Upon reaching the classroom Hermione held the door open for Madame Elise with a small smile. The blonde smiled in return before entering and looking at the room around her.
It was a typical classroom, it held long desks, big windows, a desk, and a chalkboard. Madame Elise walked down the aisles and inspected the desks.
"You know, for a castle this large I'd imagine there would be some dust," she murmured.
"The house-elves take care of that," Hermione replied.
"House-elves?" Madame Elise asked with surprise.
"Yes. Were you expecting someone else?" The young witch asked curiously.
"I'm… not sure. We have Pukwudgies. They attach themselves to the forest and animals around Ilvermorny. The few immigrants that have made their homes in the States and brought their house-elves with them stay with their family. Any who have died and haven't attached themselves to another person tend to return to their homelands," Madame Elise tried to explain.
"I made that mistake," Hermione said softly, "I was set to start a full blown campaign to force freedom on house-elves mistaking the bonding for slavery. It's a symbiotic relationship. Without having a family, or someone, to serve they start to lose their lifeforce," she continued gently as she arranged the room needlessly.
"Lose their lifeforce?"
Hermione nodded, "I was told they lose moons. It kills them," she answered still not looking up.
"I see. I will remember that…"
Taking another moment to get herself back on track Madame Elise took off her coat and placed it on the desk.
"As I've said my name is Tauri Elise, you may use the titles Madame, Missus, Auror, or simply call me Elise. I'm not a stickler for such things. As long as you respect me. If you have any problems with me being a transwoman, let me know now."
The younger witch tilted her head slightly and just looked at Madame Elise taking in her features. The older witch's body posture was subtle, but Hermione could see she was turned in a way that could only be deemed defensive. Despite being an adult, and the confidence she exuded earlier, words did hurt. It was easier to deflect Umbridge's vitriol since her whole being was disagreeable and prejudice, but it was different for some reason when it came to someone with a brain.
"I don't have any problems. It's your history. How you came into your body is no one's business but your own. I am curious as to what a 'Diva Queen' is. I haven't come across that terminology," she admitted.
Madame Elise grinned, "A 'Diva Queen' is a woman who takes a page out of a drag queen's book. Before I transitioned, I was a drag queen. It wasn't so much for entertainment but simply because I love makeup. When puberty hit me, I felt like something went wrong. I was supposed to grow beautiful. I waited to see if it was merely an ugly duckling phase, but it was not. I was always attracted to girls, but after a while I realized I stared not just because they were beautiful and I liked them, but that I wanted to be one. When I tried on my first set of women's dress robes I was filled an immediate sense of relief and happiness. I took a bit more time to get acquainted with the rest of it. I quickly learned the joys of makeup. Everything else fell into place. I wasn't a boy who felt better in girl's clothes. I was a girl. My body just had to catch up with me. It's not the same for everyone, some girls, including trans, like dressing in boys' clothes, but that's just me."
Mia couldn't help but grin back at the other witch.
"I'm personally not a fan of makeup, but you look like you stepped out of a magazine, if you don't mind my saying so," she said.
"Not at all!" Madame Elise's eyes glittered.
"Now that that is taken care of; I would like to start by stating that I've taken a look at what will be on your O.W.L. exams. I have a lesson plan, and being that this will be one on one it will be that much faster to get through them."
The younger witch nodded in understanding and underlying relief.
"I have a copy that I will give to you attached to the syllabus, you may feel free to share it with Master Snape. I will send an owl should there ever be a cause that I am unable to show up for lessons. If the books assigned are not in the library let me know and I will lend you my personal copies. The only homework to be assigned are readings and practicing. I will give you the occasional quiz, pop quiz, and test. Frankly I detest paperwork and I am sure you are able to write an essay with no problems. I am not here to test your English, but Defense Against the Dark Arts. The quizzes will be to make sure that you are actually absorbing my lessons."
She handed Hermione her syllabus and then leaned against the desk and crossed her arms.
"As this is your OWL year I know that class grades do not count, lucky for you, so grading will be more or less pointless – ,"
This sent a small sense of shock through Hermione and her inner academic. She knew that mentally, but she still liked having good grades on her record.
" – but will help the both of us see where you are academic wise. If you get through the lessons quicker than anticipated I will be happy to help you review for your O.W.L. I know the last month or so is usually dedicated to review, but I am determined to get through this year first," she finished.
"Thank you, Madame Elise."
"I am happy to teach you, Apprentice," Tauri affirmed, "Let's begin by going over the syllabus and then doing some practical work."
Hermione was ecstatic! It was one of the best DADA lessons she had since Professor Lupin taught her! Barty was great, but he and Moody were also harsh. Madame Elise was firm, but friendly, and didn't have the crazy paranoia her other 2 tutors had. It was a far cry different from what she had been dealing with so far.
Lunch was a welcomed break.
Fred and George were poking at their food, eating at a sedate pace.
"Have you lot had one of your lessons inspected yet," Fred asked, not looking at them.
"Not yet. No. Why?" Harry asked both curious and concerned.
"I take it you have?" Hermione asked.
"What was it like?" they chimed together.
Fred shrugged bored, although something clearly bothered him.
"Wasn't as bad as we were expecting. She stood in a corner and wrote on her clipboard –"
"More like creeped," George muttered.
" – Professor Flitwick was himself, treated her like a guest. She asked Alicia a few questions on how class was normally. Asked Angelina if she had any problems understanding the curriculum or him. She did break out a measuring tape though that was insulting…"
"I can't see him doing poorly, everyone passes their exams with him. Those with a natural affinity for it flourish under his care," George said while Fred nodded.
Near the end of lunch there were a few deliveries were made. Errol made a mess of his landing, but Ginny and the twins picked him up and proceeded to help the poor owl.
"He really needs to be retired," Harry said.
"I agree," the redheaded witch replied dejectedly as she handed out the correspondence to the proper people, "But we don't have the money."
She skimmed the letter with her eyes while opening the tin.
"Weasley has Pig, but the nutter is more his than a family owl," the green eyed wizard commented.
Luna plopped herself next to Hermione and looked over at the other two.
"You could always buy them an owl as thanks for hosting you over the summers," the blonde suggested.
Harry's eyes gleamed, "I never even thought of that! As, uh, low, as um, our relationship with Mrs. Weasley has gotten, they did still have me over during summers and I was never able to repay them."
"Harry, you don't have to! My family was happy to!" Ginny said, eating one of the biscuits from the tin, "Here Luna, have one. Mum made them."
Luna reached over to grab one and then stopped before she touched it, "No, thank you. You should get checked by Professor Snape before your next class," she commented.
Hermione grabbed a biscuit and ran her wand over the cookie casting a few detection spells. Of course it glowed positive and she quickly cast a few other spells as Ginny continued eating on the one biscuit she was eating.
"What's wrong, Mia?" Harry asked.
"They're… they're laced. Ginny, I'm going to have to confiscate your tin," Hermione said as calmly as she could, her eyes held a tiredness in them.
"What's in them?" she asked as her hand went for another one.
Fred slapped his sister's hand and cast his own spells over the cookies while George ran his wand over his sister. Thankfully the youngest male Weasley was still in the hospital.
"Hey!" she yelled.
"Harry, did you see that!? Aren't you going to do something about them?" Ginny whined, leaning into him.
"Gin, we just made up yesterday," Harry said slowly, "I'm, uh, not ready for touching."
"I remember that we had a nice talk," she smiled shyly, "But why wouldn't you like me touching you, Harry?" she asked with a coy blink.
Harry and Hermione shared a look before Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Gin, I agree with Luna, you're gonna have to see Snape. Madame Pomfrey can do a lot, but this requires an expert," Fred interrupted.
"What are you guys talking about?" she asked, her voice getting higher.
"Ginny," Hermione said firmly, "The biscuits are laced with a potion. We just want to make sure you're okay."
"Oh… well, mum sent this for you and Harry," she said pushing over two carefully wrapped biscuits further in their direction, each with a letter attached for each of them.
Hermione ran her wand over both of them and sighed. She picked up the letter and felt the familial love she got with her family and Harry and sneered at it.
"You can touch the letter, it's a feel good. I wouldn't read it though," Mia said, "I'm taking the cookies with me."
Harry nodded and touched opened the envelope pulling out the letter. The emotions he felt were patronus worthy. He frowned at the letter. It made him feel good, so he didn't want to throw it away. Umbridge was getting on his nerves and he wasn't keen on spending another detention with her.
"Can you erase what she wrote somehow?" Harry asked quietly.
Hermione looked at him and the letter quickly and nodded. She snatched the letter out of his hand and used her wand to erase what the manipulative witch wrote. Before she could do much else Luna had a quill ready for her.
"Don't worry, it's the pen, I just transfigured it so Umbridge doesn't say anything," Luna explained.
With a nod Hermione took it and wrote a quick letter for her messy haired brother.
Dear Harry,
You are my brother in bond and blood. We, as a family, love you. I know I can be bossy, but I do it because I care. We can both be a bit hot headed, but that's just the stereotypical Gryffindor in us. Red and Gold for the bold! I know I seem all books and stern, and I struggle to do regular fun things, but I do like fun. Mum and Dad love watching sports and would LOVE to watch you play quidditch. They would scream themselves hoarse because they are SO proud of you. I am proud of you. Your birth parents are proud of you too and they support you and us. Never think of us as a replacement, just as your family expanding. We love you. Never forget that.
All Our Love,
Mia, Mum, and Dad
She handed Harry the parchment back where he read it and grinned.
"Thanks, Mia. I love it," he said softly with a smile.
Ginny leaned over reading it with a suspicious eye. Happy with what she read she nodded.
Those around her looked at her. George quickly hexed her seat with a sticking charm.
"Fred?" he said to his brother.
"Of course," his twin replied.
The redheaded wizard quickly made his way to the head table.
"Excuse me, Professor Snape, but I seem to have an issue," he started, careful about what he said around the pink menace.
"What can I do for you Mr. Weasley?" Severus asked in a bored tone.
"Would it be possible to meet you before class? I have a question about a potions project for that extra credit we talked about," he said subtly.
Both of them knew for a fact that this conversation never took place, but the dark wizard had kept his eye on his young witch and knew something was wrong.
"Of course, Mr. Weasley. Will your brother be in attendance as well?" he asked.
"Yes, Professor. He will be my partner. I was hoping to go over the complexity of the potion," he continued.
"A wise decision. I will see you momentarily," Severus dismissed him.
'Complex potion indeed. The Weasley twins only come to me when they know they'll need an antidote Poppy won't have on hand.'
"What extra credit, Snape?" Umbridge asked as soon as the twin's back was turned.
"The Weasley twins are taking my class. They have expressed interest in extra credit. Their essays are lackluster, but their practical application is acceptable. The extra credit is to improve their grades."
"What potion?" she pressed.
"That is what our exchange was about, Madame. They have finally decided and I will determine if it is acceptable or not," he said firmly.
"I see," she said through clenched teeth.
The group had met Severus in his office, Hermione having disillusioned the other 3 on the way down. Fred and George carried Ginny across both their shoulders and hurried down. They weren't keen on her reaction after she was released from their petrificus totalis.
"Well?" the potions master asked once they were all gathered and visible, lifting an eyebrow at the youngest Weasley.
"Mrs. Weasley sent us some biscuits and chocolates in the mail. They're all laced," Hermione said bluntly.
"All of them?" he asked again.
"Yes, Master," she affirmed.
"Ginny ate one," Fred added.
"I see," he drawled, "Come, let me see her."
They carefully placed Ginny across two chairs.
Running his wand over the young witch Severus sneered.
"It seems your mother has not given up," he said acidicly, "Thankfully I do have the antidote on hand."
The twins nodded solemnly.
With a few waves of his wand Severus was able to get the potion into Ginny without any fuss. He released her from the petrification spell a minute later and her reaction was less heated than he imagined.
"UGH! Again!? I JUST apologized to Harry and Hermione YESTERDAY!" she yelled at herself before turning to the siblings, "I am SO sorry! I meant what I said yesterday! I can't BELIEVE SHE DID THAT TO ME!" she continued.
The twins were thankful that it wasn't a painful process and that she hadn't hexed them or turned her ire onto them. Hermione was silent on the matter so as not to add fuel to the flame Mrs. Weasley had started.
"We believe you Gin," Harry said and Hermione nodded.
"Thank you, Professor Snape. I'm afraid of how much of a fool I would have made of myself. Thanks guys, Hermione for noticing." The young witch said looking at her hands.
The twins each grabbed a shoulder and squeezed it in comfort.
"You're welcome, Miss Weasley. I'm afraid I have the antidote on hand because it was an issue during the summer," he said looking at her with a bored expression.
The three siblings looked at Snape with confused expressions.
"Your mum was dosing me and sometimes Hermione during the summer. Sirius warned us that she was putting something in the food and Kreature confirmed it. So Hermione and Snape took a plate and I'm not sure how, but they found out what potions she was using and made antidotes for them," he said looking at them with a weak smile that came out more as a grimace.
"Sadly, she also started dosing our drinks. Kreature could make the same dishes, but we couldn't avoid the drinks without causing suspicion," Hermione followed up quietly.
The twins shared a look that was down trodden. Ginny however looked lost.
"How could she?" the red headed witch asked brokenly.
"We're sorry about our mum. We didn't know. If we hadn't checked the cookies ourselves we would have thought it was a bad joke," Fred said.
"It's not your fault," Hermione said understandingly.
"Are you going to go to the Headmaster with this?" George asked.
Severus shook his head, "No. I believe he's actually working with your mother considering some of the loyalty potions are keyed to him."
He held up a cookie between his fingers, "I think your mother is just an opportunist."
"Can we– can we come to you when she sends us packages like this?" Ginny asked, her voice cracking, "I don't want to be potioned like that again."
Severus looked at the Weasleys and then Hermione and Harry. They knew Hermione and the twins could cast the spell, but neither of them spoke. It was a huge amount of trust they were giving him.
"Yes, you may come to me," he answered.
"Messrs. Weasley, if that cow," he coughed into his hand, "Excuse me, if Umbridge comes to you please tell her we talked about the Elixir of Happiness. She can't seem to mind her own business and it is imperative that we tie loose ends."
The younger witches and wizards smiled at him. It was a first. Usually the only ones who smiled at him were Slytherins. Normally it wouldn't affect him, but it was Hermione's smile and her eyes glowing happily at him made it a perfect picture. His witch was younger than him and these were the people who she kept close. He already made his peace with Harry and Miss Lovegood, might as well with these three as well. Although at Hagrid's arms' length.
"Now I will write you all a pass to your next class," Severus said, his voice silky.
"Thanks, Professor," the twins said as the dark wizard handed them each a piece of parchment that was their pass.
Everyone turned and walked out quickly before the curly haired witch stopped and turned on her heel walking back to the dark wizard.
"Before I go Master, I have a syllabus Madame Elise gave to me," Hermione said with a small smile still in place.
"I see she's prepared," he replied taking the small stack of papers and looking through them.
"Pleasantly so," she replied.
"Off to runes?" he asked off handedly.
"You know it," she grinned.
"Hm. Enjoy your class," he said with a small smile.
He handed her a slip of parchment.
"Thanks, Sev," She smiled before she leaned up and kissed him firmly.
When she pulled back they both had a small blush on their cheeks. He couldn't help but find it attractive.
"Tonight I think we'll put some time aside for us, if you'd like," he said softly, almost a whisper.
His witch nodded, kissing him again, this time softer before she flounced away. The small bouts of affection made his heart beat faster. He was both embarrassed and exhilarated when it happened. Their stolen moments each as precious as the last one.
Even though she was a few minutes late Hermione found herself to be the first one done with the assignment. She loved runes. As challenging as it was, it was the closest she could get to a foreign language class. That and there were the benefits of using it to enchant objects. Easy and permanent as long as you knew what you were doing.
Thankfully runes had to be written in a specific sequence and cluster to work like that. Without that they were just foreign words that needed to be translated. No one ever asked her, but she rather enjoyed runic poetry. It was one of the few nonacademic things she enjoyed reading.
She took the rest of the time to start the assigned homework. The less she had to do later, the better.
Luna seemed to already know that Severus had plans with her beyond academia. She grinned like the cat got the canary when they parted ways telling the older witch to 'Have fun'.
With a knock on his door Severus bid her entry.
"Hey," she said, slinging her back off her shoulder and onto the floor.
"Hey yourself," he replied lifting an eyebrow at her and crossing the room closing the space between them.
"I thought it would be nice if I showed you where my private quarters were," he intoned, his voice smooth like chocolate, "They're behind a portrait close to my office."
The hazel eyed witch's body started to heat up, but she kept her voice as it normally was, "Okay."
It was a quick uneventful walk, but once she was in his room she noticed it was cozy. The lighting was comfortably bright, warm mage lights graced the ceiling instead of candles. The floor had a plush Persian rug, it was black with white bordering inside while green and red made the designs. There were bookshelves filled with books. There was still space between the bookcases and the ceiling which was filled with assorted potions and even a brass and gold globe, the dark brass making the bodies of water. There was a black worn in couch with a dark coffee table in front of it, the matching chair off to the side. To the side of the room across from one of the bookcases was a large wooden desk. There were two ink pots atop of it with one quill laying across a piece of parchment and another two in a quill holder. A few scrolls were piled up in the desk's left corner. While his labs were pristine his living quarters were 'lived in'. There were a few things left in places but nothing really that made it messy.
What surprised her the most however was the window, complete with windowsill, in the stone wall that looked into the Black Lake. However it wasn't laid out like the rest of the castle, it was flagstone! His walls were unlike the rest of the castle and it amazed her. Hogwarts was homey and comfortable with its old castle ways, but this was more modern. The stones were even a softer earth tone compared to the rest of the castle.
"The castle has basic wards for the staffs' quarters, but nothing complicated. Just enough that we're allowed privacy. Even Albus can't enter the rooms without permission. He doesn't know Minerva and Hooch have access to my rooms or else he'd insist he be on the list," he snorted.
Hermione nodded with a small look of distaste. Just because he was a spy didn't mean he didn't deserve privacy. Minerva and Hooch were his closest friends and he had warned her that they had access to his rooms already.
"With that cow in the castle no one has been able to really socialize. She just invites herself," Sev grunted.
"I noticed. She tends to do that a lot when we have business to conduct," Hermione replied.
"Moving on from horrid topics, does it really look out into the Black Lake!?" she exclaimed happily, reaching out and holding his hand in hers happily.
Her happiness was contagious, "Yes. You can also see the giant squid when he comes by. Usually he's far out enough that you can see most of him."
"It's like an aquarium without the care," she said is excited hushed tones amusing Severus.
"Do you like aquariums?" he asked.
"Yes! I love them! But I'm horrible at taking care of aquatic life. I always mess up the PH levels or something simple like that. I've never had a fish that lived more than 6 months. I eventually gave up," she admitted, "I'm lucky we don't deal with aquatic plants in herbology. Sure it teaches us how to care for plants, but Professor Sprout carefully watches us for how much water we give them and such. Chances are I'd overwater them and give them all root rot. Aquatic plants though I wouldn't have an inkling of how to handle them without her basically holding my hand."
Severus bit back a laugh. Aside from her early self's looks she was practically the perfect student the whole school should have tried to be. Instead they forgot how hard she worked and how those skills leaked out into the rest of their lives.
Potions definitely helped with cooking, if they were pants at that they could at least make a decent soup or stew. Herbology was basically gardening. Transfiguration and charms helped with wrist dexterity. That essentially made little things like ping pong easier. Care of Magical Creatures they had to sketch the creatures as well as care for them. If they weren't good at either they eventually developed the skill through practice to become decent enough.
"How is it we can see so well instead of it being… murky?" she asked with a head tilt looking at the window that allowed a soft green glow to dance on the flagstones.
He paused before answering, "I… I seem to have fallen in the trap that most wizards do. I don't know, I just accepted it. Although to be fair enchantments aren't my forte if you'll remember. I'm a potions master, my dear," he finished with a light snark.
She laughed at his answer, "It is an easy trap. Despite how much research I did, the time turner was still beyond me. I understood what was written, but I still didn't understand how they came to the points that they did. They didn't go into details or anything, although I suppose that was a choice decided by the Department of Mysteries."
He nodded, "They are a secretive bunch. Yet I do agree with their decision, the common wizard is just as dunderheaded as their children. We'd be in some sort of time lapse if they had access to that information trying to change their past ignoring all of the laws in place surrounding that little time trinket."
He tugged her hand leading her to the couch.
"Speaking of decisions, I noticed a few ingredients missing. I'm aware that you've had a bit of free time while I was holding detention. I thought it wasn't worth mentioning since I trust in your abilities, but I am curious."
He pulled her onto his lap and held her with a gentle firmness.
"What has me most curious is the belladonna, Egyptian lotus extract, and the flamingo bile," he admitted.
Hermione blushed, "I made a… not illegal, but something you might find in the darker places of Knockturn Alley. It's a hallucinogenic, but I checked the dosages, and if the drinker takes more than half a vial within a week… well they don't die but…"
"What potion?" he asked.
"Pink Acido Sunshine," she mumbled.
"And how are you administering it to her?" he pressed.
Hermione sighed in exasperation, "With the distraction I had Thimi bring me her personal teapot. I made sure to use a rag and coated the insides, but I changed a bit of the recipe and so it would dry clear and a bit thicker. It's also impervious to spellwork… So while it takes 1 cup to get her started it will be 3 pots to get where I want her to be."
"And you're sure she won't be able to wash it away?" he asked.
Hermione looked at him through her lashes, "Yes."
"What if an elf were to wash it?"
"Thimi told me it's not unusual for a witch or wizard to put some sort of potion in their teapot so the elves will leave it assuming she did so herself. It's not illegal and will make her happy or feel good, depending on her reaction."
"And the elves don't like her," he added.
"How do you know that?" she asked.
"Maga."
"Maga?" her curiosity was peaked.
"She's my assigned house-elf. Every professor living in the castle has one. As Hagrid lives in his cabin still, he doesn't have one assigned to him."
"Will I ever be able to meet Maga?"
"I will be more surprised if you don't. She's a willful litter harridan," he grumbled, but she could tell it wasn't maliciously, "But that wasn't why I brought you here."
She flushed, "Oh and what did you bring me here for?"
"Privacy. My labs are private, but we agreed it was a mostly professional area," he murmured, pulling her closer sending the vibrations down her neck.
"Mhm," she agreed her voice soft.
"I enjoyed that kiss and I did say I'd put aside some time for us," his lips ghosted the shell of her ear.
She bit her lip holding back a groan as her nether regions started to pulse. His voice was sinful. After a quick moment of self-debate Hermione gave in to her most brash nature.
The witch stood up before turning and straddling her dark wizard. In response Severus's hands gripped her hips.
With a small hum of approval Hermione loosely wrapped her arms around him and leaned in to kiss him. It a slow and drugging, heat pooling between her legs. One of Severus's hands moved up, placed just above the center of her back below her shoulder blades and used it to pull her closer.
The curly haired witch moaned and subconsciously rolled her hips, grinding into him cause him to bite back a groan. Instead he started to kiss her more insistently, his force turning from gentle to hard causing his witch to mewl.
He took the moment to bite her lip causing her to gasp. It was the opening he wanted and slipped his tongue into her mouth gently, like a snake, and stroked her tongue with his. It gave her the power to push him out or stop. He was glad when her tongue tentatively reached to stroke his back. That was all he needed as a sign to dominate her mouth. She moaned loudly and Severus greedily swallowed it.
It was then that his hand slipped from her hip to her ass and he ground up into her delicious heat. It was unexpected and the witch made more mewling noises, grinding harder in response.
Twisting his tongue around hers, Severus pulled back before pulling her robes to the side to suck and nibble her between her collar and neck. Hermione gasped, thrusting her hips against his. He pulled away to admire his work, the first hickey. It was divine, a lovely raspberry color. He licked it soothingly before moving down and starting again.
The curly haired witch's eyes were dilated and golden with flecks of green. Her breaths were hot and coming out in puffs.
"S- Se- Sev, please," she whimpered, not knowing what she was asking for.
He gripped her ass hard, eliciting a moan, and helped her firmly rub her wet heat on his hard member.
"P- please," she begged.
"I can give you what you want if you're willing," he whispered in her ear.
"Y-yes. Yes, please," she whimpered.
He flipped them so she was pressed into the couch. His hands ghosted down her legs before going back up, lifting her robes with them. Trails of fire left in their wake. He fingered her knickers before taking them off in quick motions.
"I'll give you what you want, Pet," he said, his voice was firm and commanding, "Hold your legs up."
He pushed her legs to her chest, letting them fall to the side a bit so her knees were pressed into her breasts.
"Hold them here," he ordered.
The witch whimpered and did as she was told. Her body was so hot and she needed more.
Pleased at her following directions Severus waved of his hand over his robes and causing them to unbuttoned and he tossed them to the side. It was after that he went to his knees in front of the couch, her glistening dusty rose quim in front of him. Her lips poked out like a sleeping peony. He possessively approved of the oleander flower above her hood.
With a subtle inhale of her wanton scent he kisses her quim before he started to lick it. He started with his tongue wide by her pink center, licking up to the pearl hiding in its hood. He gently sucked on it, and made sure to go back and lick the rest of it before returning to the bud of pleasure.
Meanwhile Hermione was keening and moaning while she held the backs of her legs, glad for the purchase.
"S-Sev!" she mewled, begging for more.
He took his finger and slid it into her quim, pumping it a few times before adding another, all the while paying homage to her clit. Her noises were like music to his ears.
It was when her breathing became erratic and she was muttering gibberish that he curled his fingers, hitting the glorious g-spot that broke her. A loud scream almost a keen came from her mouth.
Severus held her legs up as her body went slack, cleaning up her quim with his tongue. He felt it pulsing and decided to gently tease her clit, skilled enough to keep from over stimulating it due to its state of high sensitivity. Her hips rolled of their own accord. The women's ability to have multiple orgasms worked in his favor.
He slipped his fingers back in and began to pump slowly, eliciting more moans from the petite witch. Staring at the intimate beauty that was in front of him he began to speed up, mewls becoming the new symphony. Soon he was doing what could only be called finger fucking her, fast and hard.
"Yes. Yes. Yes." She chanted, unaware of the words falling from her lips.
With another curl of his fingers her vision tunneled, but she wasn't worried as pleasure coursed through her filling her with a delicious warmth. It was not the stars she read about, but she liked this much better.
Severus slowly removed his fingers before he pulled away, his pants tented painfully, and stood.
The sight was arousing in itself and Hermione forced herself to sit up, her golden eyes looked up at him beseechingly flicking down, a nonverbal way of telling him what she wanted. Dark eyes bore into hers as he unbuttoned his pants and pulled out his dick. It was clearly larger than average and was thick.
She was surprised it had more color than the rest of his body, almost tan. The base was trimmed and well maintained. The tip was weeping and looked as though it was blushing. The witch was too far gone in lust to be embarrassed. With her hand she firmly gripped the base, guessing that it would be as sensitive as her breasts when they were tender. It leaked in excitement.
"Whatever you want, Pet," he soothed.
With small breaths Hermione's eyes were glazed with lust. While looking at him, she licked the weeping tip of his cock. She was aware of the salty taste, glad her erotica had prepared her for it. Still keeping her eyes locked with his she gently took the tip in her mouth and ran her tongue around it. It was an addicting taste.
She proceeded to suck on the tip using her tongue, before taking more in. She kept going back to give the tip special attention. The dark look in his eyes gave her the confidence that she was doing it right.
Soon she was bobbing her head in controlled motions, applying suction while enjoying the taste that was pure him. It wasn't long after that she felt it swell in her mouth.
"Pet, either finish me with your mouth or your hand. I'm cumming soon," he said deeply.
She pulled back and stroked him, twisting her wrist every so often. Still trapped in lust, Hermione took her free hand and began rubbing her clit in fast circular motions.
With a grunt, Severus came in her hand, shooting a bit before the rest came like a babbling river. Hermione came with him, high on the fact that she brought him such pleasure. She continued to squeeze it out, making sure she got every last drop.
After a look of appraisal Severus waved his wand and cleaned them both up before tucking himself back in.
Hermione took a breath and let it out slowly.
"You did good, Kitten. You're a natural," the dark wizard praised as he handed her, her knickers.
The petite witch blushed. The witch also noticed the warm feeling she got with praise and internally preened at the nickname. It always made her uncomfortable when Sirius did it, and now she knew why. She was sure the other wizard didn't mean it like that, but that's the way she subconsciously took it.
"That was amazing," she replied softly.
The wizard's lip curled up into a smug smirk. It was so obvious but she figured he was allowed. She'd been able to bring herself to climax, but it was never that strong. While they were early in their relationship, she couldn't find herself embarrassed or feeling any self-consciousness. Besides the afterglow was amazing.
She stood on wobbly legs, her limbs feeling weightless, and stepped into her knickers, shimmying into them. Once they were in place he tilted her head up and gave her a light kiss.
"I liked the flower," he admitted with a grin.
"I wouldn't have it there if I didn't like it myself," she quipped, placing her hand on her hip.
With barely a knock his door opened, his intruders being none other than Hooch and Minerva.
Hooch looked back and forth, Hermione's after glow was telling. She went to open her mouth and the cat animagus slapped her hand over the yellow eyed witch's gob.
"We will pretend we don't know what happened," Minerva said with a light blush.
Hermione blushed and quirked her lips up in a smile, "I can at least tell you I'm still a virgin."
Hooch's eyebrows seemed as though they were trying to go into her hairline before she looked over at Sev and wiggled them suggestively. The younger witch laughed before seating herself next to her wizard.
"Was there a reason you two decided to barge in here?" he asked, throwing his arm behind the hazel eyed witch.
Minerva removed her hand from Hooch's face with a parting look and sat on the table.
"Other than to visit our dear friend?" Minerva questioned in turn with a smirk.
"We bring gossip of course!" Hooch exclaimed, taking the chair and plopping herself into it.
"Dolores came into the staff room, smiling. She said she was so happy Albus finally did something about the walls! Apparently she thinks they're pink. Of course I don't know what she's on, but I didn't feel the need to correct her. It would be a mess of drastic proportions that I don't want to deal with," Minerva said excitedly.
Hermione hid a smile behind her hand. Dose one had clearly been taken.
"So she's seeing things and is still in the castle?" Severus asked pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I can't wait until we have enough on her to kick her out! I thought we'd have enough with the attack on Hermy here –"
"No. No, no. Mia. I detest any nickname deriving from the first part of my name. I barely tolerated 'mione. It's Mia. Or even Mina," Hermione butt in.
Hooch grinned, "Mina here! But from the howlers she clearly has one more strike since that attack cost her two."
"Speaking of that travesty, I heard your tutor came by today. Dolores was pitching a fit before the walls 'turned pink'," Minerva leaned in.
If she were a cat, Hermione was sure that her tail would be flicking in happy anticipation.
"Yes she was lovely," the younger witch nodded.
"She also said she was replaced by a drag queen?" Hooch said, clearly begging for details.
"Diva queen," Mia corrected, "She's a transwitch. Looked like she stepped off a magazine. She's a retired auror."
"Truly?" Minerva asked.
"Yes, but she teaches more like you actually. If you taught Defense of course," the young witch chuckled, "She even has a syllabus!"
"Very professional," the elder witch nodded in agreement.
"We have to leave soon," Hooch grumbled, "That pink seeing witch has decided she wants to snoop in my office. I don't know what for though."
"It seems like she's trying to nose her way into everything. I know she plans to sit in on our classes soon, but since you teach Flying I think she's going to be looking for something else or other," the elder witch grumbled.
"Ugh, I'm not looking forward to that," Hermione grumbled.
"She can watch all she wants, she'll find nothing in my class," Severus assured.
"Perhaps if she's still seeing pink she'll be less focused on her job," Hooch hissed.
"Speaking of jobs, Hooch, I think you should know that Sev is going to be involved in the war effort so if you don't see him…" Hermione started, leaving out details of his position in the war.
Severus noticed and approved since it was a big concern of his.
"Oh. You're more active than some of the others?" Hooch asked.
The wizard nodded, "It will mostly be weekends and after classes as far as I know."
"I have more duties that allow me less mobility," Minerva admitted.
Hooch sighed, "I really just want to be neutral. I want to focus on Quidditch and the students. Blood purity means nothing to me, but that doesn't mean I want to fight. Blood means nothing in the air."
Hermione could understand that. Some people preferred to fight while others preferred to stay out of it. She was aware that most women stayed 'home' and got jobs during the world wars to hold down the fort and kept the country running where they could. If the witch wanted to stay off the battle field that was fine by her, it wasn't for everyone.
"Teaching witches and wizards how to fly is an important part of our culture," Hermione said.
"Even though you weren't one of my best students," the yellow eyed witch jabbed with a smirk.
"I don't trust a broom to keep me from falling. I'd much rather my feet stay on the ground."
With a friendly huff, Hooch got up and hugged the younger witch.
"My sister was the same way. Can't be perfect at everything. I'll see myself out. Keep on your toes."
"I'll go too so the hallucinatory witch doesn't say anything if she sees me leaving your room," Minerva sighed.
Once they left Hermione leaned into the dark wizard.
"Thank you for earlier. I wouldn't mind doing it again in the future."
Severus smirked, "I would be glad to oblige."
Before Ronald was released from the Hospital Wing the Heads of House met with him around his bed.
"Mr. Weasley, it has been brought to our attention that you maliciously cast a spell at another person in the halls," Minerva stated looking down her nose at the young wizard.
"I bet you're just saying that because Hermione told Snape and he doesn't have any proof!" Ronald snapped.
"We checked your wand, Mr. Weasley," the witch said coldly.
Ron turned white and refused to look her in the face.
"It is not acceptable behavior from our Prefects and I will let you know now that not only have I stripped you of the position, but that you are on probation," she hissed. "Should you receive detention or detentions on three separate occasions any time throughout this school year, you are hereby expelled."
"You can't –" he started, his race red with rage.
"I assure you I can and I have. Serious probation in these cases do not need the consent of the Headmaster but agreement among the Four House Heads. The case has already been filed. You need to sign this parchment to signify that you have been informed," she stated.
With a swish of her wand the parchment in question hovered in front of him along with a quill.
He quickly signed, even though it looked like he was going to explode with anger.
"Don't do anything to earn yourself a detention, Mr. Weasley or you will be out on your rear faster than you can say 'Chess'," Severus drawled while glaring at him.
"Should you be expelled you will have 6 months to be enrolled into another school or take your O.W.L.s or your wand will be snapped by the Ministry," Filius continued.
"We will be watching you closely Mr. Weasley," Pomona said coldly.
In the end Neville had been granted the position of prefect, much to the surprise of Gryffindor. The first years were much happier and were more inclined to ask for help if they needed it. Neville was fair and firm, awarding and removing points when needed. His confidence rose with the position, even if he did still stutter from time to time during meetings.
Dolores didn't waste any time and the following day she was found in Minerva's class in the corner as students piled in. Hermione was curious to see how it played out since she knew the cat animagus was not one to be walked over.
Professor McGonagall walked gracefully into the classroom not giving Dolores the time of day.
"Settled down. Mr. Finnigan, kindly come here and hand back the homework. Miss Vane, please take this box of mice and hand one to each student," she started.
"Hem, Hem."
McGonagall ignored her and continued.
"As you should remember – Mr. Thomas if you do that to the mouse again you will find yourself in detention. Miss Brown it won't hurt you – today we will be continuing our work on the Vanishing spell. As you did well with the shells and snails, we will move on to mice who are vertebrates –"
"Hem, Hem."
"Yes?" Professor McGonagall asked crisply, her eyes cold and brows drawn severely.
"I was wondering if you got my notification about your inspection –" Dolores started.
"Clearly or else I would have asked what you were doing in my classroom, High Inquisitor," the witch snipped, "As I was saying, the Vanishing spell becomes more difficult with the complexity of the animal –"
"Hem, Hem."
"I wonder," said Professor McGonagall in cold fury, turning on Professor Umbridge, "how you expect to gain an idea of my usual teaching methods if you continue to interrupt me? You see, I do not generally permit people to talk when I am talking."
Dolores looked as if she had been slapped, causing a small smug smile to grace Hermione's face. A verbal slap down was always preferred to physical fighting. It stung so much more. Dolores started writing furiously on her clipboard, which Professor McGonagall ignored.
"As this presents a greater challenge you will need to concentrate more, not allowing your mind to drift onto other subjects. I am aware lunch is soon, but do focus. You know the incantation, begin."
With that she started walking down the aisles, correcting students when needed. It was clear some of the students were uncomfortable with the pink menace in the corner, some whispering about how she wasn't following the stern professor like she apparently had with the divination professor.
The toad wrote a lot while she was in the corner before the class was dismissed. Thankfully only two students had to hand back their mice, and the Scottish professor agreed to work with them in private.
As soon as Harry and Mia crossed the threshold, they heard the pink toad begin to ask questions and waited outside the classroom door, eves dropping. Ronald had been one of the first out of the door, still extremely unhappy and embarrassed.
"How long have you been teaching at Hogwarts?" Professor Umbridge asked.
"Thirty-nine years this December," said Minerva brusquely.
Umbridge made a note. "Very well," she said, "you will receive the results of your inspection in ten days' time."
"I can hardly wait," Minerva said with barely concealed sarcasm, leaving her room.
The elder witch raised her brows at the Apprentice who smiled at her. The younger witch grabbed her brother's hand and dragged him down the hall heading to their next class.
Apprentice Granger was not pleased to see that Umbridge would be inspecting Care of Magical Creatures next. She was somewhat suspicious that the menace was following them, since she had access to their schedule.
Thankfully the class was able to commence before the witch started snooping – I mean inspecting.
"You are new this year correct?" she asked, looking at her clipboard.
"Yes," said the professor, bouncing on her heals, watching the students handle the bowtruckles.
"The Headmaster was strangely reluctant to inform as to why the last Professor took a sabbatical this year, concerning he was the Gate Keeper and still has a home here," Dolores said lowly, "Do you know why?"
Not low enough since Hermione, Harry, and Draco were able to hear her.
"Not at all. I was asked a few weeks, perhaps a month, before term started to teach this year. I agreed," she said airily, "Shall we continue the lesson?"
"Please do," Dolores said happily, writing on her clipboard.
It was strange since it didn't seem as forced as it was in the castle. Hermione suspected it was more because the other witch didn't take charge and was okay taking orders from the fat toad.
The pink menace was different in this class, following the professor at some points, and asking students questions. All were answered correctly, which lead to another series of scribbles onto the clipboard.
"How do you feel, as an objective outsider considering how new you are to the teaching staff, about Hogwarts and how it's run? Do you feel you have enough support from school management?" she asked, trying to seem as though she weren't truly interested in the answer.
"Oh, yes! The Headmaster and Deputy are excellent! I'm very happy with how things are run. They listen to any and all my concerns," Professor Grubby-Plank said happily.
Dolores looked almost incredulous and wrote more on her clipboard, "I see," she continued, "And what else are you planning to cover with this class this year?"
Professor Grubby-Plank answered happily and honestly, her answer pleasing Dolores in a way that made Hermione surprisingly light. At least the new professor would be left alone after this.
"Well, you seem to know what you're doing," the toad chirped.
She also figured the witch was pureblood as there was no hint of malice or disgust in the other witch's eye or tone. Or it could be she was still under the effect of the potion. Both worked in her opinion.
The toad sidled up to Greg next, "I had heard there have been injuries in this class before?"
Draco quickly looked at Hermione before looking back at Dolores as Greg nodded solemnly.
"That was me, High Inquisitor. I had accidentally insulted a hippogriff, the creature was supposed to be a surprise –"
"A hippogriff!" she tutted, "You poor thing."
Weasley scoffed, "Accidentally. It was because he was too stupid to listen –"
"Mr. Weasley, Mr. Malfoy made an innocent accident causing a class XXX creature to attack him. Professor Hagrid should have been in control as it is a level creature to be easily handled by a competent wizard," she snipped, placing blame firmly on Hagrid.
Harry had to go to his happy place, but made no movement to get involved.
"Professor Grubby-Plank, I believe that is all I need from you at this time. I will have your inspection results ready by dinner," she said taking her leave.
"Good, good. Thank you, High Inquisitor," the witch said cheerily.
The pureblood favoritism was astonishing.
On the third day of being slipped Pink Acido Sunshine, Dolores Umbridge started to see horrible things.
It started with her cute kitten plates being replaced by murdered kittens, most of them decapitated, and their dying meows echoing in her office. Every time she tried to fix them the images got worse, causing her to break down crying.
She even tried to have Albus Dumbledore fix them, but he told her they were in perfect working order and there was nothing wrong with them. Of course since she couldn't see that, she was horrified that he would think that and yelled at the top of her lungs for him to get out of her office. She was able to sleep most of the bad effects off.
The next day was a bit of a surprise. Hedwig had been making regular trips, delivering mail between Sirius and Harry. Harry of course was happy to correspond with his parents and godfather. Harry and Hermione usually shared a letter between them to their parents unless they had a private question or other, which was rare. Correspondence with Sirius was more Harry with occasional 'Hello's from his sister.
This morning however she had landed on the table, quivering and her wing stuck at an odd angle concerning Hermione and Harry greatly. The fierce owl was beautiful and clearly something attacked her.
"Oh no, Hedwig! Harry, quick go bring her to Professor Grubby-Plank," she ordered while relieving the owl of her letter.
Harry quickly, as gently as he was able, picked up Hedwig and cradled her, walking briskly to the Head Table.
"Professor, I was hoping you'd be able to look at Hedwig. I don't know what attacked her, but her wing is at an odd angle and I'm concerned. She's never been hurt before," he said fussed.
"Oh the poor thing," she said taking the owl from him and putting her on the table to get a better look.
Her wing and feathers were a wreck, but thankfully the quivering was lessened. Harry couldn't help by pet her and try to smooth her feathers.
"It wasn't the thestrals, while they will go after birds Hagrid has trained them to not go after owls, marvelous really," she said the last part to herself, "Whatever attacked her spooked her, but she'll be right as rain after a few days with me. You can stop by after classes to see her," she finished.
The tension in his shoulders eased out as he continued to pet his familiar.
"Hear that, Hedwig?" he spoke to the beautiful snowy owl, "You'll be right as rain. I'll visit you every day, girl." His voice was soothing.
Hedwig looked up at him trustingly and fluffed her feathers.
"Atta, girl," he said. He snatched a bit of bacon off a plate and gave it to her. With one final pet he made his way back to the table where his sister was clearly fretting.
"What did she say?"
"She'll take care of Hedwig and she'll be right as rain in a few days," he relayed.
"Good," she sighed in relief, "How anything can do that to Hedwig needs to be slapped!"
Harry agreed.
"What if… what if she was intercepted?" Hermione asked quietly, "She's never been hurt in flight before."
"I don't know why she would be, but I wouldn't put it past that Umbitch," he grumbled, "It's not like I have anything to really hide."
Harry didn't like how his day was starting and frankly neither did Hermione.