Feeling the weight of her emotions pressing down on her, Hermione found herself standing outside Professor McGonagall's office, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that she couldn't keep all these feelings bottled up inside any longer, and she desperately needed to talk to someone.
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Hermione raised her hand and knocked softly on the door. Moments later, it swung open, revealing Professor McGonagall's stern yet compassionate expression.
"Miss Granger, what brings you here?" the professor inquired, her tone gentle yet firm.
Hermione hesitated for a moment, uncertain how to begin. But as she met Professor McGonagall's understanding gaze, she felt a wave of relief wash over her.
"I... I need to talk to someone," Hermione admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't keep these feelings inside any longer, but I... I don't know who else to turn to."
Professor McGonagall's expression softened, and she gestured for Hermione to enter her office. As the door closed shut behind her, Hermione took a seat in the chair provided, feeling a mix of nervousness and relief wash over her. The familiar surroundings of Professor McGonagall's office offered a sense of comfort, and Hermione found herself grateful for the opportunity to confide in someone she trusted.
With a deep breath to steady her nerves, Hermione met Professor McGonagall's steady gaze, steeling herself to speak the words that had been weighing heavily on her heart.
"Professor," Hermione began, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "There's something I need to talk to you about. Something that's been bothering me for a while now."
Hermione took a moment to settle herself. Feeling calmer than before she said quietly, "I think I like Professor Snape."
Hermione's admission hung in the air, the weight of her words palpable in the quiet confines of Professor McGonagall's office. Though her voice was soft, the impact of her confession reverberated through the room, leaving an uneasy tension in its wake.
For a moment, Professor McGonagall's expression remained unreadable, her gaze fixed on Hermione with a mixture of surprise and concern. But then, with a gentle nod, she leaned forward, her eyes filled with understanding.
"I see," Professor McGonagall replied, her voice calm and reassuring. "Feelings of attraction are not uncommon, Miss Granger, especially in environments such as Hogwarts. However, it's important to tread carefully and consider the implications of such emotions."
Hermione's frustration bubbled to the surface, her frown deepening as she grappled with the tumult of emotions swirling within her. "It's been consuming my thoughts all day," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. "And it's so unlike me to be so... conflicted."
She took a shuddering breath, her heart heavy with the weight of her emotions. "Why did it have to be him, Professor?" she continued, her voice trembling with emotion. "Anyone else would be so much easier to navigate, but my heart had other plans." She knew that continuing to be Snape's apprentice while harboring such deep feelings for him would be a challenge unlike any she had faced before.
"How can I continue to be his apprentice and pretend like I don't care deeply for him?" Hermione whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "It feels like I'm living a lie, and I don't know how much longer I can keep up this facade."
Professor McGonagall regarded the young witch with a thoughtful expression. "How long have you harbored these feelings for him?" she inquired, her tone gentle yet probing.
Hermione's gaze fell to the desk before her as she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "During the war," she began, her words tinged with a hint of pain, "I spent countless nights crying over him, doing everything I could to ensure his survival."
She paused, a troubled expression crossing her features as she recalled those difficult times. "At the time, I refused to acknowledge my feelings," she continued, her voice growing softer. "But now, working alongside him for the past few weeks, those emotions have resurfaced with a newfound intensity."
Hermione glanced down at her bruised hand, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm afraid that if I admit my feelings for him, he'll push me away," she confessed, her voice laced with uncertainty. "I fear that I'll only add more ammunition to his arsenal of reasons to dislike me."
Frustration boiled within her, threatening to spill over. "I don't understand what I've done to constantly provoke his agitation," Hermione exclaimed, her voice tinged with anger. "I've dedicated myself to my studies, and followed every instruction he's given me, yet it feels like his approval is always just out of reach, no matter how tirelessly I strive for it."
Hermione buried her face in her hands, a sense of helplessness washing over her. "What am I supposed to do?" she murmured, her voice tinged with desperation. "It's as if he already senses how I feel, and he's just waiting for me to acknowledge it. But I don't have the courage to confront it."
"Well, ultimately, Ms. Granger, that decision lies with you," Professor McGonagall replied, her tone gentle yet firm. "You can choose to ignore these feelings and continue your apprenticeship as they linger, or you can take the brave step of confronting them and see where it leads."
As Hermione absorbed Professor McGonagall's response, she slowly lifted her face from her hands, her expression a mix of curiosity and surprise. "Why aren't you trying to dissuade me from this?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Professor McGonagall chuckled at the young witch's question, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Professor Snape may be a complex individual, but I believe everyone deserves a chance at happiness," she replied, her tone earnest. "He has spent too much time alone, and if there's a chance that he feels the same way as you do, then that's certainly something worth pursuing."
Hermione smiled warmly at her professor. "Thank you for listening, Professor. I appreciate your advice," she said gratefully. With a sense of relief washing over her, she rose from her seat and bid Professor McGonagall goodnight before making her way out of the office, feeling lighter and more hopeful than she had in a long time.
Hermione made her way toward the living quarters she shared with Professor Snape, each step feeling heavier than the last. Before she knew it, she had reached the painting guarding the entrance. With a resigned sigh, she muttered the password and was granted entry, steeling herself for whatever awaited her inside.
Hermione silently hoped that her Professor wouldn't be present at that moment, but to her dismay, there he was, seated silently on the couch with a glass of firewhiskey in hand. She rolled her eyes toward the ceiling, silently lamenting her luck, before hesitantly stepping further into the room.
"Good evening, Professor," Hermione muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Hesitantly, she lowered herself into the available armchair, opting to keep a comfortable distance from him rather than sit on the couch next to him.
Professor Snape set down his glass of firewhiskey and fixed a curious gaze on Hermione. "Have you made a decision yet?" he inquired, his tone neutral yet probing.
Hermione felt a wave of unease wash over her at his question. She couldn't understand why he was pressing the issue, why he seemed unwilling to let it go. Deep down, she wished he would drop the subject altogether, but it was clear that he had other intentions.
Knowing it was a lie, Hermione couldn't help but question, "Decided what?" Her voice betrayed a hint of skepticism, unsure of where this conversation was headed.
Professor Snape's eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement. "Smartest witch of her age, and yet you're playing dumb," he remarked, his tone carrying a subtle edge of sarcasm.
Hermione's eyes narrowed in response to his words, her resolve hardening as she attempted to rise from the armchair. However, before she could make her escape, Professor Snape's firm grip on her arm halted her movement, preventing her from leaving the room.
"You've been avoiding me all day," he stated firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "It's time to put an end to this charade and come clean."
Hermione attempted to pull away from his grip, but he remained steadfast, refusing to release her. Exasperated and feeling trapped, she couldn't contain her frustration any longer. "What do you want from me?" she yelled, her voice tinged with a mix of anger and desperation.
"I want you to admit the truth," he growled, his tone firm and unwavering. "I know you're capable of speaking, considering you never seem to stop, so just say it."
Hermione's gaze fell to his hand, which continued to grip her arm with an almost painful intensity. Summoning her last ounce of strength, she attempted once more to pull away, but his grip remained unyielding. With a sudden burst of aggression, he forcefully pulled her back, his amusement evident in his demeanor.
"It was just a dream," Hermione grumbled angrily, still unwilling to reveal the truth, her voice laced with frustration and reluctance.
That still didn't deter Professor Snape. "You and I both know that it wasn't just a dream. I can read you like a book. All day, I can see it running through your mind. Now tell me what you need to say. I won't let you go until you do," he insisted, his voice firm and resolute, his grip on her arm unwavering.
Hermione remembered Professor McGonagall's words of encouragement, her resolve strengthening. She couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes as she continued to stare at his hand gripping her arm tightly. "I..." she began, her voice faltering as she stammered the words out, her heart pounding in her chest. Bracing herself for his potential rejection, she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur, "I like you."
The silence that followed unnerved her, each passing moment feeling like an eternity. His grip on her arm did not lessen one bit, adding to the tension that hung heavy in the air. Annoyed, Hermione lifted her gaze from his hand and bravely met his eyes, determined to understand why he hadn't said anything in response to her confession.
Hermione expected him to laugh or say something cruel in response to her confession, but when her eyes met his, she was surprised to see warmth reflected in them. She witnessed the internal struggle raging within him, and with a sudden low growl, he pulled her into a passionate kiss, his actions speaking louder than words ever could.
His lips were surprisingly soft as he continued to kiss her passionately, the intensity of his embrace growing as he released her arm and buried his hands into her hair, pulling her head closer to him. He pulled away from her, a pleased smirk playing on his lips as he observed the slightly swollen state of her lips and the glazed look of desire in her eyes.
Hermione was left speechless, her mind swirling with uncertainty. She felt completely out of her element, torn between the urge to kiss him back and the instinct to flee.
"No more hiding from me," Professor Snape demanded, his voice firm and authoritative, leaving no room for argument.
Swayed by his commanding presence, Hermione nodded silently, her agreement signifying her resolve to remain rooted to the spot and no longer hide her emotions from him.
Pleased by her obedience, he pulled her into another kiss, unable to resist the need to taste her again, his actions fueled by desire.
Now that Hermione knew how he truly felt, she allowed herself to be fully possessed by him. Kissing him back with equal fervor, she surrendered herself to the moment, relishing the sensation of his lips on hers.
Feeling his resolve starting to crack, Professor Snape reluctantly pulled away from her, his voice firm as he spoke. "I suggest that if you aren't ready for me to take you and make you mine, you return to your bedroom," he stated, his warning sending delightful shivers down her spine. "I'm warning you now," he continued, his tone laced with a mixture of intensity and desire, "if you choose to stay, I will be the last man you ever let touch you."
Hermione's resolve solidified. She could no longer suppress her emotions. Feeling her bravery surge forward, she took his hand in hers and said softly, "I'm not afraid anymore. I want you. I have wanted you for a very long time. Show me what I have been waiting for."
No longer needing further words, Severus entwined their fingers and led her to his bedroom, the door closing shut behind them. His dark, penetrating eyes gazed longingly at her as he reached forward and started to unbutton her shirt.
Hermione attempted to conceal her lack of experience, but as always, her true nature shone through. She had never been in a situation like this before; the closest she had come was sharing a few kisses with Ron, but that was the extent of her romantic encounters.
As he undid the final button of her shirt, he slid it off her shoulders, unveiling the black lacy bra beneath. His eyes blazed with lust as he admired her torso, his hands deftly reaching behind her back to undo the clasp on her bra. With a slow, deliberate motion, it fell away, revealing her breasts.
Hermione's hands twitched, a reflex urging her to shield herself from his intense gaze. She had never ventured this far before, and a wave of insecurity washed over her. Heat rose to her cheeks, tinting them a delicate shade of pink, betraying the emotions swirling within her.
Severus noticed her insecurities mirrored in her innocent eyes. "You have no reason to feel that way," he murmured softly as he gently cupped her breast in his hand. Just as in the dream, it fits snugly in his warm palm.
Hermione closed her eyes, savoring the pleasant sensation of his hand against her skin. His touch was gentle, his skin soft, and it felt comforting against her own. Subconsciously, she leaned into his touch, silently yearning for more.
"Lovely," he murmured, gently guiding her towards the bed. She obediently took a seat on the soft bedspread, her gaze fixed anxiously on him, waiting to see what he would do next.
Severus swiftly removed his robes, revealing his white button-up dress shirt and black dress pants. Hermione gazed at him in awe, feeling a surge of excitement at seeing him so undressed, a sight she had never witnessed before.
His fingers, accustomed to cutting potion ingredients, now deftly unbuttoned the crisp white shirt. "One last chance," he reminded her solemnly, pausing as he undid half of his shirt.
Despite her nervousness, Hermione remained rooted to the bed, unable to tear her eyes away as she watched his chest being revealed to her. His robes had hidden his figure well, but now she could see clearly: he was strong and lean, a sight she found undeniably desirable.
Seeing no argument from her, Severus continued to divest himself of his shirt. Dropping the garment to the floor, he then vanished his dragonhide boots, leaving his feet bare. "Lay back," he instructed, his voice low and commanding.
Hermione obeyed, shifting further toward the headboard, and lying flat on the bedspread. Her eyes remained fixed on her Professor, filled with desire and anticipation, as she awaited his next move.
Severus joined Hermione on the bed. His delicate hands pulled her closer to him as he devoured her lips. Her moan against his lips was a symphony to his senses, spurring him on further. His lips trailed down to her neck, his nose nuzzling into her soft skin as he savored her scent and the warmth of her body.
Severus cautiously nipped at her skin, testing her reaction to his touch. As he gently sank his teeth into the delicate skin, he was rewarded with another delightful moan from Hermione. Smirking at her response, he repeated the action, this time venturing lower, exploring her body with a mix of curiosity and desire.
His lips continued their journey until they reached her waiting breasts. Tenderly, he took one nipple into his mouth, suckling gently at the skin while his other hand cupped her other breast with care. He was determined to show her every ounce of pleasure he could provide, intent on making this moment unforgettable for her.
As the haze of pleasure began to clear, Hermione's mind became flooded with overwhelming thoughts. She couldn't shake the realization that she was in the process of sleeping with her potions professor, breaking countless rules in the process. How could she possibly resume her role as his apprentice after this?
Severus withdrew from her breasts, a low growl rumbling in his throat. "Do you ever cease your incessant thinking? All you do is dwell on rules and being a model student. Just embrace the present moment. We can consider the consequences later, but for now, I want you to focus on the here and now."
Hermione struggled to accept his words, but she made a conscious effort to quiet her mind. With a hesitant nod, she acknowledged that she would stay and let go of her worries, embracing the inevitable.
Severus silently unfastened the button of her pants and efficiently removed them from her legs, discarding them on the floor without a word.
Hermione felt her anxiety mounting as Severus proceeded to undress her further. With only a few kisses and caresses shared between them, she was unprepared for what might come next. Unable to suppress her nervousness, she blurted out, "Professor, wait."
Suppressing the snarl that threatened to form on his lips, Severus halted his movements and demanded, "What is it now?"
Hermione cast her gaze downward, searching for the right words to express her emotions. Eventually, her words tumbled out in a whisper, "I've never done this before."
Severus couldn't suppress the incredulous look that crossed his features, surprised that none of her foolish friends had shown interest in her. "Well, there's a first time for everything. Do you trust me?"
Hermione recalled every instance she had stood up for him throughout her schooling. She had always trusted him, regardless of what anyone else believed. Unable to deny his question, she responded softly, "I do trust you. I always have."
Severus was eager to take the witch where she lay, but he also knew he needed to stay calm and poised or he would scare her off. "It won't hurt, you know," he said calmly. "There are spells that can make this easier for you."
Hermione felt grateful for his uncharacteristic patience. Believing in his words and sensing his sincerity, she relaxed and laid her head back on the pillow, ceasing her resistance.
"Good girl," he praised, looming over her. Not wishing to delay any further, he magically removed the remainder of their clothing, leaving them both completely bare. His hand traveled between her legs, his gaze locking with hers, seeking her reaction. Gently, he inserted his finger inside her, observing as she bit her lip and threw her head back in pleasure.
"And no one has ever touched you like this before?" he inquired.
Hermione shook her head no as another wave of pleasure hit her. Suddenly, his hands gently took her wrists and magically restrained them above her head.
"Relax," he crooned softly, his palm lying flat on her stomach as he muttered two incantations. One was a contraceptive spell, and the other ensured she wouldn't feel the pain when he took her virginity.
Satisfied that she was prepared, Severus glanced into her eyes one last time before slowly entering her. When he reached the end, he paused, giving her a moment to adjust to his length and savor the sensation of her softness and wetness.
Ensuring she would only experience pleasure, he withdrew before thrusting back into her. As desired, her mouth fell open, and the word "Severus" escaped in a whispered breath from her lips.
"Say it again," he demanded, thrusting into her once more, this time with a bit more force, testing her response. As she repeated his name, this time louder, a low growl escaped Severus's lips, signaling the last of his resolve crumbling away.
Severus released the invisible restraints and firmly gripped her wrists with his hands. With the leverage he desired, he maintained his rhythm, thrusting into her as he observed her surrender to the pleasure he was bestowing upon her. Sensing her nearing climax, he slid his hand down to her clit, gently stroking it to push her closer to the edge.
"Come for me, Hermione," he coaxed, his voice thick with desire. "I want to hear you scream my name."
Unable to resist his command, Hermione arched her back, throwing her head back as she screamed his name, her climax washing over her with intense pleasure.
"Good girl," he grunted, thrusting one final time as he reached his own peak, releasing himself inside her.
Rolling over to avoid crushing her, Severus cast a quick wandless Scourgify around them and then pulled the blankets over their bodies. "Sleep," he murmured softly, resting his head on the pillow beside her.