth in an effort not to rise to the bait. Her fingers twitched, itching to grab her wand and cast a tongue tying hex on the-

Snape tutted as she turned to face him slowly. "Planning to hex your dear colleague before you have even entered the castle?"

Hermione took a deep breath. "Snape."

He arched a dark brow in question. "Is that any way to greet your esteemed colleague?"

Her words stung with brutal sarcasm as Hermione stalked forward toward his tall cloaked form. "Tell me then, how would you usually greet your colleagues, Snape? A killing curse?"

Hermione felt a deep sense of satisfaction when the expression in his obsidian eyes darkened. But to her surprise he replied, "only upon special request." Did Severus Snape just make a joke?! "Ordinarily, however I might have the decency to refer to them by their first name."

"Oh really!" Hermione mocked "shall I call you Severus, or perhaps Sev for short? Do you require a hug as well, or perhaps even a kiss?" She stepped forward, mockingly, into his personal space. She was so close that she could smell his scent of parchment and herbs.

His eyes shuttered for a moment before he offered a lazy smirk "only if you wish it Hermione...unless of course you would prefer to be called Hermie?" He did not step back and the air hung loaded between them.

Prick.

He turned abruptly, closing the gate behind them.

They walked up to the castle in silence.

"I trust you know the way to the headmistress' office, Hermie?"

Hermione growled at his use of the horrible nickname, but before she could reply, he was gone.

When Hermione entered the office the portraits all fell silent at once.

"Welcome Hermione, please take a seat" McGonnagall greeted, gesturing to a chair.

"Thanks professor" Hermione replied automatically.

"Please dear, we're colleagues now. Call me Minerva. Now dear, I know things have been difficult for you following the war."

Hermione scowled but McGonnagall continued on "but this is your chance to make a difference to the next generation of witches and wizards. Now I know there are a lot of memories for you here, but this is your chance to get over them and do something great with your life. Your chambers have been prepared and Winky will show you to them. Your things are already there."

Hermione stood up. "Thanks - Minerva"

"That's more like it " McGonnagall replied with a nod. "I'll see you at dinner with the rest of the staff."

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Familiar faces

The door swung open and Hermione glanced around her assigned chambers.

There was a well appointed living room hung in Griffindor colours. The living room led to a dining room, kitchen and study. This will do nicely.

Turning down a corridor, Hermione flung open the door to find a sunlit bedroom with gauzy curtains that looked out over the grounds.

She turned to her trunk and found it already unpacked. House elves! Some things would never change.

Hermione sat before the vanity mirror, assessing her reflection. Her face was pale and dark smudges lingered beneath her eyes.

Hermione passed her wand over her hair so her chestnut curls gleamed. After a moment's hesitation she added lip gloss and sprayed on her signature perfume. A subtle blend of vanilla, ylang ylang and rose.

She was ready to face them.

As Hermione entered the Great Hall she surveyed the staff table and to her pleasant surprise she saw Neville. He had suffered as much as she had. He had fought just as much as she had. Finally one person who she did not have disdain for.

"Hi Neville" she greeted with a smile, sliding into the empty chair beside him. Though she was glad to see him, her smile did not meet her eyes. It never did these days.

"Hi Hermione, I am glad to see you took the position." He beamed

"And you will be teaching herbology I suppose?"

He nodded in reply. "Apart from the two of us, the rest of the staff are pretty much the same."

Hermione glanced down the staff table as seats began to fill. Hagrid dropped heavily into the seat in Hermione's other side "'ello 'Ermione. I'm glad ter see that you're settling in."

Hermione was filled with warmth at the sight of him. The misguided but well-intentioned half-giant was among the rare few people she considered friends.

"Don' look so worried," he continued, giving her a pat on the back that made her chair screech forwards. "The staff are really nice and welcoming. It's like a happy family." His eyes darted to the tall, dark figure stalking toward the staff table "well mos'ly anyway."

Hermione looked up and Snape's dark eyes met hers. He offered a cruel smirk "well, well some things don't change" he murmured at the sight of her sitting between Hagrid and Neville. "Much as I hate to disrupt this touching reunion, as a fellow head of house, Minerva has ordered me to be your buddy." His lip curled as he said the offending word.

He flicked his wand lazily and with a horrible screech like the sound of nails on a chalkboard, Hagrid's chair moved to the side and another chair appeared between Hermione and Hagrid. He slipped into the new seat with casual grace.

"I trust that your chambers were to your satisfaction?"

Hermione noted the sensual emphasis with surprise and irritation. He always managed to rub her the wrong way. But she was not the meek student he remembered and she would make sure he knew it.

"Mmmhhhmm" she replied, half word, half moan. "Oh, yes."

To her surprise he did not seem discomfited in the slightest. "My chambers are just across the hall, so don't hesitate to drop by if you ever find yourself in need of something that a house elf can't provide" he purred.

She knew they were playing a game of chicken, a parry of words designed to irritate, provoke, to see who would break first. But she was surprised by the shivering thrill that ran through her. She noted the ache in her nipples with annoyance. Perhaps it had been too long since she'd last had some action.

Two could play at this game. Hermione offered a slow smile, but her eyes were alight with fury "I'll be sure to keep your offer in mind."

She turned away from him and for the rest of the meal she spoke to everyone but him.

The sorting went by in a blur. It was such a strange feeling to watch it from the high table, rather than the Griffindor table. But a Griffindor to her bones, she cheered loudly for every new entrant to her house.

Once the feast began, Hermione spent a long time catching up with Neville. It seemed that everyone's life had moved on except for hers. All the same, she was glad to see he was doing well. And she certainly noticed the difference in his appearance. His baby fat had dropped away and he sat tall and broad shouldered, looking more like a quidditch player than the awkward boy from her youth.

While she and Neville chatted, she remained constantly aware of the dark presence on her other side. Though he never looked her way, she was certain that he was paying attention.

First day headaches

Hermione looked down at the upturned faces looking expectantly at her.

Had she, Harry and Ron been sitting in their places only a few short years ago?

"Good morning class" Hermione began "Has anyone read the prescribed text?" A few hands shot up.

"Excellent, then who can tell me the textbook's definition of a muggle?"

All raised hands suddenly disappeared. Hermione struggled to reign in her irritation. "Right then. Who has actually read the textbook?" This time no hands were raised.

Hermione sighed.

A single hand shot up. Hermione smiled, relieved that at least one of them had read the book.

"Sorry Miss Granger, I don't know the answer to the question, but did you really escape from Gringotts on the back of a dragon?"

This was going to be a long day.

—

At break time Hermione entered the staff room, gritting her teeth against her throbbing headache.

"How are you finding your first day of teaching?" Minerva asked with a smile.

Evidently she was expecting a positive response.

Hermione struggled to find the right words. "Are the students always this- this"

"Delightful?" Offered Flitwick.

"Erm-" that was definitely not the word she was looking for.

"Not so long ago, you and your dear friends, enriched, my classroom with your delightfulness" Snape cut in with a wicked sneer.

"Ooh yes, those were the days" Slughorn replied.

It appeared that Snape's sarcasm had gone straight over the other teachers' heads. Hermione, however had not missed the barb in his tone.

"I'm glad to hear you enjoyed our presence in your classes so much, Severus" She shot back sarcastically, waiting for the coffee pot as he poured himself a mug.

"I must admit my classes are not the same without the golden trio." He pointed his wand at her mug, shooting an engorgement charm at it with a sinister smile. His unspoken message was clear. Trust me, you'll need it.

Then he wordlessly picked up the engorged mug and poured her an enormous serving of coffee. "I do so miss the sight of you bouncing in your seat when you wanted to answer a question."

Her cheeks burned hot and before she could help herself she retorted quietly so the other teachers could not hear "yes something about your classes always...moved me. If you want I could give you a private demonstration."

His mouth twitched uncontrollably like he was struggling to contain a laugh.

His dark eyes glinted with mirth as he pressed the mug into her hands. She drew in a sharp breath as his strong, calloused fingers brushed over hers. Bastard!

—

That evening Hermione took the seat beside Neville. His smile was broad and his hair was windswept. Life as Hogwarts' herbology teacher suited him.

"How were your classes?" She asked.

Neville was thrilled to be teaching. He loved spending his time cultivating plants and nurturing the young students in his care. So wholesome! Hermione thought sarcastically. She wasn't sure why this bothered her so much. Maybe it was because she too had been wholesome before the war disillusioned her.

Snape slid into the seat on Hermione's right hand side and silently began to eat his meal. Hermione felt her energy flagging. This stupid job is pointless, just like everything else.

A sudden jolt ran through her as she felt a thigh to her right, brush against her own. That was most definitely not Hagrid!

Hermione shot a sideways glance at Snape, whose gaze remained fixed on his plate. It must have been an accident.

She continued to feign interest in Neville's cheery prattle, when all she wanted was to curl up in her bed, alone.

That thigh brushed hers again.

Okay that was not an accident!

She shot another glance at Snape who it appeared was now in deep conversation with Flitwick. Doubtless he was back to playing his mind games with her. She wasn't going to let him walk over her this time!

Slowly, Hermione inched a leg towards his under the table, grateful for the tablecloth that shielded her actions from innocent student eyes.

Achingly slowly, she slid off a mule and gently pushed the ankle of his rough woollen trousers upward with her bare foot. She traced the arch of her foot along his firm calf.

For a moment he paused, mid-sentence. Ha! Finally made him crack, Hermione smirked to herself. She had the upper hand over the prick at last!

When Hermione ran out of the energy required to make polite conversation she rose from her seat. "Well I'm off to bed."

Snape stood as well, leaving his meal half uneaten on his plate "What perfect timing, Hermione, I was just about to head off myself. Allow me to escort you back to your chambers."

"How kind of you, Severus" she replied sarcastically.

He didn't respond, instead offering her his arm. Taking it, she trailed her fingers along his bicep. She could feel the flex of his muscles through his clothes as he led her out of the hall.

Instantaneous relief

Hermione didn't say anything as they walked, arm in arm. She waited patiently for him to speak.

She was sure that he would crack first.

When the noise of the Great Hall died away behind them, Snape finally spoke. His voice was tentative, quiet.

"I couldn't help noticing that you struggled today." His obsidian eyes landed on hers "I could see that you need some...assistance. Perhaps I could provide you what you require?"

Hermione's heart throbbed in her ears. She felt heat rushing through her body. Her panties, wet from dinner, grew wetter.

"And you are sure that you can provide what I need?" She asked carefully.

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Not to be arrogant, but I can certainly assure you that I am well practiced and thorough. Unfortunately I am discreet, otherwise I would offer you a positive reference."

Hermione licked her lips in anticipation. "Well then, if you are so sure of your talents, perhaps I can confirm whether or not you are just being arrogant."

His smile broadened, looking almost predatory. "I can assure you instantaneous relief" he hissed.

Hermione shuddered, aching with need.

"Very well then, I will take your word for it."

She gripped his arm tighter as he led her towards his chambers. Her fingertips trailed over his forearm hungrily.

Her whole body felt hot. She was burning in these itchy teachers robes. Underneath the robes she had nothing on but scraps of black lace.

There was something so sensual about this unyielding, mysterious man and she felt eager to feel his calloused hands on her soft body.

She shook with desire. She hadn't needed someone this badly in so long.

His dark eyes scanned hers and he lowered his lips to her ear "patience, my dear. We are nearly there" he crooned.

His hot breath on her ear almost tipped her over the edge. She fought to contain her whimper.

Finally, finally! They reached his chambers, his door directly across from her own.

As they entered his rooms, a mirror image of her own but in Slytherin colours, he gestured to his lounge suite. "Make yourself at home. I'll be right back."

Hermione took a seat on his lounge suite and loosened the neckline of her robes to reveal a hint of creamy cleavage.

The anticipation was driving her crazy.

He returned to the room with a slow smirk, "It's your lucky day." He said taking a seat beside her "I happen to have exactly what you need."

Hermione put a hand on his thigh "I don't doubt it."

He slipped a hand into his pocket, withdrawing a small vial.

"Headache potion. My own private recipe. The effects are instantaneous."

For a moment Hermione was dumbstruck.

That asshole! A headache potion!

Snatching the potion from his outstretched palm, she turned on her heel and strode out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her.

Prick!

I'm sorry, I can't help being a tease!

Snitch

Hermione slept badly that night, tossing and turning in an infuriating combination of anger and desire.

At breakfast, Snape leaned toward Hermione, his silken voice washing over her.

"Did you get the relief you desired?"

Hermione ignored him, staunchly poking her eggs and bacon with her fork, in silence.

He frowned "Was it really so unsatisfactory?"

Hermione turned to Neville, giving him a broad smile "You look nice today Neville...or should I call you... professor now?" She purred.

Neville's ears turned pink.

Hermione felt Snape shift in his seat beside her.

"I heard we are getting a new transfiguration professor" Neville began "He was a few years ahead of us but might know him, it's Oliver Wood."

"Oh yes, the handsome one." Hermione giggled. "I'm a big fan of quidditch players"

"From what I've heard, quidditch is not the only sport he is a player in." Snape sneered

Hermione acted as though Snape hadn't spoken "his skills are legendary. And from what I've heard, his broomstick is top notch." Hermione followed this with a giggle that didn't meet her blazing eyes.

—

At break Hermione sat with Flitwick and Hooch in the staff room, inhaling her engorged mug of coffee and ignoring Snape when a distressed 6th year entered the room.

Hermione recognised the boy as head of the Griffindor quidditch team. "Could I speak to you privately, Miss Granger?" The boy's expression was serious and deathly pale.

Hermione followed the boy outside. "What is the matter Kirby?"

"Professor Snape has given our seeker detention on every quidditch training day this week."

"Well I'm sure that there was a good reason -"

"For talking too loudly during group work."

Hermione's lips pressed into a thin line.

"Professor it's obvious what he's doing. He's deliberately sabotaging Griffindor's chances in the quidditch cup!" Kirby continued.

Hermione was fuming. She would not put it past him.

"Thank you for telling me Kirby, I will see what I can do."

When Hermione rentered the staff room she struggled to hide her irritation, but did her best to school her face into neutrality.

She perched on the arm of the armchair where Snape was seated, apparently deeply absorbed in a book. She shifted so her thigh brushed his upper arm.

"Severus," she began sweetly, "I was just having an interesting conversation with Kirby."

He answered in a bored tone without looking up "I will not cancel the detentions."

Hermione stood up abruptly knocking his cup of hot coffee into his lap as she went. "Whoops!" She said sweetly, "I'm so sorry Severus."

Snape swore as Hermione slunk away with an extra swing in her hips and a catlike smile.

—

That afternoon as Hermione exited her last class when a puffing student informed her that she was required at the headmistress' office.

When Hermione entered the headmistress' office Minerva sat behind her desk looking stern. Snape sat in a chair across from her looking smug. His eyes met hers in challenge.

"Hermione is it true that you deliberately spilled a hot beverage on a fellow colleague?"

Hermione shot Snape a dirty look. Snitch.

"It was an accident" Hermione replied, doing her best to look innocent.

"It was not" Snape shot back.

"He has been sabotaging the Griffindor quidditch team" Hermione quickly added. She knew how much Minerva wanted Griffindor to win.

McGonnagall took off her glasses before placing them on her desk and massaging her temples.

"I do not want this kind of disruption in my faculty. I do not have the energy to deal with this. You will both just have to sort out the issues between you. If you haven't sorted it out within a week I will suspend both of you. To help you sort out your issues you are both going to be on after hours hall rounds together."

Snape and Hermione both opened their mouths to argue, but seeing Minerva's face they quickly fell silent.

As Hermione and Snape left in silence their shoulders brushed. Hermione's surge of irritation was marred by a thrill of need.

As Hermione left she heard the voice of Phineas Nigellus in a bored stage whisper "if you ask me they both just need to get it out of their systems."

Hall rounds

At 9pm Hermione waited in the Great Hall for Snape. The idea of hall rounds to catch students out of bed did not sit well with her. So much of what she, Harry and Ron had achieved over the years was due to their illicit nocturnal activities. Perhaps she could walk very loudly so students had time to hide?

"How ironic, a member of the golden trio helping to catch students who are out of bed. My, how the tables have turned." Snape sneered as he approached. Prick.

Somehow the air felt different between them. In the low light of the hall, with just the two of them in the cavernous space the atmosphere felt charged.

"You know I never understood why it gave you so much joy to catch us" Hermione said quietly.

"Perhaps I just enjoyed seeing you after hours in your nightwear..." Snape purred with a suggestive smile.

An unwilling laugh curved the corner of Hermione's lips.

"The halls will be dark and we can't use wand light or the students will know we are coming." He took her small hand in his large calloused one. The friction of his rough palm on hers shot a tingle through her body.

"I wish that I knew when you were coming when I was a student" Hermione whispered in reply. Hermione gulped as she realised the other way her words could be taken.

"If that is something you still desire, it could certainly be arranged." Snape replied with a trace of a growl.

Hermione's heart pounded but she did not reply.

"I can't believe you told McGonnagall about the coffee!" She said at last, bringing the conversation back to safer territory.

His grip tightened on hers "I have done my best to welcome you but you responded by pouring a hot beverage in my lap" he hissed.

Hermione struggled to contain the noise of outraged incredulity that escaped her lips. "Welcome? Is that your idea of welcoming then?"

Suddenly they both stopped, motionless. There was an unusual noise coming from the broom closet ahead. Thumping, punctuated by moans and sighs. Oh Merlin, surely that wasn't students-

In the dark Hermione felt her cheeks burning. She wanted no part in disturbing them! "Severus, there is no need to -"

"Are you saying we should just leave them to it then?" He asked, raising one dark brow. "We should allow them to continue fucking in the broom closet?"

A thrill ran through Hermione's body. Hearing the word fucking spill from his lips in that rumbling baritone made her wet with longing. She was so annoyed with herself for feeling that way but she couldn't seem to help the way her body reacted to him.

She cringed deeply as Snape flicked his wand and the the door to the broom closet shot open with a bang, exposing two students en flagrante.

The students began hurriedly fixing their clothes as Snape spoke in a bored tone "10 points from Hufflepuff" he called after the students as they hurried off down the corridor

"What about the other student?" Hermione asked confused. His lips twitched "a Slytherin."

A burst of anger shot through her. He hadn't changed one bit! That biased git!

"And 20 points from Slytherin," Hermione called to the student's retreating backs.

I wish I could shove him in a broom cupboard and lock the door behind him! Hermione thought bitterly. The mental image of him trapped in a broom closet made her smile for a moment.

Without warning, Snape had taken her by the shoulders and swung her around.

Hermione realised that he had pushed her into a broom closet! She heard the lock snick shut behind him.

It was so dark that Hermione could not see a thing.

They were so close in the tight space that their bodies were pressed together and one of Hermione's thighs was trapped between Snape's.

"Your wish is granted." He said silkily, his low voice soft and sensuous in the dangerous dark.

Hermione gasped "you were reading my mind without permission!" Prick.

Hermione could hear the smile in his voice as he replied "trust me, I wouldn't if I could avoid it but for some reason your mind constantly seems to be yelling rude thoughts at me. But I must admit that this last thought intrigued me."

Hermione's heart pounded in her chest Merlin! She hoped he hadn't heard her other thoughts!

Hermione was sure that if she could see his expression he would definitely be smirking.

"Well now you have me where you want me, what are planning to do to me?" He continued.

She could feel his breath brushing her lips as he spoke, so close, yet so far.

Hermione pressed closer against him, unable to resist. His strong hands wrapped around her waist. As she moved her face she felt his stubble graze her cheek. She bit her lip to stifle a moan.

"When I pictured it, you were in here alone" she replied coldly, her haughty words at odds with her body that curved into his, brushing against him.

"Oh?" He asked in a suggestive tone.

Her nipples ached as they brushed against his chest and she gasped aloud.

"So when you pictured it, what was I doing, all alone, in this broom closet?" he purred.

"Begging to be released" Hermione hissed.

"I imagine getting release will be a lot easier with us both in here" he murmured.

Gods she wanted to shut that cruel suggestive mouth up so badly.

Hermione tilted so her lips grazed his ear "tell me," her voice grew sensual "is that what you want?"

Her hands braced on either side of him where his back was pressed against the door. Now she was the predator, and he the prey.

He groaned, bucking his hips as she pressed into him, so close that she could feel his hard length through his clothes, pressing against her.

Taking his groan for assent, she reached behind him where he leaned with his full weight against the door, flicking the door handle open.

Snape crashed onto the hallway floor with a curse.

As Hermione stepped around him, she smiled.

Mind games

Hermione could barely believe that it had been a whole month since the last order meeting.

Snape wordlessly wrapped a warm hand around her waist as they flooed into Grimmauld Place.

Hermione sighed with relief, shaking off an invisible weight on her chest as she stepped out of the fireplace into the closest thing she had to a home.

Sirius stood waiting in the drawing room with a broad grin stretching across his handsome features.

"Hermione" he said as she stepped into his embrace and threw her arms around his neck. She breathed in his comforting familiar scent.

Sirius' arms encircled the small of her back as they held each other.

He reached up a large paw-like hand to stroke her cheek, "you look..." he paused struggling for the right words "more alive."

Hermione realised that he was right. While her feelings about the war hadn't gone away, a bit of her old fight had reentered her. "You, however," she noted "look...worse?"

Sirius' face was still for a moment before he replied, weighing his words carefully "the house is empty now. Buckbeak is with Hagrid and you're at Hogwarts. I miss you, Hermione. I didn't realise how much I enjoy having you around until you were gone."

"I'm here now" she smiled.

He gave her a wolffish smile as he picked her up and span her around.

They were interrupted by Snape clearing his throat. "The meeting will be starting."

Hermione wasn't sure if she had imagined the jealousy in his voice. "You go ahead. Sirius and I have some catching up to do." She turned back to Sirius, pressing her lips to his scratchy cheek. "I missed you too."

When Hermione entered the room with Sirius, the rest of the Order were already seated. To her surprise, Harry and Ron were both present. Hermione shot them both a friendly smile. Between their busy lives they had barely spoken recently.

As the meeting progressed Snape leaned toward her "looks like your boyfriend Weasel-y isn't too happy that you and Sirius are so close."

"He's not my boyfriend" she shot back, ignoring his deliberate mispronunciation. In fact she thought, it was rather apt.

Snape arched a surprised brow "that's not what he thinks."

"Well after he fucked Eloise Midgen, he has no right to think of me in any way other than a friend."

Snape hissed in disbelief. "He doesn't sound like much of a friend either."

Hermione shrugged.

"And Sirius?" He asked after a pause.

She was silent for a moment, letting the tension build behind his obsidian eyes.

"Sirius is my friend" she said at last.

"He just wants to fuck you. Trust me I'm a legillimens and I can hear the things he thinks about you" Snape sneered.

"Perfect," Hermione purred "tell him to drop by my room tonight. It has been much too long since I have had company."

"I will be sure to send him your way" he responded in clipped tones. His burning eyes were at odds with his statement.

"It would certainly be more useful than a Merlin-damned headache potion." Hermione bit back.

For a moment he seemed startled before his gaze turned predatory. "Ah, so that is why you were so very angry with me" he purred.

Hermione avoided his searching gaze.

"You wanted me to fuck you...and it seems that you were quite put out when I didn't" he continued, sounding contemplative.

"You wish!" Hermione bit back.

His smile grew wider. "No more than you it appears."

His firm hand caressed her knee under the table.

"Tell me, does it make you wet when I talk about fucking?"

Hermione glanced around, nervous that people around them would hear their muted conversation, but was relieved to find all eyes on Harry as he held court at the head of the table.

When Hermione didn't reply, his thigh brushed against hers under the table.

"Did you enjoy feeling me hard for you in that broom closet?"

Hermione bit back a moan. There were in the midst of a busy meeting for Merlin's sake! She was at breaking point. If he made a move now there was no way she could bring herself to refuse.

The pressure of his thigh left hers abruptly. "I'll be sure to let Sirius know that his advances are welcome."

Prick.

She should have known that it was just another mind game. It always was with him.

"I look forward to it!" She replied with a smile, but her eyes were cold.

Oliver's Wood

His gorgeous face caught her eye, drawing her in as she entered the Great Hall.
Bronze hair, amber eyes and a ready smile.

His eyes similarly seemed fixed on her as she strode towards the staff table. "Hermione it has been years!"

She offered him a warm smile "nice to see you too Oliver." He stood, pulling out the empty chair beside him, and gesturing for her to take the seat. Hermione smiled to herself, definitely a step up from cruel smirks and twisted mind games.

Snape stood between them clearing his throat "that's my seat, Wood"

"Oh I'm sorry Severus, but Hermione and I are just catching up." Oliver replied firmly. To Hermione's surprise he did not wither under Snape's glare.

Snape reluctantly retreated, taking a seat on Oliver's other side.

"I thought you were doing well on the Holyhead Harpies quidditch team, Oliver. What brings you to Hogwarts?" Hermione asked.

Oliver's grin was broad as he replied "For a while it was amazing, travelling the world, playing quidditch, being famous. But after a while every day started to feel the same. I missed having a home, and a family to come home to."

For a moment his words chimed in her mind. Finally, someone who understood.

"I know what you mean," she replied with feeling.

"I heard you were busy during the war."

Hermione sighed "you could say that. I too wish I had a family to go home to, you know"

Oliver's gaze held hers, sparkling. "Perhaps we'll both have that one day."

Hermione nodded sombrely.

"Who knows," he continued "maybe it will be the same family and same home."

Hermione glowed with warmth. It felt good to have this gorgeous man paying attention to her, making her feel desired.

"Are you free this evening? we could go for a drink at the Three Broomsticks after dinner."

Hermione hesitated, though she wasn't sure why. He was handsome, gentlemanly, polite. Why was she hesitating?

"Actually" Snape cut in "she can't. She has hall rounds with me after dinner." Eavesdropper!

"Hogsmeade then" Oliver continued gallantly "let me take you out for a coffee next weekend."

Hermione waited for Snape to interject once more. When he didn't, she replied "okay, I'll see you then."

—

"You're late." Snape sneered as Hermione entered the Great Hall for hall rounds. "Too busy catching up with Oliver's Wood?"

"If I was it wouldn't be any of your business, would it, Severus?" She offered with a cold smile.

"It is if it means you are late for hall rounds."

"Well then I will regretfully have to inform you that I was late because I couldn't decide on which lacy underwear I should wear tonight in case I bump into Oliver or Neville." Hermione said, running a hand down her thigh. His dark eyes followed its progress. "I went through my whole drawer but I simply couldn't choose."

His obsidian eyes bored into hers "if you had informed me earlier perhaps I could have been of assistance so you wouldn't be late for hall rounds."

"Your generosity of spirit astounds me as always, Severus. But I'm sure that if anything we would both have been late."

"For once" he growled "I think we are in agreement."

He grasped her small hand in his large calloused one and they strode into the corridor.

Hermione's steps faltered as they passed the broom closet.

His thumb swept over the back of her hand in a caress, simultaneously gentle and rough. "Not after last time." He murmured.

She smiled to herself.

"So" he murmured "if you couldn't decide..."

"I went without."

His hand gripped hers harder.

"Don't believe me?" She teased, stoking the dangerous tension between them.

Taking his hand in hers she raised it to her waist, slowly drawing it downward over her dress so he could feel her through the thin fabric. "Do you believe me now?"

He growled as his fingertips tightened on her hip, his fingers digging into her soft flesh.

He leaned down so his face hovered near hers. "Tell me" she murmured "do you think Oliver will appreciate it?"

His dark eyes burned in the dull light of the hall.

Suddenly they saw a light from an open classroom door followed by sounds that sounded suspiciously like kissing. Snape approached the door, quiet as a cat, with Hermione treading behind him.

A week of hall rounds and she knew what they would find.

Suddenly Snape stepped back quickly before slamming his hand over Hermione's mouth and pulling her back into his chest. He backed up until they hit a wall.

Hermione's heart hammered but she did not resist. Her old war instincts had taken over. She felt a trickle of cold run down her spine as Snape cast an illusionment charm over both of them. Was a death eater in the castle?

Even as her heart thrummed in her ears she felt so aware of his arm encircling her waist, his heat behind her as her back pressed into his warm hard chest.

Suddenly two figures emerged from the door, hand in hand. Hermione was thankful that Snape's hand was still over her mouth, stifling her cry of shock.

Horace and Pomona!

When they had rounded the corner, Snape removed his hand from her mouth and disillusioned them.

"Horace and Pomona?!" Hermione exclaimed.

"They've been at it for years and seem to think that noone knows about it."

"Why don't they just use their chambers?" Asked Hermione, horrified.

"Your guess is as good as mine" he replied dryly.

When they completed their hall rounds, Snape led her to her rooms.

They paused outside her door. As their eyes met, she felt as though an unlikely stalemate had fallen between them.

Hermione reached up, putting her arms around his neck and pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Goodnight Severus."

His lips turned to her cheek in return and for a moment their mouths lingered, close and hesitant, before he turned on his heel and wordlessly entered his rooms.

Ball fever

When Hermione woke the next morning there was a feverish buzz in the air.

Hermione knew that loaded feeling all too well. Something was afoot at Hogwarts.

"What's going on?" Hermione asked Neville as she took her seat at the staff table.

"Didn't you see the notice board! There's going to be a polyjuice ball!" He exclaimed, face filled with nervous excitement.

"A what?" Hermione asked. Growing up with muggles, there was always a level of assumed knowledge that she just didn't have.

"A polyjuice ball!"Neville repeated "everyone takes polyjuice of someone else and is bound to secrecy about their real identity by a charm."

"Like an anonymous masquerade" Hermione said thoughtfully "but in each other's bodies."

"Precisely." Snape said curtly taking a seat beside her.

Oliver slid into the seat beside Neville "I'd ask you to go with me Hermione but it would sort of defy the point since you will be in someone else's body and no one will know who is who."

Hermione absorbed the ebb and flow of the excited chatter around her. It felt like just yesterday that she and her friends were excited for the Yule ball. But everything was different now. How could these people all be so excited and celebrate knowing that so many people died in this castle not so long ago?

No one seemed to notice the melancholy that overcome her as she sat beside them, an inane smile plastered on her face.

"We'll have to find people to swap with" Neville said thoughtfully.

Hermione frowned. Giving another person the ability to use her body for a night, to be her for a night would require an awful lot of trust. Trust she just didn't have.

She felt Snape's rough thumb grazing over her knee, soothingly.

She wanted no part in any of this.

"Attendance is mandatory for all teachers, and teachers can only swap with other teachers" Snape said, as though reading her mind.

Hermione sighed. Great, now she could don someone else's body to dance the night away in the hall where so many of her friends died.

"Though" he added, with a twisted smirk "if you and I swapped I don't know if I'd make it out of my chambers."

Slytherin pig!

"If you and I swapped, I might just walk into the Great Hall stark naked and do a jig on a tabletop" Hermione replied crisply.

She must have spoken louder than she realised because Neville was suddenly shovelling food into his mouth, red faced and Oliver was sniggering.

"Enchanting, though that sounds, perhaps it would be best if we found other people to swap with." Snape replied silkily.

Hermione thought about the other teachers she could swap with McGonnagall? She shuddered. Hooch? Definitely not. Pomona? Merlin what if she had a dalliance with Horace in Hermione's body?

Casting aside that uncomfortable thought, Hermione just didn't like the idea of someone else parading around in her body.

"Perhaps I should go as Oliver" Snape murmured. "I'll let you know if his broomstick is worth riding, shall I?"

Hermione choked on a mouthful of coffee and Neville began thumping her back. "Please do" Hermione replied weakly when she had regained her breath.

"If I want to figure out who you are at the ball I will just cast an underwear revelio charm." He continued in a low voice that only she could hear.

"And if I want to find you, I will simply look for the deepest scowl in the room" Hermione replied.

"Careful or you just might find yourself." He replied softly.

Hermione fell silent. Was that truly what she had become?

Swapsies

Hermione sighed. It was absolutely pointless trying to control her class. All of the students in her classes that day had been so excited by the news of the polyjuice ball, discussing who they might swap with, what they would wear. None of them were able to focus.

At some point she gave up entirely, assigning them all group work so that the students had a legitimate excuse to talk.

At lunch in the staff room, Pomona sidled up to Hermione as she poured herself a coffee. "Hermione how would you fancy swapping for the polyjuice ball?"

Hermione cringed internally. Merlin No!

"I would love to" Hermione lied "it's just that I have already agreed to swap with someone else."

"Never mind dear, I knew that you would be a popular choice. All of us would love the chance to be young for a day! I wonder who got in so fast! Lucky duck!"

When Hermione opened her mouth to reply, Pomona shushed her quickly "oh no, don't tell me who it is! it ruins the fun!"

Gossip about the upcoming ball was rampant. Everywhere she went everyone seemed to have an opinion on who would swap with whom. The news that Hermione had already found someone to swap with seemed to spread like wildfire.

Now she realised that she would have difficulty finding anyone to swap with at all since they all thought she was already taken.

Actually, now she thought about it, everyone at the party would simply assume that everyone else there had swapped. It wasn't like they could really enforce it. Hermione could just go as herself and no one would ever be the wiser. And due to the secrecy charm, no one would ever find out either. She would just carry a hip flask filled with firewhisky instead of polyjuice which she would undoubtedly need to get through the Merlin damned event. The plan was genius! Even if she did say so herself. Years of scheming with Harry and Ron had finally yielded some real world value.

Now Hermione just needed to find a dress.

As she walked down the corridor she bumped into a delighted looking Neville who immediately broke into excited chatter "You'll never guess who I'm swapping with!"

"Erm am I supposed to?" Hermione asked hesitantly.

"Well no I suppose not. But if you did you'd get it wrong!" He was so excited about that Merlin damned ball. How could he be so excited and happy after so many of their friends had died? Hermione had a flash back to their fourth year when Neville had been equally excited about the Yule Ball. Neville had changed a lot since then, but in some ways he was the same old Neville.

"Erm that sounds like fun Neville."

"I heard that Oliver is swapping with Severus."

Hermione's eyebrows shot up. She thought Snape had been kidding about swapping with Oliver. But one never knew with him and his mind games. The mind games that alternately infuriated and titillated. She couldn't stand the man. Speak of the devil she thought as she saw Snape approaching.

Hermione laid a hand on Neville's broad forearm "Neville, do you remember when you asked me to the Yule Ball?"

Neville turned pink "yes I remember. It took me three days to work up the courage. Then you said no."

"Well, Viktor had already asked me and I had said yes. But maybe if you had asked me first my answer would have been different."

"Really?" Neville asked, his eyes widening.

Hermione smiled "almost definitely."

She felt the caress of Snape's cloak against her as he walked past. His scent lingered for a moment. Sandalwood, cloves, parchment and herbs. For a moment she wished she could bottle it. What was she thinking!

Date with Oliver

Oliver gallantly offered Hermione his arm as they entered Hogsmeade. She could feel his firm bicep twitch under her fingers as he moved.

His amber eyes shone and his bronze hair and golden skin gleamed in the sunshine. There was something about his open countenance, his ready smile, that made him a joy to be around.

They chatted about classes and common students, sharing anecdotes and tips about some of their more difficult students.

For a moment Hermione's heart lifted, it was like being with Harry and Ron again.

Then Hermione saw it. Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. Her heart froze in her chest. Fred.

Business seemed to be booming irrespective of one of its founders being gone.

There was a moment in time where she and Fred had been on the edge of a flirtation. His loss had hit her especially hard.

"I love this store!" Oliver exclaimed "it's been a while since I've seen the twins."

He turned, leading her into the shop. Hermione's heart burned at his slip of tongue. Twins.

The store was bustling but George was nowhere to be seen. Hermione had paid enough visits by now to know where her friend would be.

Dragging Oliver with her, she slipped into the store room.

Sure enough, Hermione was rewarded by the sight of gleaming red hair. "George" she breathed.

Wordlessly he embraced her, holding her tightly in his arms. There was no need for words between them. They both knew what the other was thinking. Fred, Fred, Fred.

As Hermione withdrew from George's arms she gestured behind her "I brought along someone you might know."

"Oliver!" George exclaimed, his eyes alight. The old friends clapped each other in the backs, talking rapid fire as they caught up.

Hermione watched them with a small smile. It was good to see George smile. When he turned his head to the side she could almost imagine it was Fred.

As though reading her mind, he met her eyes and smiled.

Oliver's mood was contagious as they left the shop.

Slowly they meandered until the reached Madam Puddifoots.

They took a seat at one of the small tables.

"Two cappuccinos please" Oliver asked the waitress. One point for politness Hermione thought. But something about how he had ordered for her without asking what she wanted rubbed her the wrong way.

Their conversation flowed as easily as old friends and his handsome smile was certainly no hardship to endure, Hermione reflected.

Perhaps with time she could grow to love him.

Without warning he grabbed her hand as it lay idly on the table next to her coffee cup.

Oliver's amber eyes looked deeply into hers. "I forgot how beautiful you are, Hermione."

"You are not so bad yourself" she smiled.

She searched within her for a spark of electricity, for a thrill at his touch, but came up empty.

Hermione was annoyed at herself. Here she was sitting with a handsome, kind, successful quidditch player, holding his hand, and she felt nothing.

She tried gently brushing her thumb over his.

Nothing.

"Actually Oliver, I forgot to mention earlier but I need to go dress shopping for the polyjuice ball. Alone. You know anonymity and all that." Hermione scraped back her chair with these words, hurriedly picking up her bag.

For a moment, Oliver seemed taken aback "oh, of course." Then, being the kind, trusting person he was, he beamed at her openly. Hermione felt a momentary twinge of guilt.

Hermione couldn't get out of there fast enough.

—

"How was your date?" Snape sneered as Hermione approached him in the Great Hall for hall rounds.

"It was very nice actually." Hermione replied with dignity "We went to Madam Puddifoots"

"Nice...what a telling choice of words. I had a very nice cup of tea today. In fact it was so nice that I had another with a nice scone." He replied as they began walking through the halls.

Hermione burned with embarrassment and defensiveness.

"He is well mannered" she replied with a pointed look "handsome, and we get along well."

"I get along well with Minerva. Should I take her to Madam Puddifoots?"

Hermione felt her heart falter, but she didn't answer.

Snape dragged her into an empty classroom, locking the door behind him. He stepped toward her and she stepped back, until her back hit the wall. He stepped closer still.

"Tell me, when Oliver touches you are you drenched with need?" Snape hissed "the way you are for me, right now? I haven't even touched you and you are soaked."

Hermione flushed with outrage "I am not drenched with need for you!"

He chuckled deeply, his lips met the curl of her ear as he whispered "liar."

Hermione feigned a yawn.

His smirk only deepened "so if I checked right now, I wouldn't find your panties soaking wet for me?"

Hermione gritted her teeth stubbornly "nope."

"Tell me, would you like me to check? Would you like me to slip my fingers under your skirt and touch you?"

Hermione fought a whimper as a shudder ran through her. She felt drunk with lust.

His lips lowered so they almost, almost touched hers. "Do you ache for his touch the way you ache for mine?"

Hermione felt stripped bare. So exposed, so defenceless.

"I don't ache for your touch" she lied.

"Oh?" he asked, one eyebrow raised. His knuckles skimmed the side of her body, slowly from her breasts to her hips. His eyes dared her to object, to stop him, to tell him she didn't want it. She didn't, couldn't, pull away from his touch.

"Does his kiss set you aflame?" When she didn't answer, he looked at her searchingly "ah so you haven't kissed him. Interesting."

"Maybe I just want someone kind" she replied, struggling to control her voice.

"Where was his kindness during the war when so many suffered? Protecting his own ass in Bulgaria I take it? Snape snapped.

A firm hand slid around her waist. Hermione shivered.

"Do you fantasise about him touching you, holding you, fucking you?"

Hermione clenched her teeth, struggling to control her moan, her traitorous body that wanted to arch itself into his.

"I didn't think so" he smirked.

Letting go of her, he turned on his heel, leaving her alone in the empty room, panting with need.

If you are enjoying the story feel free to drop a vote or comment!

The Ball

Hermione looked over herself in the mirror

This was her chance to be more daring than usual since everyone would think that she was someone else in Hermione's body.

In a calculated move she avoided the usual Griffindor golds and reds, instead selecting a daring beaded, semi sheer, sage green gown with a daring thigh slit. Though she would never admit it, she wanted Snape to see her in Slytherin colours draped over her skin. She wanted him to feel the uncontrolled lust that he inspired in her.

Noone would ever think that the real Hermione would wear such a dress.

Her smile grew broad, wicked, cruel. Tonight she could be whoever she wanted to be, say whatever she wanted to say, do whatever she wanted to do because no one would ever dream that the person in this body was Hermione.

She was starting to see how this ball could be fun after all.

She felt the wave of silence that swept over the room as she entered the ballroom, head high, one silver heel in front of the other as she stalked across the room, demanding, entrancing.

McGonnagall approached her with an odd bandy-legged swagger "Hiya Hermione, can I get you a drink?"

"Very well" she replied coolly. Who in Merlin's name was that?

Before McGonngall could return, Slughorn approached her with a simpering smile "lovely to see you dear. Are you enjoying the party?"

"It's definitely...something" Hermione smirked.

Hermione scanned the room of laughing, talking couples, before stalking towards the staff table and taking a seat.

McGonnagall returned to Hermione's side with a drink "here you go. I got you the elvish stuff. Trust me it's the best."

Snape stood between McGonnagall and Hermione "that is my seat" he hissed.

Hermione allowed a wicked smile to grace her features "that was perfect. Completely in character."

Snape laughed aloud, shattering the momentary illusion, but nevertheless taking McGonagall's intended seat.

"Slytherin colours" he noted with a nod to her gown "or the colours of my house for the night I should say."

"Perhaps I'm a Slytherin tonight." She smirked softly. "We look like a matched set."

He grinned "indeed."

Flitwick slipped into the seat on Hermione's other side "Hi Hermione!" Flitwick beamed at her "or whoever you are, you look amazing! But I see that you have not gone with Hermione's normal style."

Hermione smirked "perhaps she will take a leaf from my book in future."

"I certainly hope so!" Not-Snape smiled.

As they ate their meal they glanced around the tables absorbing the merry atmosphere that surrounded them, a comfortable silence falling between them.

For once, Hermione let her true feelings colour her expression. Disdain for all of them. Judgment for every laugh, every smile.

As Hermione drank her champagne Hagrid lumbered into the hall, tripped over his own legs and landed sprawling in the middle of the floor. "Oh dear" Hermione said, taking another sip of champagne. She hoped it was the real Snape struggling to walk in Hagrid's oversized body. If it had been the real Hagrid she would have gone to help him up.

"I hate that people walk these halls so carefree. As though no one died here." Snape said quietly.

Hermione's heart thumped through her chest. Who was this person inhabiting Snape's form?

"Me too" she replied quietly. "Sometimes I feel as though everyone has just forgotten everything that happened. It's not that I don't want people to move on, it's just-"

"I resent how they do it so easily." He finished

"Exactly! it's like a bad breakup!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Do you know much about those?" He asked.

A laugh bubbled up through Hermione's chest. "Do I indeed! I dated the person everyone expected me to date, even though we didn't fit."

Hermione paused before saying something that she had never admitted before, her tongue loosened by champagne and anonymity "when he cheated on me I was relieved. I was so relieved to have a valid reason to call an end to it."

He seemed to instinctively read the relief that flowed from her "I also find it hard to speak so freely about how I feel under ...normal circumstances."

Hermione sighed, with a nod to the seething crowd "It's not that you want them to die, it's that they lived when people you love didn't."

His calloused palm slipped into hers once more. A familiar feeling. But tonight it was different. Someone else inhabited Snape's body. Someone who understood her perfectly.

The way his gaze raked down her body told her that whoever it was, was definitely a man.

"Dance with me?" He asked. He didn't say the words but she saw in his eyes that he didn't dance for the sake of merriment. He wanted to hold her close and was asking if that was what she wanted too.

She did.

They twirled amongst couples, students and teacher alike. She watched with amusement as Minerva danced awkwardly with an equally awkward Hagrid, both struggling to control their unfamiliar forms.

Oliver now took the hand of a tittering Trelawney and led her into a lively dance.

Interestingly Pomona and Slughorn still danced in each other's embrace.

As she twirled she saw a deeply scowling Neville take Hooch's hand and lead her onto the floor where they both danced with surprising grace.

Meanwhile she twirled in Snape's arms, relishing the feel of his large warm hand encircling her waist. They were so close there was barely a breath between them. He span her under his arm, and when she span back to face him, he pulled her flush against his body. Her cheek rested on his warm, firm shoulder. His hand was so low on her back, if it had been any lower he would be gripping her ass.

Her perfect man, hidden from her in Snape's sinful body. She had never felt so wholly seen before tonight. Hermione had thought that she was alone and destined to wither with her feelings in silence. But tonight she had met someone else. Someone who looked at her as though he could read her mind, and he liked what he saw.

"I feel like I have known you forever." Hermione murmured.

"Maybe you have." Was his murmured reply.

That thought rang in Hermione's head like a bell. This had to be someone she knew.

She raised her eyes to his and nodded once. She knew she didn't have to say the words. That he would understand her wordless request.

Let's get out of here.

Entwined

Hand in hand, he led her to a deserted classroom.

He cast a number of enchantments over the door to make sure they were not interrupted.

Hermione couldn't help noticing that this was the same classroom that Snape had dragged her to, not so long ago.

Now here she stood with him again, except this time, even as he stood before her tall and imposing, dark hair shadowing his face, it was someone else inhabiting his body.

There were subtle differences to that face she knew so well, his expression looked...open. The furrow between his brows had lifted. But his casual grace remained unchanged. Perhaps whoever it was normally had a similar build?

"I've never felt like this before." She said honestly.

"Me either" he replied in Snape's rumbling baritone.

"I'm-" Hermione felt her tongue lock up, gluing itself to the roof of her mouth. "I want to tell you who I am but-"

"The charm kicks in. I've tried three times already in different ways. Whoever casted it didn't leave any loopholes." Not-Snape replied.

He tilted his head towards her and their mouths met hungrily. She couldn't get enough of this man, whoever he was.

Hermione fisted her hands in his hair hungrily. She needed this man more than she had ever needed anyone.

His hand rose to cup her breast and she arched into his touch. His mouth pressed hungry kisses down her neck.

Hermione's hand slipped downwards to stroke his hard length through his pants. He twitched beneath her ministrations. Merlin he is enormous! Part of her however was not surprised. How typically horrible that the cruel bastard was packing an enormous cock.

She met his eyes, as fevered with need as her own.

She drew in a deep shuddering breath. She wanted this more than anything but, it wasn't truly him and as far as he knew it was wasn't truly her.

"I-" Hermione started.

"I know. Not like this."

Hermione whimpered in frustration.

"Don't worry" he murmured "I won't let you go to bed in this state."

He slid his rough palm up her thigh, through the slit of her dress to the edge of her lace underwear and found her drenched. He growled approvingly.

He slid his fingers, almost tenderly over her panties, before tugging them down her legs.

Hermione whimpered as cold air hit her heated flesh.

He slid the panties into his tuxedo pocket before taking a seat on a desk and pulling her down onto his lap. "Close your eyes and think of me, the real me. The man you met tonight."

Each of her knees was hooked over one of his and she gripped his thighs to stay in place.

Slowly, he spread his thighs wide, so that her legs opened wide, spread before him.

Hermione felt shameless and wanton with need. She wanted this man. Whoever he was.

Hermione whimpered as his fingers traced her slick entrance.

His rough thumb ghosted over her clit before a finger pushed into her hot wet pussy.

She gasped with pleasure. It was all too much. Too little. She needed more.

Slowly he slid a long finger into her hot entrance and she whimpered with relief.

"Please" she begged.

He slid his finger in and out of her as she struggled to contain her moans. She felt like she was coming apart at the seams.

His calloused thumb stroked over her clit insistently.

She ground herself into him, pushing his finger deeper inside her. She needed more.

Once again, wordlessly anticipating her thoughts, he pushed another finger inside her.

She pressed herself into his hand, thinking of this nameless, faceless man she had met tonight. Her perfect match. She rode his fingers, feeling her wetness coating his hand.

His other hand slipped beneath her dress, tweaking her peaked nipple gently.

She was burning. She was going to combust.

"Come for me" he growled.

His words in that deep voice sent her tumbling over the edge. She bit down on his thick, corded forearm to stifle her scream.

He hissed in pain, but she did not relent as she rode out her orgasm.

She felt another twinge of need as he looked her straight in the eyes and licked his fingers clean.

"Greedy witch" he hissed, observing her expression.

He continued to hold her in his embrace, her head resting back against his chest. The chest she knew so well, but didn't know at all.

Morning after

The next morning was mercifully a Saturday. Hermione groaned as the full effect of a nasty hangover overtook her body. Merlin damned elvish wine!

She rolled over in her four poster and groaned. There was no way she would make it to breakfast in the great hall.

A few hours later a knock sounded at her door. She woke with a groan. Probably a house elf trying to clean her room.

"Go away!" She croaked.

Her door shot open with an unceremonious bang.

Hermione uttered a groan as she saw the tall figure darkening her doorway. Only one person would fling her door open after she had told them to go away. Prick.

She did not have the energy for this right now. Especially not after last night.

"My, my it doesn't seem as though elvish wine agrees with you." Snape sneered.

Hermione couldn't meet that dark gaze but still felt her eyes being continually dragged back to his broad shouldered form.

Snape wordlessly conjured a tray of breakfast and an enormous mug of coffee.

"Sit up" he ordered.

Hermione swore, but did as he demanded.

The strap of her silken pink chemise slid off her shoulder as she sat up. She made no move to fix it.

Snape wordlessly handed her an orange potion that she immediately recognised as a hangover tonic. Presumptuous prick!

Hermione took it without a word of thanks. She didn't have the energy required for politeness.

Her gaze dropped guiltily to his large hands as he passed her a steaming mug of coffee.

Just last night a perfect copy of those pale, calloused fingers had been inside her.

She poured the potion into her coffee and drank deeply. Slowly she felt the throbbing in her head leeching away.

She felt his eyes upon her but couldn't look up to meet them.

Last night someone masquerading in his body had made her come like never before while his deep voice purred in her ear.

"You didn't have to" she said at last.

He took a seat on the bed beside her. Hermione felt some primal part of herself stir. While she knew that it was not the man from last night, she couldn't help feeling turned on by his proximity.

"On the contrary, as your buddy I felt compelled to check on your wellbeing when you were absent at breakfast."

"Well as you can see, I'm fine."

He didn't reply but smirked, raising one querulous eyebrow. Prick.

Hermione could feel her nipples pebbling under his gaze. They ached for his attention, clearly visible through the thin silk.

His obsidian gaze ran over her, searching, assessing until his eyes lit up with sudden clarity. "So, after all this time you have gotten some of that release you so desired. Tell me, was it as effective as my Merlin damned headache potion?"

Hermione took a rough bite of toast to keep herself from answering.

"It can't have been that good if you are still so needy now" he continued.

"I am not!" She exclaimed. "And if you must know, it was fucking fantastic."

"My, my that is definitely a step up from nice. Was it Wood?"

Hermione took another bite of toast.

His eyebrows shot up as understanding dawned on his face. "You don't even know who it was because of the Polyjuice." He accused.

"It's none of your business, Snape"

"I thought we were on first name terms now, Hermione."

The way he said her name in that honeyed baritone sent a tendril of desire though her.

You don't want Snape, she told herself, you want the man who was wearing Snape's body last night.

Her body however, did not seem to get the message.

She could feel her wetness between her legs.

He took the flimsy strap of her chemise between his fingers, slowly drawing it back onto her shoulder. She shuddered as his fingers grazed her skin.

He observed her shudder with a lazy smile. "So easily aroused" he observed.

Hermione's anger was clouded by the memory of that massive cock twitching under her hand.

He was so close, she could just reach out and touch him -

With a lazy flick of his wand he vanished the empty dishes.

Now it was just them in this bed with nothing between them.

He lay back on her pillows, smirking. "My night wasn't so bad either."

Hermione felt a red hot bolt of jealousy shoot through her. It's not him. It's not him.

"Oh really?" she asked, placing a hand on his thigh. "So whose body did you have to borrow to get somebody into bed? Perhaps you had more luck as Flitwick? Or Hagrid?, or perhaps Filch?"

"Does Filch turn you on then?" He purred with a spark of cruel humour glinting in his dark eyes. "Is it the idea of Mrs Norris watching you ride Filch's cock that has you so wet right now?"

Bastard.

"I'm not wet!" She lied.

"Little lying Griffindor" he purred.

Two could play at this game!

Hermione's hand stroked higher up his thigh, gently tantalising, so close.

He twitched under her touch and his eyes darkened. "I didn't need to borrow anyone's body to get into your bed" he said, smirking from her pillows.

"Touché" she conceded. "Now you're here, what do you plan to do about it?" She teased.

She felt his breath hitch as her hand climbed higher.

"So easily aroused" she mocked.

Her hand crept closer to the enormous bulge outlined through his pants.

Her pinky finger reached out and only just grazed the edge of the bulge.

He hissed in indignation but did not pull away.

He rolled suddenly so his body hovered just above hers, with his arms braced on either side of her body. A feral growl erupted from his throat. "Don't tempt me, Granger."

"I thought we were on first name terms, Severus."

For a moment, she finally met his stare. She knew it wasn't the man from last night but there was some part of her that didn't care. A tendril of his hair brushed her cheek. His eyes were intense. He stared at her as though he had just made a realisation.

He rolled back standing up from the bed abruptly. "I'll see you later."

Then he was gone.

Process of elimination

In the staff room on Monday, everyone was still talking about the ball. Guessing who was who, commenting on outfits and hookups which were apparently a major tradition at polyjuice balls.

"I had the best time" Oliver beamed, shooting a wink at Hermione. Was it him?

"I loved the dancing" Hermione hazarded, shooting Oliver a sideways glance.

"Well it wasn't easy in another body" he replied. Whoever Hermione had been dancing with had not seemed to have much difficulty. Perhaps he was being modest?

Flitwick sidled up to the group "it was such a joy to be tall for a night!" Merlin's balls, she hoped that man hadn't been Flitwick!

Hermione surveyed Flitwick critically. Whoever it was in that body had been her soulmate, and if that was Flitwick, she could learn to live with it.

"Were you much taller?" Hermione asked.

"Oh yes!" Flitwick squeaked "practically giant!"

Hermione excused herself from the group to visit the coffee pot in the kitchen area.

Just as she reached the coffee pot a long arm snaked around her from behind, snatching up the pot before she could and draining the remaining coffee in the pot.

Hermione's rage was murderous. Noone messes with Hermione's coffee!

She didn't need a crystal ball to tell her that only one fool would enough of a bastard to steal her coffee.

Without turning around she pressed backwards so her ass brushed against his crotch.

"Whoops! I didn't see you there!"

His arms grabbed the bench on either side of her, caging her in.

"Don't be shy now, Hermione" he purred.

He shot a glance toward the kitchen doorway. "I wouldn't have chosen here and now, but I am still amenable."

"Pig!" She gasped.

"May I remind you that were just rubbing yourself onto me?" He hissed.

She met those obsidian eyes and was reminded forcefully of her encounter at the ball. Merlin! Why did that person have to be in his body when they- ugh couldn't it have been in Oliver's body?

She longed to fist her hands in his dark hair and drag his mouth to hers.

She imagined tracing his firm chest through his shirt, unbuttoning his buttons one by one. Trailing her hand over his marble skin.

Before her, he shuddered, eyes growing dark. Hermione realised that he must be reading her mind again.

The sound of approaching footsteps broke the moment.

"Thanks so much, Severus" Hermione smiled while he remained frozen, rooted to the spot. She reached up, caressing his hand in hers, before sliding his full mug of coffee through his fingers and walking away with it.

—

At dinner, Hermione ignored Snape completely.

She did not even react to the sensuous brush of his thigh against hers.

Once she had finished eating, she turned to Neville.

"Shall we take a stroll in the grounds?"

Neville jumped up eagerly, sending his chair falling backwards.

Hermione smothered a smile.

As they strolled beside the lake companionably, Hermione took Neville's arm.

"When I found out what you were doing at Hogwarts while Harry, Ron and I were hunting horcruxes I was really proud of you" Hermione said softly.

"It was nothing on what you, Harry and Ron were doing. Besides if I had known what I know now I might have done things differently. It's so awkward with Snape now after I waged a student war against him a couple of years ago." Neville replied.

Hermione snickered.

"But I don't really think about the war any more. Otherwise I'd just be sad all the time." Neville continued.

Hermione was caught off guard. "But what about all those people who died? It's like everyone has forgotten about them!"

Neville sighed "let's talk about something else."

They took a seat by the edge of the lake.

"You look lovely today Hermione. In fact, every day."

Hermione was flummoxed by this turn in the conversation. Was he hitting on her?

Neville's tone was hesitant as he continued "Can I give you something, Hermione?"

"Erm well okay" Hermione replied confused. Perhaps he had a present for her in his pocket? Maybe a book on plants?

Before Hermione could process what was happening, Neville's lips were on hers.

For a moment she was frozen with shock, eyes wide with alarm. But what if it had been him at the ball?

Hermione gave in to the kiss, moving her lips against his.

It was nice.

But that was it. Just nice. Not toe-curling electricity. Come to think of it, it was rather like drinking a nice cup of tea. Pleasant and refreshing, but no more.

When at last he pulled away, Hermione offered him a bittersweet smile.

"Who were you at the ball? she asked.

"I- the charm won't let me tell you."

Hermione sighed. It would have to be a process of elimination then.

"Okay, so you were not Snape?" Hermione quizzed.

Her heart leaped for a moment as he replied "yes!"

"Wait, yes you were, or yes you weren't?"

"I wasn't"

Hermione nodded. She'd thought as much.

"I have to get back for hall rounds but I'll see you tomorrow, Neville."

I hope you are enjoying the story! Feel free to drop a vote or comment so I know what content you are enjoying ️.

Little lying Griffindor

Snape was in a mood, Hermione noticed as she met him for hall rounds.

Today he didn't take her hand, but strode coldly through the halls at her side.

Hermione waited patiently, knowing that it wouldn't take long for him to break.

"How was your walk with Longbottom?" He hissed at last.

Hermione smiled to herself. That's why he is pissed?

"It was deeply satisfying. There is nothing so good as some light exercise in the evening." Hermione replied.

"If that's what you call it." He sneered cruelly.

Hermione frowned "what are you talking about, Severus?"

"I saw you kissing him by the lake" Snape sneered.

"Fancied a walk did you?" Hermione shot back "and yes I did actually."

"Was it nice?" He sneered.

Hermione hesitated "as a matter of fact it was - argh" in the dark she slammed into a suit of armour that clanged horribly.

Snape grabbed her hand "the students will know we are coming if you keep making that racket." He hauled her too her feet and surveyed her critically "you are hurt."

He raised her grazed arm to his face. To her shock he raised the graze to his lips and ran his tongue along her arm.

A bolt of electricity shot straight to her core as his hot tongue traced her skin.

She slowly lowered her arm, then gasped in shock. "It's healed!"

"Application of water and a non-verbal incantation. Why else did you think I would lick you?"

Hermione's face flushed with heat but she responded instinctively "Severus, I can think of many reasons. Would you like me to list them?"

He smirked.

"That kiss with Neville- he caught me by surprise." She wasn't sure why she felt compelled to explain it to him. "It was nice but I didn't feel that..."

"Chemistry?" He purred.

"Well yes."

"As an accomplished potions master, I can assure you that I know a lot about chemistry."

"Oh really?" Honestly she got more of a reaction from brushing fingers with this man than that kiss with Neville.

She remembered sitting on that lap after the polyjuice party, spreading herself wide for him. If he wasn't such a bastard she would gladly fuck his brains out.

He stopped walking. "I'm a bastard am I?" He hissed, eyes full of rage.

He had been reading her mind again! Slytherin Pig! "Yes! You have been a complete asshole to me from the moment I met you."

"Have you ever thought that that is just how you want to see it?" He snarled

"It's always twisted mind games with you." Hermione shot back.

"That's rich coming from Griffindor's resident little know it all."

"You are no better, you rude old man!"

"Old am I?" He snarled, eyes filled with cold, black rage.

Hermione tilted her chin upward defiantly. It was a low blow, but she wasn't going to back down now.

"Take it back!" He hissed.

"Make me!"

Her back slammed against the wall. His lips were crushed against hers. His hot tongue thrust into her mouth.

She moaned despite her self, unconsciously angling her hips towards him.

Hermione's chest heaved as their lips parted momentarily. "Bastard!"

She fisted her hands in his dark hair drawing his mouth back to hers. They kissed hungrily, fighting for dominance.

One of his arms snaked around her waist, drawing her body flush against his. She whimpered with need.

Suddenly he drew back and gave her a cold smile. "Tell me, Hermione, did you make that noise for Neville when he kissed you?"

"Yes" she lied breathlessly. "That and more."

"Little lying Griffindor" he murmured, tracing the curl of her ear with his tongue.

Hermione whimpered again.

"Very well. If Neville can give you this I suppose I should just stop then." He said smiling cruelly at her.

"I - no." Hermione stuttered.

"I'm sorry" he smirked, lowering his tongue to trace the line of her throat before raising his mouth to hover above her lips once more. "I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that you want me to stop?"

Hermione gasped as his hand trailed upwards, stopping just short of her breast. She needed his hands on her.

Hermione lowered a hand, reaching for his manhood.

"Uh Uh" he tutted, moving back so that her hands met air "wouldn't you rather Neville?"

"Yes!" Hermione insisted stubbornly.

He drew his hands away from her body and she gritted her teeth.

"No fair" Hermione hissed.

His tongue slid along her collarbone, dipping lower, but stopping before reaching her breast.

Her nipples ached with need. She needed his mouth on her. Her chest heaved.

"Please."

He smirked, "please, what? Please send Neville?"

"No I-" Hermione sighed "I need you."

"I need you, who?"

"I need you - Severus."

"That's better" he purred. He rewarded her by lowering his lips to hers once more. She kissed him hungrily, desperately. She reached a hand towards his cock.

He pulled back abruptly. "Goodnight Granger"

"Wait, what?"

"As you so astutely observed, I'm an old man and it's past my bedtime" He smirked.

Hermione was filled with white hot rage. She was so annoyed with this Slytherin and his mind games. But mostly she was annoyed at herself for needing him so badly that she always lost control around him.

Bittersweet parting

Christmas were just around the corner and Hermione was relieved.

While Hogwarts had definitely taken her mind off things she needed a break from all of it.

The students, many of whom were dunderheads, the other teachers who seemed to dote on the dunderheads, the odd tension between herself, Oliver and Neville. And that infernal, nasty, infuriating man Snape. He drove her crazy with irritation and need. Hermione never knew whether she wanted to slap him or fuck him. Maybe both. Actually...

Hermione shook her head, pulling herself out of her musings. Yes, she most definitely needed the break to clear her head.

"Will you be staying at Hogwarts for break or will you be going home to see your family?"Neville asked at breakfast between bites of bacon.

Neville seemed oblivious to the full body shudder that ran through Hermione. She remembered Christmases past, waking to a bulging stocking and the ginning faces of her parents. They would drink spiked cocoa by the fire and sing carols. But now -

Hermione felt Snape stiffen beside her, but she ignored him. She had been ignoring him completely since that day when he had made her admit how badly she wanted him and he had left her cold.

"When the war began I obliviated my parents and sent them Australia to be safe." Hermione let loose a shuddering breath "and now they don't remember that I exist."

Neville looked at her, shocked, and his fork clattered to the floor. "I'm so sorry to hear that Hermione. Is there any cure?"

Hermione's eyes filled with exhausted tears "I've tried everything."

Hermione felt Snape's hand stroking her knee soothingly beneath the table. She continued to ignore him.

"I'm planning to go back to Grimmauld Place for Christmas. It's time I checked in on Sirius. He needs the company."

She had informed Sirius by owl a week ago and he had responded with intense excitement. It would be good for both of them.

—

As Hermione packed her trunk there was a knock on her door. She didn't answer. Thoughts of a Christmas without her parents had made her melancholy and she didn't feel like talking to anyone.

Her door swung open and she sighed without looking up. "Will you ever learn some manners, Severus?"

"Always such a pleasure to see you, Hermione." He replied acerbically.

"What do you want?" She asked bluntly. She was tired and low and didn't have time for more mind games.

"I just dropped by to say goodbye before I leave."

Hermione stopped rummaging through her things. "You are leaving Hogwarts for Christmas?"

"As much as I adore the delightful students, I do sometimes require a break."

An odd feeling shot through her "and you spend Christmas with?"

"Friends" he replied curtly.

For a moment a mental image of him embracing another woman swam in her head. She tried desperately to tamp down the strange surge of jealousy that burned through her.

Hermione rose to her feet and strode to him.

When their eyes met, there was a moment of silence. There had been so much, and yet so little between them.

Hermione reminded herself once more of the man from the ball. Her man. The fact that he was in Snape's body at the time was just messing with her head.

She threw her arms around his neck. For a moment she soaked in his warmth. His arms rose to encircle her waist, pulling her against him. She felt the firm planes of his chest beneath her cheek. She breathed in that familiar scent. Sweet Merlin! Did she just feel a twitch from his -

Hermione kissed his cheek before stepping back "Happy Christmas, Severus."

Warm welcome

When Hermione stepped through the hearth at Grimmauld Place she knew that she had made the right decision to go back for Christmas.

The sight of Sirius' face, alight with happiness at seeing her, was a balm on her bruised soul.

His handsome face was carved in undiluted delight. Straightforward, uncomplicated affection, she thought wryly. No games.

Hermione almost ran into his outstretched arms.

Sirius scooped her up, spinning her around. "I've missed you." He murmured.

"I've missed you too" Hermione replied honestly.

She met his chocolate brown eyes that searched her face.

Hermione was suddenly aware of his strong form pressed against her, the scent of him that was like home.

She pulled back quickly and glanced around.

The house was bedecked in extensive Christmas decor. "You have really outdone yourself Sirius."

He offered a sheepish shrug "I wanted to make sure the place was looking its best for your arrival." He shot her a sideways glance "speaking of things looking nice, whoever went as you for the polyjuice ball also outdid themselves."

Hermione's heart stopped "you were there?"

"Of course" he grinned wolfishly "I've never been one to miss a party. One of the staff members wasn't so keen to attend, so I went as them and they took the night off."

Hermione's heart was in her throat. "You should have told me."

He shrugged "it's not as if you would have recognised me anyway."

Was this the man she had been searching for? Snape was exactly the kind of person who would want to skive off from a ball.

"Let's get you settled" he said, picking up her trunk.

Hermione observed him "you look different."

He offered her a broad grin "I had a conversation recently that reminded me about what matters. Actually I've been helping people who had their lives ruined by the war to rebuild"

Hermione beamed at him, a rare beautiful smile. Did he mean their conversation at the ball? She took his large hand in her small one "that's amazing."

"I thought you'd approve."

When they reached Hermione's room she sagged onto the bed, letting the weight of everything hit her.

Sirius plonked down beside her, laying back on her mattress with his broad forearms crossed behind his head of dark shaggy hair.

"Tell me everything" Hermione murmured, laying down beside him.

As he recounted his efforts while she had been away, she smiled. There was a new fervour in his voice. He had needed direction and a project just as much as she did. And it had clearly done him good.

Hermione instinctively reached out a hand to clasp his, and he turned his face towards her. "I'm so glad you have come home to me Hermione."

Her heart warmed. "Me too. I've needed this."

A suggestive quirk twisted his lips. "Oh, really?"

"Yep"

"What in particular is it at this house that you needed? Did you miss my mother's portrait, Kreacher's pleasant face?"

Hermione blushed "I missed you of course."

Sirius shook his head, eyes full of mirth "that is not the words you used a moment ago. I distinctly recall you saying needed."

"I did not!" Hermione exclaimed, blushing.

"Since when did you become such a liar Hermione? Perhaps you should be Slytherin head of house."

Without warning his hands were on her, tickling her all over her body.

Hermione laughed and laughed, tears streaming down her face as she writhed in the exquisite agony. "Okay! Okay! I admit it!" She said between giggles.

"You have to say the words!" He insisted with a fiendish grin. He was perched over her now. His hands did not relent, tickling her sensitive waist and sides.

"I- can't if- you don't- stop - tickling me!" Hermione huffed out between laughter.

He pinned her hands above her head by the wrists to prevent her fighting back.

His grin widened wolfishly "I've stopped. Go ahead then."

"I-" Hermione paused, as a sudden sobering moment of silence washed over them "I needed you."

His grin softened into something new and tenuous. "I needed you too."

Suddenly Hermione was all too aware of their position. His knees braced on either side of her hips as he leaned over her, propping up his head with one elbow, and using his other hand to keep a firm grip on her wrists above her head.

His head lowered, almost imperceptibly when Hermione stole the moment of his decreased attention to free her hands and begin tickling him back. His bark of unrestrained laughter filled her chest. They rolled so now she sat astride him, tickling his chest, his stomach.

Sirius's eyes were screwed tight with laughter. "Careful, Hermione!" He breathed between barks of laughter.

"Careful of what?" She asked confused.

Then she realised. She was sitting right on his crotch and he was hard as rock beneath her. Instinctively, her body ached to grind herself against him.

His hips bucked upward unconsciously.

Now neither of them were laughing.

He growled "I'm sorry Hermione. If I don't go now -" with a crack he had disapparated and she was alone in the bed.

Merlin! What was she getting herself into!

Nightmares

When Hermione descended for dinner she noticed the addition of candles in the centre of the table. Well that was new.

Sirius offered her his signature handsome grin as she approached and pulled out her chair.

"Thought I'd do something nice since it's your first day back."

"This is lovely Sirius."

For a moment they ate in silence, the memory of what happened between them seeming to linger awkwardly between them.

Sirius put down a fork and cleared his throat "about earlier - I didn't mean to, um push any boundaries like that. It was just a, um"

"Natural reaction?"

"Yes. The contact just- yes."

Hermione felt bad seeing him look so ill at ease "I won't lie Sirius, I also had a natural physical reaction."

Sirius began to choke on the sip of wine he had just imbibed.

"Take it easy there, Snuffles" Hermione grinned. "Would a belly rub help?"

Sirius offered a deep belly laugh. "Merlin no! That would just be tempting fate!"

"Would that really be so bad?" Hermione replied.

"Trust me Hermione, if we ever - I like to do things properly."

Hermione shivered.

"So, how is Hogwarts?"

Hermione sighed. "The same as always" she replied in a pointed tone.

"Hermione, people will want to move on with their lives. Maybe you should give it a try."

That was not what she meant. She frowned, if it had been him in Snape's body he had certainly changed his tune. Maybe because he had been helping people rebuild? Or maybe, another part of her thought shrewdly, it just hadn't been him.

Hermione's heart sunk. Well, at least the chemistry was definitely there. The memory of being astride him and feeling his rock hard cock beneath her washed over her.

What if she had ground her pussy against his cock when he had bucked his hips? Would he still have disapparated? Or would they still be upstairs now?

As though noticing the glazed expression in her eyes, Sirius grinned. "Careful, Hermione."

Well, he could definitely read her in any case. Besides she was desperate to stop thinking about Snape. She certainly could use a distraction.

"You know sometimes I'm not sure I want to be careful, Sirius."

"As tempting as that is, I wouldn't want to ruin or complicate things with my housemate unless we were sure." He replied, squeezing her hand in his.

Hermione sighed. The only two men she had shown an interest to had both left her cold.

—-

That night, sweat beaded Hermione's body as she tossed and turned in her sleep.

Fred's body crushed beneath rubble.

Lupin and Tonks.

She screamed.

Hermione's door burst open and Sirius rushed into her room, wand raised. Then he saw her thrashing in her sheets.

Sirius grabbed her shoulders, shaking her roughly "Hermione, wake up! It's just a dream."

Hermione stirred, slowly coming to her senses. Tears poured down her face. "Fred" she croaked "Tonks, Lupin."

Sirius took a seat beside her on the bed and pulled her head against his chest "I know" he sighed. He pressed a kiss to her curls and began stroking her back. Merlin she was only wearing underwear!

Sirius quickly pulled his hand away and stood up.

Tears continued to stream down Hermione's face. "This is the first nightmare I've had since I've been working at Hogwarts. Please don't go."

Sirius sighed, conflicted.

Suddenly his form warped until a huge shaggy black dog was looking up at her with soulful eyes.

Hermione patted the bed and he leaped up beside her. She snuggled deeply into him, breathing in his comforting scent.

She stroked his shaggy head until his eyes closed with pleasure. Fisting her hands in his shaggy fur, she curled into him. Within minutes she was asleep.

Sirius lay awake in her arms, barely daring to move.

Twin trouble

Thank you to all the lovely people who are reading and voting on this story. I appreciate you ❤️

The next morning a loud Crack! In the living room announced the arrival of a visitor.

"Hey Hermione, thought it was time I paid you a visit."

Hermione beamed at him openly "George."

He returned her smile with a crooked one of his own "I see Hogwarts has been treating you well."

Hermione ran a finger over the lapel of his dragon hide coat "it looks like things are going well for you at Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes."

His smile only widened "Fred was always keen to expand to a particular new market space. I always resisted, but in light of...recent events, I figured I'd do it in his honour."

"He would have loved that" Hermione replied softly, blinking back tears.

To her surprise however, George's eyes twinkled wickedly like he had a private joke.

"Tell me Hermione, how would you like to test the new range?" George said, eyes crinkled with some unspoken humour.

"It's not punching telescopes again is it?" Hermione asked, now wary of that cheeky glint in his eyes.

"Nothing like that" he assured her, "I would test it myself, but... I am, shall we say, ill-equipped for the job."

Hermione narrowed her eyes, but before she could reply he wrapped her in a huge bear hug, swaying them from side to side.

She sighed as she relaxed into his strong arms.

"Fred told me that he was keen for you in particular to test the products." George added

"Really?" Tears sprang to Hermione's eyes again.

"He was particularly keen to hear the experience from your perspective. He said he would really appreciate your feedback."

"I'll do it." Hermione replied.

George glanced upward and froze.

Hermione turned to see what had caught his gaze. Merlin's balls!

Magic mistletoe unfurled above their heads.

George raised a hand to cup Hermione's cheek. His hazel eyes were muted and questioning as he met her gaze.

Hermione nodded gently.

With aching gentleness George lowered his lips to hers.

His lips moved against hers softly. When his tongue probed the seam of her lips she opened her mouth for him, allowing him entrance.

His hand slid to grasp her hip and her hand clutched the lapel of his coat. He groaned as her tongue reached out to trace his own.

They drew closer to each other, hands roving each other's forms hungrily.

"Well I can see Hermione is being a good host and is giving you a proper greeting" came Sirius' mildly amused voice from the doorway behind them.

They shot apart.

"Mistletoe!" Hermione squeaked.

"So I see" Sirius replied wryly.

George walked to Sirius, enveloping him in a hug.

"Do excuse me if you don't find my welcome as warm as Hermione's." Sirius added, shooting her a teasing glance over George's shoulder.

George laughed heartily. "Don't break my heart like that Snuffles! If we're lucky the mistletoe might catch us too!"

Sirius barked a laugh "sorry Georgie-boy but you're not my type."

George gave a mock pout "don't knock it till you try it. Maybe Hermione can put in a good word for me."

Hermione smiled, amused "perhaps you should be putting in a good word for me."

George flicked his wand and a thump sounded from upstairs. "Just sent the test products to your room Hermione."

"C'mon" said Sirius, tilting his head towards the dining room "let's have some lunch. I don't know if you have seen Hermione hangry before George, but I wouldn't recommend it."

"Hey!" She exclaimed.

Sirius then uttered a cough that sounded suspiciously like Hungarian horn tail.

Hermione struggled to contain her smile.

This was turning out to be exactly the kind of break she needed.

Toys and temptations

After lunch, Hermione, Sirius and George spent a lazy afternoon on the patio, sharing a bottle of firewisky.

As George gave Hermione a parting hug he murmured softly into her ear "don't be mad at me. It was Fred's idea." Then with a crack! He had disapparated.

When Hermione finally returned to her room she gave the box George had left there a curious glance.

There was a note taped to the top of the box.

Don't be mad. Xxxx G

Hermione's brow creased warily.

Hermione opened the box and for a moment she was confused. Then she gasped, the utter gall!

With a crack! She apparrated straight George's flat.

—-
George sat on the couch swilling a glass of wine lazily. "Ah Hermione, at last. I figured you would have arrived before now."

"George Weasley! How dare you have the gall to suggest I test those products?"

"I don't see what the issue is." George replied calmly, taking a sip from his glass. He patted the spot next to him "have a seat."

"How dare-" Hermione started.

George cringed for a moment "I'm sorry to do this but you need to hear me out."

Hermione was frozen in shock as he took her face in his hand and quickly popped a sweet in her mouth. It tasted like sherbet. Sweets wouldn't solve anything! She wasn't a child!

Hermione was about to tell him so when she found that she could not open her mouth.

"Jaw-locking jubes. I have personally found them to be very useful on Ron, but you didn't hear that from me."

Hermione fumed, her eyes burning.

"Where was I?" George continued "so the products, as you have gathered, are from our new magical sex toy range. It really was Fred's idea. The whole point is to help witches get it off themselves without a man's assistance. It is meant to be empowering. The magic took a lot of time and research and the products have been imbued with the most powerful pleasure spells."

Fred took a moment to see if Hermione's expression had relaxed. It hadn't.

"Anyway we want to help women to gain their pleasure on their own terms."

For a moment Hermione couldn't help thinking back to both Snape and Sirius leaving her cold.

"We couldn't test the products ourselves and we really didn't want to advertise for product testers for this range. And out of the women we know, you are definitely the most appropriate choice. And I won't lie, Fred was very keen on the idea of giving you orgasms."

A thrill ran through her despite herself.

"I was hoping our kiss earlier would have warmed you up a bit...put you in the mood to test the products. It definitely got me into the mood."

Hermione's glare was so sharp that it could have sliced stone.

George carried on as though he hadn't noticed. "But if you like I can warm you up a little more?"

Hermione glared daggers at him, jaw still locked.

"Oh, right!" George said hurriedly. He quickly pulled another sweet out of his pocket. His thumb traced her bottom lip for a moment before he popped the second sweet between her lips.

"George Weasley, I am going to kill you!" Hermione hissed tightly as her jaw slowly became unstuck.

George grinned "excellent!" He exclaimed, leaning towards her with his eyes shut.

"I said kill! Not kiss!" Hermione exclaimed frustratedly.

One of George's eyes sprang open "ah, my bad. While the sweet wears off sometimes speech can be a little unclear."

Hermione scowled.

"Well Hermione, how about it? Are you going to deprive the witches of the world from the best orgasms of their life?"

Well, when he put it like that...

His hand landed on her knee and his fingers began tracing lazy circles over her knee.

Sweet Merlin! This man knew exactly what he was doing!

He read the concerned look in her eyes "now, now my dear there is no need to look so conflicted. I'm not asking you to marry me. I'm just asking you to test a few products as a favour to a friend." He gave her a roguish grin "and if you need help getting into the mood...don't hesitate to ask."

For a moment Hermione considered before throwing caution to the wind. She was sick of being sensible all the time. She was sick of worrying about everyone else. And she was sick of these damned men turning her on and not following through!

"I'll do it."

George grinned wickedly but didn't reply, smart enough not to press his luck further.

He raised his brows in question and she answered her throwing her arms around his neck, entangling her hands in his fiery hair and pressing her lips to his.

They groaned in unison. Merlin he was a good kisser!

His eyes glinted cheekily as he nipped her bottom lip. Hermione whimpered, unashamedly giving in to her physical urges.

She lay back against the couch and he lay on top of her, grinding into her. Her hands ran over his broad shoulders and firm back. She dug her fingers into his ass. He groaned before pulling back panting. "I think that ought to do it. Go ahead and get testing. If you need assistance let me know."

Hermione was aching with need. She nodded briefly.

George offered her a crooked grin "I just know Fred is going to be so chuffed that his is giving you orgasms from beyond the grave."

Hermione whirled, apparrating back to Grimmauld Place.

Unwelcome intrusion

When Hermione landed in Grimmauld Place her lips were swollen from her passionate kisses with George, her hair was a mess and her panties were soaked through.

Hermione thought keenly of the products awaiting upstairs with warm anticipation. Fred had been right, she thought, the idea of getting herself off without a man's assistance was empowering and enticing. She couldn't wait to get upstairs and -

"I told you she isn't in at the moment" came Sirius' frustrated voice from the next room.

Merlin not more guests! Not right now!

She tread softly past the open door of the library where the voices were coming from.

"I never knew Griffindors were such accomplished liars" a familiar voice sneered.

Hermione turned back to glance at the two dark haired men standing side by side in the library doorway, watching her.

Hermione felt a tingle of embarrassment as she saw herself through their eyes, her lips swollen, pupils dilated and sneaking upstairs. She saw Sirius' nose twitch. Doubtless he could smell her wetness with his enhanced animagi senses.

Snape stalked towards her, examining her closely. He shot a deadly look back towards Sirius "apologies if I have interrupted...something. You said she wasn't in, Sirius, did you perhaps mean to say by exclusion that you were 'in'?"

Sirius shot him a threatening glare "leave her alone Snivellus. There is no need to drag her into any of the issues between us."

As Snape approached her, his sneer turned wicked "you know, Sirius, I rather think she likes seeing us side by side...being in the same room with both of us in close quarters."

Hermione's face heated and she struggled to control her thoughts. Don't think about George. Don't think about George.

Snape's eyebrows shot up "well I see you have been keeping busy" he sneered.

"Stop reading my mind!" Hermione exclaimed angrily.

"I can't help it when you push those...images, into my head. Do you think I want to see what you have been doing with Weasley?" He hissed back.

Sirius blanched, before stepping forwards, placing himself bodily between Snape and Hermione. "Leave her alone Snape."

To Hermione's horror, magic mistletoe uncurled above her and Sirius. Merlin, not now! Hermione was seriously annoyed. They had been alone in the house together all this time and it chose the single worst moment imaginable! The problem with magic mistletoe was that the victims would be bound to the spot until they kissed.

Behind Sirius' shoulder, Hermione noticed that Severus was looking even more horrified than she felt.

"I would have preferred for this to have happened under different circumstances" Sirius murmured "but no matter."

Sliding his strong hand around her waist in a gentle caress, Sirius dipped Hermione so she leaned backwards, supported by his strong arms. Then he lowered his lips to hers. The kiss was slow and deep and Hermione felt herself being pulled into it to the point where she almost forgot about their audience.

But she felt the constant burn of his black eyes on their entwined forms. Hermione's eyes cut to his cold face for an instant, before raising her hands to caress Sirius, running her fingers from his shoulder to his belt and offering him a soft moan.

Hermione's moan seemed to snap Sirius back into the present and he gently set her upright before taking a step back.

Hermione stalked up the stairs without a backward glance.

She slammed her door shut and lay back on her bed. She wanted to scream with frustration. It was all too much. George, Sirius...and Severus.

She rifled through the box, grabbing the first object to come to hand.

Hermione tore off her dress, tossing it to the floor. She didn't have time for any damned instructions or spells! She threw the toy aside with annoyance.

She lowered her hand to her wetness, breathing hard.

Closing her eyes she focused on the memory of spreading herself wide for not-Snape at the ball. Riding his hand to completion. She whimpered helplessly.

Hermione heard a creak from the doorway.

Through a crack in the doorway a pair of dark eyes met hers momentarily before the visitor realised their intrusion on her private moment and the door snicked shut.

In the dim light, she wasn't sure if it had been Severus or Sirius, and she certainly wasn't going to ask.

For a moment she lingered on the thought of Severus watching her pleasure herself. Was he still outside the door? Could he hear her moans?

Hermione gasped aloud with relief as her orgasm finally washed over her.

Dinnertime apologies

When Hermione descended for dinner her door snagged on a piece of parchment tied with a black silk ribbon.

My Little Lying Griffindor,

I trust that this note finds you well.
I dropped by to give you your Christmas present early, but seeing as you are currently...unavailable, I will give it to you at Christmas.

Yours,
Severus

Hermione gasped aloud. So it had been his dark eyes upon her! Good, she hoped she had driven him just as crazy as he was driving her!

All she could think about were those two words, My, and Yours. She wondered at his wording, was it a claiming, or just more mind games? She would never know with that twisted man.

Sirius lounged at the table with an easy grin. The juxtaposition was jarring. While they were both tall, broad shouldered with long dark hair, their personalities could not be less alike.

"Sorry about earlier" he said by way of greeting "I always put up Mistletoe at Christmas. I didn't really think that it would get so complicated."

Hermione grinned back "do you always start your meals with an apology?"

Sirius' grin widened "only dinner."

"Well, I certainly didn't mind kissing you Sirius. Hopefully it wasn't too much of a hassle to kiss me?"

Sirius wiggled his eyebrows "a burden I am willing to bear for your sake, Hermione."

Hermione laughed. "Always such a gentleman!"

"Actually I was more concerned about Christmas," Sirius continued.

"What about it?" Hermione asked between forkfuls of ravioli.

"Well I was thinking that it might get a bit messy with the whole Order coming over for Christmas and magic mistletoe popping up everywhere. For instance you might need to stay away from Ron."

Hermione's eyes bulged and she spluttered "the what?!"

"Ah, that's right, I thought I'd forgotten to tell you something. Yes, the Order is due for a meeting in December and I thought it would be nice if they just stayed the few extra days for Christmas, we certainly have the room."

Hermione ignored the flip of her stomach at the word 'we'. Instead she gritted her teeth and repeated slowly "you invited over the whole damn Order over for Christmas?"

At Sirius' confirming nod, she dropped her head into her hands and groaned.

"Most of them are your colleagues aren't they? I thought you had been having a great time with them up at Hogwarts?" Sirius replied, taken aback.

"And I was enjoying having a break from them!" Hermione huffed "I thought it was just going to be me and you!"

"I see." Sirius replied with a look of dawning realisation.

Oh Merlin! That's why the note said that he would give her a present on Christmas. Oh no... did that mean... "you invited Snape? Here? For Christmas?"

"I invited the rest of the Order, I couldn't very well exclude him" Sirius responded reasonably.

Hermione groaned aloud.

"Well if you are worried about the Mistletoe-"

"The mistletoe is the least of my concerns!" Hermione huffed.

"I can uninvite them all if it makes you happy?"

Hermione sighed shaking her head "it's too late for that now."

"Or we could go somewhere, just me and you?" He offered.

Hermione shook her head "you told the whole Order that we are hosting them here! We can't very well skip town."

"I'm sorry Hermione I wouldn't have invited them if I'd known that you wanted to have a private Christmas together."

Hermione took a deep sip from her goblet. It was going to be a long Christmas.

Early arrivals

Kreacher was in an unusual flurry of activity in the lead up to the Order's arrival. Since the war had ended he seemed to have grown content with his lot and had developed an odd devotion to Sirius.

Sirius never seemed quite sure how to react to this new development, but Kreacher's new joy was evidenced by the incessant droning sound he emitted that Hermione guessed to be humming.

On the afternoon before the meeting, Hermione was sitting by the fire when the flames flared green.

The sight of those familiar green eyes that emerged from the hearth filled Hermione with memories. "Hi Hermione, thought I'd drop in early to catch up since it feels like ages since we've spoken properly."

Hermione embraced Harry warmly. Now that the world had indeed been saved, it seemed that the chosen one had less and less use for her counsel. "How is Ginny?"

Harry shot a sideways glance towards the door "I should probably give you a heads up before Ron gets here. Erm Ginny and I are no longer together. We tried the whole long distance thing after she was drafted for the Tornadoes but it just kind of...died."

Hermione nodded mutely. In all honesty she wasn't terribly shocked. Ginny needed someone who could match her fire and Harry wanted a home-maker. It had only been a matter of time.

"And does Ron know?" Hermione asked delicately.

"Erm I think Ginny might've mentioned it to him" Harry replied with a wince.

Hermione sighed "so he's angry with you then."

"He acts like I dumped her but we are still friends and she is out there living her best life."

"Well I guess we'll both be avoiding him then."

"Why are you avoiding him?" Harry asked, confused.

Hermione sighed deeply, "Sirius has put up magic mistletoe and I don't want Ron to get the wrong idea."

"So there's no chance of you two getting back together then?"

"Merlin No!" Hermione exclaimed.

Harry and Hermione both jumped at the loud thump behind them. A puce faced Ron was just stepping out of the fireplace with a trunk.

The look on Ron's face made it clear that he had definitely caught the last part of their conversation.

"Er, Hi Ron!" Harry tried.

Ron strode past them, knocking Harry's shoulder with his own. Hermione and Harry shot each other pained glances.

Sirius bound up to Harry with an unrestrained smile "if it isn't my favourite godson! I wasn't expecting you until later!" He grabbed Harry in a bear like hug while they both grinned.

Hermione smiled, taking a step back and watching her two dear friends greeting each other.

"I couldn't miss the chance to get a bit of alone time with my God father!" Harry exclaimed.

Sirius stepped back into Hermione, still grinning. Hermione looked up with a groan. Not again!

Sirius followed her gaze to the mistletoe unfurling above their heads.

"Sirius, I'm going to kill you" Hermione muttered.

"You might want to save it for after you've kissed me so you are not stuck to the spot with my lifeless body" Sirius replied with a sideways grin.

"For once, a decent idea from you" Hermione replied, tilting her head upwards to meet his.

Sirius drew her close with a hand against her back. His chocolate eyes twinkled as his mouth hovered above hers. For a moment he paused, as though savouring the moment.

"At least have the decency to admit you enjoy it" Sirius whispered, so Harry, eyes wide, could not hear.

"Not a chance" Hermione whispered back, bringing her lips to his. Merlin, she could do this all day.

Hermione gasped as Sirius nipped her bottom lip sharply.

Sirius stepped back and had the temerity to chuckle.

"Sirius, you didn't mention I was getting a god mother" Harry quipped, green eyes twinkling.

Sirius barked a racous laugh "don't count your god mothers just yet Harry. I had the bad idea of putting up some mistletoe for festive cheer."

Hermione heard a mutter from behind them "seems like there's a lot more than cheer going around." She didn't need to turn to know that her salty ex had seen and heard everything.

Hermione ignored Ron's comment and beamed at Sirius, placing a proprietary hand on his bicep "well, you are certainly the best kisser I've met!" Hermione purred loudly for Ron's benefit.

Hermione felt the weight of that familiar gaze before he spoke and groaned internally.

"Sorry to come so early. I was hoping to have a word with my dear colleague, but it appears that once again I am interrupting." Snape's cold baritone cut through weighted silence as he emerged from the fireplace.

"Not at all!" Harry exclaimed "we were just heading upstairs!"

Oh for Merlin's sake.

Coffee and company

"May I offer you some coffee? " Hermione said awkwardly, avoiding his eyes.

Wordlessly Snape followed her to the kitchen.

At a loss for what to do, Hermione bustled about, preparing a pot of coffee. Merlin only knew, she was definitely going to need it.

She could feel his physical presence as he lingered behind her. She kept her back to him, delaying the moment when their eyes would meet.

He stood behind her with his hands braced on the bench on either side of her. Hermione could feel the heat of his body behind her. She could smell that familiar scent that lingered in her dreams.

Not him, she reminded herself, she had fallen for someone else, the man wearing his form at the polyjuice ball.

Her hands shook as she poured the boiling liquid. Some of it splattered onto her cheek.

Hermione gasped from the pain.

In an instant she felt his warm calloused palm cup her face, tilting it to face him. Gently he ran his tongue along the burned spots, healing them instantly. She almost whimpered from the sensation of his warm, wet tongue tracing her cheek. If he could do that with his tongue on her cheek...

Hermione's breathing turned fast and shallow. She turned so her lips brushed his.

He stepped back, out of reach, but tilted up her chin with his calloused fingertips so her eyes finally met his.

For a moment their eyes lingered on each other's. Hermione's heart beat so loudly that she was sure he could hear it.

"If Sirius is the best kisser you've met, why don't you go kiss him, hmm?"

Hermione gaped but no words came out.

"Tell me" he continued "do you really think that?" His finger slid upward, grazing her bottom lip "Have you forgotten how it feels when I kiss you? Do you need reminding?" He hissed, half terrifying threat, half sensual promise.

Hermione nodded mutely, unable to bring herself to speak.

"I would remind you right now, but we have company" he purred.

Snape deftly reached around her, picking up a large mug of coffee.

"Thanks for the coffee, Hermione" he said, stalking out of the kitchen and past McGonagall who now stood in the doorway.

"Hello Hermione dear, Harry mentioned that I might find you here" McGonnagall said with a warm smile.

"Hi Minerva!" Hermione replied, and found herself surprisingly glad to see her boss on her holiday.

"I'm glad to see that you and Severus seem to be overcoming your...issues."

"I wouldn't go that far" Hermione replied wryly.

"On the contrary" McGonagall replied with a glint in her eye, "I see that he left the kitchen just now with his coffee in his hand rather than his lap. A definite improvement."

"If you hadn't arrived just now I suspect it might have ended up in his lap" Hermione sighed.

Minerva's brow crinkled slightly "Severus has always been a complicated man. He has been a spy for so many years now that I fear he doesn't know how to be open with people."

"I've tried, but every time he pushes me away."

To Hermione's surprise, McGonagall's answering glance was wry "really now?" She repeated with deliberate slowness "let me get this straight, he has been distant since the war, you've been trying to get through to him and he has been pushing away all attempts? How odd, why am I so forcibly reminded of another of my staff members?"

Hermione gaped at her sass "Minerva! I'm not- that's not-"

Minerva shot her an arch glance and Hermione wisely stopped protesting. She was right of course. Hermione had been doing the exact same thing.

Maybe he was grappling with the same demons as her.

A taste for ginger

George entered the kitchen with a huge grin stretching across his face "I heard that all the best looking women were hiding out in the kitchen."

Minerva's eyes twinkled. "I hope you aren't flirting with me because you have been selling your products to my students, Mr Weasley."

George put a hand over his heart "you wound me, Minerva, whatever makes you think that I would do something like that?"

He leaned forward, gripping her in a hug. For a moment, McGonagall seemed unsure of how to react, before settling for a pat on George's arm.

Then, to Hermione's mingled horror and amusement, mistletoe began to curl above their heads.

Minerva flushed, "oh dear."

George however grinned broadly, sweeping into a gentlemanly bow before Minerva "May I?"

To Hermione's shock, Minerva's cheeks pinked "very well, Weasley, but you had better make it worth my while."

"I'll do my best," George replied seriously.

He slid a gentle hand around Minerva's waist and lowered his lips to hers in a deep kiss. No tongue this time Hermione noted wryly.

When George drew back he kept a bracing arm around Minerva's waist until he was sure that she was balanced.

"Better than a ginger newt dipped in a double shot of whisky!" Minerva pronounced.

Well, Minerva had always had a taste for ginger, Hermione thought to herself with a suppressed smile.

"Glad to be of service" George replied with another gallant bow.

Minerva drifted out of the kitchen humming, leaving Hermione alone with George.

"Been dreaming about doing that for years" George murmured.

Hermione's eyebrows shot up.

"Something about quieting the mouth on our dragon-like head of house just...anyway. So, how's testing been going?"

"Actually I haven't had a chance to test the products just yet" Hermione cringed.

"Well what happened after my warm up then? Don't tell me all my efforts were wasted? You were definitely ready."

"Erm, by the time I got back, I - well I didn't have the patience for going through the instructions" Hermione replied quickly.

"Ah" George said delicately "I see." After a pause he spoke again. "Now Hermione, I'm keen to get them on the shelves by Christmas as I expect they will make excellent and popular Christmas presents."

Hermione's wand hand twitched.

"Now, please don't hex me, but if you require some...guidance, I am happy to assist." George continued.

"And what, precisely, do you mean by guidance?" Hermione asked testily.

"I could instruct you either before or...during?"

"During what?" Asked Charlie, walking in and picking up an apple.

"Mind your own business!" George shot back.

Charlie reached out, ruffling George's hair.

Hermione whirled on the spot and with a Crack! she was in her room. There was no way she was risking being alone with the two hottest Weasley brothers while the magic mistletoe was wreaking havoc on the house.

—

Hermione had spent the rest of the day in her room, letting Sirius handle the guests.

Later that evening when Hermione descended the stairs for the Order meeting in the dark, she paused on the landing. She was wearing a black lace dress, a nod to festivity, but still black since she had never really finished mourning. She could see light and hear laughter and chatter pouring from the open study door. It felt bittersweet. She hesitated to continue knowing that when she entered the room, half of the Order would be missing. The half that didn't make it to the other side of the war.

For a moment Hermione couldn't bear the thought of entering that room to face their greatly diminished group. For a moment she teetered on the edge of retreating back to her room.

Lost in thought, Hermione didn't notice him until his warm, calloused palm was in hers. He squeezed her hand gently as they stood side by side, watching the study door.

"Together" he said simply, his baritone rolling over her, warming her from the inside.

His obsidian eyes glinted in the dark.

When Hermione didn't move, he took her other hand so they stood face to face, hands grasped in each other's.

"Do you trust me?" He asked softly.

"Actually" he added with a smirk "don't answer that."

His face turned serious again as he breathed out. "If it's too much I'll get you out of there, no questions asked, I promise."

Hermione finally nodded and he brought her hand to his lips, brushing a gentle kiss over her knuckles. Warmth spread through her. And something like gratitude for his understanding of all the things she hadn't said aloud.

"Works every time" he purred, smirking once more. The feeling of gratitude shattered instantly. Prick.

Hand in hand, they took the rest of the stairs, heading towards the meeting.

Thanks to all the lovely readers who are voting and commenting on this story! ❤️

Blurred lines

Hermione scanned the room quickly, assessing her safest seating options, which was infinitely more complicated than it needed to be thanks to the magic mistletoe.

Ron was sitting between Charlie and Bill, leering at Fleur across the table. He was doubtless hoping that the mistletoe would catch him with Fleur. Pig!

Harry sat beside Sirius with Molly and Arthur. Molly seemed a bit stiff and Hermione wondered if she had found out about Harry's break up with Ginny.

The only empty seats were beside Fleur too close to Ron, and the seat beside George.

Hermione took the empty seat beside George where Fred had once sat.

Severus took a seat on her other side, putting a calming palm on her knee, a reminder of his promise. But probably also more mind games.

The endless game of sexual chicken between them was simultaneously irresistible and infuriating, much like the man who had started it. Or had it been her? Hermione wasn't even sure any more.

The more time they spent together, the more lines seemed to be blurred between them - dislike and friendship, undermining and support, hate and passion.

Arthur was regaling them all with the latest case updates for captured death eaters, bail hearings, legal challenges...and Hermione felt herself zoning out. It wasn't that she didn't care, it was that the outcome was no longer something that she could influence.

Hermione jolted when George's hand landed on her knee. The other knee to the one that Severus was caressing, thankfully. George's thumb gently traced her skin, giving her goosebumps. Sweet Merlin!

"Any news on Lucius?" George asked while continuing to stroke her knee. Slowly, he pushed the hem of her skirt higher up her thigh, granting him more access.

Hermione stifled a gasp, and the corner of George's mouth twitched upwards, but he continued to look into his father's eyes as he spoke. Which was kind of ...weirdly hot.

Severus' rough palm also slid higher, the graze of his calloused fingers sending ripples of pleasure through her.

Oh Merlin, what if they bumped hands! The thought was giving her anxiety but the contrasting feeling of both of their hands on her under the table was turning her on and she didn't want to pull away from either of them.

Severus' grip was sure, a constant steady pressure, and could not be more different from George's teasing traces over her skin on her other side.

Hermione could feel her nipples peaking under her dress, aching to be touched, sucked, or both. Definitely both.

She wanted their hands higher.

If either of them went any higher, they would be able to feel her wetness. They would discover that she was absolutely drenched for them.

"I was thinking that maybe I could, um, reach out to Draco about his father. Perhaps he might know where Lucius is holed up" Harry suggested, in an oddly muted, halting tone.

Hermione's attention was abruptly pulled back to the discussion by this rare and unusual suggestion from Harry.

Hermione's face scrunched with confusion. This approach did not make any sense and she opened her mouth to say so when Snape paused his ministrations and squeezed her thigh under the table. An unspoken warning not to say what she had been planning to say.

Surely Ron would object to this plan, after all their shared history with the Malfoys?

Hermione shot a glance towards Ron to find him apparently in another universe, ogling Fleur's cleavage. Well she wasn't the only one distracted. She didn't know why Bill put up with it. In fact, why on earth had she ever put up with it?

"It's worth a try by all means" Severus said smoothly. "As Draco is my godson I will be happy to put you in touch with him" he said to Harry with uncharacteristic politeness.

Hermione knew that expression well. Snape was up to something. He shot Hermione a sideways glance that clearly said we'll discuss this later.

More games.

"With our numbers down I was thinking perhaps we ought to recruit" Shacklebolt suggested.

Hermione froze. Recruit? Like they could just replace their missing friends and family through a job advert?

"It's important that we maintain our ties with the werewolves. Of course it's been harder without Lupin-" Shakelebolt continued. The others around the table nodded in agreement.

Hermione's heart stopped. They spoke as though Lupin's death was a minor inconvenience to their plans.

Like rain at a picnic.

Hermione's ears filled with buzzing, drowning out the noise around her.

All she could see was Remus' lifeless face, his soft brown eyes dimmed and unseeing.

Her chest was tight. There was no air left in the room. She couldn't breathe.

Severus!

"Apologies, but Miss Granger and I have a very important prior engagement." Snape's accompanying obsidian glare forbade any objections.

With a Crack! they were gone.

Quick learner

When Hermione opened her eyes, she couldn't see anything. Wherever he had brought her, it was dark.

"I've got you" he murmured, sliding a protective arm around her waist. "You are safe here. It's just us."

Hermione clung to him in the dark, hot tears spilling down her cheeks.

Severus raised his wand arm to light the lamps, but Hermione pushed his arm down. "Not yet, please."

Wordlessly, he lowered his wand and wrapped both arms around her trembling form. His hands stroked her back in long gentle strokes.

His hand rose, gently drawing her face against his chest. His hands stroked over her curls tenderly.

Her tears soaked through his shirt, but he gave no indication that he could feel it.

Hermione wasn't sure how long they stood in the dark in a silent embrace.

Eventually her body stopped trembling.

Belatedly she realised that her knuckles were stiff from gripping him so tightly. Her fingers had been digging into him so deeply, she realised that it must have been hurting him. "Oh, I'm sorry."

He stopped her with a finger to her lips. "Don't apologise."

When she didn't reply he added "as much as I am enjoying this, my plans for our evening require lights."

He dipped his head so his lips met her cheeks and he kissed away her tears with a gentle brush of his lips.

Then with a flick of his wand he lit the lights.

Hermione glanced around and was surprised to find herself in an enormous foyer.

"Welcome to my home, Spinners End."

"Wow this place is really beautiful" Hermione murmured, surprise colouring her tone. Unlike most Wizarding houses which tended to be old and stuffy, this place seemed to be a blend of modern with classic touches.

"It is the ancestral home of the Prince bloodline. I redid the place after the war" he replied. "This place just held too many memories, none of them good."

"And did it work?" Hermione asked "are the memories gone?"

"The place is so different now that the association is diminished. But there aren't any good memories here to replace the bad, so for the moment I guess you could say that it is neutral ground."

Hermione ran her fingers over the wainscot panelling contemplatively. "I guess it's time for you to make some new memories."

"Indeed" he murmured, shooting her a sharp glance.

He took her hand in his, leading her down a hall into an airy dining room. Come to think of it, why were they always holding hands?

Hermione watched as a smirk carved his face. Clearly he had been listening to her thoughts again.

He pulled out a bar stool beside the kitchen island bench and gestured for her to sit.

Severus strode to a wine rack, examining the rows carefully before selecting a bottle, grabbing two wine glasses and placing it on the bench before her. "Elvish made wine, but much better quality than the stuff they had at the Hogwarts ball" he assured her.

Something clicked in Hermione's mind "so you were there, at the ball?" She confirmed.

"As you will recall, teacher attendance was mandatory" he replied, eyes on her glass as he poured her a measure.

"Yes but, you didn't just let a non-staff member take your polyjuice and skive off for the night?" Hermione pressed, thinking of Sirius. But even as she asked the question she realised the answer. There was no way that Severus would ever be that reckless or irresponsible.

He raised one dark brow "what makes you think that?"

Hmm, he didn't exactly say no.

Hermione shook her head "I've just been trying to figure something out."

Severus raised his glass to Hermione solemnly "to questions."

Hermione raised her glass in turn, clinking it against his "to answers."

After taking a sip from his glass, Severus rounded the bench and opened the fridge, taking out ingredients. He was going to cook, she realised.

"I didn't know you could cook!" Hermione blurted.

"Then how," he asked "did you think I ate? Did you think I subsisted off coffee? Drink the blood of disobedient students perhaps?"

She flushed, but for a moment a mental image flashed through her mind of his mouth pressed to her neck. She shuddered, but not with fear.

"I don't know! A house elf perhaps?" She squeaked, hoping against hope that he had not caught that last image from her mind.

Hermione took a deep gulp from her glass. The drink was light and bubbly and seemed to sparkle like light across her tongue.

He smirked as he continued dicing onions, but did not betray if he had caught that thought. "I may have been a death eater, but I do not support slavery or the subjugation of other races."

"Really? I created an organisation for elvish welfare but -"

"Let me guess...no takers? You established an organisation whose goal it was to rid wizards of the slaves they feel they are entitled to...what a typical Griffindor approach."

Hermione had started to feel pleasantly tipsy and relaxed.

"Well, what would your approach have been then, my oh-so-superior Slytherin?" Merlin, did she say 'My' out loud?

His answering smile was crooked "well my little lying Griffindor," drat she must have said 'my' aloud! "my attempt to free the house elves during my schooling years was much more...subversive. I attempted to incite a rebellion."

"You what?" Hermione put down her wine glass in shock. He had also attempted to free the house elves. She could have kissed him.

He raised his gaze to hers.

"Let me guess, no takers?" She threw back.

"Touché" he smirked, looking into her eyes.

Hermione opened her mouth to warn him, but was too late when the knife came down on his finger. He offered a hiss of pain, and strode towards the tap.

"No!" She said abruptly.

He paused, looking at her.

"I think it's time that you teach me that healing spell."

He looked at her for a moment, assessing. "Very well" he said slowly, rounding the bench to stand beside her. "The non verbal incantation is 'medeor', you must think it while applying water to the wound."

He stood so close that his legs brushed her knees where she sat on the bar stool.

That glass of elvish wine had made Hermione bolder. She parted her legs, inviting him to stand between them. He did.

She felt a warm thrum in her core.

Hermione stared directly into his eyes as she took his proffered hand and slid his finger between her lips.

His dark eyes went heavy, his expression direct and yet shuttered.

Hermione continued to stare directly into his eyes, smiling around his finger as she swirled her tongue around its tip.

The groan he released was guttural.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" He purred silkily.

Oh Merlin, the incantation!

Medeor!

His smile was wicked as he finally drew back his now healed hand. "A quick learner" he murmured.

Damned elvish wine

He set a steaming dish of chicken alfredo before her, watching as she took a bite.

She moaned as the flavours exploded in her mouth. "This is amazing! As a potions master, I suppose cooking is a transferable skill."

"Tell me, where does it rate, on a scale from your date with Oliver, to George and I touching you at the same time?" He purred with a wicked smile.

She gaped momentarily embarrassed and shocked that he had known that George had been touching her and decided to touch her as well.

"Hmm," she swirled her wine contemplatively "I'd rate it a solid make-out with George."

She watched with satisfaction as his eyes darkened. Was that jealousy?

"I don't know if anything could ever be quite as good as being touched by you both at the same time" she added, tongue loosened by the wine.

"Is that a challenge?" He purred.

Hermione offered a wicked smile of her own, before reaching for the bottle of wine and refilling both of their glasses.

"Well actually there was something better than that" Hermione contemplated, her mind drifting back to the ball. "I met someone at the ball and it was...perfect."

He stiffened. "Oh really?"

In her tipsy state it was easy to ignore the clipped note to his words.

"I'm pretty sure he's my soulmate" she added with a sigh.

"Allow me to offer my felicitations" he snipped, before drinking deeply from his glass.

Drunk as she was, Hermione felt burned by his bitter, cruel sarcasm. As her friend, or whatever he was, shouldn't he be happy for her?

She continued talking regardless, her mouth seeming to move of its own accord "It's just that, because of the polyjuice I am not sure who it was."

His cold stare narrowed and he pushed away his plate.

"What if you find out who it was and it wasn't quite what you had hoped for?" He sneered.

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, taken aback.

"What if you discovered your dream man was in fact Filch, or Hagrid?"

Hermione paused before answering honestly "I'd give it a chance."

"Really?" He asked archly "you would put aside a lifetime of prejudices and pre-formed opinions and give him a chance, would you? My, my it must have been a great night indeed."

Hermione frowned, she wasn't sure what he was getting at or why he seemed to be so angry.

"And what of your other dalliances then?" He raised a hand and started ticking off names on his fingers "where to begin- Neville, Oliver, George, Sirius-"

"I was thinking that one of them might be him" Hermione replied softly.

"How could George or Sirius possibly be? They aren't staff and weren't at the ball!"

"Actually, I know for a fact that Sirius was. Apparently staff used the opportunity of polyjuice to take the night off and let someone go in their stead. So if Sirius was there, George might have been too."

"Whose form was-" he stopped abruptly, mid-sentence. Hermione continued to sip from her glass, unnoticing of the expression dawning across his face. "You asked me earlier if I had 'skived off' from the ball" He considered.

Hermione wasn't listening "oh Sev! How will I find him?" She wailed.

Severus slid his stool closer to Hermione's. As she looked into his eyes she realised that he was tipsy too.

"Do you know if he returned your sentiments?" He asked, tone oddly casual.

Hermione's face turned grave "I thought - I mean I presumed- oh you are right! What if I've been searching for him all this time and he doesn't want me!" Suddenly her face crumpled with worry.

Severus put a soothing arm around her waist "Hermione darling, I can personally guarantee that no man can resist you."

"Including you?" She asked with a giggle, wiggling her eyebrows.

He leaned down so that he was whispering directly into her ear "especially me."

Hermione tried to stand, but the ground moved precariously under her feet. "Oh dear."

Severus flicked his wand, instantly clearing the dishes, before standing from his stool. "Would you like some assistance?"

Hermione groaned "you are not going to give me another headache potion are you?"

Severus threw back his head with laughter, before reaching down and scooping her up in his arms. "Better?"

"Mmmm" she sighed, closing her eyes and burying her head in his chest. "You smell so good."

She didn't have to open her eyes to know that he was definitely smirking.

"Let's get you home."

"Nooo please don't take me back to Grimmauld Place. The rest of the Order is there!" She wailed.

He paused for a moment. "Okay, but I don't have any pyjamas for you here."

Hermione huffed "surely you can lend me a shirt for the night you Slytherin miser!"

She felt, rather than heard the chuckle that rumbled through his chest. "Drunk Hermione is definitely a cruel little Slytherin."

Slowly he walked with her in his arms. Hermione was vaguely aware of hallways and a staircase before they reached a set of double doors. "I'll put you in the spare room for tonight but we are making a pit stop in my room to get you something to wear first."

Severus shifted his grip so that he could turn the door handle, before gently depositing her in the centre of an enormous bed. His bed she thought, running her hand over his cool sheets.

He dug through a drawer before returning with an old t-shirt was in his hands that he tossed to her "Here, you can sleep in this."

He knelt on the ground before her, grasping an ankle "hold still witch while I undo the buckle." His warm hands felt so good on her calves.

He chuckled again.

Merlin! Did I say that out loud?

"Yes you did" he replied, seemingly amused while sliding off her heel and grasping her other ankle and deftly removing her shoe. "Now, I'll leave you to change."

Hermione growled "stay and help me you lazy man."

His eyes twinkled with mirth.

"Zip!" She demanded, flipping onto her stomach on the bed.

He crawled onto the bed beside her to reach the top of her zipper. Her skin tingled as his fingertips grazed her skin, as he lowered her zipper with cruel slowness. "Now, you will have to do the rest on your own. I'll be back to check on you in a few minutes."

Hermione groaned, sitting up with difficulty and pulling off her dress and undergarments before slipping on the t-shirt he had given her and snuggling down into the duvet.

When the door slipped open she feigned sleep. She didn't want to move from this bed. It was too comfy! And it smelled like him. If she pretended to be asleep he would just have to let her sleep here!

He sighed before leaning down and tucking her in gently. "Hermione, dearest, you always seem to forget that I'm a legillimens."

Her eyes popped open "asshole."

He had changed and now stood before her shirtless in sweatpants.

He smirked before stepping back.

She grabbed his arm and his eyes met hers for a sobering moment.

"Stay."

She threw back the blanket, gesturing to the space beside her in the bed, making her meaning clear.

There was a silent heartbeat before he caved and slid into the bed beside her.

She pressed back into him, curving herself into his warm body. His arms slid around her, encircling her.

"Stop wiggling!" He hissed.

"Don't tell me what to do, bossy man!" She hissed back.

He groaned "I wouldn't, but if you don't stop now-"

Suddenly she went still as she felt the throb of his hard cock through his sweat pants against her bare ass. "Oh." She wondered if he realised she wasn't wearing any underwear.

The only thing between them was those pesky pants. She tilted so that her bare pussy rubbed against his cock through his pants. Could he feel her wetness through the fabric?

"Your thoughts are not helping, witch." He groaned.

It was going to be a long night.

10 and a half inches, rigid yet pliable

Hermione snuggled deeper into the soft mattress. She was having the most erotic dream.

She was curled in the arms of her dream man and she could feel his firm arms around her and the gentle push of his hips as he pressed his hard cock against her ass.

She reached back to stroke his proud length and it throbbed in her palm.

Hermione was jolted to awareness by the sound of Severus uttering a strangled growl.

Oh, not a dream then!

"Whoops! Thought that was my wand in my pocket!" Hermione lied, but did not withdraw her hand.

"That would be a lot more convincing if you were wearing pants" he murmured, moving his hips so that his cock pressed deeper into her palm.

His arms tightened around her, and she turned her head so her lips met his bare shoulder. A full body shudder ran through him.

His hand slipped downwards, a slow sensuous stroke down her thighs. Hermione gave an answering moan.

He rewarded her by dragging his rough palms back up her thighs, drawing up the hem of her shirt. His hands stilled.

"Do you ever wear underwear?" He purred.

"Only on special occasions" Hermione replied with a cheeky smile.

"And this...occasion wasn't special enough to warrant them?"

"I'm starting to think that was a grievous oversight." She replied.

Hermione gasped as Severus' teeth sank into the sensitive spot between her neck and her shoulder.

"After seeing that image of me biting you in your mind last night I have been dying to give it a try" he purred.

"What image?" Hermione asked confused. Her memories of the night before were hazy at best. She struggled to recall the previous night and was rewarded with a memory of sucking on Severus' finger. Oh Merlin.
"Did we-"

Severus' hands left her body abruptly "what? No! You weren't in any state - I would never."

"Of course" Hermione replied hurriedly.

"You don't remember anything from last night do you?" He accused.

"Not much" Hermione admitted. Her stomach growled loudly.

Severus stood up, sighing. "You stay here, I'll be back with food."

"And coffee" she called after him.

He returned a shot time later and laid a tray of food and coffee on the bed before her.

She sipped her coffee deeply, sighing with pleasure as the bitter liquid swept over her tongue.

They sat face to face on either side of the tray, sharing from the same plate companionably.

"Severus, why do you avoid this" she said, gesturing between them both, fork in hand.

"Back to Severus are we?" he deflected.

"What do you mean?" asked Hermione, confused.

"Last night by my count it was Sev, Slytherin miser, lazy man, oh yes, and asshole."

Hermione gasped "please tell me you are joking."

"Oh, I wish I could."

"I'm sorry I don't remember any of it. I hope I didn't say anything embarrassing!"

"You told me all about your night at the ball...and your raging crush."

Hermione blushed deeply. "Oh. Well since you know now I guess it makes things easier. I know you can't tell me who was in your form but -"

He stilled "my form?"

"At the polyjuice ball."

A slow predatory smile spread across his face. Hermione had a sinking realisation that this was not a detail that she had divulged the night before.

"I would also love to know who was in your form... I have my suspicions but..."

"The charm" she sighed.

Hermione at last put down her fork. With a flick of Severus' wand, the dishes had vanished.

"Has your hunger been sated?"

"No," she breathed, trailing a hand down his bare chest, "not in the slightest. By the way, don't think I didn't notice - you didn't answer my question before."

"I do want it, just not - like this."

Something stirred in the back of Hermione's mind. Where had she heard that recently?

His dark eyes bored into hers, considering. "But since I am in a generous mood..."

He flicked his wand and silken restraints bound her wrists to the headboard.

His hand pushed up the edge of the t-shirt she wore roughly so she was exposed to him.

He pushed her knees apart and examined her hungrily. He lowered his head, pressing gentle kisses across her stomach, trailing upwards until his mouth hovered just above a rosy nipple.

"Would you like me to suck your nipples, Hermione?"

"Yes" she gasped, flushing with embarrassed need.

"But perhaps I am too miserly?" He purred with a wicked glance to her face.

"No!"

"No? Very well then." He obliged.

His caresses grew rougher as he trailed kisses back down her navel until he was a breath away from her pussy. He paused, raising his eyes to meet hers.

"Do you still think I'm lazy?" He asked with a cruel smile that was pure Slytherin.

"N-no."

He pressed a kiss to to her heated flesh before giving her another cruel smile.

"Do you still think I'm an asshole?"

Hermione hesitated a second too long.

A deep chuckle rolled through his chest. "Perhaps I should change your mind."

He lowered his mouth to her slick core. He growled his approval at her wetness and she felt the vibration echoing through her pussy.

He sucked her swollen clit before his mouth left her and she cursed at the sudden absence.

"Say my name, witch" he demanded in a dark baritone.

Her needy response was a whisper, a moan, a prayer. "Severus!"

He rewarded her by plunging his hot tongue into her molten core.

His thumb worked her clit at a relentless pace feather light, but so fast she was left gasping.

His other hand reached up, squeezing her breast and tracing her nipple.

Hermione arched into his touch.

He slipped a finger into her pussy and she felt herself pulsing around him as he slowly thrust his long rough finger in and out.

When he added another, Hermione moaned at the feeling of him stretching her wide.

He smirked before adding another finger.

She rolled her hips in time with his movements, taking him deeper, harder.

He made a curling motion inside of her with his fingers and lowered his head to suck on her clit once more.

Waves of pleasure exploded through her "Severus."

He kept his fingers inside her as she rode out her orgasm.

He growled, and for a moment it sounded like a word.

"Mine."

Screams of the enemy

Thanks to all the readers for your support! I hope you are enjoying the story!

Later that morning Hermione apparrated straight back into her room. Her head was still spinning with everything that had happened.

Had it been just yesterday that there had been an Order meeting? It felt like such a long time ago. She didn't even feel like the same person who had tandem apparrated out of the house with Severus mid-meeting.

Hermione struggled to process what had happened. And him. She would never understand. One minute he was her sworn enemy, the cruel nasty man from her schooling years. Next minute he was her saviour, protector, and she was screaming his name as she came. She knew he was always playing mind games but sometimes it didn't feel like a game anymore. It didn't help that she was looking for someone who had been in his form at the Polyjuice ball.

Well if it was all a twisted mind game, he was definitely winning.

Some time later a gentle knock sounded on Hermione's door.

Sirius leaned against her doorframe in a grey t-shirt and jeans with a crooked grin, the physical embodiment of sin. "Glad to see you got back from your errand okay."

He strode towards her and sat on the bed beside her where she lay reading a book.

"When they talked about replacing Lupin at the meeting, I couldn't bear it, and Severus got me out of there" Hermione explained.

He ran a keen eye over her form. "You certainly seem improved."

Hermione's cheeks stained with pink.

"You know" he continued, "I always thought you and Snape were enemies."

"We are" she replied quickly.

"An enemy that knows when you are distressed and rescues you from meetings?"

"Well, yes."

"Must be useful during tedious staff meetings at Hogwarts" he said with a wry smile. "You know Hermione I was pretty upset by the conversation too, but he certainly didn't whisk me out of there" Sirius said with a slight bitter twist to his smile.

"Well if you want I could always whisk you out of there next time" Hermione replied kindly. She hadn't realised that Sirius had been just as distressed as her. Was it him?

His voice dropped to a low purr "where would you take me?"

Hermione's heart pounded. Her mouth turned dry as she put out her next few words, a test. "A deserted classroom perhaps?"

He grinned wolfishly "I love how you think, Hermione."

Her heart stuttered. Not a clear indicator either way.

Sirius sighed. Hermione followed his gaze upwards. Merlin damned magic mistletoe!

"You know, if we didn't kiss we would just be stuck here in this bed together. Would that really be so bad?" Hermione offered.

He grinned "I'm game if you are. We can live here forever. We can get Kreacher to bring meals to us. We can sleep here."

"Together?" Hermione purred.

"If that's what you want" he replied, suddenly quiet. "But Hermione, I feel like you need some time to figure out what it is exactly that you want. And if it's this, I'll be here."

"And if it isn't?"

"I'll still be here. In whatever capacity you need from me."

Hermione tilted her head towards him, pressing her lips to his, a soft sensuous brush.

Electricity sparked between them. They rolled and he was on top of her. Their kisses grew rough, desperate. His tongue plunged into her mouth, hot and demanding.

"S-Sirius." Hermione's eyes snapped open. Merlin she had almost said Severus!

He pressed a last gentle kiss to her lips before rolling off her. "Hermione if you moan my name like that again, I'm going to have to apparrate out of here again."

Sirius stood up, striding to the door.

"Oh and Sirius" Hermione called after him "no need to apologise this time."

He shot her his signature roguish grin and her heart warmed.

Full marks

At lunch Hermione pushed her food around on her plate. Severus had not returned to Grimmauld Place yet and she found herself relieved that she didn't have to face him. The conversation flowed around her, but she was lost, and this time it was not memories of the war that overwhelmed her.

All she could think about was Severus' mouth on her body. She felt herself growing wet again with need. He was driving her insane with need. Bastard.

Merlin, she needed more release. And soon.

After lunch Hermione returned to her room. To her shock, she discovered George lounging on her bed, flicking through one of her books.

"Made it back from your overnight errand then eh?" George said by way of greeting, with a suggestive wiggle of his eyebrows.

Hermione gaped at him.

"You know I'm in the room next door and I can hear straight through the wall?"

Hermione shot him a look that could slice stone.

He raised his hands with a grin "you'll get no judgment from me."

"Well it would certainly be the pot calling the kettle black after you made out with McGonnagall!" Hermione snipped. "What are you doing in my bedroom anyway?"

George grinned broadly "whatever you want me to do in your bedroom."

"I want you to get out!"

"Not so fast, Hermione. I would hate to be indiscreet about the timing of your return..."

"What do you want?" She scowled.

"Well you agreed to test the products and I hate to push you, but the production timeframe -"

"Fine!" Hermione snipped. She had always rather enjoyed taking tests.

George seemed momentarily stunned that she had agreed, but quickly pulled himself together. Hermione gingerly lay down on the bed beside him, heart pounding with a combination of nerves and anticipation.

"Calm down Hermione, I'm not going to torture you. Well actually, I might, but hopefully you enjoy it, not like the cruciatus of course-"

"George?"

"Yes?"

"Shut up."

Hermione pressed her mouth to his and he responded without hesitation. It was always the same with them, pure uncomplicated physical hunger.

George pulled away, standing quickly and rifling through the box urgently.

"This one mimics the action of a tongue. The incantation is abeamus. If you want to up the tempo you say citius. And if you want it slow and sweet you say tardius."

"Do I need to hold it?"

"No, it's intuitive and moves itself around. If you get a few going at once it's like being pleasured by multiple people at once."

Hermione thought back to Severus and George touching her at the same time. "I see."

"I'll just turn around now then and let you get to it."

Hermione watched his form, admiring his muscled shoulders and fiery hair as she started the toy up.

Her gentle moans and sighs filled the room. Severus dipped his head beneath her skirt, while she lay back against the pillows. She wanted George's eyes on her.

"Am I doing it right?" Hermione asked, feigning hesitation.

George turned, and she grew wetter at he heat pooling in his hazel eyes as he watched her.

She watched with satisfaction as George adjusted himself through his pants, the hard outline of his cock visible through the fabric. "Merlin, yes. You're doing it perfectly."

She wanted more.

"George" she hesitated "is there one that thrusts?"

"Yes" he replied shortly.

"Erm, could you please pass it to me?"

George turned, digging through the box and emerging with a realistic looking cock.

"Same incantations." He muttered. Words seemed to be failing him.

He held the toy above her and it leaped from his hand and positioned itself at her entrance.

He groaned before uttering "abeamus."

"Would you like to control it, George?" Hermione murmured.

He muttered a curse, half swear, half groan.

"Show me what you would do to me" she continued breathlessly.

He murmured instructions so it entered her with aching slowness. It pushed deeper until it filled her completely. She whimpered weakly.

"Yes Merlin that's good."

Hermione's legs spread wider, giving the toy greater access.

George continued to control the pace, gradually increasing it until it pounded into her at a merciless pace. Hermione closed her eyes, picturing Severus' cock inside her. She moaned helplessly and her thighs began to tremble.

"Gods, Hermione, you are beautiful" George groaned.

Hermione opened her eyes to meet George's hazel ones. The look of pure hunger and awe on his face was enough to tip her over the edge.

Hermione bit down on her lip to stifle her scream.

Christmas morning

Christmas morning dawned Hermione's door was thrown open unceremoniously

"Merry Christmas Hermione!"

Harry and Ron bound into her room with wide grins. Christmas it seemed was enough to get them to overlook their recent disagreement.

Hermione yawned "will you boys ever learn some manners and knock?"

Harry gazed awestruck at the book Hermione had gotten him "a history of dark wizards and their captures - thanks Hermione this is great."

Ron also looked pleased with his gift, 'a history of quidditch'. "Thanks 'Mione." Hermione squirmed. Something about that nickname made her squeamish. Maybe because it reminded her of when they used to date and all the history they shared.

Harry pulled a package out of his pocket with a grin "Since you have all the money you could ever need, I thought what is something that money can't buy."

He held out a heavy wrapped package that felt suspiciously like a book.

Hermione gingerly tore off the wrapping paper and stared down at the pristine cover of a new book 'Advanced Potions Making'.

Hermione frowned. She already had this book. It had been one of their prescribed texts in school.

Seeing the confusion on her face Harry's eyes twinkled "open it."

Hermione did and she gasped.

Her fingers shook as she trailed them over the weathered pages lined with dark familiar scrawl. "Oh Harry." She threw her arms around his neck enveloping him in a crushing hug. It was the half-blood Prince's copy.

"I figured you would have more use for it than I do."

Tears sprang to Hermione's eyes "It's perfect."

Ron cleared his throat and Harry quickly drew back from Hermione's embrace.

"Here's my present" Ron said eagerly thrusting forward a lumpy package.

Hermione opened the wrapping paper and a thick gold chain slipped out "oh. Thanks Ron."

Ron grinned eagerly and Hermione gave him a hesitant hug, keeping a nervous eye turned upwards. Please no magic mistletoe.

To Hermione's immense relief none appeared.

"Do you want to put it on?" Ron asked

"Erm it's too nice. I will save it for special occasions." Hermione replied quickly.

Hermione wanted to bottle this feeling, exchanging gifts with her two best friends on Christmas morning while golden light streamed in through the window.

When the golden trio descended to the kitchen the house was alive with beautiful chaos. Molly stood watching proudly as Sirius pulled on a sweater with a black dog knitted onto the front. Minerva and Shaklebolt laid the table.

Hermione's heart stopped for a moment as she saw George standing by the dining table laughing with Bill in a sweater embroidered with the letter 'F'. He saw her glance and smiled gently "I'm standing in for both of us today." Hermione's answering smile was bittersweet.

Charlie strode up to Hermione, eyes twinkling "Merry Christmas" he greeted, enveloping her in a hug.

Hermione knew what would happen the second before it did.

Charlie offered an amused guffaw before his amber eyes met hers.

"Merry Christmas to you too" Hermione murmured as she tilted up her face to meet his under the shade of the magic mistletoe that bloomed above them. The kiss was warm and thorough but came to an abrupt end with the sound of breaking dishes. Molly stood mouth open in the kitchen clutching a sponge. For a moment Hermione was struck by Molly's resemblance to Ron. A wolf whistle sounded behind them and Bill's smile was broad, unmarred by the scars lining his face.

Embarrassed, Hermione excused herself from the dining room, letting her cheeks cool as she stood in the deserted hall.

A smooth baritone rumbled behind her quietly "Why is it that every time I see you, you are with another Weasley?"

Hermione smiled without turning around. That voice was like a double shot of the smoothest coffee. She could drink it.

"I have been doing my best to make my way through the set but no luck with Arthur yet" Hermione murmured in reply.

His arms slipped around her waist and Hermione was overwhelmed by the heat and scent of him as he embraced her from behind.

"Merry Christmas Hermione."

"Merry Christmas Severus."

Presumptions and presents

After breakfast George cornered Hermione "Can I have a moment? I want to give you your present. In private."

"Oh, okay." Hermione wondered why he needed to give her the present in private. Perhaps he just wanted a nice one on one moment?

George led her to the study and shut the door behind them.

He reached into his pocket and withdrew a beautiful delicate bracelet. He tapped his wand and it fastened itself around her wrist.

"Pretty" Hermione murmured appreciatively.

"And that's not all! I have the paired ring. When I rub it -" he passed a thumb over the surface of the ring on his forefinger and oh Merlin! A sensation shot straight through her core.

Hermione knew that there was technically nothing between herself and Severus, but she still felt weird about wearing the bracelet around him. She felt for a clasp and couldn't find one. "How do I take it off?"

"Ah I hadn't really figured that out yet."

Hermione shot George an icy look before lunging forward and yanking the ring off his finger. "Well I will be holding onto this then."

Hermione stormed off, stunned by his presumption. She shoved the bracelet up her arm so it was hidden by the sleeve of the red Christmas sweater Molly had given her. She slipped the ring into her sweater pocket for safe keeping.

Hermione was furious at George. Hermione hesitated outside the dining room. She didn't want to go back in there angry and bring down the mood. She backtracked slipping into the library and curling up in her favourite armchair with Harry's gift until she had cooled off.

To her annoyance footsteps sounded in the doorway a short time later.

Hermione looked up to see Severus giving her an amused glance.

"How did you know where to find me?" She snapped.

"Your angry thoughts were like a beacon." He replied silkily.

"George he - urrgh. I'm going to kill him!" Hermione grumbled with irritation.

"Yes I saw that in your mind" Severus replied, eyes alight with mirth. "Do let me know if you need help with hiding the body."

"I expect you have the experience as a death eater."

He reached towards her and pushed back her sleeve, exposing the bracelet. He examined it quietly for a moment "interesting."

"Can you get it off?" Hermione asked hopefully.

"Not without severing your pretty little hand" he replied quietly.

Hermione swore.

His gaze darted to the book in her lap and frowned. "I thought you would have finished Advanced Potions Making by now?"

"Not this copy."

He took the book from her lap, fingers grazing her as he did so.

When Severus flipped open the book, several different expressions flitted across his face.

"I have been looking for this. Where in Merlin's name did you find it?" Before Hermione could answer understanding dawned across his face. "A gift from your dear friend Roonil Wazlib I expect."

Laughter bubbled up through Hermione's chest, spilling from her lips.

"If I'd known that you had a penchant for my old school books I would have saved myself the trouble of planning my gift for you" he purred.

Hermione groaned "not more jewellery I hope?"

He offered her a smirk "not unless you would like it. I hear Ron got you a necklace, George gave you a bracelet...maybe I ought to complete the set with a ring?"

Hermione blushed, speechless. He took her hand in his, drawing her to her feet. "Are you ready?"

Hermione nodded and with a Crack! they were gone.

Tears and trust

His hands descended over her eyes and he guided her forwards.

"This better not be a trap" Hermione grumbled. "Don't make me regret saving your life."

This was the first time she had ever referenced that day in the shrieking shack when she had tipped the phoenix tear from a vial in her beaded bag onto the wound on his neck with trembling fingers. She remembered the feeling of his slippery blood on her hands as she spread the phoenix tear across his torn throat. So much blood. As he gasped in shallow breaths she had prayed, begged, commanded any deity to assist. His dark eyes had stared into hers as though seeing her for the first time, and maybe the last. She was never sure why she had spent that tear on that cruel man who she had thought was on the other side.

Every night she struggled to sleep as she thought of every other life she could have saved with that tear - Fred, Lupin, Tonks. The guilt tore her apart every single day. It was a lucky thing that Snape had turned out to be on their side after all.

"Will you ever trust me?" His tone was oddly muted, as though he had heard every thought. He probably had. Now he knew, she supposed, why she was so broken, and why her feelings towards him were so complicated.

Hermione couldn't bring herself to answer.

For a moment his movements were gentle as he guided her forwards "not a trap" he murmured "I would never do that to you."

Hermione noted the words 'to you' wryly.

Wherever they were it was warm. Must be a fireplace. Hermione was positively sweating.

Suddenly he stopped "I hope you will like it" he murmured into her ear. His breath brushed her ear and she felt a conflicted tendril of desire. His hands lowered from her eyes and Hermione gasped at the sight around her.

She was in the centre of a large round room. A library with walnut wood panelled walls, stretching up two floors with a mezzanine above them. The room was dotted with nooks with tables and comfortable seating and a blazing fireplace.

"Welcome to my library. The largest private collection of rare magic books in Europe."

Hermione could have moaned with pleasure.

She tugged off her sweater, tossing it onto a nearby velvet loveseat.

She approached the shelves eagerly, running her fingers along the leather spines.

"My Christmas gift to you is access to my private library, whenever you wish it."

Hermione gaped before racing to him and throwing her arms around his neck.

"I take it that my gift is well received?"

Hermione pressed her cheek against his chest, shedding a tear.

"My little lying Griffindor, speechless at last." He tilted her chin upward with one calloused hand "there you go changing the course of my life with a tear again." He licked away the tear before pressing a kiss to the spot where it had been. "I was thinking we could do some research on how to break the polyjuice ball anonymity charm."

He strode towards the shelves slipping out tomes with a well practiced hand before handing them to her. "Let me know if you find anything in these. I had better take you back before anyone misses you, but you are welcome here any time."

"How can I ever thank you?" Hermione asked at last.

A wicked smirk graced his features "I can think of a number of ways. Don't tempt me witch or you'll never get back to Grimmauld Place."

Severus took her hand in his and with a whirl and a Crack! they were gone.

Slytherin sweater

Wow #1 ranking for Griffindor! All thanks to you my dear readers ❤️

Hermione and Severus landed in the Black library and for a moment they were both quiet as they continued to hold hands.

The sound of footsteps had them springing apart like students in a broom closet.

When Molly entered the library Hermione and Severus were sitting in separate armchairs by the unlit fireplace reading books.

"There you are Severus, I've been trying to find you so I can give you your present! Sometimes it seems as though you are deliberately avoiding me." Molly harrumphed.

"I would hate for you to get that impression, Molly dear" he purred. Shameless flirt!

Molly softened, mollified "well here you go, happy Christmas Severus." She handed him a lumpy package wrapped in brown paper.

Severus leaned back lazily in his armchair, with one foot resting on his knee. Slowly he unwrapped the package. His deft fingers took time separating the folds of paper. Always building anticipation.

His lips stretched into a smirk, in answer to her thoughts.

"A hand knitted sweater, how unanticipated. Thank you Molly" he held up the sweater and Hermione was amused to see that it was black with an enormous green serpent woven on the front.

Molly seemed pleased by his reaction "I saved the cashmere thread for yours Severus, as I know how your skin reacts to rough wool."

Hermione stifled a smile. Doubtless that was an excuse he had given her in the past to avoid wearing previous Christmas sweaters. She was certain it was a lie because she had felt the rough wool of his pants against her skin enough times. She certainly didn't mind the friction.

Molly stood unmoving in front of Severus with a fixed expectant smile.

The corner of Severus' mouth twitched for second before he obliged, pulling the sweater over his head.

Hermione suppressed a snicker at the sight of him in a Weasley sweater. A sight for the ages.

He shot Hermione an acidic look that clearly said that he had heard her thoughts and she would pay for them dearly.

His voice took on a suspiciously friendly note as he spoke "very comfortable indeed. Oh Hermione aren't you cold?"

She was. In fact she was starting to shiver.

Molly rounded on her "Where's your sweater Hermione?"

Hermione shot Snape a dirty look and he smirked back at her over Molly's shoulder.

"Oh dear! I can't remember where I left it. Perhaps I should go check Charlie's room." Hermione said sweetly as she turned from the room leaving Severus in Molly's company.

His hand stretched out, grabbing her forearm before she could leave the room. "Hermione, you have goosebumps. I know Minerva would kill me if I let you catch a cold. Here, borrow my jumper." The conniving Slytherin had backed her into a corner, knowing that there was no way that Hermione could refuse to wear the giant snake sweater in front of Molly without being rude. Slowly he slid the jumper back over his head. For a moment it dragged up the bottom of his shirt exposing the hard planes of his stomach. Merlin save me.

"Such a gentleman" Molly murmured approvingly.

For a moment Severus' eyes met Hermione's, alight with mirth and triumph as he handed the unwelcome item to Hermione.

She slipped it over her head silently before continuing out of the room.

"It's cashmere" he called to her retreating back. Prick.

It wasn't long before she was summoned to the yard for a traditional Christmas game of backyard quidditch in the snow with herself, Harry, Charlie and George on one side and Sirius, Ron and Bill on the other. Hermione couldn't help thinking that the numbers would have been even if Fred was still alive. As they played Hermione had a sneaking suspicion that she was getting in the way of her team as she caught Harry giving her a slightly frustrated glance. They still won the match though and it was with a warm heart that she embraced Harry, Charlie and George at the end of the match, before they all went inside for warm butterbeers.

When Hermione eventually returned to her room her red Weasley Christmas sweater was sitting folded on her bed. Severus must have retrieved it from the library where she had left it. She considered changing back into her own sweater, but some part of her wanted to keep Severus' oversized sweater on.

She slipped a hand into the pocket and withdrew the ring that she had left there. She stuffed it into the pocket of the black sweater she now wore for safekeeping. Better safe than sorry.

Christmas dinner

For a moment Hermione savoured the image of the full table. The raucous chatter and laughter, the sound of Shacklebolt and Minerva pulling a Christmas cracker, Bill tossing back a glass of wine while Charlie threw something to Sirius across the table.

There was a Crack! and suddenly the room fell silent. Hermione bent behind Sirius to see of all people, Draco Malfoy, standing in the doorway holding a bottle of firewhisky and looking simultaneously haughty and embarrassed.

Severus stood from her side to greet him "I forgot to mention that I invited my god son Draco, I hope you don't mind." Hermione knew that look. Severus had definitely not forgotten to mention the invitation, he clearly didn't want to risk pushback and decided to spring Draco on them.

Hermione saw the hesitancy and isolation in Draco's eyes and didn't want him to feel as unwelcome as he undoubtedly did. Hermione offered him a tentative smile "Draco, it has been ages!" Slowly the chatter recommenced and Severus conjured a chair on his other side between himself and Harry for Draco.

"Potter."

"Malfoy."

Hermione caught the look that sizzled between them and felt as though she was seeing something that she wasn't supposed to.

Draco offered the firewhisky to the people around him in a gesture that Hermione supposed served as an olive branch.

"Not poisoned is it?" Ron asked, eyeing the bottle suspiciously.

"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed "please be polite to our guest, the war is over"

"That's rich coming from you" Ron fired back. "I've heard you screaming Fred's name in your sleep every night that I've been here."

Hermione gaped, caught off guard. Her face burned with pain and embarrassment.

"My apologies if we've been keeping you up all night Ronniekins, that's what I like Hermione to call me in bed" George replied, coming to Hermione's aid.

She felt so grateful that he had cut Ron down for her. He was almost forgiven for that stunt with the bracelet. Hermione felt Severus' calloused fingertips rub her thigh soothingly under the table.

Ron snorted angrily, but before he could issue another retort magic mistletoe bloomed between her and Severus. Really? Right here? Right now?

To Hermione's mingled horror and admiration, Severus looked Ron straight in the eyes, offering him a slow, predatory smile before turning to Hermione and lowering his lips to hers for the whole table to see.

His tongue slid into her mouth, commanding. Hermione felt heat pooling in her core. In that moment there was only the two of them. She almost whimpered from the loss when he withdrew his lips from hers.

To Severus' everlasting credit he turned back to Ron with aching politeness "were you about to say something?"

Ron's chair drew back with a screech and he stood from the table, leaving the room.

Across the table, Charlie shot her a wink.

Beside her, Sirius launched into an entertaining anecdote that had the table in gales of laughter. For a moment Hermione felt grateful for all the support of her friends.

When dinner was finished everyone began milling around. Harry and Draco stood up and left the room together. Perhaps Harry was using the opportunity to ask about Lucius.

"Oh Harry, you forgot your scarf" Hermione called, but Harry didn't appear to hear.

Hermione wove after him through the room. When she finally made it through to the corridor it was empty. They must have gone to the library.

When Hermione ducked her head around the library door she saw Draco and Harry entwined in a passionate embrace beneath a branch of magic mistletoe.

Suddenly she felt herself being yanked back around the corner and looked up to find Sirius' warm eyes on her and a finger to his lips.

"That troublesome mistletoe!" She hissed.

Sirius offered a half shrug "well it only catches people where there is a mutual attraction, so it's safe to say that they'll be fine."

"Why didn't you tell me that earlier?" Hermione gasped.

"So, Severus?"

Before she could answer Sirius' brows sprung upwards in alarm and his lips were on hers.

The footsteps behind them stopped "ah sorry we just got caught by the mistletoe" Sirius lied smoothly.

Harry and Draco shared a glance.

Assistance

That night when everyone had gone to bed, Hermione knocked on his door gently.

In the morning everyone would be leaving.

She had had rather a lot of fire whisky and was willing to admit to herself that she wanted to see him one more time before he left.

After a few thudding heartbeats the door swung open.

His dark hair was tousled and he was shirtless.

"I just came by to return your sweater."

"How very thoughtful of you" he purred. "So worried I'd be cold that you stopped by my bedroom in the middle of the night after consuming half a bottle of fire whisky?"

Severus stepped back, wordlessly spreading the door wide for her, an invitation.

Her heart thudded as she entered his room.

Hermione stepped forward, lingering hesitantly in the centre of the room.

"Harry and Draco" she said at last "you have been matchmaking? That was your grand scheme?"

"I had to sit through six years of hearing their thoughts about each other in class, so I thought it was high time that someone took action about the situation. Another few years of hearing those thoughts would have killed me."

His words sounded cold and selfish, but Hermione realised that it was a front. He cared. He wanted Harry and Draco to find happiness together.

"You do know that if you want to return the sweater to me that you will have to remove it? Unless of course that was just an excuse to get into my bedroom?" He continued sarcastically. Prick.

"I just came by the return the sweater"Hermione replied haughtily.

"Of course" he replied silkily, doubt and sarcasm imbued in every word. "Do you need assistance?"

The word shot out of her mouth before she could censor it. "Yes" she breathed.

He stalked towards her and warm heat pooled at her centre.

For a moment they stood eye to eye, no secrets between them.

Hermione's eyes trailed unabashedly over his tall, lean form towering over her.

His hands rose to her thighs, teasing the edge of the large sweater. "It's very long on you."

His fingertips caressed her thighs, trailing upwards as he inched the sweater up her form. His movements were achingly slow. When he reached her waist his fingertips caressed her bare skin bringing goosebumps to her flesh "are you cold?"

"No."

His hands encircled her under her top, brushing over her back, caressing the dip of her waist, dipping over her belly button.

His hands dragged the sweater higher until he reached her breasts. The back of his hand coasted her heaving chest. He paused "you are shaking."

"I-"

He slid the sweater the rest of the way over her head.

As he put the sweater down her eyes raked his form, lingering on his lean muscled arms.

Hermione's eyes caught on his dark mark and curiosity overcame her. "May I?"

He extended his arm to her.

She traced a finger over the tattoo, still stark against his marble skin. He groaned, withdrawing his arm quickly "it's still sensitive."

"Oh sorry!" For a moment she imagined pressing her lips to the spot, tracing the black whorls with the tip of her tongue.

For a long moment they looked at each other. Hermione had so much to say and couldn't find the words.

"See you at Hogwarts" he murmured before pressing his lips to her forehead.

As she turned to leave, his form stiffened as he picked up the sweater. "Are you sure you want me to have this?" He asked. His tone was quieter, hesitant, and had a hint of something else that Hermione couldn't pinpoint.

"Of course, it's your Christmas present" Hermione replied. What an absurd question.

"And it is well received" He murmured quietly. She didn't realise he had liked the sweater that much. For Merlin's sake, it had a giant snake on the front. An unhealthy reminder of his encounter with Nagini if you ask me. You would think that Molly would have realised that.

"See you at Hogwarts, Severus."

Light fingered tendencies

Returning to Hogwarts after Christmas was like a hug from an old friend who you hadn't seen in years, simultaneously joyful and disconcerting. Familiar, and yet a complete stranger.

Hermione groaned as she entered the staff room on her lunch break. It was the half way point of her first day back and she was already exhausted. Her feet ached and her head pounded.

Her classes had been buzzing with chatter, a whole holiday's worth of gossip to share and she had struggled to keep them in line. As she grew more and more irritated, she started assigning longer and more difficult homework tasks.

Pomona greeted Hermione with a warm smile "isn't it so lovely to see all their happy little faces after break?"

"Positively enchanting" Slughorn replied, saving Hermione from replying.

Hermione made a beeline for the coffee pot, determined to get every last drop.

Sure enough, a familiar broad shouldered form stood by the sink, brewing a fresh batch of coffee.

He spoke without looking up from his task. "If I ever need to find you I'll look for the nearest coffee pot, and if none is available I will simply brew a pot and the aroma will draw you in."

Hermione snorted "I daresay that Voldemort would have found that information useful."

She was rewarded with a dark chuckle.

"I bet you don't even like coffee, you are just using the pot the ambush me" Hermione added.

Severus cracked a wicked smile "I will admit, the coffee they provide in the staff room leaves a lot to be desired."

"Let me guess, you have a superior blend in your chambers?"

"Yes, I keep the beans in my beside table to lure unsuspecting coffee-addicted witches into my bed."

Severus took her mug and for a moment he hesitated. It was the mug that she had taken from him last term. His mug. "I see that you have not overcome your light fingered tendencies."

"One item is not a tendency!"

"By my count it is at least three, starting with the boomslang skin."

Hermione's face flushed hot. How long had he known about that?

He towered over her and every thought fled her brain at once. "Tell me, do you get a thrill from stealing from me?"

"I don't know what you are talking about" Hermione replied resolutely, tilting up her chin defiantly. Not that it mattered now, but habit had her denying any wrongdoing.

"Little lying Griffindor thief" he hissed. His fingers caressed the handle of the mug and she watched the trail of his thumb against the ceramic.

His voice lowered to a growl that sent shivers down her spine "in case you have forgotten, stealing is against school rules. Do you want detention, Miss Granger?"

Merlin, yes. For a moment Hermione had a mental image of being bent over his desk and his hand coming down hard on her ass.

Desire pooled behind his dark gaze. Clearly he had seen the image in her mind. "Interesting" he murmured.

Hermione reached out a shaking hand, taking the mug from his grasp. She took a moment to inhale the aroma before taking a deep sip.

Her eyes closed in pleasure as the mug met her lips. "Mmmm it tastes so much better than usual" she commented in surprise.

"A perk of being a potions master is having an aptitude for brewing. It is a skill that requires considerable patience and control."

"I wish I could wake up to a mug of this every morning."

"That can be arranged" he purred.

Hermione flushed, she didn't know why this statement in particular made butterflies move in her stomach. I am just too tired. My defences are down.

The energy of all the returning students was overwhelming. Worst of all, Quidditch season was starting soon. Had she Harry and Ron been this challenging when they were students?

His eyes met hers and his dark gaze was tinged with mirth.

"Don't answer that."

He smirked, but wisely did not reply.

"I hate to admit this but some of them really are dunderheads" Hermione whispered.

He gave her an assessing glance "Would you like to visit my library tonight? I can beg Minerva to let us off hall duty."

Hermione sighed deeply "I doubt she'd let us off." Secretly, part of her had grown to love strolling the darkened halls of the castle at night, hand in hand with Severus.

"Hermione, I thought you of all people would know by now that I can be very...persuasive."

Hermione choked on her gulp of coffee.

Heartbeats

Before dinner, Hermione pulled Neville aside. Now that she was sure that he wasn't the man from the ball, it wasn't fair to lead him on. She and Neville had had a surprisingly easy chat about how neither of them had felt chemistry during their kiss and were better off as friends. To her surprise, Neville also seemed mildly relieved. Hermione was so glad that she hadn't lost her friendship with Neville that her mood brightened considerably.

At dinner when Severus drew out his chair beside her he gave Hermione a smug nod.

"I can't believe you managed to convince Minerva to let us off hall duty!" Hermione exclaimed.

"My dear Hermione, you always seem to underestimate me. Come to my rooms at 8, we'll floo in to my library."

After dinner Hermione took her time dressing with care in a wine red silk dress and gold jewelled heels. The dress did not allow for a bra and her peaked nipples were visible through the thin fabric. She styled her hair half up half down so her curls tumbled over her shoulders and applied a sheer red gloss to her lips. When she looked in the mirror she was satisfied with the reflection looking back at her.

She wasn't sure why she was dressed for a date and this was definitely more effort than she had made for Oliver. After all, there is nothing wrong with dressing up for oneself.

When she reached his door it swung open before she could knock, as though he had been waiting for her. As though he couldn't wait the second it would take for her knuckles to make contact with the wood of his door.

His eyes raked over her form, as though memorising the way she looked in that moment. "Hermione, you look...beautiful."

Hermione looked over him in turn and was pleased to see that he had foregone his robes and had rolled up the sleeves of his Oxford shirt, exposing his corded forearms. Sweet Merlin, clearly the result of years of stirring potions. "And you look..." the first word that entered her head was edible but she caught herself before the word could slip out "very dashing."

He offered her his arm and led her across his chambers to the fireplace in his living room. Hermione subtly traced her fingertips over the contours of his arm, unable to help herself.

When they reached the hearth, Severus' arm encircled her waist before he threw a handful of floo powder into the flames.

Their eyes met as they stepped into the flames and for a moment she was sure their lips would touch.

Then they were travelling through hearths. Heat and wind whipped around Hermione as she clung to his form, eyes closed.

When they stepped out of the fire, his arm slipped from her waist, taking her hand and leading her forward.

He led her to one of the nooks by the fire with a couple of cozy seats and a table topped with a pile of books.

His rolling baritone finally broke the silence "Now we can figure out how to break that anonymity charm. I personally am keen to get answers. There is a particular question I would like confirmed."

"Oh, yes" Hermione replied quickly. For a moment this plan had slipped her mind entirely. Her hand slipped from his. She would be looking for the man who had masqueraded as him that day at the ball. Why did she feel like she was losing something?

"I have selected some of the more likely tomes to start with" he continued, gesturing to the pile of books.

Also who was he looking for? She remembered the morning after the ball he had mentioned that he -

He retrieved a bottle of red wine and poured some into two glasses.

Hermione wasn't usually a red wine person, but she took a deep sip to calm her racing thoughts. She felt off kilter and she wasn't sure why.

To Hermione's surprise the wine was beautiful with an aromatic bouquet.

"You have excellent taste, Severus."

"I know" something in his quiet ironic tone hinted at a second meaning that she could not quite grasp.

She sat down heavily on a velvet love seat, leaving enough room at her side for Severus to take should he want to. She saw him hesitate and offered him a gentle smile, patting the spot on the seat beside her.

Something infinitely more fragile lurked in the air. This didn't feel like a night for mind games or lies. She just might steal a book though.

To Hermione's satisfaction he took the spot at her side, and they were a breath apart. She had touched this man so many times before but tonight she hesitated, and he made no move to bridge the gap. His message was clear, if they were going to touch, it would be because she wanted it this time.

Hermione plucked up a book indiscriminately from the pile and he followed suit.

She tucked her legs beneath her, curling her body into his, resting her head on his broad shoulder as she read.

He settled into her touch, slipping an arm around her.

The silence was only broken by the rustling of pages. Her man, whoever he was, did he love reading as much as she did?

Hours passed in companionable silence.

She shifted subtly, leaning into him further so her head rested against his chest. His heart beat steadily under her cheek. For a brief moment there was nothing but this. Her head on Severus' chest and his arm around her as they shared a seat by the fire.

Eventually Hermione sighed tiredly, putting down the book and massaging her temples.

"Have you found anything useful?" He asked.

"Not really. The only way to break the enchantment that I can find is to kill the caster."

"Well I never much liked Filius anyway" Severus muttered.

Hermione gaped at his dark joke.

"But it would defy the point if he was in fact the man you are looking for" he continued with a hint of contemplation in his tone.

"Maybe we don't need to break the charm" Hermione said hesitantly. The words left her lips before she considered them, but she found them to be true. For a moment, words lurked on the tip of her tongue, about to dive off a precipice.

"I would like to help you uncover the identity of your soul mate, Hermione" he replied quietly, "I think it will be worth the effort if you can bear to spare the time."

Something in his words tore at her, forcibly dragging her back from the precipice she had been teetering on.

"Of course" she replied hurriedly.

After all that was what she wanted. Right?

Loser

"Sweet dreams, Hermione."

For a moment, Hermione was sure that that was not what he had originally been planning to say when he had opened his mouth.

When they parted Hermione had lingered in his doorway for a loaded moment. She had turned back to glance at him and their eyes had been trained on each other. She waited for him to ask her to stay, but he was silent.

When Hermione returned to her rooms she tossed and turned, unable to sleep as her mind whirred. He was so close, just across the hall. Several times she almost got up to cross the hall. She would open his door with Alohomora. She would crawl straight into his bed and -

When first light broke, Hermione gave up on sleep and dressed blearily.

When she entered the Great Hall she was one of the first to arrive and the staff table was empty. Her mind was addled from the lack of sleep.

As Hermione waited, he was all she could think about. Had he had a sleepless night too? Did he lay awake in his bed and think of her?Hermione waited for him with bated breath.

Hermione was impatient as the staff table began to fill. Even Hagrid had arrived with a cheery "'Ello 'Ermione."

Then suddenly she felt a shift in the air around her. Without looking up she knew his dark eyes were on her as he entered the hall.

Hermione didn't dare to look up from her plate. She was terrified of meeting his gaze, of the inevitable moment his eyes met hers. What would she find in them?

Her heart thudded in her chest as the chair beside her pulled out with a gentle scrape.

"Good morning."

Hermione raised her head, but before her gaze could reach his, her eyes snagged on his left hand.

What in Merlin's name?

A silver band glinted from his ring finger.

She froze, but Neville spoke before she could "I didn't know you were married Severus!"

Hermione's breath froze in her chest as she waited for him to reply.

Severus turned to look at Hermione as he replied "Hiding my affections has been a bad habit I developed during the war and I decided it was high time that I overcame this flaw."

He followed her gaze to his finger before turning back to meet her eyes again. His voice was a chest deep rumble as he continued, each word a stunning blow to her chest. "I was given this ring some time ago but in light of recent events I decided it was time to wear it."

What had that been in the library last night then? Had he been thinking of his other witch while her her head had rested on his chest, listening to his heart beating?

Twisted Slytherin bastard and his Merlin damned mind games.

Hermione felt her heart shattering into a million pieces. She couldn't breathe. She had to get out of here. Half of her wanted to look at him, make him look her in the eyes and explain what he had been playing at, but the other half of her wanted to get as much physical distance between them as possible.

Last night she had thought that - but no. It was always games with him.

And she supposed that someone had to lose and it wasn't going to be him.

He said he'd never trap her, but now she was well and truly trapped.

Hermione pushed back her chair, standing up abruptly.

He held out a hand to stop her, gesturing to a steaming thermos on the table.

"I brought you coffee" he said "my own personal blend."

He could shove his personal blend right up his Slytherin-

She turned away from him, knocking the coffee over as she went so it spilled along the length of the staff table, some of it pouring into his lap.

He hissed as the hot liquid seeped through his clothes but she kept walking, stifling her pang of concern.

If you know, you know.

Hell hath no fury

When the bell rang, signalling the start of classes, Hermione opened the classroom door with a bang.

She gritted her teeth at the chatter.

"Silence!"

Her voice echoed through the room and in the shock of her students' faces. They had never seen her like this.

She did not have the energy to deal with these dunderheads right now. "Open your books to chapter 5 and read. In silence."

Pages ruffled furiously as the students hurried to comply.

Hermione took a seat behind the teacher's desk, fighting the tears that threatened. She was consumed with rage. How dare he play with her when all this time-

Between the rustling pages Hermione's ears caught on a whisper from the back of the classroom.

It was Slytherin's seeker, Pythus. So much the better.

Hermione's eyes narrowed "are you hard of hearing Pythus? I asked you all to read in silence."

"Sorry Miss, I was just giving my friend the page number." He blinked up at her, his face a mask of innocence. But Hermione knew better. She wouldn't fall for any more Slytherin lies.

"50 points from Slytherin" she hissed.

"But Miss!"

"And detention, for daring to question me."

Hermione took satisfaction in the shocked silence as she turned her back on him and walked away. "Oh, and Pythus, your detention will be with Filch on Saturday at 10am."

She could feel the shock in the room rippling outward. Good.

Now the silence in the room was absolute.

An owl fluttered in through the doorway dropping a scroll from Minerva on her desk. Hermione knew what it would say before she opened it.

Hall rounds.

For the rest of the day Hermione returned to her room for meals, eating alone.

She didn't want to return to the Great Hall and see his lying face. That band on his ring finger.
If she did, she just might lose control and obliterate it in front of the whole school.

Punishment

That night Hermione prepared herself to face him alone.

She would be a portrait of devastation.

She wore a slim fitting dress black with a deep neckline and a cruelly high thigh slit. She topped her lips with sheer red gloss.

She looked delectable.

But beneath the dress she wore platform lace-up boots, ready to kick some Slytherin ass.

Did his wife look like this? A spectre of a tall, slim, blonde, blue eyed woman lingered in her mind. A slim-hipped beauty. Someone pure blooded like Narcissa Malfoy. The anti-Hermione.

Her mind flashed back to her wrists, tugging against silken restraints while Severus's head dipped between her legs. Did his wife know about that? Did they laugh about it together? Was that why he had never -

When she reached the hall she saw his towering form outlined in the shadows.

Severus' dark voice was cold and sharp. "You're late. Again."

Hermione didn't deign to respond.

He extended his hand to her, as per usual, except this time that accursed wedding ring glinted at her mockingly from his finger.

For a weak moment Hermione considered entwining her fingers in his. Maybe she could slip the wedding band off his finger and let his wife wonder where he had left it?

Instead she shot a wordless stinging hex at his arm. Snape hissed in pain before withdrawing his arm quickly.

They walked in silence. She certainly would not be the one to speak first.

It wasn't long before he obliged.

"I heard about Pythus...You have deliberately given my seeker detention for the first match of the quidditch cup. Trying to improve Griffindor's chances? I never knew you were such a fan of quidditch. I thought your interest in the sport only went as far as the players."

"He spoke in class" Hermione replied haughtily.

"The punishment is disproportionate to the crime" he hissed back.

She lifted a single shoulder in a careless shrug that clearly indicated that the fairness of the situation was immaterial to her.

"The boy shouldn't be punished because you are angry with me. Why don't you tell me directly why you are angry with me?"

Hermione didn't reply.

"I would have thought that after granting you access to my private library you would be -"

The mention of the library on his traitorous lips was the last straw. How dare he stand there and talk about the library as though it had been nothing.

She stopped abruptly, resting her back against the cool wall of the hallway. He towered over her menacingly, a dare, a threat.
Hermione's body shook with emotion.

Her fists raised to pummel his chest "You are an incorrigible, cruel, nasty man" hot tears of rage and pain spilled down her cheeks.

He grabbed her wrists, pinning them at his sides so she could not hit him.

"Spoken like an insufferable Griffindor know it all" he sneered, face filled with ice cold fury.

His face was so close to hers, a mockery of all the moments they had shared, as he sneered coldly at her.

Slytherin asshole.

An angry growl exploded from his throat before his mouth descended on hers.

Their kiss was furious, unforgiving heat burning through their forms where their bodies joined. Their lips fought for dominance. His tongue pushed into her mouth, sweeping over hers. His hand rose, and snared her curls in his iron grasp, drawing her closer.

Hermione could feel his hardness pressing against her through his robes. This man was so twisted.

Her hands, freed from his grasp, fisted in his robes, drawing him closer. She shook with need and anger, even as she ground herself against him.

Hermione gave a gasp of pain as he bit down on her lip hard, drawing blood. A punishment. His tongue slid over the wound, healing it instantly.

They drew apart, breathless.

Hermione's voice shook "won't your wife mind? Or do you not tell her?" she accused bitterly.

He froze. In all the time that Hermione had known him, she never seen him look so stunned.

"My, what?" He asked slowly.

"You dare to wear your wedding ring while kissing me?"

His furious scowl cracked. His eyes burned with an indecipherable intensity.

For a moment it was as though a ray of sun had broken through the clouds. Then his mouth twisted in a cruel ironic smirk.

Was that spark in his eyes malice behind his gaze? Or triumph?

He paused for a second and for a moment Hermione felt as though he was savouring a particularly delicious secret.

He took a step back from her and his obsidian eyes were unreadable as they bored into hers.

He passed a slow, deliberate thumb over the edge of the ring.

Hermione's knees buckled, giving way beneath her.

A guttural moan escaped her throat.

Merlin's Balls!

Trust

Sorry to put you through the anxiety!
I'm curious, did any of you know, or guess?

It was the ring paired with the bracelet George had given her for Christmas. When she couldn't find it she had assumed it had slipped from her pocket while she was playing quidditch and that it had likely been appropriated by an eager garden gnome.

But there it was, gleaming at her from his wedding finger.

This time when he extended his hand to her she took it, trembling.

Hermione's knees were still weak as she rose to her feet.

She was overwhelmed with the emotion, shock at the revelation, and the aftershocks of the sensation that had sent her to her knees.

Her whole body shook and she struggled to stay upright.

Severus seemed oddly unperturbed by her reaction and wordlessly scooped her into his arms.

His grip was tender and soothing.

She buried her head in his chest, her lips resting against his throat where she had once rubbed a phoenix tear.

He pressed a gentle kiss to her curls.

"Hermione I am not married." He sighed deeply before continuing "I am not sure which of my actions gave you that impression...I rather thought that...I may not be experienced in such things but clearly I am doing something wrong if you managed to get that idea."

Embarrassed tears slid down Hermione's cheeks, but her heart bloomed. He wasn't married.

"You're still shaking" he murmured with concern.

"When I saw the ring on your finger - I." That moment Hermione realised with searing clarity that she wanted him. Not the man from the ball. Not anyone else.

"Hermione dearest, I need to calm you down."

He carried her down the hall to his room. He pushed the door open and continued to the fireplace. His black eyes locked on hers as he carried her over the hearth.

When they stepped out of the library fireplace, Severus laid her down gently on a chaise by the fire.

He flicked his wand and a bottle of firewhisky and two tumblers appeared on the coffee table before him. He poured a generous measure into each glass.

Hermione took a shaky sip from her glass, welcoming the warmth that bloomed in her stomach and the softening buzz as her mind slowed.

She watched Severus' throat bob as he gulped heavily. It seemed that he was just as shaken as she was.

The imprint of her red gloss gleamed on his pale neck like blood.

"I'm glad I saved you."

Even though it came at such a high price.

He raised his glass to her "to new beginnings."

Hermione's eyes drifted over the shelves.

Her eyes caught on a hint of colour between the leather spines on a high shelf.

Standing slowly, Hermione approached the shelf. She ascended the ladder to take a closer look at the titles.

Her eyes widened with surprise "you have muggle fairytales here."

She ran her fingers across the spines of stories from her childhood, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid and more.

She didn't turn at the sound of Severus' slow tread approaching her. He stood behind the ladder and leaned against her, his arms going around her and plucking a few of the books from their place on the shelf. Her eyelids drooped shut, focusing on the feel of his body against hers.

His deep baritone rolled through his chest as he spoke, spending vibrations through her "Sometimes they can be very instructive."

"Is bippity boppity boop a powerful enchantment? Too dark and powerful to be taught at Hogwarts?"

She knew without turning that he was smiling.

"Why don't you try it and we'll find out... In fact, that gives me an idea."

Severus waited as she descended the ladder before taking her hand and leading her back to a large sofa. He sat sideways so his back rested against the arm of the sofa and his long legs were outstretched across the seat.

The look he gave her sent a rush of blood through her. It was an invitation.

Slowly Hermione stepped forward before lowering herself into his lap.

He passed her Beauty and the Beast with an ironic smirk which she returned. For himself, he selected Cinderella.

She nestled into his lap with her back pressed against his chest. His arms wrapped around her waist tracing across her stomach. Hermione had shown her hand with her reaction today. Surely her reaction had made her feelings plain.

They were both quiet as they read, neither of them acknowledging the hippogriff in the room.

Finally Hermione could stand it no longer.

"Where did you get the ring?" She asked at last.

Severus' response was quiet "You gave it to me - you said it was my Christmas present."

"I -huh?"

Her mind returned to Christmas night when she had visited his room to return his sweater.

It was in the pocket! And he had asked if I was sure I wanted him to have it! And I said of course.

"And after our last library visit, I thought I'd wear it."

Hermione's heart swooped. When he had worn that ring it had been a public declaration.

He had worn it on his wedding finger.

Was that a deliberate choice?

But even as she thought the question the answer came to her, unbidden. Nothing Severus did was ever an accident.

Hermione was giddy with the realisation, and as she turned the pages of the book absently, she struggled to contain her smile.

After a while Severus broke the silence "I think I've found what we need, I just need a bit more time."

For Merlin's sake! He was still trying to figure out the identity, even after everything?

Hermione struggled to put all the words that tore at her into a coherent string.

"I don't want to find -"

He hushed her before she could finish the confession that spilled from her lips.

"Do you trust me Hermione?"

This time there was no hesitation "yes."

"Give me until Saturday."

"But I don't want-

"Trust me."

Torment

The next morning when Hermione arrived at the staff table he was there, waiting for her with a steaming thermos.

This time when she spied the ring on Severus' finger, her heart glowed.

He held the thermos just out of her reach.

"First you have to promise me that you won't pour it in my lap. I'm running out of burn salve."

"Please, it's not like you suffered. Knowing you, I bet the salve provides instantaneous relief. But let's make a deal, if I pour hot coffee into your lap again I'll use that non-verbal healing spell you taught me to make it all better."

His eyes darkened and she continued. "And after that I'll apply the salve personally to make absolutely sure that you are fit to function."

"Deal" he smirked, handing her the thermos of his own personal coffee blend.

When she took that first sip she knew.

She was going to marry that man.

His gaze heated in response to the moan of unadulterated pleasure that issued from her throat.

"I want to hear you make that noise for me every day" he murmured quietly.

"Make me" she dared him.

His eyes glinted with challenge.

—

The week that followed was tentative, a new understanding between them. This turn of events had made Hermione unaccountably nervous. He too was quieter and on the scale of smirks to snarls he was sitting at sideway smiles.

At the weekly staff meeting Hermione eschewed her usual seat between Neville and Hagrid for the empty seat beside Severus.

Hermione noticed Minerva's narrowed glance with amusement. From the corner of her eye, Hermione watched Minerva picking up the coffee pot and subtly moving it out of Hermione's reach.

Severus leaned into Hermione so his shoulder pressed against hers and his lips hovered dangerously close to her ear "you're making Minnie nervous."

Hermione grinned wickedly.

As usual, Filch started the meeting by recounting the rule breaches of various student miscreants. This part of the meeting always made Hermione uncomfortable as a part of her still listened for her own name.

Severus looked absorbed but Hermione was ninety percent sure that he wasn't listening. He caught her glance and held it as he deliberately traced his thumb over he surface of the ring.

A surprised groan broke through Hermione's lips.

The other teachers turned to look at Hermione, who gave an eye roll as though to indicate the groan had been one of irritation with Argus' diatribe.

For Merlin's sake, I do not want to come while Filch talks about the need to whip students!

Severus' hand slipped below the table as he continued to thumb the ring. The sensation slowed but did not stop.

Hermione could barely hear any of the teachers who spoke. In fact she could barely think at all as she rode the waves of sensation that coursed through her body. It took every bit of strength she had to keep her face and body from betraying her torment.

His name spoken in Poppy's voice broke through her reverie. "Severus, how are you going with replenishing potion stocks?"

Hermione could almost hear the wicked laughter that hid beneath his honeyed baritone as he replied.

"I have recently made a new batch of skelegrow."

Oh Merlin, the intensity was building. Hermione needed it to stop, but she didn't think she could bear it if he did.

"And I have completely depleted my stocks of burn salve" he said with a particularly vicious rub to the ring that elicited a hiss from Hermione.

His hand landed on her thigh, tracing her hot, sensitive skin and adding to the sensations from the ring.

"But I am running out of unicorn tail hair."

Hermione fought with her entire willpower to stay still, to keep her face neutral as she teetered on the brink of completion.

"I anticipate that it will be particularly important to maintain our stocks of concussion cure-all potion considering that it is quidditch season."

His body was preternaturally still and his dark eyes were dangerous. He knew that she was right on the edge. That one more stroke on that ring would-

"Do you agree, Hermione?"

Her name on his wicked lips that accompanied that final stroke was too much.

"Yes" Hermione gasped as shudders racked her legs under the table her as she came.

I just couldn't resist.

Collision of worlds

On Friday night after hall rounds they embraced outside her door.

She revelled in the feel of Severus against her, the warmth that seeped through his rough woollen robes and his dark gaze that seemed to truly see her.

She wasn't sure what he wanted her to wait for, but for him, she'd wait. She had certainly waited long enough already.

His stubble grazed her cheek when she brushed a kiss against it. Their lips were perilously close, but he drew back before they could touch. He would make her come during a staff meeting, but he wouldn't kiss her in a deserted corridor Hermione noted ironically.

When Hermione went to bed she stopped at the sight of a scroll tied with a black ribbon lying on the sheets.

She unfurled the curled parchment with tentative fingers.

My Little Lying Griffindor Thief,
I'll pick you up at six tomorrow. Dress the way you did for the ball.
Yours,
Severus

—

Hermione spent a restless day in her room preparing for her evening with Severus.

She slipped on the same beaded green dress and her silver heels from the ball. She was a vision.

Ten minutes to six there was a sharp rap on Hermione's door.

She smiled at him as she opened it.

Severus towered before her in dress robes that made the most of his tall form and broad shoulders. Hermione cast an appreciative eye over the powerful wizard.

"I didn't know you knew how to knock, Severus."

"One of the many skills you have taught me over the past few months."

Severus bowed low before her and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

The sight of one of the most powerful wizards of all time lowering himself before her was simultaneously humbling and empowering.

"Slytherin colours suit you my little thief."

"I'm not a thief!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Debatable" he purred.

"Two items is not -"

"By my count it is at least three."

Before she had a chance to ask him what the third item was, he took her hand in his and led her across the hall to his room.

Her eyes darted to the wand emerging from his pocket and she realised that he remained the master of the Elder Wand. She could barely believe that one of the most powerful magic objects in history was casually poking out of Severus' pocket.

"I heard you were the owner of the most powerful wand of all time."

"I'll let you determine that for yourself in due course."

Hermione had a sneaking suspicion that they were not talking about the same wand.

He led her to his fireplace and wrapped a strong arm around her waist.

Within seconds they were stepping over the hearth in Spinners End.

This time when they stepped out of the fire, Hermione was surprised to find that they were in a comfortable sitting room.

"I was thinking that this might be better for what I had planned." He murmured in response to her surprised glance.

She was thinking it would take place in his bedroom, but she certainly wasn't about to object.

"I am sure that the settee will serve quite nicely" Hermione replied encouragingly.

His face carved into an amused smirk. "Always eager to cut to the chase my little Griffindor."

Hermione flushed. Clearly his plans and her plans were not quite aligned.

"I hope it wasn't too presumptuous of me but I didn't want to mention it and get your hopes up." Severus reached into his pocket and withdrew -

What in Merlin's name!

Surely that couldn't be what she thought it was.

Seeing the muggle artefact in his hand was oddly jarring. It was the collision of two worlds.

"You forget, I'm a half blood" he replied quietly in response to her thoughts.

He pressed a few buttons before holding the smartphone out to her.

It was on speakerphone and for a few disconcordant moments the dial tone jangled tinnily in the suspended silence.

A muffled voice shattered the thick air "Hermione?"

"Mum?"

Cinderella

Tears of gratitude streaked down Hermione's face.

Severus had brought back her parents' memories.

She leaped up and threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his.

The kiss was messy and marred by tears, but Hermione didn't care. She wanted this man to know how much she appreciated what he had done.

He had returned a missing piece of her soul.

Hermione drew back momentarily to meet his dark eyes that blazed with emotion. "How can I ever thank you?"

"Your smile is enough."

When Hermione opened her mouth to object, he continued, "but if you insist, I am sure I could think of other ways for you to express your gratitude."

Hermione hiccuped, a blur between tears and laughter.

She clung to him tightly and Hermione was taken by surprise by the loud Crack! that rang through the air.

When she looked up they were in an enormous empty ballroom brilliantly lit by numerous chandeliers.

Orchestral music crested around them.

"Would you care for a dance?"

Severus swept her into his arms and they waltzed smoothly across the floor. Their bodies were in sync like they had done this a million times before in a million other lives.

Music swelled around them, but all Hermione could feel was the sound of their hearts beating in sync.

Goosebumps pebbled Hermione's skin as he caressed the skin at her waist through the cut out on her dress.

As she looked into his obsidian eyes she saw him, the man behind the mask in all his twisted, powerful glory. He was clever, kind, passionate and loyal. Everything she could ever dream of. And that was not to mention his massive-

"Library?" He finished out loud with a knowing smirk.

When the music came to a close he took both her hands in his.

"The first time I brought you to my home you told me that you had met your soulmate at the ball."

Hermione opened her mouth quickly to assure Severus that she was mistaken, that nothing could compare to the connection she shared with him.

He raised a pale calloused finger to her lips, dispelling her words instantly with his touch.

"In the library the other night, the book I was reading gave me an idea. I thought of a way that I could get around the anonymity enchantment, without murdering Filius, to help you to find out the identity of the man you met that night."

Hermione shook her head. She didn't want to know, but he continued regardless.

"I know it's not a shoe, but-"

Hermione's heart stopped as he reached into his pocket and withdrew something she had thought she would never see again.

Hermione uttered a strangled gasp. She refused to believe what she was seeing. What it meant.

Her heart thundered in her ears.

This was the answer she had been looking for?

Hermione was frozen with disbelief.

"Sev, is that what I think that is?"

His dark baritone was a soothing caress "The underwear you wore on the night of the ball. You may recall I pocketed it in that classroom, right before I slid my fingers into you for the first time."

She reeled from the realisation that the man she had been looking for had been in front of her the whole time.

Hermione was incredulous "That's the idea you got from Cinderella?"

His only reply was a wicked smirk.

Confessions

When their lips met it was furious, joyful and honest. Everything they had been holding back finally bursting free.

Severus drew back and met her eyes.

"At the ball, when I saw the person who was masquerading in your body in the colours of my house, I couldn't resist. I knew I should stay away but I couldn't help myself. And when we spoke-"

Hermione nodded in understanding. She had felt it too. A wordless, soul-deep connection, that defied understanding.

"I needed that person, whoever it was and in your body it was - I couldn't resist. But it didn't feel right to fuck someone else in your body. The next morning at breakfast I waited to see your face, even though I thought it had been someone else, but you never came."

"So you came to me." Hermione smiled at the memory of him bringing her breakfast and a hangover potion, kindness and longing hidden behind a layer of cruel sarcasm.

"When I saw the look on your face I guessed, but I couldn't be sure, and I didn't dare to hope. The night when we skipped out on the Order meeting and you told me you had met your soulmate at the ball it nearly killed me. It was worse than that fucking snake. But the next morning in my bed when you sat there in nothing but my damned t-shirt, and revealed that the man you had fallen for had been the person in my body, I realised that you and I had done the same thing and gone as ourselves."

Hermione grinned. Of course they had both done the same thing. In fact, it was surprising that this possibility had never occurred to her.

"Of course you would never let anyone else masquerade in your body!" Hermione breathed. Now she thought about it, the idea that Severus Snape would ever give another person autonomy over his body was preposterous.

Hermione's answering words were a rush, flowing from her with unstemmed urgency "I fell for you so hard and it was so frightening. I didn't want to admit it to myself. The fact that someone could have so much power over me was scary and not something I felt comfortable with after the war. So I kept fighting off the feelings by reminding myself of the man from the ball, but I think that deep down a part of me knew that it was you. And when you wore that ring, my heart hurt so much I thought I would die."

He lowered his lips to hers gently, slowly moving his sinful mouth against hers. The moment was as sacred as a prayer. Something new and tentative hung between them.

Without breaking the kiss he spoke the words directly into her mind.

I love you, my little lying Griffindor thief.

I love you too, Sev.

Hermione's hands tangled in his dark hair, drawing him closer. She wanted to devour him. His hips pressed into hers, eliciting a whimper from her kiss-swollen lips.

His hands roved her form, tracing from her waist to her hips, then back up. A teasing fingertip caressed the side of her breast.

Hermione moaned into his mouth.

Their kiss deepened, becoming frantic with need.

Hermione's hand moved lower, sliding between them to stroke his hardened length through his trousers.

With a Crack! they were gone.

Thanks to all the lovely readers who have hung on this far! I love seeing all of your votes and comments.

Buttons

I figured that after 50 chapters of sexual tension, it might be time to give you what you've been waiting for.

Hermione remembered this room. The memory of his mouth on her the last time she had been here hung in the air, further stirring her desire.

They were in his bedroom standing at the foot of his enormous bed.

Hermione tore at the front of his dress robes, shameless with need

"So many fucking buttons" Hermione hissed in frustration.

Her fingers caught on his dress shirt and tugged, tearing the buttons and ripping his dress shirt.

"You know I rather liked that shirt" he murmured.

"Well that's just too bad."

She ran his hands over the exposed broad planes of his marble chest.

She lowered her lips to his chest and traced kisses across his warm skin.

His groan sent a thrill through her.

Her hands moved to his belt and her fingers fumbled over the buckle in her haste.

She yanked down his pants and drawers with undisguised hunger.

His monstrous veined cock sprang free and Hermione gasped. It was already rock hard and a bead of precum glistened from its head.

"Merlin, it's even more enormous than I imagined!"

"You've been imagining it have you?" He purred dangerously.

"It was a figure of speech."

"Don't lie to me witch, I'm a legillimens," he growled.

He delivered a cruel nip to her neck and she gasped.

"Every night."

Severus stepped forward and she stepped back until her legs met the bed.

He pushed her shoulders back and Hermione lay back down onto the bed.

To her shock she was suddenly stark naked.

"Sev, you are going to have to teach me that spell."

"Yes," he murmured as he pressed kisses down her throat and across her chest "much as I enjoy watching you going insane over a few buttons, I'm thinking it might be in the best interests of my remaining shirts."

His hot mouth descended to her nipples that were hardened under his touch. His eyes were approving at her whimper as she arched into him. She wanted more.

He pulled her legs so her hips were positioned on the edge of the bed.

Severus lowered himself before her so he was on his knees between her legs. When he looked up at her it was the devoted gaze of an acolyte, worshipping at the altar of a goddess of power, wisdom and vengeance.

Merlin, the sight of the most powerful Wizard in the world on his knees before her had her core clenching with need.

His answering smirk was dangerous. "Enjoying watching me kneel before you?"

He kissed his way from her thighs to her ankles until her legs quaked.

"Severus, please."

In answer to her plea he lowered his mouth to her hot core.

His eyes met hers as he feasted on her. His gaze was scorching as he met her eyes.

She whimpered as his mouth withdrew from her and cold air hit her heated flesh.

"I have missed the taste of you my little lying thief."

Hermione shuddered as his tongue lowered to circle her clit.

Slowly he slid a long calloused finger inside of her and gave an approving growl.

"You are soaked."

His finger teased her with long, slow strokes.
He added another finger to her soaking pussy.

"Do you like that my little thief?"

Words escaped her. Hermione could only manage an unintelligible whimper.

He rose from his knees and lowered his mouth to trace the curve of her waist. His tongue teased her skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.

Hermione reached down, grasping his thick length. She wanted to feel the weight of his cock in her palm.

A guttural growl issued from his throat.

She wrapped her legs around his waist, guiding him to her entrance.

She was so wet, but the initial breach of his monstrous cock was still uncomfortable as it stretched her wide.

He pushed into her, inch by inch and she groaned as she accommodated his generous girth.

With aching slowness he slid himself in and out. Hermione noted his guttural groan with satisfaction.

She wanted him deeper. Hearing her thoughts, he hooked her knees over his shoulders and pounded into her.

Hermione screamed as waves of pleasure rushed through her body.

His pace became erratic and she felt his cock pulse within her as he reached completion.

Whole

Hermione nestled into his firm shoulder and breathed a contented sigh.

"I could get used to this" Hermione murmured into his skin.

His calloused hand passed long soothing strokes along her spine.

Severus pressed a kiss to her curls.

"So, does my wand live up to the hype? Is it as powerful as you imagined?" He purred.

"Hmm, I'd need to check it again to be sure."

He chuckled darkly "always lying my little thief."

For a moment there was silence before Hermione asked a question that had been echoing in her mind.

"That first day, when you visited me in the Black library, why did you bother with me? I pushed everyone away but you still came."

"At first, after the war I thought you just needed time, but when you didn't get any better I realised that I would need to save you myself. The way you saved me. I kept an eye on your thoughts and whenever you were drowning I did my best to distract you.
You were a shadow of yourself and I was doing whatever I could to draw you out of it.
I found that you were most responsive when I was being a bastard or turning you on."

"Or both" Hermione murmured, and his answering smile was wicked.

"And then I found myself falling."

"By the way, it keeps bothering me, what was the third thing that I supposedly stole?"

"My heart."

I'm that moment Hermione realised that he had been telling her he loved her for months, every time he had called her a thief.

He took her breath away.

He rolled onto his side so his obsidian eyes bored straight into her caramel ones.

In his hand was a velvet box.

"Hermione Jean Granger, will you marry me?"

"Will you make me coffee every morning?"

"And every afternoon."

"Then it's a deal."

She opened the box and was stunned by the diamond ring that sat in its depths.

When their lips met it was the meeting of souls.

Hermione felt whole again.

She would never be the same person she had been before the war, but it no longer seemed to matter.

Epilogue

When Hermione entered the library she stood in the doorway for a moment, absorbing the scene before her.

Her husband was sitting in an armchair pinching the bridge of his nose and looked as though he had a headache.

Hermione strode towards him, before sitting on the arm of the chair he was in.

He did not turn to look at her but continued to keep his gaze fixed forward.

"This is all your fault" he accused.

Hermione had the temerity to look perplexed. "I don't know what you mean."

"Definitely your genes, witch."

He flicked his wand and a hover charm caught the dark haired toddler as it fell from where it climbed on the shelf, before it could hit the ground.

Its twin giggled before leaping off the shelf and joining its sibling, suspended in midair.

"What are we going to do when they go to school?" Severus cringed.

"Minnie is going to have a lot of work on her hands" Hermione admitted.

"Forget Minnie, I'm worried they'll get themselves killed, or worse expelled" Severus replied.

Hermione leaned in, planting a kiss to Severus' lips. "I'm sure they'll find their way. After all, we did."

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Hi Readers, I hope you enjoyed the story! If you did you will probably enjoy my other story 'Sweet Dreams taste of...' it is another Snamione smutty slow burn set in Hermione's sixth year.