A/N:
Hello again! I think I've finally made the document manager cooperate. Please let me know if the formatting doesn't look right.
I hope you all have very happy Holiday's, whatever it is you might be celebrating :)There's a small content warning for the last section of this chapter. I'll put in the end notes so I don't spoil things for anyone!
As always, any and all mistakes are my own (and I'm sure there's plenty!)
"Hermione Granger, you better start talking!"
Hermione froze in the doorway in shock.
"Ginny! What!..."
Hermione eyed the map in Ginny's hands and quickly realized what must have happened. She stepped further into the room and shut the door behind her.
"I can't believe it… You were spying on me!... After I specifically asked you to respect my privacy about this!"
Her heart was racing. Not only was she not expecting to see another person in her room, but she'd been caught out in her big secret. And, her closest girlfriend had broken her trust and spied on her.
Ginny's interrogative air quickly deflated into contrition. She set the map down on Hermione's bed and tucked her legs up, wrapping her arms around her knees.
"Oh bugger… I'm sorry, Hermione. I…. I got so caught up in my curiosity and then shock that I didn't even think about it like that. You're right…" Ginny winced.
Hermione let out a long sigh and relaxed slightly against the door. She set her book aside on the dresser and sat down on the end of her bed.
"So…. What exactly did you see?.." Hermione probed, wringing her hands together. Ginny still looked guilty, but she smirked a bit.
"Well, you were acting so odd in the common room.. It wasn't exactly subtle. And then I heard you go back out of your room like two minutes after you'd 'gone to bed'," She used air quotes, "So I decided to check the map…. Honestly, I was just so curious I didn't even think about the fact that it was spying… I'm sorry about that. I get so focused on things sometimes I just can't stop myself!" She gave Hermione a sheepish look. "… Anyways, when you got to the Potion's classroom I thought maybe I'd been wrong and you'd randomly decided you couldn't sleep without asking Snape a question about homework or something… I mean, I wouldn't be all that surprised!"
Hermione huffed a little laugh and rolled her eyes. "Ha ha."
"But then, well…. Let's just say your dots were overlapping… For a long time. At first I thought maybe the charm on the map was messing up… But when I checked a little bit later, both dots had moved to his private chambers and there was really no other explanation.." Ginny giggled into her hand.
Hermione flopped back onto the bed and covered her face with both hands, groaning loudly.
"Ughhhh… This is so embarrassing. You must think I'm such a slag.."
Hermione wanted to melt into the floor. She wasn't ashamed of the fact she was shagging someone, or even that it was Snape himself. But she'd always taken pride in doing the right thing, and following the rules (for the most part….) and here she was, having sex with her Professor. The last thing she wanted was for anyone to think she was doing it for a grade. She took a lot of pride in earning top marks due to hard work and intelligence alone.
"I don't think you're a slag, Hermione! I'd never think that. It's just a bit.. shocking, is all. Now don't get cross, but I have to ask… He's not like, forcing you or anything, right?"
Hermione sat up, "Oh gosh, no! It's nothing like that!" Ginny giggled.
"Okay good. I didn't really think anyone could make you do anything you didn't want to do.. But I had to make sure…" Ginny hugged her legs closer and looked at Hermione conspiratorially over her knees,
"So… How did it start then? You don't have to tell me anything… I know you're probably mad at me. But you can't fault me for asking… I mean, it's Snape!" Her brown eyes were wide and bright.
Hermione's face flushed bright red. She snatched up a throw pillow and held it to her chest, leaning back against a bedpost at the foot of the bed.
"It's alright… Don't get me wrong, I am cross that you spied. But honestly it is a bit of a relief that someone else knows. It's been driving me crazy trying to keep it a secret… But you have to swear you won't tell anyone. Not even Harry! I'm sure you know he could get in serious trouble… And I'm not sure what could happen to me, if I'd still be able to graduate. It's just a big mess.." She sighed up at the canopy.
"I understand," Ginny replied, "As long as you're safe and happy- and please tell me if you aren't-… I won't tell anyone. We've all been through enough…" She gave Hermione a sad smile.
"Thanks Gin. I really would appreciate being able to talk about it with someone."
"I'm all ears. Honestly, I need details! This school year has been so boring." Ginny bemoaned.
Hermione snickered internally. She wasn't about to give her that many details. She already felt a bit awkward, she could feel the evidence of her dalliance slowly leaking out of her and sticking to her thighs. She pressed her legs tighter together.
"Okay, well, this is embarrassing…I've had a bit of a crush on him this year.. And I guess I was thinking about it in Potions a few weeks ago… And he sort of, saw it in my head." Ginny's eyes got even wider.
"So the rumors are true then? He's a natural legilimens?"
"Oh it's definitely true." Hermione laughed.
"That's really rare, you know. Most people have to work really hard to learn it… and even then, they have to cast the spell and concentrate pretty hard.. He just read your mind across the room?" She looked impressed and horrified in equal measure.
"Yes. I don't think he even has to try, really…. From the little bit he has told me he has to actively block people out. Otherwise lots of random thoughts and images come through.."
"God's, that sounds awful.. No wonder he's such a berk all the time.. Okay, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to look him in the eye again." Ginny shuddered.
Hermione laughed. "I don't even think he necessarily needs to look into your eyes… Though, that seems to help." She shrugged.
Ginny looked even more sick. "I'll never be able to relax in Potions again…"
"Could you ever relax before?" Hermione was giggling like mad now.
"Good point," Ginny conceded, "Okay so, what exactly did he see in your head?"
Hermione's face flamed again and she covered it with her hands, shaking her head.
"Oh. My. God. Hermione! You were thinking about shagging him, weren't you?" Ginny was nearly cackling.
Hermione groaned in between giggles. "You must think I'm insane.."
Ginny took a second to catch her breath. "Honestly, I don't, I can kinda see it… He's got a bit of a dark, brooding, dangerous thing going on. I can understand that," she shrugged, "I mean, personally he's a bit too greasy and, well, rude, for me, but…" Her giggle fit started all over again. Hermione rolled her eyes but couldn't hold back a laugh of her own.
"Okay, okay, but then what? He saw that in your head… Did he tell you? How does one bring that up?" She leaned forward, ready to hear more. Hermione was reminded of her Nonna about to watch her favorite Soap Opera.
"Well, he gave me detention.. And he brought it up then. I think he was just trying to embarrass me, honestly. I'm pretty sure he thought I would run away and never look him in the eye again. But, obviously I didn't, and here we are…" Hermione wasn't sure how to describe it without giving her friend way too many details. Hopefully that would be enough.
"Wow so.. it's only been a few weeks and you're clearly already shagging… I'm not judging!" She quickly reassured, "Just saying, there must be something there. You never seemed particularly thrilled about physical affection with Ron…" Ginny mused.
Hermione flopped back onto her back, keeping the pillow pressed to her stomach. "Oh, it's much different than it was with Ron…" She smiled up at the canopy.
Ginny snickered and started to fold up the Marauder's Map, "I can't believe it. Hermione Granger, shagging a professor. And Snape is good in bed.. This has been a weird night." She looked a bit dazed.
"You're telling me," Hermione replied, "my mind has been spinning for weeks." Ginny stood up.
"Well I'm going to bed, I'm suddenly exhausted. But really Hermione, you can tell me if anything ever goes wrong.. I'm not above hexing a teacher." She winked. "And I promise I won't tell a soul… And I'm sorry, again, for prying. I really shouldn't have."
Hermione smiled and stood up too. She gave the redhead a quick hug. "It's alright. I can't say I wouldn't have done the same…. And I appreciate you listening and not freaking out and thinking I'm a big weirdo."
"I mean.. I didn't say you weren't.." Ginny grinned. Her gaze fell to the dresser next to the door, where Hermione had set down her book. "Also, 'Mione, what have you been reading?"
Wednesday morning dawned bitterly cold, and Severus found himself in a pensive mood.
He'd had somewhat of an epiphany after he and Hermione's conversation the night before. He needed to show her that he was interested in more than just sex, or she wasn't bound to stick around very long. And why should she. As much as it might kill him to open himself up even the tiniest bit emotionally, he realized now that he'd regret it forever if he didn't at least try.
He was still plenty cynical.. He couldn't help but think she was the universe's way of dangling the carrot in front of him just to snatch it away at the last minute. But if he'd learned anything in his nearly four decades of life, it was better to have the good thing for whatever short amount of time, and deal with the fallout later, rather than always wonder what if.
Now, all he needed was a plan. He wanted to take her somewhere nice… Perhaps find a good place for a conversation. Somewhere they wouldn't feel like Professor and student… Nothing over the top- he wasn't in love. He was just enjoying her company, and didn't want it to come to an end yet…
Friday afternoon Hermione returned to her dorm room to find a small note on her pillow. She cautiously checked it over and then opened it. It was a short and simple note:
"Wear muggle clothes this evening. Something warm. Don't eat in the great hall. 7 pm."
There was no signature, but the sender was obvious. What does that mean? Hermione checked the time; it was already half four, she barely had time to come up with something! Was she supposed to dress up? Bugger, I'm pants at being a girl…
Then she remembered, Ginny! She needed to talk to Ginny, right away. She burst out of her room and knocked loudly on the door across the hall.
"Gin! Are you in there? Ginny!" Several seconds later Ginny opened the door, looking alarmed.
"Sheesh Hermione, are you okay?" Hermione yanked her by the wrist towards her own room.
"Come with me! I need help!"
"Okay, okay! I can walk on my own, Blimey!"
Hermione slammed her door shut once they were both inside and handed Ginny the note.
"I need advice! What does this mean? Am I supposed to dress up? Are we going somewhere? I don't own any nice clothes!"
Ginny giggled at her frantic state and read the note.
"Alright, first of all, calm down! We can just borrow something… And/or transfigure it. I'm getting pretty good at clothing charms. I think we try for something semi nice for sure, just to be safe. But I think if he wanted fancy he would've said that. Okay, let's look and see what you've got in your wardrobe…"
Two hours later they'd tamed Hermione's hair into nice ringlets, put on a bit of light makeup, and had transfigured her a nice but warm outfit. She wore a cream colored cable knit sweater dress with a high neck. It was modest but clung to her curves nicely. Underneath, sheer nude tights and tall brown boots. Over top, she was planning to wear a long dusky pink peacoat, but she shrunk it and put it in her bag, and put on her winter robes instead. She figured it wasn't very sneaky to walk down to the dungeons covered in pink. "But the color really brings out your eyes!" Ginny had said.
"Thanks Gin, I appreciate the help. I'm hopeless at girl stuff…" Hermione gave her friend a smile, smoothing out her dress with her hands.
"No problem, it was fun! You're not hopeless, you just never spent time on it before. You've plenty of opportunities to learn now!" Ginny winked.
"Or… I'll just keep you around forever!" Hermione joked. "So… Are you ready for me to sneak Harry in?"
Ginny grinned. "Beyond ready! You don't even want to know!"
Hermione laughed. "No, I really don't! Okay, I'll go down to the student floo and get him. I'll tell him to meet you at the room of requirement?"
Ginny nodded, "Sounds good! Have fun tonight… Whatever it is you'll be doing. I still have a hard time believing you that Snape is nice to you." She made a weird face.
"I never said he was nice. He's just… different when we're alone. And he's actually kind of sweet, in his own way."
Ginny looked unconvinced. "By the way… You said you were just casually shagging.. This definitely seems like more than that." She gave Hermione an expectant look.
Hermione looked in the mirror, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. "You think so?"
"I think you've got feelings." Ginny replied in a sing-song voice. She had a knowing grin on her face.
"Stop it, you're making me nervous!" Hermione exclaimed. She was not ready to go there yet, not until she had a better idea of Snape's feelings. As for how she was going to figure that out, she had no earthly idea. The man could be like a bloody brick wall when he wanted to be.
"Okay, okay! Well, in any case, have fun! Thanks again for the boyfriend smuggling!"
Both girls laughed and headed out of the common room in separate directions.
Hermione flooed to Grimmauld Place and got Harry, then flooed right back to Hogwarts, with him following her in his invisibility cloak.
"Thanks, Hermione!" Harry whispered from somewhere behind her, and then the sound of his footsteps slowly faded away.
Hermione took her time getting to the dungeons. She wanted to be able to make it look like she was headed somewhere else if she needed to. Luckily, it seemed most of the castle was still at dinner, so she was able to sneak down unnoticed. When she knocked on Severus's door, he quickly opened it and pulled her inside.
"Miss Granger," he greeted her, "I assume you received my note?"
Hermione smiled up at his severe face. Something seemed to just click into place whenever she was back in his presence. All of the stresses and the tight control she clung to during her daily life melted away.
"Yes, sir. I have a different coat in my bag."
She reached out and put her hand on his wrist, feeling the fabric of his coat between her fingers. "This is nice." She commented. He wasn't wearing his typical frock coat and robes, but instead a muggle style overcoat in dark charcoal wool.
Snape nodded. "I thought we'd do something different tonight.. Are you hungry?"
"I could eat." She smiled. He held his arm out to her. Hermione narrowed her eyes. "Are we apparating?"
"Yes.." he drawled "unless you'd prefer to fly.." She grabbed his arm.
"Oh, no, no. Just checking!" She grinned. The last thing she saw was his smirk and then they were spinning away.
A few seconds later, they appeared in a dark alley with a pop! Hermione took a moment to let her stomach settle and then she let go of his arm and looked around.
"That was a big jump, where are we?"
"Muggle London. There's a good Italian place around the corner."
"Okay," she dug around in her bag, "Just let me switch coats."
Severus eyed her clingy sweater dress as she danced around in the cold, switching into her muggle coat.
"You look nice… On second thought, are you sure you want to have dinner?"
Hermione looked up at him, confused. When she realized what he was implying her eyes lit up with amusement. Fuck, she was beautiful like that. She was just so full of life. One little witch was going to be his undoing.
"Ready? It's not far."
Snape held out his arm to her again once she'd buttoned up her pink coat. The color suited her. And made her look lovely and sweet in a way that made him want to shove his cock in her mouth. But that probably wasn't polite dinner conversation.
They popped around the corner and into a small, quiet restaurant. Snape had apparently made a reservation under the name Smith, and Hermione wondered how he'd managed that. She didn't think he owned a phone..
They were led to a secluded corner and left to ponder the menu. They both took off their coats and sat across from each other at the small square table. The place was nice, but not too nice, which was good. She didn't have any fine dining experience. This place seemed to be family owned, and in her experience those types of restaurants had the best food.
Hermione looked over her menu for a minute, feeling a little out of her depth when it came to the wine section. How was she supposed to know what to order? She'd only tried a little bit of wine once, and had no idea what kind it had been… Not only that, but there weren't any prices on the menu, and she didn't have much money with her. Was she supposed to split the bill? Was this a date date, or?... She suddenly felt very nervous. Which was completely silly considering what they'd already done together. Apparently he could tie her up and spank her no problem, but dinner gave her nerves.
Severus suddenly cleared his throat, "What are you thinking about getting?"
Hermione set her menu down, "Hmm, the seafood risotto sounds amazing. What about you?"
He smirked at her over the top of his menu. "Get a chardonnay."
Her cheeks tinged pink. I really need to learn some occlumency.
Their waiter returned and quickly took their order, and they were once again left in silence.
"So… What's all this for?" Hermione gestured at the restaurant. Snape was looking at her with his typical intensity, seemingly staring straight into her soul. She tried not to flinch away from the eye contact.
"I thought we could use a change of scenery.." He said simply.
Just then the waiter came by with their drinks and swiftly left. He wasn't a very talkative guy.
"Oh, by the way," Hermione took a small sip of wine, "this is good! Anyway, I wanted to tell you… Ginny knows. About us, I mean."
Severus raised an eyebrow over his glass.
"I didn't tell her! She figured it out.. With that ridiculous map." Hermione rolled her eyes.
He looked puzzled for a moment, then his face turned sour. "I should've known. Even in death, those idiots won't let me live my life in peace."
Hermione frowned. "Remus was a good man." She said quietly.
Bollocks. He didn't want to start an argument.
Severus sneered. "I suppose.." he said reluctantly, then quickly changed the subject. "I assume then that Miss Weasley didn't sound the alarm, since I am still in possession of all of my bits.."
Hermione laughed.
"No, she was a bit shocked, but she won't tell anyone. I trust her."
"If you say so."
They talked about various things throughout the rest of dinner. Severus's research ideas, and Hermione's plans for after Hogwarts. She was considering getting a summer job in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley and taking some time to consider if she wanted to pursue a career or apprenticeship. She'd lost a lot of her drive since the war. She still wanted to do something to help people (and/or magical creatures). But she felt as if she just needed a bit of a break, without constant stress and campaigning and arguing. Not to mention, any trust she'd had in the ministry had completely dissolved after her fifth year at Hogwarts, and she wouldn't feel comfortable working for them.
It was really nice actually, to have some real conversation. Not only was he obviously intelligent, but he seemed like he was actually listening when she spoke, which was a rarity.
Her risotto was amazing, and even though it was a pretty cold night she still ordered the hazelnut gelato, and it was well worth it. When they finished up Hermione tried to split the bill, but he refused.
"I invited you, don't be ridiculous," Severus dismissed her.
"Well thank you. It was lovely."
Hermione watched him pull a muggle wallet out of his pocket and place several pound notes neatly on the bill. It tickled her a bit that he seemed so comfortable in the muggle world. Harry had told her that Snape was a halfblood, but she'd always gotten the impression that he didn't care for the muggle side of his heritage. She wondered how much time he'd spent outside of the wizarding world since he was a child.
"Are you ready?" He asked, and Hermione nodded. They both stood and slid their coats on. Severus guided her out of the restaurant with a hand at her lower back. He turned to her when they got outside,
"Are you up for a short walk before we head back?"
"Sure." Hermione shrugged with a smile. It was actually a pretty nice night for February, about 5°, and for once it wasn't raining. She held his arm as they crossed the bustling streets. She didn't love the London crowds, but it did make it feel safely anonymous.
Hermione enjoyed his warmth at her side as they made their way down the streets. She wondered where they were going. The whole night had been so unexpected. It seemed a bit out of character for him, but then again maybe she didn't truly know him all that well.
Soon they came to a footbridge over the River Thames. They walked to the halfway point and stopped to take in the view. It was gorgeous. The lights from the city and the bridge itself reflected brilliantly in the dark water.
"What a beautiful night." Hermione said, and looked over at Severus. He stared out at the water. His dark eyes reflected the city lights in a mirror image of the river. He turned to face her and looked her up and down briefly.
"Yes, it is."
Hermione ducked her head with a little grin. The wind over the water was quite brisk, and she was sure it was doing a number to her hair. But if he thought that was beautiful, who was she to argue with him? Severus turned back to the water.
"I've been thinking…" he started.
If she didn't know better, she'd have thought he sounded nervous.
"I understand under the current circumstances we can't exactly have a typical relationship."
He seemed to struggle to bite out the word relationship. Hermione almost giggled, but didn't want to offend him.
"But I wanted you to know that I am interested in pursuing something.. more… with you. If you're amenable.."
Severus was wincing internally. He refused to look at her until she answered. His mental shields were slammed shut. He did not want to risk hearing her thoughts. He couldn't handle the rejection. She would at least be kind about it verbally.
Hermione was a bit stunned. She'd been quietly hoping that he'd feel that way, at least at some point. But she hadn't really expected the declaration to come from him, and not so soon. He is nervous, she thought. He seemed to be purposefully avoiding looking at her, and he held his back tall and stiff as if ready to bolt. He thinks I'm going to turn him down. Hermione's stomach clenched at the thought. It must have taken a lot of courage to reveal himself like that. She placed her hand atop his on the metal railing.
"Are you asking me to… go steady?" She felt silly calling it that, but wasn't sure how else to phrase it. Severus cleared his throat.
"I suppose I am, yes.." His gaze never left the water. Hermione beamed and squeezed his hand.
"Then yes, I'd love that."
In one swift movement he'd turned and grabbed her, and covered her mouth with his in a frenzied kiss.
"Mmph!" Hermione squeaked into his mouth in surprise. Then relaxed into his arms. His nose was cold against her cheek, but his mouth was hot against hers. He tasted faintly of sugar and wine on her tongue. She grasped his shoulder with one hand and brought the other up to thread through his hair.
He pressed against her even tighter in response, devouring her mouth with vigor. She tried to reciprocate, but he was moving so intensely all she could really do was hold onto him while he plundered her with his tongue. Just as she was sure they'd both pass out from lack of oxygen, she heard a passerby shout,
"Oi! Get a room, you tossers!"
Severus abruptly pulled away, she felt him tense and saw the tip of his wand poke out of his sleeve. Hermione just gasped out a laugh, trying to catch her breath.
"He's probably right, we should get going."
She looked so flushed and pretty under the city lights. Severus wanted to get her home, now. He was sorely tempted to apparate them on the spot, and he probably would have if they hadn't just drawn attention to themselves. As it was, they'd just have to find somewhere quiet quickly.
"Alright, come on,"
Severus held her hand and led her back the way they'd come. He soon found a quiet alley and urged her along between the buildings.
"Ready?" He asked, and pushed her against the wall for another quick snog. Hermione giggled when he pulled away.
"Yes… Are you okay to apparate though?" She eyed him with uncertainty.
"Yes. Just give me a minute.." Severus closed his eyes. Focus, you idiot. Something was up with him. His typical patience had vanished into thin air. He'd been on edge for days, and when she'd unexpectedly accepted his proposition everything had come to a head, and he just wanted to fuck all of his feelings into her.
"Alright," he breathed, and opened his eyes, "Hang onto me. Let's go." Hermione wrapped her arms around his torso and he spun them away.
They appeared in his bedroom at Hogwarts, and he backed her up against the wall next to the door. She smiled up at him with bright eyes. Her hair was a wild, windblown mass of curls around her face. He leaned down to claim her swollen lips again.
He worked on the buttons of her coat as she hummed and moaned into his mouth. When he finally freed her from the jacket he pulled away to admire her sweater clad body.
"Fuck," Severus began to kiss down her neck, "you look amazing."
Severus kissed all the way down the center of her chest to the hem of her dress, all the while working his own coat off of his shoulders. He was suddenly boiling hot in the thing. He knelt on the ground and pushed her dress up her hips, and hooked one of her legs over his shoulder. He licked and sucked at her core through her tights, until she was begging him for more.
Severus grabbed at the waistband and tried to pull them down, but they were skin tight and not cooperating with his frenzied fumbling.
"Why do you have so many damn clothes on?" He growled, and found a weak spot in the crotch of her tights and ripped a wide hole, revealing little pink knickers. He smirked, much better.
"Severus! Those were my best pair." Hermione complained from above him.
"Then I'll buy you new ones." He replied, and pushed her knickers to the side, latching on to her clitoris, and sucking hard.
"Ahhh! Fuck!" Hermione grasped Snape's head and held on tight. He was sucking so hard her legs wanted to give out, she wasn't sure how long she'd be able to hold herself up.
"Oh Gods, slow down, please, I can't, uhhhh!" Severus shook his head and hummed an "nuh uh" and that only added to the stimulation. He grasped her arse with both hands and held her tight to his face. It was way too much all at once. Hermione was tearing up from the intensity when the dam finally broke and then she was flying.
She bucked hard against his face, riding out the sensation. He finally released her clit and she sighed, relaxing back against the wall. He gave her a few soft licks and she shuddered, completely over-stimulated.
Severus barely took a second to catch his breath before he freed himself from his trousers and stood up, lifting Hermione and pinning her against the wall.
"I hope you're ready for my cock, Princess. I don't know if I can wait any longer." He spoke against her lips.
"Yes! Please, sir." She kissed him softly. Severus propped her against the wall and leaned back a bit to get his cock into the right position. He held her knickers to the side and slid his tip up and down her slit, slicking himself in her nectar. He closed his eyes as he sunk into her heat.
"Fuuuck, your pussy is perfect." He groaned.
Severus opened his eyes to study her face. Her head was tilted back, she stared up at the ceiling with an open mouth. He tilted her face down towards him with a hand on her chin.
"You alright?"
She nodded eagerly. "Please fuck me hard, sir!"
Severus reinforced his hold on her bum and started to slam into her, hard and fast.
"Oh Gods!"
Hermione loved the look he got on his face when he fucked her hard. He almost looked angry, but she knew he wasn't, he was just very… intense. Her head was banging against the wall but she didn't mind, all she could feel was the stretch of his pounding cock, hitting all the right spots deep inside her.
"Fuck, I've been thinking about this all night," he growled, "I could hardly wait to get inside this tight little pussy. I wanted to bend you over the table at dinner and show the whole restaurant how loud you can get."
Hermione flushed with an embarrassed little smile. She didn't know how he had the concentration for dirty talk, her brain felt like it was full of cotton balls. His hips were snapping into her mercilessly, pushing her hard and fast into oblivion. She was sweating with the strain, the room felt like a million degrees, and she wanted to rip her sweater off before she boiled to death.
"Oh my God, Severus," her voice came out choppy with the lolling of her head against the wall, "don't stop!" She was clamping down hard on his cock, using her pelvic muscles to bring herself over the edge.
"Fuck." He hissed. I don't think I could stop if I wanted to. Severus thought, and bit down hard on his tongue to keep himself in check through her orgasm.
Hermione's moaning morphed into a high pitched keening and her whole body started to shake. Her brown eyes went hazy as she shuddered and twitched against him.
Severus's thrusts lost their rhythm and he pumped into her erratically, grunting into her ear as his release finally took hold. Her fluttering walls teased him further, milking every last drop from his bollocks. His mind was pleasantly blank, and he took a moment to savor the feeling.
They slowly stuttered to a stop and Severus carried Hermione across the room to the bed and set her down on the edge. They stayed intertwined while they caught their breath. Finally, Snape pulled away, and began undressing her, starting with her boots.
Hermione gave him a sated smile, and lifted her hips to help him remove her torn tights and knickers.
"How are you feeling?" He pinned her with a scrutinizing look.
"Brilliant, sir." She breathed, her eyes sparkled.
He finished undressing her and then quickly pulled off his own clothes. "Lie back." He instructed, and leaned over to grab something from the nightstand drawer.
"What are you doing?" Hermione asked. She watched him pull out the same healing oil he'd used on her the week before. "Oh, I don't need that, I'm fine."
Snape leaned over her with an arched brow. "It can't hurt to use it. Besides, the soreness isn't always evident right away."
"Alright," she said softly, and spread her legs wide with a grin, "Go ahead, Doctor Feelgood."
Severus's lip twitched. "I don't think that's what the song is referring to." He poured a generous amount of oil onto her labia and started to spread it around.
"I know," she replied, "you are a potions master though.. You could fit the bill either way."
Snape snorted, "Well I'm sorry to inform you, but I won't be providing you with any illicit potions." He slipped two fingers inside her to coat her inner walls.
"Mmm.. That's okay… I much prefer this- mmm, Gods."
Severus massaged her front wall with the pads of his fingers. It felt bumpy and engorged. Wet clicking sounds accompanied every thrust. Again, Miss Granger? Apparently she had more to give. The girl was bloody insatiable.
"Are you sure?" He teased her.
"Yes, sir! Please!" Hermione gripped the comforter in tight fists on either side of her hips. Her pelvis rocked back and forth to the rhythm of his hand.
"Please, what?" Snape demanded. She looked him in the eye with a heated gaze.
"Please finger my pussy, sir." She pleaded in a breathy whisper. Severus's spent cock gave a tired little twitch. She was certainly learning how to get what she wanted.
"There's my good girl." He added his thumb to the equation, flicking it lightly over her swollen little nub, simultaneously keeping up the rhythm of his fingers. Hermione's eyes rolled back in her head. Severus had to hold down her hip with his other hand to stop her from sliding up the bed with her frantic movements.
Oh my God, how does he do that with one hand? It seemed to Hermione like the sexual equivalent of rubbing your tummy and patting your head, which she had never managed to achieve for more than three seconds at a time.
The pressure in her core was building fast. She could tell something big was around the corner, just out of reach. She suddenly felt extremely exposed, and Snape seemed to be miles away. She needed him to anchor her before she drifted out to sea.
"Uhhhh Gods, sir, please, I can't…" Hermione squeezed her eyes shut and brought her hands up to cover her face. Severus slowed his ministrations to a crawl and leaned over her to peel a hand away from her face.
"What is it, love?"
Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him to her. "Please, I need you closer."
His stomach clenched. No one had ever really wanted him in that way before. It was terrifying, and exhilarating. He wasn't sure how to feel.
Severus propped himself up on one elbow next to her head and leaned in close. She buried her face in his neck. It left his hand in an awkward position, but he'd have to make it work.
"I've got you." He murmured into her hair, and slowly worked his fingers up to their previous pace. Hermione's fingers dug into his shoulders as if she thought he might drift away.
"Uhhhhhhhh I'm so… so close.." She whimpered into his collarbone. Her breaths came in quick puffs of air against his skin.
"Let go and come for me, Princess. I'm right here." Severus reassured her. He felt her tense up underneath him.
"Yes, yes, yes, oh, fuck!" She sobbed, and her pussy clenched down so hard his fingers were almost forced out of her. He flicked his thumb even faster over her clit and she wailed in his ear, a thin stream of fluid spurted out of her and trickled down his wrist.
Hermione was flying high, floating in an abyss of pleasure. The release had been so intense she'd gone temporarily deaf, aside from the rushing sound of blood pumping in her ears. Severus gently stroked her as she came back down to earth.
She felt like a deflated balloon. Her limbs were heavy and numb and she was ready to collapse into a pile of goo.
Severus eased his fingers from her and rolled over onto his back, pulling her along with him. Hermione laid her head on his chest and hooked an arm and a leg over him. She could hardly keep her eyes open. He pulled the blankets up over them both.
"That was bloody fantastic." She yawned. Snape lifted a lazy hand and snapped his fingers, plunging them into darkness. They were both asleep within minutes.
Hermione awoke in the wee hours of the morning to a familiar ache in her lower back. She carefully slid out of Snape's arms, praying he wouldn't wake. Once she was out of the bed she grabbed her wand and cast a quick scourgify at the sheets, just in case. It was too dark to tell if they'd gotten stained or not. Thank Merlin he's asleep. That could've been mortifying.
She summoned her bag and crept to the bathroom, clicking the door shut softly. Upon a quick inspection she found that she had indeed started her period. Damn it. She'd thought that might happen, but had hoped it would hold off for another day or two.
She cleaned up a bit and got herself situated, then carefully opened the door. Severus appeared to still be sleeping. Good. Perhaps she could sneak out without waking him, and just leave a note. Hermione was tip-toeing around the room trying to gather her clothes in the dark when she heard him turn over.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"Oh," Hermione said softly, "Just getting my stuff. I think I'm going to head back."
Severus sat up. She could just make out his shape in the bed. "Why? I said you could stay." He sounded puzzled and still half asleep.
"I know. I just thought I'd get back early tonight." She shrugged.
Severus lit the lanterns with a flick. Hermione winced at the sudden light.
"Come here." He demanded.
Hermione sat on the edge of the bed, facing him. He looked annoyed.
"Is something wrong?" He asked.
"No, I'm fine," she replied. There really was no point in lying, or avoiding, he'd just figure it out on his own. "I've started my… monthly. I figured you won't want me to stay." She felt a bit awkward saying it out loud.. It wasn't that she was ashamed of it, but the first time she'd mentioned it when dating Ron he'd reacted as if she'd admitted to having a festering wound. Snape's brow furrowed.
"You thought I'd kick you out for menstruating?"
"I didn't think you'd kick me out, but I didn't want to be an inconvenience.. Since we can't, you know, have sex.."
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and looked up at the ceiling in exasperation.
"First of all, you aren't an inconvenience. I thought I'd made it known that I was interested in more than just sex with you. And second, there is no reason why we can't have sex, if you're comfortable with it."
Hermione felt a bit bad insinuating he was only using her for sex. He had surprised her. And it'd been an amazing night.
"It really doesn't gross you out?" She asked. He rolled his eyes.
"No, it doesn't 'gross me out'," He deadpanned, "As I'm sure you've noticed, I'm no longer twelve years old."
"Are you sure?" Hermione bit her lip.
"Do you think I'm in the habit of saying things I don't mean?" He raised one dark brow at her.
"No, I suppose not."
"Then get back in bed and stop making me repeat myself. I'm perfectly fine with it. And if it bothers you then we can keep things external, or not have any sex at all. I assure you, I can control myself."
Hermione smiled, climbing into bed next to him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. He hummed and grabbed her face, pulling her in for a real kiss. His tongue slipped in past her lips and stroked hers until she was moaning into his mouth.
He gently pulled away and nudged her to turn over, and pulled her back tight against his chest. She snuggled back against him with a sigh. The candles suddenly snuffed out and it was dark once again.
"Are you in pain?" Severus spoke lowly into the back of her neck. His breath tickled.
"Not really, just a slight backache. The heat of your body is helping though."
Her stomach fluttered at his concern. Sure, he was snarky and demanding, but he really was rather sweet in his own way.
He slipped a hand around her and cupped a breast. "Hmm. You know what else can help?..." He tweaked her nipple, pulling and pinching at the sensitive tip. Heat pooled in her belly.
He kept at it, switching intermittently between breasts until she was ready to pull her hair out. It seemed like her nipples had a direct connection to her clit, but it just wasn't quite enough.
"Mmmm Gods, Severus. You're driving me mad."
Hermione could feel his hard length pressed against her. She wiggled her bum hard against it. He chuckled softly into the nape of her neck, and slid his hand down from her breast to cup her mound. She moaned and thrust her pelvis into his hand, trying to force some friction. He slipped his middle finger between her labia and sought out her little bundle of nerves. She was slick and warm, and her clitoris was stiff and needy. He circled it once with the pad of his finger.
"Yessss" She hissed, throwing her head back against him. He was blinded by curlicues. He nudged her hair out of the way with his nose and kissed her neck softly as his finger flicked over her.
"You seem to approve of my method of pain relief.." Severus murmured between kisses. The hot slide of his mouth at the nape of her neck was the perfect accompaniment to the circling of her clit.
"Gods, yesss."
The pressure coiling in her core intertwined with the cramping of her uterus; she was riding on a razor's edge of pain and pleasure. Within minutes she was whispering a litany of nonsense, begging incoherently. Her pelvis was twitching and jerking frantically.
"Oh oh fuck, uhh, Gods, Severus! Yes. Uhhhhhhh."
Her release finally crashed over her. Pain melded with bliss, ebbing and flowing. Soft kisses behind her ear soothed away her discomfort. Her pelvic muscles slowly relaxed, and the sensation faded to a pleasant buzzing ache.
Hermione took a moment to catch her breath and then reached behind her to grasp his cock. Severus caught her hand and brought it back to her chest. He tucked himself tightly around her and pulled the blanket up over them.
"You don't need to do that, just rest." He rumbled into her neck.
"Don't you want me to return the favor?"
"I'm fine. I appreciate the offer. Maybe tomorrow. You need sleep." He soothed a hand over her lower abdomen. "I have potions, if you need them." He added quietly.
Hermione smiled into the darkness. "No, I'm okay right now. Thank you, Severus."
"Mmph" he grunted softly in response.
She drifted off to sleep to the soothing pattern of his hand caressing her belly.
A/N:
Content warning: menstruation
If that bothers you I'd recommend avoiding the very last section in this chapter. But the warning mainly applies for chapter 7. It's really not graphic, but it is talked about, and sexual activities happen.
Btw, 5 degrees Celsius roughly converts to 40ish degrees Fahrenheit, for my fellow Americans who don't feel like doing the conversions :)