{"id":48,"date":"2020-05-03T02:15:03","date_gmt":"2020-05-03T02:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/theburningpen.net\/?p=48"},"modified":"2020-05-03T02:15:03","modified_gmt":"2020-05-03T02:15:03","slug":"walking-the-gray-line","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theburningpen.net\/index.php\/2020\/05\/03\/walking-the-gray-line\/","title":{"rendered":"Walking the Gray Line"},"content":{"rendered":"<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The story content is <u>adult in nature and can contain graphic sex and violence.<\/u>\u00a0 Those under the age of 18 are asked to <a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20120229013044\/http:\/\/www.google.com\/\">leave<\/a> this site immediately.\u00a0 You are not welcome here.\u00a0 The author is not responsible for those under-aged who view these works.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nSYNOPSIS: Hermione is willing to experiment with Dark Magic to restore Harry&#8217;s broken soul.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the books of Dark Magic needed are in the clutches of a very cold and bitter Severus Snape, who is not known for his generosity or helpfulness. Not only will she have to deal with the dour Potions Master, but with Dementors, demons and gods as well,\u00a0 putting her own soul at risk. ***COMPLETED***<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\".\/2\">Chapter 1\u00a0 : <span style=\"font-size: large;\">Prologue<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/3\">Chapter 2 : <span style=\"font-size: large;\">Enlisting Aid<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/4\">Chapter 3 :<span style=\"font-size: large;\"> Draco Takes a Shot<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/5\">Chapter 4 :\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: large;\">Making a Date<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/6\">Chapter 5 :\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Appointment is Made<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/7\">Chapter 6 :\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: large;\">Dancing with the Devil<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/8\">Chapter 7 :\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: large;\">A Few Ground Rules<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/9\">Chapter 8 :\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Tests and a Bit Extra<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/10\">Chapter 9 :\u00a0In the Devil\u2019s Lair<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/11\">Chapter 10 : Patronage Consummated (Short Chapter)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/12\">Chapter 11 : A Starting Point<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/13\">Chapter 12 :\u00a0\u00a0Hermione Visits Diagon Alley<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/14\">Chapter 13 : Returning Home<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/15\">Chapter 14 :\u00a0\u00a0Something Wicked Her Way Comes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/16\">Chapter 15 :\u00a0A Trip is in Order<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/17\">Chapter 16 :\u00a0Supper with Snap<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/18\">Chapter 17 :\u00a0Even the Best Laid Plans\u2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/19\">Chapter 18 :\u00a0 Round Two<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/20\">Chapter 19 :\u00a0A Bit of Pillow Talk ala Granger<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/21\">Chapter 20 : Two Visitations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/22\">Chapter 21 :Discovery<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/23\">Chapter 22 :Albus\u2019 Discovery<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/24\">Chapter 23 :Bara Arrives at Hogwarts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/25\">Chapter 24 :Preparation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/26\">Chapter 25 :Entering the Potter\u2019s Field<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/27\">Chapter 26 :On the Beach<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/28\">Chapter 27 :On the Beach (Continued)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/29\">Chapter 28 : Reactions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/30\">Chapter 29 : Preparation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/31\">Chapter 30 : Restorations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/32\">Chapter 31 : Getting Reacquainted<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/33\">Chapter 32 : Harry Returns to Hogwarts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/34\">Chapter 33 : The Witch that Binds<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/35\">Chapter 34 : Exercising a Little Restraint<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/36\">Chapter 35 : Severus\u2019 Revenge<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/37\">Chapter 36 :More Revelations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/38\">Chapter 37 : A Bit of History<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/39\">Chapter 38 :A Timely Intervention<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/40\">Chapter 39 :A Necessary Conversation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/41\">Chapter 40 : A Bit More Examination<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/42\">Chapter 41 :A Surprise for Hermione<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/43\">Chapter 42 :Hermione Puts Her Foot in It<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/44\">Chapter 43 :The Results<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/45\">Chapter 44 :Honesty<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/46\">Chapter 45 :Admissions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/47\">Chapter 46 :Getting Satisfaction<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/48\">Chapter 47 :Another Morning After<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/49\">Chapter 48 :A Bit of Payback<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/50\">Chapter 49 :A New Discovery<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/51\">Chapter 50 :Experiments<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/52\">Chapter 51 :The Fruits of Dedication<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/53\">Chapter 52 :Making the Final Moves<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/54\">Chapter 53 :In the Dementor\u2019s Domain<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/55\">Chapter 54 :Bringing Up Bara<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/56\">Chapter 55 :The Apology<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/57\">Chapter 56 :The Press Conference<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/58\">Chapter 57 : Time to Get Serious<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/59\">Chapter 58 :Severus Arrives<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/60\">Chapter 59 :What About Tomorrow?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/61\">Chapter 60 :The Interview<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/62\">Chapter 61 :Opening Up<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/63\">Chapter 62 :Beneath the Obvious<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/64\">Chapter 63 :Finding Out the Truth of the Matter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/65\">Chapter 64 :The Ritual<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/66\">Chapter 65 :A Desperate Measur<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/67\">Chapter 66 :An Attempt at Restoration<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/68\">Chapter 67 :For the World to See<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\".\/69\">Chapter 68 :Epilogue<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 1<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 1 ~ Prologue<\/p>\n<p><i>The Kingdom of Myrhh ~Year 865 AD<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Alchemist Damius Altacare shuffled into his chamber arthritically, followed by his young apprentice Meyop. The hooded, ancient wizard slowly and painfully walked to the center table where a cauldron bubbled, a foul stench filling the air. Meyop swallowed down the bile that rose in his throat as he watched his master stir the elixir three times clockwise then seven times counterclockwise, his rheumy eyes staring intently at the simmering liquid.<\/p>\n<p>The chamber was circular, stone-walled and bare except for the table, cauldron, and thirteen people manacled to the walls, men, women and children, unfortunate peons who had fallen out of favor given to the alchemist from the king\u2019s dungeons.<\/p>\n<p>Damius had been ordered to develop a special kind of warrior\/guard for his king, one that would strike fear into his enemies and dispatch them quickly and horribly. He wanted them to inspire fear on sight, and be next to invincible. Something never seen before.<\/p>\n<p>Damius had worked on this elixir for the past ten years, invoking dark magic and making untoward agreements with the dark powers of the earth, giving up his own soul for their blessing. Now it was all coming to a head.<\/p>\n<p>The thirteen prisoners watched in silent horror as the old wizard ladled the potion into a bowl, tightening their lips in expectation of him trying to force them to drink it. Not one intended to swallow a drop of the cursed liquid down. Meyop swallowed as he watched his master bring the bowl to his lips.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow I receive ultimate power,\u201d the wizard cackled, bringing the bowl to his cracked lips and swallowing the contents down. He lowered the bowl and stood there expectantly for a moment. Nothing happened. He scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. No! Not after all my work! The elixir must work!\u201d he said, throwing the bowl to the floor in a temper, then upsetting the cauldron, spilling a decade\u2019s worth of work to the stone floor. Meyop rushed forward but was too late to save any of it.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly, Damius let out a choked sound, flinging back his hood, his almost bald and age-spotted head visible as his face contorted. He clutched his throat and staggered about. Meyop stared in horror as did the prisoners as the old man\u2019s flesh began to bubble and gray, scabs forming all over his flesh, his eyes dropped from sight, leaving empty sockets, his nose melting away and mouth elongating vertically as he screamed horribly.<\/p>\n<p>He thinned and lengthened, then to the terror of everyone he rose from the ground, drifting several feet in the air, hissing. His robes dangled, covering his lower limbs entirely, and large, gray-scabbed hands with long black nails dangled from his sleeves. Slowly he spun and looked at Meyop, who had backed against the wall in fear.<\/p>\n<p>Damius drew his hood and looked like a floating specter of death. His breathing was hoarse and ragged. Damius drifted toward one of the prisoners\u2026a woman whose blue eyes were wide with terror. He hovered in front of her for a moment, then flashed forward, locking his mouth to hers and inhaling, drawing out her delicious essence and gaining strength as the woman\u2019s eyes glazed. He pulled back from her, and she fell forward, still breathing, but empty.<\/p>\n<p>The other prisoners began screaming as Damius moved from victim to victim, drawing out their life essences\u2026their very souls. He had no soul of his own because he had given it to the dark powers\u2026this was the only way he could be nourished in this form. But with each person he drained, his midsection bulged large and larger, and when he drained the thirteenth victim, he drifted back and began to gag, bucking forward horribly in mid-air, Meyop staring fascinated.<\/p>\n<p>Presently he coughed up a black slimy ball that floated before him. It increased in size, then slowly unfolded, expanding, black robes falling downward, long scabbed hands dangling from the sleeves, the creature drifting and hooded. It turned toward Damius and hissed, drawing in a ragged breath, then drifted past all the stricken prisoners, keening at the lack of life force. It needed feeding.<\/p>\n<p>Damius drifted toward Meyop and with one freezing hand grasped the apprentice by the arm and dragged him forward, showing him to the new one, who hissed and launched itself past the apprentice, drawing out a bit of essence as Meyop screamed. The apprentice felt a sense of loss, sadness and hopelessness fall on him as if it would never lift again. He steeled himself and called out to his former Master.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo! Master, no! I have been loyal to you all these years!\u201d he cried to the transformed Damius.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are needed,\u201d the creature hissed as the new one made another pass, Meyop crying out in agony as more happy essence was pulled from him, dropping him deeper into despair.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHave mercy!\u201d Meyop pleaded with Damius.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey shall beg for mercy and there will be no mercy,\u201d Damius hissed as the new creature whipped over, locked on to Meyop\u2019s mouth and pulled out his soul, leaving the apprentice in a crumpled staring heap on the stone floor.<\/p>\n<p>The creature hissed, strengthened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet us go. We have a world to populate and conquer,\u201d Damius hissed, drifting slowly out of the chamber, followed by the firstborn. \u201cOur king will provide what is needed\u2026for now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Damius and his creature began to drain prisoners and enemies of the king and bred. They were branded Dementors because of the state they left their victims in. Demented and completely out of touch with the world. It took a long time before people realized the Dementors were stealing souls, and the king to realize he created an army he couldn\u2019t control.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p><i>The Wizarding World, England 1998<\/i><\/p>\n<p>The Dementors survived for the most part by giving service to humans, serving as soldiers and guards for monarchies and governments. In 1998 they were wooed away from service as Azkaban guards to join the Dark Lord, who promised them a great bounty of souls if they would help in the final battle.<\/p>\n<p>The battle went badly for them, almost their entire ranks destroyed by Patronuses and other magical spells developed against them, though they took their toll from the side of Good. Harry Potter himself was the last victim, caught unaware as he stood above the fallen body of Voldemort. However, the Dementor kissing him was destroyed before he completed withdrawing the young wizard\u2019s soul, but the majority of Harry\u2019s essence was taken with it, and the wizard was left without much mind. He wasn\u2019t quite a vegetable, but could no longer speak or care for himself. But he could smile or cry. And he cried often in the years that passed\u2026especially when his friend Hermione Granger came to see him at his seaside home.<\/p>\n<p>Ron had been killed by a deatheater with the killing curse, and Minerva McGonagall was left a shell by the Dementor\u2019s kiss as well, and was sequestered in the psychiatric ward of St. Mungo&#8217;s.\u00a0 Hermione felt their loss every day.\u00a0 She had so few people who were important in her life. The loss of both had been devastating.<\/p>\n<p>Several Dementors managed to escape, taking refuge in the bowels of a ship heading for India. Once there, they took up refuge in the jungle, in an old ruined temple, terrifying the monkeys that inhabited it until the creatures finally fled the evil place. It was then the Dementors discovered there was a surplus of human beings in India, humans that were rarely missed or looked for.<\/p>\n<p>The Untouchables.<\/p>\n<p>They began to breed again.<\/p>\n<p>********************************************<\/p>\n<p><i>Wizarding World, England 2006<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat on the porch facing the sea, looking out over the water and holding Harry\u2019s hand as he sat next to her, staring at her intently as he always did when she came to visit him, telling him about all that was happening in the wizarding world. The witch knew he didn\u2019t absorb it, but it gave her something to do and made her feel closer to the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Since Harry was rich, he had his own home and house elves to serve him. Dobby was his main caregiver as well as Head Elf, and took care of the wizard lovingly, feeding him, bathing him, dressing him and taking him down by the water every day, where Harry played in the sand. He wasn\u2019t allowed in the water. He would drown.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione spent a lot of time combing old tomes to try and find out if there was a way to heal a broken soul, but the books she accessed were all books having to do with the light. Anyone who understood magic knew the most powerful spells were those involving Dark Magic. And Dark Magic came with a price.<\/p>\n<p>She hated seeing Harry this way. He had suffered for eight long years, and so had she. Hermione was not one to give up\u2026she had spent almost a decade looking for answers through the proper channels.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe it was time to check the improper ones.<\/p>\n<p>Books of Dark Magic were hard to find and even harder to get permission to use. They were restricted by the Ministry. In fact, there was only one wizard she knew whose independent library contained the rarest, darkest tomes.<\/p>\n<p>And that wizard was Severus Snape.<\/p>\n<p>Professor Snape was as cold and vicious as ever. He still taught Potions and still struck fear in the heart of his students. The death of Voldemort had done nothing to sweeten his disposition and he continued to lurk in the dungeons, alone and hated. It was the life he was used to. The life he preferred. Unless you were a student, a staff member or Albus himself, he had no words to waste. He certainly granted no access to his books. They were his private treasure trove and he guarded them with all the alacrity of a dragon. No amount of money could make him part with even one of his titles.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at Harry, and he gave her a sweet smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m going to find a way to help you Harry,\u201d she said to the green-eyed wizard, smoothing her hand over his cheek, \u201cEven if I have to dance with the devil himself.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>****************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Just something I was playing with. A little AU Dementor history, an invalid Harry, a Hermione who is willing to walk on the dark side to help him, and a cold, bitter Snape. I have to think a bit to decide whether or not I\u2019ll pursue this story. It seems it will be quite a long one and I really don\u2019t know if I am up to it right now. Anyway, I am interested in your thoughts about it.\u00a0 Please leave a review. It would be appreciated and a good&#8230;well&#8230;push. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 2<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 2 ~ Enlisting Aid<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stood before the huge double doors and knocked. She was dressed in blue dress robes and had brushed her hair to soft curls. She wanted to make a positive impression. The door slowly opened and at first she didn\u2019t see anyone.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCan I helps you, Miss?\u201d a squeaky voice asked.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked down to see a house elf bobbing and looking up at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I would like to see the Lord of the Manor,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n<p>The elf widened the opening and beckoned her in. He held up his hand so she wouldn\u2019t go any farther.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI must asks the Master if he wishes company. Your name, Miss?\u201d the elf asked, his ears wriggling back and forth.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione Granger,\u201d Hermione replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlease waits here, Miss Granger,\u201d the elf said politely. Then it winked out.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione idly looked around the Manor. The green and silver marble floors gleamed, and the wooden walls were smartly polished. Portraits lined the vast corridor, disappearing into the distance. They were almost all blonde-haired and snooty looking. The portraits that could see her looked at her distastefully. She could almost hear them whisper, \u201cMudblood.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The elf winked in.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Lord will see you. Please follows me,\u201d the elf said with a bow. He turned and began walking up the corridor, Hermione following him, feeling a bit self-conscious under the narrowed eyes of the paintings.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHer like would have never been allowed on the premises, much less in the Manor itself in my day,\u201d one blonde woman with ice-blue eyes sniffed to the portrait next to her as Hermione passed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese are different times, Mildred. They all mingle now,\u201d the portrait next to her replied, his grey eyes following Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDisgraceful,\u201d Mildred hissed.<\/p>\n<p>The elf led Hermione to a large, ornate wooden door and pushed it open.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou may goes in, Miss,\u201d he said, making a sweep with his scaly arm.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione thanked the elf and entered a large library with a writing desk, several armchairs, a couch and a huge fireplace which contained a huge fire. But the room wasn\u2019t hot. It must have been an illusion. She looked around and didn\u2019t see anyone.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello?\u201d she ventured.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello Hermione,\u201d a smooth voice replied. A wizard rose from one of the armchairs facing the fire. He wore a smoking jacket, loose-fitting black silk trousers and held a brandy glass in his hand. \u201cImagine you paying me a visit after all this time.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello Draco,\u201d Hermione said, giving the handsome blonde wizard a small smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome and sit down,\u201d Draco said, gesturing at the armchair next to his. Hermione walked over, Draco\u2019s eyes washing over her attire as she did so. Hermione took a seat, as did Draco. He looked at her curiously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow have you been?\u201d he asked the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine. Still working in the private sector,\u201d Hermione replied.<\/p>\n<p>Draco shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSuch a shame. I wish you would have taken me up on my offer to be your patron. Your talents are wasted working the way you do. It will be years before you can afford your own labs to do your own research,\u201d the wizard purred. \u201cI would have built you your own labs as a perk.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione gave Draco another small smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI might have been interested Draco, but after a little investigation and conversations with the other witches you so generously help, I decided I would rather work my own way to the top\u2026rather than let you get on top, if you get my meaning,\u201d she said, arching an eyebrow at the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>As a patron, it seemed Draco got his own perks from the witches he helped.<\/p>\n<p>He grinned at Hermione lasciviously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, being a patron does have its benefits,\u201d he purred, \u201cThe witches are just showing me how grateful they are.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I can only imagine,\u201d Hermione replied, scowling. \u201cReciprocal fucks every now and then.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Draco shrugged.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a fair exchange. Plus the lion\u2019s share of residuals. It works for me,\u201d he smirked. \u201cNow, would you like a drink? A cold pumpkin juice perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo\u2026no thank you Draco. I came here to see if I could get your help,\u201d she replied<\/p>\n<p>Draco looked delighted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHelp? From me? Now this could be interesting,\u201d he said arching an eyebrow at Hermione speculatively.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, it\u2019s about Harry,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>Draco sobered. In his last year of Hogwarts, Draco turned from the beliefs of his father having decided for himself that Voldemort should never be in power. He had received the mark and gone through the horrible, emasculating ritual at the age of seventeen, having to suffer through penetration by the Dark Lord. It was considered an act of submission, considered proof that a deatheater was a true servant. In the early days of Voldemort\u2019s reign, this act of sexual dominance wasn\u2019t required. Severus and Lucius had both escaped this fate. It was only after Tom Riddle became Lord Voldemort that this ritual was instituted as a prerequisite to receiving the mark. Draco went through it because it was expected of him and he would have been deemed unfit and killed if he had protested. Given the choice of death or being buggered by the Dark Lord, Draco chose the buggering. Then he could live to seek his revenge.<\/p>\n<p>Since he was the son of a most trusted servant, Draco was privy to witness the horrors the despot inflicted on others, including his own deatheaters. Like Severus Snape, he went to Dumbledore, and like Severus\u2026he became a spy. He and Harry had come to terms, and while they weren\u2019t best friends, they developed a respect for each other. It was Draco who had blasted the Dementor that attacked the boy-who-lived to bits, but he was too late to stop the entire process. He\u2019d always felt rather guilty about that, though others felt he had done all he could.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat about Harry? Is he all right?\u201d Draco asked the witch, worry creasing his forehead.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe is the same,\u201d Hermione said, \u201cChild-like. He can\u2019t really do much for himself. Yet he laughs and cries so he does have rudimentary reactions. I\u2019ve been trying to find a way to restore him for years, Draco\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Draco nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know,\u201d he said quietly, studying the witch. She certainly was loyal to Harry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd I\u2019ve exhausted every book searching for an answer\u2026every book allowed by the Ministry, at least. I\u2019ve come up empty. There were a few spells that looked promising but after doing calculations I found they weren\u2019t powerful enough or didn\u2019t work directly on the soul. I need something more,\u201d she said, looking at the wizard intensely. \u201cI need to access your godfather\u2019s library.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Draco\u2019s eyes widened in disbelief.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou want to access WHAT?\u201d he asked her, blanching a little.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI need to study Professor Snape\u2019s books of Dark Magic,\u201d Hermione said, \u201cOne of them might hold the answer to restoring Harry\u2019s shattered soul.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Draco stood up, swallowed down the rest of his brandy in one gulp, put the glass on the small table between the armchairs and began pacing. After a moment, he stopped and looked at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHave you gone mad? He\u2019d never allow that. He doesn\u2019t let anyone near his books. Even asking about them is a good way to get hexed,\u201d he said to her.<\/p>\n<p>Severus might have been Draco\u2019s godfather, but he didn\u2019t give the wizard any special treatment. He was treated just as coldly and rudely as the next person. Draco was glad he had never had to go to the dark wizard for guardianship. He couldn\u2019t imagine how horrible his life would have been, lurking in the dungeons until he reached adulthood. Draco hadn\u2019t paid the snarky Potions Master a visit in over two years, and hadn\u2019t missed him at all.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDraco\u2026Draco, I\u2019m desperate\u2026I just need you to get him to agree to see me\u2026that\u2019s all. You wouldn\u2019t have to ask about the books or anything,\u201d Hermione pleaded with the wizard. \u201cIt\u2019s for Harry, Draco. For Harry.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Dear gods. She was asking him to walk into the bowels of hell itself and face the devil in black.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione\u2026\u201d he began, shaking his head.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione reached out and caught his hand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor Harry, Draco. If you won\u2019t do it for me, do it for him,\u201d she said, her amber eyes glistening with tears. \u201cYou\u2019re my only way in.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The tears began to roll down Hermione\u2019s cheeks though she tried her best to contain them<\/p>\n<p>Draco sighed. She\u2019d done it. Turned on the waterworks. Draco wasn\u2019t completely heartless. He hated seeing witches cry and folded like many wizards before him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right. I\u2019ll do it, Hermione\u2026but you have to give me a couple of weeks to figure this out. My godfather would throw me out just as quickly as anyone else if he felt I was wasting his time. I have to figure out a way to make him amicable to meeting with you,\u201d the blonde wizard said, looking thoughtful.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione smiled through her tears and wiped at her eyes with her robes sleeve.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, thank you Draco, thank you so much,\u201d the witch said, then she launched herself at the startled wizard and embraced him. Draco was tall and Hermione\u2019s head rested on his chest as she squeezed him tightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo, taking a walk on the dark side is the way to get a bit of bodily contact from you?\u201d he purred, wrapping his arms around the witch and pulling her closer, grinning.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione immediately began to struggle and Draco let her go, smiling broadly now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re very curvy,\u201d he said to the witch, arching an eyebrow as he exaggeratedly let his eyes sweep over her.<\/p>\n<p>He was teasing the witch of course. Not that he\u2019d be adverse to a little tryst with Hermione, but he knew she just didn\u2019t feel attracted to him in that way. Anyway, he valued her friendship and how she accepted him after all those years of torment. She had a generous heart. He didn\u2019t want to risk losing her as a friend.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd you\u2019re very lecherous,\u201d Hermione spat back at him, straightening her robes a bit angrily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think it\u2019s in my blood,\u201d Draco responded.<\/p>\n<p>His father had been a very lecherous man, and brutal as well. After Lucius\u2019 death at the Final Battle, the first thing Draco had done was have his \u201cplayroom\u201d dismantled and all his instruments of torture destroyed. His mother Narcissa was very disappointed in Draco for turning on the beliefs of his family and moved to a chateau in France when he took over the Manor, telling her son she couldn\u2019t stand the sight of him.<\/p>\n<p>Draco put money in his mother\u2019s account every month and took care of the brunt of her bills in the hopes that one day she would see the error of her ways and they could reconcile.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione bit back a comment about how easily blood could be spilled. He was going to help her after all. She looked at the wizard and saw the mirth in his eyes, realizing he was only teasing her. She smiled at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, I\u2019ve got to be going. I only have an hour for lunch,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>Draco walked her to the study door, then down the corridor to the Manor\u2019s entrance, where he opened the front door and Hermione stepped outside.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll send you an owl when I\u2019ve managed to get the old bastard to grant you an audience,\u201d he said to Hermione, \u201cBut it might take a while.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at Draco.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s fine, Draco. I know if anyone can do it, you can,\u201d she said, standing on tiptoe and kissing his cheek. \u201cBye for now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGoodbye, Hermione. Hopefully this won\u2019t be a permanent goodbye and I\u2019ll return in one piece from this quest you\u2019re sending me on,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ll be fine,\u201d she said over her shoulder as she walked down the staircase. At the bottom she disapparated.<\/p>\n<p>Draco closed the door and walked up the corridor.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI must be mad,\u201d he said, shaking his head, \u201cStark raving mad.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard walked back to the study, poured himself another brandy and sat down in the armchair, staring into the fire.<\/p>\n<p>Now how in the world was he going to approach Severus after two years of no contact? He doubted highly he was missed by the wizard, but more than likely Severus would use his absence as a reason not to grant him any favors. Besides, neither Hermione nor Harry were ever his favorite people. He had been tortured by Voldemort on many occasions because of their antics. And if there was one other thing Severus Snape was good at besides brewing, it was holding a grudge.<\/p>\n<p>Draco sighed.<\/p>\n<p>This was going to be a hard dragon\u2019s egg to crack. But Draco was a Slytherin, and Slytherins were cunning, resourceful and rather underhanded when necessary.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019d figure something out.<\/p>\n<p>He had to.<\/p>\n<p>Both Hermione and Harry were counting on him.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Ah, a good Draco. Naughty and sexy too. Lol. Well, at least Hermione didn\u2019t run to Severus with wand blasting. Let\u2019s see how Draco manages to arrange a meeting\u2026if he does. Severus hasn\u2019t even entered the picture and I can already feel how dark he is. Man. Lol. Anyway, please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 3<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 3 ~ Draco Takes a Shot<\/p>\n<p>It didn\u2019t take Draco long to sketch out a plan to get his snarky godfather to grant Hermione an audience. Yet, implementing the plan took a bit more time. He visited several Potions Masters for consultations, and several apocathery shops as well.<\/p>\n<p>Apocathery Andreas Mbutu listened carefully to what the blonde wizard wanted, then directed him to an individual who was guaranteed to be what the Potions Master ordered, but the scarred, roughened wizard didn\u2019t come cheap. His name was Hunter\u2026just Hunter. Draco met him at the Hog\u2019s Head inn, the wizard\u2019s lower face wrapped in a bandana. He had the hardest blue eyes Draco had ever seen.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGive me two months and I\u2019ll deliver what you need,\u201d the wizard growled.<\/p>\n<p>Draco paid him a small fortune in advance. Hunter would receive the other half when he delivered. A month and a half later Draco was contacted by owl and told to come to the Hog\u2019s head inn at nine o\u2019clock on Wednesday with the final payment. Business there was slow mid-week.<\/p>\n<p>Draco arrived there, his wand clamped tightly in his pocket. He was ready to blast anyone who came too close. It could have been a setup. But it wasn\u2019t. He found Hunter seated at the back of the inn. The wizard looked very sick.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou don\u2019t look too good, Hunter,\u201d Draco observed as he sat down at the table.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGetting this blasted ingredient took a bit of doing. I got nicked by a tooth. I had a bit of phoenix tear with me\u2026if I hadn\u2019t\u2026well\u2026that would have been it,\u201d Hunter replied tiredly. \u201cBut I\u2019m getting old\u2026don\u2019t heal up as fast as I used to.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hunter slid a burlap bag over to Draco.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t take it out,\u201d he said as Draco looked into the bag and paled, swallowing down the bile that threatened to explode from him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPretty, isn\u2019t it? Got a stasis spell on it,\u201d the wizard said, smirking beneath his bandana at the wizard\u2019s face.<\/p>\n<p>Draco took the sack of galleons out of his robes pocket and passed it under the table to Hunter, who hefted it in his hands for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFeels about right,\u201d he said, putting the galleons in his pocket. \u201cGood doing business with you my Lord, but next time you need something like that\u2026find some other bloke.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hunter rose and left the Hog\u2019s Head inn, leaving Draco with the contents of the burlap sack. He looked in it again and shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn Hermione, what I don\u2019t do for you and Harry,\u201d he breathed. He exited the inn and disapparated for the Manor.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019d go visit his godfather tomorrow evening. Maybe he\u2019d be in a good mood after supper.<\/p>\n<p>************************************<\/p>\n<p>Draco walked down the dungeon corridor a bit apprehensively, patting his pocket for reassurance as he did so. Several seventh year Slytherin witches on their way up the dungeon hallway looked at him appreciatively, and the blonde wizard smirked at them, nodding as he passed. They all began to giggle and whisper.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe trim of tomorrow,\u201d Draco thought as he approached the door to the Potions Office. He stood there a moment, then knocked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m all in for it now,\u201d he thought as he waited for a response.<\/p>\n<p>When there wasn\u2019t any, he knocked again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have no appointments. Go away or face a week\u2019s detention,\u201d an angry yet smooth voice called out. \u201cHow many times do I have to tell you dunderheads to follow protocol? Now get away from my door!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Draco shook his head. His godfather was as welcoming as ever.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGodfather, it\u2019s me. Draco,\u201d he called through the door.<\/p>\n<p>There was silence for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>Then, \u201cAnd that means what? You haven\u2019t made an appointment either,\u201d Severus called back, scowling blackly as he sat at his desk with a pile of parchments in front of him. He had been grading his fifth year Potions class\u2019 work, and so far the marks were as deplorable as usual.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh come now, Godfather\u2026you haven\u2019t seen me in over two years,\u201d Draco cajoled him from the other side of the door. He tried the knob but it was locked. \u201cLet me in.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd that is my fortune,\u201d Severus snapped, \u201cNow go away and come back when you\u2019ve made an appointment. I have an opening for non-student visitors next month. Send an owl and I will give you the details.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Draco frowned at the door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery well then\u2026I\u2019ll take my gift and go,\u201d Draco said evenly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBribery doesn\u2019t work on me Draco,\u201d Severus said, but he rose from his desk and approached the door. If Draco had a gift for him, it wouldn\u2019t be a cheap one, particularly if he were trying to make up for not visiting in two years. Severus cracked the door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot that your gift is probably of any value,\u201d he said, peering out at his godson.<\/p>\n<p>Draco could only see darkness through the crack.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, not to your everyday wizard, but a Potions Master would find it quite valuable,\u201d Draco replied. \u201cBut you can wait until next month. I just hope it is as fresh by then.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The blonde wizard turned and made as if to go.<\/p>\n<p>Fresh? It must be some kind of potion ingredient. Freshness mattered. Draco had said the magic word.<\/p>\n<p>Severus opened the door wider.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome in then,\u201d he said bad-temperedly, \u201cAnd close and lock the door behind you. I don\u2019t need any other unwanted visitors disturbing me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard walked back to his desk and sat down frowning as Draco entered his office, closed the door and locked it. The blonde wizard looked at the rickety, uncomfortable seat the Potions Master kept for his visitors.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ve had this chair for ages. Don\u2019t you think its time to spring for a new one?\u201d he asked the Potions Master, whose eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can stand for all I care,\u201d he snapped, \u201cNow what about this gift you say you have for me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Draco looked at his godfather. Severus had a single torch burning in his office, and the atmosphere was dark and unwelcoming. He was still very pale, and his hair as greasy-looking as ever. He didn\u2019t seem to have aged much, though his black eyes held more malice than Draco remembered. They only held disdain for all living before. His nose looked bigger too\u2026but that could just be because Draco hadn\u2019t seen him for a while. The wizard sat down in the chair, his buttocks protesting as the uneven wood dug in unevenly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs far as the gift goes, Godfather\u2026there is a condition upon you receiving it,\u201d Draco said, meeting the Professor\u2019s eyes, which went dark with anger.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCondition? Draco\u2026do you wear trousers under your robes?\u201d the Potions Master asked him, his face contorted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOf course I do,\u201d Draco replied, wondering why in the world his godfather would ask such a question.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a wonder they fit with the pair of balls you have,\u201d the wizard said, his lips forming a thin line as he looked at Draco.<\/p>\n<p>He was a good-looking wizard\u2026silver wand in his mouth and all that. Almost his polar opposite\u2026blonde-haired, blue-eyed, tanned, good teeth, all around attractive. Well, he supposed there had to be people in the world like Draco if only to annoy him.<\/p>\n<p>Draco smirked at Severus\u2019 comment. He was a Slytherin. Having big balls was an asset.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow do I know this gift of yours is worth any kind of concession? You have some nerve appearing here after more than two years absence attempting to blackmail a favor out of me. I could have died and you wouldn\u2019t even have known,\u201d Severus said, attempting to lay a bit of guilt on the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you had died, I certainly would have known because of all the celebrating that would follow your demise, Godfather. You really are an onerous bastard,\u201d Draco replied with a slight grin. He really did like Severus despite his disposition.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI work hard at it,\u201d Severus said. \u201cNow what is the condition\u2026and I want to see the gift before I give you an answer.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Draco leaned forward, and the chair creaked dangerously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want you to give Hermione Granger an audience,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWHAT?\u201d Severus roared, \u201cNo way am I going to let that idiot witch in my presence! She\u2019s a wastrel!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat do you mean, \u2018idiot witch\u2019 and \u2018wastrel?\u2019\u201d Draco asked, defending Hermione, \u201cShe\u2019s the brightest witch of the age!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus snorted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe is an idiot, Draco. She had all that potential and instead of getting herself a patron and setting herself up to do private research, she goes to the\u2026the \u2018Private Sector\u2019 where her talents are wasted on creating fad spells and potions for a fickle public. She has a double degree in both Spells Making and Potions, and she just\u2026just threw them away. All that hard work and brilliance wasted. I certainly will not see anyone as dunderheaded as that witch,\u201d Severus said, his eyes glittering. \u201cShe has nothing to say that I want to hear.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Draco was surprised to see the anger and disappointment in the wizard\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, she wasn\u2019t willing to fulfill the duties of a witch under patronage,\u201d Draco said evenly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s giving up a little pussy for the sake of advancement?\u201d Severus spat. \u201cIt\u2019s not like it\u2019s going to go anywhere. The little fool could have come to me for patronage.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Draco\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou, Godfather?\u201d he asked, stunned.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes me. Then she wouldn\u2019t have had to worry about being constantly fucked. I\u2019d only need her once in a while to meet my needs. I would have been more interested in her research and development than her spread thighs in any case,\u201d the wizard snarked.<\/p>\n<p>It seemed that reciprocal sex with sponsored witches was an accepted practice in the wizarding world. Possibly it extended to wizards sponsored by witches as well, or any willing combination.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut Godfather\u2026Hermione Granger is a Gryffindor witch. If she had been in Slytherin most likely she would have been more open to the idea,\u201d Draco said, trying to make Severus understand. \u201cBesides, the way you treated her, she would have never dreamed you would be willing to be her patron.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus ignored the last part of Draco\u2019s comment. It was true after all\u2026but so what?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe\u2019s supposed to be logical, Draco. It would be logical to get a patron if she was interested in advancing her fields. Sex is meaningless\u2026just a simple physical activity the results of which that can be scourgified away. What she could have accomplished would have been lasting and worthwhile. But no, she reports to the blood-sucking private sector. The thought of what she\u2019s done just disgusts me. I will not give her an audience. I might end up hexing her for her stupidity,\u201d the Potions Master said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is very important to her that she sees you,\u201d Draco said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLike I give a damn about that. I cannot suffer fools, Draco. You know that. I spent years grooming her talents and suffering through her chatter, endless sucking up and bout after bout of over-achieving. I spent hours going over her extra credit essays, some five feet long. Then she does NOTHING. I will not see her and that is final!\u201d Severus snarled, slamming his fist on the desk for emphasis. \u201cNo gift will change my mind either.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI thought you said you\u2019d make your decision after you\u2019ve seen the gift?\u201d Draco said smoothly, drawing the burlap sack out of his robes pocket and scooting the rickety chair forward so he was right against the Potions Master\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cConsidering what you asked of me, I felt compelled to give my answer in advance,\u201d Severus replied, looking at the burlap sack. It was pulsing. \u201cNow what is it? Not that I\u2019ll want it. The price is too high. Hermione Granger. You must be mad.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In answer, Draco turned the sack so the opening faced Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGo ahead and look,\u201d he said, smirking a bit.<\/p>\n<p>Severus lifted up the sack and looked in. His eyebrows rose for a moment, then a look of abject lust settled on his face. He looked up at Draco.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhere did you get this?\u201d he hissed, \u201cThey are so rare as to be next to impossible to find\u2026especially in this condition.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI commissioned someone to harvest one for me. It has a stasis spell around it,\u201d Draco said. He could see his godfather was clearly impressed.<\/p>\n<p>Carefully, Severus reached his hand into the sack and pulled out a plastic bag. Inside it was what looked like a slimy black hunk of meat, and it was pumping.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA basilisk heart,\u201d the wizard breathed, \u201cA viable basilisk heart. The best that can be provided when found is a dried heart. This actually has the blood as well. Living blood. This ingredient can be used to make some of the most powerful elixirs known to Potions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Draco sat back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, so I was told. But put it back in the sack, Godfather. I guess I will go sell it to the highest bidder. It cost me a small fortune to get it for you. At least I will be able to recoup what I spent,\u201d Draco said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at him, going a bit paler.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPut it back?\u201d he said in a hollow voice, staring at the pulsing heart covetously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. You refuse to see Hermione so\u2026\u201d Draco began.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine. I\u2019ll see the foolish little twit then. An hour\u2019s aggravation is worth this,\u201d the wizard conceded. Then he looked at Draco with a glint in his eyes. \u201cI won\u2019t promise you it will be a pleasant meeting. Most likely she will charge out of here in tears when I\u2019m done with her.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s not my concern,\u201d Draco said, \u201cShe only asked me to make the appointment with you. What happens is between you and her.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus grunted and put the heart back in the sack carefully. He looked up at Draco with a scowl.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right. You\u2019ve accomplished what you came here to do, blackmail me into meeting someone I do not want to see. Now get out,\u201d Severus said evenly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t I even get a thank you for the heart?\u201d Draco asked, rising. He was picking at the Potions Master. Severus would never thank him, particularly since he was forced to see Hermione in order to procure the precious ingredient.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA thank you? You\u2019re lucky I don\u2019t hex those big balls of yours right off of you,\u201d the wizard seethed. \u201cTell the witch to send me an owl and I will give her an appointment. Now get out of my sight Draco. Another two years without seeing you will suit me just fine, you blackguard.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd a hearty good-bye to you too, Godfather,\u201d Draco said, bowing smartly to the wizard and turning, a bit apprehensively then letting himself out of the office. He wasn\u2019t sure his godfather would keep his temper and not hex him. But he exited unscathed. Once outside the office, Draco let out a long breath. What an audience that had been.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">One thing was for sure though\u2026he didn\u2019t envy Hermione a bit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>*********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: So Draco managed it. Severus seems really pissed at what Hermione\u2019s done with her life. Man, I can just imagine what this meeting will be like. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 4<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 4 ~ Making a Date<\/p>\n<p>Harry sat on the porch staring out at the water, the incoming breeze rifling his dark hair as he sat belted in the wooden rocking chair. Dobby did this so Harry wouldn\u2019t wander down to the beach while he and the other elves took care of house business inside, not that Harry ever tried to leave his seat on his own. He had to be led.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard\u2019s green eyes took in his surroundings almost blankly as he sat expressionless, with no reason to either laugh or cry. He just was. Everything in the world went on around him\u2026he was like the calm at the center of existence\u2019s storm.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the wizard stretched out, his arms and legs spasming then locking, and his consciousness was drawn away from him, flying across the water at an impossible speed, passing over continents and islands until he came to a place full of people with cupped hands, begging, thousands of people, homeless, poverty-stricken, then he was in cool jungles, flying through the bush, to a vine-covered stone ruin, then in blackness, hissing all around him, flying into dark hoods and seeing images of people screaming and banging on invisible walls, trapped in some dark place, crying for release, floating in blackness, and Harry jumping from dark robed figure to figure seeing more screaming people trapped within them. There was one thin-lipped woman who looked familiar. Her eyes widened when she saw him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry!\u201d she cried through her invisible prison with a familiar Scottish accent banging on the air and watching him pass. \u201cHarry get Albus! Get Albus!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>But Harry didn\u2019t know who she was as he flew past, bouncing from creature to creature, then stopping, and being dragged along with them in the middle of the night, through the jungle, to a small village built of odds and ends, and there were people sleeping outside, brown-skinned and covered in thin blankets\u2026a woman, a man and a child. He was aware of such hunger and the people, he could see what made them human\u2026a glow, a tasty glow\u2026then the child sat up and wrapped her arms around herself, shivering and complaining. Harry could see her breath. Then her parents roused and sat up as well, looking about then staring up at Harry and screaming, their mouths becoming large holes he fell into\u2026and he too was screaming as he felt them or what was the life of them rush by him, the little girl screaming and banging on an invisible wall and becoming smaller, and smaller, immersed in blackness. Then the world lightened and lightened until Harry was back on the porch looking over the water. He still hadn\u2019t moved.<\/p>\n<p>But he was crying.<\/p>\n<p>*************************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione returned home to her flat after work to find a beautiful snowy owl wearing a collar with the Malfoy crest patiently waiting for her\u2026its beautiful wide eyes whirling as she approached and stepping from side to side.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello Winston,\u201d she said to the owl who flew to her shoulder and preened her hair as Hermione let herself in. She had a small, two bedroom flat. She could afford something larger but she was quite thrifty and saving as many galleons as possible toward the day she could afford to set herself up for private research. She had been saving for years, but was still a long way off from her goal.<\/p>\n<p>Winston flew from Hermione\u2019s shoulder to the table in the middle of her living room which was stacked with books and parchments. He perched on the top of a pile and watched as Hermione shrugged off her robes and kicked off her shoes. Then she walked into the kitchen and retrieved a piece of sliced ham, which she gave to the bird.<\/p>\n<p>Winston wolfed it down gratefully then stuck out his leg. Hermione removed Draco\u2019s letter, her belly tight with apprehension. Had he been successful? Had he failed? She opened the parchment, her amber eyes shifting from left to right as she read his message.<\/p>\n<p><i>Dear Hermione,<\/i><\/p>\n<p>You\u2019re in. Send an owl to Professor Snape asking for an appointment and he will give you one. I must warn you however, my godfather is very displeased with your life choices and used the terms \u201cidiot witch\u201d and \u201cwastrel\u201d to describe you. It appears he does not approve of you working in the private sector and believed you should have taken on a patron so you would have been free to pursue private research and advance the fields of Spells Making and Potions. He considers you a failure and is not happy about meeting with you. I would have been remiss if I let you walk into the Serpent\u2019s den without knowing the bite that was waiting for you. Surprisingly enough, my godfather went as far to say that he would have become your patron if you had asked him. Maybe you can use this information to acquire what you need of him\u2026but then again\u2026you are a Gryffindor and sadly lacking in cunning, so I won\u2019t hold out much hope.<\/p>\n<p>Here Hermione scowled. Draco thought all Gryffindors were goody two shoes. That really wasn\u2019t the case. She\u2019d done some pretty Slytherinish acts in her time when necessary without the slightest bit of guilt about it. The wizard didn\u2019t know just how desperate or determined she was to gain access to those books. She finished reading the missive.<\/p>\n<p><i>If you manage the impossible and get access to his books, be sure to find out the safety measures required to actually use them. Some are quite dangerous, and I don\u2019t trust my godfather to give you the proper warnings on his own. You will have to ask him. He would most likely love to see you get bitten, sucked into or swallowed down by a tome. You can\u2019t be sure he will bother to rescue you if this happens. He is a snarky bastard and would probably consider it your just desserts for choosing to work as you do.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Good luck, Hermione. You are certainly going to need it.<\/p>\n<p>Sincerely,<\/p>\n<p>Lord Draco Malfoy<\/p>\n<p>Hermione read over the letter several times. Were the books really that dangerous? She was glad Draco had told her this. Most likely she would have just read the spine, grabbed a book and opened it. In fact, the way he described the books reminded her of Hagrid\u2019s \u201cMonster Book of Monsters\u201d he had assigned when he first became a teacher years ago.\u00a0 It was a very vicious tome that had to have its spine tenderly stroked if you wanted to read it while retaining all your fingers.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the warning Draco gave her about the Professor\u2019s feelings about her, Hermione felt enthusiastic just because she managed to get an audience with the wizard. Even the Minister of Magic had been snubbed by the Potions Master on several occasions, including his own awards ceremony. Hermione looked at Winston.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWinston, would you mind delivering a message to Hogwarts for me? I don\u2019t have my own owl and would have to go down to the owl post tomorrow morning when I would really like to send this tonight,\u201d she said to the owl, which bobbed his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh thank you, Winston. I will get you a bit more ham in a bit,\u201d Hermione smiled at the bird as she pulled out a clean bit of parchment and a muggle pen and cleared a little space on the cluttered table. She sat down and looked thoughtful. Short and sweet was the way to go.<\/p>\n<p><i>Dear Professor Snape,<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Draco has informed me you have graciously granted me an audience. I am most appreciative. Please send me a date and time which is convenient for you as soon as possible. What I wish to discuss with you is of the utmost importance. Thank you for your time.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione Granger, SM, PM<\/p>\n<p>Hermione read the letter over and thought it was polite and still gave an air of importance. She folded it over and magically sealed it with her wand and tied it to Winston\u2019s leg. She then walked back in the kitchen and retrieved another bit of ham out of the cooler and fed it to the owl. Winston smacked his beak in appreciation. He wouldn\u2019t have to hunt tonight.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is going to Professor Snape,\u201d Hermione said to Winston, who suddenly blanched.<\/p>\n<p>The owl looked as if it wished it had known who the letter was to be delivered to before he agreed. Unfortunately, these were bird expressions, and as a human, Hermione had no idea the bird was reacting badly to the news. She opened the front door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOff you go, Winston\u2026and thank you,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>Winston sighed and shrugged his feathered shoulders. He had agreed to deliver the letter. Most likely the dark wizard would be at supper if he hurried. It was safer to deliver parchments to Potions Master when there were witnesses present. For some reason Winston didn\u2019t believe Severus would be averse to trying roast owl.<\/p>\n<p>He gave Hermione a parting hoot and took off out the front door, flying strongly for Hogwarts, hoping to catch the wizard in the Great Hall.<\/p>\n<p>*********************************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus was in the Great Hall when Winston arrived at Hogwarts. The owl circled overhead and untied the parchment with his beak, letting it fall neatly into the Potions Master\u2019s mashed potatoes. The owl beat a hasty retreat as the wizard scowled after him, his pale hand reaching for his wand reflexively. But Severus wouldn\u2019t have hexed the bird in front of staff. Particularly Hagrid, who was ridiculously sensitive about such things. Most likely Severus would have to hex him too. But the Potions Master couldn\u2019t care less about the student body witnessing such an act. It would make him more terrifying to them. Ah well, the bloody bird was gone so the whole issue was moot.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scraped off the mashed potatoes and opened the letter. Hell, it was from Miss Granger. The witch hadn\u2019t wasted any time. He read it over.<\/p>\n<p>Hmph. Graciously agreed to grant her an audience? Hell, she had no idea how much he wanted to say no. Appreciative? He bet she was, getting a license to waste his time. Send her a time which was convenient? Convenient? This entire situation was as inconvenient as possible. As far as \u201cutmost importance\u201d went, that was on her. Nothing she could say would be of the slightest interest to him. If not for the basilisk heart, Severus wouldn\u2019t ever allow Hermione in his presence. The little twit even had the nerve to sign her name using her degree initials. Hell, she wasn\u2019t either a Spells Mistress or a Potions Mistress as far as Severus was concerned. She was a low level factory worker on a magical assembly line churning out garbage.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard sighed with aggravation. When he went back to his rooms, he\u2019d send her the blasted appointment. He\u2019d make it as soon as possible too, so he didn\u2019t have to agonize over the approaching meeting for too long.<\/p>\n<p>He finished his meal in an even worse temper than normal, then rose from the table in a billow of robes and stalked out of the Great Hall. The volume of chatter increased dramatically when he left, as if a dampener had been lifted.<\/p>\n<p>And it had.<\/p>\n<p>********************************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus returned to his office, sat down behind his desk and took out his schedule. He had a meeting every weekday evening for the next two weeks. Damned parent conferences. He wasn\u2019t allowed to dispatch them quickly with statements such as \u201cYour son is a blooming idiot,\u201d or \u201cYour daughter should look into the \u201cmale entertainment\u201d sector. Dumbledore frowned on that greatly. Instead he had to go into detail, careful not to hurt the parents\u2019 feelings\u2026not that the little buggers ever improved. As far as Severus was concerned, these parent\/teacher conferences were a waste of time. The students were more likely to improve with a bit of caning. But of course, that couldn\u2019t be allowed.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 black eyes moved over his schedule and kept drifting to the open weekend hours he had. But that was his time, spent brewing his own elixirs and getting shitfaced on firewhiskey while listening or playing along to the classics. Severus was quite an accomplished violinist, though he never played for any other reason than his own pleasure, and certainly never played for another human being. Not even Voldemort had been aware of his talents.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sighed and penned Hermione in for seven o\u2019clock Saturday evening, just after supper and before his night of music and libation. Hopefully he\u2019d drive her away within twenty minutes or so. Then he took out a piece of parchment and wrote the appointment down with no greeting, or attempt at being pleasant. It simply read:<\/p>\n<p><i>Miss Granger,<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Be in my presence this coming Saturday evening at seven o\u2019clock sharp. If you are late, the appointment will be closed and not rescheduled.<\/p>\n<p>SS<\/p>\n<p>There, that said it all. He\u2019d send the appointment by Raucous, his familiar early tomorrow morning.<\/p>\n<p>Shit.<\/p>\n<p>He couldn\u2019t wait for Saturday to come and go.<\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Well, well\u2026it seems there is more to Harry\u2019s condition than anyone knows. Who was that woman he saw banging on the invisible barrier? Hm. And Hermione has her appointment with Severus. The Potions Master an accomplished violinist? Why not? He has to have some pleasure in his wretched life. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 5<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 5 ~ The Appointment is Made<\/p>\n<p>The next morning the Professor went through his morning ablutions, dressed and summoned his familiar Raucous, who came soaring through the floo to land on his Master\u2019s shoulder and preen his greasy hair. Severus gruffly brushed the raven away, and the bird flew to his writing desk expectantly, a gleam in his black eyes.<\/p>\n<p>Raucous and Severus were the perfect match, the raven having been shuffled from household to household because of his horrible behavior and habit of shitting on whoever he felt needed a bit of decoration. As a familiar, he was highly intelligent and could think, plan and plot with the best of them.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The way the Potions Master acquired Raucous was that he happened to be passing by the Magical Menagerie while out in search of ingredients <\/span><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> when he heard yelling and crashing from within the shop. Normally he wouldn\u2019t pay attention to such things but the proprietor was screaming, \u201cYou winged demon! This time you\u2019re dead. They won\u2019t be returning you here again!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Another crash followed, then a scream of pain from the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Winged demon? Severus could relate to such a creature so he stood in the doorway and watched as a black raven dodged a wand blast, soared in, shit on and pecked the proprietor then swooped away, hiding behind a beam on the high rafter, cawing raucously at the red-faced, rotund wizard.<\/p>\n<p>The owner of the shop wheeled around to get better aim, splintering the rafter as the bird leaped to the next, then the next. As the wizard caught his breath, the bird soared down to an open jar of very stinky salamander eggs, grabbed one and flew over the wizard, letting go and hitting him square in the face with the disgusting orb, which broke, the runny green yolk flowing down his face. The wizard roared and wiped at his face as the bird cawed in mirth from the rafters.<\/p>\n<p>Severus couldn\u2019t help smirking. This had to be the rudest animal he had ever seen. Unfortunately for the bird, he was so caught up in birdie laughter that he rolled to his back and the owner got a bead on him. By the look on the wizard\u2019s face, he intended on killing the creature. He was about to blast the raven when Severus pulled out his own wand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAccio wand,\u201d he said, the wizard\u2019s wand flying out of his hand into the Potions Master\u2019s outstretched one.<\/p>\n<p>Stunned, the owner whirled, frowning.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust what the hell do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d he snarled at Severus, who looked at him with gleaming black eyes. He billowed into the shop and stood over the wizard, scowling down at him until the man blanched.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am interested in that bird,\u201d Severus said, looking up at the rafters where Raucous was standing now. The raven was smart enough to know that this pale, rather evil-looking wizard had saved his tail feathers.<\/p>\n<p>The owner stepped back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat bird\u2019s the Devil\u2019s own,\u201d the man said, frowning up at Raucous. \u201cHe\u2019d make a better set of quills than a familiar. He\u2019s been with seven different Masters and has been returned every single time. He\u2019s not worth taking.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked up at Raucous then down at the shop owner.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll decide that,\u201d he said. Then he looked up at Raucous.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome down here, bird,\u201d he commanded.<\/p>\n<p>Raucous looked at the dark wizard, then flew down to the counter and promptly pecked the proprietor in the back, hard. The wizard turned around.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy you little\u2026\u201d he snarled going to grab for the bird when Severus caught him by the shoulder and flung him away. He walked up to the counter and frowned down at the raven.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI take it you\u2019re in need of a Master, bird,\u201d Severus said to it, \u201cAnd I am in need of a familiar. I haven\u2019t taken any because they did not have the\u2026proper disposition to serve me. However, you appear to.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Raucous looked up at the Potions Master. No one had ever approved of his behavior before. Maybe this was the Master he was looking for.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am in need of a bird to deliver my messages\u2026a bird that will effectively relate how I feel about a matter in an unmistakable manner. Most of my missives are aggravating to send since they take up my time. I often wish I could leave the recipients something\u2026extra to show my displeasure without actually expressing it myself. In other words, you would not be required to be the \u2018friendliest\u2019 of messengers. I would only send you to deliver messages when I\u2019d like a little havoc to accompany them. Otherwise I will use school owls. Do you think you could render me such a service?\u201d Severus asked the bird, one aristocratic eyebrow raised.<\/p>\n<p>As a familiar, Raucous understood the Potions Master perfectly. Deliver messages and be allowed to be as rude as he\u2019d like without repercussions? That sounded like heaven to the raven. He cocked his head at the Potions Master, who scowled at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to make one thing clear however. I will not hesitate to kill you and use your innards in a number of ways for brews that call for raven entrails if you so much as breathe on a single hair of my person in a disrespectful manner. This is your first and last warning as far as this goes. Serve me well and you will have a long life. Fuck with me, bird\u2026and there won\u2019t be enough left of you to make a quill,\u201d the wizard said in a quiet, deadly voice.<\/p>\n<p>Raucous blinked up at him, then hopped on Severus\u2019 shoulder, glaring at the shopkeeper who was standing open-mouthed. Raucous clipped his black beak at him nastily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI take that to be a \u2018yes,\u2019\u201d Severus said to the bird on his shoulder, who cawed assent. Severus looked at the shopkeeper.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will not pay you for him, since you were about to kill him. However, if he does not serve me well, you do not have to worry about my returning him. I will be his last Master,\u201d the Potions Master said.<\/p>\n<p>The shopkeeper nodded and Raucous swallowed. This was not a wizard to fuck with, and seemed borderline evil if not completely so. The raven could live with that. He was sick of goody-two shoes wizards and witches who fawned over him until he was nauseous. He had a feeling he would be given plenty of space by his new Master as well as the freedom to be as nasty to people as he liked.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stalked out the door with the raven clinging to his shoulder as if he always belonged there. Once back at Hogwarts, the Potions Master set him up in the owl tower with his own tiny floo that he could use to enter the study whenever summoned. This suited Raucous just fine. And whenever Severus sent him to deliver a message, the raven did the Potions Master proud, his visits usually followed by an irate message from the recipient complaining about the bird\u2019s actions, for which Raucous was petted and rewarded with juicy tidbits from the Potions Master.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRaucous, I want you to deliver this letter to one Hermione Granger\u2026and you do not have to be overly polite about it,\u201d the wizard said with a mean-spirited smirk as he tied the parchment to the raven\u2019s outstretched leg. Raucous cawed he understood.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGo,\u201d Severus said, and Raucous winged through the floo, into the owl tower and out over the horizon, heading toward Little Hangelton and Hermione\u2019s flat. It was early enough that he could make it there before she left for work.<\/p>\n<p>*************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had just pulled on her work robes and sat down to coffee, toast and jam when there was a loud tapping on the living room window. She stood up, walked into the living room and saw a raven standing on the sill, blinking in at her. It looked rather\u2026surly. It had a parchment tied to its leg.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne moment,\u201d she said to the bird, walking to the front door and opening it. Raucous flew in and landed on the back of the sofa, eyeing Hermione and lifting his leg.<\/p>\n<p>The witch walked up to Raucous and untied the letter. Before she could draw her hand away, he gave her a nasty peck on the back of her hand drawing blood.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOw!\u201d Hermione said, snatching her hand away. \u201cYou bloody black\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She pulled out her wand as Raucous soared away toward the kitchen, squawking loudly and landing on the kitchen table. He nicked her toast and flew up on top of her cabinet, wolfing it down as the witch ran into the kitchen.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou give me back my toast!\u201d Hermione yelled at him.<\/p>\n<p>Raucous clipped his beak at her and continued eating the toast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine,\u201d Hermione said through clenched teeth. She fired a stunner at him.<\/p>\n<p>But Raucous was used to dodging hexes and leaped out of the way, soaring over Hermione and planting a wet, slopping dropping on her shoulder, ruining her robes as he passed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUgh!\u201d Hermione grimaced. She scourgified her shoulder but a stain remained. She was going to have to change her robes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWho would send a bird like you to someone\u2019s house?\u201d Hermione yelled at Raucous as he sat on top of the cooler. He clipped his beak at her snarkily. Hermione swelled up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProfessor Snape,\u201d she hissed.<\/p>\n<p>Raucous cawed at her, smiling nastily. Of course, she couldn\u2019t tell. It was a bird expression that only other birds could see.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione tore open the parchment and read it. She looked up at Raucous, then stormed through the living room and opened the door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet out!\u201d she said to the bird, completely pissed.<\/p>\n<p>Raucous didn\u2019t move. She still had the wand in her hand.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at the bird, who looked at her wand pointedly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione put it in her pocket bad temperedly, the end sticking out. Raucous still didn\u2019t move. Finally she shoved it all the way in.<\/p>\n<p>Raucous cocked his head at her, then looked at the kitchen table and lined his parting path up with it and the front door\u2026he had to time this just right. He leaped off the cooler, deposited a dropping directly into Hermione\u2019s cup of coffee then soared past her, snagging a bit of curly hair with his claw and yanking it out as he raced toward freedom in a swerving flight path. Hermione screeched in pain and got her wand out of her pocket, shooting several blasts after the bird who squawked mirthfully as he safely flew out of range. Hermione slammed the door, totally pissed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m going to see that damned bird again,\u201d she seethed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione walked back into the kitchen, picked up her coffee and was about to drink it when she saw a thin line of bird shit on the side of the cup.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUgh!\u201d she said, scrunching up her face and dumping the coffee into the sink. For a moment she wondered if the raven was actually Professor Snape in animagus form. She\u2019d find out when she went to see him on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>She looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost eight o\u2019clock.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn it,\u201d she cursed, walking back into her bedroom to change her clothes.<\/p>\n<p>She was going to be late for work.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p>Saturday evening, Hermione dressed carefully in her blue dress robes, brushing her hair back, then deciding to wear it in a bun to look more professional. As she prepared for her meeting she remembered Draco\u2019s warning as to the Professor feeling she was a failure because of her working in the private sector. Hermione had taken out some time to go to the Ministry libraries to look up the specifics of patronage as done in the wizarding world and found to her consternation that sexual relations between patron and sponsor was indeed commonplace and expected.<\/p>\n<p>So Draco wasn\u2019t actually using patronage as an excuse to get under her robes per se, but simply attempting to exercise his rights under the practice. Hermione was stunned by this since most of the wizards and witches she knew had served under a patron. Even Minerva McGonagall had a patron\u2026Albus. It seemed they continued after she became self-sufficient. Now Hermione understood how they came to be together.<\/p>\n<p>She had never sought out a patron because she didn\u2019t really know anyone who would be willing to sponsor her. But she was a reasonably attractive witch and a number of wizards would have been willing to be her patrons.<\/p>\n<p>But sex for sponsorship? That seemed too much like prostituting herself to get ahead. It didn\u2019t sit right with her upbringing. But then again, she was muggle-born and some beliefs of what was morally right or wrong were inbred. The wizarding world was much more lax sexually, prostitution being an accepted practice, homosexuality accepted as easily as heterosexuality and sex as payment for services rendered seen as fair exchange whether performed for or by witch or wizard. It was an odd standard considering how strict they were about marriage. But then again, many married couples had open marriages and could take other lovers with their mate\u2019s blessing. It was an odd world sometimes.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione took a final look at herself in the mirror. She looked fine. Not that it would matter to the Professor. He would probably do his best to make her leave his presence in tears. Well, she refused to let him do it. He was going to hear her out. If she had to do it, she\u2019d make a deal with the Devil to get at those books. They were Harry\u2019s last hope. She secured her flat and disapparated for Hogwarts.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus Snape sat in his office behind his desk, twiddling his thumbs idly as he watched the clock. It was two minutes to seven. Hopefully the witch would be late and he\u2019d be spared this audience. Raucous sat on his shoulder.<\/p>\n<p>Raucous had returned and showed Severus the havoc he wreaked at Hermione\u2019s flat. The Potions Master was quite pleased with him and order fresh fish from the kitchens for the raven. Raucous was most appreciative. This was really the best of both worlds for him, having a Master that understood him and being allow to act absolutely horrendously without fear of reprisals. If there ever was a birdie heaven, this was it.<\/p>\n<p>There was a knock on the door. Severus looked at the clock. It read seven on the dot. He pinched his nose. The witch was as punctual as ever. He drew in a deep breath to calm the black anger that was already rising like magma inside him. He was already pissed and he hadn\u2019t even seen the witch yet.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome in,\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n<p>The door opened and Hermione walked in.<\/p>\n<p>The Professor\u2019s black eyes swept over her. Hermione still looked like herself, but had matured somewhat, the innocence gone. She had her hair in a bun, an obvious attempt to look even more mature.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you for seeing me, Professor,\u201d Hermione said, sitting down in the rickety chair.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at her for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour thanks are neither wanted or appreciated Miss Granger. I want you to know that I did not want to see you and hope whatever nonsense made you darken my door after so many years can be dispatched with swiftly. I have no inclination to waste my time with a witch that has thrown her life away. So make this fast, Miss Granger. Vivaldi, Odgen\u2019s and I have an appointment much more important than this one,\u201d he said evenly.<\/p>\n<p>Raucous clipped his beak at her for emphasis.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Hermione drew her wand and hit the bird with a stunner. Raucous toppled off Severus\u2019 shoulder. The wizard jumped to his feet and Hermione trained her wand on him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow dare you stun my familiar!\u201d he roared.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour damned familiar needs to learn manners before he enters a witch\u2019s home and shits on her person. Obviously, you aren\u2019t the one to teach him, so I took it upon myself. I am sure next time he visits, if he ever does, he will conduct himself properly. Now sit down Professor, before I have to blast you too,\u201d Hermione said evenly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 dark eyes met Hermione\u2019s. He didn\u2019t see a bit of wavering in them. He had no doubt the witch would hex him without hesitation. Actually, she was within her rights to give Raucous what for, but he never thought she\u2019d do it. No one else ever did.<\/p>\n<p>Raucous cawed weakly on the floor behind Severus\u2019 swivel chair and the wizard bent to pick him up. He cradled the stunned bird then walked over to his study door and pulled the torch to let himself in, Hermione\u2019s wand trained on the wizard the entire time. Severus entered the study and put Raucous on the sofa to recover and returned to his office, closing the door behind him. No doubt Raucous would want Hermione\u2019s blood for daring to hex him on his home ground. Better that he was out of the way.<\/p>\n<p>Severus returned to his seat, his eyes resting on Hermione\u2019s drawn wand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPut it away. If I wanted to hex you I would have done it by now. Look under my desk,\u201d the wizard said in a tired voice.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione leaned down a little and saw a wand attached beneath the desk, pointing directly at the chair she was sitting in.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA bit of added protection. I could have hexed you with your wand pointing directly at me,\u201d the Potions Master snarled. \u201cFor now I will reserve that action until after I hear whatever it is you wanted to talk to me about. So less aggression, more mouth witch.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at him for a moment, then put her wand away. He could have blasted her into unconsciousness. She didn\u2019t know what she had been thinking when she hexed Raucous. He just looked so fucking smug. How a raven could look smug was a mystery, but he did. And she couldn\u2019t take it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right, Professor\u2026I\u2019m going to lay it all on the line. I\u2019ve been trying to find a solution to Harry\u2019s condition, the partial destruction of his soul. I can\u2019t find what I need in the usual magical tomes. Magic to do with the soul is usually dark. I have exhausted all the usual avenues of research. I want to access your books of Dark Magic to see if I can find the answers I need.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou want what?\u201d he asked her quietly as if he couldn\u2019t believe what she asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to use your books of Dark Magic,\u201d she repeated.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her for a moment\u2026then his lip quirked, then began to tremble. Suddenly he broke out into rich, deep laughter, holding his belly and laughing as if he would never ever stop. Tears ran from the corners of his eyes as Hermione looked on soberly.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, after about ten minutes, Severus looked at her and wiped his eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI can\u2019t remember the last time I had a good a laugh as that, Miss Granger. You are stark raving mad if you think I would let you anywhere near my Dark Magic books. You aren\u2019t worthy to even look at their titles, you poor excuse for a witch,\u201d he hissed. \u201cIf that is what you came to ask me, you might as well go now. I will never let you in my private library for any reason. You were a damn fool to even ask me. Now go.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared back at him and folded her arms stubbornly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI won\u2019t go,\u201d she snapped back at him. \u201cYou fucking owe Harry you bastard. He freed you. You can at least listen while I plead his case.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her soberly.<\/p>\n<p>True. The idiot Potter boy had done that when he killed the Dark Lord. But a broken soul? No one recovered from that\u2026not that there was any precedence for it. As far as anyone knew Harry was the first case.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine. I\u2019ll listen, but only because he killed Voldemort. Not because of you,\u201d the wizard snapped back.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione drew a deep breath.<\/p>\n<p>She had to make this good.<\/p>\n<p>********************************************<\/p>\n<p>A\/N: A little Raucous history. Now for the clash of the Titans. Wise move, Hermione, bringing up that Harry killed the Dark Lord and freed Severus from service. Even he can\u2019t ignore that truth. Well we will hear the arguments next chapter. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 6<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nStory goes here.Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 6 ~ Dancing with the Devil<\/p>\n<p>\u201dProfessor, Harry is the first person to survive a direct Dementor attack with some of his facilities,\u201d Hermione began.<\/p>\n<p>Severus snorted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is my understanding that Mr. Potter cannot speak, dress or even feed himself. What kind of facilities does he have Miss Granger that even warrants further investigation?\u201d the Potions Master asked. \u201cYou\u2019re just wasting your time. He is little more than a vegetable. He doesn\u2019t even interact with his environment. Leave him alone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe does interact! He can laugh and he can cry, Professor. Those are distinctly human reactions\u2026it shows he retains some soul,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt shows nothing. It could just be autonomous. Like blinking,\u201d the wizard replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, if he only did it intermittently. But he laughs when I arrive and cries when I leave, so he feels something. He is not totally gone. I think he can be restored, Professor. All I need is to learn more about the soul and spells that affect it. The books of light don\u2019t go into depth about this. Your dark books probably contain the information I need,\u201d Hermione said. \u201cHarry gave up everything to rid the world of the Dark Lord, who was your cruel Master. Voldemort would have ended up killing you if not for Harry, even if he had come into power. He always suspected you as a traitor, Professor. Your usefulness to him would have ended, and so would you. You owe Harry.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMiss Granger, if you had come to me five or six years ago, I would have believed you capable of handling the dark knowledge contained in my books. Your mind was sharp then, honed by constant challenge, when learning was your only interest. But now you are a mental slacker. You haven\u2019t had to use your mind in over four years, following formulaic designs creating potions and spells of no real significance for the profit of private enterprise. You sold out, Miss Granger\u2026I have no doubt that mind of yours has atrophied in the process. You probably couldn\u2019t produce an original spell or brew an intricate potion now if your life depended on it. Even now, I see a fatal flaw in your approach to Potter\u2019s condition. Back in the day, you would have been more prepared in presenting your case to me. But you come empty-handed and apparently empty-minded expecting me to put books of immense power into your hands based on sentimentality and a sense of owing Potter. He did not kill Voldemort to free me, but to free himself. I know the wizard was driven to kill the Dark Lord not to save the wizarding world, but to save himself, Miss Granger. He wanted to be free of the evil constantly hanging over his head since the day he was born. Gryffindor or not, his motivations were selfish. I owe him nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s not the case, Professor!\u201d Hermione declared, \u201cYou know that Harry was always groomed to face the Dark Lord. You yourself protected him so he would survive to face that day. He may have had his own reasons to want him dead, but he did what he did for everyone\u2019s sake\u2026including yours. The Dementor only got him because he was so caught up in the Dark Lord\u2019s death. It\u2019s not fair that he survived Voldemort only to have his soul partially sucked out of him. He deserves a chance at a happy life, Professor.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA happy life. Pah!\u201d Severus said, \u201cHe has life. That should be enough for anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione scowled at the wizard blackly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust because that\u2019s enough for you, Professor, doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s enough for everyone else. You choose not to interact with the world\u2026to hide down here with your books gathered around you like some kind of literary miser, gloating that you have something no one else does. Yes, you\u2019ve been mistreated and misunderstood, and it\u2019s horribly unfair, but you\u2019ve done nothing to claim the respect due to you. You simply hide here in the dungeons and make others miserable as possible when you interact with them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled at the witch. How dare she talk to him this way?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ve done good but live like a pariah, shutting out the world because of the pain you experienced. And you like your pain. You wrap it around yourself like a cloak of invincibility\u2026nothing can hurt you, nothing can touch you, nothing can make you feel. Well, you like that Professor and choose to live that way. Harry is forced to because of what has happened to him. You may have the answer to his freedom in your libraries\u2026but because you are so cold and miserable, you would deny him another shot at life. It is as if you are condemning him, Professor, condemning him because of your own selfishness and misery. You need to let me research your books. You need to give Harry another chance, like he gave you! Just because you didn\u2019t take it is no reason to deny him,\u201d Hermione said, her amber eyes glittering.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd what about you, Miss Granger, hiding in the private sector wasting your life because you are too proud to give up a bit of trim to advance yourself and your fields of study? Many people invested time and faith in your abilities\u2026you were accepted into our world and learned our secrets, our knowledge in the hopes that you would advance that knowledge\u2026but how did you reward us? By turning your nose up at our traditions. You may be a witch, Miss Granger\u2026but you are still very much a judgmental muggle who thinks your moral standards to be superior to our own. To think of all the hours I spent poring over your work, your lengthy essays and theories. How I answered all your infuriating questions with the hope that it would all be worthwhile. I can tell you now that I had great hopes for you, Miss Granger\u2026and you failed me and everyone who ever taught you. And now you come to me asking for more knowledge\u2026knowledge that most likely you can no longer handle. As I said before you are a wasted witch and deserve no help from me,\u201d the wizard said, his face contorted with disappointment and anger.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am not a wasted witch. I am making my own way,\u201d Hermione countered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are wasting your gifts,\u201d the wizard replied, \u201cYou haven\u2019t created one spell or potion you can claim as your own, and so cannot move into a higher, better position. You\u2019ve had your degrees for four years and done nothing with them. Nothing at all. In four fucking years!\u201d the wizard said, slamming his hand on the desk in anger. \u201cYou should at least be working in the Ministry or as a teacher. But no, you make sex spells and elixirs, or other worthless items. Even if you did show a little creativity\u2026it would mean nothing since all you create is claimed by your employers. You are a stupid little witch. The sight of you sickens me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI can create spells and brew potions with the best of them,\u201d Hermione claimed. \u201cJust because I work in the private sector doesn\u2019t mean I can\u2019t still use my skills and knowledge. You have no right to assume I am less than I was four years ago, Professor.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFour years ago, you might have been the only person I would allow access to my books,\u201d the wizard said evenly, \u201cBut seeing what you have done with your life, I believe my expectations of you were wholly erroneous.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey weren\u2019t!\u201d Hermione claimed, \u201cI just chose a different direction. I am still brilliant.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione paused a bit. She had never, ever described herself that way before. She felt it too pompous. But the Professor pulled the declaration from her. She wasn\u2019t stupid\u2026she hadn\u2019t changed. She was just as capable as ever.<\/p>\n<p>Severus studied her for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou really believe that?\u201d he asked her quietly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione lifted her chin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes I do,\u201d she replied without hesitation. \u201cAnd I believe I can solve Harry\u2019s problem if I have the right research materials.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at the witch consideringly. She had finally claimed her own intelligence, like a Slytherin would have. As a Gryffindor she had always sidestepped stating she was the brightest student Hogwarts had seen in fifty years, trying not to seem big-headed. But her vapid desire to excel always spoke louder than her lack of words. At least she was being honest now\u2026if a bit late. The Potions Master wondered if she did indeed still have that intelligence he had greatly admired when she was a student, that fire to excel?<\/p>\n<p>If she did, would she be willing to exploit it and go for the magical gold she had always been groomed to gain? He tapped his fingers on the desktop as he looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione fell silent. She could see the wizard was thinking. That was good. Finally he spoke.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs I said Miss Granger, I see fatal flaws in your approach to Harry that I believe you would also see if you had remained on your original path to possible greatness. However\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Here the Professor paused.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHowever\u2026\u201d Hermione urged, getting a black look from the wizard as he continued.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c\u2026however, in deference to the witch you used to be\u2026I am tempted to put you to a test, to see if you have still have the abilities you once did. You are a full-fledged Spells Mistress and Potions Mistress\u2026at least in name and on parchment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am willing to take any challenge you put to me,\u201d Hermione said eagerly, seeing she might have a way in.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 eyes glinted at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery well. I will give you two tests, but there is more to it than that. If you manage to pass these tests, you will quit your job in the private sector, move into my home and accept me as your patron. I must receive some compensation for giving you access to my books if I grant you access. And I mean patronage in every sense of the word,\u201d the wizard said evenly, his dark eyes glinting at her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at the wizard. Professor Snape as her patron? Good gods.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut, if I accepted you as my patron then that would mean I\u2019d have to\u2026to\u2026\u201d she said in a tremulous voice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPrecisely,\u201d Severus purred, \u201cBut fortunately, Miss Granger, I am not attracted to you physically, so your being in my presence will not automatically trigger my desire to fuck you. It would only happen when my own body expressed the need for female companionship, a need that comes very rarely. I have been celibate for a very long time and no worse for wear. If you were to accept another patron, most likely you would be required to perform quite often since you are well-formed and not too terrible on the eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him rather wild-eyed for a moment. This pleased the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou do want to help Harry don\u2019t you?\u201d he purred.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione cleared her throat. She felt if she had spoken immediately, all that would have come out was a squeak.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo what is in this for you, Professor\u2026since sex is not a driving force?\u201d she asked the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have a love for the field of Potions and feel it is stagnating and needs an influx of new blood as it were. I think you will be the blast in the arm the field needs if you were given free reign to research as you wished. Any advancement or new discovery would please me greatly. Plus the residuals you earn with original creations are cut sixty\/forty in my favor, so I will earn money in the process of sponsoring you. Of course you would be free to work on Spell Making as well, though I would hope since your patron is a Potions Master, you would primarily focus on research concerning my art. I will supply everything you need and give you an allowance for personal needs within reason if I find you worthy to sponsor,\u201d he replied truthfully.<\/p>\n<p>If Hermione proved to be as sharp as she was when a student, then Severus would have another dimension added to his sour existence. There would be something to look forward to, something that he would be a part of. His life was dull and empty. It would be of benefit to both of them.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him, then drew a deep breath.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right. Let me see if I can pass your tests first\u2026just to prove to you I still have it,\u201d she said, \u201cThen we will talk about the possibility of patronage.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWithout the patronage, I will not grant you access to my library,\u201d the wizard said, frowning at her. \u201cThis is a package deal. All or nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione thought about this. She\u2019d be giving up her independence\u2026her flat, everything. Yet there was a time she would have gladly done it in exchange for greater knowledge, greater learning opportunities. She looked at the pale wizard. Yes, he was cold, disciplined and snarky. The Professor didn\u2019t look like he was one to fuck often if at all. He claimed he wouldn\u2019t want sex often. She believed him. It required contact with another human being after all, something he tended to avoid. Plus, she would have a lot of freedom\u2026but she wondered what his home was like.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you have a lab?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTwo of them,\u201d he replied. \u201cBoth fully stocked. But I rarely go to my home. You will be there alone for the majority of the time. Well, not totally alone. I have a house elf named Eli who takes care of the place. He will fix your meals, shop and do the domestic work. He will serve you while you are under my protection\u2026IF you can pass the tests and agree to be sponsored.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A house elf? Hermione hated house elf servitude. But Eli was already there. She bet the poor thing was miserable serving someone as snarky as the Potions Master. The Potions Master probably beat him for fun. She thought about Harry. Poor sweet Harry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery well. I will accept your patronage, Professor, but under duress. I really want to help Harry, and if I have to make a deal with the devil to do it, I will,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n<p>Severus arched an eyebrow at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Devil, Miss Granger?\u201d he said with a rather evil smirk. \u201cI assure you that particular deity has nothing on me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>**************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Severus is something else. Two tests and an acceptance as Hermione\u2019s patron in exchange for access to his library. He is taking full advantage of the situation, though he doesn\u2019t seem to have any designs on her sexually, other than relieving himself on occasion. Funny Hermione thinks he wouldn\u2019t enjoy sex much since it required intimate contact with another human being. Anyway, I am interested to know what you thought about this chapter, so please review. Thanks.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 7<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 7 ~ A Few Ground Rules<\/p>\n<p>First, Hermione and Severus hashed out the specifics of the tests.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI need a spell that will simplify my brewing processes in a significant manner. How it works is up to you, but I need more time so I can work on more than one or two elixirs.\u00a0 That will be your first test and you will have thirty days to create it. The second test will be to use that spell in brewing a potion of my choosing. I assure you it will not be a simple one,\u201d Severus said.<\/p>\n<p>Thirty days? That was hardly any time\u2026but Hermione knew the Potions Master wouldn\u2019t budge on it. He was also testing her quickness as well as her skill and intelligence.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen I develop the spell,\u201d Hermione countered, \u201cI receive full residuals for it since I am not yet under your patronage.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSince I have given you the idea to develop such a spell I insist on receiving some residuals for my input,\u201d the Potions Master replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThirty\/Seventy, my favor,\u201d Hermione bargained.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d Severus said firmly, &#8220;Sixty\/Forty in your favor, the same as I will collect when and if you become my sponsoree.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione agreed to this. It was fair.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut my research for Harry\u2019s condition takes precedence over any other work,\u201d she said shrewdly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s fine, as long as there is a cap on the time spent. At least one third of your time should be spent researching potions,\u201d the Potions Master said, \u201cI believe that is more than fair. I expect you to keep a journal of all of your work and how your time is spent, which will be duplicated at the end of my patronage and given to me for my own records.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione frowned at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right, but I reserve the rights to that journal. It cannot be published without my consent, in part or entirety,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 eyes glittered. If the witch did manage to repair Harry\u2019s soul, she could be on the brink of restoring individuals who had their souls completely taken. In that case, her research would be a valuable commodity. She was wise to include such a condition. He wouldn\u2019t fight her on it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDone, but the percentage of sales would be sixty\/forty your favor,\u201d the Professor said. He wasn\u2019t going to miss out on a single galleon the witch could generate.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine,\u201d Hermione said, taking a deep breath as she prepared to breach the more sensitive issues. \u201cNow as far as the physical aspects of our relationship\u2026sex between us should be once a month.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere has never been a limit set on the amount of times a patron can utilize the physical aspects of patronage, witch. It won\u2019t start now. I will not be curtailed. I have told you that I am not a very carnal wizard. My conjugal visitations will more than likely be few and far between. I will not change tradition for you,\u201d he said darkly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at him. Shit. It had been worth a try.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cInversely, are you are virgin, Miss Granger?\u201d he asked her, his eyes sweeping over her.<\/p>\n<p>It was Hermione\u2019s turn to scowl.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProfessor, I am twenty-six years old. Of course I\u2019m not a virgin,\u201d she replied, coloring a bit.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHave you had many partners?\u201d he asked her. \u201cAnd do you have partners now? I don\u2019t want to fuck the entire wizarding world when I do indulge myself.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione wanted to tell him it was none of his business. But they had to communicate to make this work.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. Not many. Three. And I am not currently involved with anyone right now,\u201d she answered, frowning at the wizard\u2019s invasion of her privacy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat is good. You will not engage with any other wizards while under my patronage,\u201d Severus said firmly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat? And what if I feel the need for male companionship?\u201d she asked the Potions Master bristling.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThen you will either take the matter in hand or purchase a suitable sexual stimulator to take care of your randiness. I will not be your personal stud service. You are already receiving the brunt of the benefits here. I will not include my cock or stud service as one of them,\u201d he said evenly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLike I\u2019d pick a cold, hard wizard like you for stud service,\u201d Hermione said under her breath. How dare he tell her she would have to masturbate to relieve herself?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHot and hard would be a better description of me in a situation such as you are describing,\u201d the wizard said straight-faced. \u201cRegardless, that is a condition of this agreement. Remember your precious Harry.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat is distinctly unfair. I am available for you anytime you feel the need, whereas I cannot seek out relief with someone more palatable for myself,\u201d she spat at him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus gave her a small smirk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFair or not, Miss Granger\u2026this is how it will be. I am not into either STDs or sloppy seconds. This will assure me that I will not be receiving either. Now, will I have to apply a chastity spell on you or will you be able to handle this? There are ways to tell if you have indulged another wizard and I will always check,\u201d Severus said, his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n<p>Three lovers weren\u2019t much if the witch was telling the truth about her sexual history, but he needed to be sure she would remain pristine while under his care.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine,\u201d Hermione said, \u201cI don&#8217;t need a chastity spell, thank you. But in return\u2026I don\u2019t want to have to go through any weirdness with you. Straight sex only.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus considered her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat do you mean by \u201cweirdness?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione colored.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust\u2026weird,\u201d she said lamely.<\/p>\n<p>Severus smiled inwardly. It seemed Miss Granger was telling the truth about her sexual limitations. She seemed a bit\u2026repressed. He sighed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMiss Granger\u2026you will not dictate how I take my sexual pleasure of you. As far as \u2018weird\u2019 goes, I promise on the rare occasion I do dally with you, I will not viciously strike you or mutilate you. Whatever discomfort you feel, if any, will be normal for the act. That is the best I can tell you. You will not curtail me before I even touch you,\u201d the wizard said, his face sober.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione noticed there was not even the slightest inkling of lust or desire on the Potions Master\u2019s face despite the topic they were discussing. He might as well be talking about the procedure for brewing a potion. Most likely sex with the wizard would be quite clinical, emotionless and cold. It was Hermione\u2019s turn to sigh. She really couldn\u2019t argue with him about this if she wanted his cooperation concerning those books.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine. But as my patron, you are also my mentor by virtue of your knowledge. If I come to you with questions, I expect you to answer them,\u201d the witch said, \u201cand not in riddles either. Straight response.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will only help you if I see you are truly backed against a wall. Your intelligence is why I am interested in being your patron. I will not spend my time telling you what you should be able to figure out for yourself. I am not your Professor in this instance, Miss Granger,\u201d Severus replied coldly. \u201cI am your enabler.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sighed. She had hoped to take advantage of his knowledge. It would be an uphill battle\u2026but she\u2019d be damned if he didn\u2019t tell her how to handle the books of Dark Magic.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cConcerning those Dark Books of yours, I expect you to warn me of any and all potential dangers in using them. Especially physical danger,\u201d Hermione said, her eyes narrowing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI see my godson doesn\u2019t know how to keep his mouth shut. I was looking forward to you learning a harsh lesson about dabbling in Dark Magic. But since you know, I will tell you how to handle each book you are interested in when the time comes. You must come to me first. But again, all this depends on whether or not you can pass my tests and gain my patronage. There is a distinct possibility you will fail as you\u2019ve done with the rest of your life,\u201d the wizard said snarkily.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione glowered at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy life is nowhere near over\u2026it will take the sum total of it to decide whether I am a failure or not, Professor\u2026and at this point in time I do not consider myself one, despite your opinion of me. I will pass your tests, and I will find a way to restore Harry,\u201d she said firmly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh, that Gryffindor boasting,\u201d the wizard purred, \u201cHow much I\u2019ve missed the pompousness of it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dIt\u2019s not boasting. It\u2019s faith,\u201d Hermione replied, standing up.<\/p>\n<p>It was time to go.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cReturn in thirty days with the completed spell and be prepared to demonstrate it,\u201d the Potions Master said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t worry. It will be completed,\u201d she replied heading for the door.<\/p>\n<p>Severus discreetly pulled out his wand and hit her with a subtle hex as her back was turned. She didn\u2019t even feel it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUntil next we meet, Miss Granger,\u201d Severus said, not even rising as she opened the door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, when next we meet, Professor,\u201d the witch replied, exiting.<\/p>\n<p>Severus smirked. Wait until Hermione realized he\u2019d hexed her. Surely the witch didn\u2019t think she would leave his presence unscathed after hexing his familiar right off his shoulder. If she did, she was sadly mistaken.<\/p>\n<p>Severus rose, stretched then headed for his study to check on Raucous and let him know he had been avenged.<\/p>\n<p>No one fucked with what was his.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<\/p>\n<p>As Hermione walked through Hogwarts, she was met with many curious stares from the students. She didn\u2019t meet up with any staff members as she exited the castle. She simply attributed the stares to her being a stranger and thought no more about it.<\/p>\n<p>Before she went home, she stopped in Diagon Alley to browse the bookshop. Again, she was getting stares and people whispered as they walked by her, looking back at her oddly. The witch began to feel a bit self-conscious. Why was everyone looking at her? The last straw came when a little boy of about five pointed at her and said, \u201cMum! Look at the Blue lady!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome along son,\u201d the witch replied, coloring and rushing by Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione darted into the shop\u2019s loo and looked in the mirror, then gasped. Her hair and her face matched her blue robes perfectly. She looked like some kind of alien with her amber eyes and white teeth.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProfessor Snape,\u201d she hissed at her image.<\/p>\n<p>She pulled out her wand and tried to scourgify the hex off. Nothing happened. He must have put his signature on the spell. She would have to work on it when she got home. She used her wand to add a hood to her robes and pulled it over her head. She exited the loo and walked through the shop, clutching the hood around her face closely. Now she looked as if she were hiding something. As she walked down the street towards the public apparition point\u2026two Aurors noticed her and started following. The witch was obviously trying to hide her face. Maybe she was wanted for something illegal.<\/p>\n<p>As Hermione approached the apparition point, an Auror grabbed her arm. Reflexively she went to draw her wand and found it pinned by the other Auror.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right now, let\u2019s see what you\u2019re hiding under this hood, witch,\u201d one of the Auror\u2019s said with gritted teeth, drawing down her hood.<\/p>\n<p>Both Auror\u2019s mouths dropped open as they looked at the blue-faced witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBlimey,\u201d one swore.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat happened to you? Going to a masquerade or something?\u201d the other Auror asked Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSomeone hexed me\u2026as a joke,\u201d Hermione replied, highly embarrassed as a curious crowd began to gather.<\/p>\n<p>Both Aurors chuckled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhoever it was got you good. You\u2019re absolutely freakish,\u201d the first Auror said, as he and his partner let Hermione go. \u201cCan\u2019t you fix it?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, at least not until I get home,\u201d she spat at them. The crowd was laughing now and Hermione\u2019s face turned purple because of her blushing. This made the people howl even louder. \u201cCan I go please?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSure you can, blue witch,\u201d one of the Aurors quipped. Both broke into laughter as Hermione pulled up her hood again and pushed her way through the crowd, people yanking at her hood as she passed. Finally she made it to the apparition point and disapparated. She was furious.<\/p>\n<p>She returned to her flat and let herself in, cursing Severus Snape with every foul name she could think of. What a rotten thing to do. He could have at least hexed her with something she could feel. The fuck.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione removed her robes and walked into her bathroom. She spent the next three hours working on the hex before she finally broke it and restored her natural hair and skin color.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m going to get him for this,\u201d she seethed as she got ready for bed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat a sneaky, dirty, conniving bastard!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>*********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: A very interesting negotiation chapter. And lol at the hex he put on Hermione before she departed. She should have known the Potions Master wouldn\u2019t let her get away with hexing Raucous. Pretty funny. Anyway, please review. This review board is fully functional. Only old ones that are repeatedly targeted for spam have been closed. Thanks.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 8<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 8 ~ The Tests and a Bit Extra<\/p>\n<p>Hermione went right to work on creating a spell that would assist the Potions Master in his brewing. She immediately divined it would have to be a multitasking spell, one that worked in increments according to the directives given. In other words, the spell would have to work based on instructions given. Actually, it was quite simple, but truly brilliant, with the caster describing type of ingredient, its location, preparation, intervals of times etc. It was simple but involved as well, each and every step would have to be described, separated by a swish and flick of the wand as a separator. Specifics were necessary. The spell needed to know whether an ingredient was added whole, chopped, diced, powdered or pulverized. Was the cauldron to be covered or uncovered and how long? What type of utensils were to be utilized for the preparation of ingredients? Cutting board or bowl? How many stirrings were necessary and in what direction? Even the scourgifying of utensils between ingredients had to be directed. In fact, the best way to utilize the spell would be to write down every aspect of the brewing process first, then read it off as a list, separating the instructions with wand motion. Nothing could be overlooked. If done properly, all the Potions Master would have to do was bottle the results. He could work on countless brews at the same time. This would be a great boon to him and all other Potions Masters.<\/p>\n<p>It took three weeks for Hermione to get the spell down pat. She applied her signature to the spell to keep it hers\u2026then added a special invocation developed specifically for the Potions Master to be able to utilize the spell his first time out. The witch wore quite a wicked little grin when she added the release word.<\/p>\n<p>To invoke the spell, the caster simply had to do the proper wand motions, invoking it by saying the word \u201cSequentius,\u201d and finished with \u201cFin.\u201d It wasn\u2019t proper Latin, but it was the intent and not the word itself that activated the spell after all. After its initial use, Hermione had no doubt the Professor would find the spell immensely useful, and that after it was patented, it would bring in a fortune\u2019s worth of residuals over time.<\/p>\n<p>Although she finished the spell a week early, Hermione didn\u2019t bring it to the Potions Master. Let him think it had taken her the full amount of time to complete. If he knew how fast she was, then he would expect faster results. The witch wanted to give herself as much breathing time as possible.<\/p>\n<p>One thing Hermione Granger was sure of however, was that Severus Snape would never forget the first time he used the \u201cSequentius\u201d spell.<\/p>\n<p>*********************************************<\/p>\n<p>On the designated day, Hermione returned to Hogwarts and together with Severus entered his potions lab and explained the spell to the wizard. She presented him with a parchment that gave the invocation, necessary wand movements and detailed instructions on how to sequentially list all facets of the brewing process, then put the spell in action.<\/p>\n<p>Severus listened carefully. So she created a spell that sequentially and magically performed all the steps in brewing a potion according to proper instructions. Simple, but brilliant. Possibly some brewing techniques could be \u2018saved\u2019 and reused without the necessity of describing each step more than one time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut you must be sure to include each and every procedure you would do, and have your ingredients available to be accessed. If they are locked in a cabinet, then the spell will cease to function and the brew will be ruined,\u201d she said to the wizard who nodded.<\/p>\n<p>For the test, Severus had Hermione use the \u201cSequentius\u201d spell to brew a potion that had over one hundred and sixty-five steps, but was completed in precisely eight hours time. It was quite a labor intensive process that required close observation, timed additions of ingredients, carefully calculated temperature changes, and stirrings.<\/p>\n<p>The potion itself was a simple plant elixir utilized by Madame Sprout to strengthen weak plants. It could bring the most damaged plant back to health. But it was also a brew that required constant attention from start to finish. When Severus worked on it, he was trapped in his lab the entire day. An awful amount of time for a plant elixir.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had the Professor put all the ingredients in easily accessible positions. The spell could later be adapted to actually be able to retrieve ingredients from their locations, but for now this was fine.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard watched as Hermione wrote down the entire brewing process from beginning to end, then invoked the spell and proceeded to read off each step, separating them with a swish and flick, then pronounced \u201cFin\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus watched as bowls, pestles, ingredients, knives, cutting boards, cauldrons and liquids went to work, the entire process seeming as if an invisible Potions Master was hard at work chopping ingredients, adding bases, turning up flames and timing the process. Both he and Hermione watched the entire eight hours until the potion was finally completed and the cauldron shut off and items were scourgified and put away.<\/p>\n<p>Severus carefully spooned out a bit of potion and poured it into the pot of a very withered Snapdragon. The plant immediately turned a vibrant green, the red petals snapping at the wizard with gusto. Severus stared at the plant, then turned to Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe spell works. Do you accept my patronage?\u201d he asked her immediately.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d Hermione replied.<\/p>\n<p>Immediately magic swirled around them in a manner similar to taking a wizarding oath.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow I am bound to watch over you until such time as you no longer need my support. We will both be made aware when this happens by magical means,\u201d the wizard said. \u201cOur agreement cannot be dissolved until your tenure is completed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat? There\u2019s no way out of it?\u201d Hermione asked, her eyes wide with horror. She was under the impression either of them could back out of the agreement. She never imagined she would be magically bound to the snarky wizard. Oh good gods.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. The way out is to do what you are required to do,\u201d Severus said with a smirk. \u201cThen you and I will both be released from our \u2018partnership,\u2019\u201d he purred.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou knew this would happen!\u201d Hermione said, furious.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would think you\u2019d be happy. Your access to my library is secured,\u201d he replied, looking at the parchment again. \u201cNow, is this spell ready to be used by another?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him with a scowl.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt has my signature on it. What you have to do is invoke the spell, give your instructions and say the word \u201cFabio\u201d to remove my signature. Then say \u201cFin\u201d and it will work.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master arched an eyebrow.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFabio?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. It\u2019s the name of a muggle model. I figured it was rare enough to avoid accidental invocation,\u201d she replied evenly. \u201cNow it\u2019s late and I have to go. I will put in my two-week notice at work and be ready to move into your home after I leave.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery well,\u201d Severus said absently as he studied the parchment. \u201cYou may go.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione scowled at the wizard. It was after four in the morning. He could at least walk her across the grounds to the gate. But Severus Snape didn\u2019t do such things. Hermione gathered her robes around her and exited his lab, walking through his office and down the dungeon corridor.<\/p>\n<p>The witch glowered as she exited the castle, wand drawn as she walked across the landscape. A half-moon lent some glow.<\/p>\n<p>Well, fuck him then, the mannerless bastard.<\/p>\n<p>And just wait until he invoked that spell.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p>The next day seemed to drag on for the Potions Master, who was anxious to use the new spell to brew some simple healing potions for Poppy. He didn\u2019t tell Hermione this, but the new spell was fantastic. He had no doubt they would make tons of galleons from its patent.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, classes were out, and he rushed the students from his class and headed directly for his lab. He took out all the necessary ingredients, wrote down the brewing process step by step, applying the necessary separating flicks, then said the word to remove Hermione\u2019s signature.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly he felt strange sensations all over his head. They weren\u2019t painful but he brought his hands up to his face. To the wizard\u2019s horror, his face was pulsating, changing. He could feel his nose straightening and facial structure becoming broader, his chin stronger. There was a bristling sound and his scalp felt funny and his hair heavier. Finally the sensations stopped and he could feel his features had changed. He rushed to a drawer, opened it, pulled out a small mirror, stared into it then bellowed in rage.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am going to KILL that damned witch!\u201d he snarled as he looked at the reflection in the mirror.<\/p>\n<p>The Professor was handsome\u2026no gorgeous, with chiseled masculine features, a noble chin and a long mane of rich blonde hair that flowed over his shoulders and down his back. He looked like the long-haired hero found on the cover of cheesy romance novels. The wizard didn\u2019t know it, but he was the splitting image of the model Fabio\u2026at least from the neck up. His tanned face was a startling contrast to his pale throat. Apparently the spell only worked on his head.<\/p>\n<p>Hissing in anger, Severus tossed his hair and pulled out his wand in a vain attempt to change his features back, but to no avail. Damn it. He had an after supper staff meeting to boot. He couldn\u2019t miss it. It was required by Albus that all staff attended.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione Granger had a very nasty streak.<\/p>\n<p>************************************************<\/p>\n<p>Albus wondered why Severus didn\u2019t show up to supper that evening. He always ate in the Great Hall when there was to be a staff meeting, because the staff room was only a few doors down.<\/p>\n<p>Strange.<\/p>\n<p>After supper, all the staff gathered in the staff room, taking their seats and looking up at Albus expectantly. The Headmaster had these meetings once a month to share information about the going-ons at the school and to address any problems or complaints. He never started the meeting until every staff member was present. If they didn\u2019t show within five minutes of the designated meeting time\u2026he would go and retrieve them himself. Currently, he was waiting for Severus.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the door flew open, and Severus strode in, his head completely hooded, looking like Death paying a visit. He sat down in a chair in the back of the room, holding the hood tight around his throat with one pale hand.<\/p>\n<p>Albus stared at him for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, please remove your hood,\u201d he said to the Potions Master.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would rather not, Headmaster,\u201d the Potions Master replied.<\/p>\n<p>Albus scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, I want to see your face so I know you are paying attention,\u201d he said in an even voice. \u201cI do not allow other staff members to cover their faces at these meetings. It would be distinctly unfair if I allowed you that privilege. Now remove your hood at once,\u201d the white-bearded wizard said, his blue eyes rather hard.<\/p>\n<p>Slowly Severus lowered his hood to the collective gasp of almost all the witches present.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s Fabio!\u201d they all cried, half rising from their seats. Apparently the muggle\u2019s good looks and celebrity had made it to the wizarding world.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am not Fabio!\u201d Severus snarled, unconsciously tossing his blonde mane. \u201cThis was an\u2026an accident!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>All the witches batted their eyelashes at him, Sybil Trelawney surreptiously moving from chair to chair to get closer to him\u2026but Severus saw her and pulled out his wand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet back!\u201d he hissed at her. \u201cCome any closer and I\u2019ll turn you into a dragonfly!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The male staff was staring at him with mixed emotions, except for Albus who looked absolutely delighted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAt least this face is better than your old one, Snape,\u201d Marcus Delaluci said, \u201cMaybe you\u2019ll be able to wrestle down a witch now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>All the witches tittered at this comment as Marcus gave Severus a nasty smirk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShut up, Marcus before I cast a spell on you that permanently locks that telescoping cock of yours on \u2018tiny,\u2019\u201d the Potions Master threatened, a dimple showing as he attempted to scowl blackly. It only made him more handsome.<\/p>\n<p>The witches all gasped at his comment. Telescoping cock? Every female eye slid toward Marcus, who blanched. Most of these witches were so old their vaginas were probably dustbowls. He slumped down in his chair trying to become as unnoticeable as possible.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, now! Enough of that language. We are here for a meeting. Now everyone pay attention,\u201d Albus said, tapping his wand against the podium, restoring order.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sat scowling as the Headmaster droned on and on, his arms crossed tightly over his chest and furrowing his eyebrows at the witches who kept turning around to look at him. It made him look as if he were flirting with them.<\/p>\n<p>After the meeting, Severus had to practically run back to the dungeons to escape the gaggle of female staff attempting to surround him. They knew he wasn\u2019t Fabio, but oh\u2026he was so good-looking. They just had to touch him. The Potions Master quickly put distance between himself and them, entering and securely warding his office, then retiring to his private rooms to try and remove the blasted spell.<\/p>\n<p>But Hermione was a full-fledged Spells Mistress and put a signature so powerful on the spell, he couldn\u2019t break it. Angry, the Potions Master floo\u2019d up to the owlery and sent an owl immediately to her home. He didn\u2019t use Raucous this time. The raven would only make things infinitely worse.<\/p>\n<p>The missive was full of threatening phrases such as \u201cearly death,\u201d \u201ctarred and feathered,\u201d \u201cstretched on a rack of nails\u201d and other delightful expressions. Hermione laughed until she choked. She wrote him back saying she would only lift the spell if there would be no repercussions and a cessation in hexing between them. She owed him for the \u201cBlue Lady\u201d hex after all.<\/p>\n<p>Severus wrote her back grudgingly agreeing to her conditions. She then sent an owl saying she would lift the spell tomorrow afternoon after work. The Potions Master was livid, but there was nothing he could do. He was forced to hold classes with Fabio\u2019s head, to the delight of his pupils, particularly the seventh year witches, who sighed over him constantly, even when he took points and gave detention. It had to have been the worst day of teaching in his life.<\/p>\n<p>At about five o\u2019clock, the wizard felt the sensation of his face realigning itself. He hurried to the loo and watched as his familiar pale features returned. The little bitch. She could remove the signature from a distance. She had purposely put him through hell. Hermione was a vindictive little minx.<\/p>\n<p>Well, she\u2019d be in his home in two weeks. He promised not to hex her, but the Potions Master was not a man to let anyone get away with what he considered a crime against his person, and Hermione had certainly crossed the line.<\/p>\n<p>The witch would pay, and pay dearly.<\/p>\n<p>**************************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: lolololol. Oh man\u2026too freaking funny. Hermione might have just set something in motion she doesn\u2019t want. ::::shaking head:::: But that was a good one. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 9<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 9 ~ In the Devil\u2019s Lair<\/p>\n<p>When Hermione turned in her two-week notice to Preston\u2019s Spells and Potions, her supervisor, Boris Craftsman didn\u2019t take it well at all. Hermione was the most talented and faster worker he had, and often corrected errors that the Development had overlooked in their spells and potions right in the processing line without any credit. By rights, she should have been promoted several times over, but since she didn\u2019t press the issue, it was more cost-effective to keep her in the position she was in while taking advantage of her expertise. She did get her annual raises and an occasional bonus but wasn\u2019t earning near to what she should have been.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHaven\u2019t we treated you well here?\u201d Boris asked her, red-faced as he shook the notice at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>The gray-haired, whiskery wizard was livid. How dare she leave?<\/p>\n<p>\u201dYes, I\u2019ve been treated fine Boris, but everyone moves on,\u201d Hermione replied, very surprised at her supervisor\u2019s reaction. Plenty of employees put in notice and Boris had always been accepting of it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat? Do you need more money? A raise? Would a raise make you stay?\u201d Boris asked her, calculating the least amount of galleons he could offer.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA raise would have been nice, but no\u2026my situation is that I must go,\u201d Hermione replied, not wanting to give her supervisor the details.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDid another company offer you more money or perks? A higher position. I\u2019m sure we could match their offer given enough time,\u201d Boris said, his voice almost pleading.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo Boris,\u201d Hermione said, taking a deep breath. She had to tell him the truth so he would just accept her resignation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am going into private research. I have a patron now,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA patron?\u201d Boris asked, his brown eyes sweeping over the witch now. He knew what patronage entailed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded.<\/p>\n<p>Boris sighed. He had hoped this day wouldn\u2019t come. He had always known Hermione was too talented for the private sector, but since she hadn\u2019t taken a patron, he had hoped she\u2019d stay with them. She was cheap, but extremely talented labor. There was nothing the company could offer her that would be equal to patronage.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHave you already been bound to your patron?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. We are bound,\u201d Hermione said, blushing a bit.<\/p>\n<p>Boris took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes a moment before replacing them.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery well. Then there is nothing more to be said,\u201d he said glumly. Losing Hermione was going to be costly to the company. They would have to add staff to quality control now. Profits would drop considerably.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou will be sorely missed,\u201d he said to the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you, Boris,\u201d Hermione replied.<\/p>\n<p>Boris\u2019 higher-ups were not happy when they heard Hermione Granger was leaving their employ and told Boris to offer her a large promotion to keep her. They were livid when they found out she had taken on a patron. Boris was directed to tell Development to send their most difficult spells and potions through before Hermione left, so she could help fix them before her departure.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione worked very hard those last two weeks, staying after hours at Boris\u2019 request and finding the work full of glaring errors which she corrected. It didn\u2019t take her long to figure out they were trying to work her to death before she left. Finally Hermione told Boris she would no longer do any overtime. The supervisor couldn\u2019t blame her and besides, she was leaving anyway so he couldn\u2019t coerce her with threats of dismissal. He was glad for the work she had done however, and thanked her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sold all the furniture in her flat to the landlord at a good deal, packed up her clothing, books and research, sent them ahead and prepared to depart to her patron\u2019s home, located in Shropshire.<\/p>\n<p>The witch walked to the door of her flat, turned around and took a final look at her home of four years. Her life was about to change dramatically and although she was apprehensive, she felt excited too. Soon she would have access to knowledge few had ever had a chance to study, and the freedom to follow her own heart.<\/p>\n<p>More than that, she could now focus on restoring Harry, and that was the most important aspect of this new situation. Yes, she had to make some concessions, but she felt she could live with them. A bit of detached, intermittent sex with a glacial wizard was worth the life of her friend. Hermione had decided she wouldn\u2019t even think about that aspect of her patronage until she was actually faced with it.<\/p>\n<p>With a final glance at her former home, Hermione Granger closed the door and stepped into her new life.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<\/p>\n<p>She arrived at Severus\u2019 home and was surprised to see it was a rather pretty little house. She expected something dark and ragged, with gaping window eye-holes, barren lawn and bats swooping around the chimney. That seemed more in line with the snarky Potions Master. But the house was painted a pretty shade of blue, with a white and blue porch and a swing. The lawn was immaculate, and there were even flowering bushes planted close to the house. Hermione could see a well-kept herb garden on the side of the house. It sat on a half acre of land with no close neighbors. She wasn\u2019t surprised about that. The Potions Master was a private man after all. A low white picket fence encircled the house and Hermione felt magic wash over her when she opened the gate. Obviously it was warded to keep the unwanted visitor out and attuned to her signature.<\/p>\n<p>She walked up the steps to the front door which suddenly opened. A smiling, bobbing house elf stood in the doorway.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWelcome! Welcome Miss! My name is Eli and it is my pleasure to serves you!\u201d the little green elf said, showing all his sharp little teeth. \u201cPlease comes in.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He opened the door wide and Hermione walked in, a bit stunned at the joyous welcome. The elf seemed very happy she was here.<\/p>\n<p>Eli smiled as she walked by. At last, a live person to serve\u2026no more empty house and days spent repetitively cleaning an already clean domicile. Now he would have someone to cook and wash for, maybe even assist from time to time. Plus, the witch\u2019s presence would mean his Master would be home more frequently. At least that was what Eli hoped.<\/p>\n<p>Severus had taken Eli from the Dark Lord\u2019s fortress after the wizard\u2019s demise. All of the elves there were unhappy, but at least they had a Master. The worse thing in the world to a house elf was to be without work and Masterless. Dumbledore kindly took in the rest of the elves, though he didn\u2019t bind them to Hogwarts. Instead, they were free to work there until they found their own masters. It at least kept them busy and gave them a choice of who to serve.<\/p>\n<p>Eli was extremely grateful to Severus, who didn\u2019t really interact with the elf, but still he was fiercely loyal to the Potions Master. He took excellent care of his home, keeping it bright and airy despite the wizard\u2019s disposition. Eli felt it wasn\u2019t good for him to be in the dark all the time, so kept the house accordingly.<\/p>\n<p>When Eli arrived, the house was nearly as dank as Hermione imagined, the lawn unkempt, paint peeling, the porch bent and broken in places\u2026.weeds abounding. In a week\u2019s time Eli made it lovely. Severus was taken aback and started to complain, but Eli countered with he was a house elf and needed to work and the house was a big work. Severus accepted this. It wasn\u2019t as if he was going to be here all the time, besides\u2026though he wouldn\u2019t admit it, the house was rather warm and comfortable. It almost made him feel\u2026well\u2026human.<\/p>\n<p>Of course that made it more imperative he spend time away from it.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione entered the house and looked around. The living room was painted white and furnished in mostly silver and green, definitely a Slytherin domain. There were three large windows, a sofa with extra cushions, two large plush armchairs and of course, a fireplace. A large ornate desk with parchments and quills occupied one corner of the room, and potted plants abounded as well as muggle landscapes of the sea.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI never expected the Potions Master would have such a pleasant home,\u201d Hermione breathed, looking around.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEli thinks he never expected it either, Miss,\u201d the elf grinned at her. \u201cNot always like this, Miss. Was dismal. Very, very dismal. But everything needs light. Even the Master.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Personally Hermione thought if the Professor was in sunlight too long he\u2019d burst into flame like a vampire, but she kept that to herself.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhere are my things, Eli?\u201d she asked the elf.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis way, Miss,\u201d Eli replied, leading her down a hallway. There was a bathroom and three bedrooms. Eli entered the first bedroom on the left. \u201cThis is yours, Miss.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked around. She had a king-sized four-poster bed, a dressing table, wardrobe, walk-in closet, a small bookshelf lined with her books, and her own bathroom. The bed was covered in Gryffindor colored bedding and a small Gryffindor crest hung on the wall. A clock with a lion in the center and moving hour and minute paws hung over the bedroom door. This had to be the elf\u2019s doing. Hermione was sure Severus would never have approved this. The walls were richly paneled with gleaming wood. Hermione opened the wardrobe and found her clothing and shoes placed neatly inside. She pulled out the drawers and her delicates and socks were also folded and put away.<\/p>\n<p>She turned to Eli.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDid you do this?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOf course. It was a service. I unpacks your things and puts them up,\u201d the elf replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell thank you,\u201d Hermione said smiling at the elf.<\/p>\n<p>Eli beamed.<\/p>\n<p>The witch walked into her bathroom and found a large sunken marble tub with several spigots encircling it, a vanity with two basins, a medicinal potions store and a large lighted mirror. There was also a large translucent glass enclosed shower, and a pantry for washcloths and towels. All of her personal supplies had been put away.<\/p>\n<p>Well, her accommodations were very nice.<\/p>\n<p>Eli showed her the rest of the house. The kitchen was neatly kept, had a large stove, cooler and numerous cooking utensils of all types. A large pantry held a number of dried and canned food, condiments and pastas.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will cooks and serves all your meals,\u201d Eli explained, \u201cYou just has to tell me what you likes and I will makes it. Or else Eli will surprise you. I is your servant while you is under my Master\u2019s patronage and knows what you likes. Whatever you needs, I will provides.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you Eli,\u201d Hermione said, still not comfortable with having a house elf serve her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou will gets used to me, Miss,\u201d Eli said, smiling at her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow did you know I was uncomfortable with being served this way, Eli?\u201d she asked the elf.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is my job to know Miss. I am your servant,\u201d the elf replied. \u201cBut you will gets used to it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli led her to a door and opened it. A stairwell led down.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour labs,\u201d the elf said, gesturing to Hermione to go down. Torches lit automatically as she carefully navigated the wooden stairs. There were two doors side by side at the bottom. Hermione opened one door to find almost an exact replica of Severus\u2019 lab at Hogwarts, full of potions utensils, and a locked potions stores. Hermione was tempted to try and unward it, but decided against it. The stores might be booby-trapped. She would have to wait for Severus to come and open it, or adjust the wards to her signature.<\/p>\n<p>She exited that lab and entered the other. It was a mostly empty room, with a large blackboard, desk in the corner and long counter. Perfect for Spells work. So the Potions Master provided her with separate labs to work with, depending on what field she was concentrating on. It was almost\u2026thoughtful. It would have been if the Professor wasn\u2019t expecting to make a profit off her work. Basically he was trying to accommodate her so she could churn out work without much difficulty.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you find the labs satisfactory?\u201d a silky voice asked her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione spun to see the Potions Master standing in the doorway, his black eyes resting on her. There was a slight gleam in them.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. In fact the entire house is rather nice. I\u2019m surprised,\u201d she replied, \u201cYou\u2019re the darkest fixture in here.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master stared at her a moment, then said, \u201cI definitely agree with your observation, Miss Granger. Now, accompany me upstairs. There is a matter we need to\u2026discuss.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shrugged and walked past the Potions Master without commenting and took the stairs. The Potions Master closed the lab door and silently followed after her.<\/p>\n<p>Eli was waiting for them in the living room. He had let Hermione enter the labs alone and when Severus arrived, was delighted to see him. Severus looked down at the elf.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou may go, Eli,\u201d he said to the elf, whose ears flattened. He had hoped to be in his Master\u2019s presence longer.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, Master,\u201d he said, giving Hermione a furtive glance before winking out to his cupboard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhere did he go?\u201d Hermione asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo his cupboard,\u201d the Potions Master said. \u201cSo I take it you find my home livable.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, very,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood,\u201d the Potions Master said, starting to unbutton his robes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Hermione asked him.<\/p>\n<p>Getting comfortable. My robes will get in the way,\u201d he replied, looking at her somberly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn the way of what?\u201d Hermione asked, a cold feeling in her belly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou,\u201d he replied, \u201cI\u2019ve decided to exercise my right as your patron.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione blanched.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut\u2026but you said it would occur rarely,\u201d the witch said in a low voice as she watched his fingers move slowly and deliberately down the front of his robes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd it will. Rarely has nothing to do with when. I\u2019ve decided I need to see if we are even\u2026compatible. It could be that I do not find you arousing enough to even get pleasure from you. In that case, Miss Granger\u2026you won\u2019t have to worry about me at all,\u201d he replied, slipping off his robes. He held his wand in one hand.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione saw that all he wore beneath his robes were a pair of black silk boxers, his black socks and boots. He was lean, but surprisingly fit. His body seemed much younger than he appeared. There was a sparse sprinkling of hair on his sinewy arms and long legs, his torso and ribbed abdomen hairless, but a rather thick line of straight black hair led from under his navel under his boxers. He didn\u2019t appear to be aroused however. His boxers weren\u2019t the least bit tented. The Potions Master was very pale, his skin like alabaster. His dark eyes rested on Hermione, watching for her reaction.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut\u2026but I\u2019m not ready,\u201d Hermione said, her eyes wide.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t worry about that. There are magical ways to make you ready,\u201d the wizard said, stepping closer to her and leaning down, sniffing her hair. His face contorted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour hair smells of jasmine,\u201d he said, \u201cFrom here on out you will not use any scent on your hair or body. I have a sensitive nose and prefer the smell of a body unadorned by masking scents.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus flicked his wand at Hermione\u2019s hair, then sniffed it again. He still frowned and gave it another flick. He sniffed it again, the witch trying not to cringe as he invaded her space.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot all gone, but bearable,\u201d he said, stepping back and looking Hermione up and down before glancing around the room. His eyes fell on the sofa.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOver here,\u201d he said, walking behind the sofa.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at him, unmoving.<\/p>\n<p>Severus pointed his wand at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAccio wand,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione gasped as her wand flew out of her pocket and into the wizard\u2019s hand. He placed it on the end table next to the sofa. Then he pointed his wand again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAccio, Hermione Granger,\u201d he purred.<\/p>\n<p>With a shriek, Hermione flew into the wizard\u2019s arms. She started to struggle and suddenly found it very hard to breathe. She clutched at her throat.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cStop struggling,\u201d Severus hissed, \u201cThe discomfort will pass.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione did as he said and soon could breathe again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat did you do to me?\u201d she asked accusingly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNothing. You are bound to me by magic similar to a wizarding oath. Anytime you try to squirm your way out of the terms agreed to, you will suffer discomfort just as you would if you tried to break a wizarding oath,\u201d Severus said, pulling the witch back against him. \u201cIt is best if you just comply. You can\u2019t get away from me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh fuck,\u201d Hermione breathed, relaxing against the wizard. She still didn\u2019t feel an erection however, only his hard body pressed against her back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, bend over the couch,\u201d the Professor instructed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat? The couch?\u201d she said, outraged.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes the couch. We don\u2019t need to go through all the trouble of getting in bed for this tryst. Besides, for what I am going to do to you, this is the perfect position\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione started to protest but Severus cut her off.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd this does not qualify as \u2018weirdness.\u2019 It is a common copulation method. Couches, tables, walls, etc. So bend,\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt her breath growing short again. Damn the magic that bound them. She bent over the couch and felt the Potions Master lift her robes over her back, then make a noise of disgust.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJeans,\u201d he muttered, then \u201cDivesto!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Hermione felt cool air on her ass. The wizard had removed her jeans and knickers. She still had on her socks and trainers however. Damn, he didn\u2019t even want her naked.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt him press his wand against her rectum and mutter a spell. A foaming sensation filled her bowels. Her eyes widened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo!\u201d she yelled, trying to raise up, but the Potions Master held her down with one pale hand. Hermione wasn\u2019t very strong.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou told me you weren\u2019t a virgin,\u201d he purred.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell\u2026well I am there!\u201d Hermione cried, wriggling. Now the Professor\u2019s erection began to grow as he watched her smooth ass swing from side to side.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHold still,\u201d he hissed at her, and once again Hermione felt the sensation of her breath being taken away and fell still. Once again the wizard placed the tip of his wand against her rectum.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLubris. Lubris,\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt liquid flow inside her, making her feel rather slick inside. She felt Severus\u2019 hand slide from the middle of her back to her waist.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPetrificus Partialus,\u201d he breathed. Suddenly Hermione couldn\u2019t move her hips.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo! You can\u2019t do this!\u201d she cried.<\/p>\n<p>Severus gave a little smirk as he lowered his boxers around his thighs and pulled out his thick, long cock, stroking it gently and leaning over Hermione so his lips rested against her ear.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBelieve it or not, Miss Granger, I cast this spell so you will not injure yourself attempting to get away from me. The magic that binds us will not come into play in this instance, because your attempt to escape me will be a natural reaction to getting your ass reamed for the first time, and not blatant disobedience. It will hurt enough without your struggles adding to your pain. So what I did was an act of mercy,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA real act of mercy would be not to do this,\u201d she said, a sob in her voice.<\/p>\n<p>Severus remembered his stint with Fabio\u2019s head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not that merciful,\u201d the wizard replied, letting his warm breath waft over the distraught witch&#8217;s ear before straightening and positioning himself for entry, resting the huge head of his cock against her dripping puckerhole.\u00a0 Hermione gasped at the feel of his hard flesh pressing against her and closed her eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWelcome to my home, Miss Granger,\u201d he purred, thrusting forward with a grunt.<\/p>\n<p>****************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Oh man\u2026oh man. I can\u2019t even comment on this besides saying Severus is just plain wicked. Whew. Please review, ya\u2019ll.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 10<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 10 ~ Patronage Consummated (Short Chapter)<\/p>\n<p>Hermione howled as Severus slid his thick head inside her, but it wasn\u2019t from roughness, but from her muscles being forced around his size. The wizard hesitated, then pushed a bit deeper, adjusting his grip and groaning as her tightness wrapped around his organ. Hermione groaned as the Potions Master persistently but rather gently pushed his length deeper and deeper until he rested fully immersed in her body. He had used the Lubris spell twice to insure that the witch was well lubricated. Now his loins rested against her buttocks and he held still, trying to let her get accustomed to him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis shouldn\u2019t take long, Miss Granger,\u201d he said softly, his black eyes focused on the erotic sight of his shaft buried deep in her body. Slowly he pulled back and gently thrust forward, feeling her walls caress his length.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh, yessss,\u201d he breathed. \u201cJust relax, witch. The ache will go away.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione groaned, her ass aching at the unaccustomed stretch of her sphincter muscles.<\/p>\n<p>The Professor began to gently thrust, burying his length into the witch over and over as she groaned and gasped, the ache slowly receding as the wizard clutched at her waist, making silken sounds of pleasure as he immersed himself in her body, feeling the witch relaxing around him, his strokes smooth and deep. He pointed his wand at her and released her from the partial petrification spell. Hermione was able to move again.<\/p>\n<p>Being penetrated this way felt strange. At least the Potions Master wasn\u2019t trying to hurt her as he took his pleasure. He was much more vocal than she imagined, hissing, sighing and cursing softly as he approached climax. He sped up but still didn\u2019t treat her roughly, his balls gently swinging against her ass. Severus clutched her waist tighter as a low growl issued from the back of his throat, electricity racing down his spine, directly into his balls. They drew up tight, the wizard letting out a cry as he pressed deep into the witch and came, pulsing and grunting as spurt after spurt of rich come was released from his body shooting into Hermione&#8217;s luscious ass. The wizard leaned heavily on her back, resting on her robes until his pulsing ended.<\/p>\n<p>Letting out a deep sigh of satisfaction, Severus withdrew his now limp cock, watching as Hermione\u2019s asshole began to contract, slowly returning to its proper dimensions. He placed his wand tip against her rectum.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cScourgify,\u201d he panted before turning the wand on himself and repeating the spell, then drawing up his boxers.<\/p>\n<p>He then pointed to her jeans and knickers which were resting on the armchair and magically redressed her, pulling down her robes and stepping back from the witch, who turned around and looked up at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy ass hurts,\u201d Hermione said reproachfully.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot as much as it could have,\u201d he responded, his black eyes searching her face. She had proven quite pleasurable. \u201cI find you suitable, witch. You will find pain and healing potions in your bathroom. I will keep you well supplied.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He walked over to his robes, put them on and began to button them up, Hermione staring at him. He was the same as he always was now. Cold, disciplined\u2026as if he had never touched her. Hermione felt it a bit unfair that he found release but made no effort to help bring her to climax.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re selfish,\u201d she breathed at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes I am,\u201d he agreed, fastening his collar and looking down at her, his black eyes gleaming. \u201cI imagine you are referring to your not receiving an orgasm. It would have taken too long. Maybe I will give you one our next encounter when I\u2019m not so pressed for time. I have to return to Hogwarts. I only stopped by to taste your wares. Very sweet. You did well for your first time.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><i>\u201dAnd to pay you back for the Fabio incident,<\/i>\u201d the Potions Master thought. He couldn\u2019t say it out loud, tempting as it was. He had promised no repercussions. Thank goodness she hadn\u2019t insisted on an oath.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione glowered at him. The bastard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, and before I forget, here,\u201d the wizard said, reaching into his robes pocket and removing a small, thick journal. Hermione could see it was very ancient. He handed it to Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is not actually a book of dark magic, though it makes references to it. You want to help Harry. It is clear to me that your time in the private sector has indeed atrophied your thought processes. You have forgotten to start at the beginning. It is in my own best interest that you approach the problem with some sort of structure, so I have generously given you a start. Do not expect such things from me often. Plus, it will give you something to read while your ass\u2026recovers,\u201d he smirked at her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at the title on the cover.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><i>\u201cThe Journal of Damius Altacare\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWho is Damius Altacare?\u201d she asked the wizard, who scowled at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy the hell do you think I gave you the book, Miss Granger? If you want to find out who he was, read the book you hare-brained little chit!\u201d he snarked. \u201cI must go now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>With that, the Potions Master turned with a billow of robes and disapparated with a crack of thunder. He didn\u2019t say good-bye or give her an inkling when she would see him next. Hermione shrugged and took a step toward her bedroom. She winced. Yes, her ass was sore. But the Professor\u2019s cock was enormous, though she didn\u2019t get a chance to see it. No doubt he could have done much worse to her if he wanted. It seemed all he really wanted was to get off.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione retrieved her wand from the end table and slowly made her way to the bedroom, then to her bathroom. She opened the potions stores which was behind the long mirror and looked at the shelves. Yes, the wizard had stocked a lot of potions there for all manner of complaints. Headaches, upset stomach, there was even a cramp reliever. There were a number of contraceptive patches as well. The witch shuffled through the bottles until she found a glass flask filled with purple liquid. It read \u201cPain Potion.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She opened the bottle and swallowed a little bit of it, just to taste it, but the small amount took away all her ache. It was quite strong. It seemed the wizard didn\u2019t want her to be uncomfortable after sex. Not a trait she would expect from the man.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione walked into the bedroom and sat down on the edge of the bed, turning the journal over and over in her hand, before opening it. It was penned in red ink, and a language she didn\u2019t understand. She tapped the book with her wand, and the strange markings realigned themselves into lettering she could understand. She read the foreword.<\/p>\n<p><i>\u201cThis is the journal of Apocathery Damius Altacare and outlines a great work for the king of Myrrh from the year 855. I have been commissioned to create an invincible army to strike fear into my Lord\u2019s enemies. Something that the world has never seen before, something with the potential to make me almost immortal in the process and able to bridge the world of matter and spirit. I already know what I wish to create\u2026the only matter now is how to create it. I may need help from the powers of the nether world, and if so\u2026the price for that aid will be great. Yet I have a trick that will even keep me from the bowels of Hell though my soul is possessed if I am successful.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>And I must be successful\u2026my years are waning.<\/p>\n<p>D. Altacare<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes widened and she closed the book excitedly, turning it over and over in her hands. Damius Altacare must be the wizard who created the Dementors, and this book contained information on how they were created.<\/p>\n<p>She began to tremble. Up to this point, no one knew where the Dementors originated from. How did the Professor get this journal\u2026and why did he keep the information to himself when it could have helped others?<\/p>\n<p>Hermione scowled.<\/p>\n<p>Because Severus Snape was a covetous, selfish bastard with no desire to help anyone. If asked about it, he would most likely have replied, \u201cNo one asked me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Well, he had given the journal to her. He was right. She was going about this wrongly. She wasn\u2019t doing her background work. Understanding the Dementors might help her develop a working theory even without the books of Dark Magic. If the actual ingredients and spells that created them were there, who knew\u2026maybe she could develop an anti-spell or potion to negate their effects.<\/p>\n<p>Her eyes darkened. But there were no more Dementors. They had all been destroyed at the final battle.<\/p>\n<p>At least that was what the wizarding world believed.<\/p>\n<p>The only one who knew this wasn\u2019t true was Harry. And Harry couldn\u2019t tell anyone or even bring the remembrance to mind. It was locked inside him.<\/p>\n<p>Fascinated, Hermione opened the book again and began to read, her sharp mind absorbing every single word.<\/p>\n<p>At last, she had something solid to work with.<\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: A short chapter and short lemon. Obviously, this Severus is much different than our usual rough-riding Severus\u2026at least at this point. He wasn\u2019t cruel to the witch and at the end was rather helpful. Hm. There seem to be many layers to this Severus Snape. We\u2019re going to have to peel him like an onion. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 11<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 11 ~ A Starting Point<\/p>\n<p>Severus really didn\u2019t have anything to do back at Hogwarts. He just didn\u2019t want to stay with Hermione after being intimate with her. It was his usual response to sex when he indulged. Do the dirty deed and make as fast a getaway as possible.<\/p>\n<p>The witch hadn\u2019t been bad at all. Hermione\u2019s petite body had been an excellent source of sexual pleasure. He thought that he might indulge himself a bit more in the sex department\u2026next time he might actually have intercourse with her. A bit of fellatio as well, though he doubted she could do much with his cock. It was simply too big. But a little sensation beat none at all. Hermione would manage.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was also quite pleased about being the first wizard to penetrate her anally. She had sealed her fate when she told him she was a virgin. He had never been first in anything to do with a witch in his life, so it was a double pleasure fucking Hermione in such a manner. He knew she expected him to make it painful, and he had thought about it quite seriously while Fabio\u2019s head rested on his shoulders, but as time passed logic won out. Firstly, it had been a rather nasty hex he put on her, and if she hadn\u2019t retaliated in some manner, he would have considered her little more than doormat material which would have added to his already low opinion of the witch. It had been a good hex she set him up with, combined with just the right amount of vindictiveness and nastiness. Making him wear the head of a male muggle supermodel for an entire day when she could have easily removed it in a moment was a stroke of genius. In effect, Hermione had shown herself to have strength and a backbone. He saw very little of that in most witches\u2026Minerva having been the only other witch who showed such traits. The transfiguration teacher may have been a Gryffindor but Minerva had very Slytherin-like tendencies. Hermione was evidencing the same traits as her former head of house.\u00a0 At least she had some positive points.<\/p>\n<p>Severus also believed, after he calmed down, that the spell which bound them would not allow him to take advantage of Hermione beyond the agreement. Yes, sex was part of it\u2026but not violent, brutal sex meant to cause her pain. He was her patron, which also meant her protector. The Potions Master doubted if the spell would allow him to brutalize her while she was his charge and he had no desire to test its limits.<\/p>\n<p>Besides, as dark as he was, Severus had no desire to hurt the brilliant witch. Hermione was like his possession now, and Severus always took good care of his possessions. It was his nature to do so. That way they would last and be in top condition when he needed to utilize them. Plus, Hermione had spirit and he didn\u2019t want that taken from her. Nothing was worse than a broken witch. He had seen enough of them in the Dark Lord\u2019s service. Female deatheaters\u2026empty, trembling shells of their former selves, afraid to take a single initiative without someone giving them permission. Sure, they were deadly enough in battle, but in the presence of the Dark Lord or other male deatheaters, they were little more than playthings, not allowed to speak unless spoken to, even their bodies not their own, married or not. They were more than servants. They had been slaves. Severus wanted no slave under his control.\u00a0 What was the fun in that?<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master returned to Hogwarts in a good mood, the best mood he\u2019d been in for a long time. Plus he had thrown the witch a bone. That journal would keep her occupied and no doubt a bit appreciative towards him, despite his \u201cbreaking her in.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus was more interested in Hermione\u2019s project with Harry than he let on. She would make him a fortune if she could find a way to return stolen souls to survivors of Dementor attacks. The wizard only hoped after she read the journal and formed her theories, that she would have enough sense to actually look into Harry\u2019s mind and see just what was going on inside him. She had to discover how much soul was left and what he retained and experienced in his semi-vegetative state before she could actually do anything for him. This was something she should have done long ago. The fact that she hadn\u2019t showed Severus she was not on point intellectually. Probably her emotions got in the way. She was going to have to move past her feelings for Potter if she wanted to truly help him.<\/p>\n<p>Most likely Severus would have to help her along.<\/p>\n<p>He sighed.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">More work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>********************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione read Damius\u2019 journal far into the night, Eli appearing and bringing her ham and Swiss cheese sandwiches, fixed just the way she liked them, and some sparkling pumpkin juice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy own creation,\u201d he said proudly as Hermione exclaimed over how good it was. \u201cEli could be a chef if he wasn\u2019t an elf.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dYou could still be a chef, Eli,\u201d Hermione said to him.<\/p>\n<p>Eli shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI serves my Master and you. That is enough to keeps Eli happy,\u201d he replied smiling at the witch. Hermione finished her food and Eli took the plate and glass, then wished her goodnight, leaving her to her reading.<\/p>\n<p>The journal seemed very focused on the nature of the human soul in relation to the cosmos. Damius claimed that the human soul was a microcosm of the Universal soul, and bound together through the \u201cCelestial Music of the Spheres.\u201d Much reference was made to a book entitled \u201cThe Harmonics of the Human Soul.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione found excerpts of the book, penned in Damius\u2019 hand.<\/p>\n<p><i>\u201cThe universe was created when the Divine Ray pierced and penetrated the Divine egg nestled in the darkness of non-being, the first and ultimate sex act, which resulted in a burst of light and sound, and the creation of the heavenly bodies or the Solar Man of which the Sun in the heart and the first seven planets, the organs. Planets beyond this are the consciousness of the system. Each planet has a soul, or Logos, a spirit that can be divided into light and dark persuasions. Each planet has its own note or sound that blends and clashes with the sounds of the planets around it. As the universe revolves, it is a symphony of sound and motion, which in essence is its soul.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>This harmony is reproduced in the human body, containing seven organ, seven orifices, the head of the properly formed body measuring exactly one-seventh of the body\u2019s length. There are seven spiritual centers which hold the music of the soul and therefore the soul itself. There are times when these spiritual centers become unaligned and the soul either escapes (death) or becomes damaged. In cases of damage, it is believed that the spiritual balance can be restored if the music of the soul is re-established, played by a talented Harper, one who can capture and play the missing strains and allow the soul to heal itself.<\/p>\n<p>The pattern or individual musical structure of an individual can be divined from the moment the human takes his first breath at birth, the pattern and notes of the planet\u2019s positions at birth clearly evidencing the music of that particular soul. Translating the planet&#8217;s natal positions, aspects and progressions into musical patterns and a Harper playing that particular symphony will repair the damaged soul and restore an individual to full spiritual health.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Book of Harmonics, Pg 113, Para 2-5<\/p>\n<p><i>I believe that the human soul can be extracted and transplanted away from the physical body and into another without harm to the original body, which functions with an instinctual autonomous system that does not require a soul to continue keeping the body alive. The heart will continue beating, the blood continue circulating, the belly continue digesting, the bladder and colon continue to expel waste. As long as the soul-deprived individual stays fed and warm, the body can live out its days soullessly. The taken soul can then power another body and will not dissipate until the original body dies physically, then it will continue on its journey. This is my basic theory based on my studies and research, and my focus will be on testing ways to remove the soul of a person. The king keeps me supplied with prisoners and it is a good thing. So far, they all have died. I do not have a Harper to repair the damage nor the food to continuously feed them once they are damaged. So I let them go. But I am close\u2026I can feel it. One woman lasted twelve hours without her soul, which was trapped in a dark sphere.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>I can often feel the Dark Logos of the earth around me. I have awakened its interest. Soon I may have to make contact and exchange my own soul for its dark powers. It will be a more than fair exchange.<\/p>\n<p>D. Altacare ~ 9\/858<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had to reread the hard to understand passages several times before she understood it. She frowned. A Harper. That must be a wizard that has the power to magically enhance music. She had never heard the term before and assumed it was a power that died out long ago. But the idea of the music of a person\u2019s soul being translated from planetary positions at birth intrigued her. Hermione never could play music with any talent, but she could notate it. She enjoyed the mathematics that surrounded the art. It sounded as if charting the music of Harry\u2019s soul would be difficult and challenging. Every planet reacted with every other planet in the universe, felt the pull in either a positive or negative manner\u2026which could be deciphered by the degrees apart they were. Then there were retrograde motions, eclipses and other planetary interactions that would have to be taken into consideration. Trines, sextiles, squares and other aspects would have to be translated into notes, chords and final symphonies. There would be progressions, consonance, deceptive cadences and she imagined dissonance. There would never be perfect harmony, because chaos was necessary for change and growth.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione fell back on the bed, her mind spinning with the implications of this knowledge. She could chart how Harry\u2019s soul was put together at least. Have some groundwork done. She really wasn\u2019t sure if the \u201cHarmonics of the Soul\u201d was an actual magical science and not one wizard\u2019s fantasy or fairy tale, but it was worth a try.<\/p>\n<p>She needed to see if she could find the book on soul harmonics itself. Maybe it gave instructions to make the musical translation process simpler. In either case, she needed to go to the Ministry records and pull Harry\u2019s birth certificate to find the exact time of his birth, and purchase a star chart or emphermis. Gods, this was so close to astrology, a rather wooly divination science as far as Hermione thought. She could only imagine the Potions Master\u2019s reaction to this.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMusic of the soul? Preposterous. Go work on some potions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And a Harper? She would have to look up Ministry records and see if there was a witch or wizard who had that kind of magical power. If there was, she would do what she had to in order to secure his talents.<\/p>\n<p>With a plan in mind, Hermione felt better about Harry than she had in years. It felt for the longest as if she had been going in circles, but in just one day under Severus Snape\u2019s patronage, she had made great mental strides in approaching Harry\u2019s problems.<\/p>\n<p>She frowned slightly.<\/p>\n<p>Strides she couldn\u2019t have made if the snarky wizard had not provided her the journal. Hermione thought back to their tryst. The Professor hadn\u2019t been that bad really, though cold, determined and brooking no opposition. In other words, true to his nature. Hermione was less than willing to oblige the Potions Master because she had thought he was the kind of wizard that enjoyed giving pain, due to how he treated his students and others. She had thought he would brutalize her.<\/p>\n<p>But he didn\u2019t hurt her beyond her threshold, and he didn\u2019t draw the act out to humiliate her. He just took his pleasure and made sure she was taken care of afterwards, even cleaning and redressing her. It would have been much worse if he had left her to take care of herself. Then he gave her the journal. Hermione wondered if he did that to try and insure that she wouldn\u2019t think too badly of him after penetrating her in such a manner. He was quite manipulative. Maybe he thought she\u2019d think\u2026\u201dYes, he fucked me in the ass, but then gave me this wonderful book! What a doll.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Right.<\/p>\n<p>But she wasn\u2019t as angry toward him as she should have been, so if Severus had planned to stave off her wrath, he was partially successful.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione removed her clothing, put the journal in her drawer by the nightstand and slid under the covers naked. The bed was just the perfect firmness. Hermione idly wondered if this were more elf magic. It didn\u2019t matter. She was fried and had a lot to do tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p>She\u2019d need to stop by Gringotts and pick up some spending money first.<\/p>\n<p>She nestled down under the covers. The witch had been so absorbed in reading the journal that she didn\u2019t notice the stack of galleons Severus had left on her dressing table or the note beside it. Her weekly personal allowance. It was a rather generous amount.<\/p>\n<p>Severus had no idea how much money a witch spent in a week, but they were vain creatures, so probably went through coinage like water buying doodads, lacy underthings and whatnots. He had plenty of money since he didn\u2019t spend a dime of the residuals that had been coming in for years and gaining interest. He had also left Hermione a coupon for Cedric\u2019s Sex Symposium.<\/p>\n<p>Twenty-five percent off every sex toy purchased.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Well, that journal held a lot of information on the soul didn\u2019t it. Just a mish-mash of esoteric theories I\u2019ve read over the years. A lot of the \u201cSecret Doctrine\u201d went into this made up theory\u2026courtesy of the Theosophy Society and Madame Blatvatsky. \ud83d\ude09 I also was into Edgar Cayce in my younger years as well as Ruth Montgomery. And did astrology charts using compasses and ephermises at age 11. Lost art now. Lol. I was a weird kid. Anyway, please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 12<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 12 ~ Hermione Visits Diagon Alley<\/p>\n<p>The next morning, Hermione awoke raring to go. She took a shower, dressed in comfortable jeans and a t-shirt, pulled her robes over it and tied her hair back in a pony-tail. As she picked up a hair tie off the dressing table, she noticed the stack of galleons, the note and the coupon. Her eyebrows rose as she looked at the amount of money. It was easily a week\u2019s salary at her old job. She picked up the note.<\/p>\n<p><i>Miss Granger,<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Here is your weekly personal allotment. I will leave this amount for you in this area each Sunday evening for your weekly needs unless you tell me you need more in which case I will accommodate you. This money is ONLY to be spent on your personal needs. Any items used for your research are to be purchased from my accounts, which I have temporarily set up with permissions for you to use. I keep careful tabs on spending however, so save all receipts and place them in the top drawer of my writing desk in the living room.<\/p>\n<p>I have also left you a coupon. Please utilize it. It is good at anytime and has no expiration date.<\/p>\n<p>SS<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s mouth formed an \u201cO\u201d as she read the coupon for Cedric\u2019s Sexual Symposium. At first she started to tear it up\u2026but after a moment\u2019s thought\u2026stuck it in her pocket. It wouldn\u2019t hurt to browse the store, particularly since the Potions Master\u2019s performances might be few and far between and, well, rather one-sided when they did engage. A witch had to look after her needs, and since she was cut off from other male companionship during Severus\u2019 patronage, something from Cedric\u2019s might come in handy. She changed her robe, choosing one that had a hidden hood tucked down in the collar. If she went to the sex symposium, she\u2019d be sure to be wearing it.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione decided she would look for the \u201cHarmonics\u201d book before asking the Professor what he knew about it. It didn\u2019t classify as a book of Dark Magic and might be available in reprint or in the Ministry Library where she could have it duplicated for a few galleons. She also needed to purchase some staff-lined parchment, a metronome, pencils, erasers and a small child\u2019s piano to tap out notes and chords. She also needed a compass, protractor and star charts. Most of all she needed Harry\u2019s birth information<\/p>\n<p>Eli knocked on Hermione\u2019s door and informed her breakfast was ready.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione followed him to the kitchen and found he had made her a hearty breakfast of sausage, eggs, bread and jam, coffee and pumpkin juice. It was perfect.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you, Eli\u201d Hermione said as she sat down and pulled the plate toward her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is Eli\u2019s pleasure to serve,\u201d the elf said, sitting down opposite her and watching her eat with a look of satisfaction on his face. There was also a bit of curiosity.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione couldn\u2019t help but notice it. She stopped eating.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIs there something you want to ask me, Eli?\u201d Hermione asked the elf.<\/p>\n<p>Eli\u2019s ears lay back and he looked very nervous.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is not Eli\u2019s place, Miss,\u201d the elf said, \u201cToo nosey, Miss.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Now Hermione was curious.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can ask me, Eli. I won\u2019t get mad,\u201d she replied soothingly.<\/p>\n<p>The elf stared at her for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDoes the Miss wants a wizard?\u201d the elf asked, his green eyes whirling in his head because of his own audacity.<\/p>\n<p>Both of Hermione\u2019s eyebrows rose.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA what? Wizard?\u201d she repeated.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMate,\u201d Eli said by way of clarification.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh,\u201d Hermione said, looking a bit taken aback. It really was a personal question. \u201cI suppose I do, one day.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli\u2019s face lit up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, that is very, very good Miss! My master needs a mate too,\u201d he responded enthusiastically, then he looked a bit sad, \u201cBut he needs help. Help to see he needs a mate.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Then the elf\u2019s face lit up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou and he could be mates. Very good in-outie. Nicer Master,\u201d the elf smiled.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s mouth dropped open.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn-outie? What in the world is that?\u201d Hermione asked the elf, feeling a bit nauseous at the elf\u2019s suggestion that she be the \u2018mate\u2019 of Severus Snape.<\/p>\n<p>Somehow the term \u201cmate\u201d sounded more natural than being the \u201cwitch\u201d of Severus Snape, or the \u201cwoman\u201d of Severus Snape. He was the kind of wizard that seemed as if he\u2019d have a mate. The designation of \u201cmate\u201d intimated there was only a physical sexual bond. A mate sounded perfect for the Potions Master needs.<\/p>\n<p>But not her. Not in a million, billion years.<\/p>\n<p>In answer to the \u201cin-outie\u201d question, Eli made a circle with his scaly thumb and forefinger, then thrust his other thumb through it very quickly several times. Apparently, house elves had very vigorous sex.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione made a face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSorry Eli\u2026your Master and I are not compatible that way. I want a mate\u2026er\u2026wizard that is human,\u201d she said, \u201cSomeone with feelings, emotions, settings other than mean and meaner. I want a wizard who is kind. Your Master is not kind, Eli.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli swelled visibly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy Master IS kind. He took Eli away from the bad place and brought him here, gave him much work,\u201d the elf argued.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGetting himself a slave to take care of his home for free is hardly kindness,\u201d Hermione shot back at the elf, her brow furrowed.<\/p>\n<p>Eli pushed away from the table and stood up, highly affronted. The elf was fairly shaking with rage.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEli is no slave. I is bonded to my Master and would die for him. He is hard, but good. If not for my Master I would be in Hogwarts very unhappy like the others. You is a bad witch,\u201d the elf said, magically clearing the table although Hermione had not finished her breakfast. The elf scourgified the dishes and put them away magically.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not a bad witch, Eli,\u201d Hermione said, somewhat surprised at the elf\u2019s demeanor. Most house elves wouldn\u2019t dare say something like that to a human. \u201cI just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli turned on her, scowling.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy Master takes you in, gives you money, gives you freedom, saves you, and you says cruel, nasty things about him. You is a bad, unthankful witch,\u201d he said, pointing a long clawed finger at her and shaking it furiously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSaves me? What do you mean? He\u2019s not saving me,\u201d Hermione said to the house elf, \u201cThis patronage works distinctly in his favor. He can have my body when he wants.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli stared at her a long moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou thinks that is more than he gives you? You has access to everything! Things my Master does not shares with anyone. You is not only a bad witch, you is a blind witch too,\u201d he said quietly, shaking his head and winking out.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at the empty space Eli had occupied only seconds before. She had just been told off by a house elf.<\/p>\n<p>As Hermione prepared to apparate to Diagon Alley, she thought about Eli. He had to be the only living creature on earth that felt so strongly about Professor Snape.<\/p>\n<p>She found that a little sad.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<\/p>\n<p>When Severus woke up the next morning, it was business as usual. Getting his shower, having breakfast, gathering the dunderheads\u2019 parchments, looking over his lesson plan. Then on a whim, he did something different.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard walked into his study, then over to his writing desk. He pulled out the main drawer, took out the items in it, then lifted the false bottom. Underneath it was a small mirror. He took it out, sat down in his swivel chair and held it up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFocus: Hermione Granger,\u201d he said to the small piece of glass, which immediately clouded up then showed Hermione at breakfast and Eli sitting across from her. Unfortunately, the mirror did not provide sound so the Potions Master couldn\u2019t hear what was being said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus had Eli set up small disillusioned mirrors in every room of the house, including Hermione\u2019s bedroom, bathroom and both labs before the witch arrived. They were positioned so they covered every area of space and worked like security cameras. He could only see Hermione when she was in his home. When she left the premises he had no idea what she was doing and the mirrors only captured live action. They couldn\u2019t record.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, it was sneaky of the Professor, but he was a Slytherin. Sneakiness was part of the package. The wizard told himself he was just \u201cbeing careful\u201d and \u201cwatching over\u201d the witch. But such extremism suggested there was more to it. Severus was not used to sharing his home or any part of his life, and felt as if he were losing control of part of it with Hermione\u2019s presence. She could be doing anything in his home, with his funds. She might even sneak a wizard into her bed. Severus didn\u2019t like the helplessness he felt. Watching the witch made him feel less vulnerable. More on top of things.<\/p>\n<p>If the wizard caught Hermione dirty, his wrath would be great. He wasn\u2019t certain if the patronage bond would cover her infidelity. Some arrangements were open and fidelity was not a normal part of the bond. He had insisted on Hermione keeping herself pristine for his use, but there was no way to tell if the bond would defend his extra condition. So he had to count on his own methods of protection. Hence the mirror.<\/p>\n<p>Severus watched as Eli made a rather vulgar motion with his fingers. What in the world were they talking about? It had to be sex-related. Then he saw Eli slide back from the table and magically take Hermione\u2019s unfinished breakfast away, scowling fiercely at the witch as he did so.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master had no idea Eli could or would be so rude to a human as he looked at the stunned Hermione. This was a trait the wizard appreciated. More words passed between them, the elf shaking his finger at the witch as if scolding a child\u2026then he said something else and winked out, leaving Hermione looking bewildered.<\/p>\n<p>Severus didn\u2019t know if Eli would reveal their conversation. He was magically bound to keep Hermione\u2019s secrets as well. But the wizard certainly was curious as Hermione disapparated.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019d try and find out later what transpired. The dunderheads awaited.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione arrived at Diagon Alley\u2019s public apparition point and immediately drew up her hood and drew her wand. She had decided to go to Cedric\u2019s Sex Symposium first, figuring most perverts slept in late exhausted from their nightly activities, and there would be less customers. Cedric\u2019s was located in Knockturn Alley. Originally, the owner Cedric had a shop directly on Diagon Alley, but there was a public outcry because so many Hogwarts students shopped their before starting term, and parents felt that seeing huge double-headed dildos and knickers made of sweets dangling in the windows was a bit too much education. So Cedric had to move his shop to Knockturn Alley, which actually improved his business, since customers were leery of entering his shop out in the open. No one cared if you wanted something to twiddle your diddle in that location.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione strode through Knockturn Alley with a strong \u201cI\u2019m-not-a-victim-and-will-blast-your-ass-to-kingdom-come\u201d walk and wasn\u2019t bothered a bit by the dark characters loitering there. She often came to Knockturn Alley to get potions ingredients and knew her way around. There had been an incident or two. The Knockturn Alley regulars soon learned it wasn\u2019t wise to fuck with a Spells Mistress, even if she was only five foot three.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione walked up to Cedric\u2019s Sex Symposium. A few wizards leered at her as she approached, trying to see into her hood as she passed. In the shop window were round mouthed joy-witches complete with tall black pointed hats, a smattering of vibrators and dildos, and a few painful looking clamps that went gods knew where.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione walked into the shop, which held three well-stocked aisles of every kinky doodad you could imagine: Vibrators, dildos, erotic books, phallix glass toys, steel toys, bondage and fetish items, lubricants, gifts and gags, toys for boys, harnesses and butt plugs to name a few.<\/p>\n<p>Behind a counter by the door stood a rather small, bent, glassy-eyed wizard. He was an unhealthy pale color, his black hair slicked to his head, his face pockmarked with craters and he had very full, thick and rather wet lips. He licked them compulsively and rubbed his fingers over his knuckles quite slowly as if caressing them.<\/p>\n<p>This was Cedric.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh, an early bird,\u201d he purred, in almost a conspiratorial whisper. The timbre of the shopkeeper\u2019s voice made Hermione get goosebumps all over her body and not in a good way as he looked at her rather lasciviously. Cedric embodied the word: Pervert.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat can I do you for today? Nipples clamps? A Hands-Free Vibrator? Ah, a clitorial piercing, perhaps?\u201d he asked breathily, his eyes dropping to Hermione\u2019s thighs for a moment before returning to her face. He smiled, showing gapped brownish teeth. Hermione shuddered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m just browsing, thank you,\u201d Hermione replied in a very high voice, hurrying away from the creepy proprietor.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust call me if you need any assistance. Any at all,\u201d he called after her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione didn\u2019t reply as she darted down the dildo aisle.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe wants me,\u201d Cedric breathed, rubbing his knuckles even harder, his eyes going half-lidded. \u201cThey all want me. I have so many fun toys.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Still hooded, Hermione did her best to shake off the effects of Cedric and tried to focus on the sex toys in front of her, but it was difficult raising her libido high enough to decide what she would enjoy sexually with Cedric perving behind the counter. Gods\u2026she was going to hate paying him. She hoped he wouldn\u2019t actually touch what she purchased. If he did, it was going to undergo a very intense purification spell.<\/p>\n<p>There was a large assortment of clownishly colored dildos in all sizes. Hermione liked large. She noticed a sign.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHands Free Wicked Wheezer, the Witch Pleaser. Just Invoke and let it Smoke!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Interested, Hermione eased down to the display. A number of flesh colored dildos of various sizes with scrotums on the ends lay on the table, looking quite realistic. There were tags wrapped around each shaft that gave a further description of what the dildo could do.<\/p>\n<p><i>&#8220;The Wicked Wheezer warms, stiffens and moves like a real penis independent of any physical manipulation on the part of the user. It is invoked by a simple command, has three settings of sexual intensity, gentle, normal, and wild and self-scourgifies at the end of each session. Satisfied customers claim it is as good as the real thing.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked over the dildos and picked up a rather large one. She was a small witch but had a thing for big cocks and strong wizards. One of the reasons she didn\u2019t use sex toys was because they were so much work. The self-engaging Wicked Wheezer sounded just perfect. Of course, there was no galleon back guarantee.<\/p>\n<p>She began to make her way back to the counter, and the disturbing Cedric when she heard the door open and a familiar voice. She hurried back down the aisle and dipped around the corner.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHey there, Cedric,\u201d a bright female voice called out.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh, Miss Weasley, my best customer\u2026what can I do for you today?\u201d Cedric said in his creepy voice.<\/p>\n<p>Ginny looked up at the handsome blonde-haired wizard on her arm, and the little brunette clutching his other arm rather hotly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh we know what we want already, don\u2019t we John? Gail?\u201d she said to them, grinning sexily, throwing back her red hair.<\/p>\n<p>John\u2019s blue eyes glittered at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s right, Ginny. I certainly know what I want,\u201d he growled at her. Then he looked at Gail, who fluttered her lashes at him, her brown eyes fairly glowing. Then she looked at Ginny and nodded, winking at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGail\u2019s the quiet one\u2026at least until we get behind closed doors,\u201d Ginny informed Cedric who nodded, his eyes washing over the curvy witches.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re a lucky young wizard,\u201d he purred at John, who gave him a rakish smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLuck had nothing to do with it. I\u2019ve already had to prove myself to these little beauties,\u201d he said, kissing Ginny, then Gail lightly on the lips. The witches smiled at him. \u201cGood thing I make my own hours at work, or I\u2019d be in big trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome on John, let\u2019s get it and go back to your flat,\u201d Ginny purred, leading him and Gail down the dildo aisle. She stopped in front of a huge display of long, double-headed dildos. She picked up a bright blue one.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is a cheery color,\u201d she said, turning it over in her hands, testing the rigidness. \u201cWhat do you think, Gail? We can give him a little breather with this.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Gail nodded and John grinned as they walked back up the aisle to the counter and paid for the item. Hermione noticed Cedric didn\u2019t touch it. He just took the galleons and passed them an opaque bag. Ginny put the dildo in and the trio left.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shook her head. Ginny was obviously as uninhibited as ever.<\/p>\n<p>She made sure they were gone, then approached the counter, placing the Wicked Wheezer on it and pulling out her purse, avoiding looking at Cedric. She was so put out, she completely forgot about the coupon.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh, a good choice. You won\u2019t even need a wizard with one of these. I\u2019m told they\u2019re that good. I haven\u2019t tried one yet, but intend to,\u201d Cedric said, accepting the galleons from Hermione. She dropped them into his hand, not wanting to touch him. Ew, ew, ewwww.<\/p>\n<p>Cedric made change and offered it to her. The witch quailed at the coins in his pale palms which looked as if the fish-belly colored flesh was covered in fine black hair.\u00a0 What put hair on palms?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cKeep it,\u201d Hermione said quickly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo generous,\u201d Cedric purred, sliding a bag over. \u201cI hope you continue to patronize my shop.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione didn\u2019t reply as she bagged the dildo, reduced the bag and put it in her pocket.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHave a good day and an even better night,\u201d Cedric said to her as she exited the shop quickly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYeah, she definitely wants me,\u201d the shopkeeper breathed as he watched Hermione hurriedly exit Knockturn Alley.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey all do.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>**********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Well, Severus has his eye on Hermione. Hermione\u2019s been chastised by Eli and bought a pretty cool sex toy. Cedric make me squicky. Lol. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 13<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 13 ~ Returning Home<\/p>\n<p>Hermione returned to Severus\u2019 home with everything she meant to purchase, immediately placing the receipts in the top drawer of the Potions Master\u2019s desk as instructed. Paying for the items had been relatively simple. When asked what form of payment she preferred to use she stated the items were to be charged to the account of Severus Snape. His account was referenced and her name was listed beneath his, under \u201cSponsored.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A couple of clerks who knew the snarky professor curiously gave Hermione the twice over. So, this witch was the charge of the pale, bad-tempered wizard. Who would imagine he\u2019d provide Patronage for anyone? Well, Hermione didn\u2019t have any marks on her so she must not be suffering too much.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was required to press her thumb against the parchment for identification purposes, then her items were charged to the Professor\u2019s account and a detailed receipt given her, listing not only the items, but the time and date purchased as well as the clerk who handled the sale. Hermione imagined it was for record keeping and possibly prosecution purposes if she misused the funds provided by her patron for her research. Most likely the clerk named would be in court to testify against her if she were charged with misuse.<\/p>\n<p>Eli was nowhere to be seen when Hermione arrived home. In her experience, house elves always popped up when their charges arrived after shopping to help put away items. Eli\u2019s absence meant something was amiss. He had been very angry when last she saw him. Had he decided not to serve her any longer? Could a house elf do such a thing?<\/p>\n<p>Hermione first went into her bedroom and took out her package from Cedric\u2019s Sex Symposium and put it in her nightstand drawer, still wrapped up. She pushed it far to the back, flushing a bit. Even though the Potions Master had given her the coupon\u2026she didn\u2019t want him to know she actually went to the sex shop. It wasn\u2019t the most adult reaction, but there it was.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione then walked downstairs to the spells lab and took out her research items. She took the packages out of her robes pocket, placed them on the counter and enlarged them. She took out a small child-sized piano, a metronome, staff parchment, star charts, protractors and compasses, several EverSharp pencils with erasers and the duplicated copy of \u201cThe Harmonics of the Soul.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione arranged the items neatly on the counter, sat down on the stool and made sure everything was properly positioned for researching, then returned back upstairs. Eli was still absent. Worried, she called for him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEli? Eli?\u201d the witch shouted loudly.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly, a rather sullen voice sounded behind her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am here, Miss,\u201d Eli squeaked.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione spun, then gasped, bringing hand to her mouth as she looked at the elf.<\/p>\n<p>Eli\u2019s head had knots and bruises all over it, one of his eyes was swollen and half-closed and all his fingers had little rags tied around the tips. The elf\u2019s other good eye was glazed with pain.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione ran over to him, kneeling down, her eyes full of worry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEli! Eli what\u2019s happened to you?\u201d she asked the elf.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEli gave bad service to the Miss. Was disrespectful. Eli punished himself for his badness. Am so sorry Miss. So, so sorry. Is worthy of clothes Eli is,\u201d the elf said sadly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at him for a moment, horror on her face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou did this to yourself just because you lost your temper? Oh, Eli,\u201d the witch said, tears forming in her eyes, \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t have done this. Everyone loses their temper.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot good house elves, Miss. Never supposed to lose temper with Master or Mistress\u2026not that way. We complains quietly to ourselves, Miss. Not disrespect. Eli was very wicked, bad elf. Deserves clothes,\u201d he said again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo you don\u2019t Eli,\u201d Hermione said quietly, standing. \u201cCome with me to my room and let me fix your hands and head.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli shook his head stubbornly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are disobeying me, Eli,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the house elf charged headfirst into the wall, Hermione screaming as he hit it with a thud and fell back, greenish blood oozing from his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo!\u201d Hermione screamed as the elf struggled to his feet and charged the wall again. Hermione pulled out her wand and stunned the elf, who fell to the floor. She ran over to him and picked up his small bleeding body in her arms.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, Eli. You poor thing. And people think House Elf servitude is all right. It isn\u2019t all right if you do this to yourself because you think you\u2019ve displeased who you serve,\u201d Hermione whispered, carrying Eli into her bedroom and gently laying the elf on her bed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione walked into her bathroom and took out a number of potions from her medicinal stores and carried them back into the bedroom. She sat down on the bed and gently pulled Eli over until his head rested in her lap. She pointed her wand at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEnervate,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n<p>Eli\u2019s good green eye opened and he looked up at Hermione rather dazedly at first. Then he realized where he was and began to struggle.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI order you to lie still, Eli and let me tend to your wounds,\u201d Hermione said sternly.<\/p>\n<p>Eli ceased struggling.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Miss should not\u2026\u201d he began when Hermione cut him off.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t speak, just drink these potions,\u201d the witch said, offering Eli one vial after the other, the elf drinking them down. They worked and his eyes cleared up, the knots, bruises and cut on his head disappeared and his fingertips were healed. He had purposely burned them on the stove.<\/p>\n<p>Eli sat up and turned so his scaly legs dangled over the edge of the bed. His head hung dejectedly and his ears were flattened to his head in shame. Hermione looked at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEli, while I am here you will not punish yourself in any manner. Do you understand me? Not for any reason at all. I forbid it,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione wasn\u2019t comfortable giving orders to the elf like this, but it was the only way she could be sure he wouldn\u2019t do himself harm.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes Miss,\u201d the elf said sullenly, not looking at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd I don\u2019t want you thinking about what happened this morning anymore. Everyone loses their temper. You are very loyal to your Master. I understand why you were upset with me. And you are right about some aspects of it. You just have to realize that I see things differently with your Master. I am not here because he is being kind to me. We have an arrangement. We are both taking what we need from each other. There are aspects to our arrangement that are difficult for both of us, I imagine. Your Master isn\u2019t used to sharing what is his. And I am not used to sharing my body the way I agreed to. We aren\u2019t used to it yet. Not used to each other. I\u2019ve only known the Professor as a brilliant Potions Master, but someone selfish, sarcastic and rather cruel to people, Eli, even though he served the Order. I don\u2019t see him the way you do. Maybe before this patronage is over I will see something good in him,\u201d she explained to the elf. \u201cI think it best if we don\u2019t discuss how we feel about him anymore. All right?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli looked at her and nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes Miss,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood,\u201d Hermione replied, resisting the urge to pet the elf on his head. \u201cNow, no more about what happened. We are going to pretend that we are just getting acquainted again\u2026and I am starving. Could you make me lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli hopped off the bed, fully restored.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes Miss,\u201d he said, bowing low. \u201cA most yummy lunch for the Miss. I go now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli winked out.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione let out a huge sigh and scourgified the green blood off her robes. She threw away the empty bottles of healing and pain potions and washed her hands. Poor Eli. He must have suffered so much while she was gone. Hopefully, this wouldn\u2019t happen again. He was just expressing what he felt. Apparently that wasn\u2019t allowed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione understood house elves enjoyed being bound, but that still didn\u2019t make it right in her opinion, not if things like self-punishment were part of their service. Ah well. This was the wizarding world. No one would take up the cause of the House Elf. She found that out years ago at Hogwarts. Even Hagrid told her to leave them alone when she tried to campaign to give them freedom, rights and pay.<\/p>\n<p>This wasn\u2019t the muggle world. No one interfered in the personal lives of others on a social level. There were no protests if a witch chose to terminate a pregnancy, or if two people of the same sex wanted to be married or adopt a child. Wizarding society allowed people to make their life choices and deal with the consequences of those choices on their own. So no matter how she felt about Eli\u2019s situation, she had to leave it alone.<\/p>\n<p>Eli made her a huge ham sandwich, piled high with ham, cheese, sweet pickles, tomatoes and mustard, as well as a large, cold glass of sparkling pumpkin juice. She ate every bit of it, the elf smiling at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot so much a bad witch,\u201d the elf thought as he looked at her. \u201cMaybe not so blind either.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When Hermione finished her sandwich, she looked at Eli.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEli, that was the most delicious ham I\u2019ve ever tasted,\u201d she said to the elf, who looked around the kitchen very guiltily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWas not the usual ham, Miss,\u201d he said in a low voice, his ears pressed flat against his head \u201cWas the Master\u2019s own. Eli wants to make the Miss a wonderful sandwich\u2026so uses that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cReally?\u201d Hermione replied, dropping her voice as if the Potions Master could hear them to comfort the elf.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. It is called \u2018Iberico ham. Muggles makes it. Is very good. Very expensive,\u201d the elf whispered, his green eyes whirling.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had heard about that kind of ham, but never tasted it before. The ham itself came from Spain, the highly-prized meat harvested from black-hoofed Iberian hogs. The hogs were treated royally, living a leisurely free-range life and eating up to 20 pounds of acorns a day. The bellota-ham cuts, marbled with fat and infused with flavor from the acorn diet, are cured in mountain air for at least two years. A very, very expensive meat. Obviously the Professor was a connoisseur. He would probably have conniptions if he knew Eli was feeding Hermione his treasured Iberico ham.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, thank you, Eli\u2026it was very delicious,\u201d she said, \u201cWe\u2019ll just keep it between ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The elf nodded and grinned then cleared the table. Hermione stood up, stretched and patted her belly. She was a bit sleepy, but decided against a nap. She wanted to read the \u201cHarmonics\u201d book for a while to see if she could get any tips on translating the planetary map of Harry\u2019s soul into music. Then she would chart his soul pattern based on his birth date and time. According to Harry\u2019s birth certificate, he was born at seven thirty-one in the morning. Hermione found that interesting because he was also born the seventh month and thirty-first day. She was sure that was significant.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione said goodbye to Eli and headed down to the lab.<\/p>\n<p>She had work to do.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus hadn\u2019t visited his home in over a month, though he kept tabs on Hermione through the magic mirror, wondering what the hell she was up to. On the blackboard in the Spells lab, she had drawn two charts of what appeared to be an over the top view of the solar system, with the sun in the middle and only seven planets encircling it. Underneath each planet was a single letter of the alphabet. They both differed, the planets in different locations in each chart.<\/p>\n<p>She also was working furiously on some kind of calculations, her hair a complete rat\u2019s nest\u2026proof that whatever she was doing had taken her over completely. Eli came down with sandwiches and had arguments with her, presumably about eating. He always won however, though he had to dodge an irritated hex or two. Severus smirked at this. Hermione had very dark tendencies.<\/p>\n<p>He remembered how she had idiotically tried to start a campaign to give house elves more respect and rights. Now look at her\u2026firing hexes at one. Luckily, as an elf that served Voldemort, Eli was extremely nimble at dodging hexes. Deatheaters would hex the elves for fun, and Eli had retained his survival instincts.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master watched as the witch made chart after chart, crumpling up work she had been hovering over for days, then starting over. Her eyes had that hungry look the Severus remembered when she was discovering some new knowledge.<\/p>\n<p>Finally it seemed she had gotten what she wanted, then for the next several days it was all compasses, protractors, points and more calculations. She had not gone near a cauldron or wand for more than three weeks.<\/p>\n<p>It was when Hermione began cautiously plunking notes on what looked like a child\u2019s piano and making musical notations that Severus\u2019 curiosity couldn\u2019t be contained any longer. That Friday evening he arrived at his home and after rummaging through her bedroom, immediately went to the Spells lab, opening the door and entering. Hermione was so absorbed in her work, she didn\u2019t even hear him.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard silently approached the witch and stood behind her, looking over her shoulder at very complicated planetary charts with all manner of colored lines arcing from planet to planet, and symbols running along each line, and a kind of multiplication chart using planetary symbols instead of numbers. He recognized the symbols for trines, sextiles and squares representing degrees of planetary interaction. Hermione\u2019s brow was deeply furrowed as she added a note to the staff paper in front of her.<\/p>\n<p>She was writing music? Music?<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master\u2019s eyebrows rose. He was sure she had an explanation for all this, but she was supposed to be working on Harry\u2019s situation, spells or potions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUsing my galleons to create symphonies, Miss Granger?\u201d he said suddenly. \u201cI doubt you are a good enough composer to earn me any galleons with your lyrical notations.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione started, turning around quickly, her hand going to her heart. Severus smirked, pleased he had startled her. She took a deep breath.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou could have let me know you were here,\u201d she said scowling at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI did,\u201d he replied, \u201cNow what are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m notating the music that should heal Harry\u2019s broken soul,\u201d she replied, turning back to the sheet music.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat?\u201d Severus said incredulously, his face contorting at such a ridiculous statement. He was about to blow a torch at her wastefulness, when she slid her journal over to him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBefore you bust a blood vessel, read,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus snatched the journal from Hermione\u2019s hand, pulled up a stool and started reading. She had recorded quite a bit of work, and his frown soon turned to a look of interest as he read what she was doing, what it was based on and her findings. It took him about forty-five minutes to get through it. Finally he put the book down and looked at the notations.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo this is?\u201d the Potions Master said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe opening melody to Harry\u2019s soul,\u201d she said softly, her eyes shining. \u201cIt\u2019s only a few notes\u2026but there is something about them\u2026something that touches me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus eyed the notes, and the timing, playing them in his mind.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione reached over to the little piano and hesitatingly tapped them out.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110818231700\/http:\/\/www.theburningpen.com\/Gray\/harry.m3u\">(CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE BEGINNING OF HARRY&#8217;S MELODY AS PLAYED BY HERMIONE)<\/a><\/p>\n<p>She was no musician. Severus had to admit (to himself of course) those few notes were rather moving.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd you hope to do what with this?\u201d he asked her, though her journal had covered that.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione turned to him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter I complete the score, I need to try and find a Harper\u2026someone who has Music magic. A Harper can turn ordinary music into something more\u2026he or she could bind this score to Harry\u2019s broken soul like a missing pattern and allow it to repair itself. I couldn\u2019t find a Harper listed at the Ministry. They are usually virtuosos, very talented musicians,\u201d she said. \u201cI figure I will check out a few bands or orchestras to see if I can find someone who plays with great skill. Maybe they might have untapped powers, or I can enhance their playing magically.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI see,\u201d Severus said, looking at the notations. It seemed Potter\u2019s score would be interesting. He might duplicate it and see what it was about when Hermione was finished with it. He looked at the witch. She was a mess.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou&#8217;ve been taking care of yourself in your usual manner when working on a project I see,\u201d he commented, sniffing delicately. \u201cYou need a bath. You stink to high heaven. It is fortuitous I didn\u2019t have carnal intentions toward you tonight. I would have been completely repulsed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione bit back a reply that she would stay in a constant state of stink in that case. The Potions Master\u2019s eyes glittered at her anyway. He knew she was thinking of saying something very stupid.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs it stands, I\u2019ve only come to collect my receipts. I will be returning to Hogwarts now,\u201d the dark wizard said, his dark eyes washing over the witch. \u201cGet a bath, for gods\u2019 sake.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus exited the lab, Hermione sticking her tongue out at his back as he strode up the stairs, robes billowing.<\/p>\n<p>Yet seeing the wizard had a very odd effect on Hermione. She felt a bit randy at the sight of him. The witch had been so caught up in her work that she hadn\u2019t given a moment to thinking about sex. But now\u2026shit.<\/p>\n<p>Their initial sexual encounter had been rather one-sided, but the Potions Master had quite a large cock\u2026no doubt intercourse with the wizard would be good despite his coldness. But hell, it could be months before that happened. Hermione felt herself getting a little wet and found the scent of arousal mixed with unwashed body was not good. She did need a bath\u2026and maybe a little something else.<\/p>\n<p>She thought about the Wicked Wheezer dildo in her nightstand drawer.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe it was time to break it in.<\/p>\n<p>****************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: At last, chapter 13 up. I know that the strain of music played is actually called &#8220;Hedwig&#8217;s Song&#8221; but I always think of Harry when I hear it, so that&#8217;s why I used it.\u00a0 I think it&#8217;s beautiful. Ah, the sight of Severus made her randy. Hmm. Severus seems as cool and controlled as ever. But then again, she did smell\u2026maybe if she hadn\u2019t he might have done something other than collect his receipts. Please review. Thanks.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 14<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 14 ~ Something Wicked Her Way Comes<\/p>\n<p>Back in his study, Severus tried to focus on something other than what he had found in Hermione\u2019s nightstand.<\/p>\n<p>The Wicked Wheezer.<\/p>\n<p>He knew he had left the coupon for her, but he didn\u2019t actually think she\u2019d go to Cedric\u2019s sex shop. Of course, she had needs\u2026but he thought the witch better\u2026well\u2026controlled than that. Perhaps if it had been an ordinary dildo, it wouldn\u2019t\u2026wouldn\u2019t make that much of a difference. But what he saw and by what he read, that was much more than a toy a witch stuffed in and out of herself.<\/p>\n<p>It was a toy that actually fucked.<\/p>\n<p>When he opened the package, at first he was startled because of how realistic the dildo looked. It was as if a wizard had been castrated and his tool placed in a bag. Severus sat down on the bed and pulled the thing out. It was quite large, almost the size of his own member. Hermione was such a small witch. Obviously, she preferred large cocks.<\/p>\n<p>Well, he definitely had that.<\/p>\n<p>Severus read the label. Hands free? Stiffens? Warms? Three settings? The Potions Master read further to find out how the dildo worked. Hmm. A simple invocation accompanied by the preferred setting.<\/p>\n<p>Do me gentle. Do me normal. Do me wild.<\/p>\n<p>Good gods.<\/p>\n<p>She hadn\u2019t used it yet. But he imagined she would soon.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard walked over to his liquor cabinet and fixed himself a drink, sitting down in his armchair and taking a slow sip as he stared into the fireplace. He had been observing Hermione, but not watching her in her bedroom or bathroom. Hell, she wasn\u2019t showering anyway, so the most he probably would have seen was her using the loo. Severus wasn\u2019t interested in that.<\/p>\n<p>But after what he said to her tonight, perhaps she would look after herself. He downed the firewhiskey, then fixed himself another\u2026then another, getting ready to tie one on, listen to some classical music and probably play a bit on his violin. But as his buzz grew, so did his curiosity. Finally he stood up, stalked over to his desk, opened the drawer, removed the false bottom and took out his security mirror. There really was no reason for the wizard to hide the mirror the way he did, but Severus was a bit paranoid and never left anything he valued out in the open or easily accessible. His rooms were private, but house elves and Albus could enter at will. He never really trusted the Headmaster too much. Dumbledore had a rather nosey nature, and Severus could see the old coot snooping about his rooms a bit if it suited him.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard grabbed the entire bottle of firewhiskey out of the cabinet and set it on the table next to his armchair, right by the wizarding wireless radio. He sat down and looked into the mirror.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFocus: Hermione Granger,\u201d he said, warmed by the booze he consumed. What he saw made him feel a bit warmer.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was nude in the shower, soaping up her body with a washcloth. She was a very curvy witch, with large breasts, dark nipples, a small waist, ample hips and ass and rather thick thighs. She would probably become rounder when she reached middle age.<\/p>\n<p>Severus watched her wash her hair. It was quite sensual to see her this way, unaffected and natural, lifting her curling locks, soaping them up, rinsing and letting the water run over her body. His eyes fell to the little vee of chestnut pubic hair and he felt a small throb. He swallowed and poured himself another drink.<\/p>\n<p>The mirror followed Hermione as she exited the shower and dried off, drawing the towel over her body slowly\u2026a bit too slowly in fact. The Potions Master sat forward in his chair watching her. She was doing it on purpose, rubbing the towel over her breasts until her nipples stood up in hard peaks, throwing her head back as she rubbed between her legs. She was arousing herself.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Severus then leaned to the right and turned on the wizarding wireless, letting the beautiful music wash over him as he watched Hermione exit the bathroom, everything twisting and shifting deliciously as she walked. Those robes hid a lot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat down on the bed and opened the nightstand drawer. Didn\u2019t she sleep in anything? Severus himself slept in the nude, but it seemed\u2026scandalous that a witch would do such a thing.<\/p>\n<p>Severus held his breath as the witch reached into the drawer. There were books in there\u2026it could be she was going to read for a bit\u2026but she wasn\u2019t. She drew out the bag with the dildo in it.<\/p>\n<p>Severus let out a long breath as he watched the petite witch pull out the huge dildo and remove all the tags and labels. Then she read them again, and stared at the huge fake cock for a moment before flicking it with her forefinger. It bobbed comically and she shook her head as if she couldn\u2019t believe she was doing this.<\/p>\n<p>Severus couldn\u2019t believe he was watching her do it, but he was and he felt rather aroused by it. Hermione slid into the bed and lay down on her back spreading her legs and bending her knees slightly.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master swallowed again as he got a peek at Hermione\u2019s pink core and watched as she slid her own fingers between her labia and starting masturbating, her face contorting slightly as she arched up from the bed.<\/p>\n<p>Good gods. Was this the same witch that was such a mess in the lab only an hour or two ago?<\/p>\n<p>Severus unconsciously began unbuttoning his robes. He had a huge erection and it was uncomfortably tenting his trousers. He had to let it out. The wizard pulled open his robes and unfastened his trousers, reaching in and drawing out his stiff organ, his black eyes locked to the mirror and the gyrating witch on the four-poster bed.<\/p>\n<p>Severus had never been a voyeur before\u2026not purposely. He had witnessed sexual acts at the Revels, but he had to do that\u2026and they were depraved acts that he hated, painful, cruel and ending in death. This was the first time he found himself enjoying watching a woman\u2026particularly a woman who thought she was behind closed doors and away from prying eyes. This was the real Hermione he was observing\u2026the sexual side of the walking Gryffindor brain, the primal female animal.<\/p>\n<p>He watched as Hermione partially sat up, her legs still bent and spread, her hair falling forward as she watched herself lowering the Wicked Wheezer to her core.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo me. Wild,\u201d the witch breathed.<\/p>\n<p>*************************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shrieked and fell back on her hands as the Wicked Wheezer wickedly lived up to its name, plunging into her hard, deep and fast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh shit!\u201d the jerking witch cried, her face contorting as the sex toy did its work.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 eyes were as wide as saucers as he watched the sex toy tear into the witch\u2019s body, Hermione apparently shrieking as it drove into her incessantly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood lord,\u201d he breathed, his erection becoming rock hard and starting to ache as he watched the little witch. \u201cShe must have set it on wild.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was getting quite a reaming, the Wheezer stuck on high and hard. The witch fell back and the toy adjusted itself, continuing its assault on her body, Hermione arching and wailing, her fingers clawing the mattress as the toy fucked her. Tears streamed from her eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy doesn\u2019t she stop it?\u201d the Professor breathed, watching her body gyrate under the pummeling.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione turned over rising to her knees, the Wheezer staying with her, entering from the back now, the witch\u2019s head down, her curling hair sprawled over the pillows, her face turned toward the mirror, her eyes closed and mouth slack. Her breasts swung in tangent with the Wheezer\u2019s penetration, her body covered in a slick sheen of sweat. Severus thought she was the most erotic sight he\u2019d ever seen\u2026and the way she was taking that toy\u2026<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn,\u201d he thought as he watched her.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was amazed as he watched the witch willingly giving herself up to the almost brutal toy. It was huge, and although it was clear it made her ache, she didn\u2019t even try to stop it. Suddenly the witch stretched out, her mouth open and eyes closed, then she began to shudder and Severus watched as the toy literally began to drip with her release. She had orgasmed, and slumped in the bed, the dildo still tearing into the spasming witch. She still didn\u2019t stop it, but lay there with a small smile on her face, the very picture of surrender.<\/p>\n<p>Severus didn\u2019t realize he was stroking his own cock as he watched Hermione. Whenever the Potions Master had engaged in sex with a witch, because of his size he had always had to hold back. If he began to get too arduous, the woman would complain. Since he wanted to climax, he listened. If he had indulged in the Revels, he could have let loose, but he managed to fandangle his way out of performing for Voldemort. He didn\u2019t want to fuck a woman who he knew was being victimized\u2026who he knew was going to die. And they were, because he was the one who usually mercifully killed them with the Killing Curse as their bleeding, broken, suffering bodies quaked on the mattresses, even more deatheaters approaching. He was often crucio\u2019d for \u201ckilling too quickly\u201d but the Potions Master thought he was never quick enough to spare them the horrible pain they suffered through as deatheater after deatheater raped, bit and beat them.<\/p>\n<p>But here\u2026here was a woman who obviously liked it rough\u2026rougher than he ever imagined any woman would want. What was with Hermione Granger? Why was her sex drive so strong? He watched as the witch orgasmed again. She had flipped back over and held her legs to her chest and he could clearly see the huge Wheezer dipping into her up to its false balls. It was covered in white, creamy come.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the Professor choked and stiffened, letting out a howl as he ejaculated, his come falling on the hearth and even into the fire where it sizzled. The wizard\u2019s head fell forward, his long, lank hair falling around his head as he grunted with pleasure until the final pulse. He sat there a moment, breathing heavily, his eyes closed, the long black lashes resting against his pale cheeks. After a moment or two, he raised his head to look into the mirror.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was flat on her back, her breasts rising and falling, the Wicked Wheezer lying on the mattress between her legs, still and clean. She had finally stopped it and it self-scourgified. Her face was flushed, but there was a look of satisfaction there. She opened her eyes and looked up at the ceiling, wrapping her arms around her belly, still quaking slightly.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard\u2019s dark eyes rested on the sated witch thoughtfully as he drew his wand out of his pocket and scourgified himself and the hearth.<\/p>\n<p>So this was the other side of Hermione Granger when she willingly engaged in sex. She certainly wasn\u2019t the resigned witch he reamed bent over the couch.<\/p>\n<p>This Hermione Granger was far more interesting.<\/p>\n<p>This Hermione Granger was a masochist.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard tucked his cock back into his boxers and closed his trousers. Even without a witch, that had been one hell of a climax.<\/p>\n<p>How intense could it be with a witch with needs like Hermione?<\/p>\n<p>Severus wondered if he had made a mistake not giving the witch equal sexual access to him. He poured himself another firewhiskey, his buzz being all but neutralized by what he had witnessed. He tossed it down and wiped his mouth, looking at the naked witch. She was sound asleep, looking completely at peace. Naughty, naughty woman.<\/p>\n<p>Hm. Some changes would have to be made. But first the Potions Master had to do one thing.<\/p>\n<p>Get rid of that blasted Wicked Wheezer.<\/p>\n<p>********************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Annnnd they\u2019re off! Lol. After getting off, of course. Now, what wizard can resist a witch after seeing a performance like that? Our Potions Master is at it again. Good gracious\u2026now he wants to off the Wheezer? Lololol. Too funny. Anyway, please leave a review. Thanks.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 15<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 15 ~ A Trip is in Order<\/p>\n<p>The next morning, Hermione awoke stretching luxuriously, aware of a luscious ache. She sat up and looked at the Wicked Wheezer still lying between her legs. She picked it up and looked at it. It was no worse for wear.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, you were a good investment,\u201d she said to the bobbing dildo, then opened the drawer and returned it to the bag, pushing it to the back of the nightstand and closing the drawer.<\/p>\n<p>She stretched and slid out of the bed, going directly to the shower.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had never had the opportunity to experience sex that strongly before. True, she had a couple of lovers who brought her to orgasm, but the witch could never bring herself to tell them what she really wanted, afraid that her partner would think something was wrong with her. The Wheezer had brought her closer to her deepest, darkest desire. As good as the toy had been strength-wise, there was the missing element of a strong male body, and rhythmic differences in stroke. A wizard could move his body and his cock at different angles, faster, slower, locate the sweet spot and do a number of wonderful things to a witch\u2019s body. The Wheezer, though good could only drive\u2026it couldn\u2019t feel her reactions and adjust itself to be even better. An attentive lover could do that.<\/p>\n<p>Physically she was sated, but there was still something missing. But then again, she\u2019d take what she could get.<\/p>\n<p>After dressing, she walked into the kitchen to find Eli had made her an ample breakfast, featuring several very thin slices of the Professor\u2019s treasured ham.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood morning, Miss. Did you sleeps well?\u201d the elf asked her.<\/p>\n<p>There was a knowing look in the little creature\u2019s eyes that made Hermione suspect Eli knew exactly what she had been up to last night. If Eli did know, he made no mention about it as he placed utensils next to her plate.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes I did, Eli,\u201d Hermione responded, picking up a slice of the succulent Iberico ham and poking it into her mouth. Gods, it was good. She chewed blissfully, then bit into a slice of toast covered with butter and jam, thinking about the day ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Eli noticed she was all cleaned up. That was good. The Miss was starting to stink and he didn\u2019t know how to tell her without giving offense. Not that it bothered him too much\u2026house elves kind of liked pungent odors\u2026but he knew his Master wouldn\u2019t appreciate her scent.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Miss takes a shower,\u201d he commented, smiling.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was overdue. Will probably be so again,\u201d she replied, \u201cAt least until I finish the scoring. I just get so absorbed in my work, Eli. It\u2019s like nothing else matters when I work.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The elf nodded, not responding. He often lost track of everything when working. He could identify with the witch. But house elves didn\u2019t sweat so body odor wasn\u2019t an issue.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou would have made a good house elf, Miss,\u201d Eli said by way of compliment. Hermione smiled at the elf and finished her breakfast.<\/p>\n<p>Well, she had showered well and put on plenty of deodorant. Her hair no longer smelled of jasmine, however. She had followed the Potions Master\u2019s directive and bought unscented shampoo and conditioner. She ought to be good for a day or two.<\/p>\n<p>She said goodbye to Eli and headed down to her lab, ready to immerse herself in scoring. She was making good, if slow progress. She intended to get the basic melody line down first, then the accompaniment. She wondered just how Harper magic worked. One witch or wizard was supposed to be able to play an entire symphony. It sounded impossible. But then again, it was magic. She only hoped she could find someone who possessed the gift.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus stayed away from his home for another month, though his mind drifted towards Hermione quite often. He had purchased a book that went into depth about female masochism and spent his evenings reading it and sipping firewhiskey after finishing his class work.<\/p>\n<p>He came to the conclusion that Hermione was the way she was because of the stress of just being who she was. All through school she was held to a higher standard, was always the one expected to be exemplary\u2026and lived up to it. Maintaining such a standard of control in her life was stressful. She was very intelligent, and most likely found it challenging to find wizards who could deal with her. She had said she had intercourse, but not relationships. Many wizards would feel threatened by the witch on a number of levels.<\/p>\n<p>When she had sex, she used it as a kind of release\u2026a way to surrender and give up control. Apparently the more vigorous and physical it was, the better she felt. It seemed to take quite a bit of effort on the part of a wizard to make her feel better, if she had even found anyone to meet her dark needs.<\/p>\n<p>Somehow, Severus doubted it. If she were a Slytherin witch, she would have no problem sharing her need for strong, dominating sex. But she was a Gryffindor, and Gryffindors were supposed to be \u201cgood.\u201d Being fucked until there was a depression in the mattress was not conducive to that image. Most likely, she had never told a soul.<\/p>\n<p>He had taken to looking in on her nightly. Again, she wasn\u2019t taking care of herself as she should, her hair a mass of tangles, circles under her eyes, fighting with Eli about eating. But she didn\u2019t go for the Wheezer again. Still, he wanted to get it away from her.<\/p>\n<p>At first, he thought about asking Eli to filch it, but he didn\u2019t know if the elf could lie to Hermione if she asked him did he take it. He wouldn\u2019t tell Severus ordered him to, but it could put him in a bad light with the witch if he told her the truth. Hermione would stop trusting him and it wouldn\u2019t be fair to Eli.<\/p>\n<p>Besides, taking the Wicked Wheezer wasn\u2019t a real solution. The witch could just go buy another one.<\/p>\n<p>Hmm.<\/p>\n<p>Tomorrow was Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019d pay a visit to Diagon Alley.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<\/p>\n<p>The next morning, Severus had an early breakfast, did some last minute grading pocketed his security mirror and apparated to Diagon Alley. The wizard strode from the public apparition point directly to Knockturn Alley, his face set.<\/p>\n<p>Wizards and witches quickly got out of his way as he strode through the dark alley, heading for Cedric\u2019s Sex Symposium. Severus Snape was well-known here, both respected and feared. He was a wizard who hexed first and didn\u2019t bother with questions.<\/p>\n<p>Severus walked past the joy-dolled window and entered the shop. Cedric was behind the counter, counting his till when the tall, pale wizard walked in. He looked up at Severus and his jaw dropped for a moment, then snapped shut.<\/p>\n<p>Gods, he\u2019d make the perfect Master. What a cruel mouth and piercing dark eyes. That huge nose promised something huge underneath as well. Cedric wouldn\u2019t mind taking a few licks from the Potions Master. He hunched submissively as Severus glowered down at him, hoping that the wizard recognized the sign of interest. He didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you the owner of this\u2026this establishment?\u201d Severus asked, his dark eyes drifting over the shelves full of sexual doodads before turning back on Cedric, who was practically quivering.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYesssss,\u201d he hissed at the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled at him for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have a request to make of you,\u201d the Potions Master said, noticing the man shuddering in a way that disturbed him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh gods, why couldn\u2019t he order me to do something, like suck his cock?\u201d Cedric thought as he looked up at the lank-haired wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Cedric asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want you to refuse service to a patron,\u201d the Potions Master said.<\/p>\n<p>Cedric immediately stopped quivering. This was galleons the wizard was talking about. Lost galleons.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI can\u2019t do that. This is my livelihood,\u201d the proprietor said, meeting Severus\u2019 eyes steadily. It wasn\u2019t surprising. Cedric\u2019s shop was in Knockturn Alley after all\u2026the wizard couldn\u2019t be too much of a pushover, or he\u2019d be constantly robbed. As it was, no one other than customers entered his premises. There had to be a reason.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will make it worth your while,\u201d Severus replied, taking out a large sack of galleons and setting it on the counter, the coins clinking loudly. Cedric\u2019s eyes glittered and he rubbed his knuckles very hard as he looked at the sack. Then he looked up at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWho is it?\u201d he asked, his eyes shifting back to the bag on his counter.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHer name is Hermione Granger. She is about five foot three, chestnut haired with amber eyes. She was in here about two months ago and purchased a Wicked Wheezer,\u201d the Potions Master said.<\/p>\n<p>Cedric looked thoughtful, then smiled, showing his gapped brown teeth.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh, yes. She wore a hood and wouldn\u2019t show her face the entire time she was in here. Very nervous, that one. It was the only time she was in here. Sure, I can deny her service,\u201d the shopkeeper said.<\/p>\n<p>Cedric didn\u2019t believe Hermione would be back anyway or if she did come, it would be intermittently. He\u2019d be better off taking the galleons from the wizard. The witch would never spend that much after all.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood. Sell her nothing,\u201d Severus said, his black eyes glinting as he slid the bag over to Cedric, whose hand darted out like a snake, snatching the bag from the counter and pulling it protectively into his body. He cupped the bag of money with his other hand and caressed it lovingly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYours is the only sex shop in the area,\u201d Severus said to him darkly, \u201cSo if the witch turns up with any new toys I will assume she purchased them here. In that case, since you have accepted my money I will be forced to take action against you. Very physical action.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Cedric cringed and began to tremble again at the thought of the wizard beating and manhandling him. It was almost too much to hope he might fuck him too. The pervert\u2019s eyes went half-lidded at the thought.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI won\u2019t sell her anything, but if you think me amiss\u2026by all means come seek me out. You\u2019ll find I can take it like a man,\u201d the shopkeeper said breathlessly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus felt a wave of nausea wash over him as he saw the desire in the bent wizard\u2019s eyes. He had to get out of here.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ve been warned,\u201d he growled, turning and leaving the shop with a billow of robes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know. I know I\u2019ve been warned. Gods, threaten me again,\u201d Cedric breathed after the wizard, stroking the bag harder and harder until his eyes rolled up in his head. His hips thrust forward a few times, then he relaxed, shuddering slightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI love when that happens,\u201d he said with a sigh, his trousers full of hot come.<\/p>\n<p>It had been quite a profitable and exemplary morning for the twisted shopkeeper.<\/p>\n<p>Cedric gave a final shudder as he thought about Severus.<\/p>\n<p>What a Master that wizard would make.<\/p>\n<p>**************************************<\/p>\n<p>As Severus strode through Knockturn Alley, he surreptiously pulled out the security mirror.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFocus: Hermione Granger,\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione appeared, hard at work in her lab, plunking keys on the little piano and making notations. She looked awful, which meant she wouldn\u2019t be coming upstairs. The wizard closed the connection and repocketed the mirror. When he arrived at the public apparition point, he cast a silencing spell on himself and disapparated to his home.<\/p>\n<p>He had a Wheezer to get rid of.<\/p>\n<p>He appeared in the living room silently, startling Eli who was dusting needlessly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaster! Is good to see you! Can I fix you something?\u201d the delighted elf asked the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled at him, and Eli\u2019s ears instantly flattened against his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou will not tell Miss Granger I have been here,\u201d Severus directed the elf, who shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo sir. Not a word. Eli keeps his Master\u2019s secrets,\u201d the elf replied nervously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood,\u201d Severus said, then he strode down the hallway to Hermione\u2019s bedroom, opened the door and walked directly over to her nightstand. He opened it and removed the package containing the Wicked Wheezer, reduced it and stuck it in his pocket. He exited the bedroom.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow what will you do, witch?\u201d the Potions Master breathed with a nasty smirk, replacing the silencing spell then disapparating.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Man, Severus is something else\u2026and so is Cedric. Lololol. :::shudders::: Oh well. Now Hermione\u2019s toy is gone. What will happen when she discovers it missing? Only time will tell. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 16<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 16 ~ Supper with Snape<\/p>\n<p>Hermione didn\u2019t notice the Wheezer missing at all. She made great progress in notating the music of Harry\u2019s soul, becoming more proficient as she worked, learning by sight the musical expressions of two or more planetary aspects. There was quite a bit of augmentation in Harry\u2019s music as the soul progressed in years, probably signifying the effect of all the challenges he went through during his life as well as much discordance from beginning to end. Parts of the music reminded Hermione of a great battle. She felt it would be best to progress the score to a year or two past where Harry was stricken by the Dementor\u2026as if it had never happened, to represent a healthy soul pattern rather than his current state of brokenness.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione visited Harry several times since she became the Potions Master\u2019s charge. She told Harry all about it, as he blankly smiled at her and held her hand. Hermione could only imagine what the wizard\u2019s reaction would have been if he had been whole:<\/p>\n<p>\u201dAre you out of your bloody mind Hermione? That means you\u2019d have to shag the greasy bastard. Shag him, Hermione! That\u2019s like shagging a troll or something, but a thousand times worse! I don\u2019t care if you are doing it for me\u2026can\u2019t you get out of it?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Most likely if she did manage to restore Harry to his former state, she\u2019d still hear it. The witch\u2019s eyes glistened. She\u2019d give anything to have Harry scold her, his green eyes belligerently flashing behind his glasses in righteous anger. Anything.<\/p>\n<p>And she was.<\/p>\n<p>The Professor hadn\u2019t made a sexual advance toward her in over three months. Hermione was a bit surprised. She knew the dark wizard had said he would only come to her when his body required release, but she thought he might try to take just a little advantage of their situation. The witch reversed the roles in her mind and colored a bit as she realized if it were she in the dominant position, she certainly would have taken advantage of it. Dear gods, did this mean Professor Snape had better ethics than she did? A very disturbing thought to say the least.<\/p>\n<p>It had been more than a month since Hermione had engaged the Wheezer, though she had a couple of randy nights. She didn\u2019t know why she didn\u2019t pull it out. Maybe because the idea of becoming sexually dependent on a toy bothered her. It would be easy to do. Then, when she got the real thing and it wasn\u2019t satisfactory she would feel horrible. The witch didn\u2019t want that to happen. She needed a real encounter. A real wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Eli winked down into the lab.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cExcuse me, Miss,\u201d he said, his ears flattened.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up from her work, a bit irritated.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is it, Eli?\u201d the witch asked the elf sharply.<\/p>\n<p>Eli\u2019s ears flattened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI comes to tell you that the Master is coming tomorrow night. He says you is to be \u2018presentable all over\u2019 and to dress for dinner,\u201d the elf said apologetically.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione dropped her pencil and stared at Eli for a moment. Presentable all over? That could only mean one thing. He meant to engage her. Since he wanted her thoroughly clean, it was highly doubtful he intended to bend her over a couch and lift her robes.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt a pulse of warmth inside. It was a reaction to sex rather than the Professor himself. Gods, he had a huge tool. Hopefully he would be good\u2026but the way the witch felt, any encounter with a living male would be good.<\/p>\n<p>Eli smirked. He could tell the witch was excited about the Master coming for in-outie. Maybe\u2026maybe they could become mates after all. The elf\u2019s ears slowly shifted forward.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will makes a good dinner. Shrimps. Fish. Oysters. Salad. Fruit. Not too heavy though Miss. Heavy not good for in-outie,\u201d the elf said knowledgably.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione colored.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat sounds fine, Eli,\u201d she said quickly, turning back around to the counter and picking up the fallen pencil doing her best not to appear excited or flustered. But Eli wasn\u2019t fooled. He could smell her slight arousal.<\/p>\n<p>The elf bowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs you wishes, Miss,\u201d he said, smiling and winking out.<\/p>\n<p>It took Hermione a little while to get back into the groove. The Potions Master was coming for her tomorrow night. She hoped the cold, snarky wizard would be satisfying. At least bring her to orgasm.<\/p>\n<p>If he didn\u2019t\u2026she\u2019d just die.<\/p>\n<p>**********************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus found himself sporting wood several times during the day. It was quite unsettling for the wizard. It was the first time he had ever found himself in the position of lusting after a particular witch. Normally, he became aroused at the physical sight of a female body, not the idea of it. He didn\u2019t like feeling this way. It was so\u2026uncontrolled. It was as if his body was taking over. Despite his discipline, the wizard couldn\u2019t stop the erections from happening.<\/p>\n<p>Good thing it was Saturday, or the wizard would have spent much of his class time behind the desk, hiding his tented robes. As it was, he was having difficulty not apparating to his home early. He had made certain plans on how to approach his possession of the witch tonight and he wanted to stick to them. He took out his security mirror and focused on Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>It appeared the witch was also out of sorts. She spent much of her time pacing in her lab rather than notating, though she sat down several times and tried to work. Was it possible she was anticipating his arrival? Well if she was, she didn\u2019t look it. Her hair was still ratty and tangled, her robes wrinkled from days of wear. Hopefully she\u2019d clean up good before he arrived\u2026and if she hadn\u2019t\u2026<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master\u2019s lip curled nastily.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019d throw her into the shower himself.<\/p>\n<p>*************************************<\/p>\n<p>When Severus arrived at his home that evening, he found Hermione seated in the living room waiting for him. She looked presentable. Her hair was washed and she wore a white blouse and blue skirt with comfortable white shoes. Not formally dressed but\u2026presentable. Her amber eyes shifted up to his face. He thought he saw a bit of expectancy there.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s good to see you bathed,\u201d he said gruffly, his dark eyes washing over her. \u201cMy nose thanks you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDelighted to see you too, Professor,\u201d she replied sarcastically as the wizard strode past her.<\/p>\n<p>Eli had set dinner up in the dining room, the large table transformed into one more suitable for two diners and covered by a Slytherin green tablecloth. A pitcher of pumpkin juice and a bottle of magically chilled wine sat waiting for consumption.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stood up and followed him as the Professor walked over to the table and sat down. She stopped near her seat, looking at him. Most wizards pulled out the chair for the witch when they were sitting down to a meal. Severus looked up at her, his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, don\u2019t just stand there, sit down,\u201d he snarked at her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione made a noise as if swallowing back some rude comment, pulled out her chair and sat down heavily.<\/p>\n<p>Eli appeared out of the kitchen carrying two steaming bowls of tomato soup, Hermione\u2019s favorite. He sat one down in front of Hermione first, then Severus\u2026who wrinkled up his nose.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d he asked the house elf.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTomato soup, Master. The Miss likes it,\u201d the elf replied, trembling as Severus scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell I don\u2019t. Take it back, Eli,\u201d he said. \u201cI like soup with meat and vegetables. You know that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli nervously took the bowl from in front of his frowning Master, and without a word returned to the kitchen with it.<\/p>\n<p>He stared at Hermione, who was eating her soup.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are exerting undue influence over my house elf,\u201d he said to her, frowning.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe was just trying to be nice to me,\u201d Hermione replied a bit defensively.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe is my elf first and foremost. He should be trying to please me, not you,\u201d the wizard said, his black eyes resting on the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs should you,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione ate another spoonful of soup and looked at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlease you? I am doing what I am supposed to do,\u201d she said to him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou haven\u2019t applied yourself to a single potion,\u201d the wizard replied, \u201cyou are supposed to apply one third of your time to either potions or spells. All you\u2019ve been doing is musical notations.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Actually, Severus didn\u2019t mind Hermione\u2019s project. It was quite fascinating\u2026but he felt compelled to remind her of her obligation to him. He wanted to see her react\u2026possibly blow up. He used to enjoy goading her as a student and it seemed he still did.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe notations are very involved. I just can\u2019t stop focusing on a project that way, Professor. I have to see it through to completion,\u201d Hermione responded, her nose wrinkled.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her as Eli reappeared with a bowl of steaming chicken and vegetable soup, setting it in front of the Potions Master and bowing low. Severus ignored him and the elf returned to the kitchen. The wizard tasted the soup and nodded slightly. It was good. He looked back up at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell I am going to give you a couple of brewing assignments to do for me. You can use the \u201cSequentius\u201d spell. I need more free time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine,\u201d Hermione snorted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd before I leave tomorrow morning I want a copy of your musical notations to take with me,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione arched an eyebrow at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy?\u201d she asked him curiously. What could the Potions Master want with Harry\u2019s music?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause I do,\u201d he replied obliquely. \u201cYou are creating it under my watch as it were, so I am entitled to review your work. You will supply me with a copy tomorrow morning.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Hermione realized the wizard said he wasn\u2019t leaving until the morning.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re spending the night here?\u201d she asked him. The Potions Master had never spent the night here since they first started their arrangement.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat is my intention, yes,\u201d the wizard replied, eating more soup and chewing as he looked at her steadily. \u201cAnd you will be spending it with me in my bed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour bed?\u201d Hermione asked him. Severus looked at her blackly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGods woman, stop asking me so many questions. I am sure you understand what I meant when I said you will be spending the night with me in my bed. How am I to exercise my patron\u2019s rights with you in your own bed? Don\u2019t act so blasted stupid!\u201d the wizard hissed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at the wizard, a slight puddle forming in her knickers as he frowned at her. He looked so angry\u2026would he still be angry when he\u2026oh gods\u2026she hoped so. The witch began to speed up eating her soup<\/p>\n<p>Severus noticed Hermione flushing. He had yelled at her, and she responded to it. Hmm. Was her need to be dominated kicking in? The Potions Master\u2019s cock began to harden. Damn it. He hated his lack of control. There wasn\u2019t a bit of interesting skin showing on the witch, but he was responding as if she were buck naked in front of him. He let out a breath, willing his cock to deflate.<\/p>\n<p>It didn\u2019t work.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEli, next course!\u201d Severus bellowed in a bad temper.<\/p>\n<p>Immediately Eli entered with two plates of Shrimp Scampi, poached fish with lemon and a green salad. He quickly placed them on the table and removed the empty bowls of soup.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOoh, it looks delicious, Eli,\u201d Hermione said. The shrimp were huge.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThanks you, Miss,\u201d Eli said as Severus glowered at him.<\/p>\n<p>The house elf hurried back into the kitchen, and returned with a dozen oysters and condiments, setting them in front of Severus, whose scowl lessened. He loved oysters. Eli sighed with relief and returned to the kitchen.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione ate her food silently as she watched the Professor prepare his oysters then slurp them down, chewing with a distinct look of pleasure on his face. She studied that look\u2026it was a rare one. She wondered if he would look like that when he fucked her. She didn\u2019t get a chance to see how he looked their last encounter since he was behind her, though he was surprisingly vocal. He had a beautiful voice. It would probably been more of a turn on for Hermione if she didn\u2019t feel as if a Quidditch bat was gently being shoved up her ass over and over. Hopefully tonight would be different.<\/p>\n<p>Severus finished his oysters and made short work of the shrimp and salad. He sat back and looked at Hermione, who was just finishing her own meal.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTonight we will be having traditional intercourse,\u201d the Potions Master said matter-of-factly as he wiped his mouth with a napkin, then dropped it on his empty plate. He sounded as if he were discussing the next homework assignment. The lack of passion in his voice didn\u2019t bode well.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine,\u201d Hermione said glumly, not looking at him.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI hope you show more enthusiasm in the bedroom than your voice conveys witch. If I wanted to fuck a stiff body I could have stopped by St. Mungo&#8217;s morgue,\u201d he snapped at her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione wiped her mouth then threw her napkin on the table.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat difference does enthusiasm make to you, Professor? You\u2019re going to do what you want anyway, most likely very selfishly\u2026like last time. I\u2019m just a place to shove your cock,\u201d the witch said, \u201cSo forgive me if I\u2019m not melting into a puddle of lust for you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at her, his dark eyes glittering. He slowly stood up, walked around the table and grabbed the startled witch by her arm.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEli, forget dessert. We are done and are going to retire to my bedroom. I don\u2019t want to be disturbed for any reason,\u201d he called out, his dark eyes staring down at Hermione, who was wetting her knickers thoroughly.<\/p>\n<p>The kitchen door opened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes Master,\u201d Eli called back, \u201cNo disturbing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus drew Hermione up from the chair rather roughly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome with me,\u201d he hissed at her, pulling her down the hallway and pushing her into his bedroom. It was sparsely furnished. Only a four poster bed, wardrobe, dresser, chair and small writing desk. The walls were bare.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione spun and looked at the Potions Master. His eyes were still glittering and he looked more wicked than normal.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHave you utilized the patch?\u201d he asked her drawing out his wand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d Hermione replied, standing very still as the wizard approached her. He whispered a spell. The tip of his wand glowed white and Severus passed it over her belly and lower thighs, then took it away.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou haven\u2019t fucked anyone lately,\u201d he said, putting his wand back in his pocket. \u201cAre you randy?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione blinked at the wizard. Yes, she was randy but she wasn\u2019t about to tell him that.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d she replied, her eyes shifting the way they did when she lied.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was familiar with this motion, being that he was her teacher for several years and had caught her in several lies because of that telltale reaction. The wizard smirked slightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUndress,\u201d he said starting to unbutton his robes.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione slowly brought her hands up to the neck of her blouse and began to unbutton it.<\/p>\n<p>Gods, she hoped the wizard wouldn\u2019t be a selfish pig tonight, interested only in his own release.<\/p>\n<p>She really needed a good fuck.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Ooh lemon time. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 17<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 17 ~ Even the Best Laid Plans\u2026<\/p>\n<p>As she undressed, Hermione watched the Potions Master do likewise, his dark eyes resting on her coolly as he opened his robes, peeled them back and slid them off. As before, all he wore underneath were his boxers, socks and boots. He sat down on his bed and removed his boots then socks, stuffing them inside his boots and sliding them under the bed. Hermione could see his boxers were tented as the wizard leveled his eyes on her. She had removed her shoes, skirt and blouse and now stood before him in plain white knickers and bra.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHurry up,\u201d the wizard said, frowning at her slightly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione scowled back at him and removed her bra insolently as if to say \u201cIs this what you want to see?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour knickers,\u201d Severus said, his eyes resting on her full breasts. He still evidenced no other sign of desire but his tented boxers.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione removed her knickers, revealing her curling chestnut hair. The Potions Master\u2019s eyes rested on her bush for a moment then he stood up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet in the bed,\u201d he said to the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stalked past him and climbed into the bed, falling on her back and looking up at the wizard. She too was acting as if unaffected, but the truth was his ordering her about turned her on immensely. No other wizard had ever talked to her that way. The Potions Master was so dominating.<\/p>\n<p>Severus knew she was turned on just by the scent of her, which was quite strong and musky. He faced her, standing over the bed, his eyes drifting over her body and remembering how she reacted to the Wheezer. He bent and drew down his boxers, his huge cock springing out and bobbing as if nodding at the witch. Hermione\u2019s eyes widened. Damn. He had to be ten or eleven inches and his girth as wide as her fist. Hermione shifted in the bed, her legs spreading unconsciously. Her eyes became quite heated.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked down at his cock and then at the witch. Without a word the Potions Master climbed into the bed and rolled on top of Hermione, positioning himself between her thighs. He studied her face, bringing to mind what he had learned about masochists. The Potions Master shifted and leaned on one elbow. He then reached down and positioned his cock between Hermione legs, pressing into the depression that led to her entrance, the witch letting out a small gasp as she felt his hardness resting against her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s hands rested on either side of her head. She didn\u2019t think she should embrace the Potions Master. He was so cold after all and this wasn\u2019t an act of true passion.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard shifted back over Hermione, rose up on his hands and slowly slid his cock inside her, biting his lip as her softness and wetness wrapped around his swollen shaft tightly. Hermione groaned as the wizard parted her, sliding all that hot stiff thickness into her body, stretching her around him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMmmm. Nice,\u201d Severus groaned and began to stroke the witch gently, focusing on the delicious caress of her flesh sliding over his cock as he stared down at her. He slid his full length in and out of the witch, bumping her cervix lightly. She felt good this way, but it was going to get better.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was sighing with pleasure as the wizard gently filled her, but at this rate\u2026she\u2019d orgasm next month. She wished he would show more strength\u2026more power. Why was he so gentle?<\/p>\n<p>The witch wound her hips to goad him on and the Potions Master gasped as she whirled his cock inside her. He responded by whirling his pelvis and the witch keened as he stretched her pussy in ways it had never stretched before\u2026but he was still very controlled and easy with his stroke.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat a waste of cock,\u201d Hermione breathed, then her eyes widened as she realized she said her thought out loud. The Professor stopped moving, his black eyes narrowed as he looked down at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat did you say?\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, what a shock?\u201d the witch breathed up at him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus lowered himself to Hermione\u2019s body and rested on his elbows, his cock embedded firmly inside her. He could feel her pulsing around him. He studied her face as the witch looked up at him rather bewildered. Why had he stopped?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt seems you are dissatisfied with my method of fucking,\u201d the wizard said, his brows furrowed. \u201cIt feels good to me. Doesn\u2019t it feel good to you? I realize I am taking advantage of my patron\u2019s rights, however it doesn\u2019t have to be unpleasant for you. Tell me what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione blinked up at him. No wizard wanted to be told he couldn\u2019t fuck. So she lied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNothing\u2019s wrong,\u201d she responded. \u201cYou feel all right. You\u2019re big and that helps.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 nostrils flared. He was just \u201call right?\u201d Being big \u201chelped?\u201d Not a glaring compliment of his sexual prowess.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I have a big cock,\u201d he agreed, \u201cHowever, it has been my experience that witches want me to be\u2026controlled and gentle with it, otherwise sex could become\u2026uncomfortable for them. I could fuck them too hard. Cause a terrible ache. I imagine you want the same thing, don\u2019t you Miss Granger? Gentleness?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at him, torn. No wizard had ever asked her how she wanted it. She wanted to tell him to use his tool, to fuck her hard\u2026but the words wouldn\u2019t come out. She was still fearful she\u2019d be seen as some kind of sick freak to want to be treated so brutally. She didn\u2019t want the wizard to have that to hold over her head, so she didn\u2019t answer him. But the gush of hot lubrication that rolled over his cock answered for her.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard hissed as he felt her flow.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow what was that, Miss Granger? A yes or a no?\u201d he said to her, his beautiful voice washing over her like silk.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione still didn\u2019t answer him.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard studied her face for a moment, then pulled back and rammed his cock into her hard, slamming against her cervix powerfully. Hermione shrieked and buckled, her mouth dropping open and her eyes glazing as she looked up at him rather wildly, panting from his ache.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat is what I could feel like if I didn\u2019t restrain myself,\u201d Severus purred at her. Gods, it had felt good to drive into her that way. Freeing. The Potions Master shuddered a bit as he forced his hungry body under control. It wanted more. Much more.<br \/>\n\u201cIs that what you want, Miss Granger? Or this?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He gave her several slow, easy strokes. It was pleasurable for him, but fucking the shit out of the witch would be much more enjoyable. Hermione bit her lip as his long cock went the depth but not the distance, and she arched beneath him, her eyes glistening. Severus stopped again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTell me how you want it, witch. This may well be the only time I give you a say in how I fuck you. Don\u2019t let the opportunity pass,\u201d he said to her persuasively. \u201cI thought honesty was a Gryffindor trait.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s mouth quivered and she tried to shift her hips and make the wizard start fucking her again, but Severus pressed his loins down hard and held her still.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTell me, Hermione,\u201d he breathed, \u201cTell me what you want, witch. I can give it to you. I am bound to meet all your needs.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The witch started at Severus\u2019 use of her given name. It sounded delicious on his lips as did his urging. Could she tell this dark wizard what she really needed? Would he understand it?<\/p>\n<p>Severus wanted to hear Hermione say she wanted him to fuck her hard, to take her body and ride it like the Wheezer did. Only he would be much better than a sex toy. And yes, the Potions Master understood her need\u2026he made it a point to understand it, studying it like he did any unfamiliar subject. There was a bit of darkness in everyone longing for release. He would release hers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShare your secret,\u201d Severus hissed, becoming impatient now. His cock was throbbing inside her hungrily, wanting friction, slide, depth, possession. The witch\u2019s silence was maddening.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly, the wizard slammed into the witch again, plowing deep inside her, feeling her shift as he drove against her cervix. Hermione let out a perfectly beautiful shriek, the Potions Master pulling back and falling still again as the witch quivered in reaction beneath him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re a stubborn little witch,\u201d Severus whispered, suddenly feeling the desire to kiss Hermione, claiming her mouth. But he didn\u2019t do kissing. What the fuck was wrong with him?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh my gods,\u201d Hermione hissed in a quaking voice, tears rolling from the sides of her eyes as she looked up at Severus as if she had never seen him before. \u201cI\u2026I\u2026need you to do that again\u2026I\u2019m so\u2026so close\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked down at the witch, surprise in his dark eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cClose?\u201d he repeated.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes\u2026so close\u2026please Professor,\u201d Hermione gasped up at him, her eyes full of desire. Suddenly he wanted to hear her say his name, not his title.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCall me Severus, witch. I\u2019m no longer your teacher and have my cock buried in you to the hilt. You can drop the formalities,\u201d he said darkly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverussssssss,\u201d she sighed, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling at him, lost now. \u201cPleeeease. So close.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She was close? What about him? He hadn\u2019t really gotten the chance to do anything yet but sample her. But what a luscious sample it was. Still\u2026<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master drew back and slammed his cock into Hermione brutally once more. The witch cried out again, then melted around him, shuddering and whimpering, her pussy clutching at his hardness, squeezing his cock as the witch\u2019s release rolled over his length. The wizard groaned, fighting back his own urge to release\u2026and failing as Hermione murmured his given name again, her small hands sliding down his back and nails digging lightly into his flesh<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFuck!\u201d the wizard cursed, throwing his head back and pressing deep into Hermione\u2019s body as pleasure burst through him, filling the witch and adding to her wetness.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou little minx,\u201d he growled down at her through his pulsing. \u201cYou made me come.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione didn\u2019t care as she came down from her own orgasm, feeling the wizard\u2019s cock pulsing hugely inside her as it emptied. Her eyes were closed and she wore a sexy little smile in counterpoint to Severus\u2019 frustrated frown. It was hard to purposely frown while coming, but the Potions Master managed it, despite his physical pleasure. Finally his pulsing stopped and he stared down at the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione opened her eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow that was good,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus gave her his blackest look yet.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, that was a premature ejaculation,\u201d the Potions Master said angrily, \u201cBrought on by your reluctance to admit you want me to bust a new orifice in you. I am highly displeased, Hermione,\u201d he hissed at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLike it\u2019s my fault you came?\u201d the witch replied, \u201cI don\u2019t see what you\u2019re so upset about. Wasn\u2019t that your objective? To reach climax? Plus you gave me an orgasm. That\u2019s a big plus in my book. I didn\u2019t think you would do it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut we didn\u2019t fuck, witch. That was the whole purpose of bringing you to my bed,\u201d the wizard said, exasperated. \u201cI wanted to fuck you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut you did,\u201d Hermione replied, coloring at the thought of those delicious hard strokes. She hadn\u2019t needed many, that was for sure.<\/p>\n<p>Severus rose up on his elbows.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI most certainly did not fuck you, witch,\u201d he seethed down at her as he withdrew from her wetly. \u201cI merely pricked you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione fought back a giggle at his \u201cprick\u201d statement, but the wizard didn\u2019t miss the mirth in her eyes. Furious, he rolled out of the bed, walked over to his robes, pulled out his wand and scourgified her, then himself.<\/p>\n<p>He walked back over to the bed and sat down on the edge of it, looking back at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou find this funny, witch? I assure you\u2026it won\u2019t be funny when I recover,\u201d he said darkly, fiddling with his cock as if he could speed up the process. Severus was so angry he almost said something about the Wheezer, but caught himself.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was still randy however, and found his threats a turn on.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe you\u2019ll last longer next time,\u201d she said by way of comfort.<\/p>\n<p>It had the opposite effect.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy you little\u2026\u201d the Professor snarled, his fists clenching for a moment before he grabbed Hermione and slung her out of the bed to her feet, the witch shrieking as he did so.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet on your knees! Now!\u201d the wizard hissed.<\/p>\n<p>Oh shit.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was creaming herself already. She knew what was coming and dropped to her knees. This was like a fantasy coming true for her. Who knew the snarky Potions Master would be the kind of wizard she dreamed about?<\/p>\n<p>Severus caught her by her hair and dragged her forward, Hermione shuffling on her knees to keep him from pulling any hair out.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re going to help me recover witch\u2026then I\u2019m going to give you the fucking of your life,\u201d the wizard seethed.<\/p>\n<p>Severus jerked Hermione forward until she was face to face with his long, limp organ, which was already showing signs of rejuvenation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know you know how to suck a cock,\u201d the Potions Master snarled, lifting his organ and pressing the head against the witch\u2019s lips. Hermione obediently took him into her mouth, sucking softly, then began to bob. The wizard hissed as her warm mouth moved over him. Severus\u2019 scowl eased as he looked down at her sucking his cock submissively and without protest. He felt a bit vindicated.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s right witch. That\u2019s right,\u201d the Potions Master crooned, helping her along by pulling her head back and forth by the hair. Hermione couldn\u2019t remember being so turned on in her life. Her inner thighs were already soaked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo a good job, Hermione\u2026then we\u2019ll see just how long I last.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Oh man, that just didn\u2019t go the way Severus intended. He should have talked less and fucked more. But he was in dominance mode just as much as Hermione was in masochist mode. His ego (and maybe his conscience) demanded she tell him how she wanted him before he just tore into her. Lol, he didn\u2019t count on her hair-trigger orgasm or how his body would react to it. Poor snarky wizard.\u00a0 Hermione didn&#8217;t help either with her &#8220;next time&#8221; comment. ROFL. Anyway, please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 18<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 18 ~ Round Two<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master let his head fall back and bit his lip as Hermione showed him her skill at giving blowjobs. The witch was not only using her mouth, but her hands as well, stimulating the wizard\u2019s long cock completely. Severus didn\u2019t let go of her hair, but continued to help her, though the witch needed no help<\/p>\n<p>What was happening was that Severus was getting into his role as a dominator. He had never treated a witch like this in his life. Yes, he had received blow jobs before, but the most he would do would be rest his hand on the witch\u2019s head lightly. But with Hermione, it was different. She was a willful little witch and always had been. Even as a student she would challenge him publicly in class. The Potions Master always set her to rights, but she was the only one who dared question what the rest of the students considered Potions gospel.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is how it is, Miss Granger\u2026at least until you can prove otherwise,\u201d the Professor would say to the witch in exasperation when she would continue to question him on some point, \u201cNow sit down and shut up.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione would sit, but look at him mutinously. He could almost hear her thoughts.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m going to prove you wrong one day.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard thought he wouldn\u2019t mind Hermione proving him wrong\u2026in essence, proving the established beliefs wrong and giving the Potions field new knowledge to work with. He had such high hopes for the witch. Then she went to university, then the private sector.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Severus thrust forward, pulling Hermione towards him and gagging her, shoving the head of his cock into her throat. Hermione pulled back, letting his organ slip out of her mouth and gasped\u2026her eyes watering as the Professor looked down at her with a slight smirk. He had done it purposely. Private sector indeed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo sorry,\u201d he purred, not sounding sorry at all, and putting the witch back to work.<\/p>\n<p>As was said, Severus had never treated a witch like this, though there had been times he wanted to just let loose\u2026be free in at least one area of his life. For the wizard, he always had to be disciplined, controlled, withdrawn. His life had depended on his ability to contain himself for many years under Voldemort, and his intermittent sex life also required the same behavior. He was a controlled wizard, but in essence a slave to that control. True, he swung his authority over the students like a hammer and for a few hours in his classroom was the Master but even then, there were rules that restrained him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked down at the witch. Hermione didn\u2019t want him restrained, though she didn\u2019t admit it. That didn\u2019t matter. He knew and realized that in her need to relinquish control of her body and mind she would be giving him what he needed as well. Freedom. Release. Liberation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEnough,\u201d the Potions Master hissed, pulling Hermione back by her hair, his organ sliding out of her mouth, glistening with her saliva. He was hard as a rock. Hermione\u2019s lips looked swollen as the witch stared up at him. There was a hungry look in her eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBack in the bed, witch,\u201d Severus said, sitting up and watching Hermione climb past him and lay back down on her back.<\/p>\n<p>He slid back and lay on his back next to her, their eyes meeting. The wizard\u2019s eyes were still cool however. Hermione couldn\u2019t help wonder how he could look so detached after the blowjob she\u2019d given him. Gods, Severus Snape was such a hard man\u2026in more ways than one. Her eyes drifted down to his erect cock. What a monster it was. The witch looked back up at the Potions Master and licked her lips.<\/p>\n<p>What was he waiting for?<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 eyes narrowed. He was waiting for just what she gave him. That look of impatience.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master rolled on top of her, nestling his hips between her thighs in the missionary position again, his thick organ caught between them. The wizard rose up on his hands and ground into Hermione hard, and she gasped at his hardness.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGods,\u201d the witch groaned as he looked down at her. Hermione looked into those black eyes and for the first time saw heat in them, Severus\u2019 expression sober, his hair a lank curtain around his face.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard shifted back and with one hand once again pressed the head of his cock into the depression that led to her entrance.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo more questions,\u201d he breathed, sliding into the witch with a bit of power. Hermione hissed as his girth once again stretched and filled her, the hiss ending with a choked sound as he hit her cervix. Oh, that was sweet.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour body will confess what your lips would not,\u201d Severus said to the witch underneath him, then he began to fuck her\u2026hard, drawing back and ramming his cock into Hermione with abandon, jerking her small body roughly, plowing through her incredible softness and tightness hungrily, growling, punctuating each stroke with a grunt, his dark eyes locked to her face as he did so.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione arched as the wizard connected with her powerfully, crying out as his possession grew in speed and power, her hands spasmodically gripping at his lower back as the wizard flexed over her, his lean, muscular body stroking rhythmically, his loins slapping against hers as the Potions Master buried his cock into her over and over, his face contorting with his effort and his pleasure. The wizard looked down at his plunging organ, thick and glistening with Hermione\u2019s juices and growled, arching into the witch and holding himself deep inside her softness, feeling her clutch around him as she keened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYesssss,\u201d he hissed, returning his gaze to the witch\u2019s face, which was contorted prettily, her hair wild and falling across her features. Looking down on her like this while piercing her curvaceous little body over and over, the wizard had to admit Hermione Granger was quite\u2026beautiful.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt only because I\u2019m fucking her the way I am,\u201d he thought to himself as he pressed deep into Hermione, feeling the warmth and life of her body wrapped around him, wet and pulsing. He had never thought the witch beautiful before this.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFrom the back\u2026fuck me from the back,\u201d Hermione begged him, her voice husky with ache and passion.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared down at Hermione a moment, still straining into her, and the witch\u2019s amber eyes opened, wet and wild. He began to stroke her again, slower but still hard and deep, his eyes fluttering as her tight sleeve caressed his head and shaft deliciously. A growl of delight escaped from the back of his throat. Merlin, this was good.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlease,\u201d Hermione cried out as she buckled.<\/p>\n<p>Severus heard her, but it was hard to stop to change positions. Hermione just felt too good to pull out of. He continued to stroke her for several more minutes, sweat running down his back and dripping on her body, oiling her, the sheets underneath the witch soaked. Hermione\u2019s cries were becoming hoarse and the Potions Master felt the sting of several scratches the witch had unknowingly carved into his back. But damn the pain was worth the pussy as he plunged into her over and over. He had never felt so free as took his pleasure of his charge.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, patronage had its high points.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was beginning to writhe wildly beneath him and Severus dropped to her body, pinning her with his weight and curling his hands over her shoulders, pulling her down into his stroke, burying his face in her hair, her mouth close to his ear. He began to piston into the witch furiously, his long body hunching, the wizard gasping and grunting as he hit bottom over and over, Hermione\u2019s pussy tightening around him like a long, velvet fist, her hot fluids gushing over him, splashing his loins as she orgasmed.<\/p>\n<p>Severus grimaced as the urge to ejaculate hit him\u2026but he wasn\u2019t going this time. He pulled out of the quaking witch and turned her over, pulling her to her knees and plunging his cock into her so hard Hermione howled and orgasmed again, the wizard falling still and panting, willing himself to calm as she pulsed over him, squeezing him in a living vise. To distract himself, Severus ran his pale palms over the witch\u2019s back. Her skin was soft, warm and slick with their mingled perspiration. He petted her, noting how she trembled under his hands, her quaking body stimulating his cock which was firmly embedded in her. After a minute or two, he was able to move again, and gripped the witch\u2019s small waist for leverage, and began to drive into her again, fucking her hard.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was babbling now, lost to the wizard\u2019s possession. He was hard, strong and insatiable. She had never had sex like this before\u2026it was everything she wanted as his ache hit her over and over again. Nothing else mattered other than the Potions Master keep fucking her this way. So what if he were a snarky, cold bastard? If he could make her feel like this, she\u2019d deal with it. Gods, he was so good.<\/p>\n<p>Severus released Hermione\u2019s waist and bent over her, his hands on either side of her bouncing body, the top of her head beneath his chin. The wizard closed his eyes and continued stroking her, his balls slapping against her labia, his loins flexing against her soft ass, his belly rippling against her back. As he curled around Hermione, the Potions Master was taken by how well her small body fit against him. She could only gasp now, the wizard having taken her voice. Severus froze as the witch came again with a stuttered squeak. He smirked at the sound she made.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dThe terms of patronage don\u2019t seem so terrible now, do they witch?\u201d he breathed against her ear, unable to help himself, giving her several hard fast strokes that made her head hit the headboard.<\/p>\n<p>Oops.<\/p>\n<p>Severus shifted back and dragged her after him, plunging back inside her<\/p>\n<p>The witch was all his now. Severus fell to the side, dragging Hermione down with him, not missing a stroke as he moved into the home stretch. He wrapped his long arms around her quaking body and let loose, tearing into her violently, trying to bust through her body, the witch jerking helplessly under his stroke, tears streaming as she underwent her final surrender. As far as Hermione Granger was concerned, Severus Snape could fuck her to death and she\u2019d die a happy, sated witch. She felt his arms tighten around her and his cock speed up, the wizard\u2019s body starting to shudder. Her mouth dropped open at his power, and everything began to grow dim as Severus took everything she had. The witch went completely limp.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was oblivious to Hermione\u2019s condition\u2026all he knew was her soft, accepting body, and he stroked every blessed inch of it until everything in him tightened, his pleasure forming a tight knot then releasing, the wizard letting out a roar as his orgasm tore through him, far more intense than his first. He clutched Hermione against him, firing jet after jet into her prone body, biting his lower lip so hard against the pulsing stream of bliss he drew blood. After several minutes the wizard was spent, but continued holding the witch, his pelvis still moving against her slightly.<\/p>\n<p>Damn. Damn.<\/p>\n<p>Then the Potions Master realized Hermione wasn\u2019t moving and pulled out of the witch, quickly turning her towards him. What was wrong with her? Had he hurt her?\u00a0 Injured her?\u00a0 Severus studied the witch, then he gave a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was sound asleep, a look of total peace on her face.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Relieved, Severus rolled her to her back, then reached over her prone body to the nightstand where his wand rested, picked it up and scourgified her, as well as the bed, which was soaked. He didn\u2019t scourgify himself however, and breathed in the scent of sex clinging to his body with satisfaction. Normally, when the wizard was done with a witch, he washed the scent of her off of him as soon as possible\u2026but Hermione had been the first witch that didn\u2019t try to restrict him, who let him take her wholly. He wasn\u2019t ready to let that go yet. He also wasn\u2019t ready to put her out of his bed. Severus was physically sated, but for some reason\u2026he thought he might indulge himself a bit more with the witch later on. It made no sense to put Hermione out then have to retrieve her again. She might as well stay in his bed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>He lay down next to the witch, his body turned toward her, studying her face as she slept. She wasn\u2019t beautiful, but pretty enough to turn a wizard\u2019s head. She didn\u2019t wear the usual warpaint witches used to embellish their features, which Severus hated, and she had stopped using that damned jasmine shampoo. She smelled female\u2026that was all she needed to smell like as far as he was concerned. All in all, he was quite pleased with the witch.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard\u2019s eyelids drooped as the adrenaline in his system died down and exhaustion settled on him. The Potions Master had expended quite a bit of energy on the witch and was feeling it now. His eyes fluttered and Hermione shifted out of focus, her blurred outline the last thing the wizard saw before sleep overtook him.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: I&#8217;m feeling a bit under the weather, so sorry for the time it took to post.\u00a0 Not sure how the lemons are&#8230;you know how I get when I feel out of sorts.\u00a0 This was the couples first genuine sexual encounter and as such there was not much emotion expressed by either of them, though it seems both Severus and Hermione are rather smitten. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 19<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 19 ~ A Bit of Pillow Talk ala Granger<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master awoke suddenly to a weight on his body and his mouth being gently assailed. His black eyes snapped open and reflexively he shoved the weight off him, sitting up in the bed startled and looking down at a disheveled and rather surprised Hermione Granger.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d he demanded of her, frowning. Still his eyes drifted over her naked body before returning to her face. Hermione sat up too.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was trying to wake you up,\u201d she responded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLike that? You could have simply called me. I would have awakened,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I suppose I could have done that\u2026but I thought kissing you awake would be better,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus just stared at her for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy do you think that would have been better witch?\u201d he asked her, noticing he\u2019d been scourgified.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shrugged and turned a bit crimson.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, if you wake most wizards up that way, they are usually receptive to more,\u201d the witch replied.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her, his head cocked slightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you wanted me to fuck you again, you could have just asked me,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s brow furrowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou told me at the beginning of your patronage that you would not be my \u201cstud service.\u201d I didn\u2019t want you to turn me down,\u201d she said, her voice a low whisper. \u201cI thought I might have a better chance if I persuaded you physically.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t do kissing,\u201d the Potions Master said tightly, lying back down on his back, placing his arms behind his head. Hermione\u2019s eyes swept over his long, lean, pale body and drew in a breath before looking back to his face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy?\u201d Hermione asked him, lying down too, her body facing his.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was silent for several seconds.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s too intimate,\u201d he responded shortly.<\/p>\n<p>Both of Hermione\u2019s eyebrows rose.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd sticking your cock in me numerous times in numerous ways isn\u2019t?\u201d the witch asked him incredulously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a different kind of intimacy. Kissing suggests emotions are involved. Feelings are being exchanged. What we are doing is purely physical,\u201d the wizard answered her, his black eyes studying her face.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked back at him and drew in another breath.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou know, Professor\u2026\u201d she began.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus,\u201d the Potions Master corrected her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus. You know whenever a witch has sex, emotions are going to be involved,\u201d the witch said, wanting to run her fingers through the wizard\u2019s lank hair.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s not my experience. I\u2019ve been with several witches who easily spread their legs and left, never to return,\u201d the wizard said coldly. \u201cThey had no interest in any \u2018emotional\u2019 connection. They just wanted cock, plain and simple. And I gave it to them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSurely you have slept with wizards and not stayed with them,\u201d the wizard said, his eyes narrowing.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have been with wizards who just didn\u2019t pan out. But it wasn\u2019t for lack of emotion. Something was just missing,\u201d she admitted, \u201cAnd we did kiss when we made love.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione knew what was missing. What the Potions Master had just given her. She couldn\u2019t stay in a relationship where her needs wouldn\u2019t be met. She\u2019d be miserable, and never had the nerve to tell any of her partners what was missing in the bedroom.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dThat\u2019s the difference, witch. I didn\u2019t make love to you. I fucked you. Fucking doesn\u2019t require kisses,\u201d the Potions Master said.<\/p>\n<p>Still, for a passing moment the wizard had felt a strong desire to kiss the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at the wizard and decided to try another tack.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou gave me three orgasms, Severus. I think you deserve some kisses for that,\u201d she said softly, letting her hand fall gently on his chest, half afraid he would demand she move it.<\/p>\n<p>But he didn\u2019t. The wizard continued to look up at the ceiling, though his eyes fluttered just a bit as her small warm hand made contact with his skin. She wanted to touch him. Suddenly he turned his head and looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThree?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione smiled at him and nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHm,\u201d he said looking up at the ceiling again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou might have given me more if I hadn\u2019t blacked out with pleasure,\u201d Hermione crooned, stroking the wizard\u2019s ego. \u201cYou\u2019re the best lover I\u2019ve ever had.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus tried not to react to this, but his chest swelled anyway.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione smirked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo strong. So passionate. I never would have guessed you were so passionate,\u201d Hermione continued, her voice low and sexy, \u201cYou hide it so well. But now I know.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She slowly slid her hand down to the wizard\u2019s rippled abs. The witch noticed his cock was beginning to slowly swell.<\/p>\n<p>What Hermione didn\u2019t know was that if Severus had not seen her with the Wheezer, he would have been a much different lover and probably wouldn\u2019t have given her the satisfaction she experienced with him if not for his spying on her.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at the witch sharply.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are trying to seduce me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I am,\u201d Hermione said, feeling bolder now that he was reacting to her. \u201cI\u2019ve decided to get all the sex I can while you\u2019re here. The gods only know how many more months I\u2019ll have to wait until you need me like this again.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus fell silent, studying the witch so intently Hermione felt as if he were looking deep inside of her. Suddenly the wizard rolled over on top of her, grasping her wrists and holding them down as he adjusted his body, fitting himself between Hermione\u2019s open thighs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPossibly you will not have to wait months, witch,\u201d he breathed down at her. \u201cHowever, I have to ask you\u2026are you in any pain from our last encounter?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shook her head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI went to your medicinal potions stores and drank a few of your purple potions. You don\u2019t mind do you?\u201d she asked, her eyes glistening as she looked up at the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 face softened just a bit.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d he replied softly, \u201cI don\u2019t mind at all.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<\/p>\n<p>When Severus left the next morning, he found it quite an effort, particularly since when he woke up and went to shower leaving the witch asleep in his bed, Hermione woke up and forced her way into the stall with him. Slippery and covered in suds the wizard fucked her against the tiled wall, the witch clinging to him for dear life and shrieking his name as he took her.<\/p>\n<p>It was Sunday, and he could have stayed\u2026but part of him said \u201cEscape.\u201d The wizard felt as if Hermione had cast some kind of lust spell on him\u2026and even checked himself to see if he were under a magical influence, but he wasn\u2019t. Eli made them both a huge breakfast, a broad smile plastered on his elfish face as the couple ate in silence. The house elf knew the in-outie had been good. He could hear Hermione\u2019s passionate cries clear in his cupboard, and the Master hadn\u2019t put her out as he did the other scant witches he had brought to his home over the years.<\/p>\n<p>Severus accepted the rolled up parchments duplicated from Harry\u2019s original score, bid the witch goodbye rather gruffly, wrapped his robes around himself dramatically and disapparated back to Hogwarts.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione smiled to herself as she walked back to her bedroom. Her body still had a delicious ache as she dropped into her bed for a bit more sleep. The potions could help only so much but she didn\u2019t mind. The sex had been mind-blowing and she discovered that the Potions Master was a flesh and blood man after all, with all the weaknesses that designation entailed, especially very poor resistance to an offer of good, hot sex.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione rolled over, her face in the pillow and gave another knowing smile.<\/p>\n<p>The snarky wizard would be back, she was sure. And it wouldn\u2019t take him months, and it wouldn\u2019t be just to collect receipts.<\/p>\n<p>************************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus appeared in his bedroom with a crack of thunder and immediately removed his robes, boots and socks, changing into his black housecoat and slippers. The Potions Master planned to take his meals in, preferring not to mix with other staff today. He fished in his discarded robes pocket and retrieved the score Hermione had worked so hard on. According to the witch it was two-thirds completed.<\/p>\n<p>He sat down on his bed and studied the notations. The witch had done quite a good job with it, considering she was not a musician herself. But writing music had a mathematical basis, so it was no surprise the brilliant witch showed an aptitude for it.<\/p>\n<p>Hm. Potter\u2019s soul was quite complicated. To the Potions Master the music seemed to actually reflect the young wizard\u2019s life. There were a number of deceptive cadences, not that Severus found that surprising considering how sneaky Potter had been at Hogwarts. He was supposed to have been a Slytherin after all, and only was placed in Gryffindor by request.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master\u2019s black eyes scanned the parchment. Both major and minor modes abounded, several intermezzos, a few areas that would require a couple of pizzicatos, the strings plucked rather than bowed. All in all, the music of Harry\u2019s soul was mostly a polyphony, combining a number of individual but harmonizing melodies. It was a complicated piece. Severus didn\u2019t understand how one person could play the entire piece. But then again, with magic\u2026anything was possible.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard stood up and walked into his study, his nose in the parchments as he walked over to a section of bookshelf, pulled back a false front and removed his violin case. He carried it over to the fireplace and set it and the music down in the armchair. He then strode over to the corner of the room and retrieved his magical music stand. It was a small podium that automatically turned pages so he wouldn\u2019t have to stop playing to do it manually. Severus placed the parchment neatly on the stand, then opened his case, removing his violin, his pale hand caressing it almost lovingly as he did so. He had just had it and the bow professionally serviced. The pegs had been refitted and greased, the neck and fingerboard planed and readjusted, and a new bridge cut and fitted. The strings had been replaced with the finest quality strings available. It had cost a small fortune to keep his instrument in perfect condition, but the violin was worth it.<\/p>\n<p>It was a Stradivarius.<\/p>\n<p>Severus began playing violin when he was seventeen and was self-taught. The young wizard would cast a silencing spell around his private room in Slytherin, turn on the wizarding wireless and play along to the classics. He could play beautifully before he could read music. Severus found it soothing to his soul, particularly after confrontations with the Marauders. His ability to lose himself in the music he played probably kept him from blasting the bastards into bloody bits. It was another outlet and always soothed him.<\/p>\n<p>In his mid-twenties, Severus risked Azkaban by illegally using a time turner given him by Albus to visit the year 1708 and a small violin shop run by one Antonio Stradivari. He had a bag of gold with him and asked the muggle to sell him a violin. Antonio presented him with a fine specimen. Severus drew the bow across the strings, his face twisted in bliss as the perfect, golden tones filled the shop. He then presented Antonio with the bag of gold who protested that he was paying too much.<\/p>\n<p>Severus replied, \u201cI assure you sir, that a violin made by your hands is worth many more bags of gold than this. You are a true Master. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The muggle watched the strange robed wizard exit his shop then stared down at the bag of gold. He\u2019d be able to make quite a few violins with that.<\/p>\n<p>Severus reverently placed the Strad under his chin and drew the bow across the strings, closing his eyes, a slight smile on his face as the lovely tone filled the study. His pleasure for his music was only rivaled by the pleasure he had found with Hermione the night before, and before that\u2026there was only his music.<\/p>\n<p>Severus translated and played that newly discovered pleasure, concocting an original melody full of passion, desire and something he couldn\u2019t identify as he lay bow to string, his lean body swaying, dark eyes closed in concentration, lank hair swinging as he played Hermione\u2019s Song, lost to his memories of the passionate witch, water cascading down her body and the music swelling over him, lifting him higher and higher, the bow flying across the violin, blurring as it flew.<\/p>\n<p>If the wizard had opened his eyes, he would have seen a subtle glow, an aura of white light on the verge of turning golden pulsing around his frame. But the Potions Master always closed his eyes to deepen the purity of the sound, unless he were reading music. In that case, the glow didn\u2019t manifest.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had no idea she had been fucked by the only Harper in the wizarding world.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Interesting pillow talk between Severus and Hermione. The witch certainly knows what she\u2019s doing. Slipping into the shower with him? You go Hermione! Got to get him kissing now. Cool little history about how he came to play the violin and own a Stradivarius\u2026AND he\u2019s a Harper. Yes\u2026getting good now. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 20<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 20 ~ Two Visitations<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI understand your concern, Headmaster, but this council would be amiss if it used the resources of our society to handle a purely muggle concern,\u201d Professor Figglesworth said to a scowling Albus.<\/p>\n<p>The Head of Hogwarts stood in front of a podium, having just addressed the Ministry Council on the issue of the possible discovery of Dementors in India, where the creatures were feeding off of the Untouchables.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut Minister, it should be clear to you that should the Dementors increase their numbers they will be a threat to both the muggle and the wizarding world,\u201d Albus said, \u201cThey care not where they draw their souls from. These Dementors have no allegiance to any government authority. They are predators. We must find them and destroy them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Figglesworth looked over the paperwork before him, scowling slightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere is no mention of Dementors here. Just the condition of the unfortunate muggles\u2026which for all we know could have been brought on by any number of things. It is not our affair, Headmaster. Let the muggles handle their own problems,\u201d the Minister said with finality. The other council members murmured agreement.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis council is just as blind and pig-headed as when Fudge was in office. You refuse to see the impending danger until it is upon you,\u201d Albus seethed, power crackling around him in his ire. The council drew back collectively as nervous Aurors took a step forward. No one wanted to fuck with an angry Albus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine then. I myself will find a way to deal with this situation. For a wizard who runs Hogwarts, I do an awful amount of Ministry work,\u201d the wizard said. \u201cAnd I assure you, when this business is handled, your reluctance to help will be made common knowledge. You will not receive one iota of credit Figglesworth\u2026neither you nor your empty-headed cronies!\u201d Albus declared, gathering up his paperwork, turning with a great swirl of robes and exiting the boardroom.<\/p>\n<p>The thunder of apparation followed him. No one should have been able to apparate out of the Ministry building\u2026it was a breach of security, but simple wards could not contain Albus Dumbledore. The gods bless them if they tried to arrest him for it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe could be trouble, Minister,\u201d one of the councilmen said nervously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s always trouble,\u201d Figglesworth spat. \u201cDementors in India. What business of that is ours? Let their Brahmins take care of whatever is striking those people down. They should be glad something is thinning out their population.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The other council members mumbled agreement as they departed the boardroom.<\/p>\n<p>Damn Dumbledore. The old wizard was always drumming up trouble where there was none.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<\/p>\n<p>\u201dRight through here, Headmaster,\u201d the medi-witch said, opening the door and letting the tall, elderly wizard walk through.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you, my dear,\u201d Albus said to the witch, who nodded and closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n<p>Albus sighed and looked around the sterile white room. St. Mungos didn\u2019t allow extras in these type of patient rooms. It made no difference to those interred. Albus walked over to the small cot and looked down on Professor Minerva McGonagall, his former Transfiguration student and lover. She was small and wasted now, her reddish-gray hair completely white although she was only in her eighties, just reaching middle-age.<\/p>\n<p>The old wizard sighed, drew up a small folding chair and sat down, taking the witch\u2019s slender hand in his own as he wiped a tear from under his half-moon spectacles.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh, Minerva my sweet. Here we are again,\u201d he said softly, blinking down at the witch. Her thin chest rose and fell slightly beneath the white paper gown she was kept in.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow I miss you,\u201d he breathed, his thumb moving back and forth over her knuckles. Then his eyes hardened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThose idiots at the Ministry have once again turned a blind eye to a growing danger. Dementors are in India, Minerva\u2026and I have no doubt that they are breeding. It seems, my dear, I am once again going to have to take matters into my own hands and send Order members overseas in search of the creatures,\u201d he said, pausing as the witch\u2019s hand twitched.<\/p>\n<p>In the beginning when this happened the wizard hoped that the witch was returning to him. The healers all assured him it was an involuntary motion. Minerva\u2019s limbs were exercised each day to lessen the loss of muscle mass as they kept her alive. Some healers believed victims of Dementors should be allowed to die, and those who could not afford the constant care often did. Albus paid for Minerva\u2019s continued care, unable to let the witch go. At least he could see her. It was incredibly selfish of him\u2026but there it was.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<\/p>\n<p>\u201dAlbus! Albus!\u201d Minerva called from the darkness, hearing the Headmaster\u2019s voice. She banged on the invisible walls as she had every time he visited her for years, her eyes glistening. \u201cAlbus! I\u2019m here! I\u2019m here!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A low hiss echoed around her. The witch turned red with rage at the sound.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou damnable creature!\u201d Minerva shouted at the noise of her captor, \u201cRelease me!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Dementor ignored the small, irritating voice. The soul had been shouting at it for release for more than eight years now. It was used to the noise, but would be glad when the human\u2019s body died and it could absorb someone more\u2026peaceable to maintain its half-life. True, it had absorbed others for the express purpose of breeding, but Minerva was its core soul, the one that powered it. Only the death of the witch\u2019s body would release her to the afterlife.<\/p>\n<p>The creature shifted deeper into the shadows of the ruins and settled in to dream of vengeance against the wizarding world.<\/p>\n<p>Albus stayed with Minerva for over an hour, having a one-sided discussion concerning how he would go about garnering volunteers to hunt Dementors, not knowing Minerva was listening to every word. She was happy that the horrible creatures would be hunted down and destroyed, but also realized that when the Dementor that held her spirit died, she would too. No one had ever revived when a Dementor was destroyed, so the soul it contained must have been destroyed as well.<\/p>\n<p>This saddened her, but sacrifices had to be made. If she died, then her death would be worth it. The Dementors had to be stopped, no matter the cost. Gods, if she could just see Albus\u2026just look into those kindly, twinkling blue eyes just once more, she\u2019d gladly go to the Afterlife\u2026<\/p>\n<p>\u201dGoodbye, Minerva my love,\u201d the old wizard said, kissing her hand, then laying it carefully by her side, his eyes glistening. \u201cUntil next time, my sweet.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus slowly rose from the chair and lifted his glasses, wiping at his eyes as he always did when he left the witch he loved. He put the chair back and looked at Minerva once more before departing the room.<\/p>\n<p>He would find those damned Dementors and this time make sure every single one was wiped from the face of the earth. They had taken the only woman he had ever loved intimately.<\/p>\n<p>For that, they would pay.<\/p>\n<p>**************************************<\/p>\n<p>Albus took a leave of absence from Hogwarts, leaving Professor Flitwick as temporary Headmaster. He had not yet let anyone know about the possibility of the Dementors living in India and breeding. After much consideration, he decided Minister Figglesworth had a point\u2026no one had seen the Dementors. He decided it would be best if he went to India to find out for certain what had stricken the Untouchables. Hopefully there would be stricken muggles to examine. In India, they let them die. It was hard enough for the poor to feed those of their families who weren\u2019t in such a state. To feed someone who could not contribute made no sense.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione continued to work on Harry\u2019s song, now adding the underlying notations, upgrading the intricate score to an absolute symphony. She also began to advertise for skilled musicians for a \u201cprivate project.\u201d To pull them in, she offered two galleons for their time.<\/p>\n<p>What a fiasco that was. Every poser in the wizarding world must have shown up outside of the Potions Master\u2019s gate. Hermione was glad Severus wasn\u2019t on the premises. Some hexes would have certainly flown. Hermione quickly drew up an application and with a few well placed spells made it self-judging\u2026those unqualified were immediately spirited back to whence they came. Then she placed a spell on it to duplicate itself each time an application was taken, placed them in a box and had Eli go outside and attach the box to the fence.<\/p>\n<p>The very first question was: \u201cCan you read music?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Two-thirds of the musicians disappeared immediately.<\/p>\n<p>Eli scowled out of the living room window at the crowd.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Master wouldn\u2019t likes this,\u201d he complained to Hermione, who was in the other window holding a clipboard and watching person after person pluck applications from the self-filling box she had attached to the picket fence.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, let\u2019s just be glad the Master isn\u2019t here,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>The name and appointment times of those witches and wizards who met the requirements magically appeared on the clipboard. Hermione was glad she had thought to make a one day deadline otherwise she would have been overrun. As it stood, she had over two hundred possibles to review by the time the sun went down. It would take a couple of weeks to see them all.<\/p>\n<p>Severus didn\u2019t return to his home for more than a month, although he found himself thinking of Hermione often. Too often in fact, his body reacting to the very thought of the witch. The wizard was hoping \u201cout of sight\u201d meant \u201cout of mind\u201d, but it wasn\u2019t the case. A few nights he needed the assistance of a sleeping draught to help him sleep. Severus was a stubborn wizard, and felt his attraction for the witch was not a good thing. It was undisciplined, something he wasn\u2019t in control of. He knew the moment he saw Hermione he\u2019d want to take her to his bed and lose himself in her again.<\/p>\n<p>He had heard the term \u201cpussy-whipped\u201d before. Had this affliction befallen him? He had only been with the witch once, well twice if he counted the first time\u2026which was a mere shadow of intimacy compared to what he experienced with the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Only his music served to take his mind off her. He had learned the main melody of Harry\u2019s song, picking it out from among the hundreds of notations. He had to admit it was a hauntingly beautiful strain. When he played, Severus could feel the young wizard\u2019s difficult life flow over him, feel the discordance, the impending darkness in the movements of his song&#8230;and almost hear the accompaniment of hope, strength, courage and destiny, the unplayed parts of the symphony still coming to life beneath his bow. But that was impossible. It had to be in his head.<\/p>\n<p>Severus avoided using his security mirror to look in on Hermione. He felt it would lower his resistance even further, but one Saturday afternoon he couldn\u2019t help himself and took the mirror out from its hiding place and focused on Hermione. His eyes widened as he saw the witch sitting in her lab behind a long table with a stack of parchments piled on it, apparently listening to a wizard playing a flute. A music stand was in front of him, and Severus saw the parchment.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione must have finished Harry\u2019s music and was auditioning musicians, hoping to find a Harper. By the way the witch\u2019s face was set, she wasn\u2019t impressed with the playing. She motioned to the wizard to stop and said something. The wizard\u2019s face contorted angrily and he shouted something at the witch, waving his flute about and striding toward her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s wand was out in an instant, and the wizard froze as the witch looked at him narrow-eyed. She slid two gallons across the table. The glowering wizard picked it up and Hermione flicked her wand at him and he was gone. She lowered her head and rubbed her brow in exasperation. After several moments she stood up, picked up a parchment and examined it, then walked to the lab door and opened it. Severus could see she had set up wooden chairs in the small space and a number of witches and wizards sat there, looking at her expectantly.<\/p>\n<p>She said something, and a witch with a huge cello made her way inside. Hermione pulled up a chair for her, and lowered the music stand so the witch could read the music, and returned to her seat. The woman began to play and Hermione looked interested for a moment, but then her eyes began to dull. Suddenly she waved her hand at the witch and shook her head.<\/p>\n<p>The witch began to cry. Hermione looked contrite as the woman rose and collected her two galleons. The woman looked at Hermione reproachfully and said something rude by Hermione\u2019s shocked reaction. Then the woman picked up her cello and exited in a huff. Hermione stared after her and suddenly looked extremely tired and worn.<\/p>\n<p>Musicians were a volatile lot under the best circumstances, and they were wearing the witch down. Severus was curious as to how they played the score. He sat there a moment in indecision. If he went to the house now, he would have something to distract him from Hermione, at least for the time being.<\/p>\n<p>He sat there a long moment, watching the next applicant, a burly man with a tuba. He shook his head. No way could a tuba capture the spirit of the symphony of Harry\u2019s soul. He knew how it should be played.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the wizard stood up, strode over to the bookshelf, opened the false front and retrieved his violin and bow.<\/p>\n<p>After all her hard work, Hermione deserved to hear the song as it should be played. He was no Harper, but he felt he had captured the essence of the score.<\/p>\n<p>Besides, she needed someone to help her judge. Someone who didn\u2019t mind telling another person they weren\u2019t good enough.<\/p>\n<p>Someone like him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus returned the security mirror to his desk drawer, walked into his bedroom and apparated, arriving in his living room with a crack of thunder, startling Eli, who looked extremely fearful at the sight of his Master. He was sure to be displeased at all the strangers in his house.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cM-m-master,\u201d the elf began, babbling.<\/p>\n<p>Severus held a pale hand up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI already know, Eli,\u201d he said to the elf. Then Eli saw the violin and his green eyes widened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou means to play the magic music, Master?\u201d the elf asked him, excited.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPossibly. But I am primarily here to help Hermione rid herself of these posers,\u201d the dark wizard responded, reducing both bow and violin case and depositing them in separate pockets. Then he walked to the door leading down to the labs, pulled it opened and walked through.<\/p>\n<p>Every eye looked up as the Potions Master swept down the stairs, scowling blackly at the group and walking through the lab door as if he owned the place.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHey!\u201d some voices rose behind him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus slammed the door in their faces, shocking both Hermione and the wizard with the oboe. He looked at the witch and felt his stomach clench with desire\u2026but he covered it well. He was gratified to see however, that Hermione\u2019s eyes heated up the moment she saw him. She too fought it back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, what are you doing here?\u201d she asked the wizard as he dragged a chair over to the table and sat down next to her, his dark eyes resting on the oboe player.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am here to help you judge,\u201d he said, \u201cI know how the song should be played and am an actual musician. I can make better decisions than you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione smiled at the wizard gratefully.<\/p>\n<p>The oboe player looked disgruntled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCan I continue?\u201d he asked with irritation in his voice. He was just falling into his groove when the tall, pale wizard entered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGo ahead,\u201d Severus replied, leaning back in the chair and crossing his arms. Hermione thought it wasn\u2019t a very receptive position.<\/p>\n<p>The oboe player began at the beginning. He had only played two measures when Severus said, \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard pulled the woodwind out of his mouth.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat do you mean no? I hardly played a note,\u201d he complained, his face reddening.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd thank the gods for that,\u201d Severus replied. \u201cYou don\u2019t have the proper instrument or skill for this piece. Depart.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The oboe player looked mutinous, and Severus\u2019 face took on a darker mien as if to say\u2026\u201dPlease give me a reason to hex you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dWhat about my two galleons?\u201d the wizard asked, looking at Hermione pointedly. The witch avoided looking at Severus and pulled two galleons out of a bag resting on the table. A rather big bag. The Potions Master\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIs that MY money?\u201d he asked the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s part of the project. You said not to use my own money,\u201d the witch said in a small voice.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at the witch for a moment. He had a flashback of Hermione pinned against the tiled wall of the shower, soaked, her legs wrapped around his slippery waist and amber eyes glazed with passion as he fucked her. The wizard blinked and the witch was restored. His black eyes fell on the oboe player.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTake it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard walked up and retrieved the coins. He looked as if he wanted to say something nasty, but the Potions Master\u2019s eyes glinted at him warningly, and the wizard exited without a word.<\/p>\n<p>Severus suddenly rose.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWait here,\u201d he said to Hermione, exiting the lab and closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly she heard a lot of grumbling and a couple of blasts. She rose from her chair and was about to go to the door when it opened and Severus walked back in, fixing his robes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSit down,\u201d he said to her imperiously. \u201cI\u2019ve just removed half of your applicants. Those with brass and woodwinds. They aren\u2019t the proper instruments and I don\u2019t want my galleons wasted. Strings. Only strings can began to capture the essence of that song, though I seriously doubt you will find your Harper this way.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat down, her face crestfallen. Severus found he didn\u2019t like it, but there was little he could do. He wouldn\u2019t give the witch false hope.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNext!\u201d he bellowed.<\/p>\n<p>**************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Albus visiting Minerva\u2026so sad\u2026but inversely Minerva irritating the Dementor that held her soul was pretty funny. The Ministry Council is as asinine and prejudiced as ever. So, the Headmaster has gone to India. Interesting. And Severus avoided seeing Hermione thinking his lust would cool. Poor wizard. lol. But now he\u2019s there\u2026with his violin. Lol, I would hate to have him as a judge. He\u2019s as bad as Simon on American Idol. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 21<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 21 ~ Discovery<\/p>\n<p>Severus and Hermione sat through ten more applicants, almost all of whom the Potions Master tossed out after grudgingly giving them their two galleons. But there was one young girl of about seventeen who played decently. The Potions Master believed she could be taught the proper way to play the piece if given time. Her name was Christa, and she had the most beautiful blue eyes Hermione had ever seen. However, Hermione shook her head and leaned over to Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen a Harper plays, there is an increase of magic that can be felt by those who listen, as well as a slight glow that increases. Neither occurred with Christa, though she played beautifully,\u201d the witch said sadly. \u201cIt makes no sense to accept her when she doesn\u2019t fit the description.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus nodded. The witch was right. The wizard complimented Christa on her playing and told her to continue practicing, giving her three galleons and a half smile before she departed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt a little twinge of jealousy but didn\u2019t say anything. But Severus wasn\u2019t smitten with the young witch. It was the music which made him act less than snarky. Hermione didn\u2019t know that however and it took a moment or two for the knot in her belly to loosen.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat am I going to do?\u201d she said softly, rising to retrieve the music from the stand. \u201cWho am I going to find to play this? According to Ministry records, the last recorded Harper died over ten years ago. It is a very rare gift.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The witch\u2019s eyes began to glisten.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh Harry,\u201d she sighed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLeave the music, Hermione,\u201d Severus suddenly said to the witch. Hermione froze by the music stand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus rose and removed both the violin and the bow from his pockets resizing them as the witch looked on, her eyes rounding.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou play violin?\u201d she asked the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus frowned at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, I play the drums,\u201d he replied rather snarkily. \u201cI carry them in this special case to throw people off. Now come sit down.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus opened the case, then began unbuttoning his robes as Hermione sat down, looking up at him, a bit of heat forming in her belly as she watched him, remembering the last time he removed his robes. But this time he wore a white shirt and black trousers beneath them. He really had come to assist her. The witch felt a twinge of disappointment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI find robes restricting when I play,\u201d the wizard said to her, picking up his bow and violin, then striding over to the podium. He leafed through the parchment, studying the new finished product, nodding as he scanned the notations. He looked up at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell done,\u201d he said to the witch, who flushed at his praise. The Potions Master never gave false praise.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are the first human being other than myself to hear me play,\u201d he stated, \u201cI presume this is a magic stand?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded.<\/p>\n<p>Severus brought the violin to his chin and closed his eyes, preparing himself to play the opening strains to Harry\u2019s music.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione blinked as she felt a slight stir in the air. She looked around the room, wondering if there was some kind of draft.<\/p>\n<p>Then Severus began to play.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was immediately caught up in the clear, lovely, haunting tone of the violin as it sang the first few notes\u2026but there was something odd about them, as if there were another undertone. Again there was a shifting of atmosphere, almost as if an oath were being taken.<\/p>\n<p>Severus began to play faster, and the feeling of accompaniment grew stronger though it was nothing audible, more like something she felt. The Potions Master played beautifully. Hermione thought she never heard anything more poignant or seen a man more sensual as the wizard fell into the song, his bow flying across the strings, his eyes closed, a look of pleasure on his face as if he were making love with music, his lean frame swaying, turning slightly, his arm flexing, body following, hair swinging and tossing in time with his motions. Hermione\u2019s eyes widened and stayed that way as Severus played the song as if his own soul depended on its proper conclusion. He played the last quiet ebbing strains, then ended with a flourish, lowering the violin, his black eyes opening and resting on the witch who was staring at him as if he had grown another head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell?\u201d he said to her, \u201cWas that an adequate rendition in your rather flawed opinion?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at him, her jaw working but nothing coming out.<\/p>\n<p>Finally she squeaked something.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat?\u201d the Potions Master asked. What was wrong with the witch?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re a Harper,\u201d she said in a low, awed voice. \u201cI felt the magic\u2026and\u2026and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dAnd what?\u201d Severus snapped at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd you glowed,\u201d she finished, staring at the wizard. \u201cYou have the magic of music, Severus. You can fix Harry\u2019s soul.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus blinked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re mad,\u201d he breathed, walking back around the table and putting his violin away, \u201cI didn\u2019t glow. It was your imagination.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione scowled at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was not my imagination, Severus. You glowed and I can prove it. Use Legilimency to see what I saw and experience what I felt,\u201d she said, leaning toward him.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard hesitated. The witch sounded quite sure of herself. But no. No, she couldn&#8217;t be right&#8230;could she?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine. Legilimens,\u201d the wizard said, looking into her recent memories. He started.<\/p>\n<p>Dear Merlin\u2026he WAS glowing. A fine white light silhouetting him at first, then changing to a slight golden hue\u2026and she also felt the accompaniment, as if several other violins were playing with him, completing the symphony. And then, the unmistakable swirl of magic. He pulled out of her mind, his black eyes astonished.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou saw it. You\u2019re a Harper,\u201d she breathed.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Hermione\u2019s arms were around his neck pulling him down and she was kissing the startled wizard, her soft lips moving against his mouth as her curves pressed against his body.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was torn. His first reflex was to push her away, but his secondary reaction urged him to let her continue the kiss\u2026and the third reaction was loin-based, definitely the most convincing reaction of the three so he wrapped his arms around the witch and gave himself over, allowing her access to his mouth, her sweet, seeking tongue entwining with his own. The wizard growled, crushing the witch against him, pressing his growing erection into her belly with some force. Hermione gasped into his mouth.<\/p>\n<p>Severus lifted the witch and sat her on the table, pulling away from her mouth.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat are you wearing under your robes?\u201d he hissed at her, the blood in his brain draining quickly. Nature didn\u2019t give men enough blood to maintain two heads at once and at the moment, the Professor\u2019s lower region needed the corpuscles more.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA skirt,\u201d Hermione panted back at him, pulling him back down into another kiss. But the Potions Master\u2019s arms didn\u2019t go back around her, because his hands were too busy pulling his shirt out and unfastening his trousers.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione took advantage of his lust. She released his mouth.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ll help Harry?\u201d she asked the wizard as he opened his shirt, his eyes on her thighs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry who?\u201d he breathed, lowering his trousers, then his boxers, his huge cock springing out, dripping so fiercely the head looked as if it were drooling. He pulled her forward, impatiently pushing up her robes and skirt.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry Potter. Will you help him, Severus?\u201d the witch asked before shrieking a bit as the wizard pushed her rather roughly down on her back on the table and ripped her knickers off.<\/p>\n<p>Severus grasped Hermione\u2019s waist and rammed his cock into her with a groan, his eyes rolling up in bliss as the witch cried out at his sudden penetration. Severus leaned over Hermione, catching her wrists, black eyes blazing and began to fuck her hard and fast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, yes, yes,\u201d the wizard groaned as Hermione cried out rhythmically as her patron once again claimed his right to her body, his huge tool hitting her just right, the witch rolling her pelvis in reaction, causing the wizard to change his angle, realizing what she wanted. He shifted his hips, hitting a different part of her with each stroke, Hermione urging him on.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGods, Severus\u2026oh damn!\u201d she cried out, making the wizard increase his ardor, the entire table beginning to move. Hermione orgasmed strongly, her release squirting out of her, wetting his loins and his shirt, but the wizard didn\u2019t care as he hissed, feeling her clench around him. He stopped, looking down at the witch, watching her face contort with bliss, his nostrils flaring as the scent of sex filled them. Fuck, he hadn\u2019t meant for this to happen\u2026but when she kissed him and pressed against him&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>The wizard began to stroke her again, slower this time, easing her through the last bit of her climax, the witch purring now, her amber eyes half open as she jerked back and forth gently. He still felt delicious, his hardness filling her, caressing her, claiming her, his dark eyes meeting hers hungrily. Hermione found her voice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ll help Harry, won\u2019t you Severus? We need you,\u201d she said softly, reaching up and caressing the wizard\u2019s lank hair as he fucked her gently.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked down at her, pleasure thrumming through his body as he immersed his cock in her softness over and over. Suddenly Hermione bore down on his shaft, making the wizard gasp in reaction.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ll help me, Severus?\u201d she asked again, \u201cPlease?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The witch was a minx. How could he say no when he was burying himself up to his balls inside her? He could say no\u2026but why?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I\u2019ll help you,\u201d he breathed, \u201cnow be quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shut her mouth for a moment before it went slack, her amber eyes growing hotter as he stroked her, her body starting to writhe. She wanted more.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 face contorted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBetter yet, don\u2019t be quiet,\u201d he hissed, pouring on the power again.<\/p>\n<p>Upstairs, Eli shook his head as he heard Hermione\u2019s cries.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMates,\u201d he said knowingly, going to prepare dinner. The couple would be quite hungry indeed when they finally came upstairs.<\/p>\n<p>**************************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 black eyes returned again and again to Hermione\u2019s tangled hair as they ate their supper quietly. He had scourgified both himself and the witch, but there was little he could do for her hair. It was a glaring reminder of what they had done in the Spells lab. He found he liked her locks wild and untamed when he was the cause of it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re very quiet, witch,\u201d he said to her, cutting a piece of steak and popping it into his mouth and chewing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s because I have next to no voice left,\u201d she said in a near-whisper.<\/p>\n<p>Severus smirked. The witch made him feel as if he were the best lover in the world.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll give you something for that and your other aches after supper,\u201d he said<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you,\u201d she said softly, looking down at her plate.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard studied her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLook at me,\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes rose slowly and she leveled them on the wizard\u2019s face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d he asked her, putting down his utensils.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Hermione took a long drink of sparkling pumpkin juice.\u00a0 Her throat immediately felt better.\u00a0 She looked toward the kitchen a bit suspiciously, suspecting Eli added something extra to her drink.<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Severus cleared his throat impatiently, and Hermione remembered he asked her what was wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was just wondering when you would be returning to Hogwarts,\u201d the witch said, thinking the wizard was sated and wouldn\u2019t stay.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot tonight,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione smiled before she could help herself, then quickly looked down at her plate again.<\/p>\n<p>Severus didn\u2019t miss her smile. The witch was happy he was staying. Genuinely happy. The wizard couldn\u2019t remember anyone being happy about his presence, except maybe the Dark Lord when he was being tortured.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHowever, I am going to be magnanimous tonight. You have a choice whether to sleep in your own bed alone, or in mine with me,\u201d he said to the witch. He was testing her of course. \u201cI must warn you\u2026if you choose to sleep with me there will be a hefty \u201csleep tax.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione laughed out loud, she couldn\u2019t help herself as she looked at the sober wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA sleep tax? Is that what they\u2019re calling fucking now?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. That\u2019s what I\u2019m calling it for the time being. So what will it be witch? Your bed or mine?\u201d the wizard asked, his black eyes glinting.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve always paid my taxes,\u201d she said with a smirk, \u201cthere\u2019s no reason to stop now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus felt a little swell in his chest and caught himself.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI hope you realize that your sleeping with me makes no difference in the larger scheme of things. This is still a purely physical arrangement,\u201d he said sharply.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know,\u201d Hermione said, trying to hide her smile.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard snorted in irritation as he saw it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI mean that, Hermione. Purely physical,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not complaining. I\u2019ve accepted the terms of patronage, Severus,\u201d she responded, finishing her green beans, still wearing the annoying smile. \u201cI know where I stand. And where I lie, bend, twist\u2026whatever.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood. I don\u2019t want you trying to work any of your witchly wiles on me,\u201d he continued, finishing his steak. \u201cI won\u2019t fall for them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOf course you won\u2019t,\u201d Hermione agreed. \u201cThis is just a temporary arrangement after all.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 belly tightened uncomfortably when she said that.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes it is. Be sure to remember that,\u201d he snarked.<\/p>\n<p>But the tightness in his belly wouldn\u2019t go away. He changed the subject as Eli entered with fresh fruit and cleared their plates away. The elf was smiling broadly, which also irritated the Potions Master.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you have to walk around here grinning like an idiot, Eli?\u201d he snapped at the elf.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy, yes sir,\u201d the elf replied jauntily, walking back into the kitchen with a little skip to his step.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione covered her mouth to keep from laughing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are making my elf insubordinate,\u201d Severus accused Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>She scowled at the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe wasn\u2019t being insubordinate. He just answered you,\u201d the witch said, biting into her peeled pear.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes he answered me. Far too frivolously I might add. He wasn\u2019t like that before you arrived. He cringed at my every word,\u201d the wizard said, cutting a piece of his own pear and eating it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPeople change. Maybe house elves do too,\u201d Hermione replied with a smirk.<\/p>\n<p>Severus snorted and they finished their dessert in silence. Severus rose first.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome with me into the living room. We need to talk about this situation with Harry,\u201d the wizard said, striding from the table and walking right past Hermione. The witch sighed, pushed her chair out, stood up and followed him. The Potions Master had absolutely NO manners.<\/p>\n<p>He sat down in one armchair and gestured to Hermione to sit in the other.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou have no idea what Harry\u2019s situation is,\u201d he said to the witch, his eyes resting on her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione frowned.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat do you mean I have no idea of his situation? I visit him constantly. I see what\u2019s happened to him,\u201d she said, affronted.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master sighed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou know outwardly, but not inwardly. You have no idea exactly how much of him is here\u2026with us. No idea what goes through his mind, if anything. How do you expect to heal him, Hermione if you don\u2019t know what he knows or doesn\u2019t know? You have to investigate that. I\u2019m surprised you haven\u2019t perform legilimency on him,\u201d the Potions Master said evenly. \u201cThis is what I meant when I said your research skills have atrophied. The old Hermione would have done such a thing right off.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at him, shocked. How did she miss something so glaringly obvious? It was disconcerting to realize she was so far off her game. Then she looked at the wizard thoughtfully.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. I think you\u2019re wrong, Severus. You are the one who is going to repair his soul as soon as I learn the ritual from the Harmonics book. You should be the one to find out what is going on inside him. It may help you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Both of Severus\u2019 eyebrows rose.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMe? In Potter\u2019s head?\u201d he said, shivering a bit. He remembered going into the wizard\u2019s mind years ago when trying to teach the idiot boy occlumency. It hadn\u2019t been pretty and ended quite badly. The wizard\u2019s black eyes washed over the witch. He didn\u2019t have to do it. He could decline and still fuck her.<\/p>\n<p>But the truth was, the situation fascinated him. If he were a Harper, it meant he had untapped powers. He would like to try them out, and currently trying to heal Harry was the only way to do it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery well,\u201d he said. &#8220;I&#8217;ll do it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Hermione gave him her brightest smile yet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Severus knew to Hermione it sounded as if he had agreed to do something wonderful for another human being, when actually he had selfish motives. It worked out well in a Slytherinish kind of way. Plus, he was now her hero.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>They hashed out the details. Hermione would research the actual ritual and Severus would spend the week practicing the score. They would visit Harry over the weekend and if feasible, attempt to restore him.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s face was shining with hope and appreciation as she looked at the wizard. He was going to help her\u2026and Harry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow will I ever thank you, Severus?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard looked at her a moment, then stood up and caught her by the arm, pulling the witch from the chair and half-dragging her toward his bedroom.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll find a way,\u201d he purred.<\/p>\n<p>*********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: He\u2019s got the power! Whooo! Lol. Ok, things are moving right along now. Hermione is sure Severus is a Harper. Severus doesn\u2019t seem quite sure, but if he is, he wants to test it. So in a week, they will be at Harry\u2019s. I wonder what Severus will see in his mind if anything. And what about the &#8220;ritual?&#8221; Ought to be interesting. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 22<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 22 ~ Albus\u2019 Discovery<\/p>\n<p>Albus had seen some horrible things in his lifetime, but the plight of the Untouchables of India chilled him to his core. These were individuals believed born into the lowest strata of life because of the accumulation of sins from their previous lives. Hindu texts described these people as foul and loathsome, and any physical contact with them was thought to be pollutive, those of higher caste believing even the very presence of these poor people near the vicinity of their residence would pollute them to the point they could be denied their reserved place in heaven. As a result, the Untouchables were beaten and often killed freely and without any inquiry. No one cared what happened to an Untouchable.<\/p>\n<p>Which made them perfect fodder for Dementors.<\/p>\n<p>Untouchables were not allowed to wear shoes, ride bicycles, use umbrellas or hold their heads up while walking in the street in the presence of those of \u201chigher caste&#8221; or position. Those in urban India lived crowded together in squalid slums, while in rural India, where the vast majority lived, they were exploited as landless agricultural laborers and ruled by terror and intimidation. There were over one hundred and sixty million of these unfortunates, most of which suffered from poverty, malnutrition and other diseases born from contaminated water and the filthy, unhygienic environments they were forced to live in.<\/p>\n<p>The first day of his arrival, a somber faced Albus Dumbledore walked through a dumpsite that thousands of these poor people called home, located on the outskirts of the city, asking questions of the occupants via his Translation charm. The dump didn\u2019t even have solid soil for setting up temporary housing, the ground just a pile of accumulated waste from the city, predominantly plastic and other non-biodegradable refuse which emitted fumes whenever there was a slight rain.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the Untouchables did manage to make houses out of discarded materials with plastic sheets for roofing and fine steel filings mixed with carbide waste collected from nearby steel foundries for the ground. This flooring caused blisters and cuts on their bodies since they had nothing else to lie on. Albus wandlessly healed hundreds of them, but soon had to disillusion himself and flee to the rural areas because a crowd began to follow him, calling him \u201cFather\u201d and begging him to save them from their evil lives. He left with a heavy heart.<\/p>\n<p>It was in the rural areas that the attacks were occurring. The authorities ignored the situation completely. So many Untouchables disappeared or were stricken with illnesses under normal conditions that no one cared to investigate when they turned up alive and unmoving, their dark eyes empty and staring. As far as those in power were concerned it was just another disease, and another way to be rid of them.<\/p>\n<p>Albus moved from mud hut to mud hut, questioning the occupants. His heart ached when he saw all the beautiful, malnourished children scavenging and begging. He had nothing for them and shook his head sadly, showing his empty hands and pockets. Such misery was here. No wonder the Dementor chose such a place. But despite his searching, he could find no one who actually saw one of the fearsome creatures.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne night, I lay beside my wife and child and the air grew cold. We heard screaming and fled. The next morning we found our neighbor, his wife and his little girl on the ground staring up. They were breathing but did not move or see. They have since died, having no one to care for them. It is very hard here for those who are not ill. The sick have short lives,\u201d one man said, carrying a load of human feces on his head. He made his livelihood clearing \u201cnight soil\u201d which was illegal.<\/p>\n<p>Albus thanked the man. The description of coldness and the condition of the family told him what he needed to know. In the next village he was fortunate enough to find a young woman who had recently been attacked. The wizard took one look at her and knew immediately that yes, she was a victim. Her mother questioned him frantically as to how to bring her back, and when Albus told her he knew of no way, the woman collapsed to the ground wailing and throwing dirt into the air in grief.<\/p>\n<p>He was about to leave the village when a little boy of about eight years old walked up behind him and tugged on his robes. Albus turned and looked down his crooked nose at the boy. He was so skinny, the wizard could count his ribs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have seen them,\u201d the boy whispered, looking around. \u201cOthers have seen them too, but are afraid to say so\u2026afraid it will bring them back.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus nodded and he and the boy walked away from the huts to the edge of a thick jungle.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey come out of the bush at night. They are demons. Black demons without legs that float above the ground. They are covered, with long gray hands and black nails. They sound as if they have trouble breathing but are still quiet,\u201d the boy breathed up at Albus, his brown eyes wide. He started to tremble and the wizard placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat else?\u201d the wizard asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey bring cold with them\u2026a hard cold that goes into your bones. And sadness. I can feel the sadness long before they come and throw wood on the fire and huddle on the other side of it,\u201d the boy continued. \u201cThey do not come near fire. My back gets burned sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus took this in. The boy could sense Dementors before they appeared. He surreptiously tested him for magic, flicking two fingers in his direction. There was a slight signature. He wasn\u2019t as dark as many of the Untouchables. Maybe he was a half-caste whose family were Untouchables because of how they lived rather than birth. The signature, however slight\u2026meant he was an heir to the wizarding world.<\/p>\n<p>The black-haired youngster was only dressed in a ragged pair of dingy red shorts and barefoot. He turned and showed Albus his back, which had a number of shiny welts from heat blisters. The wizard grimaced at the thinness of that back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhere are your parents?\u201d Albus asked the boy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have no parents. They were killed when they tried to go to the police to complain about my younger brother being murdered for picking flowers near a Brahmin\u2019s home. It is only me. My name is Bharadwaj. It means \u201clucky bird\u201d. But everyone calls me Bara.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLucky bird,\u201d Albus repeated, studying the young boy. \u201cHow long have you been alone? Will no one take you in?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The boy shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am but another mouth. No one will help me. I must help myself. My parents have been dead seven months now. I scavenge and kill snakes to eat, even though they are sacred. Nothing is sacred when your belly is empty, except maybe the cows. But there are not many snakes left now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus\u2019 face contorted as he looked at the boy. He swallowed not knowing what to say to this statement and instead asked, \u201cYou say these demons come out of the bush?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bara nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOut of the jungle late in the night. They float to the sleeping and kiss them,\u201d he said, his trembling becoming more pronounced.<\/p>\n<p>Albus nodded and looked into the bush. The boy continued.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere is a place there where the monkeys used to live. An old temple. They have always lived there\u2026the temple is as old as the stars. Now, they are gone,\u201d Bara said meaningfully.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow far is this temple?\u201d Albus asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe five kilometers. It is not very far,\u201d the boy replied.<\/p>\n<p>Albus studied the boy, wondering if he were strong enough to accept what was unacceptable to most.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBara, do you know what magic is?\u201d Albus asked him.<\/p>\n<p>The boy nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are many magicians in the city. They climb ropes and disappear, stick pins through their bodies and leave no holes,\u201d he said knowledgably. \u201cThey are very powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus smiled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am also a magician\u2026a wizard to be exact, and I can do magic,\u201d Albus said to the boy, his blue eyes looking on him kindly. \u201cI am here to find out where these demons are, and to bring others to destroy them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith your magic?\u201d Bara asked excitedly.<\/p>\n<p>Albus nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. With very powerful magic like you have never seen,\u201d he replied, \u201cbut I need a guide to the temple so I will be able to locate it. Will you guide me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bara looked up at the white bearded, kind-eyed old wizard. He was very brave.<\/p>\n<p>Bara was brave too.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I will show you,\u201d the boy said staunchly, \u201cAnd I will help you. I hate them. They are evil things.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Yes they are,\u201d Albus agreed.<\/p>\n<p>The old wizard and young boy looked at each other for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe can go now. The jungle is cool, but we must hurry and come back. If night comes\u2026they may come,\u201d Bara said.<\/p>\n<p>The boy was a bit frightened by this possibility, but he wouldn\u2019t show Albus any fear. If the old man could face them, so could he.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am a wizard, Bara. We will not have to walk the whole distance. Take my hand,\u201d Albus said, holding out his hand and looking toward the village to see if anyone was watching. Many were.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think we need to go into the jungle a bit more. I don\u2019t want everyone to see my magic,\u201d Albus said to the youngster, who had gripped his hand firmly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. If they see your magic, they will crowd around you and not let you leave,\u201d Bara said, leading Albus into the jungle by his hand. They stopped when the village could no longer been seen.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFive kilometers in that direction?\u201d Albus said, pointing into the bush.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. That way,\u201d Bara confirmed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right, Bara\u2026hold on to my hand firmly. There will be a loud noise like thunder, but that is just the power of the magic. Don\u2019t be afraid.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not afraid,\u201d the boy declared, although his grip on Albus\u2019 hand tightened.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard smiled and disapparated.<\/p>\n<p>*************************************************<\/p>\n<p>All of the Dementors resting in the dark interior of the temple ruins started and began milling about, hissing.<\/p>\n<p>They could feel Albus. The Great Power from the final battle. His phoenix patronus had destroyed hundreds of Dementors, as did powerful blasts of white light that issued from his palms. They remembered Dumbledore collectively and were frightened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGo!\u201d a Dementor hissed, and one by one they floated through a crack in the temple wall and into the jungle\u2019s interior. That the Great One was near boded no good. They were discovered.<\/p>\n<p>Minerva could feel Albus too, through the fear of her captor which pulsed around her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh, you\u2019re running now, aren\u2019t you?\u201d she taunted. \u201cOn borrowed time\u2026all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Dementor hissed in irritation as it glided through the dark, leafy green of the bush, putting distance between itself and the approaching wizard. Damn this soul. It talked far too much.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe knows you\u2019re all here. He will destroy you,\u201d the witch goaded, her eyes glinting maliciously as she stared into the darkness all around her. \u201cI may have to go with you, but it will be worth it. You are all abominations and the world will be much better off without your like in it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Dementor hissed angrily.<\/p>\n<p><i>Shut up you old bird.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Minerva smiled victoriously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh, talking now are we? You must be scared to death as you well should be. Albus Dumbledore will hunt you to the ends of the earth. All of you to the very ends of the earth.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The angry Dementor disappeared into the jungle, cursing the day it kissed this witch.<\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<\/p>\n<p>Albus and Bara stood about two hundred yards from the ruined temple. It was overrun with creepers and vines, only small parts of the stonework showing through the winding stalks. Large stones were scattered about, as were broken statues of lesser gods. There was a kind of clearing in the front temple where the sun blazed down. No Dementor would dare exit that way.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is behind the temple?\u201d Albus asked Bara.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJungle. Right up to the walls. Very thick. Only the front is cleared,\u201d the boy said. \u201cBut I cannot feel them. I do not think the demons are here.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus nodded. They probably felt him and fled. But it didn\u2019t matter. He only wanted to locate the temple, not confront them alone. He didn\u2019t know how many there were, and although he was powerful, there was a chance he could be overcome if he entered their domain.<\/p>\n<p>Bara watched as the wizard walked up to a vine covered statue that hadn\u2019t toppled yet. The old wizard placed his hand against it, and it glowed bright blue for a moment. Bara\u2019s mouth dropped open as the statue returned to normal. Albus walked back over to him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat did you do to the god?\u201d Bara asked in a low voice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI turned it into a port key destination. When I send others to destroy the Dementors, they will arrive here,\u201d Albus said to him. \u201cNow I must return to England to plan the attack.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEngland?\u201d Bara repeated, looking up at the wizard rather sadly. The boy had been alone so long. Albus had been the first human being to speak kindly to him in months. Others only shouted at him to move along.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, England,\u201d Albus said, \u201cWizarding England. A very special place.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bara nodded. It made sense a wizard would come from a special place. A place with magic.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCan I go with you? To England?\u201d the little boy asked, startling the old wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo England?\u201d the Headmaster asked in astonishment.<\/p>\n<p>Bara nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes to England. I will be your servant. Every great man needs a servant, even a wizard,\u201d the boy said, looking up at Albus.<\/p>\n<p>The old wizard looked down at the boy. He had no family. The Headmaster wasn\u2019t sure how long he could last alone. Bara seemed a bright boy\u2026and he did have a slight magical signature. Technically, he wasn\u2019t a muggle.<\/p>\n<p>But if he took Bara, then he would be responsible for him. The wizard was used to being responsible for a number of children, it was his job after all. But one boy?<\/p>\n<p>Bara looked up at him with his big brown eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t need a servant, Bara,\u201d Albus said gently. The boy\u2019s face fell.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut I can always use another friend,\u201d the wizard said kindly, placing a hand on the boy\u2019s head and ruffling his thick black hair. The boy\u2019s brown face split with a broad, bright smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet us go,\u201d Albus said, taking the boy\u2019s hand firmly and disapparating.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Ah, a new child OC. Bara. He seems a brave little thing, bless his heart. Well Albus has located the Dementor stronghold. Whether or not they will remain there now is a mystery. They fear Albus and might hide. Lol to Minerva taunting her captor psychologically. She is still a tough old bird. Well, Albus is on his way back to England. He\u2019s a bit old to be a father, but somehow I think he can handle it. Now let\u2019s see what Severus and Hermione are up to. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 23<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 23 ~ Bara Arrives at Hogwarts<\/p>\n<p>Traveling by port key was quite a frightening experience for Bara. Albus clutched the boy tightly in his arms as they flew through colorful wormholes, space twisting in upon itself, winds roaring by them, the wizard\u2019s white locks streaming as Bara hid his face in his chest. It took over forty-five minutes for them to return to England, landing in front of the Hogwarts gates with a gut-wrenching drop. The moment Albus put the boy down, Bara bent over and wretched\u2026nothing coming out. Then the boy staggered, Albus catching him before he fell. He lifted Bara into his arms and apparated directly to the infirmary, startling Poppy who had been putting away some supplies.<\/p>\n<p>The medi-witch wiped her hands on her blue pocketed apron and quickly walked toward Albus, who headed for the closest bed, pushing through the black privacy curtain. Poppy entered after him and gasped as she looked at the emaciated young boy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh Albus, who is he?\u201d she asked the wizard, pulling out her wand and passing it over Bara, who looked up at her through half-lidded eyes. \u201cOh, the poor thing is half-starved!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She put her wand away, her lips tight with disapproval. She did note the slight magical signature. The boy was a wizard, although not a very powerful one.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dHis name is Bara, Poppy. I brought him back from India. Both of his parents are deceased and he has been living on his own for the past seven months,\u201d the wizard replied, looking down at the boy with concern.<\/p>\n<p>Poppy\u2019s eyes washed over the boy\u2019s prominent ribs, then focused on his face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s so young. However did he survive?\u201d she asked Albus.<\/p>\n<p>Bara stared at the medi-witch. He could understand the Headmaster because he wore a translation charm, but the woman spoke a language he wasn\u2019t familiar with.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, as far as I know, his diet consisted primarily of snakes,\u201d the wizard replied.<\/p>\n<p>Poppy\u2019s eyebrows almost disappeared into her hairline in horror.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSnakes? Dear gods, the poor thing. Let me get him some potions to boost his system,\u201d she said, bustling off.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWho is she?\u201d Bara asked Albus weakly. His head was spinning.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe is our healer. She will make you feel better, Bara,\u201d the old wizard replied, stroking the boy\u2019s hair for a moment. \u201cDrink what she gives you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Poppy returned with several bottles. A blood cleanser, a blood replenisher, pepper-up potion, healing potion, a colonic, and an innoculation potion that covered a variety of muggle and wizarding diseases.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, these aren\u2019t going to taste very good,\u201d she said to the boy, helping him to sit up. Bara\u2019s brown eyes stared into the witch\u2019s pale face. Was everyone white-skinned like the old wizard here? He had seen white-skinned people before, but only from a distance. As an Untouchable, he wasn\u2019t allowed near them because they were in a high caste area. It could have meant his death. He couldn\u2019t understand Poppy, but her eyes were kind.<\/p>\n<p>Poppy opened the first potion and held it to Bara\u2019s lips, her blue eyes concerned about how he would react to the bitter taste, but Bara drink it straight down without so much as a grimace. He obediently swallowed down the rest as well. The medi-witch was quite impressed when the boy downed the innoculation potion. It was the nastiest tasting potion she had in her stores.<\/p>\n<p>Bara immediately began to feel better. He thanked Poppy, bowing his head reverently.<\/p>\n<p>Poppy looked at Albus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat did he say?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe said \u2018Thank you.\u2019 Didn\u2019t you hear him?\u201d the wizard asked her, his brow furrowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI heard him, but he didn\u2019t say \u2018Thank you.\u2019 I have no idea what he said,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n<p>Albus realized that neither Poppy nor Bara had a translation charm. He quickly took his charm off his neck and draped it over Bara\u2019s head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow you can talk to Madam Pomfrey yourself,\u201d he smiled at the boy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMadame Pomfrey,\u201d Bara repeated looking up at the medi-witch. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are very welcome,\u201d Poppy replied, liking the exotic inflection in the young boy\u2019s voice. \u201cAre you hungry?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bara nodded eagerly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I am very hungry. I haven\u2019t eaten in four days,\u201d the boy said.<\/p>\n<p>Again Poppy looked horrified.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFour days! Oh you poor thing, wait right here,\u201d she said, hurrying over to the floo and ordering her infamous gruel from the kitchens. Bland but nutritious. Everyone hated it, but she shoved it down the throats of sick students and staff alike.<\/p>\n<p>Albus looked at the boy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEr\u2026Bara, this might not taste too good, but it will be good for you. You must eat it all,\u201d Albus said. \u201cIt will strengthen you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A house elf winked in with a steaming bowl of gray gruel and a spoon. Poppy took it from the small creature and rushed back over to the boy, the bowl held high and spoon in feeding position.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWould you like me to feed you?\u201d she asked Bara, who scowled slightly and looked at Albus, not knowing what to say. He could feed himself but didn\u2019t want to offend the kind woman.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can feed yourself if you like, Bara,\u201d the wizard said, smirking as Poppy frowned. She would have preferred to feed the boy to make sure he ate every drop. His chest was as thin as a bird\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would like to feed myself,\u201d Bara said, extending his hands and cupping them.<\/p>\n<p>Poppy passed the boy the bowl and spoon. Bara spooned up a bit, blew on it then inserted the spoon in his mouth. He pulled it out and smiled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is good,\u201d he said and began eating hungrily, both Albus and Poppy looking at him in astonishment. No one\u2026no one liked Poppy\u2019s gruel, but the boy was wolfing it down as if she had served him some tasty delicacy. He quickly finished the bowl of gruel and looked up at both of them, licking his lips.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMay I have more please?\u201d he asked Poppy, his brown eyes pleading.<\/p>\n<p>Bara was used to eating as much as he could as quick as he could whenever he got hold of something edible because he never knew when he would eat again, or if someone would steal what he had. The reason the young wizard was able to drink down the disgusting potions so easily was because many of the things he had been forced to eat in order to survive didn\u2019t taste good. At times he had to cook animals that were already dead, skinning them with a sharp stone and cooking them thoroughly over a fire he either asked for or stole with a quickly thrust branch from other Untouchables. Sometimes Bara got sick after his gleaned meals, but not too sick. He had no condiments to make the food taste better, so learned to stand the taste.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes the boy ate fruit he found on the ground that had fallen because it was overripe, brushing the ants or other bugs off of them before feasting. Once he had gotten quite drunk because the fruit he\u2019d eaten was so fermented. But those days of scavenging for food were over now. He was under the protection of Albus Dumbledore, though what that meant for the youngster was still up in the air.<\/p>\n<p>Poppy was glad he liked her gruel, but too much of a good thing wasn\u2019t good. She shook her head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, no more food right now, Bara. I want you to sleep now and rest your body. It needs rest, my dear,\u201d Poppy said, helping the boy lie down. She took her wand out and scourgified him as best she could. He became a shade lighter when the dirt was removed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe needs a bath, Albus\u2026or a shower at the very least,\u201d she said to the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Bara wondered where the river to bathe in was. And what was a \u201cshower?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter he is rested and in better shape Poppy,\u201d the Headmaster replied. \u201cHe will be washed and fitted with suitable clothing and shoes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bara\u2019s brow furrowed as sleepiness came over him.<\/p>\n<p>He had never worn shoes but saw them on the higher castes, their toes all closed in and soles wrapped in heavy leather. Shoes didn\u2019t look comfortable at all. He would rather walk in his bare feet than have them suffocated. But he didn\u2019t protest right now. He was too tired.<\/p>\n<p>Bara\u2019s eyes fluttered closed, the last thing he saw being Albus, smiling down at him as he adjusted his half-moon glasses.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<\/p>\n<p>Albus and Poppy withdrew to the medi-witch\u2019s office and sat down to discuss Bara.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dWhatever will you do with him, Albus?\u201d Poppy asked the wizard, her fingers drumming the desktop lightly. \u201cHe\u2019s far too young to attend Hogwarts, and I doubt he has the education to get in even if he were old enough.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus looked at the medi-witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, I thought I might keep him,\u201d the wizard said quietly.<\/p>\n<p>Poppy looked shocked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cKeep him? Albus, you don\u2019t know the first thing about caring for a child. Plus you\u2019re too old,\u201d she chided him, hoping to talk some sense into the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cToo old? I have seventy-five good years left at least. He only requires a decade or so,\u201d the Headmaster responded, looking a bit hurt.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow do you plan to keep up with him? He\u2019ll be all over the place,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s nowhere in Hogwarts or on the grounds where he can go and I can\u2019t find him. I still have the Marauder\u2019s map, Poppy. I can locate anyone in Hogwarts with that parchment,\u201d Albus responded firmly. \u201cAnd I can certainly bring him directly to me if he is being difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Poppy looked a bit taken aback. Albus was right. He could pluck anyone from anywhere at Hogwarts if he wished. Still she pressed on. Albus with a child? Preposterous.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, what about his primary education, Albus?\u201d the medi-witch said. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t even speak English and I highly doubt he can read.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Now Albus really did scowl.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHave you forgotten I was once a teacher, Poppy? A very good one at that. I taught first years on,\u201d he said archly, puffing out his chest a bit. He really had been a very good Professor.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut\u2026still Albus,\u201d Poppy began.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard\u2019s eyes darkened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat would you have me do, Poppy? Place him in the Wizarding Foster Care system? Have him tossed from home to home, orphanage to orphange, unloved, uncared for until every good trait has been torn from him?\u201d the wizard said darkly. \u201cI didn\u2019t bring him here for that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus was thinking of Marcus Delaluci, his Dark Arts teacher who was orphaned at an early age and passed around the wizarding world like refuse until he ran away to live on the streets alone. He had a hard life, and eventually was recruited by the Ministry as part of an elite and clandestine group of political assassins called \u201cThe Eradicators.\u201d For years he multilated, raped and killed for the Ministry using Dark Magic or any other necessary tool until they were finally disbanded. Then he served abroad as a mercanery for hire until he returned to England and was hired by Dumbledore. He was the only wizard who lasted in the DA position longer than a year. Until him, it was believed the position was cursed.<\/p>\n<p>To this day, the wizard loved no one or nothing, plowing through witches like water and looking for trouble where there was none in his need for excitement, adventure and danger. Fortunately, Marcus knew how to keep a good cover, and was never caught actually dirty, though he was involved in quite a few scandals from time to time. And because of his background, he made an excellent Dark Arts teacher. He was a dark wizard, but his demeanor never openly revealed it. He was well liked by all the students and knew how to stay in everyone\u2019s good graces. He was quite an accomplished actor.<\/p>\n<p>Still, the system had failed him. Albus would not subject Bara to the same terrible situation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dOf course not, Albus,\u201d Poppy said hesitantly, \u201cbut still, it takes a lot of work to raise a child\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHave you ever heard the quote that says it takes a whole village to raise a child?\u201d the wizard asked her.<\/p>\n<p>Poppy nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, Hogwarts is a whole village. I have my staff as well as myself,\u201d the wizard said, \u201cWith all of us, the boy will be well looked after. Our specialty is producing fine witches and wizards after all. I have no reason to believe we will fail Bara if we work together.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Poppy blinked at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou mean to make him a mascot for the school, Albus?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf that is the best way to take care of him, yes,\u201d the wizard replied. \u201cThe boy will be loved and watched over. He will have access to some of the best teachers in the wizarding world. I will not hand him over to the fostering system, Poppy. I will not!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Poppy studied Albus. It seemed he was going to stand firm on caring for Bara.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere will have to be a hearing for guardianship, Albus,\u201d the medi-witch said quietly. \u201cThe Council has to approve you taking the boy out of the system and taking him under your care.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus gave the witch a wan smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t think there will be a problem with that, Poppy. I believe they would assign me guardianship in the hope that the boy would keep me so busy I wouldn\u2019t have time to take them to task as much as I do. I am quite the pain,\u201d he said smirking. \u201cNo doubt they would give their blessing immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If they didn\u2019t, he would would make them. Dumbledore had quite a dark side himself when crossed. When he wanted something to occur, it did. Poppy saw a shadow pass over the wizard\u2019s visage. She was quite aware that Albus had the potential to be extremely nasty. She hoped it wouldn\u2019t come to that. She sighed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery well, Albus. You have my support,\u201d the medi-witch said. \u201cI will help all I can.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus smiled at her broadly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you, Poppy. Now, I must go and prepare a report for the idiots at the Ministry. I will give them one more chance to do the right thing, before I take matters into my own hands,\u201d he said, rising.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA report? A report about what, Albus?\u201d the medi-witch asked, curious.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou will know soon enough, Poppy,\u201d the wizard replied, \u201cTake care of Bara and tell him I will come to see him in the morning. Good night.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dGood night, Headmaster,\u201d Poppy replied as the wizard exited her office, glancing toward the privacy curtain that held the small boy he had brought back to Hogwarts.<\/p>\n<p>Albus had high hopes for him. A youngster as resourceful as Bara should turn out to be a fine wizard, providing his magic was strong enough. The Headmaster hoped it was a simple matter of exercising his talents and his magic would strengthen with use. If not, Bara could still live a full and satisfying life\u2026much better off than if he had remained where he was.<\/p>\n<p>The Headmaster left the infirmary looking thoughtful. Now that he had Bara settled in, there were other matters to attend to.<\/p>\n<p>Important matters.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: I felt it necessary to describe Bara\u2019s arrival at Hogwarts and give an idea of Albus\u2019 plans for him, rather than launch back into Hermione and Severus\u2019 situation and leaving everyone in the dark. It gives a little closure to this part of the story and allows me to concentrate on the upcoming (hopefully) exciting chapters. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 24<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 24 ~ Preparation<\/p>\n<p>Now that Hermione had completed Harry\u2019s music and located a Harper in her patron, Severus Snape, she immersed herself in the Harmonics book, and learning every aspect and nuance of repairing a broken soul.<\/p>\n<p>She found that the body of the victim was to be outstretched in a protective pentacle or five pointed star drawn with a wand of willow, the head, arms and legs spread in star-like position completely inside the diagram, the head pointing north. A protective circle was to be drawn around the pentacle in a counter clock-wise direction starting from the head in one <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110818232438im_\/http:\/\/www.theburningpen.com\/Gray\/HARPCIR.gif\" width=\"336\" height=\"331\" align=\"left\" border=\"1\" hspace=\"5\" vspace=\"5\" \/>continuous line with a wand of willow, the line of the circle touching the tip of each point of the star. Around this circle was to be drawn another clock-wise circle with a wand of willow five feet larger in diameter than the inner circle. The section between was called the Circle of the Soul, or Soul Space. Outside of this circle was drawn \u201cThe Harper\u2019s Circle\u201d counter-clockwise with a wand of ironwood, which was then divided into twelve equal sections, the first section directly above the head of the victim. Here was where the Harper would stand and play the healing strains.<\/p>\n<p>It was recommended that any observers also be surrounded by a protective circle drawn with willow to the south of the original pentacle, since when the Harper began to play, lurking dark influences would be seeking to penetrate and possess any available soul in a bid to claim a physical, sensate life of their own, crowding into the person and taking over the body. People possessed in this manner became slaves to sensation, lewd, lascivious, taken to drink, sexual promiscuity and all forms of debauchery.<\/p>\n<p>It was also suggested that several fey, or earth spirits be asked to join in the ritual using their natural resistance to the dark influences to help protect the human participants.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFey? Where on earth would I find fey?\u201d Hermione said to herself. But it was only a suggestion. The ritual could be performed without them.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione leafed through the book, trying to find a description of what exactly would happen when the Harper began to play but found nothing. It was a mystery that would be revealed during the ritual and not before.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione practiced creating the protective circles on the floor of her spells lab, using her expanded wand to draw glowing lines. Drawing a pentacle and circles freehand in this manner was quite difficult, and it took Hermione three days to get the technique correct, placing Eli in the center of the pentacle in place of Harry. The elf enlarged himself to Harry-sized for this, surprising the hell out of Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can grow bigger?\u201d she asked astonished.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh yes,\u201d enlarged Eli said, his voice much deeper now. \u201cWhen we has work that requires it. We can grow as large as trolls we can or as small as flower fairies.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>At the mention of the fairies, Hermione thought about the book&#8217;s suggestion that fey be used as an extra protective measure. She looked at the elf speculatively.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEli, do you know anything about the fey?\u201d she asked the house elf. Eli looked decidedly shifty.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFey, Miss?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione scowled slightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, fey. Earth spirits. They would be helpful with the ritual,\u201d she said to the elf, who sat up excitedly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo fix Harry Potter?\u201d Eli asked, his chest heaving. The elf shrunk back to normal size in his excitement.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d Hermione replied, wondering why the elf was so animated.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHouse elves is fey,\u201d Eli said, \u201cWe is once called \u2018kobolds\u2019 back in the wicked times. But our true name\u2026no man knows.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The elf looked rather proud about this.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat is our one freedom,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at the elf. She could have all the fey she wanted at the ritual, house elves were so accommodating. Harry had several elves at his home that were very loyal to him. The witch smiled.<\/p>\n<p>She had her fey.<\/p>\n<p>Better yet, she hadn\u2019t had to open one book of Dark Magic to get to this point. But she still had needed Severus. If he hadn\u2019t given her Damius\u2019 journal, she would never have found out about the music of the soul.<\/p>\n<p>And if she had never agreed to accept the snarky wizard\u2019s patronage, she would never have had her boots knocked as good as she did.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had noticed marked changes in the wizard. He came back to her in one month, rather than three this time, and now she sometimes caught a bit of heat in his dark eyes when he looked at her, though he would scowl fiercely at her to hide it.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione smirked. Severus Snape might have been a celibate when she entered into this agreement, but she suspected the wizard was developing a taste for her. She already had a large appetite for him. He was amazing and even managed to make her appreciate a slow, easy fucking\u2026something that had always left her dissatisfied before. But to date, the slow fuckings were mere interludes between the rough-riding. It was easy to be appreciative when she knew she would get more of what she really wanted. The witch didn\u2019t think that type of sex would fulfill her completely. She loved the ache too much.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione wondered how the wizard was doing with his practicing. He had sounded perfect to her when he played, but she suspected Severus was a perfectionist when it came to his playing skills. The wizard was certainly something to behold when he took to the strings, dark, intense, sexual\u2026radiating power as he wove his tapestry of sound, those dark eyes closed in bliss.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was to perform Legilimency on Harry Friday night, and if all went well, they would spend the night and complete the ritual Saturday night with the assistance of Harry\u2019s house elves and Eli, who begged and begged to be a part of it. To do a ritual protecting both the Miss and Master from the \u201cnasty darkness\u201d would be the ultimate service for the loyal elf.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had an idea that Eli knew exactly what they would be facing, but no amount of cajoling could get the elf to say anything.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHouse elves has secrets too. You musts follow the book. The book says it is mystery,\u201d the elf said sagely. \u201cBut we be there. We helps holds back the dark until the light comes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This only served to peak Hermione\u2019s curiosity even more and she stubbornly pestered the house elf for the rest of the week, all the while knowing he wouldn\u2019t reveal a thing.<\/p>\n<p>****************************************<\/p>\n<p>During the day, Severus went about his work as usual at Hogwarts, alternating between terrorizing and teaching his students, snarking about the corridors, snubbing fellow staff members and gleefully busting copulating students on his nightly rounds.<\/p>\n<p>But during the lulls, the Potions Master could be found in his study perfecting Harry\u2019s score, eyes closed in concentration, playing until he was soaked in perspiration. Severus had taken to tying his hair back into a ponytail, unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt, then removing his boots and socks so he could move more naturally, not knowing his Harper powers were beginning to manifest and he did indeed need to be in physical contact with the earth in order to keep his own soul from taking flight during his performance. The wizard had tried to find a book on Harpers, but failed to do so on his own, so hired a trusted book hunter to scour shops, libraries and private collections in the hopes of discovering something that could educate him as to what use this gift of music could be put to. Hopefully something profitable.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard was glad he had something to occupy his thoughts in the evening to the exclusion of all else, including one Hermione Granger. The witch was a fucking succubus, or at least had to have some veela blood running through her veins. Something.<\/p>\n<p>Severus found the witch creeping into his head while he ate, graded papers, or walked through the silent halls of Hogwarts, listening for the sounds of heavy panting. And every time he thought of Hermione, he thought of sex. Hot, dirty sex, with the witch\u2019s legs wrapped around his waist, her voice ringing shrilly and his loins slapping wildly against her thighs as he buried himself in her juicy, tight sleeve over and over. No witch had ever given herself to him the way Hermione did. The worst part was, it seemed no matter how much he took of the witch, he wanted more.<\/p>\n<p>Damn her. Damn her for worming her way into his psyche with that annoying little smile.<\/p>\n<p>Severus hoped Harry had a king-sized bed in his guestroom. Otherwise they were going to be a tight fit. The witch better not even suggest they sleep in separate rooms. If he was going to delve into Harry\u2019s head for her, he was certainly going to be delving into her body afterwards. Besides, he found that after sex with Hermione, he physically felt better. More relaxed. The Potions Master used to have frequent headaches, at least one every other day\u2026 but after his second interlude with the witch, he didn\u2019t get one for over two weeks. And he hadn&#8217;t had a single episode since their last bout of fucking.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione certainly beat headache elixirs, that much was for certain.<\/p>\n<p>****************************************<\/p>\n<p>Friday morning, Severus was on his way to the infirmary to deliver Poppy some wound sealer when he saw a small brown boy dressed in black robes bouncing what appeared to be a ball against the corridor wall outside the tall double doors. He paused and watched him. The child was much too young to be a student here, and much too thin as well. Everyone at Hogwarts ate well. This child looked half-starved.<\/p>\n<p>The boy hopped up to catch the ball and the wizard saw that he was barefoot under his billowing robes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou boy! What are you doing here? Who are you?\u201d the wizard demanded, striding toward the child who caught the ball and turned to look at the approaching wizard. He said something, but Severus couldn\u2019t understand him.<\/p>\n<p>The tall wizard stopped, looming over the child and scowling down at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWho are you?\u201d the wizard asked the boy again.<\/p>\n<p>Bara looked up at him and said something else in his language, then seemed to realize what was wrong. He fished in his pocket, drawing out a bit of string and some lemon drops before pulling out a necklace. Severus watched as the boy took his time putting it on.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am Bara. Who are you?\u201d he asked, craning his neck so he could see the pale wizard clearly. He was certainly unpleasant looking.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll ask the questions,\u201d the Potions Master replied. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlaying,\u201d Bara replied, bouncing the ball on the floor and catching it, completely unfazed by the Potions Master. He had seen Dementors after all, and no matter how unpleasant this extremely white-faced, hook-nosed wizard appeared, Dementors were a thousand times worse.<\/p>\n<p>Bara bounced the ball again, but this time Severus snatched the ball out of the air before he could catch it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re too young to be a student at Hogwarts. What are you doing here?\u201d the Potions Master asked again, growing exasperated. Child or no child, when the wizard wanted answers he wanted them immediately.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI live here. Please give me back my ball,\u201d Bara said, cupping both his hands before the wizard.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">There was something about the way the small child held his hands that made the wizard place the ball in them. Bara bowed his head to the wizard politely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you,\u201d he said, smiling.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled and strode past the boy without saying anything. Poppy would give him the lowdown. He pushed open the door and strode down the center aisle.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPoppy!\u201d he called, fishing the bottle of wound sealer out of his pocket.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m here, Severus,\u201d Poppy said, walking briskly out of her office with a smile. She took the bottle from him. \u201cThank you. I needed this. The Quidditch scrimmage cleaned me out of every bit of potion I had. They really went at each other. It was just terrible. Blood everywhere. I don&#8217;t understand why Albus allows them to be so brutal to each other.\u201d<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The witch shook her head disapprovingly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\u201cIt builds character,\u201d Severus replied. <\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It had been his Slytherins against Gryffindor house. There was always a bit of bloodletting when their teams came together. It was expected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u201cWho is that boy out in the corridor, Poppy?\u201d the Potions Master asked the medi-witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, that\u2019s Bara,\u201d she said matter-of-factly as if that said it all. The witch turned to walk to her stores and put the new acquired potion away, Severus stalking behind her, his face pinched with aggravation. Poppy could be quite thick at times.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd Bara is whom?\u201d he inquired, forcing himself to sound polite.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlbus\u2019 charge and Hogwarts new mascot,\u201d she said, opening a cabinet and setting the bottle in. She turned to face the wizard. \u201cHe\u2019s from India\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Poppy proceeded to tell Severus how Albus had rescued the orphaned boy from his terrible plight and how Bara had been forced to make his own way in rural India. Severus found it difficult to believe the child had survived seven months on his own under such harsh conditions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe ate snakes to survive,\u201d Poppy added, her eyes twinkling because a serpent was Slytherin House\u2019s representative animal. \u201cAmong other things.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s very thin,\u201d Severus said by way of observation, ignoring her jibe.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe was much worse when he arrived. He\u2019s filling out a bit. He loves my gruel,\u201d she said brightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA sure sign that he\u2019s lived a deprived life,\u201d the Potions Master quipped, smirking as Poppy scowled at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll have you know a bowl of my gruel contains all a person needs for a third of their daily requirements,\u201d she groused.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is also horrible enough to make a person lose every bit of &#8216;daily requirement&#8217; acquired in one heaving mass,\u201d Severus responded, his nostrils flaring as he remembered Poppy ladling it down his throat every time he returned from the Dark Lord. It was torture on top of torture.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell Bara appreciates it,\u201d she said, walking past the Professor in a snit.<\/p>\n<p>Hell, considering where he came from, the boy would appreciate anything hot that filled his belly. Severus followed Poppy, drawing up alongside her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe doesn\u2019t speak English. Albus needs to get rid of that translator so he\u2019s forced to learn,\u201d Severus said.<\/p>\n<p>Poppy turned towards him, her hands on her hips.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd what do you know about children?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEnough, considering I am trapped in a classroom with the little bastards a third of my day five times a week,\u201d the wizard replied. \u201cIn every instance, a student with a language barrier learned our language quicker without a translator. Albus needs to take it away from him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThen he\u2019ll be in a strange place unable to understand anyone. Really Severus. You are too cruel for words,\u201d the witch scolded.<\/p>\n<p>Severus turned to go.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI simply believe in children learning without shortcuts that only hinder them in the end,\u201d he replied. \u201cGoodbye, Poppy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dGoodbye Severus,\u201d the witch called after him as he exited through the door.<\/p>\n<p>Bara was still bouncing the ball when the Potions Master exited the infirmary. Severus stopped and looked down his nose at the boy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ll never learn our language if you keep using that charm,\u201d the wizard said to him, frowning. Then he strode down the hall.<\/p>\n<p>Bara looked after him, his brow furrowed, then lifted his translator and studied it before looking back at the unpleasant wizard disappearing around the bend with a billow of robes.<\/p>\n<p>Slowly, Bara removed the charm and stuck it in his pocket.<\/p>\n<p>He wanted to learn.<\/p>\n<p>Everything.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: The preparations are made, and Friday\u2019s coming. Severus is still out of sorts about his attraction to Hermione. Hermione on the other hand knows she\u2019s stuck on the wizard, and knows he\u2019s getting stuck on her despite himself. Cool that Eli and the other house elves will be participating in the ritual. Interesting meeting between Bara and Severus. Lol on Severus considering Hermione better treatment than headache potion. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 25<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 25 ~ Entering the Potter\u2019s Field<\/p>\n<p>Armed with her wand, a long wand of willow, another of ironwood and the Harmonics book, Hermione waited in the living room for the Potions Master to appear. Eli was doing a walk-through of the house, making sure he had secured everything properly. It was the first time he would be away from it in over eight years. The house elf felt a bit of separation anxiety already\u2026not that anyone who knew Severus lived there would ever dream of entering.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had the equivalent of a large flock of rocs flying about in her belly and not just because of the situation with Harry, but because she would be seeing the Potions Master again. It had only been less than a week since she had laid eyes, and more than eyes on the snarky wizard, but she still felt excited they would be together over this weekend. She had no idea if the wizard would exercise restraint because they would be domiciled at Harry\u2019s house, but she hoped not. She made sure to put on a fresh contraceptive patch after her shower just in case Harry\u2019s restoration wasn\u2019t the only ritual they\u2019d be involved in.<\/p>\n<p>At six o\u2019clock sharp a crack of thunder sounded and Severus appeared in the living room, tall, pale and dour as ever. The wizard\u2019s black eyes washed over Hermione. She was dressed like a muggle, in a brown print skirt and white blouse. Her hair was in a bun and she wore sensible brown shoes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou look like a school marm,\u201d Severus said by way of greeting\u2026but already he was thinking about hiking that skirt up around the witch\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello to you too,\u201d Hermione replied, fighting her impulse to kiss the wizard. She didn\u2019t think he\u2019d appreciate such a familiar greeting, despite the fact he rode her like a hippogriff. She didn\u2019t want to press him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus had his violin case with him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you have everything you need?\u201d he asked the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m just waiting for Eli. He\u2019s doing a final check on the house,\u201d she answered.<\/p>\n<p>Severus snorted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis house is always well-protected. If anyone tried to get in here, there would be nothing left of them,\u201d the wizard said with a growl. \u201cIf the repelling wards are tampered with, they become\u2026shall we say\u2026stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione blanched as she imagined what horrors would befall the unfortunate person who attempted to enter Severus\u2019 house uninvited. The Potions Master gave an ugly little smirk before bellowing for Eli.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI is here, Master,\u201d the elf said, running into the room.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood, let us go,\u201d Severus replied, looking at Hermione imperiously.<\/p>\n<p>The witch walked over and slipping her arm through his, feeling its lean musculature beneath his sleeve. She didn\u2019t look at him as she offered her hand to Eli, who took it firmly in his claw.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right then, we\u2019re off,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>The three disapparated.<\/p>\n<p>**************************************<\/p>\n<p>They reappeared in front of Harry\u2019s home. Severus turned and surveyed the beach, his black eyes washing over the rolling surf. Sea birds wheeled in the sky issuing their haunting cries. He turned back and looked at the house. It was set up on short pilings to raise it above the tide should it come inland. A large porch with a banister ran the length of the front of it. Several wicker chairs, a wicker couch, a few potted plants and a hammock were arranged prettily on the porch. There was also a wooden rocking chair, flanked by two folding wooden chairs. The rocker contained Harry Potter, who was staring at them blankly. He was belted in.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione walked up the three short steps that led to the porch, followed by Severus and Eli. Harry looked up at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello Harry. It\u2019s me, Hermione. I\u2019ve come to visit and brought Professor Snape with me,\u201d she said. She started to ask if he remembered Severus, but her voice caught.<\/p>\n<p>She knew he didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>Severus walked up to Harry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello Mr. Potter,\u201d the pale wizard said, taking in the wizard\u2019s blank expression. Although Harry was sitting down, Severus could see the young wizard was as tall as he was now, though thicker. Harry looked up at the pale wizard through his glasses.<\/p>\n<p>Then he smiled and grasped the Professor\u2019s hand. Severus didn\u2019t pull away, but simply looked at the wizard\u2019s trusting smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s happy to see you,\u201d Hermione said to Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProbably for the first time in his life,\u201d Severus snorted, sitting down on the folding chair next to Harry, who still held on to his hand. He propped his violin case against the wall.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat down on the other side, and Harry took her hand too, smiling at the witch, and then the wizard and then the witch again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello Master Potter,\u201d Eli said, placing his hand on his chest and bowing to the great killer of the Dark Lord, \u201cWe hopes to help you come back.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry didn\u2019t have another hand for Eli, but laughed in delight at the elf for a moment, then fell silent, returning to looking at both Hermione and Severus, his head swiveling back and forth as if watching a tennis match.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI is going to go inside and sees what service I can do,\u201d Eli said to his Master who nodded.<\/p>\n<p>The elf pulled open the screen door and disappeared into the house. A large wave broke on the shore and suddenly Harry looked out over the water, staring, still holding on to Severus and Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>After several minutes of silence, Severus asked Hermione, \u201cIs he always like this?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded. \u201cYes. He stares out over the water as if he is looking for something. But he never lets go of my hand until it is time for me to leave. Then he cries.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus studied Harry\u2019s profile as he gazed at the rolling surf.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo he does have rudimentary feelings of pleasure and sadness,\u201d the wizard said thoughtfully.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. It\u2019s almost as if he is autistic,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAutistic?\u201d Severus repeated.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d Hermione replied, \u201cAutism is a complex developmental disability that usually appears during the first three years of life.&#8221; It&#8217;s the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functions of the brain, and as a result affects social development and communication skills.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI see,\u201d Severus said as Harry suddenly squeezed his hand without acknowledging it.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;People with autism show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure activities, but it&#8217;s considered a spectrum disorder which means it affects each individual differently. Treatment is usually tailored to the individual.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHave you thought about possibly getting Harry treatments?\u201d Severus asked.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shook her head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry\u2019s condition has a magical basis. The normal muggle ways of treatment would have no effect on him. Part of his soul has been torn away. Muggles talk about the soul, but most don\u2019t believe in it I think. I am sure the medical community doesn\u2019t. And his soul is what has to be repaired,\u201d she replied, running her fingers through Harry\u2019s unruly black hair. He gave a faint smile.<\/p>\n<p>Severus nodded as he looked at Harry, or the shell of who Harry used to be. His dark eyes drifted down to the wizard&#8217;s hand, which held on his own firmly. It was as if the young wizard was attempting to ground himself through touching another human being. He wondered if Harry felt any connection despite his seeming distraction.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master found it rather unsettling to see the historically irritating Gryffindor wizard reduced to this blank shadow of what he used to be. It was hard to maintain his legendary dislike for the wizard like this. Severus would prefer him his old pompous, swollen-headed self. If all went as hoped, he would soon be the boy-he-loved-to-hate again.<\/p>\n<p>Severus&#8217; black eyes flicked over to Hermione, who was watching Harry with a sadness in her amber eyes. She loved this wizard, had loved him for years. But it was a familial love, a sibling-like love\u2026nothing remotely sexual\u2026Severus believed. Then again, there was no telling where this innocent love might have gone once Harry was free of the onus of Voldemort. They might have become more.<\/p>\n<p>If Harry was restored\u2026they still might.<\/p>\n<p>Severus swallowed back the strong, unfamiliar jealousy that welled up inside him at this thought. For the slightest moment, he considered backing out\u2026but he couldn\u2019t do it. As much as he hated to admit it to himself, he wanted to make Hermione genuinely happy\u2026and on a darker note, to make her owe him big, beyond his patronage.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard had already been thinking about the dissolution of their arrangement, though most likely it was a few years away. Once he was no longer Hermione\u2019s patron, he would lose the right to fuck her.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard scowled.<\/p>\n<p>Why was he even thinking about such things? He had her now\u2026that was enough. Severus shifted in the chair and Hermione looked at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think now is as good a time as any to perform legilimency on Harry. It\u2019s best to get it out of the way,\u201d the pale wizard said. \u201cRelease his hand. I will maintain contact with him as it will deepen our connection.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione found she felt a bit apprehensive, though she didn\u2019t know why. Severus was both an accomplished Legilimens and Occlumens. He knew what he was doing. She let go of Harry\u2019s hand and watched as Severus half rose and moved his chair in front of Harry, blocking his view of the surf. Harry smiled at him as the Potions Master sat down in front of him, a soft, pleased smile.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 black eyes met his child-like green ones.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLegilimens,\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione watched as the wizard fell still, immersed in the mind of her best friend.<\/p>\n<p>She hoped there would be no unforeseen difficulties.<\/p>\n<p>She wanted Harry back.<\/p>\n<p>***********************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus found himself inside of Harry\u2019s head much as if he had entered a pensieve. This wasn\u2019t unheard of when invoking the legilimency spell and usually occurred if the person who\u2019s mind was being viewed was unusually receptive. Since Harry was disconnected from the world for the most part, there was no resistance and the Potions Master could enter fully.<\/p>\n<p>This was the first time Severus had ever entered a mind and found it totally blank. There were usually images flickering all about, images that could be locked on to and the memories involving it read. Severus walked forward through the blank space, then stopped as he came to a wall that seemed as if it were made of black water. It shimmered and rippled.<\/p>\n<p>Severus experimentally poked a finger into the wall, and concentric circles rippled outward. He pushed his finger deeper and felt space on the other side. Maybe Harry\u2019s memories were on the other side of this strange wall. It might represent the part of his soul that was unbroken but separate. Severus walked forward, passing through the wall, feeling it ripple over him. On the other side was more black space.<\/p>\n<p>Nothing.<\/p>\n<p>Severus took another step forward then suddenly pitched forward, falling into space, tumbling over and over, his robes and hair streaming upward as he fell. All around him, he could see images now, but strange images that kept pace with him.<\/p>\n<p>An old, bald wizard with age spots on his head. Prisoners manacled to walls. Then a black ball unfolding and forming a Dementor.<\/p>\n<p>What was this?<\/p>\n<p>Severus watched as what was apparently the history of the creatures flashed by him. Then suddenly he was sucked forward and wracked with pain as he flew threw the darkness, his arms and legs wheeling frantically as he was pulled toward the unknown. Try as he might the Potions Master couldn\u2019t break the connection. He saw people whiz by him, beating on what appeared to be invisible walls, screaming at him for help.<\/p>\n<p>His eyes widened as he saw Minerva, who was waving at him frantically!<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGo back! Go back Severus! You\u2019re going to be taken! Go back!\u201d the terrified witch screamed at him, banging on the nothingness as he flew past.<\/p>\n<p>Taken? Oh good gods! Thank you, Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>**********************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus was staring at Harry, Hermione looking on when suddenly the wizard fell back into the wooden chair, all his limbs stretching out and his eyes rolling up into his head. He began to shudder violently.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione screamed and leapt out of the chair, grabbing the wizard and shaking him, terrified, her heart pounding as spittle began to form on his lips.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus! Severus, break the connection! \u201c she screamed, slapping the wizard in an effort to wake him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cELI!\u201d the witch screamed at the top of her voice.<\/p>\n<p>Eli, who had been arguing with Dobby about being given a chore to do, froze\u2026then his green eyes widened in horror.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome!\u201d he screamed at the other elves, streaking through the house at an amazing speed and running on to the porch. He took one look at Severus and launched himself on to him clutching him close. Dobby and the other elves were right behind him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome help me!\u201d Eli screamed at them, and the other elves also piled on Severus, clinging to him and each other as Hermione watched, tears of terror pouring down her face. Harry still looked out over the water serenely oblivious to what was happening.<\/p>\n<p>The elves clung to Severus\u2019 body tightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI goes in,\u201d Eli cried.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the elf was flying through the darkness, streaking after his Master. He could feel him, and he could feel the evil that was pulling him away.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou will not claim my Master,\u201d the elf swore, \u201cHe is not yours.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli streaked through the water veil and dove downward, passing the images of Damius and the Dementors without interest\u2026he was here for a reason. Unlike Severus, he wasn\u2019t falling\u2026he was flying at almost supersonic speed, his ears flat against his head from the wind. Suddenly he flew right into a dark tunnel and saw a number of trapped souls.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat way! That way!\u201d Minerva called as the elf streaked by, \u201cHurry!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli could see the billowing tangle of robes that was Severus flying before him and increased his speed until he was close enough to grab the wizard\u2019s ankle, stopping him from going any further.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI has you Master. You is safe now!\u201d the elf yelled over the terrible wind whipping past him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked down and saw Eli. He sighed with relief.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet me out of here, Eli,\u201d he called to him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, Master,\u201d the elf said.<\/p>\n<p>Slowly Eli began to drag Severus back up the tunnel.<\/p>\n<p>They passed Minerva.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTell Albus that they are frightened, Severus! And tell him I\u2019ve heard every word he\u2019s said to me these past years and that he is right, the Ministry Councils are idiots and he will have to take their destruction into his own hands!\u201d she yelled at him, her hands cupped around her mouth. A terrible hissing rang out all around them.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShut up you blasted shadow!\u201d Minerva shouted at the noise. She looked back at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd tell him I love him and I always will!\u201d she cried to the pale wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at Minerva astonished. He didn\u2019t believe she was a figment of his imagination. She looked too real. Severus realized that he was seeing Minerva McGonagall\u2019s trapped soul and that the witch was very much alive, though separated from her body.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will tell him, Minerva!\u201d he yelled back at the witch as Eli began to drag him upwards.<\/p>\n<p>Now Severus was able to see the images clearly. He was rather shocked to see Albus and Bara standing on the edge of a jungle, looking at a ruined temple. Then he saw Dementors exiting out of the back of the temple into the deep jungle.<\/p>\n<p>This had to be recent. Bara had just arrived at Hogwarts. How would Harry know this? Well, he didn\u2019t know\u2026he retained it.<\/p>\n<p>Then Severus realized that Harry was connected to the Dementors. He had been partially absorbed into one before it was destroyed. He saw how they bred and wondered did they each retain the experiences of others since in essence they were all reproductions of the original?<\/p>\n<p>And if Minerva was alive\u2026and the wizard had no doubt that she was, could she be retrieved? Up to this point everyone believed the Dementors fed on souls like food and the souls were lost forever. But now he realized that the souls were kept intact and whole, most likely to keep the creatures alive. They were using the souls, not destroying them.<\/p>\n<p>Eli brought Severus back through the veil of dark water and set him down.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can gets out now, Master,\u201d the elf said, bowing.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow did you do this Eli?\u201d Severus asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI is bound to you, Master\u2026bound to your very soul,\u201d the elf replied smiling. \u201cNothing can hides you from me. I will always finds you. I go now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli winked out. Severus quickly broke the connection\u2026and woke up to find himself covered in house elves.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is this?\u201d he bellowed, flailing his arms, kicking his legs and scattering the chittering creatures Harry\u2019s house elves all scampered back inside the house, with the exception of Eli who knew to climb off his Master the moment he returned. He didn\u2019t warn the others however, and grinned as they fled. It wasn\u2019t very nice of him, but Eli had his own snarky little ways.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly, the Potions Master found himself smothered in kisses and softness and witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh Severus, you\u2019re all right!\u201d Hermione cried, kissing him all over his big hooked nose and clinging to him like a house elf.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes\u2026yes,\u201d he replied, struggling, his voice muffled because Hermione was all over his mouth and face. \u201cAnd I didn\u2019t survive just to be suffocated by your kisses. Get off me witch!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione got in another kiss or two on his eyelids, then released him, happiness and relief in her amber eyes as the wizard shrugged his shoulders and fixed his robes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat happened?\u201d she asked him, lowering herself back into her seat and sitting on the edge of it. \u201cYou started seizuring terribly. Eli and the other house elves came to your aid. It looked as if\u2026as if you were dying.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione face went very pale as she said this, fear returning to her eyes. Severus looked at her and realized the witch had honestly been scared to death for him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he said, \u201cbut it seems Harry is connected to the Dementors\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus paused.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd I saw Minerva McGonagall. She\u2019s alive, Hermione. Alive and trapped inside one of the Dementors.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him incredulously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMinerva? But Severus, that just can\u2019t be. She was kissed years ago. She would have been digested by now. It must have been a hallucination,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, it was no hallucination, witch. It was Minerva, and she gave me a message to give to Albus. The souls Dementors take aren\u2019t destroyed, Hermione. They are used to keep the creatures alive. Every stricken victim is a prisoner and still alive,\u201d the wizard said, his voice low.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf they are still alive, Severus\u2026then that means there must be a way they can be retrieved,\u201d she said in an awed whisper. Her eyes began to shift back and forth rapidly. Severus knew that look. She was thinking about how the trapped souls could be saved.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione began to chatter, vocalizing her thoughts as she considered the problem and the possible solutions.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\u201cWhen a Dementor dies, no one ever wakes up. I bet they die shortly afterwards. No one could have made the connection because no one knew Dementors kept their victim&#8217;s souls. When a Dementor dies, the soul dies too, then the body follows\u201d she breathed, looking at Severus, her eyes aglow. \u201cInversely, I imagine when a body dies, then the soul inside the Dementor dissolves as well, and it has to seek a new one. Severus\u2026this is HUGE! I\u2019ve got to go get Damius\u2019 journal!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The witch rose, ready to disapparate when Severus grabbed her with one pale hand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne miracle at a time, witch. We are here for Harry right now. The trapped souls will still be there,\u201d he said to the witch silkily. Gods, she was brilliant. Despite his brush with death, Severus felt a pulse of desire. He would like to fuck Hermione right now. But it was too early.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat down sheepishly as she realized she was about to abandon her friend in a mad dash for knowledge.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re right, Severus. I just got excited. Damius tells all the ingredients of the potion he created to make the original Dementor\u2026there\u2019s agistani flower, tandiem root, basilisk heart and blood, kneedock blossom\u2026some others.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure with the right ingredients, the potion can be changed to one that will destroy them while keeping the souls intact long enough to return to their original bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at Hermione, a stricken look on his face. He had stopped listening after Hermione said &#8220;Basilisk heart.&#8221; She needed a basilisk\u2019s heart?<\/p>\n<p>Oh no. No. Shit.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard pinched his nose. The very gods themselves were against him.<\/p>\n<p>Still staring out over the water, Harry laughed.<\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: A very exciting chapter to write \ud83d\ude42 I hope it was exciting to read. I just have to say, Severus is so freaking ungrateful\u2026flinging the house elves off him like he did. lol. But it was a close call. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 26<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 26 ~ On the Beach<\/p>\n<p>An irritated Dobby prepared a nice light supper of sweet and sour chicken, salad, a delicious pumpkin\/pineapple juice mix and sliced fruit for dessert. He was irritated because Eli tried to add his own touches to the meal. A house elf fight almost broke out until Severus ordered Eli out of the kitchen.<\/p>\n<p>The elf sat on the front porch brooding as Severus and Hermione ate their meal. Hermione gave the Potions Master the details of the ritual, and about the protective circles he, Harry and herself would occupy as well as the house elves\u2019 participation.<\/p>\n<p>Severus chew a piece of chicken and swallowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRemember when you draw the pentacle and surrounding circles to focus on the intent as to why you are doing it. To keep negative forces out and protect the people within. This is very important. When I first began to collect my books on Dark Magic, I was almost taken by a demon trapped within the pages of one of the tomes. When reading books of this nature, a protective circle should always be drawn, and not haphazardly. I created the circle but didn\u2019t focus on its nature, so it did not have the magical strength necessary to protect me. Fortunately I slipped the creature\u2019s grasp. Apparently it could only take one swipe per book opening, so I escaped being taken,\u201d the wizard said, taking a sip of the ice cold pumpkin\/pineapple juice. \u201cNeedless to say I never made that mistake again.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded, taking this in. She hadn\u2019t known she would have to be protected from the Dark Magic books in this manner. If she had access to them immediately, she might have been taken. Severus would not have been as helpful as he was now. She would have had to pry information out of him. She looked at the wizard. She had been so close to losing him today. Thank the gods for Eli. He was a good, loyal elf and obviously very powerful. She was glad she had him and the others to help with the ritual. After what happened to Severus just looking into Harry\u2019s mind, she was quite apprehensive. She wanted to regain Harry but not lose the Potions Master in the process.<\/p>\n<p>Harry was seated at the table with a large bib tied around his neck. Hermione tried her best not to watch as Dobby fed him. The wizard\u2019s food was ground into paste, and he dribbled out as much as he swallowed as the house elf patiently spooned the food into his mouth, the wizard gurgling like an oversized baby. It was heartbreaking to see.<\/p>\n<p>Severus noticed the tears glistening in Hermione\u2019s eyes, and took her mind off Harry by describing some of the Dementor history he had seen. This worked nicely and Hermione was distracted for the rest of the meal. Severus\u2019 black eyes drifted toward the door as Hermione said she was going to do some more reading in the Harmonics book to be sure she hadn\u2019t overlooked anything.<\/p>\n<p>Severus wiped his mouth and rose from the table.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI believe I will go down to the beach,\u201d the wizard said, departing\u2026Hermione looking after him as he strode out into the night.<\/p>\n<p>She retired to Harry\u2019s unused study and tried to read, but her mind kept drifting to Severus alone on the beach. Finally she put the book down, removed her shoes and exited the house, taking the direction she thought the Potions Master might have gone. She removed her shoes to keep sand from getting into them, and the cool sand felt good under her feet. She stopped and wriggled her toes in it.<\/p>\n<p>Eli watched Hermione walk toward the shore and smiled, his ears pricking forward.\u00a0 He slid off the chair and slipped back into the house.\u00a0 Now that both Hermione and Severus were otherwise occupied, Dobby was going to give him a service to do or claws would cross.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\">******************************************<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">A full moon hovered in the sky above, shedding its monochromatic light on the shore. It didn\u2019t take Hermione long to find the Potions Master, who was standing close to the water and looking out over it as if deep in thought. He drew his wand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u201cDivesto,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the wizard was nude, his clothing and shoes appearing neatly folded behind him on the sand. He tossed his wand on top of the pile and began to walk out into the surf, his lean, muscular body clearly visible in the moonlight as he suddenly dipped beneath the waves.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt quite a bit of heat as the naked wizard reappeared and swam out into deeper water, slipping through the incoming waves. Gods, he swam like a naiad. A male naiad that is.<\/p>\n<p>The witch began to slowly walk toward the shore.<\/p>\n<p>Severus backstroked in a large circle then flipped over and did a few breaststrokes. He had come down to the shore to think about his predicament with the witch. If Hermione pursued a project involving releasing the souls trapped in the Dementors, she was going to need a basilisk heart and blood. Currently, a dried heart and dried blood were quite difficult to get. The Agistani flower was now grown commercially. A single bloom was once worth millions because the flower was so rare and no one knew how it reproduced itself. A young wizard discovered the secret, patented it and began growing the flowers in bulk. They were still quite expensive, but nothing like before. Severus could easily afford it.<\/p>\n<p>But his beautiful, pulsing basilisk heart. How could he part with it? Then again, the witch didn\u2019t say how much of it she would need\u2026pieces could be shaved off without killing it for quite a long time.<\/p>\n<p>Hm. Maybe he could put a condition on letting the witch use it\u2026something like extending their sexual relationship for five years after their agreement was dissolved. The wizard smirked before feeling a slight choking sensation.<\/p>\n<p>Damn it. The oath of patronage wasn\u2019t going to let him get away with that. He had to provide what she needed if he could. And since he possessed a viable basilisk heart, if Hermione asked him for the ingredient\u2026he was bound to give it to her.<\/p>\n<p>There were benefits to being Hermione&#8217;s patron, like access to her nice, tight pussy\u2026but there were disadvantages as well, case in point\u2026the sharing of his beloved basilisk heart. The Potions Master scowled, then dived, swimming strongly toward the shore, then rising, the water cascading down his body as he wiped his face with his hand. He started.<\/p>\n<p>There, standing on the shore was Hermione, watching him.<\/p>\n<p>Witch and wizard looked at each other, Severus standing chest deep in the rolling surf, small waves breaking over him. His hair was plastered to his head, and the moonlight lent a glow to his pale body that made him seem a bit unearthly, as if he really were a male naiad, or spirit of the deep.<\/p>\n<p>Severus blinked, and when he opened his eyes, Hermione was still standing there.<\/p>\n<p>But now\u2026she was naked, the moonlight shining down on her pale body. The wizard\u2019s heart rate quickened as the witch began to walk into the surf, her eyes on him. Severus felt an immediate reaction in his lower region and began to walk toward the witch, the water level dropping lower, stopping just above his waist as he and the witch met. He looked down at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMoonlighting as a water nymph, Hermione?\u201d he asked her with a growl. The spray of the surf made her skin glisten as if covered with little diamonds. This was the first time the witch had ever made the first move to initiate sex between them and gods, what a move it was. Severus didn\u2019t count her attempted seduction or the shower incident after he fucked her for the first time. This was a real, start-from-ground-zero sexual advance. Hermione didn\u2019t answer his remark, but looked up at him, her amber eyes glistening with desire\u2026and something else. Finally she spoke.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re risking so much for me, Severus. You almost died today,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt wasn\u2019t my first time facing death witch, and I am sure it will not be my last,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him, swallowing a bit. She looked a little apprehensive.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, let me have you the way I want,\u201d the witch said, her voice trembling with emotion \u201cLet me show you how much better this can be for us. I\u2019m dying to show you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 black eyes glittered down at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI thought I did give you what you want, witch,\u201d he said in a low voice. \u201cJudging by your orgasms I believe I was \u2018hitting the mark.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou do hit the mark. You\u2019re the best lover I\u2019ve ever had Severus. I told you that\u2026it\u2019s just, I want to give you more. You have no idea how much I can give you,\u201d Hermione said, \u201cHow much more satisfying it could be. If anything happens tomorrow, I would hate that we never experienced more with each other.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her, his head cocked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you going to show me some new and delightful sexual position?\u201d he asked her. They were mere inches apart now, Hermione moving closer to Severus\u2019 pale body as she spoke to him.<\/p>\n<p>She smirked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d she said. \u201cBut I want the freedom to do what I want to you, the way I want.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Her eyes rested on his mouth hungrily.<\/p>\n<p>Severus understood now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh. You want to \u201cmake love\u201d to me as opposed to \u201cfucking\u201d me,\u201d he said, his lip curling cynically. \u201cFucking is fine with me. I need nothing more.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes darkened. She was going to have to go for blood if she wanted this from the snarky wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut I do. I feel dissatisfied,\u201d the witch said. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to tell you because I thought it might\u2026well make you feel inadequate.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Dissatisfied? Inadequate? What the hell was the witch talking about? He fucked the shit out of her every time they had sex. When he put his tool to her, Hermione lubed up and came so much it was as if someone had turned an internal spigot on inside the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled blackly and felt his cock throb with a vengeance. She\u2019d pay for that remark. Dissatisfied. Hmph. She had some fucking nerve. She stood before him, her breasts floating like pale, peaked balloons on the surface of the water. He fought the urge to touch them as he continued to scowl at her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stuck the barb in, now she twisted it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know you don\u2019t have any experience with kissing, touching, using your mouth or things of that nature\u2026but that\u2019s all right, Severus. I can teach you how to do it. You don\u2019t have to be ashamed about it,\u201d Hermione continued, loving the angry glint in his eyes.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master nearly spluttered at this insinuation. Of course he knew how to kiss and caress a witch. And he could use his mouth with the best of them. Foreplay was just something he didn\u2019t feel the need to do. Cock insertion followed by numerous thrusts until a satisfying ejaculation was reached was his approach. It never failed him. Though Severus realized on some level he did make a concerted effort to please Hermione. More of an effort than he had with any other woman. It made him feel powerful when the witch shrieked and orgasmed around his cock, clutching at him as if he were the last stronghold on earth.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd you\u2019ve never felt what it was like to have my mouth on you, except for the blowjob I gave you. Severus, I can make you feel so much more if you would just cooperate. I\u2019m very good,\u201d the witch said persuasively, &#8221; You have no idea how good I can make you feel.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd how good you could make me feel,\u201d the witch thought as she looked up at the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 jaw tightened but he didn\u2019t reply as he looked down at the naked witch. Her hair had twisted into ringlets now because of the waves. Slowly, Hermione brought her hand to his chest and stroked it. Severus stood tense and silent, his dark eyes resting on her, his face expressionless.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione drew in a silent breath, then removed her hand, replacing it with her warm, soft lips, kissing the wizard in the center of his chest softly, then licking his flesh with her tongue. The wizard\u2019s belly suddenly tightened, but that was his only reaction. Hermione began to kiss his torso in earnest, moving over his pale skin, sucking lightly, tracing circles with her tongue. She felt him beginning to relax.<\/p>\n<p>Severus had to admit to himself that Hermione\u2019s mouth felt good moving over him. It made him feel\u2026wanted. Oh it was sexual, but more than sexual. He had never had a witch do more with her mouth than suck his cock. His encounters weren\u2019t like that. The wizard shuddered, then closed his eyes, letting his head fall back as Hermione\u2019s mouth locked on to his nipple and sucked gently, tapping the tip with her tongue until it hardened. Little pulses of pleasure shot through him, and his hands reflexively moved to the small of her back, then over the curve of her ass, her flesh soft and pliant beneath his palms. He felt the witch tremble strongly as he caressed her. Experimentally, he did it again, with the same results, the witch moving to his other nipple and laving the same attention on it with more ardor. Hermione was pressing against his erection now, and he wanted to fuck her.<\/p>\n<p>Yet, her mouth felt exquisite. Suddenly, Severus felt Hermione&#8217;s small hands slide up his chest, over his shoulders and lock on to his head, pulling him forward and downward. He didn\u2019t resist and hissed as the witch began to lick, suck and kiss his throat. A small groan issued from the back of his throat.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe there was something to this.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the Potions Master lifted the witch in his arms and began striding toward the shore, Hermione still sucking and licking his throat, her fingers lightly scratching his scalp. It felt wonderful.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll humor you,\u201d he said gruffly, his eyes half closed with pleasure at the witch\u2019s ministrations.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes!\u201d Hermione thought, mentally pumping her fist victoriously as her mouth moved over the wizard\u2019s Adam\u2019s apple, which was working up and down furiously.<\/p>\n<p>Severus Snape wasn\u2019t going to know what hit him.<\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Ooh! You go Hermione! You sneaky witch. I really think you should change your house colors to green and silver. :). Please review ya\u2019ll.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 27<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 27 ~ On the Beach (Continued)<\/p>\n<p>Severus carried Hermione to the shore and with some effort, pried her from his throat and stood her on the damp sand. The wizard was fully erect and his nostrils flared as he looked down at the witch. Suddenly he grasped her waist and attempted to take her down to the ground, but she resisted.<\/p>\n<p>He glowered at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong,\u201d he growled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want you to lie down on your back,\u201d Hermione replied, her eyes glittering up at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMe?\u201d the wizard responded, looking at the damp sand. They were just above the surf-line.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded and said, \u201cHumor me,\u201d and kissed his chest again.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master let out a sigh and let his long pale body down, rolling on his back. He hoped no sand would work its way into uncomfortable places, but he was greatly aroused at the thought of fucking the witch outdoors in the moonlight. He stretched his body out and looked up at Hermione, whose eyes were sweeping over him, pausing at his erect cock for a moment then shifting back to his face.<\/p>\n<p>She looked starved, her eyes hot and hungry.<\/p>\n<p>Severus felt a bit out of sorts as the witch looked down on him this way. It was a bit like role reversal. Normally it was he looking down on her body, stretched out before him like a sexual smorgasbord. But the witch looked delicious in the moonlight, the moon making her petite curvaceous body as pale as his own, her chestnut hair shining silver, the peaks of her breasts dark and tight.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione lowered herself and mounted the wizard, straddling his body on her knees. Severus looked up at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDifferent?\u201d she asked him as his eyes swept over her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d the wizard said rather hoarsely as he felt the heat of her core on his belly, his eyes resting on her spread thighs.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione lowered her mouth to his throat again and began to suckle, her breasts mashed against the wizard\u2019s chest. Severus closed his eyes. Yes\u2026this was pleasurable. Hermione\u2019s lips worked up the side of his jaw, the wizard turning his head to give her access. She stopped by his ear, letting her warm breath wash over it as she breathed, \u201cTouch my body Severus. You never touch me. I want to feel your hands on my skin. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione began to suckle his throat again, and Severus granted her request, running his hands down her back, into the dip and over the swell over her buttocks. Hermione sighed as the wizards large, slightly roughened hands moved over her skin, leaving trails of fire on her moist skin and the witch moved to his mouth, her lips capturing and pulling at his softly at first, but with increasing ardor.<\/p>\n<p>Severus responded, kissing the witch back, then opening his mouth in invitation, his eyes half-lidded, watching her head move sensuously, his fingers tracing her flesh. Then her body began to join in, her flesh sliding against his own, heating up. Her mouth was hot as fire and the wizard soon lost himself in exploring it fully, his hands locking into her wet mane of hair and guiding her head motions, his own body beginning to arch as he was drawn into Hermione\u2019s passion.<\/p>\n<p>The couple began to kiss hungrily, exchanging saliva, their mouths devouring each other, the wizard completely caught up in the witch\u2019s responses. Hermione was near whimpering as she felt Severus become more aggressive, taking over the kiss, scouring her mouth with his tongue and sucking hard. His body was so hot, and hard, his hands sliding up over her shoulders and sweeping down again.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione attempted to pull away from the Potions Master\u2019s mouth to his throat again, but the wizard pulled her head back, hungrily possessing her mouth, then rolling over with the witch so he was on top of her, still kissing her, his dark hair falling around her face as he continued. He slid his body against hers sensually now, rhythmically, and his mouth slid down to her neck, surprising Hermione. She swept the sand off his back as she caressed it, tracing his scars, and gasping loudly at the feel of his mouth on her throat.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh Severus\u2026Severus,\u201d she breathed.<\/p>\n<p>In response, the wizard moved lower, one pale hand sliding up the witch\u2019s waist and gripping her breast, fondling it, and tweaking her nipple between his fingers as his other hand gripped the top of her head tightly. The witch buckled and groaned\u2026this was the first time the wizard had touched her breasts in any prolonged manner and the witch hissed, her body undulating beneath him. Severus then brought his warm mouth to her nipple and suckled it gently, then began to lightly bite the full flesh of her breast before returning to worry the taut nipple again.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione arched so hard she actually lifted the wizard for a moment. She felt a low chuckle against her belly, then the wizard moved to her other breast, dragging his tongue across her body and covering as much of her breast with his mouth as he could, his tongue swirling in circles over her flesh. Hermione was in heaven, and felt a pulsing ache between her thighs as she pumped them against him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus found he enjoyed the witch\u2019s wild reaction to his mouth and hands. He didn\u2019t know how to use them, eh? Shit. She\u2019d see. He planned to torment her.<\/p>\n<p>Severus moved lower, kissing and licking Hermione\u2019s skin. He felt the surf lick his elbow as he grasped both of her breasts. He rose to his knees, bending over the witch, moving steadily downward, Hermione arching upward again, then lifting her head to see his long black hair dragging down her belly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh gods\u2026yes Severus\u2026oh fuck,\u201d she hissed as the wizard\u2019s lips pulled at her pubic hair. Then suddenly he stopped and looked up at her, his eyes narrowed. Hermione\u2019s hips bucked upward insistently.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh\u2026don\u2019t stop now,\u201d the witch cried out, pushing his shoulders downward. Severus stubbornly didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ll teach me how to use my mouth, will you witch?\u201d he breathed, his dark eyes glinting as he lightly caressed her inner thighs with his hands. The smell of Hermione\u2019s sex filled the air, mingling with the scent of the sea. His mouth watered. He hadn\u2019t eaten pussy in so long he\u2019d forgotten what it tasted like. The tide was creeping up the shore, tickling their bodies lightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo\u2026I was wrong. You know how to use it,\u201d Hermione said desperately, \u201cshow me how much you know, Severus! I\u2019m dying to feel you!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDying to feel my mouth?\u201d he asked her, lowering his head to her pubic hair and letting his lips move through its softness, \u201cOr my tongue?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master slowly and teasingly licked her labia and the Hermione squealed, attempting to capture his head with her thighs but Severus expected this reaction and held them spread.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhich?\u201d he purred at her, his black eyes drinking in her lust as she writhed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBoth! Both!\u201d Hermione hissed, locking her hands in his hair now. The witch was so aroused her grip was too tight, but Severus took the pain. It was\u2026arousing to feel the normally gentle witch losing it.<\/p>\n<p>He decided not to make Hermione wait any longer and moved downward, lifting her thighs over his shoulders, spread her wide with his fingers and lowered his mouth to her dripping pussy. He took a large lick, drawing her flavor in\u2026his eyes closing in bliss as her sweet, musky taste coated his tongue. He swallowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn,\u201d he breathed, then proceeded to eat the hell out of the witch\u2019s core, licking and sucking, holding her firmly as she bucked, writhed and yanked on his hair, letting out a string of muggle obscenities as his tongue and lips lashed her, the pleasure almost unbearable. She shrieked when he began to thrust his tongue in and out of her deeply, collecting her juices.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the world shattered and Hermione was soaring, letting out a cry that rang through the night so loudly, the elves stopped bickering in the kitchen for a moment, their ears flicking back and forth, before they resumed, Eli on the offensive.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, witch,\u201d Severus thought as he drank down the wildly writhing witch\u2019s flow, Hermione pushing her core against his mouth, straining as she climaxed. He swallowed every drop of the witch\u2019s release, staying with her until she fell still, her breasts rising and falling with a rather shocked satisfaction.<\/p>\n<p>If Hermione thought the wizard was going to give her a bit of respite, she was wrong. Severus launched himself over her body, pulling her thighs up, locking his glistening mouth to hers and entering her brutally, the witch shrieking into his mouth as his huge organ plowed into her hungrily. She could taste herself as he burrowed his tongue and his cock deep inside her and began to fuck her strongly, the waves now splashing over them.<\/p>\n<p>Severus drove into Hermione, slamming his cock into her undulating body with a vengeance, sliding the gasping witch across the wet shoreline, their bodies leaving a deep groove as the surf crashed around them. Hermione clutched at his shoulders and the wizard stared down at her lustfully as her tightness sucked and clutched at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re beautiful,\u201d the Potions Master hissed without realizing it. \u201cGive me everything, witch.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione let out a whimper as Severus lifted himself up on his hands, stopping their wet slide across the beach and began slapping his loins between her thighs loudly, driving into the witch with all his strength and ardor, then dropping to her mouth against, kissing her almost frantically as his back locked and his thrusting became involuntary, instinctual, animalistic. He couldn\u2019t stop fucking the witch if he wanted to. His body was past control.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione let out a screech as she orgasmed, swallowing down water as she exploded over Severus, the wizard slamming into her cervix brutally, groaning as her heat flowed over him. She gasped something. Something unexpected. Something that brought the wizard back to himself, staring at her in astonishment.<\/p>\n<p>Severus slowed his stroke, gentling as the witch babbled a string of words he knew he wasn\u2019t meant to hear as if at Pentecost. The witch would never say these things to him if she were lucid. She knew he was not the kind of wizard to say such things to, that he had no real heart. But Hermione wasn\u2019t lucid\u2026she was lost to him, and the wizard dropped on her soft body, his face buried in her wet hair, his ear close to her lips so he could hear every murmured tabooed word as he flexed into Hermione slow and easy, drawing his cock out almost completely, then sliding it back in so she could feel every inch of him savoring her pulsing snatch, her complete and utter surrender. He shouldn\u2019t be listening to this, but found he wanted to hear her anyway. No woman had ever said the things to him that Hermione was whispering as the waves washed over them.<\/p>\n<p>It was just the sex. It was too good to her\u2026that\u2019s what it had to be. This\u2026this couldn\u2019t be inside her\u2026not the way he treated her. Why would she\u2026.? How could she\u2026?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026Severus,\u201d Hermione breathed, her voice full of tenderness. He lifted his head and looked down at her. The witch\u2019s eyes were soft and deep as the ocean itself as she looked up at him. He felt as if he could fall into those amber eyes and tumble forever, never wishing to touch ground again. Then he caught himself.<\/p>\n<p>Nonsense. Utter insanity. He wasn\u2019t himself\u2026and it was Hermione\u2019s fault.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re a succubus,\u201d he breathed, his face contorting, kissing the witch hungrily then returning to his hands and taking her once again with a vengeance, driving her up the shoreline.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAn addiction! A weakness! A tempting bit of fluff!\u201d the wizard hissed, fucking Hermione fall all he was worth. \u201cThat\u2019s all you are, Hermione Granger, Spells Mistress. Potions Mistress. That\u2019s all you\u2019ll ever be to me! Don\u2019t try to be anything more, witch. I don\u2019t want it!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He made this last declaration savagely as he rammed his cock so deep into the witch, he felt her shift inside and begin to quake powerfully, increasing the wizard\u2019s pleasure as her vibrations ran up his plunging shaft.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn you,\u201d Severus groaned as he felt himself drawing to the edge, \u201cDamn you for making me feel you, witch! Damn you for invading my thoughts\u2026my dreams. Damn you for making me want this. And above all, damn you for making me want you!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Again Severus dropped to the witch, locking his mouth to hers as he pistoned into her almost limp body, taking every bit of Hermione he could, his hips blurring as pleasure poured over him like the surf. Then he slammed his cock deep into the witch with a curse and came and came and came, his body shuddering, his own voice a whimper as he pulsed, filling Hermione to overflowing, the waves washing his gushing release away.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master collapsed on her, exhausted, letting the water wash over them for a few moments more before withdrawing and pulling Hermione higher up on the beach, worried she\u2019d drown. Sand clung to her soaked body and he brushed at it, staring down at the witch, who lay on her back, her breasts rising and falling gently, her unfocused amber irises peeking out from beneath her partially closed lids. Her legs were still parted and her hair a mass of dark, wet tangles.<\/p>\n<p>With an effort, Severus sat up, his long legs bent, leaning back a bit and resting on his hands. He stared at Hermione a bit longer then turned his head and looked out over the dark waters, breathing deeply, feeling as if his entire world had just turned upside down, the pivotal point, the witch sleeping on the sand beside him.<\/p>\n<p>The witch who had opened up her soul to him.<\/p>\n<p>*********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: MMmm. Wow. Some interlude. Hermione got what she wanted and then some. It seems Severus got more than he expected as well. Hm&#8230;who was he trying to convince he didn&#8217;t want more with that little tirade?\u00a0 Hermione&#8230;or himself?. :::shaking head::: Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 28<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 28 ~ Reactions<\/p>\n<p>When Hermione awoke, the first thing she was aware of was a familiar ache inside, then being in a bed, then her body wrapped up tight in the sleeping Potions Master\u2019s arms, her back against his chest, his chin on top of her head. He was snoring.<\/p>\n<p>The witch realized she was in a short silk nightgown, and could feel by the fabric resting against her buttocks, that Severus was wearing boxers. Why were they dressed? She didn\u2019t bring a nightgown since she slept in the nude. The wizard must have created it for her. How had she gotten here?<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The room was lightening. The sun was coming up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Hermione shifted slightly, unable to believe the wizard was sleeping with his arms around her. The last thing she remembered was his fucking her on the beach, driving her across the sand with his body. Gods, he had been so good. He gave her foreplay for the first time and was quite good at it. Hermione had hoped to get a dominant position in on him, but the wizard had flipped her over\u2026and that was the end of that idea.<\/p>\n<p>The witch felt a bit of warmth in her belly as she remembered the wizard kissing her deeply as he stroked her. He was right\u2026kissing did make sex seem more intimate\u2026Severus\u2019 kisses made her feel as if he cared about her beyond sex, but that was her emotional reaction to that type of intimate contact, not reality. Hermione did know the wizard desired her however. He was hooked and she knew it. But sexual desire did not equate to actual care.<\/p>\n<p>She shifted again, then let out a little gasp as Severus\u2019 arms tightened around her and his loins pressed against her ass. She could feel his cock swelling inside his boxers. The snoring stopped and she felt the wizard\u2019s head shift, his lips resting against her ear.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBe thankful my erection is just because I have to piss, witch. I don\u2019t think your body can take around round with me,\u201d he purred, releasing Hermione and rolling out of the bed, picking up a small case off the nightstand and walking into the bathroom. He didn\u2019t close the door.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione heard him using the loo, the stream strong as he relieved himself. It flushed, then she heard water running in the basin, then the sound of brushing.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shifted to the edge of the bed. She had to pee.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you going to be long?\u201d she called to Severus. The brushing continued and Hermione stood up and minced over to the bathroom door, holding her legs together tightly. Severus was facing the mirror, brushing his long tongue.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have to go,\u201d Hermione squeaked. Severus\u2019 reflection scowled at her in the mirror.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGo then. I\u2019m not finished,\u201d he said, returning to his brushing.<\/p>\n<p>Shit. Go with him in here? She stood in the doorway unmoving.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 reflection looked at her again, the wizard lowering the toothbrush.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWitch, I have swallowed fluids that come out of you. Stop being modest and pee already,\u201d he snarked.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione colored. He was right. She hurried over to the loo, lifted her nightgown, sat down and peed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOwww!\u201d the witch complained as the hot urine stung her delicate parts.<\/p>\n<p>Severus smirked. He knew it would sting.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI didn\u2019t bring any purple potion with me, but I imagine Dobby has a supply here. You should ask,\u201d the wizard suggested before cupping his hand under the faucet, sipping up some water, swishing it about and spitting it back into the sink.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stood up, wiped herself carefully, wincing as she did so, then tossed the tissue into the loo and flushed it. She walked around Severus to the other basin to wash her hands and noticed her toothbrush case on the counter. Severus must have retrieved it last night. Hermione opened it, took out the brush and rinsed it with cold water.<\/p>\n<p>She looked into the mirror. Both of them standing side by side this way looked quite domestic. Severus cut his eyes toward her in the glass.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCan I have a bit of your toothpowder?\u201d Hermione asked the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf it will rid you of that dragon\u2019s breath, you can have the entire jar,\u201d Severus replied, placing the toothpowder next to the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Dragon\u2019s breath?<\/p>\n<p>Hermione cupped her hand and breathed into it.<\/p>\n<p>She took a sniff and immediately regretted it as she nearly gagged. Wow. She didn\u2019t have dragon\u2019s breath. Dragon\u2019s breath smelled better.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard arched an eyebrow at her reaction as he rinsed and put his toothbrush away in its case.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat is the main reason you were spared a morning ride,\u201d Severus said, exiting the bathroom. He began to dress.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione took a lot of time brushing her teeth and tongue. When she finished, she walked over to the shower, pulled the door open and turned on the water.<\/p>\n<p>Severus appeared in the door fully dressed as she started to remove her nightgown.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou don\u2019t need a shower. I bathed you last night when we returned from the beach. You had sand everywhere and I couldn\u2019t sleep with half the beach in my bed,\u201d he said silkily, then disappeared from the doorway.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione did feel completely clean, but taking a shower in the morning was an automatic act. He had bathed her? She must have really been out of it. She had no recollection of being brought back to Harry\u2019s house. The witch turned off the water and exited the bathroom<\/p>\n<p>Severus was gone.<\/p>\n<p>Oh well. Any questions she had could wait until later. Then her belly tightened. Later they would be doing the ritual.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione quickly dressed in a pair of brightly colored cotton shorts, a white t-shirt and a pair of sandals. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail, then exited the room to find Severus and Harry already at breakfast. Harry was again in a bib, his black hair damp from his morning shower. He looked straight ahead as Dobby fed him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood morning, Harry,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard\u2019s green eyes shifted toward her and he smiled just as Dobby tried to slip the spoon in his mouth, the contents dripping down his chin and falling to his bib.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry, Dobby,\u201d she said to the elf, who looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe drops food whether you is here or not, Miss. Dobby is used to it,\u201d the elf replied, wiping Harry\u2019s chin with a napkin and going at it again.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat down and had a slice of toast with jam. She also had a cup of coffee. That was it.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her disapprovingly. After last night, the witch should be on her second plate of food. The gods knew he had a hell of an appetite.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIs that all you\u2019re going to eat?\u201d he snapped at the witch, who looked up at him rather startled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. I\u2019m not that hungry,\u201d Hermione replied, chewing her toast slowly to make it appear filling. The truth was she was nervous about the upcoming ritual, and when Hermione was nervous\u2026she didn\u2019t eat a lot. Food had a habit of coming back up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re going to need energy,\u201d the Potions Master said, leveling his dark eyes on her, \u201cYou expended quite a bit last night.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione thought she saw a flash of heat in those black eyes as the wizard looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut then again, I\u2019m not your mother. Eat what you want,\u201d Severus finished, resuming his meal.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione ate a small piece of sausage and then left the table. She walked through the house until she came to a bedroom with posters of Quidditch players all over the walls.\u00a0 It must be Harry&#8217;s bedroom.\u00a0 The witch walked into the bathroom and looked through the medicinal potions stores.\u00a0 Yes, there were several bottles of purple potion.\u00a0 She drank two down and immediately felt Severus&#8217; ache leave her.\u00a0 She let out a sigh, then went to her own room where she retrieved her Harmonics book, then exited the house, walking outside to the porch. Eli was busily sweeping the wood flooring and smiled a greeting at her. He had work to do and was quite pleased.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat down on the wicker loveseat and leafed through the book to the ritual instructions again. She knew them by heart, but this was Hermione. Checking and rechecking was natural for her.<\/p>\n<p>The screen door opened again and Dobby exited the house holding Harry by the hand. He led him down the steps and toward the beach for his morning exercise. Hermione watched as Harry shuffled along behind the elf, staring over the water. When they came to the shore, Dobby let him go and Harry promptly dropped to his hands and knees and started working his hands back and forth in the sand, making large furrows then throwing sand into the air. Dobby was scolding him because the sand fell back into his hair, but Harry was oblivious and continued to play.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly, Hermione heard music\u2026violin music. Severus was in the study warming up, ready to do another run-through of Harry\u2019s song. Hermione quickly got up and hurried into the house, locating the Potions Master.<\/p>\n<p>She entered the study and looked at the wizard, who was standing robeless in his bare feet, wearing a partially opened white shirt and black trousers, his hair pulled back in a ponytail. His eyes were closed as he swayed, drawing the bow lovingly over the instrument. Hermione thought he looked delicious.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Severus\u2019 eyes snapped open and he lowered the instrument, looking at Hermione blackly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet out,\u201d he said, \u201cI want no distractions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just want to hear\u2026\u201d Hermione began.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou will hear tonight. Now get out witch,\u201d Severus said warningly, taking a step towards her threateningly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine,\u201d Hermione spat, leaving the room in a huff.<\/p>\n<p>What a bastard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus smirked as Hermione stalked off, then walked over to his robes and pulled out his wand. He cast a silencing spell around the room and warded the doorway. The Potions Master could still be seen since the study was open and there was no actual door, but no one could enter or hear him. The wizard wouldn\u2019t be disturbed.<\/p>\n<p>He played the opening strains to Harry\u2019s song.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<\/p>\n<p>Harry suddenly looked up from the hole he was digging in the sand, staring toward the house intently.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is it, Master?\u201d Dobby asked. Harry rarely focused on anything more than a moment, but he was looking at the house, his brow slightly furrowed.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the wizard stood up and bolted for the house.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaster!\u201d a shocked Dobby yelled after him as the wizard ran.<\/p>\n<p>Harry never ran. His gait was normally a shuffling step, almost like an old man\u2019s walk. He certainly wasn\u2019t shuffling now.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had just exited the house when she saw Harry running toward her, Dobby hot on his tail. Running?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry?\u201d she said as the wizard leapt up the stairs, ran past her and into the still open door, Dobby sprinting behind him. Hermione ran into the house behind Dobby.<\/p>\n<p>Harry headed straight for the study where Severus was playing, running right into the ward, which was like hitting a stone wall. The wizard crumpled to the floor, knocked cold, blood running from his nose and his face badly bruised.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaster!\u201d Dobby cried, falling to his knees beside the unconscious wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione ran in after them, gasping and bringing her hand to her mouth as she looked at Harry. Dobby had his head in his lap and was stroking his hair.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe never runs before,\u201d the elf was saying, \u201cHe never ever runs since he comes here.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at Severus, who was completely lost in his playing, his body twisting, eyes closed as he drew the bow over the violin quickly. She couldn\u2019t hear what he was playing, but apparently\u2026Harry could and responded to it<\/p>\n<p>Dobby healed Harry&#8217;s broken nose and cut lip with a touch of his long, scaly finger. Then he stood up and levitated the unconscious wizard to his bedroom, the other elves following, chittering worriedly.<\/p>\n<p>Still playing, the Potions Master had no idea what had occurred. He was lost in the music, his shirt sticking wetly to his back as he poured all that he was into the song, feeling it swell his very soul. The wizard began to glow, Hermione watching his magic manifest itself. Even through the ward, she could feel his power.<\/p>\n<p>If this was how Harry reacted to his song, he would have to be restrained in the circle tonight. Although she was upset about what happened to the wizard, Hermione was glad she found this out. Something horrible might have happened during the ritual if Harry launched himself at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p>The Dementors milled about in the shadows of the ruined temple, bent and hissing with pain. Minerva was taunting her captor as usual.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUpset belly?\u201d the witch asked, an ugly smile on her face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c<i>Shut up before I tear you out of me!<\/i>\u201d the Dementor hissed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHah! If that were possible, you would\u2019ve done it long ago. They\u2019re closing in on all of you. Your days are marked!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Once again the Dementor wished it had found another victim those many years ago.<\/p>\n<p>One that was mute.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the pain was gone, and the creatures all hissed in relief.<\/p>\n<p>The moment Severus began to glow, a dull pain shot through all the Dementors and each felt the sensation of something tugging inside them. They had no idea what was happening, but whatever it was, they hoped it was the last time they experienced it.<\/p>\n<p>Dementors gave pain just fine but they weren\u2019t made to deal with it.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p>A\/N: Sorry about the length of time it took to post this chapter. Long night last night. Next chapter will be the ritual itself. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 29<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 29 ~ Preparation<\/p>\n<p>Later that morning Hermione told Severus what had happened to Harry while he was playing the music.<\/p>\n<p>Severus arched an eyebrow.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI placed a rather strong silencing charm around the room. He couldn\u2019t have heard the song. It had to be an internal reaction,\u201d the wizard said as they sat at the kitchen table.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded, looking thoughtful.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHis broken soul reacted,\u201d she replied, \u201cIt felt what was missing and drew him to it in an attempt to heal itself. That must be it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou say he ran directly into the ward?\u201d Severus asked the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAccording to Dobby, yes,\u201d Hermione said, \u201cI didn\u2019t see it for myself. He was already unconscious when I got there.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cStill running towards the unknown full force,\u201d Severus said, sneering a bit, \u201cHis soul might be broken but apparently some idiot behaviors never change.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione scowled at the Potions Master.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s a terrible thing to say,\u201d she snapped at him.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master looked at her coolly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSince I am the one who will be standing in a circle, risking life and limb and no doubt my own soul for the wizard, I believe I am entitled to say what I think,\u201d Severus said pointedly. \u201cUnlike you, who will be standing a safe distance away.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s not fair. I\u2019d gladly exchange places with you if I could, Severus,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her, his eyes going harsh.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf we bring Potter back, Hermione\u2026I want you to remember your body is mine for the duration of our agreement,\u201d he said darkly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at him in disbelief.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat? You think I\u2019d fuck Harry?\u201d she asked him incredulously.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 eyes washed over her. He looked quite possessive as he did so.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think it is possible that your joy could translate into something physical, yes,\u201d he replied, \u201cSuch things have been known to happen. Two friends sharing joy or grief finding comfort in each others\u2019 arms.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, that\u2019s not going to happen. Anyway, the patronage oath wouldn\u2019t allow it,\u201d the witch said frowning at the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFidelity is not a true part of the patronage agreement,\u201d the wizard said quietly, \u201cEven though you agreed to it, the magic might not bind you. You might be able to fuck another wizard if you truly wanted to.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at Severus for several moments. He was trying to hide it, but she could see that this possibility didn\u2019t set very well with him. His mouth was drawn in a thin line, and his eyes rather hard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou don\u2019t have to worry about that, Severus. You meet my current physical needs, if not my emotional ones. Having Harry back will give me that. He loves me,\u201d she said softly, her eyes growing a bit distant. \u201cAnd I love him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus felt a pulse of jealousy and for a moment was tempted to tell the witch all that she whispered to him last night as he impaled her with his cock. How would she deal with that knowledge? It was clear she had no recollection of her words, but a quick look into his mind would remedy that. He shifted in his chair slightly, trying to decide if he would tell Hermione or not.<\/p>\n<p>Dobby walked in.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI is going to fix lunch now. No more eating after that. Ritual,\u201d the elf said. Eli walked in behind him, scowling.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTonight I will leads the elves in the chanting. Is my Master we is protecting,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n<p>Dobby frowned at Eli.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo\u2026is MY master that is being protected!\u201d he argued, \u201cI shall leads the chanting.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Both elves began to hiss at each other, claws crooking and sharp pointed teeth showing as they snarled and began to circle each other.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, do something before they hurt each other,\u201d Hermione said to the Potions Master.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEli, stop it,\u201d the Potions Master said, \u201cYou will be in charge of preparing the ritual area. The sand needs to be smoothed and cleaned of any foreign objects, torches set up for light to see by and wards put in place so no one inadvertently disturbs us. You will also hold the wands while Hermione draws the protective circles and protect her when the ritual starts. That is your work for this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli bowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, Master. I will go and start preparing the beach now,\u201d the elf said, giving Dobby a smirk. He had more work to do than the other elf did and gloated. The happy Eli exited the kitchen, a frustrated Dobby looking after him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWill be glad when that one goes home,\u201d the elf muttered, walking to the cooler and taking out some sliced meat and making Hermione and Severus two rather dry, thin ham sandwiches and giving each a glass of pumpkin juice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMust check on the Master,\u201d he said, exiting the kitchen.<\/p>\n<p>Severus and Hermione looked down at their plates.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe we need to eat less for the ritual,\u201d she said, lifting the bread and looking at the two thin slices of meat. There were no condiments. Just bread and meat.<\/p>\n<p>Severus nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPerhaps I should have assigned Eli\u2019s work after Dobby made our food,\u201d the Potions Master said, sure that lunch would have been much better had he done so. He bit into the dry sandwich and chewed. Food was food. He\u2019d had worse.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione ate her sandwich half-heartedly. She liked lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles and mustard on her ham sandwiches. Dobby was punishing them, she was sure. House elves were subservient, but obviously they could show their displeasure in ways that wouldn\u2019t get them in trouble or ruin their service. He had fixed them lunch like he said he would. He didn\u2019t say it would be a good lunch.<\/p>\n<p>Severus finished his food, washing it down with the rest of the pumpkin juice and watched Hermione as she finished her food, his dark eyes unreadable. When the witch put down her empty juice glass, the wizard said, \u201cI believe we should get some rest before tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione thought this a good idea so she could be fresh and sharp.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSounds good,\u201d she said rising from the table, \u201cI\u2019ll see you later on.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She went to walk by the Potions Master, who caught her by the arm, his eyes glittering<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhere do you think you\u2019re going, witch?\u201d Severus asked her, rising.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo my room,\u201d Hermione replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou have no room here,\u201d the wizard replied, beginning to lead her down the hall to his guestroom. \u201cYou will sleep with me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione didn\u2019t protest. She wouldn\u2019t win. Severus would push her into his bedroom anyway so she might as well cooperate.<\/p>\n<p>Severus brought her into the room, plucked her wand out of her shorts pocket, then warded the bedroom door securely. He then began to unbutton his robes, looking at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUndress. Down to your bra and knickers,\u201d he said, slipping off his robes and working on his shirt.<\/p>\n<p>Bra and knickers? Obviously the wizard didn\u2019t intend to have sex with her. That was good because she would be terribly tired afterward.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione removed her sandals and undressed as Severus pulled off his shirt and undid his trousers. He then sat on the bed and removed his boots and socks, tucking the socks inside the boots and sliding them under the bed. He then stood up and removed his trousers, stepping out of them. His silk boxers were only slightly tented as he looked at the witch in her white bra and knickers. His eyes swept over Hermione and there was a noticeable pulse under his shorts.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet in the bed,\u201d he said, watching the witch climb in and slide under the white sheets. He joined her, pulling the sheets over his long pale body and sticking her wand under his pillow.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome here,\u201d he said, lying down facing her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione moved closer and Severus forced her to turn over so her back was facing him and pulled her tight against his body, wrapping his arms around her, pressing his erection into her buttocks.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019d fuck you but we both need to be in top form tonight,\u201d he said, sliding one hand over her belly slowly, caressing it. Hermione caught her breath. \u201cAnd I imagine if we are successful, you will be spending a bit of time with the wizard bringing him up to date on what has occurred over the years. Understandable. But I will not be neglected, Hermione. And you still have work to do under our agreement. I don\u2019t want you slacking because Mr. Potter is back. Do you understand me? I don\u2019t want to have to come and retrieve you, witch.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione realized she was going to have to tell Harry that Ron was dead.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe doesn\u2019t know about Ron,\u201d she said in a small voice. \u201cI\u2019m going to have to tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus was silent for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes you will. It is best to tell him quickly with all the details,\u201d the wizard replied. Severus had a lot of experience being the bearer of bad news. It was best to be direct and thorough so as not to have the person asking all manner of questions, making the bad new worse. He felt Hermione shaking slightly.<\/p>\n<p>She was crying.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBlast woman. Ronald Weasley has been dead over eight years now. Why in the world are you sobbing?\u201d he asked her, his nose wrinkled in irritation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause most likely to Harry, his death will seem like it just happened. I just find that so sad,\u201d the witch sniffed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe world is full of sadness, Hermione. Harry has dealt with loss his entire life. He will deal with this too,\u201d the wizard said by way of comfort. He felt Hermione cover his hand with her own and squeeze it gratefully.<\/p>\n<p>She said nothing else as they lay there.<\/p>\n<p>Severus didn\u2019t know why he was holding her like this. Presumably so she wouldn\u2019t sneak out. She was soft and warm and felt good pressed against his body. He rubbed his cock against her possessively and felt the witch shudder.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, she felt him.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard closed his eyes and pulled Hermione against him tighter.<\/p>\n<p>If something happened to him tonight, at least his last good memory would be having a relatively willing witch in his arms.<\/p>\n<p>He wouldn\u2019t have spent his last hours alone.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<\/p>\n<p>Nightfall came quickly, and the couple woke up and prepared for the coming ritual. Hermione went to her room and showered, then donned a white robe, wearing nothing beneath it. She kept this little detail from Severus, not knowing if he would be able to resist taking a bit of advantage of her nudity. She didn\u2019t think the wizard beyond going for a quickie. Eli appeared in her doorway just as she brushed out her curls.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI is here,\u201d Eli said, gathering up both the long willow and ironwood wands. \u201cThe beach is prepared, and Master Potter has been puts to sleep by Dobby. They is ready to follow you out, Miss. And the Master is ready also.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you, Eli,\u201d Hermione said looking at herself in the mirror. She took a deep breath, turned and walked from the room. Severus was standing on the porch, barefoot, in his white shirt and trousers, his hair pulled back in a ponytail. He held his Strad and bow in the crook of his arm, looking at the lighted beach.<\/p>\n<p>He turned to look at Hermione as she exited in her pristine white robes. His mouth quirked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow don\u2019t you look ready for defilement?\u201d he purred at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cStop it. This is a serious matter Severus,\u201d she snapped at him. His eyes went cold.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t you think I realize that witch?\u201d he said sharply. \u201cI\u2019m going to be inside that circle.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione didn\u2019t say anything but moved aside as the house elves exited the house, Harry levitated between them as they walked two abreast, two behind with Dobby bringing up the rear. They seemed to be chanting under their breaths.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey is ready Miss,\u201d Eli said to Hermione, who nodded and walked down the stairs, followed by Eli, Severus and the elves. The strange procession walked toward the shore. Eli had set up several torches that spread a red glow over the area. The atmosphere was heavy as if pregnant with expectancy.<\/p>\n<p>Everyone watched as Hermione carefully drew the pentacle in the sand with the long willow wand, saying a quiet invocation under her breath as she drew the circle around it, making sure the tips of the star connected with it. She made it large enough so that Harry could rest inside it with his limbs spread. She then drew the Soul Circle, then switched wands and drew the Harper\u2019s circle, carefully dividing it into twelve equal sections. She stepped back to look at her handiwork. Yes, it was a good job.<\/p>\n<p>A greater heaviness seemed to fall on the space, and the elves\u2019 chanting grew a bit louder.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlace him inside the pentacle,\u201d Hermione said, \u201cBe careful not to step on any of the lines\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The elves carefully maneuvered Harry\u2019s body over the pentacle, extending his arms and legs in mid-air, then lowered him gently to the ground. Then they exited the circle, surrounding it, heads bowed and still chanting.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly a blue light flared up around Harry in the shape of the star and faded away.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMakes your circle quick!\u201d Eli hissed, looking about worriedly. \u201cMaster, takes your place! Quickly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione quickly drew a protective circle with the ironwood wand and stepped into it, as Severus took his place above the head of Harry. Eli stood in front of Hermione and began to chant as the air was suddenly filled with black shadowy shapes that whipped about frantically. Hermione was reminded of a school of fish in a feeding frenzy. The black things were tadpole shaped and began to attack both Severus and Hermione, crashing against the invisible barriers that protected them.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione could see they had skull-like faces and wore hungry, lustful expressions as they pounded against the barriers. These must be the creatures that sought entrance into the physical world. They were horrible.<\/p>\n<p>The elves began to chant louder and the things writhed about as if in pain, but still kept trying to get at the witch and wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlay Master! Play!\u201d Eli cried out suddenly. \u201cWe can\u2019t holds them off too long!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus started. He had been staring at the attacking spirits as if mesmerized.<\/p>\n<p>He brought the bow to string. The moment it touched the instrument, a powerful golden light flared up around the Professor and telescoped around the outer circle, lighting each space, almost blinding Hermione with its intensity.\u00a0 The shadows around them fled a distance away but continued darting and whipping about almost angrily.<\/p>\n<p>The light faded and Hermione\u2019s jaw dropped.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh my gods,\u201d she breathed, unable to believe her eyes.<\/p>\n<p>********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: All right\u2026we\u2019re in there now! Please review!<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 30<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 30 ~ Restorations<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110818232529\/http:\/\/www.theburningpen.com\/Gray\/snapeh.m3u\">CLICK HERE TO HEAR INTERACTIVE STREAMING MP3 FILE<\/a> OR <a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110818232529\/http:\/\/www.theburningpen.com\/Gray\/snapeh.mp3\">DOWNLOAD HERE<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at the circle in amazement. It seemed the question as to how all parts of the score would be played. Standing in a circle around Harry, eyes closed and bows in different positions stood not one, but twelve Potions Masters, each with a violin. Initially Severus and the Severus next to him played the opening strains, then three others joined in, and the participation increased thereafter, with duets, solos, quartets and all manner of combinations, the passion and power increasing. What was amazing was that each Severus appeared oblivious to the others as he played.<\/p>\n<p>Streaks of light flew from the instruments and into Harry every time a bow touched string, the wizard looking as if he were in the center of an electrical storm as the music became more intense. Above the circle a swirling cloud formation appeared, darkening and spinning, a hole opening up in the center, a powerful wind issuing from it. The Severuses played wildly, their bodies twisting rhythmically and sensually as their bows flew over the violins.\u00a0 For a moment, Hermione wished she was in the middle of that circle.<\/p>\n<p>The dark shadows screamed and tried to flee but were sucked up into the strange cloud which began to flicker with its own light as the music became more powerful, all the Severuses playing passionately. Suddenly there was a loud clap of thunder and a ball of white light shot out of the opening and landed in the Soul Circle. There was so much static in the air, Hermione\u2019s hair was standing up as energy crackled around the glowing sphere as it hovered in the circle. Then slowly it began to circle Harry, starting to elongate, four tendrils of light dropping down, a bulb of light stretching from the front and more tendrils stretching upward. The bottom tendrils fleshed out and began moving as the body of light became recognizable. Hermione gasped, covering her mouth.<\/p>\n<p>Prongs.<\/p>\n<p>It was Harry\u2019s patronus, in the shape of his father\u2019s animagus form, a stag. It galloped around Harry, horns lowered as if charging some unseen creature. It ran faster and faster until it was a blur of light between the Severuses and Harry. Suddenly the music came to an end and the light expanded, covering all of them, then coalesced into a small glowing ball and hovered above Harry, dropping lower.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Harry gasped, his mouth falling open and a long tendril of light issued from the orifice, reaching up and entwining like a constricting snake around the glowing orb. It snapped back inside Harry, who made a choking, coughing noise. The Severuses suddenly telescoped back around the circle, slipping into the original Potions Master, whose eyes flew open. He looked over at Hermione, then his dark eyes dropped to Harry, who lay coughing in the center of the pentacle.<\/p>\n<p>The elves stopped chanting and stared at Harry, Dobby especially, his ears pricked forward.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cComes on, Master,\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stood frozen staring from Severus to Harry to Severus.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master watched Harry shudder and cough for a moment, then scowling, handed the nearest house elf his violin and bow, strode over to the pentacle, pulled Harry up by one arm and beat him on the back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus! What are you doing?\u201d Hermione called from the protective circle, horrified as the wizard pounded Harry\u2019s back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s choking,\u201d Severus called back. Suddenly Harry sucked in a huge amount of air and the coughing stopped. Severus let him go, and the green-eyed wizard looked about him blankly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt her heart dropping at the blank expression on his face. Harry looked up at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProfessor Snape\u2026what are you doing here? Where am I? Where\u2019s Voldemort?\u201d the wizard rattled off at the Potions Master.<\/p>\n<p>Severus frowned at him then looked over at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s fine,\u201d he sniffed, walking out of the circle and retrieving his violin and bow.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard started walking back towards the house and he heard Hermione shriek. It must have just hit her that the boy-who-lived was truly back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry!\u201d Hermione screamed, bolting from the circle and diving on the startled wizard, taking him down into the sand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaster!\u201d Dobby screamed, diving into the small pileup.<\/p>\n<p>The other elves all chattered and danced around in joy, doing somersaults and handstands.<\/p>\n<p>Harry spluttered, spitting out some sand as both Hermione and Dobby clung to him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTalk to me, Harry! Say something! Anything!\u201d Hermione said breathlessly, her bare legs showing above mid-thigh. Harry looked at her legs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, are you wearing anything under your robes?\u201d Harry asked, his eyebrows raised to his hairline.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo! No I\u2019m not!\u201d Hermione yelled joyously, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him on the mouth happily.<\/p>\n<p>Harry pulled away from her kiss.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThen I really don\u2019t think you should be kissing me like this. It feels\u2026well\u2026weird, knowing you are naked under your robes,\u201d the wizard said, adjusting his glasses. \u201cNow if I were Ron\u2026well then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione colored and released Harry. He had mentioned Ron.<\/p>\n<p>Ron and Hermione had been showing a marked interest in each other when the Final Battle came upon them. In fact, Hermione lost her virginity to the red-haired wizard the night before he died. Hermione hadn\u2019t wanted them to die virgins.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut I\u2019m not a virgin. I got some from Padma last year,\u201d Ron had told her and almost ruined his chances as the witch tried to scramble away, furious.<\/p>\n<p>But he managed to convince Hermione it was just a friendly shag between friends, and that this would really mean something to him because he liked her so much. It wasn\u2019t a declaration of love, but they really weren\u2019t in love yet, just extremely attracted to each other.<\/p>\n<p>So Hermione cast a contraceptive spell on herself and they did it. There had been a bit of pain, some very fast humping, then hot wetness. That was all Hermione had gotten out of it, though she told Ron it was good. This was part of the reason she had so few lovers. She initially thought sex sucked and was highly over-rated. It had been too fast and not hard enough. Overall, Hermione&#8217;s first sexual experience left her more frustrated than anything.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat am I doing here? And where\u2019s Voldemort? The last thing I remember is killing him. I did kill him, didn\u2019t I?\u201d Harry asked the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes you did kill him Harry. You\u2019re a hero,\u201d she said softly, wondering how she was going to tell him he had been a walking vegetable for the past eight years.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t care anything about being a hero as long as that slithery bastard is dead,\u201d the wizard said, standing up and brushing the sand from his robes, then shaking his leg because Dobby was clinging to it, sobbing uncontrollably.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet go, Dobby,\u201d he said to the elf.<\/p>\n<p>Dobby released him, staring up into his face, tears rolling freely. Hermione stood up too and watched as Harry looked around at the torches, then the circle he was standing in. He looked up at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSomething went wrong, didn\u2019t it Hermione?\u201d he asked her in a low voice.<\/p>\n<p>The witch nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA Dementor grabbed you and kissed you while you were distracted by Voldemort,\u201d she said in a trembling voice. \u201cDraco blasted it away from you, but not before it absorbed part of your soul. It didn\u2019t get everything, but you were left\u2026well kind of empty\u2026not totally like the other victims. Dobby has been taking care of you,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n<p>Harry looked down at the elf.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor how long, Dobby?\u201d he asked the elf, a knot forming in his stomach.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor eight long years, Harry Potter,\u201d the elf replied.<\/p>\n<p>Harry\u2019s eyes went round and he looked at Hermione again. Yes, she was definitely older, a grown woman\u2026then he looked down at himself. He was much broader than he remembered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEight years, Hermione?\u201d he asked for confirmation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, Harry. Eight years,\u201d she confirmed.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard stared at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhere\u2019s Ron?\u201d he asked suddenly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione swallowed and her eyes began to glisten. Harry bit his lip.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s dead, isn\u2019t he?\u201d he asked her, his voice cracking a bit.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe fell at the Final Battle. He\u2019s a hero too,\u201d she said, her voice barely a whisper.<\/p>\n<p>Harry blinked rapidly several times.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRon,\u201d he said in a hushed voice.<\/p>\n<p>He stood there in silence for several minutes, Hermione and the elves staring at him. Finally he looked up at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow did you bring me back?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSev\u2026the Professor did it. He\u2019s a Harper,\u201d she replied. \u201cI helped.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry knew that if the Potions Master brought him back, Hermione must have done more than helped. That snarky bastard never did anything without a reason.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s a Harper?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sighed. There was so much to explain to Harry now that he was back. Standing on the beach wasn\u2019t the place to do it. She caught the wizard by his arm.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome on, Harry, let\u2019s go back to your house and talk there. I have a lot to tell you,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy house?\u201d the wizard mouthed as Hermione led him up the beach, followed closely by Dobby and the rest of the elves. Eli picked up the wands, put out the torches and removed the wards.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy Master is the most powerful Master in the world,\u201d the elf thought to himself. \u201cHe can fix souls.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Smiling, Eli walked behind the others, his chest poked out with pride.<\/p>\n<p>************************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus paced in the guestroom for a while, tempted to head back to Hogwarts. Hermione would be occupied with Harry now and most likely wouldn\u2019t even act as if he existed. He didn\u2019t feel like sitting in and listening to her go over every boring detail of the last eight years, or watching her gush over Harry.<\/p>\n<p>Well, she had one of her best friends back, which meant that her attention would now be divided between him, her work and Harry. He was concerned that something might flare up between the two, and even if Hermione didn\u2019t fuck the boy-who-lived, the Potions Master still didn\u2019t like the idea of the wizard waiting in the wings for his patronage to end. It would feel like the wizard was in his bed.<\/p>\n<p>He had to do something to nip the possibility in the bud and soon.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sat down on the bed to think, wishing there was some firewhiskey about. But Harry had no use for it at the time. The Potions Master scoured every memory he had of Harry at Hogwarts his last year, trying to find something that could help him.<\/p>\n<p>He sat there a good hour before it came to him. A slow, rather evil smile crossed the wizard\u2019s pale face.<\/p>\n<p>He knew what to do.<\/p>\n<p>Feeling much better, the wizard divestoed his clothing and climbed into bed. He could count on spending the night alone.<\/p>\n<p>****************************************<\/p>\n<p>At about three o\u2019clock in the morning, the wizard felt someone climbing into the bed and made a grab, wrapping his arms around a soft almost nude body. He took his wand off the nightstand with one hand and turned up the torches.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione?\u201d he said, looking at the witch in surprise.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, Hermione, unless you have other witches that climb into bed with you at this time of morning,\u201d she replied, yawning. She was in her bra and knickers.<\/p>\n<p>The surprised wizard released her and watched as she slid under the sheets and turned toward him, her eyes sleepy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI thought you would be with Harry until the wee hours of the morning,\u201d the wizard said, studying the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is the wee hours of the morning,\u201d she answered him sleepily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut you are in my bed. Surely Harry won\u2019t approve of this,\u201d the Potions Master said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI told him about your patronage and how you helped me bring him back. To say he was happy about the arrangement would be an overstatement\u2026but he has to accept it. I\u2019m not a child. He can\u2019t tell me what to do or who to be with,\u201d she said, her voice growing heavy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut you didn\u2019t have to sleep with me,\u201d the Potions Master said, his eyes glinting at the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes I did,\u201d Hermione murmured, moving closer to him and curling up against the wizard. \u201cI don\u2019t have a room here, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus didn\u2019t say anything to this. He just looked down at the witch resting her head on his arm and curled into him like a child. He felt himself hardening. It would be a simple thing to take her. But he held back.<\/p>\n<p>She had come to his room of her own free will\u2026to sleep.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019d let her.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<\/p>\n<p>The next morning, Hermione awoke to find Severus gone. She went to her room, showered and dressed then turned up in the kitchen to find Harry gorging himself on a huge stack of pancakes. A pile of sausages were in front of him and a large platter of scrambled eggs. Dobby was watching him put the food away happily. No more bibs and spoons for his Master.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood morning,\u201d Harry said around a mouthful of pancakes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHi Harry,\u201d Hermione replied. The wizard thought she looked a bit distracted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHave you seen the Professor this morning?\u201d the witch asked him.<\/p>\n<p>Harry nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, he had a bit of breakfast and left. He said he had to go see someone,\u201d Harry replied. \u201cSit down and have some breakfast. Everything tastes great.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat down and joined Harry, but her thoughts were on Severus. Where did he go?<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<\/p>\n<p>Ginny Weasley sat at her kitchen table reading the Daily Prophet and sipping a cup of black coffee. The red-headed witch laughed as she read Rita Skeeter\u2019s column, which was full of its usual outrageous commentary.<\/p>\n<p>Ginny worked at the Owl Post. It was a good, secure job with benefits and she loved working with the owls. They were intelligent creatures and clean. She could have done worse for herself. She had a small flat in Little Hangelton and lived a rather quiet life, enjoying her solitude after being raised with six boisterous brothers. She had five now. Losing Ron had broken her heart. He was the brother closest to her in age and she always felt a special bond with him. She was inconsolable for a long time about him\u2026and about Harry.<\/p>\n<p>She and Harry had a relationship. He had taken her virginity the same night Hermione lost hers. But there was a difference. She had loved Harry Potter. Yes, it was young love but the only love she ever really had for a wizard. She had dated and slept with a few wizards over the years\u2026but never met one that moved her the way Harry had.<\/p>\n<p>She visited him quite frequently at first, but eventually she couldn\u2019t take his condition any longer. It was so sad, and he would never get better. He didn\u2019t even know who she was\u2026so her visits became less frequent and finally she stopped coming all together. But she thought about him often, and how life might have been for them if the Dementor had been destroyed in time.<\/p>\n<p>She turned the page of the Prophet, then set it on the table, preparing to get another cup of coffee when there was a knock on her front door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWho could that be?\u201d Ginny wondered as she set her cup down, picked up her wand and looked out the peephole.<\/p>\n<p>She nearly fainted. It was Professor Snape. What on earth could he want?<\/p>\n<p>She opened the door and stared up at the dark wizard, who nodded to her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood morning, Miss Weasley,\u201d the Potions Master purred, \u201cI wonder if I might have a word with you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dA word with me? Professor, I haven\u2019t seen you in years\u2026and I wasn\u2019t even a student of yours after the class became elective. What could you possibly want to talk to me about?\u201d she said suspiciously.<\/p>\n<p>Professor Snape always seemed a little shady to Ginny. She thought he\u2019d have no problem raping a witch if he was so inclined. She held on to the door, wand poised for action, waiting for him to answer.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTwo words,\u201d he said smoothly, arching an eyebrow at the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry Potter.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>***********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Ooh Severus. You sneaky sly dog you. Lolol. Got to love the wizard. He is so freaking sneaky and manipulative. Sorry about the quality of the Mp3 violins, but that was the best I could do. I took a midi file of &#8220;Hedwig&#8217;s Song&#8221; changed all the parts to violin, then saved it as an mp3 file since midi files play differently on different computers and there was no guaruntee it would sound like violins to you. I hope you enjoyed the interactivity however. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 31<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 31 ~ Getting Reacquainted<\/p>\n<p>Harry and Hermione were sitting in the kitchen, talking about how they would announce his return to the land of the living. Harry still hated the limelight, and wanted to do it as quietly as possible. Hermione didn\u2019t think it would work. The return of the wizard who killed Voldemort from a Dementor-induced state was going to be big news, no matter how they tried to tone it down. She and Severus would also be in the limelight.<\/p>\n<p>Harry decided his first appearance would be at Hogwarts. He wanted to see Albus, and had an idea how to do it that Hermione really didn\u2019t approve of\u2026but that didn\u2019t matter. Harry had a right to startle the hell out of Dumbledore if he wanted to\u2026she just hoped the old wizard\u2019s heart could take it. That, plus what Severus had to tell him about Minerva might just put him over the edge. Maybe they should meet him in the Infirmary, just in case.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly there was the sound of apparition outside. Hermione and Harry looked toward the front door. Severus must have returned. Sure enough, the screen door opened and the wizard strode in. There was someone with him.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master made sure he blocked their view of the guest he brought as he billowed through the house, but Hermione saw who it was first, and she scowled darkly.<\/p>\n<p>Ginny.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione hadn\u2019t forgiven Ginny for bailing on Harry after two years of visiting him. She was supposed to have loved him, but stopped coming to see him. She didn\u2019t deserve to be here now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m back,\u201d Severus said, looking down his nose at Harry, \u201cI brought someone to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The pale wizard stepped aside and Ginny stood there, her brown eyes glistening. Hermione watched as Harry slowly rose, his eyes locked to the red-headed witch. His last remembrance of Ginny was making love to her the night before the Final Battle, and unlike Ron and Hermione\u2019s first time, he and Ginny connected fully.<\/p>\n<p>Harry had known it was coming, and he wanted to make sure he knew what to do and how to do it, so he went to Remus Lupin and had a candid talk with the werewolf. Remus\u2019 love life was erratic to say the least. His werewolf part was very animalistic and always present in carnal situations, and any witch who tangled with Remus was in for quite a pounding until his first ejaculation. After that, he was able to relate to a witch like a human. When he discovered this, Remus found a way to make love to the witches he wanted by making plans with them beforehand, then going to the brothel first and fucking the shit out of a prostitute, then showering and going to meet the witch he wanted.<\/p>\n<p>This worked well for him until the witches found out\u2026then he was out in the cold again. Not one understood the reason he did this. They only saw that he had fucked a whore first. As a result, Remus had a lot of scorch marks on various parts of his body from pissed off witches. But, he was a very good and considerate lover once the onus of the wolf was off of him and he told Harry exactly how to treat Ginny.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is her first time and yours. Stay close to her, kiss her and caress her throughout,\u201d the wizard told Harry, \u201cAnd take your time, no matter how good it feels. Go slow and be sure to connect with her emotionally as well as physically. Witches need contact and to feel appreciated. Give her that, and she will be very happy. If you are lucky, you will give her more than that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry loved Ginny, and when they came together, it was awkward at first, but soon became good, with Harry kissing and caressing the young witch the entire time. Ginny responded to him powerfully and their first time had been wonderful and filled with love. Both had been very satisfied.<\/p>\n<p>This was what Harry remembered as he looked at the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGinny,\u201d he said hoarsely, walking over to the witch as if under the Imperious Spell, Severus looking on with a very obvious look of satisfaction, and Hermione frowning with disapproval. Harry stopped inches from the witch, looking down at her. Yes, Ginny was older and she had filled out nicely. She was very slender when they were together, but a bit of Molly\u2019s genetics had come into play, and now Ginny had a very curvaceous shape, toned down by her father\u2019s tall, lean build. Ginny was tall\u2026about five foot ten.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry,\u201d Ginny whispered, \u201cHarry\u2026you\u2019re back. I can\u2019t believe it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBelieve it, Ginny. I don\u2019t feel as if I\u2019ve been anywhere,\u201d he said softly, his green eyes full of passion.<\/p>\n<p>Ginny swallowed and looked over at Hermione, who was scowling at her. Ginny felt guilt wash over her and looked up at Harry. She could clearly see the love in the wizard\u2019s eyes, and her belly tightened. She had missed him so much. So very much. But still, she had abandoned him in the end.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry\u2026I stopped coming to see you,\u201d she said, \u201cI gave up on you. I\u2019m so sorry. I just couldn\u2019t stand seeing you that way. I wish I had been stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione harrumphed. Surely Harry wasn\u2019t going to fall for that.<\/p>\n<p>Harry looked down at her and gave her a tender smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo me, we were just together, Ginny. I don\u2019t feel as if you\u2019ve abandoned me. I feel like you love me,\u201d the wizard said, \u201cYou do, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ginny stared up at him. She had never loved any other wizard than Harry.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stiffened. Oh good gods. She\u2019d better not say yes.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 black eyes shifted to Hermione and he smirked. Yes, this was working just the way he thought it would. He\u2019d just\u2026help it along, otherwise Hermione was going to blast the witch and ruin a truly romantic moment.<\/p>\n<p>Before Ginny could answer, the Potions Master cleared his throat.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPerhaps it would be best if you two talked in private,\u201d he said silkily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou could go into the study,\u201d Hermione suggested, trying to head off any more intimate setting. Harry looked at her and was about to agree when Severus cut in again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cActually, there is an unused guestroom with a door just down the hall. That would offer you more privacy,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>He was directing them to the bedroom Hermione was supposed to have occupied. The only place they could sit was on the huge four-poster bed. Severus hoped there wouldn\u2019t be much talking.<\/p>\n<p>Harry nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat sounds good, Professor,\u201d he said, catching Ginny by the hand, \u201cCome on, Ginny.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry led Ginny down the hall and into the guestroom, then closed the door behind them. It clicked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI hope they use a silencing charm,\u201d the Potions Master said, looking at Hermione who was red-faced and nearly shaking with rage.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe has some nerve coming here after abandoning Harry like she did,\u201d the witch seethed, \u201cAnd look at him. He\u2019s just\u2026just fawning all over her.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo, you condemn Miss Weasley because she couldn\u2019t handle the pain of seeing Harry in such a state, Hermione? Not everyone has your threshold for pain. I understand she visited him in his vegetative state for two years before she stopped and moved on with her life. What was she supposed to do? Stop living as well?\u201d the wizard asked the witch. \u201cBecome his nursemaid? Cut off her young life when it was just coming into bloom? It is obvious by the way she looked at him that she\u2019s never stopped\u2026loving him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus made this observation with a bit of a sneer.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione just stared at the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBesides, it is obvious Harry still loves her, Hermione. After eight years I believe a bit of trim is in order. It will ground him,\u201d the Potions Master purred.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at the Potions Master shocked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou brought her here so Harry would fuck her,\u201d she said to the wizard accusingly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCall it \u2018rehabilitation,\u2019\u201d Severus responded, smirking at the witch. \u201cYou weren\u2019t the only one who missed him, Hermione. And you don\u2019t have a monopoly on the wizard\u2019s time. As a matter of fact, I believe Miss Weasley\u2019s re-introduction into his life will free you up for your other pursuits. She can clue him in to the latest developments in the wizarding world just as well as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut I was the one who came to see him over the years,\u201d Hermione complained, looking back at the room. \u201cI was here for him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus sat down.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe has no recollection of that, Hermione. At the time of his attack, Miss Weasley was the one closest to him, not you. He loves you as a friend, Hermione\u2026but he loves Ginny as his\u2026shall we say \u2018woman.\u2019 She can give him what you can\u2019t. No matter how much time you spent holding his hand over the past eight years, his strongest connection right now is with Miss Weasley,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione dropped her head. The Professor was right. No matter how she felt about Ginny, Harry still loved her as much as he did eight years ago. If she tried to interfere, most likely he would turn away from her and continue to see the witch. Hermione wasn\u2019t about to let that happen.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh Harry!\u201d Ginny\u2019s voice gasped loudly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus gave a wicked smile as he heard Ginny cast a silencing spell. Hermione\u2019s eyes went as wide as saucers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe\u2019s letting him\u2026\u201d she began.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI believe she is,\u201d Severus purred victoriously.<\/p>\n<p>Well, the problem of Harry and Hermione getting too close was solved nicely.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stood up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPerhaps I should head back to the house,\u201d she said glumly, \u201cThere\u2019s not much more I can do here right now. Not with Harry \u2018making up\u2019 with Ginny. They might be locked down for days.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus cocked his head at the witch, his eyes sweeping over her. He could think of several interesting things to do.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI doubt that. Miss Weasley has a job to go to,\u201d Severus said, \u201cBesides, Harry is going to need support when he returns to the wizarding world. As his friend, I would think you\u2019d want to be there for him. Don\u2019t abandon him because Miss Weasley is in his bed. After all you\u2019ve gone through to get him back, it would be a terrible waste.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat back down. Again, Severus was right. She was acting like a petulant child.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, he does need me. He wants to go to Hogwarts tomorrow and see Albus. I don\u2019t like the way he wants to do it, though,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked quite interested.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd how does he want to do it?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, we talked about it and adjusted the plan a bit. We plan to go to Poppy first and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione told Severus the plan. The wizard quirked his lip as he listened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to be there,\u201d he said, his eyes glittering. &#8220;I have a message for Albus.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was glad the wizard offered to accompany them. She didn\u2019t know if she had the nerve to do it with just her, Harry and Dobby. Severus would be a strong presence.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re welcome to come,\u201d she said, relieved.<\/p>\n<p>Severus arched an eyebrow at her, his dark eyes growing a bit hot. Hermione colored.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI didn\u2019t mean that literally,\u201d she amended.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master stood up, walked around the table and grasped the witch by the arm. She had spent over twenty-four hours in his presence without being fucked. Far too long.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cToo late,\u201d he said silkily, helping Hermione to her feet and escorting the witch to the guestroom.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cInvitation accepted.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>****************************************<\/p>\n<p>About four hours later, a very disheveled Ginny Weasley and a smiling, tired Harry Potter emerged from the guest bedroom. Their \u201ctalk\u201d had been quite draining. Harry walked Ginny to the door and after kissing her passionately and getting promises that he would see her again soon, let her apparate back to her flat.<\/p>\n<p>He walked back in the house to find Dobby fixing him supper. A big one.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaster needs nourishment after in-outie,\u201d the elf sang, smiling as he quickly grilled a large steak and fried a pan full of potatoes and onions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m starved, Dobby,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Harry was barefoot and dressed in scarlet boxers with an open housecoat over them. He sat down at the table, sniffing appreciatively. After a moment, Severus walked into the kitchen, also barefoot, in black boxers and an open housecoat, his large nose pulsating as he smelled supper. The pale wizard sat down and Dobby quickly put on another steak.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>He and Harry looked at each other.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI imagine your \u2018talk\u2019 with Miss Weasley went well,\u201d Severus said, his black eyes washing over the wizard across from him. His torso was visible, and he had indeed filled out.<\/p>\n<p>Harry looked at the Potions Master. He knew the wizard had been fucking Hermione. He still had to come to terms with that. Yet, he was engaged in the same activity with Ginny, and it had been wonderful. He couldn\u2019t get enough of her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, it went very well, Professor. Thank you for bringing her,\u201d Harry replied.<\/p>\n<p>Severus nodded as Dobby served Harry his steak with potatoes and a side of salad.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYours will be along soon, sir,\u201d Dobby said to Severus, returning to the stove.<\/p>\n<p>Severus watched as Harry tore into his steak. The wizard certainly had an appetite. Dobby turned to look at his Master, then put another steak on the grill. He was quite hungry. It must have been excellent in-outie.<\/p>\n<p>The edge of his hunger sated, Harry looked up at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t know how to thank you for what you did, Professor. Bringing me back like you did. Hermione told me how you did it. Amazing,\u201d Harry said to the Potions Master who leveled his eyes on the wizard as Dobby placed his meal in front of him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can thank me, Mr. Potter, by paying the bill I will be sending you shortly,\u201d the Professor replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBill?\u201d Harry said, staring at the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus cut into his steak.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, bill Mr. Potter. I rendered you a service just as if I had brewed you an elixir. I am entitled to compensation,\u201d the wizard said coolly, inserting a piece of steak into his mouth and chewing. It was medium rare. Perfect.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBesides,\u201d the wizard said, \u201cGiven our history\u2026I am sure you would rather pay me than feel you owed me for the rest of your life,\u201d Severus said, arching an eyebrow at him. \u201cIt would put us back on equal footing. Your gratitude means nothing to me after all, but your galleons\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry nodded. Now this was the Professor Snape he knew. He felt rather relieved. It was a bit difficult to swallow the snarky Potions Master doing him a kindness. Now that money was involved he felt much better.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow much?\u201d Harry asked him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus took a sip of the ice-cold pumpkin juice Dobby set on the table.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow much is your repaired soul worth, Mr. Potter?\u201d the wizard responded.<\/p>\n<p>Harry blinked at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Harry said honestly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, neither do I. I will have to figure it out\u2026but I assure you, it will be quite expensive,\u201d the Potions Master said as he speared a fried potato with a bit of onion.<\/p>\n<p>Harry had no doubt about that.<\/p>\n<p>The two wizards finished their meal in silence. Severus had Dobby fix another plate of food and carried it back to the guestroom, presumably to re-energize Hermione when she woke up.<\/p>\n<p>Harry returned to the guestroom and crawled under the covers. The bed smelled of Ginny and he snuggled down in it, breathing in her scent deeply. He needed his rest.<\/p>\n<p>Tomorrow, he would return to Hogwarts.<\/p>\n<p>*************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Well, the Potions Master\u2019s plan seemed to work well. Lol on charging Harry for helping him. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 32<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 32 ~ Harry Returns to Hogwarts<\/p>\n<p>Poppy was in her office when she heard the floo. The medi-witch put down the quill she was using to make updates on a few student files, wiped her hands on her apron and exited her office. She stopped for a moment when she saw Dobby, Harry and Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, it\u2019s time for Harry\u2019s bi-annual check-up already, Dobby?\u201d Poppy asked frowning a bit.<\/p>\n<p>Dobby looked a little shifty but nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes Miss, though we be a bits early,\u201d the elf replied, his ears flattening at the blatant lie.<\/p>\n<p>Poppy looked at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh Hermione, good to see you. I suppose you were visiting with Harry?\u201d she asked the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes Poppy,\u201d Hermione responded, \u201cAnd it\u2019s good to see you too.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Poppy walked over to the nearest privacy curtain and pulled it back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBring him over here, Dobby,\u201d the medi-witch said.<\/p>\n<p>Dobby took Harry\u2019s hand and the wizard shuffled along behind the elf, staring blankly.<\/p>\n<p>Poppy\u2019s eyes saddened as the young wizard shuffled past. Such a shame Harry had ended up like this. He had been so brave and full of life. Dobby helped the wizard sit up on the cot. Poppy walked up to him and caressed his cheek gently.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello Harry,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n<p>Harry gave her a bright smile for a moment, then his face sobered. Hermione rolled her eyes. He certainly was hamming it up.<\/p>\n<p>Poppy patted his hand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPoor dear,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly there was another \u201cfoomph\u201d from the floo and Severus Snape entered. Poppy walked away from Harry and pulled back the curtain as the Potions Master walked up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood morning, Severus,\u201d she said to the pale wizard, whose eyes washed over Harry, Hermione and Dobby before he answered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood morning Poppy. Mr. Potter is here for his check-up I see,\u201d he said, sneering.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes he is, Severus,\u201d Poppy replied, frowning at the wizard\u2019s obvious dislike for the young hero. Harry had been through enough. Severus needed to get over his hatred.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, don\u2019t let me disturb you. I just brought a few bottles of healing potions for your stores. I\u2019ll put them away,\u201d Severus said, walking to the back of the infirmary.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you, Severus,\u201d Poppy said, turning around and walking over to Harry, pulling out her wand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUm, Poppy. Do you think we should tell Albus Harry is here?\u201d Hermione suggested. \u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019d like to see him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Poppy smiled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s an excellent idea, Hermione. He said he meant to stop by and see him\u2026this is much more convenient. Give me a moment,\u201d the medi-witch said, leaving the enclosure and walking over to the floo. She threw in a handful of floo powder she retrieved out of a box off the mantle and called Albus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHeadmaster? Headmaster!\u201d she called.<\/p>\n<p>There was the sound of a drawer closing, then, \u201cYes, Poppy?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlbus, Harry Potter is here for his check-up. I thought you might like to see him,\u201d the medi-witch said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy yes I would, Poppy. I will floo in momentarily,\u201d Albus replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right,\u201d Poppy replied, leaving the floo and returning to the group. \u201cAlbus will be here shortly. Now let\u2019s see how you\u2019re doing, Harry.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Poppy pulled out her wand and proceeded to examine Harry.<\/p>\n<p>***********************************<\/p>\n<p>Albus pulled off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. So Harry was here. He had meant to go and see him but hadn\u2019t got around to it. It took the old wizard a couple of days to prepare himself to go see the stricken wizard. It was difficult to see him like this, a shadow of the vibrant lad he used to be. How cruel fate was to finally free him from the curse of Voldemort only to have half his soul torn away so he could not experience that blessed freedom to the fullest.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard sighed and put his glasses back on. Behind him, Fawkes let out a joyous trill, his beautiful eyes whirling in his head as he shifted back and forth on his perch excitedly.<\/p>\n<p>Albus turned to the bird.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFawkes, what\u2019s gotten into you?\u201d the wizard asked.<\/p>\n<p>Fawkes bobbed his head at the wizard, but sent him no image\u2026which was strange.<\/p>\n<p>Albus looked at him, puzzled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAren\u2019t you going to show me what has you so excited, Fawkes?\u201d the wizard asked the Phoenix. The bird shook its head in the negative. That was rare.<\/p>\n<p>Albus gave Fawkes a little scowl.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right, I\u2019ll find out soon enough I suppose,\u201d Albus said, walking over to the floo.<\/p>\n<p>Fawkes let out another bright, happy trill and Albus shook his head. He threw some floo powder into the flames.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cInfirmary,\u201d he said, stepping through.<\/p>\n<p>The Headmaster arrived in the infirmary and heard Poppy exclaiming.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy Harry, your vital signs are much stronger. A very marked improvement. What have you been feeding him, Dobby?\u201d the medi-witch asked excited as Harry stared straight ahead, not reacting.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe sames,\u201d Dobby replied, his ears still flattened. Suddenly the curtain was pulled back and Albus entered. He smiled when he saw Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, how wonderful to see you,\u201d he said, opening his arms and embracing the witch. Severus reappeared at the curtain.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve stocked your stores, Poppy,\u201d he said as Albus turned to him. \u201cGood morning, Headmaster.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello Severus,\u201d Albus replied, \u201cI\u2019ve come to see Harry.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo good for you sir,\u201d Severus said dryly.<\/p>\n<p>Albus\u2019 eyes darkened for a moment, then he turned and walked up to Harry. He took both of the wizard\u2019s hands in his, and looked into his green eyes sadly, his own blue eyes full of grief.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello my boy,\u201d he said softly to Harry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello, Headmaster,\u201d Harry said back, smiling broadly.<\/p>\n<p>Albus froze, tightening his hold on the young wizard\u2019s hands so hard, Harry winced. Poppy stood straight up, frozen too\u2026staring at Harry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDid\u2026did you just speak to Albus?\u201d she asked the wizard, her voice trembling.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes I did. And now I just spoke to you, Poppy,\u201d Harry said to the medi-witch.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Harry was grasped by the lapels and shaken strongly by Albus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry! Harry! Are you really back! This\u2026this isn\u2019t some cruel trick is it? Not some\u2026illusion or\u2026or glamour is it?\u201d Albus demanded his blue eyes wide.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo sir. No tricks. It\u2019s me. I\u2019m back. Hermione and Professor Snape brought me back,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>Albus stared at him, and tears began to roll down his face.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly he crushed Harry to him with all his strength, sobbing, \u201cMy boy! My dear, dear boy! It\u2019s a miracle.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus watched the touching scene thinking it wasn\u2019t a miracle as much as it was a lot of damn hard work on his and Hermione\u2019s part.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione, Dobby and Poppy were all crying as Albus clutched Harry to him, the wizards\u2019 arms wrapped tightly around each other as they rocked back and forth.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh good gods,\u201d Severus sighed as he watched the blubberfest with a wrinkled nose. Albus or Poppy could have at least fainted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHeadmaster\u2026Headmaster I can\u2019t breathe,\u201d Harry gasped. Albus reluctantly let him go. Poppy replaced him immediately, though her embrace was much gentler.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just can\u2019t believe it. You\u2019re back from\u2026from the Dementor\u2019s kiss,\u201d the Albus said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA partial Dementor\u2019s kiss, Albus,\u201d Severus corrected, getting Dumbledore\u2019s attention. \u201cHowever, I have something that you need to see as soon as possible sir.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus produced a small sealed pensieve from his robes pocket.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBefore we restored Mr. Potter, I performed Legilimency on him and was sucked through his mind toward what seemed to be a clutch of Dementors. I was rescued by my house elf Eli, and on my way back I saw you and Bara standing outside a ruined temple\u2026but that isn\u2019t all I saw sir,\u201d Severus said in a low voice.<\/p>\n<p>He handed the pensieve to Albus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know about this clutch, Severus. I am making plans as we speak on how to destroy it. What else did you see?\u201d the old wizard asked.<\/p>\n<p>Severus arched an eyebrow at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn this case sir, I think it will be easier to believe if you saw it as I saw it. Then we can go into the details. I think you may not want to destroy the Dementors at this time, sir,\u201d the Potions Master said silkily. \u201cAt least not until we explore other options.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus looked at Severus. Other options? What possible options could there be for Dementors other than destroying the cursed creatures? He looked down at the pensieve. He started to unseal it. Severus stopped him, covering his hand with his own.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot here, sir. I advise you to wait until you are alone. Once you see it, you will understand why,\u201d Severus said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery well, Severus,\u201d Albus said, burning up with curiosity but putting the pensieve away and turning back to Harry, his eyes shining.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI can\u2019t believe this. We must retire to my office and you all can tell me how this miracle came about from beginning to end. Severus I will send a substitute to cover your class,\u201d the Headmaster said. Severus nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think sir, that you should precede us and view the pensieve. We will give you half an hour, then follow,\u201d the Potions Master said, \u201cThen we can explain more fully what we did to bring Harry back and what are theories are concerning the Dementors.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus was anxious to see what was in the pensieve and so agreed, hugging Harry again then departing for his office.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<\/p>\n<p>Fifteen minutes later found Albus seated behind his desk, his eyes running once again.<\/p>\n<p>Minerva. Severus had seen Minerva.<\/p>\n<p>And she was very much alive\u2026her message more than proved that. He had spoken to no one else about the Ministry.<\/p>\n<p>Her soul was still alive\u2026she wasn\u2019t gone, only separated from her body.<\/p>\n<p>Severus and Hermione had managed to bring Harry back when he only had half a soul.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe they could bring Minerva back as well. His Minerva. His one true love.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard wiped his eyes and felt himself fill with a new resolve, a new strength. Minerva McGonagall was alive and trapped inside one of those shadowy monsters.<\/p>\n<p>He would get her back if he had to suck her out of the Dementor himself.<\/p>\n<p>*************************************<\/p>\n<p>Dobby returned home and Harry, Severus and Hermione went to the Headmaster\u2019s office to discuss matters. Hermione led the conversation, Severus sitting back in an armchair listening to the witch, his black eyes resting on her as he considered what a marked difference there was between the confident witch speaking so knowledgably and the passionate witch that surrendered to him so completely behind closed doors. He felt a slight throb and adjusted himself in the chair, forcing himself to listen and not think.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dSo the Dementors haven\u2019t been digesting souls, they\u2019ve been using them to sustain their own lives,\u201d Hermione told Albus. If the body of a victim dies, the soul dies with it and the creatures kiss someone else to replace it. If the Dementor dies, the soul dies and the body of the victim dies shortly afterwards.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus looked thoughtful.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo, if we destroy the Dementors, then we lose the soul they possess as well,\u201d Albus said to Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cExactly. No one has ever revived after a Dementor\u2019s kiss, and after the Final Battle, many victims that were doing well under care sickened and died. We didn\u2019t put it together then. One of the Dementors that escaped holds Minerva\u2019s soul.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow can we retrieve her?\u201d the Headmaster asked.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI believe we are going to have to count on the Gryffindor brain once again, Albus. She\u2019s already brimming over with theories and ideas, chomping at the bit. She almost left Mr. Potter in her zeal to attack the problem,\u201d the Potions Master said silkily.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione flushed.<\/p>\n<p>Albus thought he detected a bit of pride in Severus\u2019 voice\u2026just a slight inflection when he spoke of Hermione\u2019s readiness to start the project. The Headmaster learned with a bit of surprise that Hermione was under the dark wizard\u2019s patronage. He wondered if the agreement was with full rights. Severus was quite a cold, contained wizard who didn\u2019t dally with witches much, if at all.<\/p>\n<p>The Headmaster wondered at first if it was purely a monetary arrangement. Hermione was brilliant and no doubt would make a pretty galleon for the wizard, but then he surreptiously watched Severus and saw signs of possessiveness in the wizard\u2019s body language when Hermione spoke. When she shifted position, his slightly shifted as well in a shadow movement. A sure sign of someone invested.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe the wizard was finally coming out of his shell and living a little. Albus certainly hoped so. Hermione was an amazing witch. Perhaps she could give the snarky wizard a new lease on life, or at least a bit of happiness. No man should go through life without experiencing what it was like to be truly happy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have Damius\u2019 journal that tells how he made the original Dementor that is the progenitor of all that followed. The ingredients he used are available if expensive, with the exception of the basilisk heart and blood. What I\u2019m going to have to do is create a couple of Dementors\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Everyone stared at Hermione as if she were insane.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSmall versions. Using nifflers,\u201d she amended.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNifflers?\u201d Harry said, imagining small furry cloaked creatures floating around Hermione\u2019s lab hissing and attempting to suck out the souls of all they came in contact with. \u201cAre you sure that\u2019s safe, Hermione?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCertainly. I will have my patronus, and they will be small enough to bat away. Most likely they will go after other nifflers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut animals are not believed to have \u2018souls\u201d Hermione,\u201d Severus said, his brow furrowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. They don\u2019t have souls as we have souls, but they do have spirits. I\u2019m working along the theory that in the case of Dementors they gravitate to whatever generates their \u2018kind\u2019 to power them. In the case of a human-generated Dementor, they require human souls. But in the case of a niffler-generated Dementor, it would require a niffler spirit to maintain itself. If it weren\u2019t so, the Dementors could kiss any living thing and survive. But they only kiss humans,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>It made sense. Still Harry shuddered at the idea of a bunch of them drifting about, hissing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThen after I create the nifflers and they kiss the others, I can work on developing a kind of anti-potion, and a method of delivery. I already have some ideas. The Agistani flower was used for the Restorative Elixir\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dWhich is banned now,\u201d Severus said darkly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione ignored him. She couldn\u2019t be bothered with little details such as legalities. She continued.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c\u2026which can restore someone on the brink of death to full life, with a completely renewed body. The basilisk heart and blood are deadly, and it is that ingredient which I believe turns the user, bringing him to the brink of death, releasing the soul, then the Agistani flower catches them but invigorates the soulless body created instead, without a soul or spirit. It becomes an altered creature then seeks a soul to power it. Most likely if it doesn\u2019t find one within a certain period of time, it dies. I think by experimenting with increasing the amount of Agistani flower to the amount of basilisk blood and heart, I can create an elixir that will allow\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Here Hermione took a deep breath because she knew her idea would sound positively insane.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c\u2026that will allow a Dementor to be \u201ckissed.\u201d Only the soul will not be absorbed by the kisser. It will have no place to go since a soul will already occupy the kisser\u2019s body and will return to its original host body. The Dementor it was taken from will be stricken much as a human is and eventually die if unable to retrieve another soul. At least\u2026that\u2019s the theory I\u2019ve come up with.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Everyone stared at Hermione. Kiss a Dementor? Dear Merlin. Who on earth would be willing to do that?<\/p>\n<p>Plus it meant someone would have to drink a potion made with ingredients from a basilisk\u2026any parts of which being very, very deadly to humans.<\/p>\n<p>The room fell very quiet as the wizards looked at the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat?\u201d she snapped. She knew they thought she was attempting to do the impossible. If there was one thing Hermione Granger loved, it was proving people wrong.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 black eyes rested on the witch. Her jaw was thrust out stubbornly and her amber eyes flashed with challenge.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think, Hermione, that you would be challenged to find someone to drink such a potion,\u201d Severus said carefully.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter all my tests, it will be safe to drink. I wouldn\u2019t give anyone anything that would kill them,\u201d the witch spat, \u201cAnd if I can\u2019t find anyone brave enough to drink it, then the Headmaster can take me to the temple and I will kiss them myself!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Everyone started protesting except for Severus. He was a Potions Master. He understood Hermione\u2019s faith in her abilities. There had been times he had to drink his own creations, unable to find anyone willing to test them.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione you are mad!\u201d Harry shouted at her. \u201cI won\u2019t let you drink basilisk\u2019s blood!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere will be other ingredients that will alter its effects Harry. You know nothing about potions and the interactions of ingredients\u2026so be quiet!\u201d Hermione shouted back at him. \u201cBesides, you aren\u2019t my father.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dBut I\u2019m your friend,\u201d Harry said, quieter now. He looked at Severus for help.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProfessor, tell her this is madness,\u201d he said to the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at Harry coolly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe\u2019s a full Potions Mistress, Mr. Potter. Far be it from me to tell her what she can and cannot do with her brews,\u201d Severus replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut you\u2019re her patron! You can restrict her!\u201d Harry said, now shouting at Severus who gave him a dangerous look.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRestriction is not part of our agreement. If she creates something that proves to be profitable, then she has fulfilled her part of the deal. I have no say over what she creates,\u201d he said with deceptive softness. \u201cAnd I advise you to lower the bass in your voice when you speak to me unless you wish to cross wands, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry scowled at the wizard furiously, but didn\u2019t say anything.<\/p>\n<p>Albus had stopped protesting when Hermione stated she knew what she was doing. The wizard was torn. He wanted Minerva back so badly. Hell, he would drink the potion himself if he could\u2026but he knew he couldn\u2019t. Most likely he wouldn\u2019t even be able to be present when they went for the Dementors. They could sense him and would flee. He was going to have to play general again\u2026making the plans, giving the orders and waiting to find out if it worked or not. He sighed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat I think we should do is let Hermione do her experiments and create this elixir. As to how it is delivered and by whom can be hashed out later. We need to get a plan in order how to contain the Dementors so they cannot escape when the time comes. And if Hermione cannot create a viable elixir\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Here the Headmaster\u2019s heart dropped.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe will have to simply destroy them. There is no other way,\u201d the wizard said. \u201cIn the meantime, we will have to send aid and medi-witches to India to help maintain those Untouchables who are stricken so they can be saved should Hermione be successful. How long do you think you\u2019ll need, Hermione?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The witch did some mental calculations.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll need eight months at least\u2026if my patron will allow me to focus solely on this project,\u201d Hermione said, looking at Severus. \u201cIn the event that it does work, all the remaining Dementors will be destroyed and there will be nothing with which to make a profit. So it will be all loss\u2026financially.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at the witch. So, it was all placed on his shoulders.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will help with the costs,\u201d Albus said, trying to take some of the heat off his Potions Master.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked into Hermione\u2019s eyes. This was a test to see if he was really as black-hearted as others believed. Then the wizard looked over at Albus. Hope was in his eyes. If this worked, he would get Minerva back. Harry sat sullenly in the armchair. He didn\u2019t like any of this.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked back at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat won\u2019t be necessary, Headmaster. Hermione is my charge. I will support her project fully. There is other recompense besides galleons,\u201d he said silkily, his eyes drifting over the witch. \u201cI even have the basilisk heart and blood she needs. Living and viable. It\u2019s still pumping.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes widened at this revelation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat?\u201d she said, her voice thick with disbelief.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have a living basilisk heart and blood. They are at your disposal when you need them,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione gave the Potions Master a look that made Harry and Albus absolutely blush. No doubt she was going to show her patron how grateful she was in no uncertain manner. Even Severus swallowed at the way Hermione looked at him.<\/p>\n<p>The witch turned to Albus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo we are in agreement then? Eight months?\u201d she asked the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Albus nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. I will organize aid for the stricken as soon as possible,\u201d the wizard replied. Hermione then looked at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHeadmaster, would you mind terribly if I borrowed the Potions Master for the rest of the day. We have a lot to\u2026discuss,\u201d she said, not taking her eyes off the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCertainly you may, Hermione. I can provide a substitute for today,\u201d the Headmaster said, his eyes twinkling now.<\/p>\n<p>Harry continued to sit quietly, brooding. Snape was supposed to protect Hermione as part of his patronage. He wasn\u2019t doing shit to protect her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you, Headmaster,\u201d she said warmly, then she looked at Harry. \u201cAre you coming with us?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dNo. I want to talk to the Headmaster,\u201d he said darkly. \u201cAlone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 black eyes shifted to Harry, who looked back at him scowling. No doubt Albus was going to get an earful from the wizard. Harry was still an idiot. He didn\u2019t see the bigger picture here. He wouldn\u2019t get far with the Headmaster though. Severus rose and walked over to Hermione, looking down at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe should go,\u201d he said, his eyes glittering. He wondered what would happen when they got back to the house. The witch was certainly on point when she gave him \u2018that look.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>It was quite promising.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione said goodbye to Harry and Albus and exited through the floo with Severus, returning to his rooms with him.<\/p>\n<p>She turned and looked up at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou really have a basilisk heart\u2026a living one, Severus?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>He scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wouldn\u2019t make such a claim if it wasn\u2019t so, witch,\u201d the wizard replied, \u201cDo you think I would lie about such a thing?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo\u2026it\u2019s just so unbelievable that you would have exactly what I need,\u201d she said softly. \u201cIn more ways than one,\u201d she added meaningfully.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard looked down at her and felt a powerful throb.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou keep speaking to me that suggestively witch, and I\u2019ll give you what you need,\u201d Severus growled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat about what you need, Severus? What you really need?\u201d the witch replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have everything I need. My work. My books. A convenient little charge to keep my wand wet. What more do I need?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked toward his bedroom door, then pulled out her wand and cast a silencing spell. The wizard didn\u2019t protest. Hermione grasped his pale hand and pulled him toward the bedroom.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou need this,\u201d she said quietly, drawing him through the door.<\/p>\n<p>***********************************<br \/>\nA\/N: What a greeting for Albus. And wow. That\u2019s some theory Hermione has, isn\u2019t it? Severus confessed about the basilisk heart. Hermione seems extremely grateful. Well, please review the chapter. I am bushed. ***<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 33<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 33 ~ The Witch that Binds<\/p>\n<p>As Hermione walked a surprisingly compliant Severus through his bedroom door, she was thinking hard. She had been in this position at the beach, one of control\u2026then he flipped the script on her and she hadn\u2019t been able to give the wizard what she wanted. Severus had his own ideas of the roles of witches and wizards sexually, and from his view, he was the one who dominated the situation.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione wanted to be the first witch to reverse this, to show him what it was like to surrender. She felt that was what he needed to experience, what it was to be wanted. Hermione stopped in the middle of the room, pulled out her wand and closed the door, warding it. Severus looked at her with an eyebrow arched.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLocking me in, witch?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d Hermione replied, replacing her wand in her robes pocket. She felt a bit nervous. The Potions Master was going to be livid\u2026she knew it. Hopefully by the end he will have accepted what she\u2019d done and not want vengeance. She looked up at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, you have been kinder and more supportive to me than I would have ever thought possible. I just want you to know I appreciate that very much,\u201d she said softly, reaching up and beginning to unfasten his robes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf by being kind you mean fucking you into conniptions and doing my part as your patron, your appreciation is duly noted.\u201d he replied, his dark eyes resting on her as she worked on his robes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou didn\u2019t have to help me restore Harry, but you did. I think that was kind,\u201d she said as she parted his robes, walked around them and slid them off his shoulders. She carried it over to the chair, folded it and set it down.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sighed as she came back and started on his shirt.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, the main reason I helped Harry was because I wanted to see exactly what my Harper powers could do, and how. The only way I could do that was to participate in your project. Were it not for that, I would not have helped either of you,\u201d he said evenly, \u201cYou are reading things into my character that are not there. I could care less if Potter remained as animated as a piece of broccoli for the rest of his life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione scowled slightly as she unbuttoned his shirt.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t believe it. I still think you would have helped even if you weren\u2019t a Harper. You offered to play the music for me to show me how it should sound before we knew of your power. You helped me judge too. You didn\u2019t have to do those things,\u201d she said, pulling his shirt out of his pants, then opening his cuffs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI only helped you judge because you didn\u2019t know what you were looking for and that made you waste valuable time you could be using on other projects. It was expediency, not kindness that moved me to assist you,\u201d he said coldly as she slipped the shirt off his shoulders and also placed it on the chair.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione walked back to the wizard and knelt down in front of him, removing first one boot and sock, then the other. She tucked the socks into the boots and slid them under his bed.<\/p>\n<p>She began to open his trousers which were very tented, looking up at him as she did so.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think you did the things you did to make me happy,\u201d she said to the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd why would I care if you were happy or not?\u201d the wizard questioned her\u2026scowling at her attempts to turn him into a nice guy. He wasn\u2019t nice, no matter how she interpreted his treatment of her. He had never been \u201cnice.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause it\u2019s better to fuck a happy witch than an unhappy one,\u201d she replied, drawing down his trousers. Severus stepped out of them. This was the first time a witch ever undressed him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere might be a bit of truth to that, if I didn\u2019t enjoy you crying as much as I do,\u201d the wizard growled. This was true. He often had Hermione absolutely sobbing when he took her. This was a recent development though\u2026just like his roughness. He wasn\u2019t always this way. There was just something about the witch\u2019s masochism that plucked a chord in him and turned him into an animal.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, but I\u2019m not crying from sadness in those situations, Severus. Passion and ache bring those kinds of tears. Sometimes I want to cry when you\u2019re on top of me and am far from unhappy in that case,\u201d she said softly as she hooked her fingers into his boxers and drew them down.<\/p>\n<p>Severus let out a little growl when she said she wanted to cry under him. His cock bounced hungrily and he was fully erect, his stiff member poking Hermione in the belly as he stood before her naked\u2026the witch fully clothed. Hermione ran her hands down his pale torso, over his ridged belly and down his lean muscular thighs on either side of his swollen organ. She didn\u2019t touch it. Severus hoped she was going to give him a blow job. It had been a while.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow what about this \u201cgratitude?\u201d he asked Hermione impatiently, thrusting his hips forward and actually stabbing her in her belly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet in the bed,\u201d she said to the wizard\u2026a bit of command in her voice.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her as if deciding whether to obey her or not. He wasn\u2019t used to being ordered about by witches. Then he remembered the look she gave him in Albus\u2019 office and found himself curious as to what she would do. So the wizard got into the bed, and lay down on his back, looking at the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione took a deep breath, pulled out her wand and hit Severus with a restraining spell. There were no ropes or bindings, but he couldn\u2019t move his arms, legs or even his hips. The wizard struggled, his face black as an incoming storm.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou little minx! What the fuck do you think you\u2019re doing? Release me immediately!\u201d he shouted at her, furious.<\/p>\n<p>Severus hated feeling helpless and at anyone\u2019s mercy.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shook her head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. If you were free, you would take over. I don\u2019t want you to take over. I want to be the one in control of sex this time,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll let you be in control,\u201d the wizard lied. Shit, he was going to fuck her in the ass for this indignity. The angry glint in his eyes told Hermione it was too late to release him. She might as well go for broke.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo you won\u2019t. You don\u2019t ever relinquish control, Severus. It\u2019s \u2018wizard on top\u2019 all the time. I\u2019m capable of giving you pleasure in other ways. You shut me down at the beach\u2026took over completely. I never had a chance to do any of the things I said I wanted to do to you. You did what you always do, dominated me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus frowned at her. His erection was at half-mast now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou want to be dominated,\u201d he said, \u201cFrom day one you wanted me to fuck you like an animal. I\u2019ve only done what you wanted, Hermione. Now you tie me down insisting I relinquish control. You\u2019ve always been in control witch. You\u2019ve set the rules of engagement, not me. I may control the where and when\u2026but you control the how. Now let me loose.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shook her head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d she said flatly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLET ME LOOSE,WITCH!\u201d Severus roared, making Hermione cringe for a moment as his black eyes flashed at her murderously. He looked as if he would kill her if she let him loose. The witch had never seen an angrier wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe she miscalculated.<\/p>\n<p>But gods, he looked delicious restrained in the bed, every muscle flexing as he struggled against his invisible bonds. Severus ceased struggling as he looked at the witch looking at his body hungrily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou like seeing me like this. Helpless. It turns you on, doesn\u2019t it, Hermione?\u201d he said quietly, rage still in his eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d she said a bit hollowly. \u201cYou\u2019re like a beautiful animal. So strong. Untamed. Powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd at your mercy,\u201d he added, relaxing somewhat.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUnder my control,\u201d she said in a near whisper, her eyes glistening as she pulled out her wand again. She pointed it at herself.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDivesto,\u201d she breathed.<\/p>\n<p>Instantly, the witch was nude, her clothes appearing neatly folded on top of Severus\u2019 own. The wizard looked at her petite, curvaceous body and swallowed. Despite his situation, his cock began to harden again. He couldn\u2019t help reacting to her. One thing was for certain, there were layers to Hermione\u2019s sexuality. She wasn\u2019t just a masochist. Severus wasn\u2019t exactly sure what this meant, but he hoped that there wasn\u2019t a sadist hiding inside her twisted little nature.<\/p>\n<p>Though he didn\u2019t mind a little pain connected with sex, preferably in the form of nails raking down his back mid-coitus. Another new discovery since bedding Hermione. Come to think of it\u2026Severus realized discovered several new avenues of sexual pleasure since forming the patronage agreement with the brilliant witch.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe this wouldn\u2019t be so bad. No, he didn\u2019t like being at anyone\u2019s mercy. He\u2019d had enough of being bound and punished during his service to Voldemort. He didn\u2019t think Hermione meant to punish him. That was more his nature, not hers.<\/p>\n<p>He watched as the witch approached the bed and looked down on his body. She certainly looked appreciative as her eyes drifted over him. Then they flicked up to his face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re going to get me for this, aren\u2019t you?\u201d she asked the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMost likely, witch,\u201d he replied. \u201cEven if I find what you do to me pleasurable, there is still the matter of you binding me against my will. Such an indignity requires\u2026punishment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sighed, then climbed into the bed, straddling the wizard\u2019s stomach, her wet core juicing up his flesh. Severus hissed as he felt her heat and wetness. He could smell her too. She really was turned on.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI guess I\u2019d better enjoy you all I can right now then\u2026but this is about your pleasure, and your surrender, Severus,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard\u2019s eyes grew hard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI surrender to no one witch,\u201d he replied. \u201cNot you\u2026not anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow about surrendering to pleasure?\u201d she said softly, leaning down and licking his Adam\u2019s apple slowly, tasting his skin. Severus closed his eyes as her soft, limber muscle washed over him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat feels good, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d she asked him, her voice husky.<\/p>\n<p>Severus didn\u2019t reply and Hermione licked his throat again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cImagine what my tongue would feel like all over your body,\u201d the witch whispered, \u201cHas a witch ever worshipped your body with her tongue, Severus? Bathed you from head to toe? Left no part of you untasted?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus felt as if his cock were going to explode as Hermione questioned him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d he said hoarsely, his hands clenching and unclenching. He couldn\u2019t even buck his hips.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWould you like to know what it feels like to have a witch do such a thing,\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d he responded, trying to keep the control.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dYou liar,\u201d Hermione chuckled, flicking her tongue behind his ear, making the pinned wizard shudder. \u201cBut it doesn\u2019t matter. I\u2019ve been dying to run my tongue over you for weeks now. I always knew it would have to happen this way or you wouldn\u2019t stand for it. Why are you such a hard man, Severus Snape?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have a naked witch on top of me,\u201d he replied, ignoring the deeper question.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes you do,\u201d Hermione agreed, beginning her slow, thorough worship of the wizard\u2019s tall lean frame, slipping and flicking her tongue over every inch of his body, beginning with his face, the wizard grimacing and twisting his head as she did so, claiming she was acting like an overzealous canine. But he couldn\u2019t help leaning his head back as her mouth washed over his throat and shoulders, then his arms, forearms hands, and sucking on his fingers with he found totally erotic. For a moment he was tempted to grab hold of her hair and twist until she was forced to let him go, but realized her wand was on the chair, so it wouldn\u2019t have made sense to do it.<\/p>\n<p>Besides, her tongue felt exquisite. So, this was gratitude, was it?<\/p>\n<p>Hermione moved back to his torso, licking every inch of it, her head moving sensuously as she laved his sides, her full breasts dragging across his lower belly, and her body climbing over him as she switched sides\u2026then she moved lower and his cock was caught between her breasts, and she purposely moved her body up and down as she licked him, caressing his shaft between her full globes. Severus closed his eyes and groaned, wishing he could push them together tighter over his cock. He couldn\u2019t even hump against her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are a cruel witch,\u201d he said, the silkiness of his voice washing over Hermione. He sounded so delicious. Hermione moved lower, flicking her tongue into the wizard\u2019s navel as if it were a little pussy. He couldn\u2019t even buckle against the tiny penetration. Then she followed the trail of black hair beneath his navel, her chin skimming over his cock.<\/p>\n<p>Severus held his breath as she exhaled, letting warm air wash over his shaft, then moving her head to the right then left, licking the tops of his thighs, then moving lower, down his legs, over his ankles, even his feet, repeating what she did to his fingers to his toes, sucking them and running her tongue between them. Gods, that felt incredible.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione worked her way back up the Potions Master\u2019s legs until she reached his juncture. She stopped, wrapping her hand around the base of his huge, pale cock and holding it upright.<\/p>\n<p>Severus lifted his head to watch as Hermione began to lick it like a lollipop, bathing his shaft in her saliva until it glistened, moving down to the base and running her tongue over his sensitive balls, the wizard groaning as it snaked around them drawing each into her mouth momentarily then blowing them out through her pursed lips, which felt amazing. She ran her lips back up his shaft and began bathing his cock again, the wizard groaning now, his voice full of desire as she teased him unmercifully, pursing her lips around the tip of his cock and wriggling them, refusing to swallow him down as she slid the silken skin back and forth over its core of iron with both her small hands.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSuck me,\u201d the wizard hissed at her, feeling he would shatter into pieces if the witch\u2019s warm mouth didn\u2019t slip over his pulsing organ.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSay the magic word,\u201d Hermione asked, her eyes full of heat and mirth as she looked up at him, her hands still working up and down his length.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSuck my cock, NOW!\u201d he demanded through gritted teeth.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot enough magic,\u201d Hermione replied throatily, starting to lick and torment the wizard again.<\/p>\n<p>Gods, when he got loose, he was going to gag her mercilessly with his tool.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione worked him over until Severus\u2019 cock was almost completely red with unrequited need. Finally the Potions Master could bear it no longer. With an effort, he forced the blasted word that would bring him relief out.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlease,\u201d he hissed, his head falling back and sighing with pleasure as Hermione\u2019s warm mouth quickly slid over him, sucking gently as she bobbed. Damn, it felt so good.<\/p>\n<p>But he had to say please.<\/p>\n<p>Which meant Hermione would have to shriek it before this day was over.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Me and my warm-ups. I know\u2026it was supposed to be lemons\u2026but I\u2019m getting there. A restrained Severus is just so yummy I HAD to linger a bit. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 34<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 34 ~ Exercising a Little Restraint<\/p>\n<p>Hermione gave Severus a very slow, thorough and visual blow job, the wizard biting his lip and trying to watch her, his head falling back until finally she stopped and adjusted the pillows for him, the wizard protesting as her mouth moved away.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSssh. You want to see don\u2019t you?\u201d she smiled at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt would be better if you let me loose, witch,\u201d he said to her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione kissed him, a slow, languid possession, scouring his mouth with her tongue for a moment before sliding back down his body and resuming her laving of his cock, holding it up and making sure her curls were out of the way so Severus could watch her lips slide over his thickness as well as feel it.<\/p>\n<p>And the Potions Master did watch her, his nostrils flared, sounds of pleasure escaping him as he was forced to be a sensate observer rather than a participant. But the witch wasn\u2019t trying to bring him to orgasm and he wanted to release, his cock swollen to an immense size, Hermione having to stretch her mouth as wide as she could to engulf him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFaster,\u201d he hissed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione ignored the wizard, enjoying the feel of his hot hardness filling her mouth at her own pace.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione\u2026faster,\u201d the Potions Master groaned, frustrated. \u201cMake me come, witch.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The witch still paid him no attention, sliding to the very tip of the bulbous head, swirling her tongue over it and bobbing back down, steadily. He was throbbing in her mouth and she could taste his salty pre-cum as she moved over him. Her own core was dripping now, she was so aroused by having Severus trapped and subject to her will. She found she loved being in control. Suddenly she stopped and looked up at Severus who was absolutely wet-eyed with need.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI could get used to having you like this,\u201d she said to him sitting up, the wizard groaning as he realized she wasn\u2019t going to bring him to climax.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou could, but believe me, Hermione\u2026you won\u2019t,\u201d he seethed, \u201cYou\u2019re a fucking tease witch. You bring me to the edge then let me fall back.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stretched out on his body, holding her face close to his.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s more than one way to come to the edge, Severus,\u201d she breathed as she began to rub her body over his, grinding her pelvis against his cock in a circular motion, the wizard gasping as she pressed against him.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Once again Hermione covered his mouth in a deep, passionate kiss, the wizard responding powerfully. All he could touch her with was his tongue and he plundered her mouth hungrily, hoping to arouse her to the point she would give him release. Still, her teasing and taunting meant something to him\u2026she was investing time in him\u2026her passion appeared to be real. This was not the act of a charge fulfilling an agreement. This was the second time she initiated sex with him, and although he said he would not be at her beck and call, it appeared his body had different ideas and he was becoming more and more a slave to his body when it came to Hermione.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>He enjoyed kissing Hermione now too. After his experience with the witch at the beach, he decided just fucking her wouldn\u2019t be enough now. There were so many other ways to feel pleasure with the witch. He found out making the witch feel him in other ways was almost arousing as fucking her. She tasted good too, every part of her. Clean. Musky, Delicious.<\/p>\n<p>She had quite a vocal range as well.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Severus was gripped with a stomach-clenching thought. The end of his patronage. Why this thought would enter his mind as Hermione kissed him so passionately he didn\u2019t know. The thought of her beyond his reach made his blood run cold. He was used to having her now. Damn it, he liked having her available to him. It was almost as if\u2026<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt the change in the wizard and stopped kissing him, her eyes worried.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026Severus, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d she asked him, looking into his dark eyes. They looked so vulnerable for a moment, then became hooded and hard as he looked up at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust do what you mean to do witch,\u201d he said harshly. \u201cThen let me loose.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared down at him. What had just happened? Severus had seemed as if he was accepting her ministrations fine, enjoying them and now\u2026now he seemed angry at her. Resigned. Disconnected.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right,\u201d she said in a low voice, sitting up and sliding back resting her core on the wizard\u2019s cock.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 hard eyes focused on her angrily. Why was he so angry again?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t be angry, Severus,\u201d she said softly, caressing his cheek. \u201cI don\u2019t want you angry. I want you to accept me. Accept this.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow much more can I accept you, witch? I give you my protection. I give you opportunity. I give you the whole of my home. I give you my\u2026time. And I give it to you the way you want it. What more do you want from me?\u201d Severus replied.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared down at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want you to let me give back to you,\u201d the witch said softly. \u201cAll your life, you\u2019ve given Severus\u2026given everything for everyone with no reward, no recompense. You sacrificed years of your life for an ungrateful society without as much as a thank you in the end. You\u2019ve been used, and knew you were being used, but still did what was right to do. Severus\u2026in the beginning it was that way with me. I wanted to use you. I wanted access to what you had to help Harry, your books and your knowledge. That was all I wanted. I had completely selfish motives\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione drew in a deep breath at her admission of shallowness. It was so\u2026unGryffindorish. Her amber eyes began to glisten as she continued.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c\u2026but over the weeks and months\u2026I\u2019ve discovered what I really want is access to you. You gave much more to me than was required, Severus. There are aspects to being your charge that I would have never imagined would be so satisfying and fulfilling.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 eyes never left the witch\u2019s face. He knew she was talking about the sex they shared. She had no idea it was because he had watched her with the Wheezer that he knew what she needed to be satisfied. But the bottom line was he still satisfied her. Hermione continued.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want you to let me show appreciation, to show you what you do for me matters and not just because you are my patron, Severus. But because\u2026because I feel you are truly a special man in many, many ways. Accept me that way, Severus. That\u2019s what I want from you. I will meet all of my obligations to you regardless, but I want you to know what happens between us is not totally because of our agreement. I know I am bound to meet your physical needs, Severus\u2026but I find you desirable beyond that\u2026and I want you to know it. That is what I want you to accept. That you are more than a patron to me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at the witch, his eyes washing over her. She was a lovely young woman, someone he honestly thought he would never have been able to attract on his own merits. Yes, because he was well off, he could most likely have \u201ckept\u201d a woman who would service him because of his situation\u2026but a witch like Hermione Granger\u2026brilliant, educated, dedicated\u2026no\u2026he didn\u2019t believe he could have drawn her to him under circumstances other than patronage.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared down at the Potions Master, obviously waiting for a response to her declaration, her desire. Severus found he couldn\u2019t answer her the way she wanted. It was\u2026too much. Too affecting. To close to \u201cmaking a commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo what you\u2019re going to do, witch,\u201d the Potions Master repeated, though her words affected him powerfully. \u201cThen release me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sighed inwardly. Had she even made a dent in his hard heart? She had no way to tell. Ooh, Severus was so aggravating. Well, if he didn\u2019t react to her words, he would certainly react to her body.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione lifted her body and reached down between her thighs and grasped Severus\u2019 cock. The wizard made a noise as he watched her raise her body higher and lift his weeping organ, pointing it at the apex of her body. He bit his lip in anticipation as Hermione looked at him and lowered herself slowly, burying his cock inch by inch inside her hot, moist sleeve until she had him fully immersed inside her and rested on his thighs.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione placed her hands on Severus\u2019 strong shoulders, leaned down and covered his mouth with her own, the wizard groaning as the angle of his penetration shifted. As she snaked her tongue into his mouth, Hermione began to move back and forth, fucking him slowly, whirling her hips and tightening her inner muscles to stimulate him as she rode his cock.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShit,\u201d the wizard gasped into her mouth, feeling Hermione smile and speed up, her lips sliding over his cheek until they rested against his ear as her petite body flexed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou feel so good,\u201d she breathed, her warm breath tickling her ear. \u201cYou have such a big, hard cock, Severus. I bet this is the first time you\u2019ve ever been fucked by a witch. Does it feel good? Do I feel good to you?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. Keep going, witch,\u201d the wizard growled in response, his eyes half-lidded with pleasure as Hermione did all the work, her pussy caressing his swollen, hungry organ, her sweet orifice so wet and tight. \u201cKeep doing what you\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Encouraged by Severus\u2019 response, Hermione sat up, her hands still on his shoulders and began to bounce on the Potions Master\u2019s cock harder, her thighs slapping against his loins, looking down and watching his pale thickness disappear inside her over and over.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh gods, yes!\u201d she hissed, speeding up, Severus\u2019 eyes watching her hotly. She certainly loved his cock. His face contorted as she suddenly looked at him, her eyes blazing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI love your cock,\u201d she breathed, confirming his own observation while releasing his shoulders and sitting straight up, rising and falling, her hair bouncing and whipping around her face, her hands resting on her thighs, slamming down on him and starting to shriek as his ache hit her.<\/p>\n<p>Gods, she was beautiful in her passion.<\/p>\n<p>Severus felt like bucking his hips up into her, but Hermione had restrained that part of his body too. He could only be ridden, not do the riding.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRelease me,\u201d he hissed, wanting to roll the witch over and really make her shriek.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione didn\u2019t hear him. She was too far gone fucking the wizard. Severus closed his eyes, his head craning back into the pillows as his pleasure built and built, the shrieking witch taking him to the very edge of bliss. Suddenly she exploded over him, her pussy choking his cock as her hot flow poured over his shaft and spread over his loins, wetting his thighs and balls. His mouth watered as he scented her release, and her pussy milked him as Hermione sat pressing down on him, the head of his cock snug against her cervix as she pulsed around him, whimpering her pleasure, her mouth hanging slackly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him, her eyes soft and smoldering. Suddenly the Potions Master let out a howl and came, his come fountaining like a geyser inside the witch as his mouth dropped open, Hermione hissing as his heat filled her, then falling forward, capturing the wizard\u2019s mouth and kissing him deeply as he shot pulse after pulse into her body, shuddering under her.<\/p>\n<p>Severus hadn\u2019t expected that release, though he was on the edge when Hermione came. It was when she looked at him the way she did that he pitched over, his balls tightening almost painfully as his release tore through him in such a pleasurable rush he couldn\u2019t help but howl in ecstasy. It was that good. One of the best releases he had ever experienced.<\/p>\n<p>As he panted into Hermione\u2019s mouth, Severus decided being taken by a witch wasn\u2019t so bad at all. Hermione released his mouth but rested her forehead against his, still panting from her own orgasm, her skin damp. The scent of sex was heavy and heady, and she felt giddy, almost intoxicated as their eyes met.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you still going to get me for this?\u201d she asked him breathlessly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEventually,\u201d he gasped back at her, closing his eyes.<\/p>\n<p>Even though Hermione had done all the work, he felt exhausted. His breathing eased and Hermione rested against him for several minutes until she was sure he was asleep. That ejaculation must have really been good for him. He rarely fell asleep after sex.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked down at him, then eased up, letting his spent organ slip out of her. Severus groaned slightly but didn\u2019t wake. Carefully she climbed off of him. Ooh, she still ached. Quietly she walked over to the chair and picked up her wand, scourgifying herself, then Severus. Then she carefully removed his restraints and magically dressed herself.<\/p>\n<p>She planned on getting while the getting was good. The Potions Master could come to the house and find her after he woke up. She was about to creep out of his bedroom when suddenly nature called.<\/p>\n<p>Shit. She had to pee.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione quietly walked into the bathroom and used the loo, wincing a bit as it stung. She didn\u2019t flush, afraid it would wake the wizard. She walked back into the bedroom and looked at the bed.<\/p>\n<p>Shit. It was empty.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlanning on going somewhere?\u201d Severus asked her, catching her by the arm and plucking her wand out of her pocket.<\/p>\n<p>He had awakened the moment she climbed off of him, but pretended to still be sleeping. He had only fallen into a light doze. When she entered the bathroom he rolled out of the bed, stood to the side of the bathroom door and waited for her to exit.<\/p>\n<p>So she planned to leave him there, did she?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI never imagined you as a witch to \u201clove them and leave them,\u201d he purred, pulling her against his naked body.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, you were resting so nicely, I didn\u2019t want to disturb you,\u201d Hermione said lamely as his black eyes glittered down at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, you wanted to get out of here before I woke up free,\u201d he replied, his lip quirking.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione didn\u2019t say anything. It was true after all.<\/p>\n<p>He pushed her toward the bed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSit down and wait for me to dress. We\u2019ll leave together,\u201d he said. \u201cYou do have me for the entire day after all. I don\u2019t plan on wasting it sleeping.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione obediently sat down, wondering what he planned on doing to her.<\/p>\n<p>Severus smirked as he dressed manually, knowing that as he took his time, Hermione was probably worrying more and more about what his revenge would be. Actually, revenge was the furthest thing from his mind. Severus had enjoyed what the witch did immensely, once he got over being forcibly restrained. Oh, he would do something to Hermione all right, but it wouldn\u2019t be actual retaliation for him, though the witch would most likely think it was.<\/p>\n<p>He wouldn\u2019t correct her.<\/p>\n<p>********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Sorry all. A little under the weather. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 35<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 35 ~ Severus\u2019 Revenge<\/p>\n<p>Hermione and Severus apparated to his home and were greeted by Eli. Hermione walked to her rooms to put away her things and change into something more comfortable. Severus waited several moments, then followed her, smirking wickedly. He walked up to her bedroom, pulled out his wand then opened her door quickly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPetrificus Totalus!\u201d he cried, hitting the startled witch with the hex.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s arms and legs snapped together and she toppled on her back to the bed, her eyes shifting back and forth frantically. Severus entered the room, closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt seems,\u201d he purred at the stricken witch, \u201cthat \u2018eventually\u2019 came sooner rather than later.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him, her eyes narrowed. She couldn\u2019t speak.<\/p>\n<p>Severus walked over to the bed, caught her by her stiff legs and straightened her out so she lay in the bed on her back, stiff as a board. He still had her wand and released her from the body bind.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat was that for?\u201d she demanded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat was for this,\u201d he said, pointing his wand at her again.<\/p>\n<p>A rope flew out of the tip of it, securely tying Hermione\u2019s right wrist to the right bedpost. The witch gasped and tugged at the rope frantically. Then she looked at the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026\u201d she began.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI realize ropes aren\u2019t as creative as your invisible restraints, Hermione, but I am a visual wizard. I want to see you tied up,\u201d he said, pointing his wand at her legs and binding them spread-eagled by the ankles to the bedposts as the witch struggled. He then bound her last flailing limb. The witch arched up against the ropes as Severus looked down at her hotly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne more thing,\u201d he said, flicking his wand at her lazily, \u201cDivesto.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Hermione was naked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMuch better,\u201d Severus said silkily, picking up the pillows off the bed and throwing them into a corner of the room. His black eyes glittered down at her. \u201cI\u2019ll be right back.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard left the room, leaving Hermione nude and tied to her bed. She struggled but the ropes binding her were magical and held her firm. Finally, she gave up and let her head drop back to the bed. Dear gods, was Severus going to recreate her own act?<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt a gush between her legs at the thought of Severus fucking her while she was restrained and at his mercy. A masochist\u2019s dream.<\/p>\n<p>Presently, Severus entered the bedroom again, closing the door behind him and placing something on her dresser. She couldn\u2019t see what it was. He looked down at the witch, then slowly and purposely started unbuttoning his robes.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him, her amber eyes glistening. She was silent.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master arched an eyebrow at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo questions about what I\u2019m going to do to you? No begging to be released, or asking for mercy, Hermione?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>She still didn\u2019t say anything. The wizard stopped unfastening his robes and bent over her, sniffing. He straightened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, I imagine not,\u201d he said with a smirk.<\/p>\n<p>The scent of her arousal was strong. He began unbuttoning his robes again, eyeing her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, how am I supposed to punish you witch if you want punishing?\u201d he said, more to himself than Hermione. \u201cThat\u2019s the trouble with masochists. They like being punished.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt another gush and made a little sound as she writhed a bit, her nipples hardening as Severus slipped his robes off and unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt. That was it. He undressed no further. Hermione looked at him puzzled.<\/p>\n<p>Severus walked across the room and grabbed the little wooden folding chair from against the wall, stopped by the dresser and picked up the unknown item then set the chair down next to the bed, facing it. He sat down in it, his eyes sweeping down Hermione\u2019s body before resting on her face. Whatever the item he had was, she couldn\u2019t see it. He was holding it between his legs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAren\u2019t you going to undress?\u201d Hermione asked the wizard, her voice husky with desire.<\/p>\n<p>Severus smirked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n<p>What? He wasn\u2019t going to undress?<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy not?\u201d she asked in a rather disappointed voice, then she said hopefully, \u201cor are you just going to\u2026you know\u2026open your trousers?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Maybe he was going to do her fully dressed. She could go for that too.<\/p>\n<p>He shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will not be \u2018dropping trou\u2019 either,\u201d the wizard responded smirking.<\/p>\n<p>Dropping trou? How the hell had he learned that muggle American term? Well, that didn\u2019t matter\u2026what mattered was, it seemed he didn\u2019t intend to fuck her.<\/p>\n<p>Now that was punishment\u2026especially after getting her all worked up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, why do you have me all tied up then? If you aren\u2019t going to fuck me, Severus\u2026you might as well let me go,\u201d Hermione said in a very frustrated voice.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked so delicious in his partially opened shirt and trousers, his lanky hair swinging forward as he leaned toward her, his dark eyes fixed on her face, a look of amusement on his pale face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou seem to have the erroneous notion that you are in charge here, Hermione. Fucking you would not be a punishment at all. Giving you a brutal beating with my cock is a reward to you witch. Gentleness would be a punishment. A light touch.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus turned his hand and raised it. Hermione\u2019s eyes widened as she saw what was in his hand. A long, black feather.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRaucous says hello,\u201d he purred.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It seemed Severus&#8217; familiar was going to get back a bit of his own, although he wouldn&#8217;t be there to see it himself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Hermione stared at the feather, then began to struggle against her restraints rather wildly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo Severus. Don\u2019t touch me with that,\u201d she said, a bit of fear in her eyes.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard arched an eyebrow as the witch struggled, her full breasts jiggling invitingly. Why was Hermione so frightened? He dangled the feather over her belly, tip down.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy not?\u201d he asked, waving it a little.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause,\u201d Hermione panted, sucking her belly in, \u201cI am horribly, horribly ticklish.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus cocked his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you really?\u201d he asked silkily, standing up and walking to the bottom of the bed, Hermione watching him like a trapped animal. He took the feather and tickled the bottom of her right foot with it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAHHhahahahahaha!\u201d Hermione laughed, struggling to move her foot. \u201cStop it! Hahahahaha!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus smirked and moved to her other foot.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAhahahahahaha! Oh go..hahahaha! Stop!\u201d the witch gasped between hysterical laughter. \u201cPlease stop! Hahahahahahah!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus took the feather away and watched as the witch tried to regain her composure, her breasts rising and falling. He had never tied a witch up, and certainly never tickled one with a feather before. He had to admit\u2026it was rather fun.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou bastard!\u201d Hermione spat at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSuch language. That deserves another tickle,\u201d the Potions Master purred, running the feather slowly up her inner right leg. Hermione burst out into choked laughter again, Severus smirking as she did so. He stopped at her inner thigh, his black eyes focused on her glistening core.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard thought about tickling her there, but her juices would gum up the feather. Maybe after he tortured her a bit more he\u2019d go back to it. Severus climbed into the bed, settling his knees between her legs and bent over her, bringing the tip of the feather just above her nipples.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo\u2026no\u2026\u201d Hermione gasped as he pretended to bring the feather down to the tip of her right breast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. Yessss,\u201d he responded, moving the feather in a circle around the swell of her breast, causing a fresh peal of laughter before brushing it back and forth over her nipple which hardened again. He pulled the feather away and leaned forward, taking the hard nub into his mouth and sucking gently.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s laughter quickly turned into sighs as she felt his warm mouth engulf her. Now it was the Potions Master\u2019s tongue that swirled around her nipple. The witch arched and groaned, letting out a small wail as the wizard left her breast with a pop. He looked at the glistening tip and said, \u201cYou liked that, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes\u2026more,\u201d Hermione whispered, offering her other breast.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, Severus put the tip of the feather under her navel and slowly drew it up her body, over her belly, between her breasts and around her throat, the witch laughing hysterically, but dropping her head and catching the feather under her chin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlease, stop Severus. I can\u2019t take it\u2026you\u2019re going to make me pee on myself,\u201d she gasped.<\/p>\n<p>Well the Potions Master didn\u2019t want that. He had never tried \u2018golden showers\u2019 but wasn\u2019t the least bit interested in exploring the act. He stretched out his arm and dropped the feather on the side of the bed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t want that type of stain on my mattress,\u201d he purred, rolling slightly to the side and bringing his hand down to Hermione\u2019s apex, running a finger between her labia and making her buckle as he flicked her clit. He began to play in her pussy, twiddling his fingers expertly over her sensitive flesh, the witch arching and bucking her hips as he stared down at her, watching her respond to his touch, panting, crying out, begging for more. He slipped two fingers inside her and began to fuck her gently, mashing her clit with his thumb, stopping when she was at the point of climax, the witch cursing him soundly. When she calmed, he began again.<\/p>\n<p>After about twenty minutes of this torment, Hermione was wild-eyed and covered in perspiration, her hair clinging to her face. The Potions Master had a raging erection from the witch\u2019s response and pleas. She had begged him to fuck her and make her come, the desperation on her face turning him on immensely. She wanted him badly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus knew that Hermione Granger was not like the witches he had been with before\u2026when they were hot and bothered, any wizard would do. Hermione wanted only him. It gave the snarky wizard a good feeling inside to know this.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione promised him the sun, moon and stars if he would just fuck her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBegging becomes you, witch,\u201d he said softly, his eyes on her flushed face. Suddenly he moved back down the bed, getting up and sucking his fingers clean, his eyes on Hermione\u2019s writhing body. The witch watched him hungrily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d she called to him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLeaving. I have papers I have to grade. We had a busy weekend and I\u2019m behind,\u201d he said buttoning up his shirt and walking over to his robes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLeaving? Leaving me like this?\u201d she asked him incredulously, her voice shrilly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will untie you,\u201d he responded, \u201cBut I don\u2019t want you jumping all over me when I do. I said I am leaving and have work to do. I mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He looked at her somberly as he pulled on his robes. Hermione could tell he did mean it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re a cruel bastard,\u201d Hermione said bitterly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus smirked at her as he fastened his robes up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. But then\u2026people who punish are supposed to be cruel, aren\u2019t they?\u201d he responded, flicking his wand at her four times.<\/p>\n<p>The ropes flew back into his wand tip and Hermione was loose. She lay in the bed in the same position however. She was aching for the wizard, truly burning up for him. Her pussy felt as if it were vibrating.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026\u201d she said in a broken voice.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard looked back at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPerhaps I will see you in a few hours. Maybe a nap will help in the meantime,\u201d he said smoothly, opening the door and exiting the room.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sprang up in the bed and let out a string of obscenities.<\/p>\n<p>Severus smirked as he heard her and strode toward his study. He still had Hermione\u2019s wand in his pocket. She couldn\u2019t be trusted with it in her state. More than likely she\u2019d body bind him and have her way again.<\/p>\n<p>Not this time, witch.<\/p>\n<p>Severus chuckled.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, he really was a cruel bastard. He hadn\u2019t lost it. Not a bit.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hot, bothered and randy as hell, Hermione sat on the edge of the bed, rocking, her arms wrapped around her belly as the bubble of need inside her pulsed. Severus had brought her so close to the edge it was unbearable.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly she looked toward her nightstand.<\/p>\n<p>The Wheezer. Oh gods, yes!<\/p>\n<p>Quickly Hermione opened her drawer and reached to the back of it for the bag that contained her ultimate release. It wasn\u2019t Severus, but could do the job\u2026and she needed the job done. She scowled as she didn\u2019t feel the bag.<\/p>\n<p>Standing up, Hermione pulled the entire drawer out of the nightstand, set it on the bed and rifled through it.<\/p>\n<p>Gone! The Wheezer was gone!<\/p>\n<p>What the hell could have happened to it? Had Eli taken it?<\/p>\n<p>No, she doubted the house elf would do that. Could she have inadvertently thrown it away?<\/p>\n<p>No. She hadn\u2019t ever cleaned out the nightstand drawer.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat heavily back down on the bed next to the drawer. This was terrible. Absolutely terrible.<\/p>\n<p>In his study, Severus watched through his security mirror as Hermione desperately looked for her Wheezer, a nasty little smirk on his face.<\/p>\n<p>She\u2019d never find it.<\/p>\n<p>He put the mirror away and pulled the stack of student parchments closer, dipping his quill into the bottle of red ink on his desk.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019d bet his last galleon that next time Hermione Granger felt inclined to restrain him, she\u2019d ask first.<\/p>\n<p>*********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Ooooh MEAN Severus. That was just plain DIRTY. Lolol. Poor Hermione. Well, Severus was right. She would have enjoyed practically anything he did to her if it involved his tool. He is something else. I\u2019d kill him. Well, maybe not kill him&#8230;heh heh. Anyway, please review. Thanks.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 36<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 36 ~ More Revelations<\/p>\n<p>Severus did come back later, and had a real time of it with the witch. Hermione was all over him, fucking him like the succubus he often called her, leaving him exhausted and covered in scratches, love bites and perspiration. No witch had ever taken him to the mats before, and for all her small size, Hermione had a huge appetite. The wizard made a mental note to never leave her hanging again without having a stash of stamina potion someplace. He practically crawled back to Hogwarts, Hermione curled up innocently in the bed asleep when he left her. Back at the school, the wizard barely managed to divesto his clothing before falling face first into his bed.<\/p>\n<p>The next morning, Severus had to glamour his throat\u2026it was covered in hickeys, and his back stung like hell when he got into the shower. Even his cock hurt. When he entered his class, he went straight to his potions stores and drank a bottle of healing potion.<\/p>\n<p>But damn\u2026what a witch.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione woke up sore and aching, but with a wicked smile on her face as she slowly walked to the bathroom and drank down the necessary potions to soothe her sex-wracked body. She had shown the Potions Master what she was made of, and was quite satisfied with herself. She bet he\u2019d think twice before leaving her in such a condition again. Her favorite part was when the Potions Master was hanging off the side of the bed, his head and shoulders bouncing on the floor and she was on top of him, riding the wizard like a hippogriff as he pleaded with her to let him up.<\/p>\n<p>Shit, she showed the snarky bastard.<\/p>\n<p>Eli had a positively huge breakfast waiting for Hermione when she walked into the kitchen. The Daily Prophet was on the table and she briefly checked it for news of Harry. There was none. Perhaps the wizard had decided to lay low for a bit. Hermione doubted it would last long. No doubt Ginny had informed her family by now about the wizard\u2019s recovery. It wouldn\u2019t take long for the news to spread after they saw him.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione began to eat her breakfast, thinking about how Harry had acted at the meeting with Dumbledore. He was still the same as he was in school, when everyone else around him had matured. That had to be unsettling to the wizard. Hopefully he could adjust. She\u2019d stop by to see him this week, prepared for an argument. He still saw her as a last year student at Hogwarts, not a certified Potions Mistress or Spells Mistress. He was going to have to change his views.<\/p>\n<p>Still, he was back. Harry was back. And now she had a new project to work on. She finished her breakfast and retrieved Damius Altercare\u2019s journal. She walked into the living room and curled up in an armchair and began to read in earnest.<\/p>\n<p>**********************************************<\/p>\n<p>Two weeks later, Bara was strolling down the dungeon corridor on his way to Slytherin house. The boy had the run of the school and the houses, being Dumbledore\u2019s charge. He still wasn\u2019t wearing any shoes. He had several run-ins with Poppy about this, the medi-witch threatening to attach the shoes to his feet permanently.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, she had actually tried it, but Bara kicked off the shoes and dodged her until he could escape the infirmary. Finally, Albus put a glamour on his feet so it looked like he was wearing shoes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust for the time being,\u201d he said to the boy with a wink. \u201cEventually you are going to have to wear shoes like all civilized wizards.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bara thought that would be a long time coming. He didn\u2019t need shoes. His feet were hard as elephant tusks.<\/p>\n<p>The young wizard was learning English at an astounding rate, now that he had stopped using the translator. Albus wore one at all times so he could understand the boy. But he could understand basic conversations quite well. Everyone knew his story and he was quite admired by most. The Slytherins accepted him because he was close to Dumbledore. Being nice to the boy might pay off in some way.<\/p>\n<p>Bara walked up to the wall that hid the entrance to Slytherin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSerpensensia,\u201d he said in his dialect. The wall slid open and he walked down the long, damp corridor. Slytherin House proper was located under the Lake, and it was always damp going to the common room, though Slytherin house itself was quite comfortable.<\/p>\n<p>Bara pushed opened the doors that led to the common room and stopped as he took in a number of students searching around, moving furniture and other objects. A Slytherin third year stood in the middle of the group, wet-eyed and holding an empty cage in her hands.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve got to find her,\u201d she said with a sob. \u201cSomeone might step on her.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bara walked up to the girl.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPrecious\u2026my snake. She escaped from her cage. I had it right on the chess table and only turned away for a minute. When I looked back she was gone,\u201d the blonde witch said, her blue eyes glistening.<\/p>\n<p>Bara took in the word \u201csnake\u201d and the empty cage and understood immediately.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will find,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>He turned and looked around the room.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome back snake. You are not safe\u2026someone may crush you. Come back,\u201d he called.<\/p>\n<p>Every student in Slytherin house stopped what they were doing, straightened and stared at Bara with their mouths open.<\/p>\n<p>The little wizard peered around, then smiled as a small green snake wriggled out from under a throw rug and made a beeline for him. He bent and picked it up, holding it close to the side of his head for a moment, the snake\u2019s tongue flicking against his ear. Bara then brought the animal over to its owner and frowned at the cage.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe wants big cage,\u201d he said to the witch, putting the snake back into the cage, \u201cAnd no dead bugs.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The girl stared at Bara with wide eyes as did the other students.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d he said to her, smiling then leaving the common room. He had just stopped in to see what was going on.<\/p>\n<p>The Slytherins all looked at each other.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s a parselmouth,\u201d the girl said in amazement. \u201cHe can talk to snakes!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>So, Bara could speak parseltongue.<\/p>\n<p>Well, that explained how the young wizard captured all those snakes he ate in India.<\/p>\n<p>**********************************************<\/p>\n<p>Harry sat on his porch, looking out over the water. He didn\u2019t remember getting this beach house, but he liked it just fine.<\/p>\n<p>Eight years of his life were gone. He was having a time wrapping his mind around that once it settled in. And Hermione had stuck with him all those years\u2026never giving up on finding a way to bring him back. What a loyal friend she was. Who would have imagined that annoying, pushy, bushy-haired little girl he and Ron met on the train to Hogwarts so long ago would turn out to be one of the brightest minds of the wizarding world and his best friend?<\/p>\n<p>Harry scowled.<\/p>\n<p>And who would have imagined she\u2019d be fucking her former Potions Professor when she grew up?<\/p>\n<p>The wizard sighed.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019d have to find a way to get over his dislike of Snape, particularly since he was an integral part of Hermione\u2019s life right now\u2026at least until she broke free of his patronage. Harry understood it, but he didn\u2019t approve of the system. Again, Harry was raised a muggle and any exchange based on sex didn\u2019t sit well with him. It was too much like prostitution\u2026which was legal in the wizarding world. He didn\u2019t like the idea of Hermione prostituting herself, though she seemed all right with it. Hell, he could tell she intended to shag the snarky Potions Master when she left the school that morning. It made him sick to his stomach that she actually wanted to do it. Was a basilisk heart really worth letting Snape crawl all over her?<\/p>\n<p>Harry shuddered as he forced the image that was trying to form out of his mind. He didn\u2019t even want to imagine the pale wizard fucking his friend. Sure, he didn\u2019t say anything about it when Severus laid wand to Hermione when Ginny was there\u2026but he had been engaged in the same activity and it would have sounded hypocritical. Plus, everything was so\u2026weird at the time. It was still rather weird.<\/p>\n<p>Shit. He would have to let people know he was back sometime. But this was the first time in his life when he wasn\u2019t in the limelight and felt he could breathe. The moment it was found out he was alive, he\u2019d be an item again. First, because he was brought back after being damaged by a Dementor\u2019s kiss, and second\u2026because the wizarding world would belatedly be celebrating his killing Voldemort. There\u2019d be presentations, medals, all types of hoopla.<\/p>\n<p>He briefly considered taking Ginny and going back to the muggle world\u2026but Ginny was a witch raised in the wizarding world, and Harry wasn\u2019t sure how she would adapt. He thought about Ginny for a moment. When he made love to her, she sure knew what she was doing. More than likely she had been with other wizards over the past eight years, but Harry had a feeling her heart had never left him. Not the way she clung to him and responded to him. Not the way she looked up at him and kissed him as he took her. That couldn\u2019t be faked.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe after all the furor settled down, he\u2019d ask Ginny to marry him. That had been his intention eight years ago after the Final Battle was fought. He thought Ron might have been happy to have him in the family for real, after they had a row about him wanting Ginny of course. The young couple hid their relationship from Ron. He just wouldn\u2019t have understood. He felt Harry was like a brother. In Ron\u2019s mind that made Ginny Harry\u2019s sister in some way. You didn\u2019t shag your sister.<\/p>\n<p>Ron knew Harry was sweet on someone. He just never could find out whom. Hermione didn\u2019t help.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re so thick, Ron,\u201d she\u2019d say.<\/p>\n<p>Ron. How Harry missed him. He thought the red-headed wizard would always be around. People like Ron didn\u2019t die. They lived forever.<\/p>\n<p>Harry wiped at his eyes beneath his glasses. He had to go visit Ron\u2019s grave. He wasn\u2019t looking forward to it, but it was something that had to be done. According to Hermione he was buried with hero\u2019s honors. Ron would have liked that. He always felt a bit overshadowed by both Harry and Hermione. This was something he\u2019d accomplished on his own. A pity he wasn\u2019t here to enjoy it.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly there was the sound of apparition. Harry looked up to see a woman in high heels and a skin tight dress with rigid blonde curls, jeweled glasses and a strong chin, stumbling through the sand, followed by a short, rather chunky wizard with a camera.<\/p>\n<p>Oh shit. Rita Skeeter.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere he is, Bilbo\u2026sitting right where he was eight years ago. I told them they were crazy. No one comes back from a Dementor\u2019s kiss,\u201d she complained to the fat photographer.<\/p>\n<p>Rita walked up the stairs, straight to where Harry was sitting, and rapped him in the head with her knuckles three times.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnybody home?\u201d she asked, frowning at the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOw!\u201d Harry said, pushing the witch\u2019s hand away.<\/p>\n<p>Rita\u2019s eyes went wide.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh my gods, Bilbo\u2026he speaks! Quick, get a picture!\u201d she cried excitedly, pulling out her quick quotes quill.<\/p>\n<p>Harry dropped his head into his hands as Rita began to fire off questions at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo Harry, what\u2019s it like to be back with the living? Do you remember anything about being a vegetable? How\u2019d you come back? Did you just wake up\u2026or did someone use a spell on you? Have you been anywhere yet? Do you find life disorienting now that eight years have passed? What do you plan to do with your life now? Get married? Have a family of little Potters? Cash in on your fame?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry looked at Rita through his fingers.<\/p>\n<p>This was it. The droxy was out of the cage now.<\/p>\n<p>**********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Lol on Hermione getting Severus back. I know you all probably would have liked the lemons, but we needed to move the story along. Big things are in the making. Ah, Bara is a parselmouth. Now that\u2019s interesting. And poor Harry, being beset on by Rita Skeeter of all people. :::tsking::: There\u2019s going to be a media frenzy for sure. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 37<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 37 ~ A Bit of History<\/p>\n<p>Albus, Severus and Professor Binns sat in the Headmaster\u2019s office, the Potions Master\u2019s nose wrinkled because of all the ectoplasm the aged ghost was leaking all over the armchair he rested in. Binns had on occasion filled in for his Potions class, and had on every occasion left something behind in the Professor\u2019s swivel chair that had to be meticulously cleaned.<\/p>\n<p>When his Slytherins informed Severus that Bara had called a snake to him in parseltongue in the common room, the wizard wasted no time informing Albus that his charge had quite a special talent. They immediately wondered how this could be, and summoned Professor Binns in the hope that his historical knowledge would help solve at least part of the riddle. Now the old ghost regaled them with information.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAt the time the four founders decided to build Hogwarts, there were no stone buildings in Britain with the exception of churches and quite possibly Westminster Abbey. So there were no castles. Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor traveled to India to study the structure of their stone temples. It\u2019s said that they were forced to leave the country early on account of Salazar\u2019s gift for seducing chaste young Indian beauties, something the people of that land apparently frowned on greatly since virginity was necessary for a good marriage. Most likely he left offspring behind. Bara is probably one of his illegitimate descendents several times removed,\u201d the ghost said in his hollow voice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA descendent of Salazar Slytherin,\u201d Albus intoned, looking at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat would set him squarely in Slytherin house when it comes time for his sorting,\u201d Severus said.<\/p>\n<p>Albus looked disturbed. He had hoped Bara would be a Gryffindor.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut other than the gift of being a parselmouth, Severus\u2026he doesn\u2019t show any Slytherin qualities,\u201d the Headmaster said, hoping the Potions Master would see things as he did.<\/p>\n<p>Severus quirked his lip.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlbus\u2026maybe now Bara doesn\u2019t demonstrate Slytherin qualities, but he was quite cunning and resourceful when on his own in India. Most likely he did quite a few Slytherinish acts to survive, self-preservation being one of our most valued concerns. Here at Hogwarts he is provided with what he needs. Most likely if he wasn\u2019t, he would \u2018find\u2019 ways to acquire them himself without discovery,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>Albus considered this. Although Bara visited all the houses, he had a marked preference for Slytherin house. But they didn\u2019t know just how much wizarding blood the boy contained. The gift of speaking parseltongue definitely ruled out his being a muggle-born. The only other known parselmouth was Harry, and his powers had been transferred to him by Voldemort when still a child. Voldemort was a descendent of Salazar Slytherin as well.<\/p>\n<p>Shit, it appeared Bara was a distant relative of the defunct Dark Lord. Quite a few eyes would be on the boy if this got out.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut\u2026Slytherin House only accepts Purebloods,\u201d Albus said to the Potions Master hopefully.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTrue in most cases, Headmaster\u2026but there are exceptions\u2026myself being one of them,\u201d the dark wizard replied.<\/p>\n<p>This was true. Severus was a half-blood but still placed in Slytherin. The Potions Master was so self-contained as a student, none of his housemates ever knew. Since he was placed in Slytherin\u2026it was assumed that his parents had been purebloods. Both had died when he was in his third year, his mother at his father\u2019s hand, and his father at his own hand when he realized what he\u2019d done.<\/p>\n<p>His half-blood status is what made the wizard work so hard to excel as a student. Severus realized early on it wasn\u2019t lineage but power and skill that mattered. If he had enough, others would be forced to accept him, though it didn\u2019t work out that way. As brilliant as he was, the wizard was still ostracized and set upon by the Marauders. But it was this lust for power that led him to Tom Riddle. The rest was history.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBara will have to be carefully groomed. If he is a descendent of Salazar and the others find out, he will be treated differently&#8230; with much reverence. It could ruin the boy. I wish we could know for certain if he is of Salazar\u2019s bloodline,\u201d Albus said.<\/p>\n<p>Professor Binns cleared his throat. Both Albus and Severus looked at him rather startled. They had both forgotten the ghost was here.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere is a way to find out,\u201d the ghost said, \u201cThe Wall of Generations. A magical device created by Salazar Slytherin about the same time he created the Chamber of Secrets. It magically divines bloodlines connected to the four founders, which Salazar considered the best and purest bloodlines of all. Godric Gryffindor had it sealed off and all references to the wall removed from the history books when Salazar left Hogwarts. It is located in the lower subdungeons. If Bara has any of Salazar\u2019s blood in him, the wall will identify it. There is only one problem however\u2026\u201d the ghost said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd what is that, Professor?\u201d the Headmaster asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf the person tested isn\u2019t descended from the four founders, he or she is instantly killed for their audacity in being tested in the first place. The words \u201cTruth or Death\u201d are etched into the wall as a warning. Which is why Godric sealed it off,\u201d the wizard explained.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy didn\u2019t he destroy it?\u201d Severus asked the ghost, \u201cSurely such an evil device would be better destroyed then sealed in.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe couldn\u2019t. Salazar was a Slytherin through and through. The wall is intimately and magically linked with the very foundation of Hogwarts castle. If it were destroyed, the entire castle would crumble and be destroyed with it. No one could figure out a way to break the link, Salazar\u2019s signature was so strong\u2026so the wall was left standing,\u201d Professor Binns said.<\/p>\n<p>Well, that made sense.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 black eyes rested on Albus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t believe you want to know Bara\u2019s bloodline that badly, Headmaster. If we are in error, and use the Wall, it would cost the boy his life. I think in this case, we should accept the possibility he is a descendent of Salazar based on the wizard\u2019s travels to India and the history Professor Binns has given us. It is the most reasonable explanation after all,\u201d the Potions Master said silkily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are right, of course Severus,\u201d the Headmaster said rather glumly. He could already see Bara moving away from his influence. Not that Slytherins were bad, mind you, but they just weren\u2019t Gryffindors. Most wizards of questionable reputation came out of Slytherin.<\/p>\n<p>Albus looked at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>But then again, some were quite exemplary. Strong, loyal and courageous in their own selfish way. Bara seemed to have a generous heart however. Maybe Salazar\u2019s talent was a latent ability that came to the fore, and the other darker aspects of the wizard remained deeply buried or hopefully were not passed along at all. On a better note, human behavior was not just based on genetics. Upbringing and experience had much to do with how a child turned out. Maybe Bara might not be sorted into Slytherin after all if Albus really worked with him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus could see Albus already plotting to keep Bara out of Slytherin house. The Potions Master didn\u2019t feel any particular way about this\u2026it made sense since Albus was a Gryffindor after all\u2026and Bara was for all intents and purposes\u2026his son. What father didn\u2019t want his son to follow in his footsteps?<\/p>\n<p>Still, Severus would keep an eye on Bara, watch his development and interactions with others carefully. If he saw any blatant Slytherin tendencies that had the potential to be troublesome, he would step in and advise the boy. He had already done it once and the boy listened to him, ridding himself of the translation charm. He was learning English quickly and no doubt believed that Severus knew what he was talking about. It shouldn\u2019t be hard to influence him.<\/p>\n<p>Besides, Bara had been sneaking into his first year potions class and sitting way in the back, watching his every move. Severus ran him out quite a few times, but it didn\u2019t keep the little wizard from sneaking back. Maybe he would just let him sit in from now on. See what the boy was about.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe he\u2019d learn something.<\/p>\n<p>Severus took his leave of Albus and Professor Binns and headed for the dungeons. He wondered how Hermione was doing. He hadn\u2019t seen her since their last wild engagement, though he thought about her every night before he retired, usually getting an erection in the process. Their last night together had all but hooked the wizard by his big nose, and he was completely taken by the little witch.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master especially remembered how she had pinned him in an awkward position halfway out of the bed. Severus had been fucking her from behind, holding on to her waist tightly and putting it to the lusty witch as best he could, when Hermione suddenly rose up on her knees and fell backwards full weight, catching the wizard by surprise and throwing him off-balance. He twisted his body and fell sideways, his upper body lying off the side of the bed.<\/p>\n<p>He was pushing himself up on one arm when Hermione quickly rolled him to his back with surprising strength and mounted him. Severus was in such an odd position, with the small of his back resting right on the edge of the mattress he could neither reach her nor pull himself up. Hermione jerking his body the way she was doing as she panted, riding him insanely, didn\u2019t help matters. By the time she let him up to change positions, both of his shoulders were bruised and he had a small lump on the back of his head. He had definitely been witchhandled.<\/p>\n<p>And he had loved it. He wasn\u2019t about to let Hermione go now\u2026patronage or no patronage. It wasn\u2019t about love however\u2026it was about convenience and the best sexual partner he had ever had. After Hermione, he\u2019d never be satisfied with another witch lying under him, taking and not giving much more than a wet hole to stick his cock in. Hermione gave everything she was during sex.<\/p>\n<p>There was just one issue that bothered him slightly. Well, more than slightly actually. Severus didn\u2019t mind taking Hermione the way she wanted, but there were times he would like to go slow and easy, take his time and not be such an animal. He had seen more than his share of brutality in his life, and at first fucking the witch in this manner was exciting\u2026it still was really, but there were other aspects of sex just as pleasurable. A slow, leisurely slide into a warm, wet sleeve\u2026the intimate caress of it. The easy flex of two bodies in perfect, flowing rhythm. An orgasm eased from the body with competence and skill, not torn from it violently.<\/p>\n<p>For Hermione Granger\u2026that would be her ultimate surrender\u2026not the collapse under a violent pounding, but acceptance of a gentler sexual union. But the witch was so determined to be pounded every single time.<\/p>\n<p>Severus didn\u2019t know that what he wanted was to make love to Hermione Granger, and have her respond to him in a more, well, normal fashion. He understood her masochism, but it didn\u2019t have to always rule her sexuality. Actually, it was quite unfair that he always had to meet her darker needs, the witch assuming he met his own in the process. Certainly he came\u2026he experienced very intense orgasms with the young witch, but he felt there should be more now.<\/p>\n<p>What it was, was that Severus had never experienced much tenderness in his life, and as he became more attached to Hermione, he wanted something more than the wild ride with the witch. Kissing during sex had become more regular between them now, as had caressing. But then the act always became rough and hard. His challenge was to have the witch respond to him another way. If he could do that\u2026he\u2019d know he had her.<\/p>\n<p>Eli was right. Severus did need a mate. A witch he could relate to and could give him those things that had always escaped him. Care. Tenderness. Even love. Things he never believed he could have. But with Hermione in his life in such an intimate fashion, the wizard was beginning to get glimpses, at least subconsciously of how it could be. The things the witch said to him. The soft, sated look in her eyes after sex when she looked up at him. He was already sampling happiness to a certain degree. When he woke up the next morning after Hermione\u2019s sexual takeover\u2026he was achy, but as close to being genuinely happy as he had ever been.<\/p>\n<p>Now how was he going to make Hermione Granger change her spots for him? It was a puzzle\u2026but he had time.<\/p>\n<p>He sat down at his desk in his study and took out his security mirror.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFocus: Hermione Granger,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, there she was\u2026her hair an absolute mess, her eyes bleary as she wrote line after line of something in her journal. She was immersed in her work now, and looked horrible\u2026which meant she was accomplishing something. He\u2019d give her another week before he showed up. Maybe he would show her the prize. The basilisk heart.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the floo turned green and Albus called him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, there are a slew of reporters at the door demanding an interview with you. It appears Mr. Potter\u2019s recovery is now public knowledge,\u201d the Headmaster said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus leaned back in the chair and drummed his pale fingers on the top of the desk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWould you be so kind as to relay a statement to them for me, Headmaster?\u201d the Potions Master asked silkily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy yes, Severus. What would you like me to tell them?\u201d Albus replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTell them I will grant only one interview, and to the highest bidder,\u201d the wizard said, smirking slightly. \u201cand that my time is quite valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus chuckled. That was his Potions Master.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd they are asking about the whereabouts of Hermione,\u201d the old wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will relay that reporters wish to speak with her when I see her next,\u201d Severus replied, &#8220;Tell them if she is interested in granting an interview, she will contact them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI see. Very well, Severus. I will field them for you,\u201d the Headmaster replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you Headmaster,\u201d Severus said as the floo returned to red flames.<\/p>\n<p>****************************************<\/p>\n<p>Bara was walking through the main hall when he saw a small movement along the side of the wall. He was a sharp-eyed little boy. He circled around and crept up to the wall, then his hand flashed out, grabbing something very small.<\/p>\n<p>He turned his fist over, opened his palm and looked at the beetle he\u2019d caught.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou will make a fine meal for Precious,\u201d the boy said happily, running down the dungeon corridor toward Slytherin house, Rita Skeeter clutched firmly in his hand.<\/p>\n<p>**************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: lol. Poor Rita. Interesting about the Wall in the sub-dungeons. I was doing a little research and at the time Hogwarts was supposed to be built, there were yet no castles in either Scotland or Britain in actual history. So I thought that Salazar going to India to study stonework made sense. Being a Slytherin\u2026tagging the ladies seemed quite likely too. Lol. Awww for Severus. He\u2019s falling\u2026falling\u2026falling. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 38<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 38 ~ A Timely Intervention<\/p>\n<p>As Bara ran down the dungeon corridor, the beetle started writhing about in his hand powerfully. Suddenly his hand flew open and the insect fell to the floor, where began to grow and change, the little wizard staring at it, his mouth open.<\/p>\n<p>It grew tall pale and greenish, suddenly becoming a witch with tight blonde hair in a green dress, with glasses, a very mannish chin and pursed lips. She had an alligator purse tucked under her arm and she was scowling at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA meal for Precious? What is a Precious?\u201d Rita demanded of the boy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSnake,\u201d Bara said in a small voice, looking up at the angry woman.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou were going to feed me to a snake? Why you little\u2026\u201d Rita seethed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBug-lady?\u201d Bara asked her.<\/p>\n<p>Rita studied the little Indian boy. He looked too young to be a student at Hogwarts. He seemed to be about eight or nine years old. Well, it didn\u2019t matter how old he was. What mattered was he knew her secret\u2026and that would never do.<\/p>\n<p>Rita pulled her wand out of her bag.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I\u2019m a bug-lady\u2026and no one is supposed to know that, so I\u2019m going to have to alter that little memory of yours,\u201d she said, pointing her wand at Bara, who immediately sprinted down the hall. He might not have understood everything she said, but because of Poppy knew that when a wand was pointed at him it meant bad news.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome back here!\u201d Rita yelled, chasing him in her high heels. Rita was a veteran of running in heels and she covered a lot of ground in a surprisingly short period of time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cObliviate!\u201d she cried, firing a blast at Bara, who slipped to the other side of the corridor, the spell missing him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn it,\u201d Rita hissed, firing another shot that just missed Bara.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis bug-lady is evil,\u201d the young wizard thought. He passed a niche but Rita was too close and would have seen him dart in. They were almost by the Potions office now.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was in his office and heard a shout and blast. Pulling his wand he hurriedly opened the door and was shocked when Bara darted in, a blast hitting the doorsill behind him.<\/p>\n<p>Not knowing who was attacking the boy or why, Severus stepped into the hallway, pointed his wand and shouted, \u201cExpelliamus!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rita was knocked back several feet, her wand clattering to the floor as she fell heavily on her ass. Severus ran up the hallway, collected the wand then strode over to Rita, his wand held on her. Bara came up behind the wizard and peeked at the witch from behind the safety of Severus\u2019 robes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is the meaning of attacking this boy?\u201d Severus demanded of the dazed witch, who crawled to her knees, then stood up shakily.<\/p>\n<p>Rita thought quick.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2026he stole my quick quotes quill. I was trying to stun him,\u201d she claimed, frowning at the boy. Bara looked up at her wide-eyed.<\/p>\n<p>But Severus had very sharp hearing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou tried to stun him using an Obliviate spell, Miss Skeeter?\u201d he asked her, his black eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust give me back my wand and I\u2019ll go Professor\u2026maybe after a few words about how you brought Harry Potter back from his Dementor-induced state?\u201d the reporter said brazenly.<\/p>\n<p>The reason Rita was in Hogwarts was to try and get a few words out of the Potions Master. She had transformed and was making her way into the castle when Bara had caught her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will not be giving you an interview, Miss Skeeter, nor will you be going anywhere. You are trespassing on school grounds and tried to injure Albus Dumbledore\u2019s charge. I believe a call to the Aurors is in order,\u201d the Potions Master said evenly. \u201cFirst we are going to see Albus. Now, start walking witch.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rita\u2019s shoulders slumped and she began walking up the dungeon corridor, Severus walking behind her, poking her in the back with his wand. Bara watched them go. The bug-lady had tried to hurt him. He looked back at the Potions office and saw the door was slightly open. He walked over, looked up and down the hall and started to slip in.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBara! Close my office door and come with me!\u201d Severus\u2019 voice boomed down the corridor. Bara jumped guiltily and closed the Professor\u2019s door quickly then ran down the hall to catch up with the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked down at the boy walking beside him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf I ever catch you in my office or classroom without permission Bara, you will wish you never left India,\u201d the Potions Master said to him, his black eyes glittering.<\/p>\n<p>Rita perked up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIndia? The boy\u2019s from India? And is Albus\u2019 charge? Why is he here? Who are his parents? Is he a prot\u00e9g\u00e9? How old is he? Why is Albus taking care of a child at his age? What is\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dShut up Rita!\u201d Severus snarled at the witch, who quieted immediately. \u201cYou\u2019d best think about your own answers once the Aurors get here. The obliviate spell requires special license to use, and I am sure you don\u2019t have one.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe is a bug-lady,\u201d Bara said to the Potions Master, \u201cFirst bug\u2026then lady.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at the boy as they turned into the main hall. Rita looked longingly at the main doors leading out of Hogwarts. She was in for it now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFirst bug, then lady,\u201d Severus repeated\u2026then he understood.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy Rita,\u201d he purred, \u201cDon\u2019t tell me you are an unregistered animagus?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFuck,\u201d Rita thought.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLooks like you will be writing your column from Azkaban for the next few months. Maybe you can do an expose on the deplorable conditions there,\u201d the Potions Master continued. He had never liked Rita or her column.<\/p>\n<p>Severus, Rita and Bara marched up the main stairwell, heading for the Headmaster\u2019s office.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p>Rita Skeeter received eight months in Azkaban for her attack on Bara and for being an unregistered animagus. The Daily Prophet intended to run reprints of her old column until she served her time. She didn\u2019t even get a chance to write her exclusive interview with Harry Potter. Her editor had made her go to the wizard\u2019s beach house to find out if a rumor about Harry&#8217;s recovery were true. No one believed it at first, but when Bilbo returned with a picture of Harry talking to Rita all hell broke loose. But by that time, Harry\u2026who was quite gifted with spells too, made his home unplottable and no one else was able to find his house on the beach. From his chair on the porch, he watched the reporters arrive, look about then leave muttering about bad directions.<\/p>\n<p>Bilbo had given bits of the story about Professor Snape and Hermione Granger assisting in bringing the wizard back, and since the reporters couldn\u2019t find Harry, they sought out the witch and wizard instead. Severus had still not received a price he felt worth his time and Hermione was oblivious to being sought after\u2026she was so caught up in Damius\u2019 work. She had ordered all of the ingredients to begin brewing the elixir to create the Dementor, but still needed the basilisk heart and blood. The witch intended to go to Hogwarts tomorrow and tell the Professor she was ready for the ingredients, but he came that very night, walking into the Potions lab, scowling at her and wrinkling his nose.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, can\u2019t you at least shower, witch? It would take five maybe ten minutes out of your day,\u201d he complained.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione picked at her rat\u2019s nest and looked up at him, looking for all the world like a guttersnipe in a lab coat.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2026I just work, Severus,\u201d she said absently, clearly distracted.<\/p>\n<p>Severus frowned at her then sighed. This was just how Hermione was. When she was engaged in a project\u2026nothing else mattered but the Work. It was as if she were many witches in one. To look at her now, Severus could hardly believe she was the same witch who almost killed him in bed over a month ago.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, I brought something to show you, but I refuse to be in your presence a minute longer with you smelling and looking as you do,\u201d he said evenly, heading for the lab door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWait. What is it?\u201d Hermione said, her attention fully on him now. \u201cIs it the basilisk heart? Because I am ready for it if it is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked over his shoulder.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe it is, maybe it isn\u2019t\u201d he said obliquely.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione ran up to him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t go Severus. I\u2019ll get in the shower right now. All right? Please\u2026don\u2019t go!\u201d she begged him, her amber eyes bright and hungry now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll give you fifteen minutes,\u201d he said, eyeing her hair.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMake sure you wash that mass of knots too,\u201d he called after her as she bolted up the stairs, leaving a trail of body odor. Severus pulled out his wand and did a freshening spell to clear the air.<\/p>\n<p>Most would find this aspect of Hermione Granger quite unsavory, especially since she was a witch. But on occasion, when involved in some labor-intensive project\u2026Severus had gone a day or two without showering, though he did at least scourgify himself. Well, one thing was for sure, Hermione definitely wasn\u2019t thinking about sex when she worked.<\/p>\n<p>It was Friday night. Severus could stay overnight if he wished, but Hermione was exhausted\u2026he could tell. He spoke with Eli before he walked down to the Potions Lab and the elf told him he was having a time getting her to eat, and that he had hidden all the pepper-up potion because he was afraid the Miss was going to overdose on it.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps he should stay over the weekend and make Hermione take a couple of days off. The witch needed to operate at top condition, and as her patron he had a duty to make sure she was physically and mentally capable of pursuing her research. Judging by her condition, she wasn\u2019t up to par.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard walked up the stairs and over to his desk to check the top drawer for receipts for the past month. He had trouble getting it open and when he did, receipts flew all over. The drawer was stuffed with them.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master arched an eyebrow as he picked the slips of parchment up, and sat down at his desk. His eyes widened as he began to read over them. It was a good thing he was a relatively rich wizard with good investments, or he\u2019d be broke by now. Good grindelows! No wonder he had received a letter from Gringotts bank inquiring about the recent activity in his accounts. Whenever a pattern of spending changed, the goblins stayed on top of it in case there was illegal activity occurring. Severus informed them he was investing in private research and that took care of the matter.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione reappeared in the living room, dressed in a t-shirt and loose cotton pants with a drawstring. She was barefoot and her hair was damp. She smelled clean, and looked a little less tired, but she did have small bags under her eyes. She saw Severus looking at the receipts.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUm\u2026I spent a little more than usual,\u201d she said haltingly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked up at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI see that,\u201d he said coolly. \u201cI take it the ingredients were quite costly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She nodded, then hesitated. Suddenly she blurted out, \u201cI hate spending your galleons knowing that you won\u2019t be reimbursed for them, Severus.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard stood up, walked around the desk and over to the witch.\u00a0 He looked down at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll patrons take risks and losses Hermione. I wouldn\u2019t have taken you on if I didn\u2019t think I could support your work,\u201d he said evenly. \u201cThe more intelligent the charge, the more costly the patronage.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cStill, I feel terribly guilty about it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t. The patent for the \u2018Sequentius\u2019 spell you created has gone through. I have hired demonstrators to present it at the next Spells expo. We will be seeing residuals soon. It is the kind of spell that will be used by everyone. Not just Potions Masters, but housewives, shopkeepers, builders\u2026all manner of people Hermione. That one spell alone might be enough to end our patronage agreement, it will bring in so much money. So don\u2019t be concerned about your spending on this project. Besides, I have figured out a way to cash in on this project, despite the lack of Dementors that will result,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes brightened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou have?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus nodded and gestured for her to sit on the sofa. Hermione did, and he joined her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe can sell your memories of the project as docu-pensives. Many will be interested in the history and development of Dementors, and your use of nifflers to recreate them. It will be quite educational as well as interesting. All we need to do at the end of the project is collect your memories, add some captions and scripted voiceovers, copyright them and have them distributed on the market, first to special interest groups, universities and schools, then to the public. This is another item guaranteed to make us galleons. We can also do the same with Harry\u2019s recovery. You see, there are many ways to recoup the money I\u2019ve spent. By the time your patronage is finished, Hermione\u2026you will be well-established, in demand and most likely quite wealthy yourself. You will need no one to take care of you then,\u201d he said, his dark eyes searching her face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dNo, I won\u2019t,\u201d she agreed, her voice rather low as she looked down at her hands. \u201cAt least not financially.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is that supposed to mean?\u201d he asked the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at the wizard. How could a man be so brilliant and yet\u2026so stupid?<\/p>\n<p>\u201dWhat were you going to show me?\u201d she asked Severus, changing the subject.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard drew the burlap sack out of his pocket and held it out.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPut your hand on it,\u201d he said to the witch, watching her face closely as she did so.<\/p>\n<p>Slowly Hermione rested her hand on the bag, her brow furrowed. Then her eyebrows rose and she looked awestruck.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s warm, and it\u2019s beating,\u201d she said almost in a whisper.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow did you get this, Severus?\u201d she asked the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBy agreeing to meet with the most exasperating witch I ever knew,\u201d he replied with a wry smirk. \u201cThis was the bribe that got you in my door, courtesy of my godson Draco.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s mouth dropped open.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh my gods. This must have cost Draco a fortune. I\u2019ve got to thank him,\u201d Hermione exclaimed.<\/p>\n<p>Severus glowered at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs long as you don\u2019t thank him like you thanked me,\u201d the wizard growled possessively.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione gave him a naughty little grin. The wizard found he didn\u2019t like it, though the witch was only teasing him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI mean it!\u201d he hissed at her, almost becoming completely undone.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sobered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus. What\u2019s wrong with you? I would never do that. I am under an agreement with you,\u201d she said to the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAn agreement,\u201d he snorted, rising from the sofa and starting to pace with the burlap bag in his hand. \u201cWhat good is an agreement when someone wants to be unfaithful? Marriages are \u2018agreements\u2019 and witches cheat every day. I know. At times I was the one they cheated with.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at the upset wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, not all witches are unfaithful. I\u2019m not. I do my best to keep my word,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Severus stopped pacing and gave her a black look.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u201cWrite Draco a thank you note,\u201d Severus said, thinking of the handsome young wizard. He attracted more pussy than a cat food can being opened. \u201cI don\u2019t want you going to his manor.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat?\u201d Hermione said, staring at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t want him seducing you,\u201d Severus said, turning to the witch, his dark eyes hard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, what in the world makes you think Draco could seduce me?\u201d she asked the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus didn\u2019t answer her. He couldn\u2019t. It would make him look weak. Insecure. He didn\u2019t want to admit his insecurity.<\/p>\n<p>Draco was everything Severus was not. Young, handsome, charming, with good teeth and great hair. He was a witch\u2019s wizard, and could charm the knickers off of almost any witch he wanted. It was a gift all Malfoy males had\u2026specially cultivated by their sires. Draco was a polished diamond and compared to him, Severus was a lump of coal.<\/p>\n<p>Or so he thought.<\/p>\n<p>But Hermione realized what it was, and what the wizard was feeling even if he wouldn\u2019t say. Draco was young, rich and handsome and most witches fell right into his arms. Hermione had been dodging the Slytherin\u2019s slithery grip for years. She had no desire to sleep with half the female population of the wizarding world. Besides, Severus took wonderful care of her needs. And she thought he was much sexier than Draco.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right. I\u2019ll write him, Severus,\u201d the witch said softly. \u201cIt\u2019s not necessary I visit him. Besides, you are the one giving me the basilisk heart and blood, not him. Maybe I won\u2019t write him at all.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus let out the breath he had been unconsciously holding. His chest hurt a little but he felt relieved the witch would not be going to the manor, or the snake\u2019s den in this case. It wasn\u2019t that he didn\u2019t trust Hermione\u2026he didn\u2019t trust Draco. In fact, the wizard realized he wouldn\u2019t trust any male around Hermione. He didn\u2019t even trust Harry, and he had been her friend for years.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s your choice,\u201d Severus said, trying to sound unaffected.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione gave that annoying little smile again, but hid it from the wizard. Severus was jealous as hell over her and she knew it.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sat back down next to the witch\u2026a bit closer this time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, tell me about your research,\u201d he said, \u201cHow much of this will you need?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>***********************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Lol. Sorry. Couldn\u2019t let Rita go out like that\u2026though it would have been funny. Good thing Bara is so quick on the uptake. Point a wand at that kid, and he\u2019s gone. Kapwing!! Lol. :). Severus is a jealous thing, isn\u2019t he? Hermione seems to know how to deal with him though. You know, I\u2019ve always seen Severus as insecure about some things in his life, but someone who works very hard to hide it\u2026mostly by being mean as hell. I know quite a few people like that too. Anyway, please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 39<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 39 ~ A Necessary Conversation<\/p>\n<p>Hermione informed Severus that she had calculated and reduced the ratio of ingredients to create a potion suitable for nifflers. She would have to have enough of the heart and blood to experiment with, but Damius\u2019 formula used very minute amounts of the precious component, which was extremely powerful. About a quarter cup of heart and blood would do her.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was quite pleased, although he was prepared to turn the entire heart over to the witch if necessary. He was quite pleased with Hermione\u2019s decision not to visit Draco as well and was feeling quite magnanimous toward the witch.<\/p>\n<p>They spent the rest of the evening discussing the next leg of her project, which was brewing. The elixir would take three weeks, but Hermione planned to use the Sequentius spell and start a new elixir each day with altered amounts of agistani flower to basilisk heart and blood, so when it came time to test the reversed kiss, she would have several versions. This could cut the time she estimated in half if she managed to create the Dementor nifflers without too much trouble.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow do you plan to store them?\u201d Severus asked her curiously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will keep them in a covered cage. Dementors are solid and can\u2019t pass through objects, so they will be fine if I keep them out of the light,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n<p>Severus thought it would be quite interesting to see niffler-dementors. Only Hermione could come up with something like this. He eyed the witch, then drew in a deep breath.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, you realize that it is my duty to look after your well-being as well as provide for your needs, don\u2019t you?\u201d he asked the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I know that, Severus,\u201d the witch replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood,\u201d he said to her, \u201cThen you will not protest when I inform you that you are not to work on this project for the next two days. You have been working yourself ragged, not eating properly, not looking after your hygiene and are well on your way to becoming a pepper-up potion addict. This is entirely unacceptable. I will be remaining here this weekend to insure that you follow my instructions,\u201d the wizard said evenly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut Severus\u2026the time frame,\u201d Hermione began desperately.<\/p>\n<p>Severus held up a pale hand to stop her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, two days off is not going to make that much of a difference. Besides, you have just explained to me how you plan to shave weeks, if not months off of the timeline\u2026so no need to try to use that excuse to persuade me to let you work. The lab will be locked and warded with my signature AND alarms\u2026Miss Spells Mistress, just in case you try to sneak and use your skills to gain entrance. As of right now, you are on vacation,\u201d the Potions Master said silkily.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione folded her arms and looked absolutely mutinous.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine,\u201d she pouted, her lips puckered.<\/p>\n<p>Before he knew what he was doing, Severus leaned in and kissed that petulant mouth softly, surprising both himself and Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>She blinked at him as he pulled back. The wizard was blinking a bit too. What on earth made him kiss the witch?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat was that for?\u201d Hermione asked him, still rather shocked.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo teach you not to pucker up your lips in obstinance,\u201d he said gruffly. \u201cYou should accept my directives with grace.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo you were \u2018teaching me a lesson?\u201d\u201d she asked the wizard, the annoying smile back on her lips now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOf course,\u201d Severus replied, \u201cWhy else would I kiss you?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master scowled at that smile. He hated it. It always made him feel Hermione knew something he didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd stop smiling at me like that,\u201d he growled.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him rather wickedly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAny other lessons you feel the urge to \u2018teach\u2019 me?\u201d she asked the wizard suggestively.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her and felt a little throb. But no\u2026she really wasn\u2019t in the condition for sex, though she physically looked better. A nice shower would do that though.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. You are to rest tonight and tomorrow night. No strenuous activity,\u201d the wizard replied.<\/p>\n<p>One thing was for certain. If Hermione was to engage in sex\u2026she\u2019d want it very strenuous. Now if she could accept a gentle tryst, she would get what she was asking for. But she wasn\u2019t thinking along those lines.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stood up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am going downstairs to ward both labs, then I will retire and see you in the morning, hopefully well-rested,\u201d he said to the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSee me in the morning?\u201d Hermione repeated. Severus had been absent over a month and she had been sleeping alone. Sleeping with the Potions Master was quite nice really. Even before they began to be more intimate with each other, he would keep her nestled against him as they slept. She felt safe and protected in his bed. Also wanted. \u201cYou don\u2019t want me to sleep with you?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at the witch, remembering what happened last time she was in his bed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI fear for my virtue. You ravished me the last time I \u2018slept\u2019 with you,\u201d the wizard said, hardening a bit at the memory.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou deserved ravishing for what you did to me,\u201d Hermione said, her eyes glittering as she remembered how shocked and overcome the wizard was by her ardor. He shouldn\u2019t have left her so randy. \u201cBut it isn\u2019t like that tonight. We can sleep together without having sex. We\u2019ve done it before.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was referring to the night she stayed up late talking to Harry at his beach house. She had come to Severus\u2019 bed at about three in the morning, very tired and he let her sleep. He hadn\u2019t expected her to come at all and had been quite surprised and a bit moved because she didn\u2019t focus on Harry completely as he expected her to. He had wanted to take her\u2026just because of that\u2026but restrained himself.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe had Harry Potter to act as a damper that night. We don\u2019t have that tonight,\u201d the wizard replied, arching an eyebrow at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut I want to sleep with you. I\u2019ve missed it. We don\u2019t have to do anything,\u201d the witch said persuasively.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c\u2019We don\u2019t have to do anything.\u2019 Isn\u2019t that a sixth-year line used to disarm witches for sex?\u201d Severus inquired, smirking a bit.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe don\u2019t,\u201d Hermione insisted. She really did mean it\u2026lame as she sounded. She just wanted to be near the wizard. But if the opportunity presented itself&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at the witch for several moments. He would like to feel her next to him in the night. He believed he could restrain himself. The Potions Master truly was concerned about her state.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery well. You may sleep with me, Hermione. But you are to be covered up\u2026and I mean by more than a bra and knickers. No temptation, witch\u2026or I promise I will give you the boot and ward my door with something quite nasty,\u201d the wizard said warningly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine,\u201d Hermione said popping up and heading for her bedroom.<\/p>\n<p>Severus watched her go, then started for his own bedroom, unbuttoning his robes on the way.<\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus lay in his bed under the sheets in his boxers, his cock only slightly erect. He hoped it remained that way when Hermione entered.<\/p>\n<p>He needn&#8217;t have worried.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione appeared in the doorway and leaned back against the sill, striking a sexy pose, her head slung back, breasts jutting out and knee bent provocatively.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d she announced in a sing-song voice.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her and shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>She was dress in a white flannel granny gown with tiny pink roses on it (a real turn-off for the Professor, who hated roses). It was long-sleeved, and buttoned up to her chin. Not an inch of skin was showing except for her face.<\/p>\n<p>She walked into the room and spun for him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd if this isn\u2019t enough,\u201d she said raising the gown and pulling it above her waist, revealing a very large pair of granny knickers, \u201cThese should top it off nicely.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione dropped the gown grinning, walked over to the bed and climbed over Severus, slipping under the sheets and snuggling up to him.<\/p>\n<p>It felt as if she were wrapped up in a heavy overcoat.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou certainly know how to cover up,\u201d the wizard said, wrapping his long arms around her and adjusting the witch until her back was resting against his chest. Severus had an unconscious preference for spooning and bent his knee, forcing Hermione to bend hers, his loins resting against her well-protected buttocks.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, you said no temptation,\u201d she chuckled, relaxing against him and enjoying the feel of him holding her so possessively.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard fell silent but he didn\u2019t go to sleep. He was thinking about Hermione\u2019s masochism. He wondered if now would be a good time to address it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione,\u201d Severus said softly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was awake.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes Severus?\u201d she answered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy do you always want me to fuck you so hard, witch?\u201d he asked her. The wizard knew she was a masochist, but often wondered if she knew what drove her to be the way she was.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione went silent for a moment, then said, \u201cBecause if feels good, Severus.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt hurts you, Hermione,\u201d he responded, not willing to accept such a generic answer.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. But it is a good ache, Severus. It makes me feel\u2026feel as if I no longer belong to myself. That someone else has control. That you have total control,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut Hermione, does that control have to be so\u2026punishing? If you indeed give me total control witch, shouldn\u2019t I be able to fuck you the way I want? You always insist I be brutal, ram my cock into you until you are broken and in tears. It truly is pain, Hermione. You can\u2019t tell me it isn\u2019t,\u201d he said quietly, tightening his hold on the witch. \u201cWhy do you want to be hurt all the time?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI like it, Severus. I don\u2019t know why. I like to be pinned down, restrained and just taken. You\u2019re perfect. You\u2019re such a dark wizard\u2026and have a dominating nature, and you just look and feel so delicious when you\u2019re fucking me that way\u2026all your coldness disappears, and you just take and take\u2026\u201d the witch\u2019s voice faltered. She was getting very randy talking about this. \u201cDon\u2019t you like fucking me as hard as you like?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, yes I enjoy you immensely, but just because I am a dark wizard doesn\u2019t mean I want or need to be brutal to you. You may be a masochist witch, but I am no sadist. I\u2019ve seen too much sexual violence against women in my lifetime. I admit, it does turn me on to be able to let go on you, but\u2026there are times when I would like you to respond to me as\u2026how can I put this\u2026as an ordinary man&#8230;\u201d Severus said, trying to find the right words to express himself.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI guess what I am saying, Hermione\u2026is that I have needs too,\u201d the wizard said, \u201cAnd they don\u2019t involve me always fucking you into conniptions. There are times\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master swallowed and fell silent. This was too difficult\u2026too close.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione listened to him breathe, her brow furrowed. Severus wasn\u2019t satisfied with her? What was he going to say?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are times\u2026?\u201d she urged, \u201cTell me Severus. I won\u2019t know what you want if you don\u2019t tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are times, Hermione when I want to be gentler, enjoy you, savor you. Times when I want to hear you whisper my name, not shriek it as I lose myself in you. I want you to orgasm because I\u2019ve reached you another way, not because I\u2019ve forced it out of you through pain,\u201d the wizard said quietly, a far-away look in his eyes. \u201cI want to show you there is more to my sex than fucking you like an animal.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut Severus\u2026I can\u2019t really peak that way,\u201d Hermione said softly. \u201cThere\u2019s\u2026there\u2019s something wrong with me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes filled with tears. That is what she had always thought about herself once she discovered what she wanted out of sex. She always believed it was abnormal that she wanted men to brutalize her until she was in tears. Now Severus was calling her on it. Gods.<\/p>\n<p>Severus felt Hermione begin to tremble. He decided to give her both wandblasts. She needed to hear this.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong with you Hermione except you have a skewed view of yourself. I imagine you have met wizards of low self-worth who felt you too challenging, intelligent and aggressive. Unwitchlike, in their opinion and you subconsciously bought into that nonsense. I seem to remember that idiot Ronald Weasley telling you in Potions class once that you needed to show \u201cmore leg and less brain if you wanted a boyfriend.\u201d In fact Mr. Weasley was the only young wizard I saw that had an \u2018interest\u2019 in you outside of getting you to help him with his assignments.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRon was my first,\u201d Hermione whispered. \u201cHe was the only one who wanted me that way.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus frowned slightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dIt seems he got to you in more ways than one. Now you are the consummate female doormat sexually, Hermione. Not fully, but much of the time. It\u2019s as if you want to be punished for being competition for wizards, for being brilliant, for being \u2018less than a woman.\u2019 When you are brutalized with a cock, you think yourself more of a woman\u2026you feel vindicated\u2026that you\u2019ve proven you can be submissive, that you\u2019ve proven you\u2019re desirable and not just a big, pulsing brain.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione let out a small sob. She did feel like that. So many wizards had told her she didn\u2019t know how to act the \u2018proper witch\u2019 and let the wizard be the man when she dated them a few times. She wasn\u2019t \u2018fast\u2019 and didn\u2019t engage in casual sex, wanting conversation and courtship first. That was the way it was supposed to work, after all. But most wizards couldn\u2019t keep up with her intellect and felt overshadowed and, let\u2019s face it\u2026stupid. By the second date, most were gone\u2026and the few she did get involved with, didn\u2019t meet her physical needs\u2026so she let them go as well.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ve always been more than a brain, Hermione. You just never came to terms with yourself, with your own formidable gifts. You use harsh sex as an escape and a buffer. I understand that, witch. I don\u2019t think there is anything \u2018wrong\u2019 with you. What I would like is to show you that you don\u2019t have to be taken that way to satisfy a wizard, or to be satisfied. You only have to be willing to share yourself, and not enter into the act believing there can be no satisfaction because you aren\u2019t being ripped from end to end like a \u2018proper\u2019 witch. If you truly want to surrender, Hermione and be whole\u2026this is the way to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sighed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve had sex that way, Severus. It doesn\u2019t work for me,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou&#8217;ve had sex that way, but not with me. We have had our moments of respite between the wildness, but you haven\u2019t opened up to me that way witch. I want you to do that. I want you to let me be the man I am. Actually relinquish control and trust me.\u00a0 You\u2019ve told me you want access to me\u2026now I want access to you\u2026to the true Hermione Granger,\u201d the wizard said, feeling freer than he ever felt before. He was opening up and it felt good to tell the witch what was on his mind.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTonight?\u201d Hermione asked.<\/p>\n<p>Her belly was tight with apprehension. She didn\u2019t think Severus would satisfy her the way he wanted to fuck her, and she didn\u2019t want to tell him afterwards that it did nothing for her. He might hate her for it. No man wanted to be told they were lousy in bed. The Potions Master was a proud man. Of course he\u2019d be angry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d he replied, not tonight\u2026but sometime in the near future. When I think you are ready.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione thought it might be in the far distance future if Severus was going to wait for her to be ready. She\u2019d never be ready.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow sleep,\u201d the wizard said, his voice thick. \u201cGet some rest, witch.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master adjusted his spoon around her body and drifted off.<\/p>\n<p>But it took Hermione a long, long time to fall asleep.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: I think it was time for Severus and Hermione to have an intimate talk, and the wizard express his thoughts to her about her sexuality as well as his own desire to get closer to her. I hope it was believable and affecting without being overly fluffy. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 40<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 40 ~ A Bit More Examination<\/p>\n<p>Sometime during the night, Hermione must have gotten too warm in her granny gown, because when Severus awoke, both of them were out from under the sheets and Hermione lay in his arms bare-breasted and in the large pair of granny knickers she had donned to \u201ccover up.\u201d The gown was crumpled up next to her.<\/p>\n<p>The knickers were large, but that didn\u2019t stop the wizard from getting a huge erection as he felt the near naked witch in his arms. Unable to help himself, he cupped both of Hermione\u2019s breasts and fondled them for a moment, his palms full of her firm flesh. The witch groaned in her sleep and pressed back against his erection. Severus bit his lip and released her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI promised her rest,\u201d he thought as Hermione rolled to her back and looked at him. Obviously, she had the female equivalent of a morning hard-on that expressed itself through her puckered nipples.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood morning,\u201d she said, giving him a sleepy, somewhat sexy smile.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 eyes washed over her body, eyeing the hardened tips of her breasts then shifting down to the voluminous white knickers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou appear to have lost part of your protection during the night,\u201d he said to her, his black eyes starting to glitter. Maybe just a little sex her way wouldn\u2019t hurt this morning. He wasn\u2019t going to rush her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMore like subconscious stripping,\u201d Hermione replied suggestively, her breath washing over the Potions Master.<\/p>\n<p>Severus got a whiff of her morning breath, stiffened then pursed his lips.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell you\u2019ve just managed to strengthen my resolve,\u201d he said rolling out of bed and heading for the bathroom.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked after him, puzzled for a moment, then cupped her hand to her mouth and blew.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh gods. I\u2019ve GOT to invest in some of the Weasley Twins\u2019 \u201cMagical Mints\u201d or I\u2019m never going to get any in the morning,\u201d she said to herself.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had read an ad in the Prophet about the mints.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Arial Black;\">Don\u2019t Wake Up with the Breath of Death!<br \/>\nMagical Mints Refresh your Breath!<\/span><br \/>\n<i>Available now at Weasley\u2019s Wizarding Wheezes!<\/i><\/p>\n<p>There was a picture of the Grim Reaper exhaling on a startled wizard in bed, then the wizard offering the specter a roll of Magical Mints, taking one himself, then both smiling at the reader with little tendrils of freshness rolling from their mouths, Death\u2019s bright smile the only thing visible inside his hood.<\/p>\n<p>Basically you only had to take the mint candy at night and in the morning say \u201cRefresh!\u201d to invoke it, and your breath was instantly minty fresh. Each candy lasted twenty-four hours and came twelve to a roll.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione lay in the bed, then the memory of Severus\u2019 talk came back to her. She felt herself tense up. If they had sex, would he have immediately changed his method? Hermione hoped not. She had become used to being completely satisfied, and it irked her a bit that the wizard wanted to change everything.<\/p>\n<p>She knew she was being horribly selfish, but she couldn\u2019t help it. She also felt a little angry as well. Why was he trying to ruin a good thing?<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat up and pulled on her granny gown, scowling, then rolled out of the bed and headed for the bathroom. Severus was in the shower. For a moment, Hermione thought about having a bowel movement as she sat on the loo. That would show \u201cMr. Sensitive Nose.\u201d Most wizards didn\u2019t give a damn about morning breath. But she simply peed, flushed the loo and washed her hands. She watched Severus\u2019 scattered outline as he bathed his body. He held out his long cock and soaped it, looking down, then turning his head towards her.<\/p>\n<p>She knew he was probably smirking.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m going to my room to shower and get dressed,\u201d she announced, then stalked out of his bedroom and down to her own.<\/p>\n<p>Severus chuckled as he turned off the spigot.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was something else.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione joined Severus at the breakfast table. The wizard was already eating. Hermione scanned the food, licking her lips. Eli had made eggs, sausage, buttered toast with jam and coffee. Hermione was just about to bite into a sausage when Eli brought in the Daily Prophet and handed it to Severus.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master immediately opened it up, going to the investment section. Hermione glanced at the large picture on the front page and dropped her fork.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh my gods!\u201d she cried, covering her mouth with her hand and staring at the paper. Startled, Severus looked around it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you witch?\u2019 he asked, scowling.<\/p>\n<p>Her mouth still covered, Hermione pointed one trembling finger at the front page. Severus closed the paper and looked at it. His eyebrows rose, then he looked at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, I meant to tell you about this,\u201d he said lamely.<\/p>\n<p>On the front page of the Daily Prophet was a huge picture of Hermione. The caption over it read: HAVE YOU SEEN THIS WITCH?<\/p>\n<p>Beneath the photo read \u201cDaily Prophet offers One Thousand Galleons for Information leading to locating Miss Hermione Granger.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy do they want me?\u201d Hermione asked Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry\u2019s recovery has become common knowledge, but he has disappeared\u2026more than likely made the beach house unplottable. So they are looking for us to tell the story,\u201d Severus said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow long has it been since they found out about Harry?\u201d Hermione asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAbout three weeks,\u201d Severus replied, putting the paper down and drinking his coffee.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd you didn\u2019t think I should know about this?\u201d Hermione seethed at him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled at her over his coffee, then put the cup down.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou were involved in your work. It would have only been an aggravation and distraction to deal with all those reporters. However, if you want to subject yourself to that madness, all you have to do is go down to the Daily Prophet. You might even be able to collect the one thousand galleons,\u201d he said snarkily, cutting and spearing a piece of sausage.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at him for a moment, then sighed. He was right. It would have been a real pain dealing with all of that. She would have to do it eventually however. Restoring Harry was a big deal. She wondered how he was doing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI should go see Harry,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSounds like a good idea. It would get you out of the house,\u201d the wizard said. \u201cMost likely he will have set the ward to allow you in.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione finished her breakfast. She asked Severus to come but he said he needed to work through the mountain of receipts she had left him and figure out if he had any money left.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stuck her tongue at him, thinking he didn\u2019t see her, but he did.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t let your mouth make promises it can\u2019t keep, Hermione,\u201d he said, not looking up from the pile of small parchments littering his desk. He had a quill and a ledger and was carefully notating expenditures in the columns.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione snorted at him and disapparated.<\/p>\n<p>She arrived on the beach and there was a light rain falling. Yes, she could see Harry\u2019s house. He had left an opening for her. She ran through the damp sand up the steps and stopped in front of the door. She was about to knock\u2026when she heard giggling and thumping noises.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione frowned slightly as a scream went up, then another, both female\u2026both different. She moved to a window and looked in. A naked female body flashed past.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat?\u201d Hermione said to herself.<\/p>\n<p>Another female body flashed by the window again, then ran around an armchair. Hermione saw a brunette woman laughing behind the chair, then Ginny appeared next her\u2026also laughing. Their breasts jiggled with mirth and they clutched each other.<\/p>\n<p>Then she saw Harry stalking both of them. He was in scarlet boxers however. He was smiling and easing toward the witches, feinting right then left. Finally he ran toward them and dove over the armchair, taking both of the squealing witches down. Hermione could see the tangle of legs kicking and struggling, sticking out from behind the chair\u2026and then the squealing stopped, soon replaced by more intimate sounds.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione moved away from the window.<\/p>\n<p>Apparently Ginny had introduced Harry to Gail, the witch she was with in Cedric\u2019s Sex Symposium. More than introduced him judging by what Hermione just witnessed.<\/p>\n<p>Slowly, Hermione exited the porch and walked back toward the beach. Harry had enough company to tide him over. She\u2019d visit him some other time.<\/p>\n<p>She apparated back to Severus\u2019 house.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard looked up. Hermione had only been gone ten minutes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBack so soon?\u201d he asked her, his eyes resting on the witch\u2019s troubled face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. Harry had \u2018company.\u2019\u201d the witch replied sullenly, dropping into an armchair.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGinny Weasley?\u201d the Potions Master asked, putting his quill down.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. And friends,\u201d she said darkly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked interested.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFriends?\u201d he inquired. That shouldn\u2019t have stopped Hermione from visiting Harry. She was rather social in nature.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, one friend. A very good one from what I witnessed,\u201d Hermione groused. \u201cHarry was chasing both of them around the house. Both witches were naked. I saw through the window.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus sat back in the chair.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, well. I wouldn\u2019t have thought Potter had it in him,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cObviously he has it in Ginny and her little girlfriend as well,\u201d Hermione spat.<\/p>\n<p>Severus quirked an eyebrow at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou seem quite angry about Harry\u2019s dalliance,\u201d the wizard observed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am,\u201d Hermione breathed, \u201cHow can Ginny claim to love him and then bring another witch to fuck him? She\u2019s no good for him, Severus. She\u2019s ruining him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, Harry is a grown wizard and Ginny a grown witch. As consenting adults they have a right to do whatever they want sexually. Perhaps Miss Weasley enjoys recreational sex as well as intimate sex, and Harry has a taste for it too? I am quite sure she didn\u2019t force the witch on him, Hermione. From what you described, it sounds as if everyone were enjoying themselves. Do you begrudge Harry a bit of pleasure?\u2019 the wizard asked her, his black eyes somber.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d she said slowly\u2026it\u2019s just that I feel if they are together, then they should be together\u2026just the two,\u201d Hermione stated, \u201cWhat kind of love lets someone else into a relationship that is supposed to be\u2026well\u2026special?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor all you know, Hermione\u2026what Ginny and Harry have is special. You can\u2019t presume to judge their lifestyle. If you care about Harry as much as you claim to, you will accept him as he is, not as he was. Things are different now,\u201d Severus said. \u201cHe seemed happy, didn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd your reason for bringing him back was to give him the opportunity to live his life as he wanted and to be happy, correct?\u201d the wizard continued.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d Hermione admitted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo you have accomplished what you set out to do, witch. Harry is on his own now. You cannot decide the kind of life he leads, just as he cannot decide yours. All you can do is continue to be his friend and be there for him\u2026or\u2026leave him alone,\u201d Severus said quietly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him. Leave Harry alone? Never. He was her friend. Yes, she was disappointed with what she saw, but then again\u2026it was mostly because it was something she could never imagine doing. Ginny was much different from her\u2026and Hermione realized she felt superior to the witch because she wasn\u2019t as sexually promiscuous as Ginny was. In her opinion, Ginny was a slut and didn\u2019t deserve Harry. Seeing Harry accept Ginny\u2019s sexuality so willingly instead of being turned off by it threw her for a loop.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGinny Weasley disturbs you because she is a sexual free spirit, doesn\u2019t she Hermione?\u201d Severus inquired.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI guess that\u2019s one way of putting what she is,\u201d Hermione replied, frowning.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDid it ever occur to you that Ginny may have become that way because of inner turmoil? That abandoning Harry had a bad effect on her and she used sex as an escape much as you do\u2026though your expression is much different than hers? Seeking comfort in the arms of others and now it is a part of her psyche even though she has Harry back?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat are you? Some kind of sex guru?\u201d Hermione asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, I had an opportunity to study a bit of sexual psychology recently,\u201d the wizard admitted. \u201cFascinating subject really. Especially the female psyche when it comes to intimacy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDr. Severus,\u201d Hermione snorted. \u201cKnows the answers to everything remotely connected to the female libido.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus frowned at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe fact is, I don\u2019t know everything, which was why I studied the topic. Next I might get a book on repressed, judgmental little witches,\u201d he said testily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am not repressed. I just have my own beliefs about what\u2019s proper,\u201d Hermione replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust remember, Voldemort had his beliefs too. He believed it was proper for purebloods to rule and muggle-borns to be exterminated. Had that belief been accepted, you would not be here today witch. Don\u2019t be so strait-laced and stubborn. Let other people live their lives in the way that makes them happiest. You\u2019ll be happier too,\u201d Severus said, going back to his ledger.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione spent the next hour sitting in silence as Severus got his books in order. Finally the wizard finished, looked up at Hermione and sighed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHave you gotten over Harry\u2019s little witchfest yet?\u201d he asked Hermione, who looked at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI suppose so. I was just shocked and disappointed I think. I thought he would need me more,\u201d the witch admitted.<\/p>\n<p>Severus rose and walked over to where the witch was sitting. He sat down in the other armchair.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe will always need you, Hermione. You are a part of his life. There are just other parts, other aspects\u2026as there should be. Ginny fits in one part and you in another. Ideally, there should be a balance. She is not competition\u2026just an addition, an enhancement. You have to come to terms with that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione studied the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026you are so contained, so solitary. How can you understand these aspects of life so well when you don\u2019t participate in them? It seems odd you should have such a grasp of the motivations of others,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was silent for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am an observer, Hermione. I spent years observing as a teacher, a deatheater and member of the Order. I had to be able to determine the motivations of others, be able to get inside their heads. I am also a head of house, and need to understand motivations to advise my Slytherins. By being emotionally removed from situations and not affected by them personally, I get a clearer picture of what is occurring than those invested in human interactions,\u201d he said, \u201cI have always avoided becoming entangled myself. I stayed alive that way.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione frowned slightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut now Voldemort is dead. Surely you can open up now that his threat is gone,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI learned that there is much pain dealing with people, Hermione. Pain, disappointment, distress, discomfort\u2026and the list is endless. People are misery. I can be miserable alone. By staying aloof I am not in that loop of pain. I can live my life freely now that the Dark Lord is gone, and I am doing that. I just choose not to open myself up to more pain,\u201d the wizard said softly. Yet his eyes were hard.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione thought about this. Severus\u2019 life had been one full of pain. He was also unappreciated and overlooked by others he risked his life to protect. He had no one to confide in, no one to go to for comfort. He suffered alone. It made sense he was as cold as he was to others. No one had ever shown him kindness, appreciation\u2026or love.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026do I bring you pain?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 black eyes flicked over the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. You bring me respite,\u201d he replied, \u201cMy association with you has turned out to be quite pleasurable, though I initially had my doubts.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat will you do when our association is over?\u201d she asked him. The truth was, Hermione wondered what she would do when he was no longer her patron.<\/p>\n<p>He looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t think that far ahead, witch. But since you asked, I imagine I will return to my quiet, celibate life and live off the residuals you\u2019ve brought me,\u201d he said. Then he looked at her. \u201cAnd what will you do?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione gave the wizard an appraising look&#8230;then her eyes went soft.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\u201cMiss you,\u201d she replied.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Just a bit more examination into the relationship between these two. How about Harry eh? Lol. Must have thrown Hermione for quite a loop. Anyway, please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 41<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 41 ~ A Surprise for Hermione<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master found himself face to face with what could be a turning point, an intimate moment, an opportunity to make this arrangement much more than what it was. All he had to say was he would miss the witch too.<\/p>\n<p>But\u2026being who he was, Severus didn\u2019t do it.<\/p>\n<p>Instead he said, \u201cI believe Hermione, a specific part of my anatomy is what you will miss. Not me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at the Potions Master, not knowing what to say to this. Severus arched an eyebrow at the witch\u2019s silence.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTruth got your tongue, witch?\u201d he asked her with an ugly little smirk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re a bastard,\u201d Hermione replied, standing up. \u201cI\u2019m going to my room.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The witch stormed off. Severus\u2019 black eyes sobered the moment she disappeared and he sighed.<\/p>\n<p>He hadn\u2019t handled that well at all. Why was he sabotaging himself? The wizard had come to realize he wanted Hermione, but when faced with opportunities to get closer to the witch, he let them pass. Was he frightened of the possibility she would accept him?<\/p>\n<p>The wizard shook the thought out of his head. He was Severus Snape. He wasn\u2019t frightened of anything. Particularly a twenty-six year old witch he\u2019d known since she was a child.<\/p>\n<p>Still, he had hurt her by being so crass.<\/p>\n<p>But he had an idea how to make it up to her.<\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was lying in her four-poster on her back staring up at the ceiling when a knock sounded on her door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGo away!\u201d she yelled, flipping over to her stomach and burying her face in the pillow.<\/p>\n<p>Severus tried the door. It was locked.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard scowled and pulled out his wand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlohamora!\u201d he hissed.<\/p>\n<p>The door clicked open. Hermione had not thought to ward it.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stormed through the door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet up!\u201d he said to the witch, who didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGo away, Severus. I\u2019ve talked to you enough today,\u201d Hermione replied, her voice muffled by the pillow.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stalked over to the bed, caught her by the arm and yanked Hermione out of it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI told you to get up, witch. I am your patron\u2026you do as I say,\u201d he growled, \u201cAnd if you ever lock this door against me again, I will remove it. Now come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione barely managed to grab her wand off the nightstand as Severus dragged her out the bedroom and up the hall. For a split second she thought about hexing him, but his rage would have been terrible when he recovered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re walking too fast,\u201d she said, trying to keep up with the wizard\u2019s long strides. Scowling, Severus slowed and released her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cKeep up,\u201d he said, walking to the back of the house and out the back door into the large backyard. There was nothing out there but well-trimmed grass. Severus stalked across the landscape.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhere are we going?\u201d Hermione asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust come along witch. You\u2019ll see soon enough,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione followed him silently, wondering just where the dark wizard was taking her.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Severus stopped, made a pulling motion with his arm, then disappeared.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared wide-eyed. Where did he go?<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the wizard reappeared. Well, half of him did. He was leaning slightly and cut off vertically up his back. His legs weren\u2019t visible either. He looked as if he were leaning out of an invisible door.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Hermione realized he was.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome on, witch!\u201d he commanded.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione hurried up, and Severus appeared fully as he held the door open. She walked through into total blackness.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLumos\u201d Severus said. Suddenly there was light, and Hermione saw a long staircase leading down into the earth.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFollow me and watch your step. I don\u2019t feel like tumbling to the lower level,\u201d Severus said, walking down the stairs, his robes billowing. Hermione followed. What was this place?<\/p>\n<p>After about five minutes they reached the bottom landing. There was a door. Severus unwarded it and walked through. Hermione followed, then gasped, bringing her hand to her mouth.<\/p>\n<p>They were standing in a circular library, books filling the shelves as high as the eye could see. There was a huge circular catalog drawer that went around the entire room, set into the wall below the bookshelves. On the black marble floor was a huge circle, with a large pentacle in the center and symbols drawn all around it in red. A large table with two chairs sat in the middle of the pentacle. There were parchments and quills on it.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione noted that some of the books were chained in place, and some were wriggling as if trying to attract attention. There were huge tomes and tiny booklets. Most of the titles appeared to be in Latin, but a few were in English and other languages.<\/p>\n<p>Severus watched the witch as she took in his library, then she turned to him breathlessly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour library of Dark Magic,\u201d she breathed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d Severus said, nodding and looking around at his collection before letting his eyes fall back on the witch. \u201cSince this was the primary reason you accepted my patronage, I thought you should at least get a look at it, since it seems you won\u2019t actually need any of these books.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s amazing. You have so many,\u201d Hermione breathed, starting to walk toward a shelf. Severus snatched her back.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110818231715im_\/http:\/\/www.theburningpen.com\/Gray\/mapsnape.gif\" width=\"235\" height=\"292\" align=\"left\" border=\"4\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" \/>\u201cNever\u2026never ever approach any of these books that way, witch. Not if you wish to leave this place,\u201d he hissed at her. \u201cAlways go to the catalogue and look up what you need. These books are not meant for browsing. You must have a subject or specific book in mind when you come here.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus strode over to the catalogue and opened up the \u201cD\u201d drawer. It was at least ten feet long. He motioned for Hermione to come closer so he could show her the reference cards. There was a title, a symbol and an invocation on the card. Severus pointed at the symbol.<\/p>\n<p>This is the protective symbol you must draw before summoning the book. It doesn\u2019t matter where you draw it. This large circle amplifies its power and protects everything within its boundaries. You draw this immediately. Underneath the symbol is the invocation which will bring the book to you. You should never summon a book if someone is in the process of entering or leaving this abode\u2026they are unprotected and could be taken. Not that anyone enters here but me\u2026but it is still important to know. &#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Never open a book before it is placed on the table. There are additional wards that will protect you in case there is an inhabitant in the book. And you cannot leave the circle until the book is properly returned to its place on the shelf. A simple \u2018return\u2019 said with intent will send it back. Never leave the circle until a book is secured,&#8221; the wizard said looking somberly at the witch.\u00a0 She better have paid attention.<\/p>\n<p>Severus took out his wand and drew the symbol for a book called \u201cDemonis Spiritus\u201d then spoke the invocation. Hermione looked up and saw a book pull itself out of a high shelf and float down to the Potions Master, who carried it over to the table. It was a scaly-looking tome. Hermione didn\u2019t like it on sight.<\/p>\n<p>Severus set it on the table. He looked at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOpen it,\u201d he said, gesturing toward the book and stepping aside.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at the wizard for a moment, then walked forward and slowly opened the tome.<\/p>\n<p>She screamed as a horned demon with the face and tusks of a boar sprang halfway out, claws curled to rend and tear, snorting fire and roaring so powerfully, her hair was blown back. But it didn\u2019t attack. It couldn\u2019t. Snarling it withdrew back into the book.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione turned to Severus, trembling.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat was mean,\u201d she said in a squeaking voice.<\/p>\n<p>Severus smirked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, that was a lesson. All manner of things are contained in these books. Some have monsters that spring out at every new chapter. A few of the creatures are quite tempting, appearing as very beautiful women or very handsome men. They will lie and say they\u2019ve been imprisoned in the books by someone evil, but they are the true evil. They will promise all manner of pleasure if you will release them and give you the word to say to liberate them. But if you release them, you will never see daylight again and can count on a slow and painful death,\u201d the Potions Master said. \u201cThe circle will not protect you against your own stupidity. Never repeat anything out loud read in these books. Not a passage or even a single word. Not every one will react to being read out loud, but it is better to be safe than dead in this case.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione turned a couple of pages in the book, prepared for another manifestation, but none came. She read it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is a list of names with different kinds of attributes next to them,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. It is a list of demons you can bind and use to fulfill your needs,\u201d the wizard said rather darkly, \u201cBut there is always an unpleasant price to pay for their services\u2026usually in the Afterlife. I\u2019ve heard they use females as concubines and usually have more than one sexual appendage. Spiked.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shuddered and closed the book.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cReturn,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>The book floated upward and returned to its place on the shelf. Hermione turned and looked at the catalogue.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCan I browse through the catalogue, Severus?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCertainly. Just remember what I told you,\u201d the wizard said, sitting down at the table and watching as Hermione quickly walked over to the catalogue and began leafing through it, her eyes glowing.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, he had made up for his crassness this morning. Most likely he had made points as well.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione leafed through the catalogue for about forty-five minutes, before calling Severus. He walked over and she pointed to a card.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, what is this symbol?\u201d she asked. Severus looked at the card. There was the pentacle symbol and another below it. He smirked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat does it look like?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA man and a woman engaged in sex,\u201d she replied looking up at him then back at the card curiously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat particular book requires a protective circle and an act of sex to summon it,\u201d the wizard said, his dark eyes resting on Hermione. \u201cDo you wish to see it?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, not right now,\u201d Hermione replied, flushing a little.<\/p>\n<p>There were so many cards to go through and besides\u2026she\u2019d feel strange having sex in this place. It would be as if the books themselves were watching them. They probably would be too.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, I am at your disposal if you need me,\u201d Severus purred at her, returning to his seat.<\/p>\n<p>All in all they spent three hours in the library before Severus said it was time to go. Hermione looked crestfallen. She could spend weeks here just going through the catalogue.<\/p>\n<p>As they made their way up the stairs, Severus said, \u201cPerhaps I will make it a point to come here on the weekends and escort you here to browse if you promise not to work on Saturday and Sunday,\u201d the wizard offered.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione hastily agreed, a broad smile on her face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you, Severus,\u201d she said breathlessly.<\/p>\n<p>He had been forgiven.<\/p>\n<p>**************************************<\/p>\n<p>When they returned to the house, Severus summoned Eli and said something to him. The elf bowed and left.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat down in the armchair in the living room and gushed about how wonderful his library was, and how interesting the titles were, and how many protective circles there were.<\/p>\n<p>Severus listened to her chatter patiently. When Hermione chattered, she was excited and thoroughly taken in by whatever captured her imagination. It was the first time the witch had been so open and animated with him. Years ago, this would have annoyed the hell out of the wizard, but now\u2026it rather pleased him.<\/p>\n<p>They were interrupted by Eli.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLunch is ready,\u201d he announced. Both Hermione and Severus walked into the kitchen, and on the table were two huge ham sandwiches complete with cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. Hermione\u2019s had sweet pickles on it. She recognized the ham right away. Iberico.<\/p>\n<p>The witch glanced at Eli who looked at her with his ears pressed back.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sat down and looked at Hermione, who joined him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis ham is quite special. I think you will enjoy it,\u201d the wizard said, picking up his sandwich and taking a bite. Bliss washed over his face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cExcellent,\u201d he breathed, his eyes half closed in pleasure. Severus certainly liked his ham.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione took a bite of her sandwich. It was delicious of course. But she knew that. Still\u2026<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMMMmmm\u201d she said exaggeratedly, \u201cThis is sooooo delicious, Severus.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is a special ham from Spain, called Iberico,\u201d the wizard said. He proceeded to tell Hermione about the Iberian hogs the meat came from, the acorn feeding and the years it took to purchase it because of the waiting list. Hermione knew most of this, but not how difficult it was to get.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIs it expensive?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. Quite expensive. Since it comes from a muggle source, I have to convert my galleons to English currency. The ham costs about forty-three pounds per pound. Of course, I buy an entire ham. It comes to about six hundred and forty seven pounds in all.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s obscene!\u201d she exclaimed, looking at the sandwich. \u201cThat\u2019s terribly, terribly expensive, Severus.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI appreciate the very best,\u201d the wizard replied, his dark eyes washing over her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione got the distinct impression he wasn\u2019t talking ham and colored a bit.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow eat up. It\u2019s not often you get to eat a sandwich worth forty-two pounds,\u201d he said to the witch.<\/p>\n<p>He had no idea that Hermione had eaten at least one-hundred pounds worth of his ham her first few weeks. And if Hermione had her way he never would.<\/p>\n<p>Severus patted his stomach after finishing his sandwich and pumpkin juice. He looked at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI believe a nap is in order,\u201d he said to the witch. He felt full and comfortable. \u201cWill you join me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded.<\/p>\n<p>Severus walked over to her, and for the first time\u2026pulled out her chair and offered her his arm, which she took.\u00a0 He walked her to his bedroom.<\/p>\n<p>Severus didn\u2019t undress fully but slept in his shirt and trousers, and Hermione in her jeans and t-shirt. The wizard dozed off quite quickly, Hermione studying his face and wondering if there would be any action for her this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>The answer was no. Severus was quite serious when he said she needed to recharge and he made sure she did. The wizard left Sunday night without laying a finger on her. She did manage to steal a goodbye kiss however\u2026the Potions Master giving her a half-scowl and disapparating with a billow of robes.<\/p>\n<p>The moment Severus left, Hermione thought about the basilisk heart.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh no, I didn\u2019t get it from him,\u201d she said, thinking she would have to go to Hogwarts tomorrow. She wasn\u2019t looking forward to that because of the reward the Prophet had out. Then again, she could wear a glamour.<\/p>\n<p>But she needn\u2019t have worried. When she entered the Potions labs the next day, she found the treasured ingredients in a bowl, carefully sealed with a stasis spell to keep it fresh.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you, Severus,\u201d she breathed, then began to set up the Sequentius spell that would brew the Dementor Elixir.<\/p>\n<p>********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: We got a glimpse of Severus\u2019 Dark Magic library. Figures he would keep it disillusioned and underground. Cool books though. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER42<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 42 ~ Hermione Puts Her Foot in It<\/p>\n<p>Severus was in his office marking a few papers before supper when there was a knock on his door. Irritated, he looked up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWho is it?\u201d he called, frowning.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes the wizard swore people hid in niches and watched for him to enter his office for a quiet moment, then knocked on his door just to disturb him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s Draco, Godfather. Open up!\u201d Draco called from the other side of the door.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sighed. Now what was Draco doing slithering about the castle? Trying to get information about Hermione most likely. Severus pulled out his wand and unwarded his door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome in if you must,\u201d the wizard snarked.<\/p>\n<p>Draco opened the door and entered, giving Severus a bright smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, I must, Godfather, I must,\u201d the blonde wizard said, pulling out his wand and transforming the rickety chair into a comfy armchair, then sitting down and eyeing Severus.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled at the transformation. That chair was uncomfortable for a reason\u2026so the asses that sat in it would beat a hasty retreat. His eyes glittered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTwo years have not yet passed, Draco. What are you doing here?\u201d Severus asked.<\/p>\n<p>Draco\u2019s own eyes glittered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCuriosity, as you well know Godfather. Hermione hasn\u2019t contacted me in months and I wondered how your little talk went,\u201d the wizard replied. \u201cI did set it up after all and no one seems to know where she is. I need to know if you\u2019ve killed her and buried her body someplace on the Hogwarts grounds,\u201d Draco said with a smirk.<\/p>\n<p>The young wizard believed no such thing of course, but couldn\u2019t pass on the opportunity to tease the dour wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMiss Granger is currently alive and well, Draco,\u201d he said with a scowl.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI see,\u201d Draco replied\u2026and waited for more as Severus started marking parchments again. After several minutes, Draco said, \u201cOh come now, Godfather\u2026you know I am waiting for you to tell me where she is. Are you her patron?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus put down his quill, his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. Miss Granger and I came to an agreement,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n<p>Draco looked a bit shocked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFull patronage\u2026with full rights?\u201d he asked the snarky wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is a standard patronage arrangement,\u201d Severus replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh my gods, are you fucking her?\u201d Draco asked, delighted.<\/p>\n<p>Severus folded his arms and his black eyes glittered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat is none of your concern, Draco,\u201d Severus said evenly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou ARE fucking her! Damn Godfather. I would have thought your tool would have rusted off from non-use by now. So tell me\u2026is she good? I\u2019ve been after that witch for years but she won\u2019t have anything to do with me. It figures it would be books that got her to cock her legs. Knowledge is probably her aphrodisiac. I was never the literary type.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He looked at Severus expectantly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI never said I have touched the witch, Draco,\u201d the Professor said.<\/p>\n<p>Draco\u2019s eyebrows rose.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut she is at your home utilizing your labs and your books I imagine,\u201d Draco pressed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d Severus said stiffly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell then\u2026if you aren\u2019t exercising your patronly rights with the witch, then you shouldn\u2019t have a problem with me dropping by and seeing if I can get my wand wet. After being locked up for all these months, she\u2019s bound to be randy,\u201d Draco said to the wizard, his blue eyes hot.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet out,\u201d Severus said in a low voice.<\/p>\n<p>Draco looked surprised.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat Godfather?\u201d Draco responded.<\/p>\n<p>Severus rose to his full height behind his desk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI said get out you randy pup. You fuck witches whenever you wish, and still you want to target a woman who has no interest in you and is under my protection. I will not have you disturbing her from her work with your advances, Draco. You show up at my door and you will leave in a smoking matchbox. Do I make myself clear?\u201d Severus said, a deadly gleam in his eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCalm down, Godfather. Hermione\u2019s your charge, not your daughter\u2026though the gods know you\u2019re old enough to be her father. I just thought she\u2019d like a bit of respite. You aren\u2019t the best company,\u201d Draco said, rising from the armchair.<\/p>\n<p>Severus pointed his wand at the chair and transformed it back to its original state of discomfort, then pointed at the door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOut now, Draco. I won\u2019t tell you again,\u201d the wizard said blackly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine, fine Godfather,\u201d Draco said, backing up to the office door and feeling for the handle with his hand. He found it and pulled it open, slipping through. Before he exited he said, \u201cAlways a pleasure, Godfather,\u201d then ducked out as Severus slammed the door with magic, trying to catch Draco\u2019s head before he withdrew it. He didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s fucking her,\u201d Draco said to himself as he walked up the corridor, \u201cI bet every time he climbs on top of her, Hermione wishes she\u2019d taken me up on my offer instead.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard shook his head and shuddered at bit at the thought of the Potions Master fucking the witch. It must be quite a chore for her. Severus was so blasted ugly. She probably kept her eyes closed and pretended pleasure made her do it.<\/p>\n<p>Draco scowled as he realized Severus had run him out so quickly he didn\u2019t have a chance to inquire about Harry\u2019s rumored return to the living. He hoped it were true. Then that twinge of guilt he\u2019d carried all these years could finally be put to rest. Draco felt that if he had been faster casting the spell to destroy the Dementor that attacked the-boy-who-lived, then Harry would have been left intact. The truth was he couldn\u2019t have been any faster. It happened so quickly.<\/p>\n<p>Well, at least he knew where Hermione was. If he wanted to be a bastard to his godfather, he could let the Prophet know and let him have to deal with the hordes of reporters and curiosity seekers who would turn up outside his house seeking out the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Draco smiled wickedly.<\/p>\n<p>One thousand galleons was mere pocket change to the wizard\u2026but then again\u2026galleons were galleons.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione spent the week brewing some of the potions Severus had given her, since the Sequentius spell was taking care of the Dementor elixir. She continued to read Damius\u2019 journal, but was more laid back. She had a bit of time now and was showering and eating properly. Subconsciously, she wanted to be in good shape when the Potions Master returned this weekend so she\u2019d be desirable to him. She was feeling quite randy. It had been over a month since they had engaged in sex.<\/p>\n<p>She even went to visit Harry on Wednesday evening. This time the wizard was alone, and they sat and chatted. Hermione couldn\u2019t resist delving into his private life.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo, have you seen Ginny lately?\u201d Hermione asked him.<\/p>\n<p>Immediately a rather goofy smile appeared on Harry\u2019s face, and his eyes glazed a bit behind his glasses. Hermione fought back a scowl at his expression\u2026it was easy to see he was head-over-heels for Ginny.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh yes. I\u2019ve seen her,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow are things with you two?\u201d Hermione pressed him, wanting to know how he saw his relationship with the promiscuous witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThings are fine. More than fine. Ginny is something else Hermione. A real free spirit. She knows how to open up, and open me up to new experiences. She\u2019s shown me a whole new world,\u201d Harry said earnestly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione wanted to snort. She knew what kind of \u201cnew experiences\u201d Harry was talking about.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you love her, Harry?\u201d Hermione asked him, hoping to gods he said no.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith all my heart, Hermione,\u201d the wizard replied, his green eyes shining with happiness.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at Harry. She just had to ask.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you exclusive?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSort of,\u201d he replied obliquely.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione frowned.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow can you be \u201csort of\u201d exclusive? Either you are or you aren\u2019t,\u201d Hermione said, her nose wrinkling.<\/p>\n<p>Harry looked at Hermione. He knew she wouldn\u2019t approve of the kind of love life he and Ginny had. She was always a little prude. Well, this was his life\u2026and if she didn\u2019t like it, that was just too damn bad.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, Ginny has this friend\u2026more than a friend really. Her name is Gail. She met her about a year after the Dementor had kissed me. Up to that point, Ginny was grieving for Ron and for me and had closed up. She wasn\u2019t seeing anyone, not even living her life. She only went to work and came to see me,\u201d Harry said. \u201cOnce in a while she would have lunch at the Three Broomsticks.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione remembered when Ginny was like this. Hermione thought it was fitting for her to be that way, not running about when Harry was in such a condition.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGail had seen Ginny eating alone at the Three Broomsticks for months, and one day she joined her, and the two of them talked and became close friends. She tried to draw Ginny out but it was so difficult to do. She cared about her very much,\u201d the wizard said, \u201cShe set Ginny up on a couple of dates to try and get her to live again, and Ginny tried it\u2026even was intimate with a couple of blokes, but eventually\u2026she closed up again. She wanted me. She still loved me,\u201d Harry explained.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSome way to show she loved you, sleeping with other wizards,\u201d Hermione said, her eyes narrowed. \u201cShe should have been faithful.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry gave the witch a black look.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, Ginny had no way of knowing I would ever come back. I would have hated to learn that she stopped living because of me. She did in a way, but Gail helped her through it\u2026and I\u2019m grateful for that,\u201d the black-haired wizard said firmly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione fell silent.<\/p>\n<p>Harry took a deep breath in preparation for what he had to reveal next.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGinny cried a lot, a whole lot\u2026and Gail would comfort her\u2026then one night the comforting became\u2026became something more than comfort. Ginny was looking for someone to ease her pain and Gail was there, willing to do it. They became lovers as well as friends, Hermione. Ginny is bi-sexual. She\u2019s been with Gail for six years,\u201d the wizard said. \u201cHow could I come between a six-year relationship?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione frowned.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou could have left her alone, Harry,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>Harry frowned at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, I made love to Ginny for the first time the night before the Final Battle. When you brought me back, it was as if only a day had passed. I still loved her, Hermione, we shared something beautiful and special\u2026and I love her now. I can\u2019t help it and I don\u2019t want to,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt her heart clutch a bit. Ginny was very lucky to have someone love her and who was not ashamed to say he did. Not afraid to say the words. No wizard had ever told Hermione he loved her. Deep in her heart, Hermione envied Ginny Weasley terribly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry, how can you love her when she\u2019s been with other wizards\u2026and witches?\u201d Hermione said, unable to let it go.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione that doesn\u2019t matter. Not when she\u2019s with me. When she\u2019s with me I am the only wizard in the world for her. She\u2019s not seeing any other men now that I am back,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot wizards maybe\u2026but what about Gail?\u201d Hermione asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGail is kind of our third wheel,\u201d the wizard admitted. \u201cShe\u2019s a very sweet and kind witch, Hermione, and cares about Ginny very much. I couldn\u2019t demand Ginny throw her out of her life when for a while Gail was all that held it together for her. Gail and I both love Ginny, and we\u2019ve both made love to Ginny at the same time\u2026and it was amazing. Sometimes I have sex with Gail too, but we are more like shag-buddies. It\u2019s about physical pleasure. If Ginny and I feel like a bit of fun, we contact Gail and all have a shag together. And it\u2019s good, Hermione. It works for us. And it doesn\u2019t change how I feel about Ginny one bit.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione hadn\u2019t known Harry was so open about sex, or so accepting. But then again, he was fucking two beautiful women, one who loved him and one who liked him and who both got along, very, very well. For a wizard, it couldn\u2019t get much better than that.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn fact, I\u2019m thinking about asking Ginny to move in with me,\u201d the wizard said, \u201cSort of a test run\u2026for marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMarriage, Harry? To Ginny? But\u2026but\u2026\u201d Hermione spluttered.<\/p>\n<p>All right. Romping around the house with Ginny and Gail was one thing\u2026but marrying Ginny? It didn\u2019t seem like a very good idea\u2026love or no love.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry, she\u2019s not suitable for a wife\u2026surely you can see that\u2026\u201d Hermione said. \u201cYou need a decent witch to marry\u2026not one who has a witch for a lover and who has been bed hopping throughout the wizarding world doing gods know what for the past six years\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry stiffened, looking over Hermione\u2019s shoulder. His face went white.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked over her shoulder to see Ginny standing in the kitchen doorway, her brown eyes looking at her, glistening with unshed tears. She didn\u2019t say anything at all to the witch. Her eyes shifted toward Harry, then she turned around and exited the house.<\/p>\n<p>Harry frowned at Hermione as he quickly stood up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThanks a lot, Hermione. Now go home,\u201d he hissed at her, then ran out of the kitchen behind Ginny. Hermione heard the screen door slam.<\/p>\n<p>Oh shit. Ginny had heard her. Fuckfuckfuck.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione slowly rose, walked out of the kitchen, through the living room and on to the porch. She could see Harry and Ginny facing each other on the beach, Harry talking to Ginny and Ginny shaking her head. Suddenly Harry launched himself at the witch and embraced her in a bear hug. The couple sank down to the ground and rocked together, Harry holding the sobbing witch close protectively, rubbing her back and pressing her head to his shoulder.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione walked down the steps and disapparated.<\/p>\n<p>Neither Harry nor Ginny looked up at the sound of her departure.<\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Wow oh wow. Hermione\u2026that was just\u2026just wrong, girl. Get over yourself and let those two have some happiness after all their pain. If Harry is willing to accept Ginny as she is, why can\u2019t you? Then again, she envies Ginny because Harry loves her. Sigh. I guess no one is perfect. Anyway, that\u2019s angst enough for me right now. Yeesh. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 43<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 43 ~ The Results<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was curled up on the couch reading when Eli came into the living room and cleared his throat. Hermione looked up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry Potter is at the gate, Miss. He wants to comes in to see you,\u201d the elf said, rubbing his claws together. He could feel the tension emanating off the wizard even from a distance. This was not going to be a good visit, he was sure.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s stomach dropped. Gods, she didn\u2019t want to see Harry. She felt horrible about what Ginny heard her say, though she did mean it. She just didn\u2019t mean for Ginny to hear it. Now Harry was here to take her to task most likely. Well, they were friends\u2026friends were honest with each other. She took a deep breath.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDrop the ward and let him in, Eli,\u201d she said, closing her book and putting it on the end table.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes Miss,\u201d Eli said, and walked out the front door to let Harry in the gate.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione smoothed her hair and straightened on the couch. In a moment, Harry entered the living room, his face sober. He was dressed in jeans, a t-shirt and trainers. The wizard looked as if he hadn\u2019t slept well.<\/p>\n<p>Harry took an armchair and looked at Hermione, frowning.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou almost made Ginny leave me, Hermione. She has enough guilt of her own without you adding to it. I don\u2019t appreciate what you said about her or you trying to tell me who to be with,\u201d Harry said to her without a greeting.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was just telling you how I feel,\u201d Hermione said defensively, \u201cI didn\u2019t plan on Ginny hearing me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry blinked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, here\u2019s a headline for you Hermione. When it comes to Ginny, I don\u2019t give a damn how you feel. And if you value our friendship, you will keep your opinions to yourself. I mean it,\u201d Harry said darkly. \u201cYou think because you came to see me all those times that you are better than Ginny? Hermione, it didn\u2019t make a difference to me. I mean, I\u2019m glad you were so loyal and stuck by me, but if you did it to prove just how much of a friend you are and to lord it over me and everyone else, I\u2019d rather you had just stayed away too.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat do you mean, lord it over you?\u201d Hermione asked, frowning.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI mean, trying to be seen as the long-suffering St. Hermione, that\u2019s what I mean. That I owe you something because you came to see me all those times and found a way to bring me back. I\u2019m grateful Hermione. I really am. But I can\u2019t put you on a pedestal and push everyone else I care about away because they couldn\u2019t do what you did. Ginny and I had a different relationship than you and I did. We were lovers. Intimate. It was harder for her than for you, Hermione, much harder\u2026and she wasn\u2019t as strong as you were. You look down on Ginny for what she did, but she did what she did to survive and keep going. You think you\u2019re better than she is\u2026but you aren\u2019t. You just live under different circumstance. Look at what you\u2019re doing. Fucking Snape so you can further yourself. What is that, Hermione? What does that make you if we use your standards? A witch who\u2019s selling herself, a prostitute for knowledge. A whore for personal gain.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione flushed at Harry\u2019s words.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s an accepted practice to take a patron,\u201d she said, falling back on tradition to shore her up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, for some it\u2019s an accepted practice to have more than one lover at a time, or to have a lover who is the same sex. I\u2019m sure it\u2019s been going on from the beginning Hermione. Much longer than the wizarding world\u2019s patronage system. You think I like the idea of Snape fucking you? He mistreated us almost the entire time we attended Hogwarts. He was particularly mean to you, Hermione\u2026and now you\u2019re letting him fuck you when he wishes, and keep you like a kept woman. Yes, it\u2019s tradition\u2026but a lot of people wouldn\u2019t think it right. Do your parents know about your patronage?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dYes,\u201d Hermione said uncomfortably.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo they know all of the details surrounding it? Did you tell them you had to sleep with Snape?\u201d Harry asked her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d she admitted, \u201cThey wouldn\u2019t have understood.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI imagine not,\u201d Harry said darkly, \u201cAnd what do you think they would think of you if they knew\u2026or if anyone in the muggle world knew? Hmm?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Hermione lied. She knew.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey would think you weren\u2019t a decent woman. Most mothers wouldn\u2019t want you to marry their sons. You are no better than Ginny when you look at it like that, Hermione. You may not have slept around as much as she did, or have a witch for a lover, but you cock your legs for a man that mistreated you for years just to gain access what he has. At least Ginny loves me. Can you say the same thing about Snape?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. I can\u2019t. But it\u2019s not the way you\u2019re describing it Harry,\u201d Hermione said, her eyes glistening.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNeither is my and Ginny\u2019s relationship the way you describe it,\u201d the wizard answered quietly. \u201cI\u2019m not judging you, Hermione. You have the right to live the way you want\u2026no matter how I feel about Snape. I have the same rights. You hurt Ginny very badly with what you said. She wanted to leave me Hermione. She already feels like you do, that she isn\u2019t good enough for me because of what she\u2019s done the years I was without hope. But she is good enough, more than good enough. And she\u2019s who I want. I won\u2019t have you adding to her misery Hermione. I am trying to bring her out of it,\u201d Harry said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know you were being honest with me, but now I am going to be honest with you. I know this doesn\u2019t sound remotely fair since we have been friends since we first started Hogwarts\u2026but friendship doesn\u2019t compare to love,\u201d Harry said softly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want you to stay away from me and Ginny for a while\u2026a good while until we can get things straightened out between us. I love you Hermione, but you have hurt someone else I love\u2026someone I want to spend my life with. You\u2019ve made this into a situation where I have to choose who I focus on. I choose Ginny,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>Tears began to fall from Hermione\u2019s eyes. She really didn\u2019t have anyone she truly considered a friend other than Harry. She had associates\u2026but not good true friends.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry, I\u2019m so sorry. So sorry,\u201d she gasped, \u201cI just\u2026I don\u2019t know what it was. I wanted you to need me after all these years\u2026not Ginny. Ginny wasn\u2019t there. I was,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, I will always need you. You\u2019re my friend,\u201d Harry said, echoing Severus\u2019 words. \u201cBut Ginny is more than a friend. She\u2019s my heart. You have to remember, no time passed for me during those eight years. I love the witch, Hermione\u2026and to have you in my life right now when she knows you feel that she\u2019s not worthy of me, would cause additional strain on our relationship\u2026and I don\u2019t want that. So I\u2019m going to have to leave you alone for a while. But just for a while. Just until I show Ginny that no matter what anyone else thinks, I love her,\u201d Harry said, standing up and opening his arms to Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>Crying, Hermione stood up and hugged Harry as if she would never see him again. This was worse than when he was under the Kiss.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry, can\u2019t we just forget\u2026\u201d she began as Harry pulled away from her.<\/p>\n<p>He looked as if his heart were breaking. The wizard took a deep breath.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo Hermione, it\u2019s too late to forget. The damage is done and I have to fix it. I can\u2019t fix it if you\u2019re around adding salt to the wound. I\u2019m sorry. I have to go,\u201d the wizard said, heading for the door.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione watched him go. When he walked through the outer gate, Hermione ran to the door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry, I love you!\u201d she called to him, tears rolling freely down her face.<\/p>\n<p>Harry looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI love you too, Hermione,\u201d he said softly, then disapparated.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione closed the door, walked back into the living room and curled up on the couch.<\/p>\n<p>She had brought this on herself. She should have just kept her mouth shut and let Harry be happy with Ginny. Now he had been forced to choose, and made the only choice that he could. Everyone wanted love, true love. Harry was no different. He was denied so much for so long because of who he was. He couldn\u2019t travel freely or do the things that children did his age because of Voldemort. He was always afraid that the people he cared for would meet sticky ends because of him. Everyone he loved\u2026his mother, his father and Sirius, died because of him. Now he was free and he loved Ginny, and there was no one trying to destroy them.<\/p>\n<p>No one but Hermione. Yet she was no Dark Lord. He could do something about her.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard did what he had to do for the sake of his own happiness.<\/p>\n<p>He walked away. Not forever\u2026but for long enough to give himself and Ginny a chance at happiness without a shadow hanging over their heads.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat there, numb.<\/p>\n<p>Harry had dumped her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione realized that Harry wasn\u2019t the only one living in the past. Harry used to listen to her logic when they were students. She could boss him around and get him to do what she wanted. Harry was no longer that wizard, but Hermione had tried to treat him like he was, to make him listen to her. And that\u2019s where she blew it.<\/p>\n<p>Now, all she could do was wait and see if their friendship could be repaired.<\/p>\n<p>The witch hung her head\u2026and then\u2026she cried.<\/p>\n<p>****************************************<\/p>\n<p>On Friday, Severus arrived to find all the potions work he\u2019d given Hermione, completed. He also found the witch clean and healthy, and therefore ripe for the plucking. He was more than ready to light into her. But Hermione gave him a half-hearted greeting.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d he asked her. He figured the witch would be so randy for him, she would have dragged him into her\/his bedroom by now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry doesn\u2019t want to see me for a while,\u201d the witch said glumly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sat down in the armchair next to hers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTrouble in Paradise?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n<p>He wondered what the witch did to jeopardize their friendship.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGinny is so lucky to have a wizard who loves her and isn\u2019t afraid to say or show it,\u201d Hermione said, \u201cI was jealous, Severus. Jealous of her and Harry. But not because I wanted Harry for myself\u2026but because of what they had. I tried to ruin it. I realize that now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;What happened?&#8221; the Potions Master asked her, suspecting Hermione had said something she should have just kept to herself.\u00a0 Hermione sighed.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\u201cHarry mentioned wanting to marry her, and I grew furious and implied\u2026no stated that Ginny wasn\u2019t good enough because of all the men she\u2019d slept with and because she had a witch for a lover\u2026and Ginny walked in and heard me,\u201d she said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u201cOuch,\u201d Severus thought. The witch had certainly stuck her foot in it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI presume Harry made a choice between the two of you, choosing Ginny. Well, I tried to warn you, Hermione,\u201d the Potions Master said softly. \u201cHarry is his own man. I guess you realize that now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded miserably.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I do. And I miss him already,\u201d she said, starting to cry.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her helplessly. This was not what he had expected to walk into\u2026<\/p>\n<p>Then the Slytherin in him came to the fore as he looked at the distraught witch. She hurt and needed comfort\u2026tenderness\u2026<\/p>\n<p>The wizard\u2019s eyes glittered.<\/p>\n<p>He could give her that.<\/p>\n<p>He stood up, walked over to the liquor cabinet, opened it, took out a bottle of wine and poured a bit in a glass. He walked back over to Hermione and gave it to her, setting the bottle on the nightstand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn situations like this, Hermione\u2026\u2019drowning your sorrows\u2019 can be good therapy,\u201d he said, handing her the glass.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at the sparkling liquid and took the glass from him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you,\u201d she said, drinking the wine straight down as Severus returned to the armchair. He refilled her glass the moment she set the glass down on the table.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you trying to get me drunk, Severus?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard\u2019s dark eyes met hers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione studied him, then picked up the glass of wine.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood. I was just making sure,\u201d she said, bringing the glass to her lips, the Professor watching her closely\u2026a small smirk on his lips.<\/p>\n<p>Tonight was going to be interesting.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you, Mr. Potter.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Well, that was a bit harsh, but Harry only did what he thought was best. And Severus, what a vulture he is\u2026swooping down on the remains of their friendship and using it as a catalyst to get what he wants. Hermione doesn\u2019t seem to care and wants to just tie one on. Severus will help her there\u2026and afterwards\u2026most likely help himself to a well-oiled witch. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 44<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 44 ~ Honesty<\/p>\n<p>Harry returned home to find Ginny in the kitchen, drinking tea and chatting with Dobby. She looked up at the wizard as he walked in, kissed her on the forehead and sat down across from her.<\/p>\n<p>Dobby took one look at the wizard and exited the kitchen. Ginny studied him. He looked upset.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you all right Harry? Where did you go?\u201d Ginny asked him.<\/p>\n<p>Harry adjusted his glasses.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI went to talk to Hermione, Ginny. I\u2019m not going to see her for a while,\u201d the wizard said. \u201cI think it\u2019s better if I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ginny looked at him over her tea. Hermione and Harry had been friends practically forever.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI see,\u201d she said shortly. \u201cBecause of me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, you\u2019re part of it\u2026yes. But Hermione needs to realize she doesn\u2019t control the world. She\u2019s there fucking Snape to get his support and have him take care of her, and has the nerve to judge you,\u201d he said bitterly.<\/p>\n<p>Ginny studied him a moment, then said softly, \u201cBut Harry\u2026the only reason she accepted the Professor\u2019s patronage in the first place was because she wanted to find a way to save you. She didn\u2019t do it for herself, Harry. She did it for you. She made that sacrifice to try and bring you back\u2026and she did.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry looked at Ginny as if she\u2019d hit him with a rock cake. He had been so angry with the witch, he had forgotten all about that. The only reason she was fucking Snape was because she had wanted to save him so desperately. She had done it, but now was stuck in the patronage until she met all the requirements.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh Hermione. You crazy witch. You\u2019d probably give up your life for me if you could,\u201d Harry thought to himself miserably. He felt the same about Hermione. He looked at Ginny with pain in his eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dGinny\u2026why do things have to be so complicated?\u201d he asked the red-haired witch as if she had the answers he needed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think the gods purposely made life that way to keep themselves entertained,\u201d Ginny replied, giving the wizard a small smile. \u201cBut Harry, I\u2019ve had a bit of time to think about what Hermione said. Actually, since you&#8217;ve been back, I&#8217;ve had the opportunity to think about a lot of things&#8230;things I couldn&#8217;t face before.\u00a0 Things about myself.\u00a0\u00a0 Hermione said what she said because she felt I abandoned you and was trying to protect you, maybe thinking I will abandon you again. She might also be angry because you turned to me and not to her when you recovered. Maybe even\u2026even a little jealous. I think if I were in her shoes, I might feel the same way,\u201d Ginny said quietly. \u201cShe loves you, Harry. You are like her brother, her family. It might not be the kind of romantic love shared between a man and woman, but it\u2019s just as strong.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, she needs to accept my decisions,\u201d Harry said angrily. \u201cShe almost drove you off.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ginny looked at Harry soberly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry, if I were to leave\u2026it wouldn\u2019t be because of Hermione. I might have used what she said as an excuse, but the choice to stay or go lies with me and not anyone else. I wanted to leave, but it is because I really don\u2019t feel good enough to be with you the way you want, Harry, not because of Hermione. The worst part is, if I had left\u2026you would have blamed her when it wouldn\u2019t have been her fault,\u201d Ginny said.<\/p>\n<p>Harry stared at Ginny, his heart aching. She really wanted to leave him?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou want to leave me?\u201d he asked her plaintively, his green eyes glistening. \u201cBut I love you, Ginny.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not the same witch you fell in love with at Hogwarts, Harry. I was pure then, innocent. Your first love. Your first intimate relationship. But the truth is Harry, I\u2019ve changed so much. I\u2019ve never loved anyone but you\u2026but I\u2019ve changed. I\u2019ve done things and seen things that make me a much different woman than the girl you knew,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n<p>Ginny\u2019s own eyes started to glisten.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry, you love a witch that no longer exists. It\u2019s\u2026I hate to say this, but an adolescent love at best\u2026a first love. You haven\u2019t even been with anyone else you can compare me to,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut you love me, Ginny,\u201d he said, his voice cracking.<\/p>\n<p>Ginny reached across the table and took Harry\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I do love you Harry. I\u2019ve always loved you and will always have a place in my heart for you. But don\u2019t you see\u2026Hermione is right. A real love between us wouldn\u2019t have space for someone else. Not Gail\u2026not anyone. You see how readily you accepted Gail into our bedroom, Harry? The idea excited you\u2026and you know why that is? You are ready to experiment, to try other women, but you didn\u2019t know how to do that without risking hurting me. You are a romantic, Harry. A very sweet romantic who needs to get out into the world and meet other witches.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut\u2026but Ginny!\u201d he said tears beginning to spill from his eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry\u2026I\u2019m not going anywhere. I didn\u2019t mean I was going to leave you in that way. I like being with you. I just think we need to make our relationship less intense\u2026more adult. We can still be together when we want to be. But Hermione is right. I\u2019m not the kind of witch to settle down. Not now. But I am the kind of witch who will always be here if you need me until you find the right one. Can\u2019t that be enough, Harry?\u201d Ginny asked him, her brown eyes searching his face.<\/p>\n<p>Harry looked at her, then lifted his glasses and wiped at his eyes.\u00a0 He lowered them.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2026I don\u2019t know, Ginny. For me, it\u2019s only you,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd Gail,\u201d she added with a smirk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, and sometimes Gail,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve watched you with her, Harry. You like having sex with her as much as I do, if not more. And it\u2019s okay. But that\u2019s even more proof that you aren\u2019t ready for a serious love relationship any more than I am. Like I said, we need to ease off of that aspect and just\u2026just enjoy each other and our lives. Doesn\u2019t that make sense?\u201d Ginny asked him.<\/p>\n<p>Harry scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut that means you\u2019ll be with other wizards. I don\u2019t like that Ginny,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s just the testosterone\u2026the male caveman gene, Harry. Your territorial instincts. No matter who I\u2019m with when I\u2019m away from you, when I\u2019m with you\u2026it will be us. Remember, you\u2019ll be meeting other witches too,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI still don\u2019t like it,\u201d Harry said, frowning.<\/p>\n<p>Ginny leaned over, lifted the wizard\u2019s hand and kissed the back of it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ll work on it,\u201d Ginny said, \u201cRight now, you are the only wizard I am interested in\u2026so no worries. I will let you know if that changes. Then we&#8217;ll deal with it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry looked at Ginny, a little ache in his heart. This wasn\u2019t the way he wanted things to go. He wanted to live happily ever after\u2026but Ginny had just made it very clear this was the real world, not a fairytale existence. She was no longer the innocent witch he deflowered under the stars on the grounds of Hogwarts. He was no longer the young wizard destined to destroy the greatest menace of the wizarding world. They were just two people who found each other again. He guessed he could be happy with that. Ginny would still be in his life, and in his bed. He wouldn\u2019t be alone. Then\u2026there was the added bonus of Gail.<\/p>\n<p>Harry liked watching Ginny with the brunette witch. They were something to see. He looked over Ginny. Hell, he might even like watching her with another wizard, she was so beautiful to him. He looked at Ginny.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m going to need to talk to Hermione again, aren\u2019t I?\u201d he asked the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would think so. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a friend that loves him so much she\u2019s willing to fuck someone as cold and cruel as Professor Snape to try and save him. No matter how prudish she is,\u201d Ginny replied, smiling at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right. I just need to give her a little time. She was hurting when I left,&#8221; he said, thinking about Hermione standing in the doorway of Snape&#8217;s house. &#8220;I don\u2019t know how I\u2019m going to do this. I was so\u2026.\u201d he began.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dJust be honest, Harry. Hermione is your friend. She\u2019ll understand,\u201d the witch said trying to comfort him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just hope she will be more understanding than I was,\u201d Harry sighed.<\/p>\n<p>Gods, what a mess.<\/p>\n<p>Coming to a new understanding of where they stood had been quite emotional, and Ginny needed to work off the remnants of their discussion. Harry looked like he could use a bit of comfort himself. She gave him one of her \u201cLooks.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou look like you could use a bit of stress relief,\u201d she said, standing up and giving Harry that special little smile she used when she wanted a tumble. The wizard didn\u2019t miss it.<\/p>\n<p>Harry rolled his neck and shoulders exaggeratedly. A little pained look flashed across his face, also exaggerated.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYeah, I feel a little tight,\u201d he said, standing up also.<\/p>\n<p>Ginny grinned wickedly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s something we\u2019ve both got in common,\u201d she said, waggling her eyebrows at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll say,\u201d Harry replied, his green eyes going hot. \u201cLast one to the bedroom is on the bottom!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry bolted past Ginny, who shrieked \u201cCheater!\u201dand raced after him.<\/p>\n<p>****************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was on her fifth glass of wine and giggling insanely at the way Severus was looking at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou always look so \u2018pinched\u2019 Severus,\u201d she laughed, \u201cAs if you\u2019ve been constipated for weeks!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione laughed hysterically as Severus arched an eyebrow at her.<\/p>\n<p>She certainly wasn\u2019t helping him to maintain his resolve for the \u201cgentle\u201d approach tonight.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo I looked \u2018pinched\u2019 do I witch?\u201d he asked her, giving her more shovel to dig a hole with.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, not all the time. When you\u2019re fucking me you look much different. Too bad you can\u2019t fuck me all the time. That would take care of the \u2018pinched\u2019 look,\u201d the witch observed, sitting up a bit straighter in the armchair.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWould it now?\u201d Severus asked her, standing up, picking up the significantly lower bottle of wine and putting it away.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHey!\u201d Hermione protested. \u201cI wasn\u2019t done with that!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus walked back over to Hermione and stood over her, looking down at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI assure you, you are finished, witch,\u201d he said silkily. He held out his hand.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at it cross-eyed for a moment, then took it. Severus pulled her up out of the chair and began walking down the hall with her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhere are we going?\u201d Hermione asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo take care of my \u2018pinched\u2019 look,\u201d the Potions Master replied, pushing her into his bedroom. She squealed and stumbled a little, then spun, looking at him accusingly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou pushed me!\u201d she spat as Severus closed and warded the door. He turned and looked at the witch coolly. Her face was flushed and her hair was a bit wild. He slowly walked up to her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou say that as if it\u2019s something new,\u201d he purred at the witch, standing inches from her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, I just wanted to let you know I don\u2019t appreciate it. I\u2019m a lady,\u201d Hermione said, lifting her chin slightly. \u201cI expect you to treat me like one.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus snorted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat was no lady in my bed a little more than a month ago,\u201d he replied. \u201cA few terms that aptly describe what you are, witch, are as follows: Succubus. Hellcat. Maenid. Wild Woman. None of which, I might add, will be in my bed tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared up at him, dimly understanding what he meant.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd as far as treating you like a lady, Hermione, you normally don\u2019t give me the option to do that,\u201d he said, lifting her chin\u2026his dark eyes beginning to show some heat, \u201cbut tonight I will treat you like a woman, if not a \u2018lady.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo hard fucking?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think it would be best put as \u2018no brutalizing,\u2019\u201d the wizard responded, his eyes softening.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow come here, witch. Let\u2019s see what we can do about my \u2018pinched\u2019 look,\u201d he said. Suddenly he lifted Hermione and locked his mouth to hers in a very slow, deep kiss, the witch gasping in surprise as the wizard\u2019s tongue snaked into her mouth, scouring it lazily. Severus walked with her until they were up against the wall and deepened the kiss.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt fire flow from where their lips connected, covering her body in a sweet, aching blaze as Severus rolled his tongue sensuously in her mouth and pressed against her body gently, moving just enough to stimulate her. Hermione\u2019s eyes closed as she surrendered to his kiss. He was gentle, but good. It felt very intimate, kissing him this way. Still, there was a definitely ache growing between her legs. It was a slow, building burn, a kind of yearning, rather than a demanding throb. She sighed into his mouth and the wizard broke the kiss, his black eyes searching her face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou enjoyed that,\u201d he said to the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMmmm,\u201d was Hermione\u2019s only reply as her delicious responses to the wizard\u2019s proximity washed over her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMore,\u201d Hermione breathed. The glow of the wine was fast becoming the glow of the Potions Master.<\/p>\n<p>Severus obliged her, this time leaning down to claim her mouth as he pulled her t-shirt gently out of her jeans, then caressed her sides, and back, his kiss still gentle but passionate. He could savor the taste of her this way, her mouth fruity from the wine, hot and wet.<\/p>\n<p>He moved to her throat, his lips running up as the witch cocked her head to the side to give him better access. Severus stopped next to her ear.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are jealous that Ginny has a wizard who loves her, Hermione?\u201d he asked the witch.<\/p>\n<p>This question made the witch let out a sob. Why did he ask her that now, now when he was kissing her and touching her\u2026but not loving her?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, Severus,\u201d she replied in a whisper, \u201cAnd I\u2019m ashamed of it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t worry witch,\u201d Severus said, his silken voice a bit raw, \u201cTonight\u2026you will feel loved.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione began to cry in earnest as Severus moved back to her throat, then captured her lips between his own, tasting the salt of her tears.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: :::melting in a puddle at Severus\u2019 last comment::: ok ok. Ginny found the strength to be honest with Harry, who is going to probably have to do some serious groveling with Hermione. His situation is still pretty good as far as Ginny goes. She\u2019ll still be with him, as will Gail until he stretches his wings at least. Well, lemons on the way. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 45<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 45 ~ Admissions<\/p>\n<p>Severus continued to kiss Hermione gently, the salt of her tears flavoring her taste, feeling her inner turmoil, doing his best to turn her mind from her pain to him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLift your arms,\u201d he said to her softly, pulling up her t-shirt.<\/p>\n<p>Her eyes closed, Hermione obeyed him and felt the cool air hit her skin as Severus removed her shirt, drawing it up and over her head and extended arms. The wizard dropped it to the floor and she was left in her white cotton bra. Severus began to kiss her again as he reached around and unclasped her brasserie, stepping back and drawing it down her arms and dropping it to the floor. His black eyes rested on her full breasts for a moment, then flicked up to her face.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was no longer sobbing, though her eyes were still full of tears.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re a very lovely witch, Hermione Granger,\u201d Severus said to her, \u201cYou have much to offer a wizard who appreciates your talents, your charms. I consider myself quite the lucky man to be able to partake of your gifts, witch. Make no mistake about that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione continued to look at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause of your state, I am going to make an admission to you\u2026because I believe you need to hear this. I am not a man of great emotion or demonstrative for the most part. But I am honest when I speak. I cannot tell you I love you witch, because I would not lie to you\u2026not even to give you the comfort you need. But I can tell you this, there is no other witch that draws me as you do and I do not find any woman more attractive on so many levels as I do you. I will have no other witch while you are available to me, even if she were to parade naked through my bedroom, lubed and ready to go,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione blinked up at him, still silent\u2026but her tears drying. Severus continued, his chest tight with the unfamiliarity of speaking what was inside him so candidly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou may feel envious of Ginny Weasley for having Harry\u2019s love, but Harry doesn\u2019t feel about Ginny the way that I do about you. I wouldn\u2019t share you with man or woman, witch. While you are under my protection, you are my own and my only. It\u2019s not love, Hermione\u2026I do not think I am capable of love in a romantic sense, but it is something we have that Harry and Ginny do not. I hope that at least, brings you some comfort.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at the pale dark wizard and found it did bring her comfort. She gave a small, albeit sad smile, and Severus was heartened. It seemed she understood him. Now if he could only bring himself to tell her that he wanted her beyond the patronage\u2026that he didn\u2019t want to end their intimate association. But\u2026one thing at a time. He began to caress her shoulders and arms, his dark eyes locked to hers as he felt himself reacting to her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTonight, you will surrender to me under my terms, witch. There will be no screams, no shrieking, no pulling of hair or rough penetrations. In other words, no brutality,\u201d he said his hand slipping to her belly and caressing her soft, taut flesh. Hermione stared at him as if mesmerized. \u201cTonight, there will only be passion and\u2026worship. There is so little pleasure in my life witch. Beside my art, you are my only pleasure. Although I show little emotion, I still feel. You help me to feel. I want you to trust me, Hermione. Trust that I know what I am doing,\u201d he said as he fell to her mouth again, both of his hands sliding up her waist and cupping her breasts as he moved to her throat, kissing and suckling gently.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sighed at the feeling of his hands and mouth on her skin. He had never taken this much time, and she was more than randy for the wizard as he began to kneel, his mouth sliding down her flesh as he fondled and petted her. Hermione\u2019s body began to move sensuously under his ministration, unable to resist the wizard foreplay.<\/p>\n<p>Severus kissed the swell of her breasts reverently, capturing each in his mouth and laving them until Hermione\u2019s nipples stood at attention, the witch beginning to sigh and moan as her arousal grew. The wizard knelt completely now, his mouth moving over her belly as one hand slid down her thigh and the other unfastened her jeans. Hermione looked down at the kneeling wizard kissing, licking and stroking her body. All she could see was the top of his head and lank, black hair. She ran her hand through it, scratching his scalp lightly. The wizard growled with pleasure at her touch.<\/p>\n<p>Severus pulled back from Hermione and looked up at her for a moment before removing her trainers and socks. Hermione couldn\u2019t believe that the proud, cold Potions Master was on his knees before her\u2026but he was. And it turned her on immensely.<\/p>\n<p>Severus tugged at her jeans until he managed to pull them down over her hips and thighs, Hermione resting one hand on his shoulders as he removed them. Now, she was only in her knickers, the wizard\u2019s dark eyes resting on the dark patch beneath them as he caressed her hips and outer thighs. Suddenly he hooked one finger into the elastic waistband and drew them down, revealing the witch in all her glory. His nostrils pulsated as he scented her arousal, his mouth watering as he removed her knickers.<\/p>\n<p>Again he looked up at her, and brought her damp knickers to his nose, inhaling deeply, his black eyes going half-lidded for a moment, then he dropped them too.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSpread your legs,\u201d he commanded hoarsely. \u201cGive me access.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Oh gods. Hermione felt a gush roll out of her and coat her inner thighs. Severus drew in a breath and fingered her, making Hermione writhed as he stuck his finger in his mouth and drew it out with a pop. He then slapped her inner thigh a bit impatiently.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOpen,\u201d he breathed, scowling a bit.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione spread her legs wide, leaning back against the wall, and the Potions Master moved back a bit and twisted his head, his long tongue sliding between her thighs and tasting her flavor. Hermione\u2019s hips bucked and he placed both pale hands on her thighs and began to lave her pussy hungrily, his supple muscle turning the witch into a writhing, mass of sensation and pleasure.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh gods Severus,\u201d she whispered, her hand resting on his rolling head as he licked and nibbled her core, making deep, silky sound of appreciation as he did so. Hermione\u2019s head twisted side to side as he became more ardent. Suddenly the wizard pulled her down by parting her legs wider and lifting them, careful orchestrating her descent with his body so she slid slowly down until her buttocks rested on the floor, only her shoulders coming in contact with the wall.<\/p>\n<p>Severus backed up again and bent forward, inserting his tongue inside her and lapping, Hermione squealing and gripping his head as he took her higher and higher, nibbling and pulling on her clit with his lips until she was gyrating her hips wildly\u2026the only thing keeping them on the floor the wizard\u2019s pale hands gripping her inner thighs.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt the pressure building, the sweet inner blossoming that heralded the upcoming release.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026Severus I\u2019m going to come,\u201d she breathed, her voice husky with passion.<\/p>\n<p>She might as well have lashed the wizard with a bullwhip. Severus began to apply himself with more gusto, his head whirling as he laid his tongue and mouth to her, seeking the liquid reward within. Hermione let out a cry, drawing her legs up as she exploded, her hot juices rolling down and bathing the wizard\u2019s face in wetness as he sought to drink in every drop of release she gifted him with\u2026Hermione shuddering under his tongue. Severus drank his fill, his eyes closed in bliss as he swallowed down her ambrosia. She was delicious and an elixir for his soul.<\/p>\n<p>He stayed with the witch until her final shudder, then withdrew, rising to his knees and looking down at the woman sprawled before him, her legs still bent and spread, the pretty pink core showing, her face flushed, mouth slack and amber eyes half-closed with satisfaction.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBeautiful,\u201d he breathed, licking his lips to collect the last remnants of her flavor. Then he stood, leaned down and picked her up, the witch sighing as he carried her to his bed, kissing the witch before laying her down in the bed on her back. He pulled out his wand and pointed it at himself.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDivesto,\u201d Severus hissed, his clothes disappearing, revealing his lean, muscular body and huge erection. His cock was so swollen it was almost completely red with blood, the head a deep crimson. Hermione\u2019s eyes rested on it and she shifted unconsciously. Severus drank in her obvious desire and moved closer to the bed in a quiet invitation.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at him and then sat up, slipping her mouth over his organ without hesitation, Severus groaning and throwing his head back as her warmth closed over him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYessss\u2026\u201d he hissed as Hermione began to slide back and forth over him, using her hands to caress and squeeze his thick shaft. As good as she felt, the wizard had no intentions on letting her make him come. He had waited too long for this night already.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard groaned again as Hermione began to lick and kiss his length lovingly, and looked down to watch her mouth move over him. Gods, what an erotic sight, her small mouth moving over his huge tool. She was a whole lot of witch in a small package. Severus bit his lip and with an effort, pulled away from her, Hermione letting out a little cry of disappointment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m sorry witch, but I\u2019m anxious to get at you,\u201d the wizard said apologetically as she looked up at him with hot eyes. He throbbed visibly, Hermione\u2019s eyes dropping back to his cock. She looked as if she were about to move in again.<\/p>\n<p>Severus quickly pushed her back and climbed into the bed, wasting no time rolling on top of her. He raised himself up on his elbows and looked down at the witch. Her body was undulating beneath him, hungry for his penetration.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSuch a wanton little witch,\u201d he breathed, then lowered his head and kissed her, Hermione wrapping her arms around his neck as he began to move against her, his hard body sliding over hers, making her cream herself as his tongue wrapped around her own. His kiss was tender yet consuming. The witch felt as if her entire body was ablaze.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione pulled away from his mouth.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow Severus. It\u2019s been so long,\u201d she groaned up at him, the wizard staring down at her, his face slightly contorted as he continued to work against her soft, sweet body.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn a moment witch,\u201d he replied, dropping to her mouth again and continuing his possession of it, reveling in her taste and heat, and his ability to make her want him so badly. He loved that most of all\u2026her blatant desire for him. Severus continued kissing Hermione until the witch was bucking against him wildly, her pelvis rolling and thrusting, perspiration beginning to form on her brow as the wizard brought her to the edge with his kisses and body. He slid to her throat and Hermione let out a longing moan of both pleasure and despair. She felt him chuckle.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re cruel,\u201d she hissed as the wizard suckled on her neck.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not cruel witch. It is you who are cruel trying to tempt me to action when I am savoring you,\u201d he breathed into her ear before licking it. Hermione shuddered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want you now, Severus. I\u2019m dying,\u201d the witch cried, thrusting up.<\/p>\n<p>Severus chuckled against her throat again at her passionate exaggeration. He was loving this, loving her wanting him so desperately. There were few times in his life when he felt truly wanted and most of them were with Hermione over the last few months. It was a pleasant feeling\u2026one he coveted. He lifted his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right witch. I am ready to take you\u2026but remember, there will be no brutality with us tonight. You will accept me as I am and surrender to me. I want you to feel me, Hermione\u2026feel who I really am,\u201d the wizard said to her softly. Yet there was command beneath the softness. The wizard meant what he said. \u201cDo you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d Hermione replied. She was at the point where she would agree to anything, anything at all to feel him slide his cock inside her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood,\u201d he said, adjusting himself and sliding down a bit. \u201cBend your knees.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione did so and gasped as she felt his thickness press against her, ready for entry.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 black eyes smoldered into hers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you ready for this, Hermione? Ready for me?\u201d he asked her, a slight tremor in his voice as he held back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo ready, Severus,\u201d she whispered, her eyes ablaze and hips rolling helplessly.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard locked his mouth to hers and slowly slid his hard length into her soft, warm body.<\/p>\n<p>*********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Mmmm. Nice start. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 46<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 46 ~ Getting Satisfaction<\/p>\n<p>Both Hermione and Severus let out groans and moans of pleasure as the wizard slowly sheathed himself inside the witch, his cock stretching Hermione deliciously slow as he penetrated her. The Professor kept his mouth locked to the witch\u2019s kissing her deeply as he began to thrust, burying his cock in her softness over and over, slowly and rhythmically, making sure his pelvis bumped against her clit.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard released Hermione\u2019s lips, and looked down at Hermione, who met his eyes noting they looked different than when they usually had sex. They were warm, liquid and dark. What was more, they were soft as he looked at her\u2026she had never seen Severus\u2019 eyes look so gentle or so appreciative. There was still hunger there, but pleasure as well. The wizard suddenly wound his hips as he stroked her, winding his cock inside her body and angling his penetration several different ways on a single stroke, making the witch arch up and gasp. Gods, that felt so good.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo that again, Severus,\u201d Hermione breathed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis?\u201d the wizard asked her, winding his hips again on the down stroke.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione buckled with pleasure.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYesssss,\u201d she sighed<\/p>\n<p>Severus began to fuck Hermione with a winding motion, wrapping his arms around her and rolling to the side, returning to her mouth. She could feel him even more intensely this way, his muscular thighs rolling against hers. He held her so close as he fucked her, she felt as if she couldn\u2019t breathe. It wasn\u2019t because he was holding her too tightly, but because he was holding her for the first time like a lover. She felt connected.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard reached down and pulled one of her legs over his thigh, opening the witch wider, increasing his speed, growling and hissing his pleasure as he took his fill of the witch, her tight wet sleeve caressing his shaft, soothing his need with her body. The witch moaned as the wizard moved faster, becoming more intense, his hold tightening as his kiss deepened.<\/p>\n<p>Then Severus rolled again, on to his back, holding Hermione tight against his loins so he wouldn\u2019t slip out. She was lying on top of him now, her legs spread on either side of the wizard as he stroked up into her, his hands now moving over her body, petting and caressing her from her shoulders to her thighs, moving over her ass and gripping it lightly as he continued fucking her.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was in heaven listening to the witch sighing and moaning, piercing her body over and over, her juices wetting his body. He could hear his organ squishing through her now, soft sucking sounds, her pussy squelching around him. Then Hermione sighed his name softly against his lips.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus,\u201d she breathed, and the wizard felt his stomach tighten at the pleasure in her voice and he moved his lips to her ear, not missing a stroke.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are the most delicious witch I have ever fucked, Hermione Granger. I feel as if I can\u2019t get close enough to you\u2026will never get enough of you,\u201d he breathed, his stroke becoming harder, but not brutal\u2026hard enough for the witch to feel his power and his desire. Gods, his voice, his body, the way he moved, his hold on her\u2026Hermione felt as if she were going to melt away in his arms, one sticky puddle of bliss.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard rolled back over, ending up on top of the witch again, this time raising up on his hands as he worked his tool in and out of her, watching his thickness slip between her open thighs, his mouth dropping open, his eyes slowly moving up her body, taking in the way she gently jerked under him, her full breasts bouncing, the nipples hardened to dark peaks, her mouth slack and amber eyes rolling up with pleasure. He felt her tightening\u2026he had reached her\u2026she was about to come.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou see, Hermione,\u201d he breathed down at her. \u201cI can bring you pleasure this way\u2026I can give you what you need\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus began to whirl his hips again as he fucked her, stroking deep and straining against her cervix, stimulating her as much as he could, his eyes locked to her face as the witch closed her eyes and began to arch against him, her pelvis thrusting in counterpoint, her pussy starting to tighten around him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYesss\u2026yessss. Let go witch. Surrender,\u201d he hissed, his own eyes fluttering with delight as he felt the beginning pulse of her climax clutching at his cock. He dropped back down on her, gathering the witch in his arms, once again locking his mouth to hers and pumping into her furiously, hungrily, seeking to burst that bubble deep inside, wanting the reward of her completion.<\/p>\n<p>And he got it as Hermione erupted around him with a soft cry, her body quaking as she clutched him close, her legs locking around his waist as her heat washed over his cock. The wizard stilled his motion, kissing her deeply as she orgasmed, then pulling away and whispering encouragement and tender obscenities in her ear as he felt her flow and her inner flesh pulsing, squeezing, clutching around him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t want to think of you coming for anyone other than me, witch,\u201d the wizard declared passionately, \u201cI want no one to touch you but me. If any wizard tries\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus forced the declaration back and to cover his emotion began to fuck Hermione again, losing himself in her shuddering body, stroking fast and hard, his back locking into thrust mode as he buried his face in her hair and poured that unsaid emotion into her body, letting the witch swallow it down, swallow him down as she cried out his name softly.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard groaned as he felt himself rising to the pinnacle of pleasure, Hermione\u2019s passionate cries taking him over, the wizard plunging into the abyss of bliss as his release burst through him in a torrent, hot come filling Hermione\u2019s body as he held her tight against him, breathing her name over and over with satisfaction and falling still as jet after jet escaped him. Gasping, he kissed the witch again, pulling back only when his climax ended. He lay on her body heavily, relaxing as Hermione stroked his hair gently and affectionately.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat was good, Severus,\u201d she breathed.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard shifted against her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOnly good, witch?\u201d he murmured, his voice muffled in her hair.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione smiled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cConsidering that was my first satisfying experience without being pummeled to tears\u2026good is an accolade,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n<p>Severus lifted his head and looked down at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNext time I\u2019m going for standing ovation,\u201d he growled, \u201cWith all the bells and whistles that go along with it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Then the Potions Master kissed Hermione with a deep appreciation.<\/p>\n<p>Yes. This had been good.<\/p>\n<p>********************************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus made love to Hermione several times that night, the witch discovering the wizard recovered faster and lasted longer when he set the pace\u2026and he gave her countless orgasms as he took her over and over, changing positions frequently, and holding her close the entire time. She never once felt disconnected from the wizard. And Severus never felt closer to a woman in his life. More than once he had to catch himself to keep from saying something in his passion that he might regret later. But Hermione could see things unsaid in Severus\u2019 eyes as she looked up at him, his pale body flexing over her and inside of her as he stared down at her, his black eyes deep and unfathomable.<\/p>\n<p>It was the wee hours of morning before they finally collapsed, sated and exhausted\u2026wrapped in each others\u2019 arms, the wizard holding Hermione as if he would never let her go, Hermione listening to his strong heartbeat as he drifted off. She followed shortly after.<\/p>\n<p>In the morning, Severus was the first to rise, leaving the witch asleep in bed, groping after him and frowning in her sleep before sinking back into dreamland. The wizard relieved and scourgified himself, brushed his teeth, donned his housecoat and slippers and walked to the kitchen for a cup of coffee and a look at the Daily Prophet.<\/p>\n<p>Eli was waiting for him with a black steaming cup of java.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDid you haves a good night, Master?\u201d the elf inquired, grinning ear to ear. He could feel Severus\u2019 emotions since he was bonded to him, and knew what went through the wizard\u2019s mind and heart as he took Hermione last night. Eli was very pleased at how things were developing between the Master and the Miss\u2026though he wished it would happen faster.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI had a fine night, Eli,\u201d Severus replied in an extraordinarily good mood. The elf smiled broadly\u2026then suddenly frowned. Severus noticed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Eli?\u201d the Potions Master asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry Potter is at the gate sir,\u201d the elf replied, \u201cHe wants to see the Miss.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Miss is asleep, Eli. Send him away,\u201d the wizard replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes sir,\u201d Eli said, smiling. Harry Potter hurt the Miss last time he was here\u2026after all she had done for him. It would be a pleasure to send him away.<\/p>\n<p>Eli was about to walk out the kitchen when Severus said, \u201cWait a minute, Eli. Invite him in.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eli frowned but nodded as Severus stood up and walked swiftly down the hall. He stopped outside the bedroom and placed a silencing charm and a couple of wards on the door so Hermione could neither hear anything nor get out easily. Of course she could remove the ward, being a Spells Mistress, but he put his signature on the wards. She would have to remove each signature and it took several minutes to do that, if she were on the top of her game.<\/p>\n<p>Severus walked back up the hallway and found Harry Potter standing in the middle of the living room looking distinctly uncomfortable. He strode up to the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMay I help you, Mr. Potter?\u201d Severus asked him, his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n<p>Harry looked around him down the hallway. He could tell by the way the wizard was dressed that most likely he had spent the night with Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve come to see Hermione,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 eyes drifted over the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m afraid Miss Granger is still asleep. She had a long night last night and needs her rest. Perhaps I can help you,\u201d Severus purred.<\/p>\n<p>Harry scowled a bit as the Potions Master let him know that he had spent the night fucking the witch. Then he looked at Severus consideringly. Maybe he could help him to help Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPerhaps you can, Professor, if you allow me to be candid,\u201d Harry said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus gestured to the armchair for Harry to sit down, then took the other.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBe candid, Mr. Potter,\u201d he said, his eyes resting on the young wizard rather coldly. He knew Harry was going to say something incredibly stupid.<\/p>\n<p>He was.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProfessor, release Hermione from the Patronage agreement. She only accepted you as a patron because she wanted to help me\u2026and she did with your help. Since she accomplished what she set out to do\u2026it\u2019s only fair that you release her,\u201d the wizard said, \u201cinstead of continuing to take advantage of her.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at Harry coldly for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMr. Potter, I was under the impression you didn\u2019t wish to associate with Miss Granger any longer because of your sexual relationship with Miss Weasley. Usually that means staying out of her affairs as well,\u201d the wizard said evenly.<\/p>\n<p>Harry looked embarrassed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI might have been a bit hasty with that decision, Professor. It\u2019s really why I came here, to tell her I was sorry and I still want to be her friend,\u201d Harry said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou \u2018still want to be her friend.\u2019 How magnanimous of you Mr. Potter, particularly since you threw over the witch who brought you back from your condition for a bit of overused trim,\u201d the Potions Master sneered. \u201cYou broke her heart. Did you know that? Of course you knew\u2026but you didn\u2019t give a damn as long as you could fuck Miss Weasley with impunity. Miss Granger was only being honest with you and you turned your back on her. I always knew you were a sanctimonious twit, Mr. Potter, but I had no idea how truly reprehensible you are. Even a Slytherin would not be so cruel to someone who gave him back his life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus glowered at Harry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI made a mistake, Professor. I came here to fix it,\u201d Harry said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFix it, Mr Potter? If Miss Granger had any sense at all, she would turn her back on you for good. You aren\u2019t worthy of the witch\u2019s friendship\u2026or her love,\u201d Severus snarled.<\/p>\n<p>Harry frowned.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLike you can talk. You are taking something from Hermione that you aren\u2019t worthy of either. You fuck her like you own her,\u201d Harry snarled back at him, his hands gripping the armchair tightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor all intents and purposes, Mr. Potter, I do own her,\u201d the Professor said, trying to rile the wizard up to the point he could hex him. \u201cI own every bit of her, from her brilliant mind to her curvaceous, supple little body until the patronage spell releases her. Which will not happen anytime soon. And I will fuck the witch every night if I see fit.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus hoped the idea of him fucking Hermione at will would drive Harry over the edge of reason.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRelease her, Professor,\u201d Harry growled, his green eyes flashing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d Severus said calmly. Harry had no idea that the patronage agreement had to run its course.\u00a0 Severus couldn&#8217;t release Hermione from it if he wanted to&#8230;which he didn&#8217;t.<\/p>\n<p>The wizards stared at each other with ugly expressions on their faces. Eli, who had been standing near the kitchen, suddenly turned and bolted through the door.<\/p>\n<p>Severus and Harry leapt out of their chairs at the same time, wands drawn and pointed at each others\u2019 chests.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI believe our little discussion has come to an impasse, Mr. Potter,\u201d Severus growled, \u201cUnless you want to take this outside. I have a large backyard.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll take it wherever I can, as long as I can blast your snarky ass,\u201d Harry replied, his eyes dark with hatred.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 eyes glittered with pleasure.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery well, Mr. Potter. Follow me,&#8221; the wizard said, pointing his wand at his housecoat and transfiguring it into a set of robes. He then transfigured his slippers into boots.<\/p>\n<p>Harry lowered his wand and followed Severus out of the back door and into the yard, his eyes burning a hole into the Potions Master\u2019s back. He should hex him right now, the bloody bastard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wouldn\u2019t do that, Mr. Potter. I cast a repelling spell on myself while transfiguring my clothing\u2026just in case you weren\u2019t as much a Gryffindor as you pretend. Which, by the way\u2026you aren\u2019t,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>Harry wondered if Severus had slipped into his mind and saw what he was thinking.<\/p>\n<p>Severus turned to face him. They were now in the middle of the backyard, nothing but open space all around them.\u00a0 The Potions Master removed the repelling spell and met Harry&#8217;s eyes, his lip curled with disdain.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn case you are wondering if I used Legilimency on you\u2026I didn\u2019t. All wizards consider hexing their opponent in the back when preparing to duel,\u201d the Potions Master said, adjusting his robes. Harry was in jeans and a t-shirt again and didn\u2019t have to prepare. \u201cTwenty paces?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry nodded, and both wizards turned, their backs to each other and began to count off the paces, each taking large strides to get as much distance between them as possible. The further apart they were, the better the chances of dodging a hex.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEighteen\u2026nineteen\u2026twenty\u2026!\u201d Harry cried, spinning and casting an Expelliamus spell at the Potions Master who disappeared and reappeared in front of the startled wizard, dropping his wand and hitting Harry with a powerful right cross, then an uppercut, which dropped him. His wand fell out of his hand.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master reached down, grabbed Harry\u2019s wand, then dragged the wizard up by his shirt and head-butted him in the face, breaking his glasses.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow you listen to me, Mr. Potter,\u201d Severus snarled angrily, \u201cYou have quite a set of balls on you to dare duel me at my own home. You\u2019re lucky I don\u2019t take your miserable life. I assure you the only reason you aren\u2019t in wriggling little pieces is because of Miss Granger. She still cares about you\u2026though the gods know why and I want to stay on her good side. Personally, I don\u2019t give a fuck if you are considered the wizarding world\u2019s savior. You cross me again, Mr. Potter and regardless how Miss Granger feels, you will not walk away. You stay away from my home, understand me? If you want to talk to Miss Granger, you send an owl.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus shook Harry viciously, the dazed wizard\u2019s head snapping back and forth. The Potions Master would like to beat him to a pulp and not just because he was angry, but because of the way Harry had hurt Hermione. She gave up everything to help him and he just cast her aside. And this made Severus furious. He had no idea how angry he was at Harry until he saw him face to face. The Potions Master had purposely made him angry so he could punish the young wizard in a very physical way. Harry was quite good at dueling, but hadn\u2019t expected Severus to apparate and attack him physically. Which was why he got his ass kicked.<\/p>\n<p>Severus dragged Harry back to the house, through the kitchen, the living room and out the front door. He walked the wizard to the front gate and flung him through, Harry tripping over the curb and falling on his face in the street. Severus threw his wand after him and replaced the strong wards on his gate. He then walked back into the house, slamming the door behind him.<\/p>\n<p>Lying on the street, Harry groaned. What the fuck happened? Still dazed, his jaw aching and vision blurred, he pushed himself to a sitting position and stared at Severus\u2019 house for a moment, then disapparated.<\/p>\n<p>Back in the house, Severus rubbed his knuckles. They were red and bruised. He shook his hand as if that would help the pain, then transfigured his robes and boots back into a housecoat and slippers. He hurried back down to the bedroom and removed the wards and silencing spell. He opened the door and looked in on Hermione. She was still sound asleep. Severus sighed with relief.<\/p>\n<p>Quietly he removed his robe and slippers and climbed back into the bed with the witch, stretching out beside her and pulling her into his chest. He kissed her forehead and Hermione\u2019s eyes fluttered open.<\/p>\n<p>Severus held a finger to her lips before she spoke.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t speak,\u201d he said, \u201cYou will ruin a fine awakening, witch. Just let me look at you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione frowned slightly. Severus was shying away from her morning breath.<\/p>\n<p>Well, she couldn\u2019t blame him.<\/p>\n<p>She really needed to invest in some Magical Mints.<\/p>\n<p>*********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Nice lemon, and ooh\u2026poor Harry got it, didn\u2019t he? And Hermione hasn\u2019t got a clue. Well, please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 47<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 47 ~ Another Morning After<\/p>\n<p>Hermione and Severus had a late brunch together, eggs, Iberico ham, toast and jam along with some fresh fruit, milk, pumpkin juice and coffee. The elf offered plenty of fluids\u2026he knew they both needed replenishing after their night of good in-outie.<\/p>\n<p>Severus debated whether or not to tell Hermione Harry came by, and exactly how much to tell the witch if he did. The wizard decided to give her the abridged version. More than likely she would see Harry sooner or later, and be furious Severus didn\u2019t tell her he came by.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMr. Potter stopped by this morning while you were sleeping,\u201d Severus said matter-of-factly, taking a sip of coffee as he looked over the Daily Prophet.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione put down her fork, her eyes wide.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe did? What did he want?\u201d she asked the wizard, \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you wake me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus leveled his eyes on her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI didn\u2019t wake you because you needed your rest for one, and secondly I saw no reason for you to jump up and go running to him after the way he treated you. You were a good friend to Harry, Hermione, and he tossed you aside for being honest. However, I believe he came here to apologize,\u201d the wizard said, scowling a little at the joy in Hermione\u2019s eyes. \u201cHe will be sending you an owl when he wants to get together with you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAn owl? Maybe I should go over there,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus frowned at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou most definitely should not go over there unless he asks you to,\u201d the wizard replied darkly. \u201cIn fact, you should give him the cold shoulder for a while considering how he treated you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dI\u2019m not like that,\u201d Hermione said, \u201cNot towards Harry at least.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus snorted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMore\u2019s the pity,\u201d the wizard replied, finishing his coffee.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was still on the front page of the Prophet, her picture much smaller\u2026but the reward was up to fifteen hundred galleons for information leading to finding her.<\/p>\n<p>The witch decided to change the subject from Harry, and studied the wizard, feeling a bit of heat as she thought about the night they shared. Severus had been wonderful, intense and passionate, giving her orgasm after orgasm, making her feel as if she were the most special witch in the world and that she totally belonged to him. Her eyes glazed over a bit.<\/p>\n<p>Severus felt her eyes on him and looked around the paper to see the witch\u2019s eyes unfocused and hot. He smirked. The wizard knew she was thinking about last night. He had been good to her, and once or twice received a \u2018standing ovation\u2019 for his performance. His own eyes heated up as he remembered how the witch responded to him, clinging to him and curling her petite body around his, whispering his name as he took her. He felt a throb as his cock remembered as well.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cExperiencing a mental replay of last night witch?\u201d he crooned at her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione colored. It was a miracle she could still blush.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA little,\u201d she said softly, dropping her eyes as the wizard looked at her intensely.<\/p>\n<p>Severus felt he could spend the rest of the day sequestered in the bedroom with the witch, taking her over and over again. Last night had been amazing\u2026and a part of him didn\u2019t want it to end. Yet, he needed to remain disciplined. The witch had already made him lose much of his resolve concerning her. He couldn\u2019t just let his desire for her bring him to his knees. No matter how delicious she was. Plus, he doubted if he had any come left to even fulfill an orgasm. Hermione had drained him.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione began to eat again, forcing herself not to stare at the wizard. For the first time since being with the Potions Master, Hermione didn\u2019t have any powerful aches. She felt a delicious burn from the friction of his cock penetrating her so much, but the cramping ache that normally followed a night of sex with him was not in evidence, because he had taken his time and not brutalized her. It felt a bit strange not having to guzzle down a couple of vials of purple potion.<\/p>\n<p>The witch felt as if the wizard had fixed what was wrong with her. Not that she wouldn\u2019t want rough, consuming sex any longer, because she did love it. But it didn\u2019t have to always be that way now\u2026at least, not with Severus. It was as if he knew her body inside and out, and what to do to make it feel wonderful. Hermione doubted another wizard could make her feel the way the Potions Master could, whether gentle or powerful. She wouldn\u2019t mind spending the rest of the day in his strong arms\u2026but she doubted she had enough fluids left to even have an orgasm.<\/p>\n<p>They finished their breakfast in silence, then Severus retired to his desk to look over receipts and record them in his ledger, while Hermione curled up with Damius\u2019 journal. The couple sat in companionable silence, neither feeling alone.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Eli burst through the kitchen.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaster! Master there is a crowd of people outside trying to break through the wards!\u201d the elf squealed, running to the window and looking outside. Both Hermione and Severus rose and hurried over to the windows, pulling aside the curtains and peering out.<\/p>\n<p>In front of Severus\u2019 house, hordes of reporters and photographers milled about, bulbs flashing as photos were taken of the house. Several wizards had their wands out, attempting to break the ward that protected the Potions Master\u2019s home. Severus scowled blackly, wrapped his robes around himself and started for the door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus! What are you doing?\u201d Hermione asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese wizards are trying to gain entrance to my abode without permission. I must protect my home and my privacy,\u201d the wizard grimaced, pulling the door open and storming out.<\/p>\n<p>The minute the reporters saw Severus they started shouting questions. More flashbulbs flashed as the scowling wizard stood on his porch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProfessor Snape, do you have Hermione Granger in your home?\u201d one reporter shouted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you her patron?\u201d another cried<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhere is Harry Potter?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus eyed the reporters, his black eyes resting on several still trying to crack his ward. The wizard pulled out his wand and fired a repelling blast toward them, and they flew back into the crowd, twenty or thirty people falling to the ground because of the collision.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLeave my wards alone!\u201d Severus shouted at them. \u201cThey are there for a reason. I have let you all know that in order for me to grant an interview, I will have to be paid for it. That requirement hasn&#8217;t changed. As to Miss Granger\u2019s whereabouts, it is up to the witch to reveal it. Most likely she doesn\u2019t want to be beset upon by you literary vultures. Now, I am giving you one minute to depart from in front of my door, or I will start blasting!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The reporters all looked at each other, then at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou don\u2019t have any right to withhold information, Professor. The public has a right to know!\u201d a voice rose up from the middle of the crowd.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have a right to my privacy, and to be compensated for information that will make your papers galleons. I find it quite unfair that you believe I should not earn a return on information that will in turn sell your papers,\u201d Severus said. Then he thought about something\u2026some free advertising.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI can tell you this however. Miss Granger and I will shortly be releasing a docu-pensieve that will tell and show the entire story concerning Mr. Harry Potter in the near future. Now, depart my premises,\u201d the wizard said darkly, holding his wand at the ready.<\/p>\n<p>The reporters milled about mutinously. Surely the wizard was yanking their robes. He wouldn\u2019t dare attack the press.<\/p>\n<p>They didn\u2019t know Severus Snape. When the minute passed, the wizard calmly walked down the stairs and began stunning reporters and photographers. There would be a rather nasty story about him in the Prophet the next day, but the wizard didn\u2019t give a damn about that as he singed the robes of fleeing newspaper wizards. They all began to disapparate and after ten minutes, all was quiet again. Severus returned to the house, Hermione staring at him wide-eyed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026you can\u2019t attack the press!\u201d she said to the wizard as he straightened his robes. He looked at her, his black eyes glittering.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs far as I\u2019m concerned, Hermione\u2026the press attacked me by attempting to break through my wards and not dispersing when I asked them to,\u201d the Potions Master replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut Severus, they weren\u2019t on your property. You don\u2019t own the street,\u201d the witch replied, \u201cYou can get in trouble for what you\u2019ve done. They could send Aurors and arrest you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs I said Hermione, several of the reporters were trying to break my wards and were part of that crowd. I was merely defending my home. If they had simply been in the street, there would have been no problem,\u201d the wizard said evenly. \u201cI gave ample warning. They chose to challenge me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shook her head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI hope you\u2019re right, Severus\u2026otherwise I\u2019m going to have to come down to the Ministry and bail you out\u2026and that will make me an easy target of the reporters,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou could always leave me there. Albus will get me out if necessary,\u201d Severus replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. I couldn\u2019t stand the idea of you locked up even for an hour,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at the worried witch and his scowl softened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf I were to spend a few months in Azkaban, then you would be left to your own devices, undisturbed by my advances, Hermione,\u201d he said softly. \u201cYour days and nights would be your own completely.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione suddenly walked up to him, her body inches from his own as the wizard looked down at the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI welcome your advances,\u201d Hermione replied, \u201cLife would be so much less without them, Severus. Without you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard stared at Hermione for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou make me wish to continue what we started last night, witch\u2026against my better judgment,\u201d the Potions Master said silkily. \u201cYou are becoming far too\u2026influencing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at him, her belly flipping over as his dark eyes met hers. Gods, she had it so bad for the pale wizard. Slowly, she took his hand, raised it and pressed her lips against the slightly calloused palm, then turned her head so it caressed her cheek.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThen let\u2019s listen to your not-so-better judgment,\u201d she breathed, looking up at him with soft eyes.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard\u2019s jaw tightened as he underwent an internal battle. He had kicked Harry Potter\u2019s ass for the witch this morning\u2026and drove off the reporters for her sake and not his own. To the victor went the spoils\u2026<\/p>\n<p>\u201dDamn you, witch,\u201d he snarled as his resolve broke, sweeping Hermione into his arms and stalking down the hallway into his bedroom.<\/p>\n<p>Considering the way the wizard reacted, more than likely the witch was in for a very ardent, old-fashioned encounter this time.<\/p>\n<p>*************************************<br \/>\nSeverus and Hermione spent the entire weekend in bed\u2026the first time the wizard had ever allowed himself to indulge in such a manner with a witch. They alternated between fucking, making love, eating, sleeping and showering. No Aurors showed up, though a few disillusioned paparazzi set up in various locations around the Potions Master\u2019s house hoping to catch a glimpse of Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>Severus departed late Sunday night, kissing the witch goodbye passionately, reluctant to leave her. He tried not to show it, but Hermione could see it in the wizard\u2019s eyes. This weekend had sealed it. Hermione knew Severus felt more than a patron towards her for certain.<\/p>\n<p>Now, how to get him to admit it?<\/p>\n<p>The witch slept in Severus\u2019 bedroom that night, and every night that followed, breathing in his scent as she slept. This was where she belonged now. If he didn\u2019t like it, he could simply tell her to return to her own bedroom when he returned.<\/p>\n<p>Somehow, Hermione knew he wouldn\u2019t do that.<\/p>\n<p>**************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: A little wind down chapter. Now we can get on to the niffler Dementors and all that good adventure stuff. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 48<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 48 ~ A Bit of Payback<\/p>\n<p>First thing Monday morning, Severus sent Raucous to the Malfoy mansion. The snarky bird refused to give any house elf the message attached to him and the smart raven wouldn\u2019t enter the manor proper, so the elves were forced to contact Draco and tell him that there was a message that the delivery bird would not allow them to retrieve.<\/p>\n<p>Draco didn\u2019t think this too odd. He often received correspondence that was to be delivered directly to him. Raucous sat on the head of one of the two stone serpents that stood guard before the manor stairs. Draco walked out. He looked at the raven, having no idea it belonged to his godfather.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat a ghastly bird,\u201d Draco said out loud, Raucous puffing up in rage. Draco walked down the stairs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGive me the message, bird,\u201d he said to Raucous who gave a rather nasty birdie smile. Oh, he\u2019d give him the message all right. The raven looked the wizard over and saw no telltale imprint of a wand on his person. Draco had left it in his study.<\/p>\n<p>Raucous fluttered down and allowed Draco to untie the parchment, but before the wizard could draw his hand back, the raven pecked him, drawing blood.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOw! You bloody bird!\u201d Draco exclaimed, taking a swing at Raucous who slipped it and pecked him hard in the head before full out attacking the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn it!\u201d Draco cursed, fleeing up the stairs, Raucous beating him about the head with his wings, pulling at his hair with his claws and pecking at his hands as he flailed at him.<\/p>\n<p>The raven topped the blonde wizard off with a huge wet, nasty dripping turd before he made it inside the manor, cawing at him in raucous birdie laughter before taking off for Hogwarts again. His master would be quite pleased. Maybe Severus would give him some anchovies.<\/p>\n<p>Raucous loved anchovies.<\/p>\n<p>Cursing, Draco walked back to his study, clutching the parchment in his bloody hand, bird shit dripping from his hair on to his shoulders, ruining his green silk smoking jacket. Once there, he grabbed his wand and scourgified himself, then healed the small wound left by Raucous\u2019 beak and sat down, tearing open the parchment.<\/p>\n<p>Inside he saw the Hogwarts seal and the seal of Slytherin house. Now it made sense. It was from his godfather. No doubt the attack on him had been planned.<\/p>\n<p>Draco\u2019s ice blue eyes scanned the letter.<\/p>\n<p><i>Draco,<\/i><\/p>\n<p>I know it was you who leaked Hermione\u2019s location to the press. You can claim innocence, but we both know better. The next time you enter my presence, you\u2019d best have your wand drawn.<\/p>\n<p>Sincerely,<\/p>\n<p>Severus Snape, PM<\/p>\n<p>Draco\u2019s eyebrow arched. Well, that was short and sweet\u2026he\u2019d expected much more threat, but his godfather wasn\u2019t a man of many words. Ah well. He really didn\u2019t need to see him anyway. The wizard already had restricted him from his premises and Hermione. No loss really. He just wished he could have seen the dark wizard\u2019s face when all those reporters showed up at his door.<\/p>\n<p>Draco crumbled up the parchment and tossed it into the trash bin. His hand throbbed where Raucous had pecked him. He healed it but it was still tender.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn bird,\u201d Draco hissed, though he thought such a creature could certainly come in handy when sending missives to those he disliked. Shit. He couldn\u2019t even ask Severus where he got him from.<\/p>\n<p>************************************<\/p>\n<p>Bara sat at a desk in front of Professor Flitwick, his little brow furrowed as he pronounced the sounds of the letters the diminutive Charms teacher pointed to on the blackboard with a long rubber-tipped pointer.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBuh, Cuh, Duh, Eh, Fff, Guh\u2026\u201d the boy rattled off as the wizard tapped the letters. Flitwick then alternated letters, just to make sure the boy hadn\u2019t memorized the order of them. He hadn\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>Professor Flitwick put down the pointer and clapped his hands.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery, very good Bara. I must say you\u2019re a quick study,\u201d Flitwick said, praising the beaming boy, \u201cAnd now for your reward.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bara watched eagerly as Professor Flitwick retrieved a wand from out of his file cabinet and handed it to the young wizard. Bara ran his hand over the chipped, well-handled wand. It was a substitute used by students when their own wands were lost or sent out for repairs. Flitwick placed a large white feather on the desk in front of the boy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow remember Bara, say the invocation clearly, then swish and flick!\u201d the professor said, swishing and flicking his own wand in demonstration. They had been working on this spell for about two weeks now.<\/p>\n<p>Bara concentrated for a moment, visualizing the feather rising and floating.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWingardiam Leviosa!\u201d the boy said clearly, swishing and flicking his wand at the feather. It shuddered, then lifted about two feet before falling back to the desk. Bara let out a joyous shout and trill. It was the first time the feather had ever lifted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWonderful, wonderful!\u201d Flitwick said, patting the boy on his hand. \u201cYou are coming along nicely for a lad your age. Well done young wizard.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dThank you,\u201d Bara beamed, his brown eyes resting on the feather. He wanted to try it again, but the professor only let him try once each lesson, so he didn\u2019t over-extend himself. Bara reluctantly handed the wand back and watched as the wizard replaced it in the file cabinet and slid the drawer closed. Bara cocked his head.<\/p>\n<p>The professor hadn\u2019t warded the drawer.<\/p>\n<p>Flitwick turned around and smiled at the young wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right Bara, you may go. I need to go into my storeroom and retrieve some class supplies,\u201d Flitwick said.<\/p>\n<p>Bara walked toward the door slowly as Flitwick left the room to retrieve some parchment for his next class. Bara stopped and looked in the direction the wizard disappeared, then ran back toward the file cabinet and quickly opened it, looking down. Several wands were inside.<\/p>\n<p>The boy looked back toward the storeroom, then quickly plucked a wand out of the drawer and stuck it in his pocket. He closed the file cabinet and quickly left the classroom.<\/p>\n<p>Bara felt he was a proper wizard now.<\/p>\n<p>He had a wand.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione finished putting the last memories of the ritual that brought Harry back into the medium-sized pensieve. It had taken her a couple of hours, beginning with Severus handing her Damius journal, right after he had exercised his patron\u2019s rights for the first time. She couldn\u2019t very well add herself getting reamed in the ass, though that might have upped sales. She also didn\u2019t include Harry being tackled by her and Dobby when he \u201cwoke up,\u201d though she did include him walking back to the house, standing on the porch and talking to the house elves to show he was lucid and restored.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione then reviewed the pensieve to make sure it included everything necessary to put together the whole picture. It took about an hour and a half to view in entirety. She then gathered together some parchments, sat at Severus\u2019 desk and went about writing the narration. She was quite good at being clear and concise, starting and stopping the viewing, while notating where dialogue would be taken out and embellished.<\/p>\n<p>The scene where Severus divided into twelve separate parts and played the score was very, very exciting. The wizard looked delicious as he threw himself into the song passionately and Hermione frowned slightly. More than likely, this pensieve would make the wizard, who was perceived as cold and unfeeling, much more appealing to witches. He could start being approached by interested women once it was available to the public<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s wand hand twitched.<\/p>\n<p>She wished a witch would approach her wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione paused. Her wizard? She wondered what Severus would say to that designation?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI belong to myself and no other, witch.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sighed. That\u2019s probably exactly what he would say.<\/p>\n<p>************************************<\/p>\n<p>When Severus returned to his rooms that evening after supper, he found Raucous waiting for him impatiently, perched on the back of the armchair in his study. The bird let out an excited squawk when the wizard walked in, flew to his shoulder and started preening his lank hair. Severus waved at him, and the bird fluttered off his shoulder for a moment, then landed back down.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sat down in the armchair and Raucous hopped down to the arm of it, looking up at the pale wizard expectantly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShow me,\u201d Severus said to the bird.<\/p>\n<p>Immediately the wizard\u2019s mind was filled with images of Raucous\u2019 attack on Draco from the bird\u2019s point of view. Severus laughed out loud as the bird pecked him over and over, the wizard running and stumbling as he sought the safety of the manor. The last image was of Draco darting inside, a large bird dropping running down his blonde locks.<\/p>\n<p>Severus petted the bird.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cExcellent, Raucous,\u201d he purred, the bird rubbing its head against his pale fingers. Then Raucous sent him an image of small fish.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnchovies?\u201d the Potions Master asked.<\/p>\n<p>Raucous squawked and fluttered about excitedly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, you deserve them,\u201d the wizard said, standing up and walking over to the floo. He took some floo powder out of the box on the mantle, threw it in and contacted the kitchen. A few minutes later, Raucous was blissfully consuming a plateful of the salted little fishes, a bowl of water next to him on the tiled floor.<\/p>\n<p>Severus fixed himself a firewhiskey and relaxed in front of the fire, his thoughts idly turning toward Hermione. He felt a strong desire to apparate to his house and spend the night there. Not engaging in sex, but just sleeping with the witch. It was nice having her curled against him in the night, warm, soft and accepting. He wasn\u2019t looking forward to sleeping alone after the passionate weekend he\u2019d spent with her.<\/p>\n<p>Severus took another sip of his firewhiskey and scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe\u2019s bewitched me,\u201d he said to himself, the flames in the fireplace reflected in his dark eyes. \u201cThe witch has worked her wiles on me. Damn it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He decided right then and there he would not apparate back to his home until the weekend, no matter how much he was tempted to. He was still a disciplined wizard. He could control his urges. No little chestnut-haired succubus was going to make him throw away years of practiced control, no matter how good her pussy was.<\/p>\n<p>A small voice in the back of his mind whispered, \u201cIt\u2019s not just the pussy. You can get pussy for a couple of galleons. It\u2019s the witch. It\u2019s Hermione. You can\u2019t let her go.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShut up!\u201d the wizard snarled and the little voice went silent. But the message was absorbed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t have to worry about that right now. The patronage agreement has only been in effect for several months. Most likely she won\u2019t be released for at least three years,\u201d the wizard thought to himself. \u201cThere\u2019s no need to say anything if she\u2019s not going anyplace. We can just keep doing what we are doing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus tossed down the rest of his firewhiskey, attempting to be satisfied with his \u201cdo nothing\u201d solution on how to deal with Hermione. Even as he went to fix another firewhiskey, he knew he wasn\u2019t satisfied. The Potions Master liked his situations solved and neatly tied into a satisfactory conclusion. His situation with Hermione was nowhere near solved. The problems were just beginning.<\/p>\n<p>He tried to wish he had never taken her on as his charge, but found he couldn\u2019t even do that.<\/p>\n<p>As much as Severus hated to admit it, Hermione Granger was a gift and a blessing.<\/p>\n<p>And that irked him to no end.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard finished his second firewhiskey, letting the slight glow soothe him. It was too early for bed.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard rose and walked over to his bookshelf, drew back the hidden panel and removed his violin case and bow. He carried them over to his desk, took out his Strad, raised it to his chin and drew his bow across the string, his eyes closed.<\/p>\n<p>Severus didn\u2019t see the golden note that sprang from beneath the bow and hung suspended before him, shimmering with tone before fading away, nor the others that followed as he began to play in earnest, the notes filling the room, glittering and gliding, cascading about him in a cacophony of sound, physical representations of his increased Harper powers.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard\u2019s book hunter had yet to track down a book that told of the uses of the Harper powers, but these notes that stemmed from his instruments could be used to protect, to bind and even to destroy, depending on the wizard\u2019s intent. In other words, they would obey him.<\/p>\n<p>Yet as Severus flowed and melded with his music, caught up in the bliss of artistry and sound, he had no idea what he was truly creating.<\/p>\n<p>It seemed the wizard needed to open his eyes in more than one area of his life.<\/p>\n<p>*************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Ooh Bara, you naughty boy\u2026stealing a wand. Slytherin tendencies. Hermione getting the pensieve together, Severus\u2019 Harper powers awakened and becoming stronger. Severus\u2019 conflict concerning Hermione trying to resolve itself. Lots going on. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 49<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 49 ~ A New Discovery<\/p>\n<p>Hermione completed the docu-pensieve over the next two days, but it seemed as if something were missing. She viewed it several times before she realized what it was\u2026background music. It didn\u2019t need much of it, just in places\u2026music that could convey tension, build-up, excitement, terror\u2026just little touches. The witch went back to her script and wrote in notations where the music should begin and end. After about three hours Hermione surveyed her handiwork. Severus could provide the music with his violin. Now, how to get the message to him? She didn\u2019t have an owl or magic mirror. She could go to Hogwarts, but was sure there were paparazzi set up all around the gates of the school, waiting to pounce.<\/p>\n<p>Eli walked through the living room. Hermione\u2019s amber eyes rested on him for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEli?\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>The elf stopped and walked back to Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes Miss?\u201d the elf replied, looking up at the witch with a smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCould you deliver a message to your Master for me?\u201d she asked him. Eli fairly quivered with excitement.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh yes, Miss. Eli can takes it right to him,\u201d the elf replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cExcellent,\u201d Hermione said to him, pulling over a piece of parchment and scrawling a message on it. She folded it and handed it to Eli.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGive him that, will you?\u201d she asked the elf who bowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes Miss,\u201d Eli replied, immediately winking out.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was sitting at his desk in his office with a Gryffindor student when Eli winked in.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat are you doing here, Eli?\u201d the wizard asked scowling as the witch he was talking to looked at the elf wide-eyed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Miss asks me to brings you a message, Master,\u201d Eli replied, his ears flattened at the Potions Master\u2019s displeasure.<\/p>\n<p>Severus realized Hermione had no other method to contact him. He\u2019d have to arrange something more convenient. He took the message from the elf and put it in his robes pocket.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou may go, Eli,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>Relieved he didn\u2019t get a tongue-lashing, Eli winked out.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWho was that?\u201d the student asked the Potions Master, who frowned at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNever mind who that was,\u201d he snapped at the witch, who blanched, \u201cIf you focused on your grades as much as you focus on things that don\u2019t concern you, Miss Blanchard, you wouldn\u2019t be here now taking up my time. Now, let us continue\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When Severus finished browbeating the Gryffindor student and loading her down with extra assignments to shore up her grades, he retired to his private rooms and took out Hermione\u2019s note, scanning it quickly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMood music?\u201d he said, arching an eyebrow and shaking his head slightly. The witch was something else. But then again, if mood music would enhance the presentation of the docu-pensieve, which in turn would enhance sales, he was all for it. He\u2019d bring his violin with him this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus found Hermione waiting for him in the living room, docu-pensieve in hand. The wizard\u2019s dark eyes washed over her for a moment as he set down his violin case and bow. Again, she looked quite healthy and presentable\u2026but he had a feeling that by this time next week, she would revert to her usual, overworked self. The Dementor elixir would be completed by the middle of next week, and the witch would begin her experimentation with the nifflers.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had promised not to work on the weekends but most likely he would have to force her to comply with her promise. Even the lure of his dark library paled when it came to discovering new knowledge He knew she would be in no condition to either fuck or make love. The wizard found himself already scowling about this\u2026but it was standard Hermione. He\u2019d just have to deal with it for the next few months.<\/p>\n<p>Severus reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of parchment, handing it to the witch and taking the pensieve. He walked over to his desk, put the pensieve on top of it and sat down, prepared to view it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is this?\u201d Hermione asked him, looking at the rectangular piece of parchment. Then her eyes widened. She looked up at the Potions Master. \u201cSeverus, what is this?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA check for your portion of the residuals from the \u201cSequentius Spell.\u201d It seems it was a hit at the expo. It isn\u2019t much, but it will grow significantly as the spell catches on,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut this is over two thousand galleons,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLike I said, a rather low return. But it will get better,\u201d the wizard said, \u201cYou need to send your account information to my solicitor so your portion can be deposited directly into Gringotts.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard entered the pensieve as the witch stared at the check. So much money! And it was just starting? Dear gods. She really was going to be rich. She looked over at Severus who was completely still staring down into the pensieve. Well, he\u2019d be tied up for the next hour and a half. Hermione\u2019s eyes fell on his violin case, then shifted back to the wizard. Surely he wouldn\u2019t mind if she looked at his instrument.<\/p>\n<p>The witch walked over to the case and bow, picked them up and set them on the sofa. She opened the case and took the shining instrument out. It was certainly a pretty, well-kept violin. She looked at it closely, searching for the label that would identify the instrument\u2019s maker. She could find none.<\/p>\n<p>Looking at Severus furtively, Hermione lifted the violin to her chin, picked up the bow and drew it across the strings, making a perfectly horrendous noise that caused the wizard to stir, blinking and look over at the witch. His eyes widened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPut down my Strad you silly chit!\u201d he roared, leaping up from his desk and quickly striding over to the witch, who held out the violin and bow, blinking rapidly\u2026her heart pounding as Severus took them from her gently, his eyes hard as diamond.<\/p>\n<p>He brought the violin to his chin and drew the bow across the strings, eyes open, listening intently, then sighed with relief. She hadn\u2019t ruined its tone. He scowled down at Hermione as he put the violin away, shutting the case with a snap.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNever, ever touch my violin,\u201d he seethed at the witch, who sunk down to the couch with a hurt look on her face. After all they\u2019d done together, the wizard wouldn\u2019t let her handle his violin? Her face fell and the witch began to sulk as Severus returned to the pensieve. Hermione sat on the sofa staring into the fireplace the entire time the wizard viewed the pensieve. Finally he finished and carried it back over to the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAn excellent job Hermione,\u201d he said to the witch, who didn\u2019t acknowledge his praise\u2026which was strange. Her eyes always lit up when he gave her the slightest acknowledgement. \u201cI should be able to add the touches you wish if I knew where they were to be inserted.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione silently handed the wizard the notations on the script. He studied them, then studied Hermione, who stared into the fire and wouldn\u2019t look at him at all. He scowled at her silence.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is wrong with you witch?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at him, her eyes empty and cold\u2026then looked back at the flame.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNothing,\u201d she muttered stiffly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared down at her. He could tell something was wrong with her, but couldn\u2019t figure out what. He wasn\u2019t pleased with the coldness he felt coming off of her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI can tell something is wrong witch. Tell me what it is,\u201d the wizard demanded, scowling.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at him, a crease between her brows. She stood up straight, her chin thrust out.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus Snape, I\u2019m not about to tell you what you should already know. Figure it out,\u201d she said, turning and walking down the hallway and entering her bedroom, slamming the door behind her.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked after the witch. She had walked away from him refusing to tell him what was wrong, then slammed her door. She better not have locked it. The wizard stormed after the witch, throwing her door open and wrenching her out of the bed by one arm, determined to demand she tell him what was the matter, when suddenly Hermione slapped him, hard.<\/p>\n<p>Shocked, the wizard let her go, bringing his hand to his face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re going to stop treating me any kind of way,\u201d the witch said, her amber eyes hard as she looked up at him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus couldn\u2019t believe it. The tiny witch had struck him\u2026hard and with intent. He glared at her, not knowing exactly what to do. Part of him urged the Potions Master to strike her back, but the part of him that felt connected to the witch wouldn\u2019t let him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy did you strike me?\u201d he asked the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause you came into my bedroom like some kind of caveman and yanked me about like a rag doll. You\u2019re much bigger than me, Severus. I\u2019m tired of you forcing me to do things. After all the times you\u2019ve put your hands on me, I\u2019ve decided it\u2019s time to put my hands on you, you big oaf!\u201d she spat, sinking down on her bed and folding her arms stubbornly. \u201cNow leave me alone. I don\u2019t want you near me. Go back to your precious violin. As a matter of fact, sleep with it tonight. It has several openings.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Sleep with his violin? She didn\u2019t want him near her?<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 belly tightened at the witch\u2019s rejection. He still didn\u2019t see what he had done wrong or that he had hurt Hermione\u2019s feelings when he yelled at her for touching his Strad. Hell, he handled her like he always handled her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine, witch,\u201d he seethed. \u201cStay in your own bed then. I didn\u2019t want you anyway,\u201d he lied, stalking from the room. He spun in the hallway, his black eyes flashing at her. \u201cBut if I did want you witch, you would have to oblige me. It\u2019s my right.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione slammed the door in his face, thinking she would let the oath of agreement choke her to death before she\u2019d let him stick a single inch of cock inside her. Severus was such a Neanderthal.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master stared at the door, tempted to actually go back into Hermione\u2019s bedroom and take her just because she was being such a bitch. He hesitated, then walked off to the living room. He began to pace back and forth, going over the events before Hermione stormed out of the room.<\/p>\n<p>He gave her the check. Took the pensieve. Yelled at her about the violin\u2026<\/p>\n<p>He paused.<\/p>\n<p>But he always yelled at her. She never reacted like this before\u2026<\/p>\n<p>Severus rubbed his temples, then realization dawned on him. That had been before their weekend together. The dynamics had changed\u2026for the witch at least. He was still his usual, snarky self. He was very protective of his belongings and he never let anyone handle his violin before. His outburst was a gut reaction. His Stradivarius was priceless to him in many ways.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c<i>So is Hermione<\/i>,\u201d the small unwelcome voice in his head chided. \u201c<i>You need to apologize to her.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus frowned at his conscience\u2019s insane suggestion. Apologize? He never apologized for anything he did. Hell, the witch still had to service him. Why bother apologizing?<\/p>\n<p>\u201c<i>Because you have to think about what will happen when your patronage ends, that\u2019s why. If the witch is unhappy with you, she will leave. You will never have her again,<\/i>\u201d the voice continued.<\/p>\n<p>Fuck. When had he gotten a conscience anyway? It had been blissfully silent all these years and suddenly it was an unwelcome subtext in his head. But it had a point\u2026it would be in his best interest to apologize to the witch, and he could deal with that. It was a Slytherin point of view after all.<\/p>\n<p>All right. An apology. How hard could it be? The witch was taken by him after all. Severus straightened his robes and ran his hand through his lanky hair, took a deep breath and walked back down the hall to Hermione\u2019s bedroom. He knocked on the door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGo away!\u201d Hermione called, frowning at the door as she lay on her side in the bed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, I would like to talk to you,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo!\u201d the witch said stubbornly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to\u2026to\u2026apologize,\u201d the wizard said uncomfortably, one hand resting on the door as he leaned in. \u201cApologize for shouting at you concerning my violin. I didn\u2019t mean to get so upset. It\u2019s just that\u2026no one ever handled it before. I reacted before I thought. I am sorry, witch.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyebrows rose. Severus Snape apologizing? That had to be a first. Still, he had acted like a caveman afterwards\u2026was he going to apologize for that?<\/p>\n<p>The wizard waited for Hermione to call out \u201cI forgive you, Severus.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>It didn\u2019t come.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDid you hear me, Hermione? I said I was sorry,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I heard you. Now go away,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>He wasn\u2019t getting off the hook that easy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGo away?\u201d Severus mouthed silently, frowning at the door. He\u2019d apologized. Hermione was supposed to forgive him.<\/p>\n<p>Shit, she was a witch. Witches were naturally unreasonable.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you forgive me?\u201d he asked through the door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDoes it sound as if I\u2019ve forgiven you?\u201d she shot back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBrilliant deduction. Now leave me alone, Severus,\u201d Hermione said, burying her face in the pillow and wrapping it around her ears.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at the door a moment, then walked back down the hall slightly bewildered. He had apologized as sincerely as he could. The wizard walked into the living room and stood over his violin case for a moment\u2026looking down at it. Suddenly he opened the case, took out his Strad, picked up his bow and walked back down the hallway.<\/p>\n<p>He stood outside Hermione\u2019s door a moment, then envisioned making love to the witch and how she had made him feel. He brought the violin up to his chin, closed his eyes and began to play Hermione\u2019s song.<\/p>\n<p>Inside the room, Hermione raised her head from the pillow, listening as Severus stood outside her door, playing his heart out for the witch. A warmth fell over her, and she sat up in the bed feeling as if the music were caressing her very soul. She felt a powerful urge to go to the wizard and stood up, swaying towards the door. It was then she saw them, shimmering into existence\u2026golden notes pouring through the door and swirling around her, caressing her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione held up her arms as the notes glided over her skin gently, sending pulses of desire throughout her body.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh my gods. What is this?\u201d the witch breathed as she was caught in the middle of a cyclone of musical notes. They began to move her gently toward the door and the Potions Master. She couldn\u2019t resist them and opened the door.<\/p>\n<p>Severus, who was playing with his eyes closed, opened them as he heard the door click, then his eyes widened as he saw the notes swirling around Hermione, who was gently touching them, wonder in her eyes. Stunned, Severus stopped playing and the notes faded out, leaving Hermione standing before him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy gods, Severus. Your music\u2026your music came to get me,\u201d the witch whispered, \u201cHow is that?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at his violin, then at the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wanted you,\u201d he said quietly, his eyes reflecting the wonder in the witch\u2019s own as he studied his bow. \u201cI wanted you to forgive me and come to me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd I wanted to come,\u201d the witch replied, her eyes resting on the wizard thoughtfully. \u201cSeverus\u2026your Harper powers do much more than embellish music. They can affect others\u2026it seems it can convey your feelings and your will. This is amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus blinked down at her.<\/p>\n<p>Yes it was amazing\u2026and a bit daunting as well.<\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Severus was really in the doghouse there. At least he figured out what was wrong on his own\u2026but he couldn\u2019t figure out Hermione. Lol. Those Harper powers really came in handy this time. There was a good chance Hermione wouldn\u2019t have spoke to him the entire weekend\u2026but since his power manifested\u2026her interest is secured. &lt;g&gt; Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 50<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 50 ~ Experiments<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, let\u2019s go down to the Spells lab and experiment a bit with your Harper magic. Find out what else you can do,\u201d Hermione suggested, her eyes bright with excitement, the wizard\u2019s previous transgressions all but forgotten.<\/p>\n<p>Still a bit stunned at what he witnessed, Severus nodded, then followed the witch to the door leading to the labs and entered behind her. Hermione unwarded and opened the spells lab, then entered, Severus following.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think that your Harper magic works based on your intent while you are playing. Try to get it to do something else to me,\u201d Hermione said, walking to the middle of the room.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at her for a moment, then a rather wicked grin flickered across his face, and he lifted the violin into position, focusing his thoughts. Then he began to play a slow, sensuous melody. Immediately the golden notes sprang out from where his bow connected with the strings and surrounded Hermione at first, shimmering. Suddenly they converged on her, covering her body.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione gasped.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh\u2026oh shit,\u201d the witch breathed, writhing in pleasure as her core was stimulated as if someone were giving her oral sex. \u201cStop! Stop Severus!\u2019 Hermione clamped her legs together but it didn\u2019t help as the notes clung to her body. The Potions Master played several more bars, his black eyes glittering and a smirk on his face. Suddenly the witch let out a shriek and orgasmed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYesssss,\u201d the Potions Master breathed, lowering the bow, the notes fading away as Hermione stood there shuddering, her knickers soaked with her release. Severus looked at his violin appreciatively. Now this was a handy magic.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus Snape\u2026I told you to stop,\u201d Hermione said, trying to sound angry as she drew her wand and scourgified herself.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI did stop,\u201d the wizard replied, his lip quirking.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut not soon enough,\u201d Hermione said, scowling at him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus shrugged his shoulders.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat&#8217;s a matter of opinion. Actually, I wanted to see how far the notes could go. It seems they go \u2018all the way,\u2019\u201d the wizard said, trying looking innocent as he said the pun\u2026as if that were possible. Severus always looked as if he were up to no good.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI see I am going to have to tell you what to try,\u201d Hermione said evenly, thinking the wizard might think about fucking her next time he played. That\u2019s all she needed, to be penetrated by proxy with golden notes.<\/p>\n<p>The witch looked at Severus who had a rather wicked gleam in his eyes. She&#8217;d fix that.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThink about the notes protecting you,\u201d the witch said with a nasty smirk, pulling out her wand. She\u2019d only throw a stunner\u2026but if it connected\u2026oh well.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled at her, knowing the witch was trying to get him back for the note-inspired orgasm. Shit, she should be pleased. But, at least she was talking to him. The wizard raised the violin again and began to play. The notes once again appeared, this time whirling around the wizard, forming a cylinder around his lean body as he played.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione focused and cast a stunner at him. The hex bounced off, Hermione leaping aside to keep from being hit. Severus grinned from within the cylinder. Hermione frowned at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe I should try something stronger,\u201d she suggested.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard gave her a challenging look, playing a slow, taunting strain now.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione frowned and cast the \u201cExpelliamus\u201d hex, careful to move aside as she did so. That hex was also cast aside. Hermione began to feel very excited.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, stop playing and cast a repelling spell around yourself. I want to try stronger hexes,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stopped playing and the circling notes disappeared.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t think that would be a proper test, Hermione. We wouldn\u2019t know if the spell was turned by the notes or the repelling spell. I can take a bit of pain for research,\u201d the wizard replied.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded. He was right of course. Severus began to play again, the notes circling his body.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cReducto!\u201d Hermione cried, sending a powerful blast toward the wizard that should have blasted him off his feet. The hex bounced harmlessly off the spinning notes. Severus continued playing, a small smirk on his face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAmazing,\u201d Hermione breathed. Again she pointed her wand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIncarceous!\u201d she shouted, chains flying out of her wand tip. Several notes sprang out of the cylinder and blocked the chains before they could reach the wizard. The lengths of chain dropped harmlessly to the floor.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLocomotor Mortis! Densaugeo! Diffindo! Incendio! Furnunculus! Impedimenta!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione fired spell after spell at the wizard. Not one got through. Finally, Hermione stopped, her chest heaving from her efforts. Severus stopped playing and the notes faded away. Once again he studied his violin and bow.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cImpressive,\u201d he said shortly, looking up at Hermione who had a wild look in her eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWait here,\u201d she said, hurrying from the Spells lab. Presently she returned with a niffler. She placed it on the floor and cast a containment spell around the lab so the magical signatures of the spells cast wouldn&#8217;t be picked up by the Ministry. She looked at Severus, her eyes glittering.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want you to focus on protecting this niffler\u2019s life,\u201d she said to the wizard, drawing her wand.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at the witch, who seemed overly-animated. He looked at the small furry creature standing on its hind legs and sniffing the air and focused on protecting it, bringing his instrument up and drawing his bow across it. Once again the golden notes flew out, surrounding the startled niffler, which began to squeak in fear. It couldn\u2019t move from the cylinder swirling around it.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione eyed the niffler, her eyes going dark. Her face contorted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAvada Kedavra!\u201d she hissed, pointing the wand at the niffler. Both the animal and notes were bathed in the dread green light as Severus continued to play. After several seconds, Hermione stopped the curse, peering at the cylinder.<\/p>\n<p>The niffler was unharmed, though pressed again the back of the cylinder greatly frightened.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione turned to stare at Severus who stopped playing as the enormity of what just happened sank in. He could be protected and protect others from the Killing Curse\u2026something considered impossible. The notes faded and Hermione scooped up the niffler, examining the animal closely. Not a hair was out of place.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can stop the Killing Curse,\u201d Hermione said to the wizard in a low voice. \u201cYou can stop a curse that up to this point in time was considered unstoppable. You can protect others from an Unforgivable, Severus. The most deadly Unforgivable. This makes you one of the most powerful wizards that ever existed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione and Severus stared at each other, the niffler wriggling in Hermione\u2019s arms, recovered now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t know about that,\u201d Severus replied, lowering his violin and bow.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI do, Severus,\u201d Hermione said, awe in her voice as she looked at her Patron. \u201cAnd this is only the beginning. We need to find out what else you can do,\u201d the witch said, her eyes glittering hungrily as she looked at him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re looking at me like a lab project, Hermione\u2026as if I am one huge niffler. I have no intentions on letting you poke and prod me, trying to find the source of my magic, witch. Though I do admit being interested in finding out the limits of this magic, we will not focus on this until we have dealt with the Dementors. That is my final word on this,\u201d the wizard said firmly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione deflated a bit. Yes, she already had a very important project\u2026but gods\u2026Severus\u2019 Harper powers were amazing and needed to be explored and documented. She had a thought.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right Severus\u2026just one more test. One more. Then I will back off,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat do you want me to do?\u201d Severus asked her frowning.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione put the niffler down. It began to scamper around the room, sniffing about.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSee if you can bind the niffler so it can\u2019t move,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at the hairy little rodent, then raised his instrument and bow. He began to play and the golden notes soared out and surrounded the niffler, who couldn\u2019t move. Hermione looked extremely thoughtful.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s enough,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stopped playing and looked at the witch quizzically. What was going on in that brilliant little mind?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI may need you to help me further with my project,\u201d the witch said to him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sighed. As her patron he was bound to assist her if she needed assistance.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will make myself available,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione picked up the niffler and exited the Spells lab. She walked into the Potions Lab and put the animal back in its cage. It chattered at her as she lowered the torches and exited. Severus was already on his way up the stairs. Hermione followed him, her mind going a thousand kilometers a second.<\/p>\n<p>Severus walked into the living room and put his violin back in its case. Hermione watched him. The wizard straightened and looked at the witch. Her awe was visible. Severus looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve impressed you,\u201d he said silkily.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione blinked and started.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ve always impressed me, Severus\u2026but this\u2026my gods,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 eyes swept over the witch and suddenly he wanted her under him. Normally he would just walk up to her, catch her by the arm and drag her to his bedroom\u2026but after the slap, he was hesitant. He did manhandle her quite often. This meant he would have to ask her to come to his bed. He had done it before, but not under these circumstances. He really wasn\u2019t sure if she had forgiven him.<\/p>\n<p>But Hermione was completely taken by the wizard again. Gods, he was so powerful. Like many women, Hermione was attracted to power, though with her it wasn\u2019t that obvious. But the idea of a wizard of Severus\u2019 caliber being attracted to her was quite arousing, and her amber eyes were a bit hot as she looked at him. She wanted to engage the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus saw the look in her eyes and realized immediately she wanted him, despite what happened earlier. She looked a little star-struck actually. The wizard went for it, walking up to the witch and taking her gently by the arm.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWould you mind indulging a Harper, Miss Granger?\u201d he asked her silkily, \u201cI would like to make another kind of music with you. I know what strings to pluck.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt a strong pulse of desire in her lower belly. The hell with maintaining an attitude. The wizard was delicious and she wanted him. She gave Severus a smile of consent, and the wizard escorted her to his bedroom, opening the door for her and letting her walk through, rather than pushing her in.<\/p>\n<p>He was learning.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<\/p>\n<p>Four days later, Hermione moved about the Potions lab excitedly as she prepared to feed the first niffler the Dementor elixir. She picked up the cage containing the unfortunate creature, a dropper, her journal and her wand, then moved to her spells lab, where there was more room. She sat the cage on the counter, then closed the door.<\/p>\n<p>She picked up the dropper which was filled with the proper dosage to turn the niffler, took a deep breath and thrust it into the cage. One thing about nifflers, they would drink anything, no matter how bad it tasted. This one was familiar with droppers and walked right up to it and drank down the elixir as Hermione squeezed the dropper until every bit was downed.<\/p>\n<p>The witch sat down on a stool and watched the niffler intently.<\/p>\n<p>At first nothing happened. Hermione began to wonder if she had miscalculated the dosage. Then the niffler let out a terrible squeal and began shuddering. Its fur began to fall out in patches and its flesh took on a gray, mottled pallor. Hermione watched with horror as the little creature\u2019s eyes dropped back, leaving hollows, its teeth retracted and its mouth grew larger vertically. Suddenly it rose from the floor, dangling. Its paws were larger and the claws long and black. It turned its face toward her and hissed, drifting mid-air. It looked frightening. Suddenly it began to keen loudly, bumping against the bars.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione quickly ran back to the Potions lab and removed another niffler from its cage. She petted it as she brought it back to the Spells lab.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d she said as she placed it in the cage with the Dementor niffler, which turned toward it, hissing with excitement.<\/p>\n<p>The niffler\u2019s eyes widened and it squealed with fear, backing up against the bar on its hind legs. The Dementor niffler drifted closer slowly. Hermione could see tendrils of spirit being drawn from the sacrificial niffler, and the creature slumping a bit, its eyes glazing.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the Dementor niffler darted forward, locking its long mouth over the niffler&#8217;s muzzle. The stricken animal twitched as its spirit was drawn out of it. After a few minutes, the niffler Dement released it and it fell, eyes open and empty, but breathing shallowly.<\/p>\n<p>The niffler Dementor drifted away, breathing heavily, and settled in a corner, seeming sated. Hermione stared at it for several moments, then began to write in her journal. She had succeeded in creating a Dementor. Now she needed to find out if she could get the spirit back out of it and restore the fallen one.<\/p>\n<p>She would start on that tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p>****************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Wow. Severus\u2019 powers are something else. I bet Hermione got off big time. Severus is a living breathing magic project she can REALLY immerse herself in. loll. It figures his first conscious act would be to give her an orgasm. : snort::: And how about that creepy little Dementor niffler. :::shudder::: Well, please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 51<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 51 ~ The Fruits of Dedication<\/p>\n<p>For the next three months, sex was non-existent between Severus and Hermione, the witch was so caught up in her experiments with the Dementor-nifflers, the stricken nifflers and finding the proper balance of Agistani flower to Basilisk heart and blood.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had ten niffler Dementors now, and ten stricken nifflers which had the spirit sucked out of them. Eli cared for these animals for her, forcing a nutritious fluid down each throat with an eyedropper three times a day, working their limbs so they didn\u2019t atrophy and turning their bodies periodically so no sores developed. They were quite labor-intensive and the elf loved the extra work.<\/p>\n<p>The first nifflers she tried the adapted elixir on turned into rather altered Dementors which died within ten hours. They couldn\u2019t absorb spirits and showed no interest in attacking the other Dementors, only living nifflers. Hermione continued adapting the potion. The nifflers lost less hair during the transformation and kept their eyes, but still showed no desire to kiss other Dementors.<\/p>\n<p>Then Hermione began to use the Imperious curse on the newly changed nifflers, after carefully adding a sustained containment spell around her lab so no Aurors would catch the signature of the Unforgivable. The Dementor-nifflers would suck out what was left of the spirits of the altered nifflers, since the elixir still released part of the soul.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione worked furiously, even getting up in the middle of the night when an idea hit her and running down to the lab to implement it.<\/p>\n<p>Severus would arrive on the weekends to try and get the witch to take a break, but he was hard put for it. She didn\u2019t sleep with him because she was in such a disagreeable condition and temper. One Saturday evening she slipped down to the lab, and Severus busted her. The witch tried to hex him so she could continue working. Severus grabbed her, twisted her arm and walked her screaming and yelling back up the stairs, took her wand and locked her in her bedroom.<\/p>\n<p>For the most part when he was there, Hermione paced constantly, scribbling notes and talking to herself, preparing for Monday morning when she could get back to the Work. There was no sex between them, but it wasn\u2019t that hard on the wizard considering how bad Hermione looked. One Sunday morning he was so disgusted at her appearance at breakfast that he wrestled her into his bedroom, stripped her and forced her into the shower with him. He was fully clothed and scrubbed the fighting witch thoroughly. It was like dealing with a wild child.<\/p>\n<p>But not all Severus\u2019 time was spent babysitting Hermione. He utilized the Spells lab to practice and hone his Harper magic. He found he could move objects with the notes as well as\u2026pulverize them. He crushed several large stones Eli moved to the basement for him with the power of the notes. He even managed to practice a bit on an unwilling Hermione, strapping her to a chair and manipulating her emotions. Too bad it only worked when he was playing. He might have sweetened the witch\u2019s disposition. As she was, she was snarkier than Severus.<\/p>\n<p>He even had to spank Hermione once, when she bad-temperedly threw a bowl of soup at him when he wouldn\u2019t let her go down to the lab for an hour. He spanked her with her jeans on however, but Hermione was hardly contrite despite the spanking.<\/p>\n<p>Finally the wizard gave up and let Hermione work every day. This improved her temper but not her appearance. Her libido had all but disappeared. Severus patiently waited, sitting in on her experiments after scourgifying her several times so it was bearable to be in her presence. He watched as she tried elixir after elixir\u2026the results varying. Finally she created one that didn\u2019t seem to physically affect the test animal at all. When she put the niffler in the cage with the niffler-Dementors, and used the Imperious curse to make it kiss one, the animal didn\u2019t pull out the Dementor\u2019s spirit, but neither could the Dementor pull out the spirit of the altered niffler. That was a big success.<\/p>\n<p>Severus watched as the rat-haired witch danced about wildly, thrusting her fist in the air. Hermione attempted to hug him, but he extended his pale hand and shook his head as he eyed her absolutely filthy lab coat.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot on your life, witch,\u201d he said to her, frowning.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione didn\u2019t care. She had a breakthrough\u2026finally. She had reached a median. Now she applied herself even more to the work, sleeping only four hours a night. Once again Eli had to hide the pepper-up potion, and Severus himself had to come to the house several times during the week and make Hermione eat, binding her to the kitchen chair and sitting down at the table and actually feeding her himself, using his wand to shock her when she wouldn\u2019t cooperate.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you would just eat, I wouldn\u2019t have to torment you,\u201d the wizard said, a blatant smile on his face as he gave Hermione shock after shock to make her open her mouth. He enjoyed that part.<\/p>\n<p>A month and a half later, Severus was in the Spells lab strengthening his Harper abilities when a loud shriek came from the Potions lab. Hastily he put his instrument down and drew his wand, running to the lab thinking something awful had happened. He found Hermione staring at the Dementor-niffler cage. One of the Dementors was on the floor of the cage twitching, as an altered niffler stood over it. The rest of the Dementors were backed into a corner of the cage, hissing in fear\u2026and in the large cage that held the stricken nifflers, one was sitting up, sniffing about\u2026its spirit restored.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt worked,\u201d Hermione said in a low voice. She turned her hollow, baggy eyes toward Severus. \u201cSeverus\u2026it worked. The niffler got its spirit back. I\u2019ve found the antidote\u2026I\u2019ve\u2026finally\u2026found it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus rushed forward and caught the exhausted witch before she hit the lab floor. When Hermione realized she had found the proper elixir, all the wear and tear she had put on her body caught up with her. The witch was nearly dead on her feet. Severus looked down at her and shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>Slowly he carried the witch upstairs and tended to her, putting her in the bath and bathing her thoroughly, washing the semi-conscious witch&#8217;s hair and adding replenishing potion to the water. Severus dried her, dressed her in a nightgown and put her in his own bed. He then undressed down to his boxers and slid in beside her, drawing her warm body into his and listening to her breathe.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSleep witch. You\u2019ve done it. Now sleep,\u201d he said softly, kissing her mouth lightly and closing his eyes with a satisfied sigh.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<\/p>\n<p>After testing and retesting the anti-Dementor elixir, Hermione was satisfied she had the answer. Now, the next question was how to administer it to free range Dementors. They weren\u2019t caged after all, and could fly. When they realized what was happening, they would attempt escape. Then there was the question of who would do the kissing.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione asked Severus to come to the Spells lab with his violin. She had created five more Dementor nifflers. It seemed only five could be kissed before more potion had to be imbibed. So the kisser was vulnerable to being kissed himself if he wasn\u2019t fast when taking the next dosage. Hermione needed to design a delivery system for drinking the potion quickly between Dementors. Luckily only about a cup of the elixir was necessary to be effective.<\/p>\n<p>Severus entered the lab with his violin and bow. Hermione was looking much better now that she had the elixir, but was still focused on the project. Severus hoped she could wrap it up within the next two weeks. He wasn\u2019t used to being celibate anymore, and was having very erotic dreams about the witch. His black eyes glittered when he looked at her, but Hermione didn\u2019t even notice. The five Dementors floated hissing in their cage and another cage held five stricken nifflers whose spirits were in the others.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione dosed a normal niffler to turn it into a Kisser and placed it on the floor, then released the five Dementor-nifflers which drifted hissing about the room, out of range of the altered creature that was supposed to kiss them.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione addressed Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou see, Severus. This is the problem. The Dementors can evade the Kisser. We can count on the same problem when we go for the real ones. I want you to try and bind the Dementor-nifflers and bring them down to where they can be reached. I don\u2019t know if you can bind all of them\u2026but it would be ideal if you could,\u201d she said, looking at the wizard hopefully.<\/p>\n<p>Severus had discovered he could make the notes do several things at once. He had no doubt he could bind the little horrors. He nodded at the witch, lifted his instrument and began to play. Immediately the golden notes emerged and converged on the hissing nifflers, wrapping around them and bringing them to floor level. Using the Imperious curse, Hermione had the dosed niffler kiss all five of them. The Dementors fell to the floor and the stricken creatures woke up, sniffing and staring about as if to say, \u201cWhat are we doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione smiled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve done it,\u201d she said, looking at Severus. \u201cYou are going to have to bind the Dementors while I kiss them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her incredulously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou?\u201d he said, \u201cWhy you, Hermione?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dBecause it makes sense for me to agree to do it, then spend time trying to find a volunteer who won\u2019t trust the potion. I\u2019m not afraid to do it, Severus and I am the best choice,\u201d the witch said. &#8220;I know the elixir inside and out.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The Professor\u2019s face contorted as he thought of those lips he had kissed so many times locking on to a Dementor\u2019s mouth. The creatures were absolutely fetid. But then again, it had to be done\u2026and her Gryffindorness was in full force. Besides, he would be there to help her and protect her. Yes\u2026it could be done.<\/p>\n<p>Severus invited Albus to his house to give a demonstration of the elixir using the nifflers. The Headmaster watched as Hermione administered the elixir to a niffler, and Severus played music on a violin that emitted golden notes which bound the Dementor-niffler and brought it within reach of the Kisser. Using the Imperious curse, Hermione made the niffler kiss the Dementor, which fell to the floor shuddering, and suddenly the stricken niffler squealed and stood up, looking bewildered.<\/p>\n<p>Albus jumped up and ran over to the restored niffler, who wriggled its nose at him. He examined it thoroughly, then turned to Hermione with tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow soon?\u201d he croaked, \u201cHow soon until we can use this miraculous restorative?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs soon as you can arrange passage to India, Headmaster. I will be doing the kissing myself,\u201d Hermione said as tears rolled down Albus\u2019 face. \u201cSeverus will do the binding.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus looked at the Potions Master, who cleared his throat at the old wizard\u2019s great emotion.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe already have a plan to contain the creatures utilizing Order members distributed around the temple with Patronuses to keep them from exiting the ruin. Both of you can enter and dispose of them. A contingent of Order members will go with you as backup,\u201d Albus said, wiping at his eyes. He looked at Hermione and opened his arms.<\/p>\n<p>The witch walked up to him and Albus embraced her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you. Thank you my dear for making it possible for Minerva to come back to me,\u201d he said, his voice hoarse. \u201cThank you Hermione. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes glistened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re welcome, Headmaster,\u201d she said softly, kissing his cheek.<\/p>\n<p>Albus released the witch and sniffed, then held out his hand to Severus, who took it firmly in his own.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd thank you Severus, for making this possible. Without your patronage, none of this could have been accomplished,\u201d the Headmaster said.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard nodded but didn\u2019t respond.<\/p>\n<p>Albus drew a deep breath.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI must go,\u201d he said, sounding stronger, \u201cThere are souls to recover!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>*********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Ah, success! After so much sacrifice\u2026no nookie for the Potions Master for months. I\u2019m sure he intends to make up for lost time. Yay on the successful creation of the elixir. Minerva might be coming home! Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 52<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 52 ~ Making the Final Moves<\/p>\n<p>Strange occurrences had been happening around Hogwarts for the past several months. Several Slytherin students walking down the dungeon corridor suddenly disappeared and reappeared in the astronomy tower. It was found that some kind of magical wormhole had been created in the middle of the corridor. No one had ever seen anything like this, and the spell was placed inside of a containment spell and transferred to Professor Flitwick\u2019s lab for further study.<\/p>\n<p>There were also incidents of random magic happening all over the school. For example, windows were appearing and disappearing in the strangest places. The windows wouldn\u2019t be that extraordinary except that they gave views of the Hogwarts landscape from great heights, and it was found that an object dropped out of them would actually fall. The windows were no illusion and quite dangerous since they could appear suddenly in walls, floors or even mid-air, suspended by nothing. All students were directed to be vigilant when moving through the castle lest they inadvertently fall out of one.<\/p>\n<p>Strange doors were appearing too. When opened, they contained whirling, multi-colored vortexes which would try and suck a person in. So far, no one had been taken, but there were several close calls. Everyone was admonished not to open strange doors.<\/p>\n<p>Every manifestation seemed to bend space. Flitwick was stumped but quite excited. If the secret of these spells could be divined, another mode of travel might be possible. If a window could be opened on a particular landscape, a witch or wizard could simply climb through it and instantly be transported to that area. For example, a window could be opened on Diagon Alley or another town, city or country. Flitwick suspected that the doors opened on active port activity\u2026with Port keys one was drawn through a wormhole specifically created to take one to a specified destination. The wormholes behind these doors could take one anywhere\u2026most likely. But there was no way to test the wormholes because it was likely the witch or wizard who went through might not be able to come back.<\/p>\n<p>Albus was quite distracted by the upcoming quest to retrieve the taken souls from the Dementors in India. Then again, distracted was an understatement. Consumed was a better word. He decided that he would not go himself. The Dementors feared him and could feel him approaching. There had to be some element of surprise. Bara was to accompany a recon team of two Order members to India. Their purpose was to inspect the ruins for any and all potential escape routes and to distribute several port key destinations surrounding the ruins, so their forces would automatically be placed in position rather than having to spread out on foot and risking tipping off the creatures. Since Bara knew the area well and the danger was minimal since it would be done during the day, it was felt the boy could be of assistance. Of course he was excited.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally the Order members would arrive directly to their positions and generate their Patronuses to guard the temple and drive back any Dementors that attempted to escape. Then Hermione, Severus and several Order members would enter the ruin, the Order members setting up Patronuses to guard the entrance as well as Hermione and Severus.<\/p>\n<p>Personally, Severus felt the extra Order members would be in the way and a distraction, but Albus wouldn\u2019t budge on it. He wanted Severus and Hermione protected at all costs.<\/p>\n<p>Professor Flitwick was quite pleased with Bara\u2019s progress both academically and magically. The boy could read now and his vocabulary increased dramatically. He could hold a full conversation now, and other than having a little problem with his tenses, was doing quite well. And his spells development\u2026well now. It seemed the boy was learning a spell a week, his focus was so strong. Flitwick was quite amazed. It seemed Bara was a prodigy.<\/p>\n<p>But the Professor didn\u2019t know that Bara was sneaking into the Room of Requirement with his ill-gotten wand and practicing the new spells until he was exhausted. He was also running about Hogwarts making up pretend spells and swishing and flicking his wand all over the place. Since Flitwick didn\u2019t know Bara had a wand, he had not yet told him about the dangers of randomly coming up with an intent and flicking his wand about. Magic was magic and could be easily and dangerously distorted by an unthinking wizard or witch\u2026and strange things could happen.<\/p>\n<p>Like magical doors and windows appearing out of nowhere.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p>Finally, the day of departure arrived. There was some consternation initially. Severus pointed out that no one knew how many Dementors there actually were, but Hermione quickly solved that problem. Count the stricken Untouchables being cared for in the disillusioned aid camp, and add a few on for good measure. This was as good an estimation measure as any.<\/p>\n<p>When Albus first sent aid, the medi-witches soon found themselves deluged by healthy Untouchables who wanted food that was for the upkeep of the stricken. Eventually they had to move the camp, ward it and keep it invisible so they could care for the stricken. It was difficult because the Untouchables had hungry children\u2026but they couldn\u2019t provide for everyone. There were just too many of them. The walls of the camp from the inside were opaque, so the tender-hearted medi-witches wouldn\u2019t see the Untouchables and feel guilty.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had created a kind of harness that held over four liters of elixir that was strapped to her chest. It had a straw. Eight gulps provided enough elixir to kiss the Dementors, according to her calculations. Severus was a bit nervous about this. She hadn\u2019t actually tested it\u2026and the results could be disastrous if she were wrong. Hermione pointed out that the Dementor would be unable to extract her soul even if her calculations were slightly off and she would only have to consume more elixir until she got it right. They would be bound by his music and unable to escape as she did this.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sighed. The witch had an answer for everything.<\/p>\n<p>The couple still had not engaged in intercourse, and Severus was chomping at the bit to get to the Dementors and be rid of them. All they were to the wizard at this point were floating cockblockers. The sooner they were destroyed, the sooner Hermione would turn her attentions on him again.<\/p>\n<p>Harry had sent several owls to Hermione over the months, which Severus had Eli intercept. Hermione was in no state to deal with the wizard while working on the project. Harry still had not come out of hiding, though Ginny did her best to get him to do so. He said he wasn\u2019t ready yet. Actually, he wanted Hermione with him when he made himself public. He loved Ginny but Hermione was more of a steadying influence. Whenever he had to face a difficult situation, Hermione\u2019s presence always made facing it easier. He missed her desperately and couldn\u2019t understand why she hadn\u2019t contacted him yet. Maybe she was angry. Well, he\u2019d keep trying.<\/p>\n<p>Severus, Hermione and one hundred Order members stood on the grounds of Hogwarts, port keys in hand, ready to make the synchronized journey to India. Hermione and Severus were to follow exactly ten minutes after the Order members, to give them time to set up the Patronuses. Bara and the recon team had done their jobs without disturbing the dark creatures, the port key destinations surrounding the ruined temple. Some of the Order members would be arriving in dense jungle. The vines and trees had been cut back so they wouldn\u2019t have too much difficulty.<\/p>\n<p>They timed their arrival to be shortly after sunrise, when the Dementors would be least active. Albus gave the Order members their final directives and wished them success. The Headmaster would be at St. Mungos with Minerva as they faced the creatures. If she awoke, he would know they had been successful.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione and Severus watched as the Order members all said \u201cPortis\u201d and disappeared. It had begun. Severus was dressed in a white shirt, black trousers and black trainers so he could navigate the rubble of the temple. He held his violin and bow tightly. Hermione was in jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt, her hair braided in a French braid, the end rolled up and pinned. The harness containing the elixir was strapped to her chest, the retractable straw capped and ready to be accessed. She also held a magical torch that looked very much like a muggle hurricane lamp. She looked at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you ready?\u201d she asked the wizard. The witch had butterflies in her stomach.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 dark eyes washed over her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I am ready,\u201d he replied, \u201cBut I want no Gryffindor heroics, Hermione. You wait until I have bound all the Dementors before you act. A mistake can be costly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dDon\u2019t worry Severus. I know what to do,\u201d the witch replied.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her. He was worried but didn\u2019t show it. If anything were to happen to the witch\u2026he would destroy every Dementor there\u2026souls or no souls. Hopefully that wouldn\u2019t happen.<\/p>\n<p>Albus walked up to both of them.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is time,\u201d he said, his blue eyes somber. \u201cGood luck to both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione and Severus activated their port keys, and were gone.<\/p>\n<p>*********************************************<\/p>\n<p>When they arrived on the edge of the jungle facing the ruined temple, the witch and wizard were met by an Order member who told them the amount of stricken in the camp. Thirty-two. Hermione estimated there might be forty Dementors if they had absorbed more souls recently. The Untouchables let the stricken die if they weren\u2019t taken by the medi-witches, so the Dementors had to replace the lost souls when that occurred.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked about. There were Order members spaced evenly around the perimeter of the temple, silver Patronuses of all shapes and sizes pacing back and forth before them. It was quite impressive.<\/p>\n<p>Severus eyed the crumbling opening that led to the temple depths. Hermione took several sips of the elixir through the straw and capped it, then took a deep breath, her eyes resting on the ruins.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet\u2019s go, Severus,\u201d she said, walking purposely toward the entrance, Severus following silently. But he was on point, one hundred and ten percent. They climbed over fallen stones and statues, entering the ruins. The first thing they heard was hissing. Hermione held up the lamp and saw several snakes fleeing the light.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe we should have brought Bara,\u201d Severus mused. A lot of the snakes in India were poisonous. \u201cHe could have told them to all go away.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSnakes are the least of our problem,\u201d Hermione said, pointing upward. There were hundreds of points of lights. \u201cBats. Bats mean guano. Cover your nose and walk quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Sure enough the strong odor of ammonia rose as they picked their way past the bats clinging to the ragged temple ceiling. The couple appeared to be in a huge corridor, stone pillars on either side of them in various states of erosion. Ahead of them was a large door leading into darkness.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione heard a hiss, and spun, holding up her lantern. She thought she saw a motion. Severus drew his wand, clutching his violin and bow in one hand. Both backed up until their backs collided.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re surrounded,\u201d the wizard hissed.<\/p>\n<p>Sure enough, the Dementors appeared from behind the pillars. hissing, drifting toward them in a terrifyingly unhurried manner as if absolutely sure the humans had no way to escape. None of the creatures were particularly hungry for souls but this was an infringement on their territory. Humans were not welcome here. The creatures had waited until Severus and Hermione were in the middle of the long corridor before cutting off their escape and their advance. The creatures were all around them.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione could feel her courage being drained out of her slowly as they approached, feeding off her strength. Robed in black and hooded, their large mottled hands and black fingernails dangling as they drifted three feet off the ground, the Dementors were visually terrifying.<\/p>\n<p>Her heart pounding, Hermione took an extra sip of elixir and set the torch down, opening the blinder wide to let out more light, light slowing the creatures somewhat\u2026but they still drifted closer. They weren\u2019t deterred. Hermione could hear their ragged breathing as she and Severus stood back to back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow would be a good time to start playing,\u201d Hermione said nervously as the noose of Dementors drew tighter.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want them close so none can flee the notes,\u201d Severus breathed. He had his instrument in position, ready to play. He could feel the Dementors pulling at his spirit, but the wizard didn\u2019t have that much happiness to steal in the first place, so he was only mildly affected by them.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot too damn close,\u201d Hermione hissed as the creatures drew closer, their slowness making their approach all the more horrible.<\/p>\n<p>Severus waited until the Dementors were about fifteen feet away, then started to play.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Whoa on Bara playing with magic and making strange things happen at Hogwarts. Well, they are off to face the Dementors, Albus waiting with Minerva to find out if they were successful. Now Hermione and Severus are completely surrounded. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 53<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 53 ~ In the Dementor\u2019s Domain<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly a shout went up, and Severus hesitated. Several Order members were charging the Dementors along with their Patronuses. This was their backup which was sidetracked by last minute planning. The wizards had been horrified to learn Severus and Hermione entered the temple alone and quickly followed. When they saw the pair surrounded by Dementors, they charged.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo!\u201d Hermione cried as the Dementors hissed and flew away from them toward the Order members and the Patronuses. They were badly outnumbered though. Only twelve wizards to the thirty-odd creatures. The Patronuses drove back several, but the majority of the creatures closed over the Order members.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, help them!\u201d Hermione cried.<\/p>\n<p>Severus began playing and the golden notes streaked toward the mass of Dementors attacking the Order members, wrapping around them and binding the creatures, pulling them away from the wizards.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cStay back! We have them!\u201d Hermione cried running forward, Severus following, still playing.<\/p>\n<p>The Dementors were struggling and hissing as the notes bound them and held them low to the ground. Try as they might, the creatures couldn\u2019t break free.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDestroy them now!\u201d one rather crazed Order member cried, pulling out his wand to send a destructive blast developed for the Final Battle.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo!\u201d Hermione screamed, pulling her own wand and quickly stunning the Order member. The others all stared at her\u2026not knowing what to do.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet out!\u201d Hermione screamed at them. The wizards were too frightened and volatile. \u201cWe have it under control. You\u2019re not needed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dAlbus said to protect you,\u201d one wizard cried out stubbornly, his eyes on the writhing Dementors.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut who\u2019s going to protect you? Now get out. I\u2019ll take responsibility for what happens,\u201d the witch cried, stopping a few feet from the closest Dementor, who hissed at her.<\/p>\n<p>The wizards milled about a bit, then reluctantly withdrew. Hermione sighed with relief then studied the Dementors. The notes were surrounding them completely. How was she to kiss them?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, I can\u2019t access their mouths,\u201d the witch said, looking back at the wizard, who changed the melody he was playing slightly. Suddenly the notes parted around the Dementors\u2019 hoods, leaving an opening. Hermione swallowed.<\/p>\n<p>All right. She was going to kiss a Dementor.<\/p>\n<p>As she approached the first one, a stench like that of a rotting corpse washed over her. She nearly brought up the elixir.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGods, they stink,\u201d she said to herself, her eyes watering. She walked up to the Dementor, who was resting on the floor, its hood directly before her. Another pulse of stench washed over her\u2026presumably the creature\u2019s breath.<\/p>\n<p>Severus watched, his face twisted in disgust as the witch closed in on the Dementor. Hermione leaned forward, and the Dementor did also, intending to kiss the witch. Hermione\u2019s face disappeared into the hood. The Dementor and witch seemed to freeze for a moment. Then the Dementor keened long and loud before dropping to the floor. Hermione stood there with a look of disgust on her glistening face. Apparently kissing a Dementor was slimy business.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh my gods,\u201d Hermione grimaced, \u201cThat was disgusting.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dKeep kissing!\u201d Severus shouted at her.<\/p>\n<p>In the aid camp, a medi-witch was gently washing a stricken Untouchable, when the woman suddenly opened her eyes, looked up at the witch and said, \u201cWho are you?\u201d in her native language. The medi-witch didn\u2019t understand what the woman said, but understood one thing.<\/p>\n<p>She had her soul back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s started!\u201d the excited witch called out to the other members of the camp, pointing at the woman who was attempting to sit up, wondering what this place was. A cheer went up. They were doing it. Hermione Granger and Severus Snape were releasing souls.<\/p>\n<p>All the Dementors started keening with fear as they looked at their fallen comrade and realized it had been stricken by the human. They struggled more fiercely, but the notes held them tightly.<\/p>\n<p>Inside her Dementor, Minerva felt a cold wash of fear from her captor.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d she wondered, then looked to the right when a trapped Indian woman suddenly began to glow brightly, holding out her arms and looking at herself then at Minerva with wide eyes before disappearing completely.<\/p>\n<p>That wasn\u2019t death. Minerva had seen many deaths and replacements over eight years. The soul would grow dark, then crumple in on itself, screaming. This was something else.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe\u2019s been freed, hasn\u2019t she?\u201d Minerva called to her captor, who was keening in fear. \u201cThey\u2019re setting us free, aren\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The witch did a little dance of joy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI told you! I told you!\u201d she taunted the creature, \u201cNow you\u2019ll see. You\u2019ll go back to the darkness that spawned you!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Dementor continued to keen\u2026too afraid to respond to Minerva.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlbus\u2026oh Albus. Will I really see you again?\u201d the witch breathed as another soul glowed and disappeared.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was on her third kiss. She\u2019d almost vomited kissing the last Dementor. She knew it was going to be horrible\u2026but damn.<\/p>\n<p>The Dementors were all screaming and keening in horror as Hermione moved through them, sipping more elixir then stoically pressing her face into their hoods. She had to scourgify their putrid saliva from her face several times. The hooded bodies were piling up\u2026but Severus kept the notes on the fallen\u2026just in case. She was through almost half of them.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Severus caught a cramp in his shoulder and his playing stopped for a moment, the notes dissipating. The Dementors began to scatter.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus!\u201d Hermione screamed at him. \u201cThey\u2019re getting away!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard grimaced and began playing again, the golden notes racing toward the Dementors and binding the keening creatures again, dragging them back towards Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>The Dementors firmly in place, Hermione continued kissing them.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dShe is going to have to be purified, scourgified and scrubbed until she\u2019s raw,\u201d Severus thought as a long string of saliva stuck to the witch\u2019s face issued from inside the hood of a fallen Dementor. Completely squicked, Hermione slapped it off and wiped her hands on her jeans, her face twisted with disgust before she scourgified herself yet again.<\/p>\n<p>In St. Mungos, medi-witches were flocking to a room in answer to a weak call from a wizard who had been there over eight years, stricken by a Dementor\u2019s kiss.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWater,\u201d the wizard said weakly, holding up his hand as they stared at him in disbelief. Not one moved. The wizard scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s a man have to do to get some water around here? Die?\u201d he groused, his voice cracking.<\/p>\n<p>In Minerva\u2019s room, Albus heard the commotion.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s awake! Tom Cummings is awake!\u201d the shouts went up. The old wizard could hear rushing footsteps and exclamations of disbelief. He looked down at Minerva intently, holding her thin hand in his.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome back, Minerva,\u201d he said, caressing the back of the witch\u2019s hand with his thumb. \u201cCome back to me. I\u2019ve missed you terribly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Minerva heard Albus and watched as another soul disappeared in a burst of white light.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m coming Albus. I will be there, my love,\u201d she called back, then shouted at the Dementor.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou hear that you cursed thing? I am going to be free! Free! And you will be no more!\u201d the witch gloated, \u201cEight long years I\u2019ve been with you but finally I can leave this horrible prison and get on with my life. Go back to the ones I love. Love, you hideous creature\u2026the strongest power on earth. It is love that has defeated you!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Minerva felt her prison quake horribly, and this was followed by a deep, hollow sigh. She pressed her hands forward but there was no resistance\u2026no invisible barrier. Suddenly she felt extremely light and white light began to glow around her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m free!\u201d she cried as suddenly she transformed into a ball of light and shot away at an amazing speed, colors flashing past her, a great roaring wind around her. The witch felt she had left her stomach behind as she traveled at the speed of light\u2026back\u2026back\u2026back to where she belonged.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly she was in a white room, hovering above Albus and a thin, drawn, white-haired body lying on a cot.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIs that\u2026me?\u201d she said, frowning as she looked down. \u201cI look one-hundred and fifty years old! I\u2019m going to definitely have to get some work done.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly Minerva screamed as she dropped down into the frail body.<\/p>\n<p>Albus was sitting with the back of her hand pressed against his lips, his eyes closed, waiting. Suddenly, the hand flexed. Albus opened his eyes. Minerva\u2019s body often spasmed. He looked down at her, then his eyes widened.<\/p>\n<p>The witch\u2019s body might spasm, but she hadn\u2019t opened her eyes in over eight years.<\/p>\n<p>Yet they were open now, and looking right at him, the green irises shining brightly from within the wizened form.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMinerva?\u201d Albus whispered, afraid this was some kind of waking dream\u2026he\u2019d had them before.<\/p>\n<p>The witch nodded slightly.<\/p>\n<p>Her mouth moved several times before she managed to croak out, \u201cI\u2019ve come back, Albus.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus kissed the witch\u2019s hand passionately, then leaned down and kissed her dry lips gently.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh, my Minerva\u2026I\u2019ve waited so long for you to return to me. Some said I should let you go, but I couldn\u2019t. I was too selfish,\u201d he said softly, staring at the witch with love.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank the stars for selfishness then,\u2019 the witch replied hoarsely, then, \u201cWater please, Albus. Though I could use a good belt of firewhiskey after eight years.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Minerva loved her firewhiskey. Albus smiled at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dLet\u2019s just get you up to par first, my dear. Then I will pour the first shot for you myself,\u201d he said fondly, kissing her hand again, his heart swelling.<\/p>\n<p>He had her back. His Minerva.<\/p>\n<p>The world was right again.<\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione kissed the final Dementor, grimacing as it keened and fell, then spitting, shaking her head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDear gods. Nothing, and I mean nothing can be as disgusting as this,\u201d she complained, turning to Severus.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard looked at her, then at the fallen Dementors. His black eyes glittered. These were the things that kept him from getting any for the past few months.<\/p>\n<p>Payback time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMove away from them, Hermione,\u201d he said darkly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione walked over to the wizard and stood behind him as the music he played changed, becoming dark and violent. The notes began to spin around the stricken creatures, their bodies beginning to shudder, then bulge.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh no, Severus,\u201d Hermione breathed.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard continued to play passionately, his face contorted murderously. The notes tightened vise-like around the bodies, crushing them. Hermione turned her face away as they burst, black goo and stench everywhere, the robes covered in gore. Severus stopped playing and the notes faded away.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at his handiwork.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s that,\u201d he said with finality.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn Severus, that was disgusting,\u201d Hermione said, scowling at the wizard as they began to walk toward the temple entrance.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo more disgusting than watching you French kiss them,\u201d the wizard retorted. \u201cYou are going to have to undergo a series of cleansing treatments before coming anywhere near me, witch.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh really?\u201d Hermione said, making a grab for the wizard, who leapt aside and began running for the entrance, Hermione laughing and right on his heels.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione and Severus returned to Hogwarts a few hours later after visiting the camp and seeing all the recovered Untouchables. The medi-witches were already breaking it down when they arrived, all of their charges now awakened. They crowded around Severus and Hermione shaking their hands\u2026or trying to. Severus didn\u2019t want anyone touching him. There were all kinds of diseases in India.<\/p>\n<p>Albus immediately moved Minerva from St. Mungos to the Hogwarts infirmary, and Severus and Hermione found him seated by Minerva\u2019s bedside, feeding her some chicken broth. It smelled delicious.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled at a beaming Poppy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy does Minerva get chicken broth when all you ever gave me was gray gruel?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause Minerva has a better disposition than you did,\u201d the medi-witch replied with a wicked grin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat slop didn\u2019t help it any,\u201d the wizard groused as Hermione hugged her former Head of House and kissed her on the cheek. Severus grimaced.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cReally Hermione, I\u2019d think you\u2019d had enough kissing after today,\u201d he commented, \u201cBesides\u2026you might give Minerva something. You haven\u2019t been properly scoured yet.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShut up, Severus,\u201d Hermione hissed.<\/p>\n<p>Albus\u2019 eyes twinkled as Severus didn\u2019t take the witch to task for her comment. Something definitely was going on here. Something decidedly good.<\/p>\n<p>Minerva looked at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou look a lot more composed than you did last time I saw you,\u201d Minerva said with a grin. \u201cYour robes were billowing around your head. Very undignified.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus stalked up to Minerva bedside, then kissed her hand, surprising Hermione with the gesture.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEveryone has a bad day, Minerva\u201d he replied, \u201cJust be glad I wasn\u2019t \u2018swinging free.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Minerva chortled as Hermione looked scandalized. Was he flirting with Professor McGonagall? Severus?<\/p>\n<p>He was, but just to make the old bird laugh. She needed a good laugh after eight years of powering a Dementor.<\/p>\n<p>Albus rose.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, Severus\u2026I just want to thank you again for restoring Minerva to me,\u201d the old wizard said, tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was our pleasure,\u201d Hermione said, looking at the former Transfiguration teacher fondly, \u201cWe missed her too.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>They stood about chatting for several minutes before Poppy shooed them all out, saying Minerva had to get her rest. Hermione and Severus returned to the wizard\u2019s rooms, the wizard putting away his beloved violin and bow. Hermione stood looking at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou were wonderful, Severus,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs were you,\u201d he said gruffly. \u201cBut it is time for you to head back to the house. I have paperwork to catch up on.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione blinked at him. He wasn\u2019t coming?<\/p>\n<p>\u201dI will be there this weekend as usual,\u201d the wizard said, taking her arm.<\/p>\n<p>They disapparated, appearing in the living room of the house. Severus released her, bowed and returned to Hogwarts with a crack of thunder.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had hoped he would spend the night. But then again, he appeared to still be disturbed about her kissing the Dementors. It had been rather disgusting. Well, in four more days it would be Friday.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">She\u2019d be all cleaned up by then and Severus should be sufficiently recovered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>They had some catching up to do.<\/p>\n<p>*********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Yay! Minerva\u2019s back. There were a couple of hairy moments, but they came out all right. Lol on Severus saying Hermione was French kissing Dementors. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 54<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 54 ~ Bringing Up Bara<\/p>\n<p>While most of the Hogwarts staff and students were at supper, Bara was on the third floor looking out the window at the Hogwarts grounds wistfully. He was not allowed outside without an escort ever since he purposely visited the Forbidden forest when specifically warned not to by Albus. Although the Headmaster could see him clearly on the Marauder\u2019s map, for some strange reason he could not transport the boy to him, and the forest had to be searched for him. They found Bara near the cave of the Acromantulas just before nightfall.<\/p>\n<p>Albus had been supremely angry with the boy, restricting him to the castle unless in the company of an escort. Unfortunately none of the staff had time to take him out, and Bara was naughty with students and headstrong\u2026running off at the first opportunity, shouting \u201cI am not a baby!\u201d as he fled. No amount of scolding could break Bara of this habit and as a result, no students could escort him any longer.<\/p>\n<p>The boy sighed.<\/p>\n<p>He didn\u2019t mean to be bad, but he was used to doing as he wished to do. He had survived on his own in India for months. He didn\u2019t understand why he couldn\u2019t wander where he wished. Albus tried to explain to him that there were dangerous magical creatures in the Forbidden forest that wouldn\u2019t mind having a young wizard for a quick meal. Bara quickly responded there were tigers, leopards and red dogs in the jungles of India and he managed to survive them.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis isn\u2019t India,\u201d Albus said to the stubborn young wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIndia is much more dangerous,\u201d the boy replied, frowning.<\/p>\n<p>Albus sighed. It was as if there were no talking to the boy on this matter. He was extremely stubborn. Severus suggested throwing Bara into the Acromantula cave for about five minutes, with a repelling charm on him of course and let the spiders correct him. But Albus refused.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was now on his way to the infirmary to see Poppy and look in on Minerva and riding the shifting stairwell when he saw Bara leaning out of the third floor window wistfully. The Potions Master was about to mount the next landing when he saw the boy pull something out of his pocket. The wizard\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n<p>The little wizard had a wand, and was waving it about.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stalled and disillusioned himself, then entered the corridor. Bara moved away from the window and strolled down the hall, chanting something and waving his wand around, the Potions Master following him. Suddenly a door materialized on Severus\u2019 left. The wizard\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n<p>Bara was the one creating the doors, windows and floating transports. Most likely the boy had no idea he was doing it. He was inadvertently producing random magic. But why doors and windows?<\/p>\n<p>Severus thought about it for a moment, then realized that probably the magic was reflecting his urge to escape the castle. Windows and doors were exits.<\/p>\n<p>Silently the Potions Master walked up behind Bara and plucked the wand out of the startled boy\u2019s hand. Bara spun and saw his wand floating in a shimmer.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWho is there?\u201d he asked, shivering a little. Severus removed the disillusionment spell and stared down at the little wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUh oh,\u201d Bara said as Severus eyed him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhere did you get this wand, Bara?\u201d Severus asked him, his voice severe.<\/p>\n<p>Bara swallowed. He knew he was in trouble.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFrom Professor Flitwick\u2019s class. I took it so I could practice spells,\u201d the boy said, \u201cProfessor Flitwick was teaching me too slow.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus arched an eyebrow at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo you stole it,\u201d the Potions Master said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. I was going to give it back. Sometime,\u201d the boy said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus folded his arms. So Bara had taken the wand because he wanted to learn magic faster. The Potions Master remembered Flitwick bragging on how quickly the boy was catching on to doing spells\u2026and was able to work them after only one lesson. Albus had been quite proud, claiming he was a chip off the old Gryffindor block.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master smirked.<\/p>\n<p>Bara was more like a scale off the old Slytherin serpent.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell Bara, you have been causing a lot of problems around the castle with this wand. You have not been taught how to properly handle one. What were you chanting?\u201d the wizard asked the boy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to be free,\u201d Bara replied. \u201cI always say it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at the boy thoughtfully. Yes, that would be enough intent to cause the magical windows and doors.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell we are going to return this wand to Professor Flitwick and you are going to apologize. Then we are going to see the Headmaster and decide your punishment. Now come with me,\u201d Severus said, turning and striding away.<\/p>\n<p>Bara hung his head and followed the tall, pale wizard. Things were bad before, but now they were infinitely worse.<\/p>\n<p>Albus restricted Bara to his room for a month, and all his meals would be served there. In addition, he had to write lines daily. \u201cI will not steal.\u201d Flitwick would send his work up to him and it would be collected at the end of the day. The little Professor had been quite surprised Bara had taken the wand. He hadn\u2019t even missed it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd I thought he was a prodigy,\u201d the wizard said, pulling at his beard and shaking his head.<\/p>\n<p>He, Severus and Albus were sitting in the Headmaster\u2019s office discussing the boy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, he\u2019s not a prodigy, Filius. But he is resourceful,\u201d Severus replied. Albus looked up at the dark wizard. He knew what Severus was implying.<\/p>\n<p>Slytherin tendencies.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPerhaps if more emphasis was placed on teaching the boy the difference between right and wrong,\u201d the Headmaster suggested, \u201cHe might improve.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at the Headmaster evenly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlbus, Bara already knows what\u2019s right and wrong, but he measures it against what he wants and needs. He is willing to break the rules to acquire what he wants\u2026he just doesn\u2019t know how to do it properly,\u201d Severus said, \u201cHe got caught.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m afraid the boy is a Slytherin,\u201d the wizard said despairingly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt seems so\u2026but there is one way to be absolutely sure,\u201d Severus said, looking up at the top shelf behind Albus\u2019 desk, where the Sorting Hat rested.<\/p>\n<p>Albus looked at Severus then turned to where his gaze rested.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut he is too young to be sorted, Severus,\u201d Albus said, turning back to the Potions Master. Filius listened to the conversation but didn\u2019t say anything. He was sure Bara was a Slytherin as well.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe will not be sorting him, Albus, but the Sorting Hat can tell us his tendencies for certain. Then we will know how to deal with him. If he is indeed a Slytherin, then he should be taught the Slytherin philosophy as soon as possible so as not to repeat his error,\u201d the Potions Master said silkily.<\/p>\n<p>Albus eyed him. Did Severus mean the error of stealing the wand, or the error of being caught with it? He suspected the latter. But what the wizard said made sense. The Headmaster stood up, walked around his desk and up the hallway to Bara\u2019s bedroom. He removed the ward. Bara was lying on his back in his bed. He looked so tiny in the four-poster. He was staring up at the ceiling.\u00a0 When he heard the ward come down he looked toward Albus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBara, come with me,\u201d Albus said, looking at the boy sternly.<\/p>\n<p>Bara rolled out of the bed, wondering what he did now. He exited the bedroom and followed Albus to his office. He greeted Severus and Filius politely. Albus removed the Sorting Hat from the top shelf and looked at Bara, who was standing in front of his desk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBara, this is the Sorting Hat. Usually it is used to sort students into one of the four houses by identifying their tendencies,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTendencies?\u201d Bara repeated, not understanding the word.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe way they are inside,\u201d Albus amended.<\/p>\n<p>Bara nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut it will be three years before you can be sorted into a house. However, we want to know what house you will be sorted into. The hat will tell us when I put it on your head,\u201d the old wizard said, walking around the desk and positioning the hat over Bara\u2019s head.<\/p>\n<p>Severus and Filius watched as Albus placed the hat on Bara. It was so large his whole head disappeared into the old pointed chapeau.<\/p>\n<p>The hat immediately became animated.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis one is too young!\u201d it declared, wriggling on Bara\u2019s head a bit. The boy jumped at the voice. He hadn\u2019t expected the hat to talk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe is not being sorted. But we do need to know where he will be going when it is time for him to be sorted,\u201d Albus said to the hat.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh,\u201d the hat said, \u201cA pre-sort. I\u2019ve done this type of thing before\u2026but it\u2019s been many years. Let\u2019s see I think it was in\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust tell us,\u201d Severus snarked, not interested in the hat\u2019s reminiscing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFine,\u201d the hat spat indignantly, the slit of its mouth turning down at the wizard. Then it focused on Bara.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery smart this one. Inquisitive and a fast learner. He wants to know everything. Not a bad candidate for Ravenclaw,\u201d the hat began.<\/p>\n<p>Flitwick sat up straighter. He was the head of Ravenclaw. Bara could come to him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHm. Extremely brave and courageous. Definitely some Gryffindor traits\u2026and doesn\u2019t mind hard work. He could be a Hufflepuff if not for the sharp mind. Hmmm\u2026.\u201d The hat continued. It fell silent for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh my,\u201d the hat said, \u201cThis boy is definitely a Slytherin. He has a strong sense of self-preservation, is willful, believes in himself and will do what he feels he must to get his own way despite the consequences. He is also ambitious. When it comes time to sort him, he will definitely be placed in Slytherin.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The hat fell silent and Albus removed it, looking down at Bara sadly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is wrong, Father Albus?\u201d the boy asked the Headmaster.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wanted you to be a Gryffindor,\u201d the old wizard admitted. \u201cThat was my house.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bara felt very sad about this. He watched as Albus returned the hat to the top shelf behind his desk and sat down heavily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI can still go to Gryffindor, Father Albus. I will learn to be one if that would make you happy,\u201d he said to the white-haired wizard. \u201cI do not have to go to Slytherin.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus smiled at the boy tenderly, some of the twinkle coming back into his eyes at the boy\u2019s desire to make him happy. .<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m afraid you can\u2019t learn to be a Gryffindor, Bara. You are who you are, and I would not have you change for me or anyone,\u201d the wizard said. \u201cI will get used to the idea. But as a potential Slytherin, you will have to be in contact with Professor Snape more often. He will teach you what you need to know as a Slytherin.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bara turned and looked at Severus, who arched an eyebrow at him. The young wizard\u2019s eyes washed over the pale wizard. Then he turned back to Albus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut\u2026but you will still be my Father Albus, won\u2019t you?\u201d he asked the Headmaster anxiously. \u201cI do not want to leave you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus gave him an affectionate smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will always be your Father Albus, Bara,\u201d he replied. The little wizard walked around the desk and embraced the wizard. Severus looked on and Flitwick wiped a tear from his eye at the display.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood,\u201d the boy said, kissing Albus on his cheek. Kissing was common in India, and Bara didn\u2019t feel ashamed to do it.<\/p>\n<p>Albus looked at him fondly, then tried to glower.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right Bara, return to your room. You are still on punishment,\u201d the Headmaster said gruffly, trying to show the Professors he wasn\u2019t a soft touch. He failed miserably, but neither Severus nor Filius called him on it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Bara replied obediently. He said goodbye to Severus and Filius then returned to his room.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked after him, then at Albus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI believe you\u2019d better ward Bara\u2019s door, Headmaster, or he will be wandering the halls of Hogwarts within the hour,\u201d the wizard said with a small smirk.<\/p>\n<p>Albus started. Yes, he\u2019d better do that. Sweet as Bara was\u2026he was a Slytherin. The Headmaster would have to be on point with the boy from now on. He had not yet told Minerva about his charge, but was sure once the witch was up to par, she would provide a very strict but loving influence on Bara. Minerva was sharp as a whip and wouldn\u2019t be taken in by him one bit, even if she doted on him\u2026which she most likely would, particularly once she heard his history. If Bara acted up too badly, the boy might find himself transfigured into something quite uncomfortable.<\/p>\n<p>Albus excused himself and walked down the hall to ward Bara\u2019s bedroom.<\/p>\n<p>Flitwick looked at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re going to have your hands full with that one, Severus,\u201d the wizard commented.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at the diminutive wizard, his dark eyes glittering.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI can handle it,\u201d he said shortly. &#8220;Troublemakers are my specialty.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>************************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Just had to focus on little Bara for a bit. He certainly is something. Powerful too. It\u2019s a good idea to start working on him now. He\u2019s a bit of a wild child. I have a feeling Severus will straighten him out. Now, back to our fav couple. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 55<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Chapter 55 ~ The Apology<\/span><\/p>\n<p>After Severus left so abruptly, Hermione was greeted by a very happy Eli, who knew exactly what had happened in India. His claws were gnawed almost to stumps, the elf had been biting them so hard as he watched his Master and Miss face the Dementors via his bond to the dark wizard. He prepared Hermione a nice Iberico ham sandwich and sparkling pumpkin juice. He knew the Master wouldn\u2019t mind now that he felt he had introduced the witch to the delicacy. Hermione thanked Eli, ate and retired to her bedroom to shower and scrub.<\/p>\n<p>The witch was absolutely pink by the time she finished showering, using a very gritty soap and rough loofah to shear off the first layer of skin cells. She had been under the spray forty-five minutes at least. Then she spent a half hour brushing her teeth and gargling, trying to get the imagined taste of Dementor slobber out of her mouth. Finally Hermione exited the bathroom and found a stack of sealed parchments on her bed, topped by a note from Severus. She read the note.<\/p>\n<p><i>Hermione,<\/i><\/p>\n<p>These are letters from Harry Potter that I withheld until you finished the project. You were too deeply immersed in your work to respond to the idiot properly. Now you are free to pursue this insane friendship to its deplorable end.<\/p>\n<p>Severus<\/p>\n<p>Hermione scowled at Severus\u2019 assessment of her friendship with Harry. Yes, they were on the outs, but she was more than willing to patch things up with the wizard. She and Harry went a long way back\u2026and really were more than friends. They were like family. You didn\u2019t turn your back on family, even when they act like assholes.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione opened the first parchment.<\/p>\n<p><i>Dear Hermione,<\/i><\/p>\n<p>I am sorry to send a letter rather than come to see you in person, but Professor Snape has forbidden me to come to the house. I want to see you, talk to you and apologize to you. Please come to the beach house when you can.<\/p>\n<p>Harry<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes teared up a little. Harry wanted to apologize. She opened the next letter.<\/p>\n<p><i>Dear Hermione,<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Since you haven\u2019t responded, I presume you are still mad at me. Please don\u2019t be\u2026I\u2019ve realized my mistake and I desperately need to talk to you. I would come to see you but as I said, Professor Snape has barred me from the premises, and most likely I would have to duel him to see you. I don\u2019t want to do that. The first duel didn\u2019t go very well for me. Please come to the beach house so I can apologize properly.<\/p>\n<p>Harry<\/p>\n<p>Hermione frowned. First duel? What first duel? Severus didn\u2019t say anything about dueling Harry. Hermione\u2019s frown turned into a dark scowl. No, Severus wouldn\u2019t say anything about it because he knew how she would react, the sneaky bastard. He must have beaten Harry and barred him from the house. But what caused them to duel in the first place? She\u2019d find out from Harry.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione continued to open the parchments, which became more and more desperate, the final one saying that Harry knew she hated him and would never speak to him again, because he was the lowest form of scum on the earth, things of that nature. Hermione\u2019s heart went out to the wizard and she intended to visit him tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione arrived at the beach house the next day. Dobby was sweeping the porch when she appeared and the elf was ecstatic to see her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Miss comes\u2026oh thanks you Miss. Thanks you. The Master has not been himself and pines for his best friend. He wills be so happy to see you!\u201d the elf said, opening the door and letting Hermione in.<\/p>\n<p>She walked right into Ginny, who was leaving. The two witches looked at each other.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry needs you,\u201d Ginny said shortly, \u201cHe\u2019s in the study.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Then the witch walked past her and through the screen door, Hermione looking after her. Well, that had been rather icy\u2026but what could she expect after what Ginny heard her say? She walked through the house into the study. Harry was sitting on the sofa. He looked up when he heard someone enter.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione?\u201d he said as if he couldn\u2019t believe she were here in the flesh.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry,\u201d Hermione said, her voice catching.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard looked horrible, as if he hadn\u2019t bathed or showered for weeks. There was heavy stubble around his chin, dark circles under his eyes and his hair had grown out and was tangled. He wore a wrinkled t-shirt and crumpled jeans. He was barefoot, even his toenails overgrown.<\/p>\n<p>Harry\u2019s eyes filled with tears. \u201cAre you really here? Or are you another dream?\u201d he asked her, his voice no more than a whisper.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m really here, Harry,\u201d the witch replied, her own eyes filling with tears as she looked at the wizard. Was he like this because of her?<\/p>\n<p>Harry swallowed and stood up, walking over to Hermione and looking down at her as if he couldn\u2019t believe she were truly present. Slowly, carefully, he reached out and touched her shoulder lightly. His eyes widened as he came in contact with solid skin. He clutched her shoulder\u2026then tears began to run down his face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m so, so sorry Hermione,\u201d he said brokenly. \u201cI was an idiot, an ass, a selfish, uncaring bastard. All I cared about was fucking Ginny. I was thinking with my cock, not my head. You were only trying to protect me and being honest with me. You\u2019ve always been honest with me. I see now you weren\u2019t trying to hurt me or Ginny,\u201d he said taking both her hands in his.\u00a0 &#8220;You know, you were right. Ginny and I get along, but she\u2019s a different witch now than the one I remember. We\u2019re more like shag buddies than real lovers. I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll ever marry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He gripped Hermione\u2019s hands even tighter.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou were there the entire time, Hermione\u2026and never gave up on me. You worked at my recovery for years and finally brought me back\u2026and what did I do? Turn away from you. I haven\u2019t even thanked you properly for bringing me back, for saving me. Hermione, I know I\u2019ve been a terrible friend, and don\u2019t deserve having someone as loyal and dedicated as you in my life\u2026but\u2026but I don\u2019t know what I\u2019d do without you. It\u2019s as if my entire life has stopped. I haven\u2019t touched Ginny for weeks\u2026I can\u2019t think straight I\u2019m so wracked with guilt. It\u2019s like nothing will ever matter again if you don\u2019t forgive me,\u201d Harry said his eyes glistening.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou know I\u2019ve always been an idiot Hermione\u2026always acted before I thought, flying off the handle. I haven\u2019t had a chance to mature like you have. I\u2019m starting to, but I was still\u2026still at Hogwarts. I was still eighteen in my head when I said those things to you. Nothing had sunk in yet really. It\u2019s not an excuse though\u2026there is no excuse for how horribly I\u2019ve treated you. Hermione, you\u2019re the only real friend I have\u2026the only one other than Ron who saw me for who I am behind the boy who survived Voldemort. I don\u2019t want to lose you\u2026you mean too much to me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry sank down to his knees, looking up at Hermione, still clasping her hands.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlease\u2026please say you\u2019ll forgive me, Hermione. Please say you\u2019ll remain my friend. I will do anything you ask to make it up to you\u2026just don\u2019t turn away from me,\u201d the wizard said, his voice cracking with emotion.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had intended to take Harry to task, but the wizard had said everything she would have said. Seeing Harry on his knees begging her to forgive him made her heart catch. She looked down at Harry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet up you big sod,\u201d she said softly, drawing Harry up and embracing him. \u201cOf course I forgive you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you, thank you Hermione,\u201d the wizard breathed. \u201cI don\u2019t deserve it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus would heartily agree.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione pulled back from him and looked him over.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou need a shower, a shave, a haircut and your toes trimmed,\u201d she said, frowning slightly as she appraised his condition.\u00a0 The wizard was an utter mess.\u00a0 He stunk too.<\/p>\n<p>Harry looked down at himself and rubbed the stubble on his chin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYeah, I do,\u201d he agreed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione wrinkled her nose.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re a bit ripe, Harry. Why don\u2019t you go shower and I will wait for you in the kitchen. Then we can chat. I want to know about the duel between you and Severus,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>Harry frowned at the memory of the Potions Master royally kicking his ass.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right,\u201d he said, then he shouted, \u201cDobby, make Hermione some coffee!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Dobby instantly appeared.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes sir, Harry Potter sir,\u201d the elf said, delighted his master was up and about again, \u201cRight away.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The elf winked out and Harry headed for his bedroom.<\/p>\n<p>Dobby served Hermione coffee and some thin crispy cookies which were delicious. Harry reappeared looking and smelling much better. His long hair was still damp. He sat down at the table and Dobby brought him a sandwich.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou must eats now, Harry Potter,\u201d the elf said.<\/p>\n<p>Harry picked up the sandwich and lit into it, Dobby smiling in approval.<\/p>\n<p>A pile of unread Daily Prophets were on the table and Harry dragged the top one over, glancing at the headline.<\/p>\n<p><b><span style=\"font-family: Arial Black;\">\u201cWizards and Witches Awake From Dementor\u2019s Kiss\u201d<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p>Harry\u2019s eyes widened and he looked at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou did it!\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus and I did it,\u201d Hermione corrected. \u201cProfessor McGonagall is back.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry smiled at Hermione broadly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are a bloody wonder,\u201d he said, Hermione blushing furiously.<\/p>\n<p>At Harry\u2019s urging she told him all about her work, the niffler-Dementors and going to the temple. Harry\u2019s eyes widened when she told him about the Potions Master\u2019s Harper magic.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy gods, that\u2019s amazing\u2026and kind of frightening knowing that git has that much power. He could be another Dark Lord,\u201d Harry said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione glowered at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTrust me, Severus doesn\u2019t want to rule over anyone. He hardly wants to talk to people as it is. And speaking of Severus\u2026why did you two duel?\u201d she asked Harry.<\/p>\n<p>Harry told Hermione how he had asked Severus to end the patronage now that Hermione had awakened him, and how Severus refused and made obscene comments concerning her that pissed him off. He wouldn\u2019t tell her what Severus said about fucking her every night if he wanted to, but Hermione knew it was something along those lines. The wizard had obviously wanted to make Harry angry and succeeded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut Harry, he can\u2019t end the patronage. It dissolves itself once all the conditions are met,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, the least he could do is stay off of you then,\u201d Harry said, his eyes dark. \u201cIt must be terrible to have to let him\u2026be intimate with you any time he wants. I bet he\u2019s always after you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at Harry and colored.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s not so terrible,\u201d she said, feeling a little rush of desire in her belly as she thought of the Potions Master on top of her, his dark eyes full of pleasure. If anything, he wasn\u2019t after her enough. The man could wait forever for sex.<\/p>\n<p>Harry raised his eyebrows.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione\u2026you can\u2019t possible like it? He\u2019s ugly as hell to start with,\u201d the wizard said in disbelief.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione frowned at him. Severus was not ugly\u2026not to her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry, I think it best we agree not to talk about each other\u2019s sex lives. I can deal with the Professor. I don\u2019t want you trying to interfere anymore. Besides, he helped to bring you back. You could be more appreciative,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was appreciative. I paid him,\u201d Harry said, \u201cQuite a lot too.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou what? You paid him?\u201d Hermione asked, her eyes wide with surprise.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. He charged me for bringing me back. For his services,\u201d Harry replied, \u201cDidn\u2019t you know?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dNo I didn\u2019t. Why that sneaky, greedy, conniving\u2026ooh. Wait until I see him,\u201d Hermione fumed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, don\u2019t be too upset. I\u2019d rather pay him than feel like I owed him for the rest of my life,\u201d Harry said to the witch. \u201cI can\u2019t think of anything worse than being indebted to Severus Snape.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry shuddered.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione almost smirked. To Harry, that was true. Maybe it was better he had paid the snarky wizard off. Still, Severus could have said something instead of letting her think he had done a good, selfless act.<\/p>\n<p>But then again, the Potions Master was a Slytherin\u2026so it really wasn\u2019t surprising he didn\u2019t say anything about it\u2026just like he didn\u2019t say anything about dueling Harry. Harry didn\u2019t give her any details except to say it was a very short duel and he got the worst of it.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione and Harry discussed him \u201ccoming out\u201d and living a normal life. The wizard was hesitant. He liked being left alone. Hermione pointed out that now that Minerva and the others woke up from a full kiss, he wasn\u2019t so amazing anymore.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere will still be the awards and hullabaloo,\u201d Harry said, frowning.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can make it plain you don\u2019t want that, Harry. People will respect your wishes. You have to get back out in the world. You can\u2019t spend your life hiding out here. I didn\u2019t bring you back for that. I want you to live and live well,\u201d Hermione said softly. \u201cFor the first time in your life, you\u2019re free Harry. Free to do what you want. Take advantage of it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re right Hermione. I think I will go to Hogwarts and visit Professor McGonagall,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou should get the Headmaster to arrange a press conference for you too, to get the reporters off your back,\u201d Hermione suggested. \u201cHe will be a good support for you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf I do that\u2026will you come?\u201d Harry asked.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione thought about it. The reporters were after her too. It might be a good idea to attend the press conference and make some statements. She looked at Harry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I think I will,\u201d she replied smiling at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood show,\u201d the wizard said, returning her smile.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione spent another hour chatting with her restored friend, then returned to the house. The witch took out a large pensieve and began to remove her memories of destroying the Dementors. She wasn\u2019t going to do any work on the docu-pensieve yet, but at least she\u2019d have everything prepared.<\/p>\n<p>The witch thought about Severus coming this weekend. He\u2019d have a lot to explain.<\/p>\n<p>Then she\u2019d fuck his sneaky, greedy, conniving head off.<\/p>\n<p>*********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Sorry about the length of time this took to post. Was a bit under the weather. All right\u2026Harry and Hermione have made up\u2026they\u2019ve decided to face the reporters, and Severus has some explaining to do before he\u2019s shagged within an inch of his life. Lol. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 56<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 56 ~ The Press Conference<\/p>\n<p>Harry owled the Headmaster that night, and Albus quickly arranged a press conference for two o\u2019clock Wednesday afternoon in the Great Hall. He wrote down the wards for the main gate for Harry and suggested he and Hermione arrive disillusioned and remain that way until they made it inside the castle. The paparazzi were on the prowl.<\/p>\n<p>Albus then informed Severus of the press conference and asked him if he wanted to sit in.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will sit in, only to promote the release of the upcoming docu-pensieves,\u201d the Potions Master said. \u201cThe press may contact my solicitor\u2019s for a free preview copy of \u201cThe Return of Harry Potter\u201d which is completed and almost ready for the open market.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus knew that the papers would review the docu-pensieve, which would generate interest and therefore sales. The wizard was quite a shrewd businessman. More than likely they would cease to pursue him for an interview about Harry\u2019s return\u2026yet his Harper powers would be targeted next. They were quite rare. Possibly a history would be dug up about them. The Daily Prophet had excellent researchers and no doubt would put them on it as soon as possible. Less work for the wizard to do himself.<\/p>\n<p>Since Hermione and Harry were both going to be interviewed, Severus assumed they had made up and were as disgustingly close as ever. No doubt the boy-who-lived had told Hermione about both the payment for his services and the duel. Hermione would have questions for him. Well, it was going to be a short interrogation at any rate. There was some serious, serious fucking to be done and he wasn\u2019t about to let the witch hold him up for long. He had waited too long as it was. The wizard planned to start out giving the witch what she needed, then fall into his preferred method of taking her\u2026slow, easy and all night long.<\/p>\n<p>Severus allowed himself to fantasize about Hermione shrieking his name for a moment, then pushed the thought out of his mind. No need to torment himself when in two more days he\u2019d have the witch pinned to the mattress of his four-poster working off months of forced celibacy.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard\u2019s two o\u2019clock Potions class was cancelled so he could attend the press conference, much to his students\u2019 delight. However, he had double homework assignments for them tomorrow, so their joy would be very short-lived.<\/p>\n<p>He arrived at the Great Hall through the teacher\u2019s entrance. The noise of the clamoring reporters could be heard throughout the castle. He billowed in, his black eyes scanning the room as the press jostled for seats and cameras flashed. He scowled at the mass of witches and wizards, then took a seat next to Hermione, who gave him a rather angry look.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, Potter had spilled his guts all right.<\/p>\n<p>Severus pointedly ignored the witch, which only worsened her attitude. Harry looked at the wizard with a small frown as well. Last time he had seen Severus, he was flinging him through the front gate by the scruff of his neck. The Potions Master gave him a nasty smirk in acknowledgement.<\/p>\n<p>Albus stood up, and the room went relatively silent as the reporters looked at him with rapt attention.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWelcome members of the press. This press conference will last half an hour, ten minutes of questioning will be allowed for each person. Those wishing to ask questions are to raise their hands, and I will select who will speak. You will identify yourself and the paper or magazine you are associated with. I retain the authority to cut questions short, and there will be only one question per selected person. Is this clear?\u201d Albus said, looking around the room as flashbulbs popped. A murmur of assent went up from the crowd.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood,\u201d Albus said, \u201cFirst up will be Mr. Harry Potter.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>One hundred hands went up immediately. Albus selected a short wizard with brown hair and glasses.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSiegfried Monston, Popular Wizarding Magazine. Mr. Potter, it\u2019s rumored you recovered several months ago. Where have you been all this time?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUm, at my home,\u201d Harry responded\u2026his voice cracking a bit.<\/p>\n<p>Hands went up again. Albus selected another reporter. A witch this time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAbigail Husseltaven, Witch Weekly Magazine. Mr. Potter, why didn\u2019t you let the public know you had returned?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI needed to get myself together first. I knew that there would be a lot of excitement about my return, and I wasn\u2019t ready for all that. I\u2019ve been famous all my life\u2026and now that Voldemort is dead\u2026all I want is to be left alone to live my life like anyone else,\u201d the wizard replied honestly.<\/p>\n<p>A murmur went up as wizards and witches scribbled furiously on parchments. Hands went up again, and Albus chose another reporter.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWendy Witchell, the Daily Prophet. Mr. Potter, what was it like to be you all those years? You were barely cognizant of your surroundings according to early accounts of your condition.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry thought about this.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt wasn\u2019t like anything,\u201d Harry replied, \u201cOne moment I was standing over Voldemort\u2019s body, the next moment I was waking up on the beach with Hermione and Professor Snape. It was as if no time had passed at all.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The witch sat down and more hands flew up.<\/p>\n<p>Albus nodded to a wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cKyle Sommers, The Magical Enquirer. What happened on the beach, Mr. Potter?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Harry shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t know. Hermione told me she and Professor Snape had performed a ritual using music to restore my soul. And some house elves helped,\u201d Harry answered.<\/p>\n<p>Another murmur went up. House elves? That was very interesting.<\/p>\n<p>Several more reporters questioned Harry and his ten minutes were up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNext, Miss Granger,\u201d Albus said.<\/p>\n<p>A flurry of waving hands went up. Everyone was curious about the elusive witch.<\/p>\n<p>Albus selected one very animated witch, who wore a pointed black hat.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMiss Granger, where have you been all this time?\u201d the witch asked.<\/p>\n<p>The entire room went silent.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was domiciled at the home of my patron, Professor Severus Snape, deeply involved in a project to restore the souls of persons that had been kissed by Dementors,\u201d the witch replied.<\/p>\n<p>Murmurs of \u201cI knew it\u201d rose from the crowd.<\/p>\n<p>Albus selected another wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFredrick Hasseltome, Playwizard Magazine. How did you use music to restore Harry Potter? That is quite an unusual method, \u201c the reporter asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell it was quite complicated really. It involved charting Harry\u2019s planets at the moment of his birth, which was the \u201cpattern of his soul\u201d and turning that pattern into music, which had to be played by a Harper\u2026which is a witch or wizard that has the power to magically use music. Fortunately, we discovered Professor Snape is a Harper, and he played the score and Harry\u2019s soul was able to repair itself based on that magical pattern. The Professor also used his magic to bind the Dementors so the souls could be restored.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Albus chose another witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHaley Gribbenstork, Wands Magazine. How exactly did you restore the souls of those stricken by the Dementor\u2019s kiss?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProfessor Snape gave me a journal of the wizard that originally created the Dementors, Damius Altercare. It was very in-depth and gave the formula for the elixir he used. I altered this formula to have an opposite effect. Then I kissed the Dementors and drew out the souls they had taken, leaving them in a stricken state.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Loud murmurs rippled through the crowd at this information. The witch had actually kissed Dementors? Now this was news!<\/p>\n<p>Excited hands went up again, and Albus selected another wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLeroy Foster, Black Wizarding Monthly. Miss Granger, what was it like to kiss a Dementor?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 eyes slid to Hermione as she grimaced visibly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was very, very disgusting. They smelled like rotting corpses and their breath was worse. Since their mouths were larger than mine, they covered almost my entire face. I was covered in saliva and had to scourgify myself after each kiss,\u201d the witch said shuddering, \u201cI had to kiss over thirty Dementors. It was horrible, but it had to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Disgusted groans went around the room. Even Albus grimaced at her description.<\/p>\n<p>Albus picked another witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGriselda Figgensworth, Daily Prophet. How did you find out the souls of the kissed weren\u2019t destroyed?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was about to answer, when Severus put his hand on her arm and shook his head, scowling slightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re going to have to ask Professor Snape, since he was the one who discovered this fact,\u201d the witch said to the disappointed reporter.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione answered several more questions before it was Severus\u2019 turn. All the hands in the room seemed to go up. The Potions Master glared at everyone and stood up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have made it very clear that I will not give an interview without being compensated. This hasn\u2019t changed. However, I would like to announce that docu-pensieves of both Harry\u2019s recovery and the return of the taken souls will be available to the press. In fact, the completed docu-pensive of Harry\u2019s recovery and the ritual is available free of charge to the press, one to a periodical. It shows the entire magical process from beginning to end. Those papers or magazines wishing to review the docu-pensieves need only have their editors contact my solicitor, Mr. Bartelby Baines, and he will supply one. That is all I have to say,\u201d the dark wizard said, sitting down and folding his arms.<\/p>\n<p>Cries of disappointment went up from the reporters. They had hoped to get at least one statement from the Potions Master. But the news of the docu-pensieves was big. They would be sure to report to their editors immediately and try to get the assignment of reviewing it.<\/p>\n<p>Albus brought the conference to a close, the members of the press hurrying from the castle grounds and disapparating quickly to write their articles. Hermione looked at Severus as they waited for the castle to clear.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe need to talk,\u201d Hermione said to the wizard, her brow furrowed.<\/p>\n<p>Severus let his eyes slowly wash over the witch. Hermione couldn\u2019t help but shudder deliciously as the wizard appraised her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think we need to do more than talk, witch,\u201d he said in a low silky voice.<\/p>\n<p>Harry still heard him however and rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, I\u2019ll see you later,\u201d Harry said, standing up, kissing her on the cheek while glowering at a smirking Severus. He exited the Great Hall, not about to listen to the Potions Master put the moves on his best friend.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe won\u2019t be doing anything other than talking until I get answers,\u201d Hermione responded.<\/p>\n<p>Severus leaned toward her, and the witch could almost feel the heat of his body waft over her. He was like a bloody magnet, and Hermione struggled not to lean in towards him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you really believe that witch? I can smell you from here,\u201d the Potions Master purred, licking his lips suggestively.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt a gush. If he couldn\u2019t really smell her before, he probably could now. Her inner thighs were soaked. She discreetly pulled out her wand and pointed it at her thighs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cScourgify,\u201d she whispered, cleaning herself.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master\u2019s eyes glittered with a mixture of mirth and lust as he witnessed the spell.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t expect a tender beginning,\u201d he said to her darkly, \u201cI\u2019m going to fuck the shit out of you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn you Severus,\u201d Hermione hissed as another gush rolled out of her.<\/p>\n<p>Severus chuckled and stood up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUntil Friday night, Miss Granger,\u201d he said with a bow\u2026then billowed out the exit, leaving the witch staring after him hungrily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow does he manage to make me go from wanting to hex him to wanting to fuck him to death?\u201d the witch mused as she scourgified herself again.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione knew how he managed it though. The wizard was dead sexy to her and he knew it. He also knew how to use her attraction to him to manipulate her into little more than a steaming puddle of lust.<\/p>\n<p>But he was wrong. They would talk about the things he\u2019d hidden from her. After that\u2026well\u2026<\/p>\n<p>Another hot gush of fluid flooded Hermione\u2019s knickers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn it,\u201d she cursed, taking out her wand for the third time.<\/p>\n<p>Friday couldn\u2019t get here soon enough.<\/p>\n<p>********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Good press conference. Man\u2026Severus is so sexy. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 57<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 57 ~ Time to Get Serious<\/p>\n<p>The next morning at breakfast, the post owls arrived. Severus received a letter and his copy of the Daily Prophet and read the headline on the front page.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Arial Black;\">\u201cDedicated Witch Gives the Kiss of Life\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Severus skimmed the article which spoke mostly about Hermione\u2019s sensational act in saving those kissed by Dementors by actually kissing the creatures herself. It gave a bit of history as to how she created the elixir that reversed the Dementors kiss and how she faced the creatures in India. There was one small line about him.<\/p>\n<p><i>\u201cMiss Granger was assisted by Professor Severus Snape of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.\u201d<br \/>\n<\/i><br \/>\nThe Potions Master snorted. So, he \u201chelped.\u201d Bloody reporters.<\/p>\n<p>Severus shuffled through the paper to the section he really wanted to see\u2026the review section. Sure enough, there were several reviews about the docu-pensieve \u201cThe Return of Harry Potter\u201d which was the name they finally decided on.<\/p>\n<p><i>\u201cAmazing Footage. Action-Packed. A Must See.\u201d<br \/>\n~ Terrance Hortles, Wizards Weekly<\/i><\/p>\n<p>\u201cA Moving Tale of Loyalty, Struggle and Triumph. \u201c<br \/>\n~ Sharice Beetlegood, Magical Entertainment Monthly<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Recovery of Harry Potter\u201d Shines!\u201d<br \/>\n~ Tony Galverton, Wands and Witches<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSexy Severus Snape is a Witch\u2019s and Music Lover\u2019s Dream!\u201d<br \/>\n~ Donna Goody, Playwitch Magazine<\/p>\n<p>Severus could just hear the galleons tumbling in. Every single review was a rave. They were going to make a fortune. He folded up the newspaper and opened the letter.<\/p>\n<p><i>Dear Professor Snape,<\/i><\/p>\n<p>My name is Brenda Fitzworten, and I am editor and publisher of the popular magazine \u201cPlaywitch.\u201d We have a circulation of 1,200,000 readers in five countries. After reviewing your docu-pensieve, I would like to extend an invitation to you to pose for our magazine, which features tasteful nude and semi-nude photos of eligible wizards for the pleasure of our readers. Our layouts are quite sophisticated, focusing on the best features of our guest wizards. We pay quite well, particularly for full frontals, up to twenty thousand galleons depending on the results of the photo shoot.<\/p>\n<p>There are numerous benefits to shooting a spread in our magazine, such as notoriety and face recognition. Many of our photo subjects are asked to promote products for large companies which pay a great deal of money for very little time. It is an excellent way to supplement your income.<\/p>\n<p>If you are interested in becoming one of our Playwitch wizards, please contact me and we can arrange an interview. Thank you so much for your time.<\/p>\n<p>Sincerely,<\/p>\n<p>Brenda Fitzworten<br \/>\nEditor<br \/>\nPlaywitch Magazine.<\/p>\n<p>Severus arched an eyebrow. Twenty thousand galleons to have millions of randy witches gape at his goods? Not too shabby. Apparently starring in a docu-pensieve had other benefits besides just making history. The Potions Master imagined they would want him to bring his violin and hold it in some erotic position.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard smirked, folded up the letter and put it in his robes pocket. He\u2019d have to make sure to leave it where Hermione could find it. He\u2019d love to know what she\u2019d think about him posing for Playwitch.<\/p>\n<p>Severus finished his breakfast and headed for the dungeons. Time to deal with the dunderheads.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione read the various articles in the Daily Prophet about Harry and herself. There was very little mention of Severus in any of them. His lack of information had resulted in his being regulated to a kind of assistant in both matters. This made the witch a bit uncomfortable because without the Potions Master, nothing could have been accomplished at all. But then again, he wouldn\u2019t give any interviews so\u2026that was what happened.<\/p>\n<p>She then flipped through the reviews for the docu-pensieve. They were all very good, but Hermione noticed the review from Playwitch calling Severus \u201csexy.\u201d He was sexy but she had mixed feelings about it being announced in the newspapers. It was as if every witch that hadn\u2019t noticed it before, might start noticing now. And if they started noticing, then that meant a few might hit on the Professor.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione scowled.<\/p>\n<p>Severus wasn\u2019t the friendliest wizard, but he was still a man. True, he had her through the Patronage agreement, but when it ended\u2026who\u2019s to say he wouldn\u2019t take up with another or even several witches. Yes, he had been celibate before her, and he seemed to have a lot of control over his sexual urges\u2026but he still had needs. Needs other witches might be able to meet.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s scowl grew even darker. She had never imagined herself to be the jealous type, but she felt the distinct urge to hex\u2026and hex hard as she thought about another witch putting the moves on Severus. She looked back at the review. This was going to be trouble and she knew it.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione didn\u2019t want to end her physical relationship with the Potions Master. It was as if the wizard was tailor-made for her needs, and she felt that she would never find another man who moved her the way he did. She even enjoyed his snarkiness and sarcasm. And it made her feel special that he desired her as much as he did. Severus told her he didn\u2019t want to be intimate with any other witch and that he wasn\u2019t willing to share her, which meant he didn\u2019t want any other wizards to have her. Of course, he had made that a stipulation of the agreement between them under the guise of protecting himself from wizarding STDs, but Hermione suspected there was more to it, something that went beyond Patronage.<\/p>\n<p>The witch sighed and folded up the paper. She had been dancing around this issue for too long and needed to know where she stood with the Professor as a woman, not a charge. And soon. While she was working on the second docu-pensieve and put the last strand into the bowl, she felt an unsettling shift of magic around her\u2026as if something had subtly changed. True, she hadn\u2019t done a large amount of work under Severus specifically for the wizard, but the Sequentius spell was bringing in a large amount of residuals, and no doubt sales for \u201cThe Return of Harry Potter\u201d were going to go through the roof, and the Dementor docu-pensieve would probably be even a bigger marketing success due to the additional draw of her actually kissing Dementors. Everyone would want to see that. In other words, she and Severus were both going to be quite rich.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes went dark. That could mean she had fulfilled the requirements of the Patronage agreement satisfactorily in a short period of time. She had a sinking feeling that it would be dissolved soon. Already an official owl had come from the Ministry containing a parchment from one of the Ministry\u2019s headhunters, offering her a position in either the Potions or Spellmaking department for an obscene salary. She didn\u2019t intend to pass it up either. No more blue-collar private sector work for her.<\/p>\n<p>It was hard to believe she had been under the Professor\u2019s protection for a little over a year now. The time had flown by. Most patronage agreements lasted about three years, but their association had been quite lucrative.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione needed to talk to the wizard and find out where she stood. This was very important for a number of reasons\u2026the most important reason being\u2026she loved him.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had tried her best to ignore her feelings for the Professor, and at first tried to logically dissect her feelings, at first believing she was deeply infatuated with the wizard because of his sexual prowess. But there were other aspects of her feelings toward him that didn\u2019t quite jibe with that. She liked his presence, and missed him even when she wasn\u2019t particularly randy. He was also a good conversationalist as well as debater. Hermione never had anyone to really lock horns with intellectually and enjoyed their arguments, although Severus\u2019 cold logic and always calm demeanor drove her wild.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione would pace back and forth animatedly, gesticulating and loudly making her points, while the wizard would calmly sit in the armchair with an eyebrow arched, refusing to respond in like manner, bringing up point after point in his smooth, silky voice. It would almost drive her mad, but was so, so stimulating. And then there were the quiet moments when each was involved in their own work, a companionable silence filling the room. It was almost\u2026domestic. Hermione could imagine this happening every day of her life. Coming home to Severus\u2019 strong, comforting presence.<\/p>\n<p>Then there were those moments when she would wake up in the middle of the night, tucked tightly against the sleeping wizard\u2019s pale body, Severus\u2019 arm wrapped around her possessively. Hermione would gaze on his face and see a rare look of contentment there as he slept. She knew Severus hadn\u2019t had much contentment in his life, and that she was partially if not totally responsible for that expression.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sighed.<\/p>\n<p>She would have to talk to him\u2026this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>She had waited long enough.<\/p>\n<p>The witch pushed away from the breakfast table and headed downstairs to her spells lab, where she had the next docu-pensieve stored, her memories already added. She walked over to the cabinet, opened it and carefully removed a small pensieve containing Minerva McGonagall\u2019s memories of being trapped inside the Dementor, and of Severus flying by her, as well as her return to her own body.<\/p>\n<p>Poppy had been livid when Hermione asked for the memories, and didn\u2019t want Minerva over-extending herself, but the strong-willed witch told Poppy to stop being silly and that it required no effort to remove memories. Hermione offered Minerva part of the residuals, but the witch declined, saying she and Severus earned every galleon and she was happy to help.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione then took out several smaller pensieves and separated Minerva\u2019s memories into separate episodes, then added them in the appropriate places between her own memories. Severus insisted that Hermione leave his memories out of it, stating her own memories were more than sufficient and covered his participation quite well. Actually Severus was planning to put out his own docu-pensieve later on, covering his Harper powers. He didn\u2019t want to give any previews.<\/p>\n<p>As Hermione worked, she once again felt the disturbing subtle shift of magic around her.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, something was changing.<\/p>\n<p>**************************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus was gathering the student\u2019s homework parchments in his office when he felt a subtle shifting of magic around him\u2026almost like a wizarding oath reacting to some stimulus. He paused, his brows drawing together.<\/p>\n<p>He knew instinctively that the Patronage oath was changing. Hermione hadn\u2019t been with him long, but she had generated quite an income for him. It was quite likely the agreement was about to undergo dissolution, and the witch would be free of him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 face went black.<\/p>\n<p>He had gotten used to the witch. He didn\u2019t want her to leave or become inaccessible. He could still be of help to her in some ways\u2026couldn\u2019t he?<\/p>\n<p>She\u2019d have more than enough money to do as she liked, and no doubt would receive job offers more suitable for her intellect and talents. She wouldn\u2019t need him any longer as financial support. But how about sexually? Yes, she would need him that way\u2026unless she decided to look for someone willing to have a committed, romantic relationship.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard shuddered. Commitment. Romance. Brrrrr.<\/p>\n<p>Severus never saw the need for romance. Witches and wizards knew what they wanted from each other. He saw no reason to dance around the obvious. Romance was simply the long road to fucking. He was a \u201cshort stroll\u201d kind of wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Still, Hermione was a witch and despite her logic probably still ascribed to the idiosyncrasies of her sex. Wining, dining, receiving gifts, etc all given in the hope that the doting wizard could get her knickers down around her ankles.<\/p>\n<p>Well he was already at that point, and wasn\u2019t about to back up. They were compatible and had great sex together. They were also intellectually well matched and could be compatible outside of the bedroom. They shared similar interests and both liked adventure and discovery. It made sense the witch should want to continue with him.<\/p>\n<p>But when did witches ever make sense?<\/p>\n<p>Severus rubbed his temples. Some kind of understanding had to be forged between them before the agreement was dissolved. He preferred to broach the subject while Hermione was still under his protection, rather than wait until she could just storm out of his presence if she didn\u2019t agree. It gave him a bit of an advantage.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard\u2019s belly grew uncomfortably tight. If the witch wasn\u2019t willing to continue with him, he would have to go back to his lonely, semi-celibate life. Sure, no doubt there would be witches coming out of the woodwork because of the docu-pensieve and the spread in Playwitch if he decided to accept the invitation to pose.<\/p>\n<p>But none of them would be Hermione Granger. The witch seemed almost tailor-made for him. The idea of fucking brainless witches with no dreams or ambitions didn\u2019t appeal to the Potions Master. With Hermione sex was so much more because of who she was. Sex with Hermione Granger was so much more because\u2026because of what she confessed to him that night on the beach when the waves were crashing over them.<\/p>\n<p>That she loved him.<\/p>\n<p>And as cynical as Severus Snape was, even he couldn\u2019t deny what he saw in the witch\u2019s eyes when he took her\u2026in fact he worked to make her look at him that way. He needed that look. No other woman had ever made his heart clutch when he looked into her eyes.<\/p>\n<p>Severus Snape was a man used to divining deceptions and lies. Hermione wasn\u2019t lying to him that night on the beach, though he tried to convince himself it was the sex that made her reveal her heart, but he could hear the conviction in her voice, see it in her eyes and feel it deep inside her as he buried himself in her over and over again. He never thought himself able to attract the love of a woman, or even deserving of it, considering the terrible things he had done in the service of both Voldemort and the Order. He was ugly, mean, sarcastic, acerbic, biting, and cold most of the time. He was well off\u2026that was enough to attract the attentions of a woman set on spending his galleons, but not the love.<\/p>\n<p>But Hermione had claimed to love him\u2026and he believed her.<\/p>\n<p>He would have to call her on it if she wouldn\u2019t see the logic of staying involved with him.<\/p>\n<p>And by the way the patronage magic was weakening, he needed to do it this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Ok\u2026it\u2019s coming down to crunch time. Severus and Hermione have issues they have to deal with. It seems their patronage agreement is winding down. On another note\u2026lol\u2026Severus posing for Playwitch magazine? Hermione will have trolls. Rofl. Anyway, please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 58<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 58 ~ Severus Arrives<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was so caught up in working on the docu-pensieve, she worked far into the night, getting the sequences correct, adding the narration, captions and making the notations for musical embellishment, which Severus would finish off. The pensieve made for exiting viewing, especially when the Dementors were closing in and surrounding the couple. Hermione had to marvel at her own courage as she relived the scene as an observer.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, she finished the docu-pensieve. Severus had to sign off on it after adding the musical scoring, but she had a feeling he would be pleased\u2026as pleased as he would show, anyway.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione yawned, stretched and retired to Severus\u2019 bedroom, undressing and sliding under the sheets. Her last thought before drifting off was that she wouldn\u2019t be sleeping alone tonight\u2026if sleeping at all. Hugging Severus\u2019 pillow to her face tightly, the witch fell asleep.<\/p>\n<p>********************************************<\/p>\n<p>After a bit of thought, Severus wrote Brenda Fitzworten to arrange an interview. He wasn\u2019t sure he would pose for the magazine, but it would be interesting to see what the witch had to say and what she would offer as incentive.<\/p>\n<p>The next morning, Severus received a reply at breakfast. Miss Fitzworten certainly wasn\u2019t wasting anytime. The interview would be Tuesday afternoon at two o\u2019clock. She requested he bring his violin and not take any extra care with his appearance. She wanted to see him as is. So be it.<\/p>\n<p>He folded up the letter and placed it in his pocket, and focused on finishing his breakfast and his class topic for the day. The Potions Master would not allow Hermione to creep into his mind\u2026if she did, the thought would also creep into his trousers and balloon. In a few hours he would be alone with the witch, and making up for lost time. He tried not to think of her soft, curvaceous body, or her voice breaking over the syllables of his name, or the wet, clutch and caress of her\u2026<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn it,\u201d Severus breathed, looking down at the tent in his robes.<\/p>\n<p>The day wouldn\u2019t pass quickly enough.<\/p>\n<p>********************************************<\/p>\n<p>When class let out Friday afternoon, Severus didn\u2019t bother going to supper. He locked up the classroom tight, put a sign on his office that he would be away for the weekend, grabbed his Strad and bow and apparated directly for his home and Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>The witch hadn\u2019t expected the wizard so early, and was in the process of dressing when he opened her bedroom door, his dark eyes glittering as they washed over her bra and knickers. Hermione attempted to cover herself with her hands and shrieked in surprise when Severus threw the door open. He stalked into the room and closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHave you become so unused to me witch that you try to hide yourself in my presence?\u201d the wizard purred, his eyes hungry as they rested on her thighs, then flicked back up to her face. Her hair was still damp.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione swallowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. You just\u2026just surprised me the way you flew in here,\u201d she responded, reaching for her robes slowly. Severus\u2019 jaw tightened. He started to unbutton his robes.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWait. We have to talk about what happened with Harry,\u201d she said, slipping her robes over her arms. Severus didn\u2019t stop working on his robes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo talk,\u201d he said, his pale hands working on the lower fasteners.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou dueled him,\u201d Hermione said, watching as Severus pulled off his robes and laid them on her chair. He started on his shirt.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf that is what you want to call it. The duel lasted about five seconds. He drew his wand on me in my own house, Hermione. That is unforgivable,\u201d the wizard said, opening his shirt and revealing his taut, pale chest.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes rested on it, and she lost her train of thought for a moment. Severus smirked at her as he worked on his cuffs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou provoked him,\u201d Hermione said accusingly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe provoked me by attempting to set the terms of my patronage. He had no right to make demands of me concerning you,\u201d the wizard said evenly, \u201cAnd I was easier on him than I should have been\u2026because of you. Now you wish to take me to task for it? This is my reward for showing restraint concerning the ungrateful pup? I could have easily killed him, Hermione\u2026and he would have deserved it for challenging me. I am no young wizard that duels for fun. It is a deadly business. He wanted to duel, so I did.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus removed his shirt, Hermione staring at him. What was she to say to this? The wizard had shown restraint. She supposed she should be grateful. Instead, she changed the topic as the wizard walked over to her bed, sat down and began removing his boots.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou charged him for performing the ritual,\u201d Hermione said to the wizard as he removed his socks.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes I did. I performed a service and deserved compensation,\u201d Severus said, tucking his socks into his boots and sliding them under Hermione\u2019s bed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut we were helping him,\u201d Hermione argued.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked up at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, you were helping him, and I was helping you. I couldn\u2019t very well charge you. So I received payment from him. I expended a lot of energy bringing him back. I deserve recompense,\u201d the wizard said, standing up and working at the fasteners of his trousers, which were very tented.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione licked her lips unconsciously, trying to remain focused.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBesides, Hermione\u2026if I did not charge Harry for my service, the wizard would have felt indebted to me for the rest of his life. I can hardly imagine anything worse than Harry Potter slinking about trying to repay me by acting like some kind of guard dog. I did us both a favor by accepting payment as closure. I know what it is like to be indebted to someone you hate,\u201d Severus said, thinking about James Potter.<\/p>\n<p>James had saved him from being killed by Remus when he transformed into a werewolf. Sirius Black had set him up for death, and if it wasn\u2019t for James, he would have been torn to bits. Then James died and Severus spent years looking after Harry in an attempt to repay his father for saving his life. He had suffered greatly at the hands of Voldemort because of it. When Harry killed Voldemort, Severus had done his job by keeping the boy alive so he could complete his destiny. He wasn\u2019t about to have that debt turned around.<\/p>\n<p>Severus slid his trousers down and stepped out of them and stood before Hermione in his tented boxers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIs there anything else you wish to discuss with me concerning Mr. Potter? I would rather not have him in the bed with us,\u201d the wizard said, striding toward the witch. He stopped mere inches from her. Severus started to slide her robes off her shoulders, his black eyes blazing into hers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dNo,\u201d Hermione said, her legs feeling like rubber as the Professor slowly slid her sleeves down her arms, \u201cNo\u2026not about Harry but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dIt can wait then,\u201d Severus said silkily, removing her robes and letting them drop to the floor. His eyes washed over her bra and knickers. \u201cI can\u2019t. I\u2019ve waited long enough witch. It\u2019s time I claim you again.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt as if she\u2019d never breathe again as the Potions Master lowered his head and kissed her, his lips moving against hers sensuously as he drew down one strap of her bra, then the other. She felt his hands caress the sides of her breasts, before sliding over her skin to her back and unclasping it, breaking the kiss and straightening, removing it, his eyes locked to hers.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the wizard locked his arms around Hermione, who let out a gasp as Severus lifted her and crushed her body against his as he kissed her again, this time invading her mouth hungrily, his tongue wrapping around hers as he began walking towards the bed. Hermione instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, her core pressing against the wizard\u2019s erection. Severus growled in the back of his throat as he felt her heat through the thin fabrics separating their flesh. Damn, he was so hard, Hermione couldn\u2019t help grinding against him.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard lowered Hermione to the bed, her body resting on the edge of it, and ground against her unmercifully as he continued to kiss her, the witch panting into his mouth as he slid his hardness against her. The witch\u2019s knickers were soaked, and the smell of her arousal filled the air. Severus moved to her throat, sucking, kissing and licking as Hermione arched against him helplessly, fire boiling over her at his contact. The combination of his hard body and soft mouth made her feel as if she would explode.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh my gods,\u201d she moaned as the wizard moved lower resting on his knees, his hands caressing her sides as his mouth swept over the swell of her breasts, then latched on to her nipple, sucking gently, his hot wet tongue swirling over the hardened peak as he fondled the other. Then he switched, giving the other breast the same attention before sliding lower, over her belly, his fingers hooking the waistband of her knickers. Severus straightened and pulled them down as far as he could before moving aside and drawing them off completely, bringing them to his nose as Hermione looked up at him with molten eyes. The Potions Master inhaled deeply, his eyes going half-lidded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is a scent I can live with,\u201d the wizard said to the witch, dropping her knickers and lifting her legs, then catching her calves and pushing them back as far as he could.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at Hermione\u2019s slick inner thighs and the little droplets of lubrication glistening in her pubic hair. Letting go of one of her calves, he used two fingers to part her labia and stare down at her hard little clit and soft, pink core. The wizard\u2019s nostrils flared for a moment, then he looked up at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>The Potions Master breathed something unintelligible at her, then lowered his mouth and licked her inner thighs slowly, collecting her fluids on his tongue, inching his way towards her pussy. Hermione buckled. Gods, he was moving too slow, dragging his lips on her skin before using them to pull at her pubic hair, collecting the jewels of her arousal. He held her steady as he moved toward his destination, the witch gasping and clutching at his head in an attempt to force his mouth down to relieve her of the intense yearning she felt.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re impatient,\u201d the wizard said, his voice muffled, \u201cVery well.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus drew his tongue slowly between Hermione\u2019s desire-swollen labia and over her clit, the witch letting out a choked cry as the delicious sensation thrummed through her body. That cry made Severus\u2019 cock throb hungrily, and he dove into the witch, lashing her with his tongue, teasing her with his lips, tormenting her lightly with his teeth and soothing her. The wizard licked, kissed and sucked on the witch\u2019s pussy as if it were the most delicious banquet he had ever consumed, and for Severus at this moment\u2026it was.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was breaking apart under his ministrations, crying out, tugging on his hair and bucking wildly as he held her down, drinking at her fountain. The balloon of bliss inside her was swelling, swelling and suddenly burst, the witch screaming his name as she came, the wizard sucking at her almost desperately, drinking down her release, his face glistening as he moved his head sensuously, his mouth pressed tight against Hermione\u2019s quaking body.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stayed with her until he consumed every bit of her ambrosia, then lifted his head, licking his lips, his dark eyes taking in the sloe-eyed witch as she still gyrated.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, Hermione,\u201d he breathed, gently letting her legs down then tugging his boxers down and lifting each knee so he could remove them, his thick, dripping organ springing out in readiness.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you ready to be fucked witch?\u201d he asked, pressing the head of his cock into her softness, not bothering to get in the bed properly. \u201cTell me you want me to fuck you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione lifted her head, taking in the sight of the dark wizard nestled between her thighs, his rippled belly and lean muscular torso visible, his pale face slightly contorted with need, his dark eyes full of hunger.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYessss,\u201d she hissed, \u201cFuck me Severus\u2026it\u2019s been so long,\u201d she moaned, letting her head drop back. She felt the wizard grasp her waist with one hand.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 belly tightened at the desire in the witch\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFar too long,\u201d he agreed, inserting his thick, pulsing head with a groan, then grasping the witch\u2019s waist with his other hand and yanking her down, throwing his head back and driving his cock into her body hard and deep, slamming against her cervix<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMerlin,\u201d he hissed as Hermione\u2019s hot sheath wrapped around his shaft like a second skin and the witch buckled, crying out from his power. The Potions Master looked down on the witch, his lower lip slack with pleasure, meeting her wet eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYessss,\u201d he hissed.<\/p>\n<p>Then Severus began to fuck&#8230;and fuck hard.<\/p>\n<p>************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 59<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 59 ~ What About Tomorrow?<\/p>\n<p>Hermione cried out and arched as Severus speared her brutally with his huge tool, the thick head plowing into her softness, filling her with the wizards hot, hard girth and length. Gods, it felt so good to feel him take her with such hunger after all this time and the witch welcome his ache. She had missed it. Missed him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus leaned back slightly, stroking the witch hard and deep, watching his glistening cock disappear and reappear, the witch\u2019s cries goading him on as he possessed her delicious, petite body, winding his pelvis and adjusting his angle, trying to touch, caress and devour every part of her. He looked down on her jerking body, feeling strong, whole and wanted as he reclaimed his charge. Damn, Hermione felt exquisite\u2026right. He needed more.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stopped stroking Hermione long enough to push her up further in the bed, then he stood up, looking down at her for a moment before falling forward and trapping her legs under his arms, raising himself up on his hands. The wizard adjusted his hips, dragging the head of his cock over Hermione\u2019s buttocks and shifted until he was positioned at the entrance to her body once more, then drove in, hard, staring at the witch as she received him, marveling at how strong she was. Hermione clutched at his arms as he slammed into her over and over, his eyes focused on her face. She was beautiful in her passion, in her response to him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSay my name,\u201d he hissed at her, wanting to hear Hermione shriek his name again. The witch\u2019s mouth was slack and the wizard shifted his angle and plunged into her harder.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSay it! Say my name, witch. I want to hear it!\u201d he demanded, bouncing into her softness, sweat beginning to fly off his body. Hermione was covered in a wet sheen, and her eyes rolled up momentarily as she stiffened, then came.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus! Severus!\u201d the witch cried out, her nails digging into his forearms as she gushed over him, the wizard groaning at the heat and clutch of her pussy clamping down on his shaft as he continued to fuck her through her orgasm, her walls slick, her body quaking.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly he dropped, releasing her legs, covering her mouth and kissing the witch deeply, letting her tight wet sleeve pulse around his cock as he claimed her mouth, also soft, wet and accepting. Hermione\u2019s arms wrapped around his neck as her legs wrapped around his waist, their two bodies connected as one, locked together in passion. The wizard lost himself in the sweetness of the connection. He felt needed, wanted, as if\u2026as if he belonged to someone other than himself. It was an eternal moment\u2026and the wizard couldn\u2019t help what he said next as he pulled away from Hermione\u2019s mouth and stared down at her as she returned to herself, her amber eyes full of soft fire as she looked up at him, her lips swollen from the ardor of his kiss\u2026her body shuddering, slick with his perspiration.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you love me, witch?\u201d Severus asked Hermione<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes went a bit wild, and her mouth moved, gaping like a fish. Severus pulled back slowly and entered her, gently this time, the witch\u2019s eyes closing in pleasure before opening again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTell me, Hermione\u2026do you love me?\u201d he asked her again, stopping.<\/p>\n<p>Severus knew he wasn\u2019t being remotely fair, asking the witch something like this when he had her in such a vulnerable position. But he was a Slytherin. Striking when others were vulnerable was par for the course. He felt this was the best time for negotiation with the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2026I don\u2019t know,\u201d Hermione lied, not wanting to put her heart out there without knowing how the wizard felt.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur patronage is coming to an end soon witch. I can feel it, and I suspect you have felt it as well. You will be free of me then,\u201d he said softly, though his eyes were hard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFree of you,\u201d Hermione repeated hollowly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus began to stroke Hermione again, slowly and deliberately. He was in control now, his desire to manipulate her, to make her admit she wanted him\u2026she loved him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you want to be free of me, Hermione? Free for other wizards?\u201d he asked\u2026his eyes growing darker and face contorting slightly as the very idea of her fucking someone else made his belly tighten with rage. When she didn\u2019t answer immediately, Severus gave her several hard, possessive strokes. This was his pussy\u2026patronage or no damn patronage. She wasn\u2019t going to leave him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you want to leave me?\u201d he demanded, his voice harsh now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d Hermione whispered, \u201cI don\u2019t want to leave you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard sighed with relief, pressing into her deeply, savoring the feel of her body wrapped around him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut\u2026do you want me, Severus?\u201d she asked him softly.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard looked down at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ll do for now,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n<p>Not the right thing to say.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione began to struggle, anger giving her greater strength. She slapped the wizard and began flailing at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet off of me, you bastard! You\u2019re not going to use me that way\u2026either there\u2019s some kind of commitment, or I\u2019m gone!\u201d she hissed at him as the wizard lowered his head to protect his face and wrestled with her a bit before he pinned her arms down by the wrist. He was grimacing as he did so because he was still embedded in her body and all Hermione&#8217;s twisting about was stimulating him. It felt very good.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cStop it witch!\u201d he growled, but Hermione continued to struggle. He tried to kiss her but she bit his lip. The Potions Master pulled his head back quickly and licked his lip, tasting the blood. He snarled at Hermione, and holding her pinned arms down, began to slam his cock into her viciously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know\u2026how to\u2026 make you listen,\u201d he grunted as Hermione shrieked under his pummeling.<\/p>\n<p>Severus tore into her unmercifully for several minutes until the witch\u2019s mouth and body were slack, then slowed, both of them covered in sweat again. He looked down at Hermione with satisfaction.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s better,\u201d he panted, brushing her hair out of her face. Hermione looked at him with a dazed expression, lost to the sweet ache and burn inside her. Severus stroked her gently again, not letting her disconnect from him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe terms will be the same\u2026we will see each other exclusively. No other wizards,\u201d he said to the witch. \u201cYou will keep yourself only for me, and I for you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTerms?\u201d Hermione gasped, \u201cThis\u2026this isn\u2019t a business arrangement we\u2019re talking about Severus. If I continue with you, then there are going to have to be some changes. You\u2019re going to have to show me affection, show me that you care.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus stopped fucking the witch and cocked his head at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI fuck you\u2026doesn\u2019t that show I have some feelings toward you?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at the wizard in disbelief as she returned more fully to herself.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. That only shows your dick gets hard and you use me to relieve it,\u201d the witch replied. \u201cI want to know that what I feel and think matters to you. I want to know it isn\u2019t all about fucking me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her for a long moment, not saying anything.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI guess it is all about fucking me,\u201d the witch said, her heart sinking. \u201cI want more than that Severus. I don\u2019t think you can give it to me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou love me,\u201d he said to her, \u201cYou told me that night at the beach. That you loved everything about me\u2026my sarcasm, my discipline\u2026my sharpness. The way I take you. You weren\u2019t lying to me witch. I\u2019ve dealt with enough liars to know when I am hearing the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt her heart race for a moment. She had already told him she loved him, and he never said a word about it. Severus knew all this time, and now he was trying to use her love to manipulate her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right. All right Severus\u2026I do love you. I didn\u2019t want to, but this is how it came out. But just because I love you doesn\u2019t mean I will just forget about my own needs\u2026what I want from a wizard. I know you won\u2019t bring me flowers and candy\u2026that\u2019s all right. I think those acts are very juvenile. But I want to know that you will be there for me. I want you to care for me\u2026I want you to love me back, Severus Snape.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve never loved any witch, Hermione,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI don\u2019t think I can love that way.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo why be with me, Severus? If there\u2019s no love involved, then any witch will do,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAny witch will NOT do!\u201d the wizard snarled, startling himself and the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 heart was pounding in an alarming manner, and he felt his palms getting sweaty. He recognized this as a distinct fear reaction.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione smirked slightly. The wizard was losing it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd why won\u2019t any witch do, Severus?\u201d she asked him rather sweetly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus fought the urge to start fucking her insanely. That wasn\u2019t the answer, though it would be satisfying to wipe the rather smug look on her face off. It was hard to look smug when screaming at the top of one\u2019s lungs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m waiting,\u201d Hermione pressed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause\u2026because any witch is not you, Hermione. You are one of a kind\u2026like I am,\u201d he replied stiffly. \u201cYou are brilliant, courageous and a sexual dynamo. You can hold a conversation\u2026you can understand my points of logic\u2026and\u2026and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd what, Severus,\u201d she asked, curious at his hesitance.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can put up with me,\u201d the wizard admitted. He looked more vulnerable than Hermione ever remembered seeing him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus had never admitted he was hard to get along with before. He always placed the blame on other people, claiming they were idiots or dolts and deserved such snarky treatment. But the truth was he was a real bastard to others, and purposely so to keep them away. But Hermione didn\u2019t run from him. She stood up to him.<\/p>\n<p>He looked down at the witch, waiting to see what scathing reply she\u2019d have for him. He had opened himself up for pain with that statement. She could say any number of things to cut him up.<\/p>\n<p>But the witch didn\u2019t. She simply gave him a very soft and tender smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, I can do that,\u201d she replied. Then she pulled him down, wrapped her arms around him and kissed him tenderly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus began to move again, making love to the witch in earnest now, his heart full as she received him, whispering his name and moaning with pleasure as the wizard slaked his hunger for the witch. He wanted her to feel him, him, not just his cock. The wizard immersed himself in Hermione, not just her body, but her very soul\u2026feeling himself being drawn in deeper than he ever remembered, his pleasure swelling inside him, a pleasure more than sexual as they came together, not an explosion, but more of a melding, a slipping together to form one body, falling into each other and feeling the pulse of another heart as if it were their own.<\/p>\n<p>Severus held the witch close to him as he shuddered, emptying his essence into her warm quaking body, spiraling back to his separate existence but still close, still part of her. Gasping, he looked into her eyes.<\/p>\n<p>They hadn\u2019t yet hashed out what would be between them, but the wizard was sure it would be something good, something they would both benefit from. At least it was established that neither of them wanted to separate from the other. That was half the war.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<\/p>\n<p>The next morning over breakfast, Severus decided to drop the bombshell.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve been contacted by a prestigious and well-established magazine that wants to do a spread on me, for a considerable amount of money,\u201d the wizard said, cutting into his sausage.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione, who had been perusing the Daily Prophet, looked up at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, that\u2019s wonderful Severus. It\u2019s just what you\u2019ve been holding out for,\u201d Hermione said, smiling at the wizard. Good for him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, it is,\u201d he agreed. \u201cI\u2019ve been offered twenty thousand galleons.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s brows lifted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTwenty thousand galleons for an interview? That\u2019s a lot of money. What magazine is it?\u201d she asked curiously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlaywitch,\u201d the wizard said, taking a sip of his coffee.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s jaw dropped.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDid you say Playwitch?\u201d the witch asked in a low voice.<\/p>\n<p>Severus nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou mean \u2018wizards swinging free for the entire world to see\u2019 Playwitch?\u201d Hermione asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s more than that Hermione. Playwitch has its finger on the pulse of all the issues today\u2019s witch faces. It is a magazine of quality,\u201d the Potions Master said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd chock full of naked wizards,\u201d the witch seethed, \u201cSeverus, you aren\u2019t really thinking about posing for them are you?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus arched an eyebrow.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI haven\u2019t decided yet. However, I do have an appointment to speak to the editor on Tuesday afternoon to hear what she has to say,\u201d the wizard replied calmly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut Severus, that means millions of witches will be seeing your body, seeing your\u2026your attributes,\u201d the witch began.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI imagine I am not built that much differently than any other wizard who has posed for the magazine. They\u2019ve seen male body parts before, Hermione,\u201d he said silkily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut not my wizard\u2019s body parts!\u201d the witch hissed, then blushed furiously. She had never referred to Severus as her wizard before.<\/p>\n<p>Severus smirked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour wizard, Hermione?\u201d he asked her, \u201cAm I to assume you believe I belong to you?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, we\u2019re in the process of working that out. If we are going to be exclusive, Severus, then yes\u2026for all intents and purposes you are for me and no other witch,\u201d Hermione said, frowning at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPosing for a nude picture or two is not infidelity, Hermione,\u201d the Potions Master said. \u201cI will be on parchment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt could be an introduction to infidelity Severus. Once those randy readers get a gander at your goods, they\u2019ll be flocking to your door wanting a closer examination,\u201d Hermione said jealously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI highly doubt that, Hermione. My disposition wouldn\u2019t have changed\u2026and as I told you witch\u2026I prefer you to any other witch. Even if I am approached, that will mean nothing. I will have you to meet my needs. And you meet more than my sexual needs. No other witch can compete with you,\u201d the wizard replied sincerely, trying to ease the witch\u2019s fears. \u201cThe truth of the matter is there are other benefits to posing for Playwitch, benefits which can be quite lucrative.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus was thinking about possible endorsement contracts.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI still don\u2019t like it, Severus. I want to be the only witch seeking you out,\u201d the witch replied. \u201cYou will be tempted. All those witches are bound to swell your head.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus leaned toward her, his voice dropping to sex timbre.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe only one who swells my head witch, is you,\u201d he breathed, his eyes glittering at her. They were both in bathrobes and naked underneath them. The Potions Master felt a little throb.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t want you to do it,\u201d Hermione said firmly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you attempting to give me orders, Hermione?\u201d Severus asked her darkly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. I am only telling you my feelings, Severus,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour feelings are duly noted,\u201d the wizard replied, taking a sip of coffee. \u201cBut I am only going to the interview to hear Miss Fitzworten out. I will not make any decision before\u2026before\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBefore what?\u201d she snapped.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBefore discussing it with you,\u201d the wizard managed to get out, looking as if he had sucked on a particularly sour lemon drop.<\/p>\n<p>Both of Hermione\u2019s eyebrows rose. Severus was actually going to talk to her before making a decision? This was a huge concession. It seemed as if the wizard was willing to take her feelings into consideration, which translated to: He did care. Still he was going to the interview\u2026but that was his independent streak\u2026his last stronghold of self-direction. Hermione could understand that and didn\u2019t feel so apprehensive now that she knew he wouldn\u2019t just arbitrarily accept. Of course, when they \u201cdiscussed\u201d it, Hermione intended to bring down the boom. Millions of witches would not be ogling her wizard\u2019s love-wand, galleons be damned.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right,\u201d she said, beaming at the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus saw the look of happiness in the witch\u2019s eyes. Apparently, he had said the right thing. He had a feeling sex was going to be very, very good after breakfast.<\/p>\n<p>**************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Ok, so they touched on the after-patronage situation. They are going to work things out. Severus made a big concession saying he would discuss the Playwitch situation with Hermione before making a decision. Whoo hoo. Maybe there\u2019s hope for the dark wizard. Anyway, please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 60<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 60 ~ The Interview<\/p>\n<p>Severus and Hermione spent another weekend in bed, once again alternating between tender lovemaking and wild, passionate fucking. They took a few hours break so Severus could view the completed docu-pensieve and add the musical score, but they ended up fucking in the Spells Lab too, Hermione bent over her desk, Severus fucking her so hard it slid back, crushing her swivel chair against the wall. An argument about a particular strain of music which Severus believed should reflect \u201ctension\u201d rather than \u201cfear\u201d was what set it off, the witch continuing to argue with him until the wizard put down his violin and bow, then set about giving Hermione \u201ca reason to shout.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When Severus left Monday morning, they still hadn\u2019t settled their relationship, but both witch and wizard felt a stronger connection. The Potions Master didn\u2019t scowl when Hermione kissed him goodbye this time. He almost smiled.<\/p>\n<p>Almost.<\/p>\n<p>Instead he rested his dark eyes on her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUntil next weekend, Miss Granger,\u201d he said silkily, raising her hand to his lips and kissing it gently. Hermione felt as if a huge stone dropped to the bottom of her belly as the wizard released her hand, arched an eyebrow at her, stepped back and disapparated with a crack of thunder.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione pressed her hand to her belly and let out the breath she hadn\u2019t known she was holding as she stared at the empty space before her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGods, what a wizard,\u201d she breathed.<\/p>\n<p>*************************************<\/p>\n<p>Tuesday afternoon Severus arrived at the Playwitch Ltd. Building. It was quite a modern structure, five stories tall, with green glass windows all around and steel separators. He could barely make out employees going about their business.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard walked up the steps and into the lobby which was spacious, airy and tastefully set up, a large round information desk in the middle, cushy leather armchairs arranged for conversation, a complimentary coffee and bun stand and not a single picture of a naked wizard in sight. Severus strode up to the information booth.<\/p>\n<p>A little blonde witch with big blue eyes looked up at the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMay I help you sir?\u201d she asked politely.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have a two o\u2019clock appointment with Miss Brenda Fitzworten,\u201d Severus said, glowering at the witch, who appeared unaffected and smiled brightly at him.<\/p>\n<p>She opened a large book and drew her finger down the parchment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh yes, here you are\u2026Mr. Severus Snape. Miss Fitzworten\u2019s office is on the fifth floor. If you take the elevator on the far left it will take you directly to her floor. Hers is the only office on that floor so you won\u2019t have difficulty finding it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus walked toward the elevator, which automatically opened. He examined the small cubicle before entering, then stepped through and turned around to face the door. It slid shut. Suddenly the elevator soared straight up, Severus clutching at the handhold bar attached to the walls and bracing his legs. It came to a teeth-clenching halt, and the doors opened. Severus hurried out of the elevator. He\u2019d ask if there were any stairs on his way out.<\/p>\n<p>Sure enough there was a single door with a plaque on it that read, \u201cBrenda Fitzworten, Editor. Severus opened the door and entered. The office was all white with several plants scattered about. There were no windows. Several doors were set in the walls and in the center of the room was a desk with two chairs in front of it. Behind the desk sat a matronly woman with shining gray-white hair and sharp green eyes. The witch was dressed in stylish royal blue robes and looked to be about one hundred. She looked up at the tall, dour wizard and the violin case in his hand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMay I help you?\u201d she asked him politely, her eyes washing over him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy name is Severus Snape. I have a two o\u2019clock appointment with the editor,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>The witch smiled, and looked years younger.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlease have a seat, Mr. Snape. I am Brenda Fitzworten,\u201d the witch said, gesturing toward the chair.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked surprised. He had expected some youngish vixen of a witch to run Playwitch\u2026not a woman who looked like a kindly grandmother. He sat down.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you for coming to the interview, Mr. Snape. You are currently one of the hottest wizards in the wizarding world at this moment,\u201d Brenda said, quietly appraising Severus\u2019 lank hair and dour demeanor. He had beautiful dark eyes, a large, very promising nose and a rather cruel sensuous mouth.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBad boy. Not classic looks, but dark\u2026dangerous. The witches will go gah-gah for him,\u201d she thought.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat was quite an adventure you had in India,\u201d the witch continued, \u201cYou were something to see, Mr. Snape. A true dark hero. The kind of wizard that witches fantasize about. And that\u2019s why I want you\u2026for my magazine of course.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Brenda smirked a little.<\/p>\n<p>Severus considered the witch before he spoke.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI must be frank with you, Miss Fitzworten,\u201d the wizard began.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn, if only we could get that voice in the magazine. There\u2019d be wet knickers for days,\u201d the witch thought to herself, then said out loud, \u201cOf course, Mr. Snape. Frankness is always appreciated.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have not yet decided if I will pose for this magazine. I just came here to hear what you have to say,\u201d the Potions Master said. \u201cBased on that, I will depart and let you know my decision.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFair enough. It is always good to take time to consider before you act,\u201d Brenda said, \u201cBecoming a fantasy man for millions of witches is quite the burden.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Again the witch smirked as she pulled a folder out of her desk. She opened it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne Severus Snape. Professor of Potions at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, former Spy for the Order of the Phoenix, currently the only known Harper in the Wizarding World, Repairer and Retriever of Souls. If you don\u2019t mind me saying, Mr. Snape\u2026you are the kind of wizard that catches a witch\u2019s imagination.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus merely listened to the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMr. Snape, would you describe your body to me?\u201d the witch asked, \u201cI mean its overall condition\u2026I don\u2019t need any \u2018personal\u2019 details.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am six foot three, one hundred and eighty-nine pounds. My skin is pale, my physical condition excellent. I do however have a number of scars on my back from being tortured numerous times by the Dark Lord, and I still retain my Dark Mark from being in his service,\u201d the wizard said, thinking that would be enough for Miss Fitzworten to withdraw her offer.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll icing on the rock cake, Mr. Snape. We are portraying you as a dark, intense and powerful wizard who has seen much of the dark side of life. In other words, as a bad boy, someone sensual and dangerous. Our readers will adore you. And considering your visibility already, I am prepared to offer you thirty thousand galleons to pose for us nude. Four photos. All this rests on the approval of our photographer as well,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour photographer?\u201d Severus repeated, arching an eyebrow at the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, we have a very talented photographer who has an eye for those wizards whose attributes will transfer to film. No wizard poses for our magazine without his approval. He has never been wrong yet,\u201d she said, pressing a button on a box on her desk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can come in now,\u201d she said to the box, then looked at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe only shoots part-time, exclusively for Playwitch. He has his own business that does quite well and comes in handy because he can prep his subjects as well as photograph them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo, your photographer is male?\u201d Severus asked for confirmation. He was a bit surprised. He assumed since the subjects were male, a female photographer would be in order. Witches knew what they wanted to see after all.<\/p>\n<p>Brenda looked decidedly shifty.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn a manner of speaking\u2026yes,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n<p>For some reason, Severus didn\u2019t like the sound of this.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly a door on their right was flung open, and a very pale, chubby wizard with spiked brown hair dressed in multi-colored robes walked in. Well, walked wasn\u2019t quite the right word. More like sashayed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBrenda! Darling! Tell me, what do we have yummy on the meat wagon today?\u201d the wizard exclaimed, mincing up to Brenda and giving her faux kisses on each cheek before turning to stare at Severus. He brought one delicate, long-nailed hand to his heart and looked as if he would faint.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh my stiffening wand,\u201d he breathed, looking the pale wizard up and down. \u201cOoh, Brenda\u2026you\u2019ve really outdone yourself with this delicious bit of beefcake. He is just\u2026bitable,\u201d the wizard gushed, his blue eyes drinking Severus in rather lustfully.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled at the wizard as Brenda grinned.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMr. Snape, I would like to introduce you to Adam Sweetmeats, our photographer,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>Adam swooped around the desk and walked toward Severus, his hand extended, smiling. The Potion Master got a good look at the fruity little wizard\u2019s teeth and jumped up in shock, drawing his wand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s a vampire,\u201d Severus said darkly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVampires are people too, tall, dark and yummy,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cBut I am a relatively tame vampire. I don\u2019t bite\u2026unless requested.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Adam looked at Severus suggestively.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAdam is the Queen of our local clutch of vampires,\u201d Brenda explained, \u201cAt Playwitch, we do not discriminate. Just because Mr. Sweetmeats is Life-Challenged, doesn\u2019t mean he can\u2019t do an excellent job as a photographer.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at him. A Queen? Yes, he could see that. The wizard slowly put away his wand and sat back down, eyeing Adam. Suddenly another tall, pale man walked through the door Adam just came through. He had blonde hair and hazel eyes. He was quite handsome. He walked over to the Queen and looked down at Severus. There was an unpleasant glint in his eyes.<\/p>\n<p>Adam placed a hand on his shoulder familiarly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is my death partner, Victor. He accompanies me everywhere. Unfortunately he has to keep out of sunlight, or he\u2019ll turn into a pile of ash\u2026and I don\u2019t want that, do I Victor?\u201d Adam said to the vampire, fondness in his voice.<\/p>\n<p>Victor\u2019s eyes shifted to Adam for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo my Queen,\u201d he agreed, then he looked back at Severus a bit territorially. Severus didn\u2019t understand why. Adam was safe as a female troll in his presence.<\/p>\n<p>Victor was extremely jealous of his Queen. Adam worked with sensual mortals all the time, and as a Queen vampire had the power to make a mortal do whatever he wished. Victor worried that Adam would engage them sexually, and so was very protective. He wished his Queen would just stick to the beauty shop. Mostly witches came there. Adam wasn\u2019t interested in witches beyond making them beautiful.<\/p>\n<p>Brenda recounted to Adam what Severus said about his body. The vampire looked thoughtful.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen I photograph him, the scars will seem beautiful. They\u2019re a testament to his selfless service for the wizarding world. I was human when Voldemort fell and read about Mr. Snape. They passed him over when giving out medals. We\u2019ll make sure he gets recognition when we write his blurbs. It\u2019s the least we can do,\u201d the Queen said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was beginning to think the Queen wasn\u2019t half bad. He had nothing against gays, as long as they knew he wasn\u2019t interested, and nothing against vampires as long as they weren\u2019t after his blood. But his opinion was suddenly and brutally changed as the undead wizard walked up to him and boldly looked at his loins, eyelashes aflutter.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo Mr. Snape, let\u2019s get down to the crux of the matter\u2026how many inches are we working with?\u201d the vampire asked gleefully, licking his lips. Severus noticed his tongue was black.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI hope it outshines the length of that beautiful nose of yours. We don\u2019t want the rod to be\u2026odd,\u201d the Queen added, smiling broadly.<\/p>\n<p>It took all of the dark wizard\u2019s discipline to keep his wand in his pocket.<\/p>\n<p>His real wand, that is.<\/p>\n<p>****************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Lololol. I had to do it. Just had to. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 61<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 61 ~ Opening Up<\/p>\n<p>During his lunch break on Wednesday, Severus took the completed docu-pensieve to his solicitor for patenting and to be put on the market. Hermione had already signed off on the paperwork, and when Severus signed his own signature, he felt a sudden, wrenching tug inside\u2026then a breaking or feeling of separation.<\/p>\n<p>He immediately knew his patronage to Hermione Granger had ended. The docu-pensieve would bring in enough galleons to cover his expenditures while the witch was under his protection as well as a lofty profit. For all intents and purposes, the conditions of the agreement had been met satisfactorily, and the witch was no longer his charge.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard sat there, looking rather stunned. He had known it was coming but not so soon. Bartleby looked up at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you all right, Severus?\u201d the solicitor asked the Potions Master. He had been in Severus\u2019 employ for years and they were on a first name basis.<\/p>\n<p>Severus blinked at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. Yes I am fine, Bartleby,\u201d he replied, rising. \u201cPlease file those papers as soon as possible for me. I will contact you in a few days to check on your progress.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bartleby nodded and watched the wizard depart with his brow furrowed. He had become familiar with the Potions Master concerning how he handled his business. The wizard was definitely out of sorts.<\/p>\n<p>**********************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione had been working on filling Severus\u2019 healing potion quota for Poppy when she felt a powerful surge of magic around her, pulling at her insides. She felt a kind of \u201cpop\u201d and then a sense of losing something. She knew immediately that her patronage to the Professor was over and she was free to pursue whatever she wanted now. Her brow furrowed, she finished the potions thoughtfully.<\/p>\n<p>**********************************************<\/p>\n<p>Friday evening, Hermione was chomping at the bit to find out how the interview went and what the Potions Master wanted to do as far as posing for Playwitch.<\/p>\n<p>When he arrived, Hermione was sitting at his desk, looking over a few parchments. She looked up at him and smiled a welcome, then went back to her perusing. Curious, Severus walked over to the desk and stood behind the witch, looking over her shoulder. He frowned darkly. She was looking at ads for flats.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is this?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m looking for a flat, Severus. I am sure you know that our agreement has been fulfilled. I have to find my own place to live now,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can continue to stay here,\u201d he said shortly. \u201cI have plenty of room.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shook her head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t want to live with a wizard that\u2019s not my husband, Severus. I still have some sense of what\u2019s right. When I move in with a man, I want it to be my first and last time. I want it to be forever,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA very skewed sense of right,\u201d the wizard snorted, \u201cYou\u2019ve lived here\u2026slept in my bed and I am not your husband.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat was because of the patronage, Severus. I would have done neither if not for that,\u201d the witch said evenly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t see why you won\u2019t stay here. You love me,\u201d the wizard said, his dark eyes glittering at the witch. \u201cYou want to continue with me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione turned completely in the swivel chair to face him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI can continue with you and still have my own flat, Severus. You can visit me or I could visit you. We could alternate,\u201d she said, her amber eyes meeting his.<\/p>\n<p>Severus fell silent. He didn\u2019t want her to leave his home\u2026but marriage?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you trying to rope me into marrying you witch?\u201d he demanded, angry now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat?\u201d Hermione responded, outraged. \u201cNo, I\u2019m not trying to make you marry me! But I do want to get married someday, Severus and have a family like normal witches.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 eyes widened. He hadn\u2019t even considered that Hermione would want a husband and family. He thought that they would continue as they were.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not the marrying kind,\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know, Severus,\u201d Hermione said, sadness in her voice, \u201cYou\u2019re also not the kind of wizard to love a witch either or\u2026at least the kind of wizard to admit to it. I figured we could continue together for a while and then, when the time comes\u2026and if nothing more has developed between us, we can part amicably. I do love you, Severus and will hold on to the hope that you can one day love me\u2026but I won\u2019t do it forever. If I see there is no growth\u2026I will have to move on. It\u2019s better you know that now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat kind of love is that, witch?\u201d Severus demanded, \u201cIf you can walk away from me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA sensible love, Severus. As it is, our relationship is one-sided. I love you. By your own admission, you don\u2019t love me. I believe you feel more for me than you are admitting and that\u2019s why I\u2019m willing to keep our relationship going\u2026but if I find I am wrong about you\u2026then it will make no sense to go on, because there will never be anything more between us. I don\u2019t want to die childless and a spinster. I want to leave more behind than spells, potions and docu-pensieves. What good is my intelligence if I don\u2019t pass it on?\u201d she asked the wizard who stared down at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut that means, witch\u2026that while we are together you will be\u2026at least subconsciously, comparing me to other wizards\u2026others you might find more suitable to your\u2026your dreams,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus felt his stomach clutch as he realized this. His sexual prowess wouldn\u2019t help him in this matter. He could fuck Hermione into conniptions every night and while she might be physically satisfied, she would still have a hunger for more.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sighed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou may be right, Severus. I might do that, subconsciously\u2026but I will be true to you. My love will make sure of that,\u201d she said softly, rising from the chair and moving close to the wizard. \u201cUntil you show me without a doubt my love will never be returned. Right now, I am hopeful.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at the witch for a moment, then walked away, Hermione looking after him. She knew he was torn by what she said, but it had to be said. She was a young witch and wanted a full life. She wasn\u2019t going to give all that up for him, no matter how much she loved him.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard silently walked down to his bedroom, entered it and closed the door. Hermione returned to the desk and the advertisements, her heart heavy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMarriage. She wants a husband and a family. I\u2019ve never even thought about the possibility of a family,\u201d the wizard said to himself as he paced back and forth in his room, his hands clasped behind his back, scowling.<\/p>\n<p>He didn\u2019t like the idea that the witch\u2019s subtext throughout their relationship would be focused on such a commitment, or on finding a wizard who had the same goal in mind. Married to Hermione Granger. Having a wife. Children.<\/p>\n<p>Severus snorted. He never believed such a thing would be possible for him. He was an outcast, a pariah. He wasn\u2019t heir to the kind of life normal wizards were. So he never entertained how he felt about it. It would have been dwelling on a cruel, unattainable dream at best.<\/p>\n<p>Children?<\/p>\n<p>If he had children, they would be brilliant. Especially with Hermione as a mother. She\u2019d stuff them full of knowledge until it dribbled out of their ears.<\/p>\n<p>Severus caught himself. What the fuck was he thinking? He wasn\u2019t husband material, at least not in his estimation. What if they married and found that they couldn\u2019t get along? They would be stuck with each other until death. He didn\u2019t want an unhappy marriage. His parents\u2019 marriage ended tragically because they were unsuitable for each other\u2026though there had to be a time they were in love.<\/p>\n<p>Severus considered. Maybe they still did love each other, but situations arose that changed both of them. His father was abusive and would beat his mother when she didn\u2019t meet his approval. But after he killed her in a fit of rage, he apparently killed himself because of grief and remorse. The Potions Master didn\u2019t know for sure. But Severus did know he had a terrible temper of his own, though he managed to keep it under control for the most part, his aggression emerging as sarcasm and cruel words rather than physical blows.<\/p>\n<p>But was he like his father? Would he ever turn violent towards Hermione? He hated to think that it was possible, but muggles believed that such things ran in the family, and they appeared to be quite sharp in divining motivations. He wouldn\u2019t want to subject the witch to abuse. On the other hand, his father never struck him, and would send him to his room before violating his mother\u2026but Severus still heard her screams. Neither of them would talk about it the next day. For the most part, his mother and father pretended nothing had happened at all, though the bruises were apparent through the makeup his mother wore.<\/p>\n<p>Severus blinked back the water that filled his eyes. His mother had been a beautiful woman, petite and curvaceous like Hermione, with dark brown hair and light brown eyes\u2026not quite amber. Severus was almost the spitting image of his father. Tall, pale, and lank-haired.<\/p>\n<p>His mother had been the last kind influence in his life, other than Albus. Her death sealed his fate as a cold, anti-social pariah. He didn\u2019t have her comfort any longer, and was beset upon by his peers. Without love\u2026he sought power. Power would protect and fulfill him. Or so he thought.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard sat on the side of the bed and rested his head in his hands.<\/p>\n<p>He had never told Hermione his history or background. Now he felt it important to do so. Hermione didn\u2019t need to provide such information to Severus\u2026he had known her since a child. The wizard took a deep breath, opened the door and returned to the living room. He looked at Hermione who was still poring over flat ads.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, could I talk to you a moment?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n<p>The witch looked up at the wizard. There was something in his eyes that compelled her to get up immediately as the wizard moved to the armchairs in front of the fireplace.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlease sit down,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione did so, looking at him curiously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat do you want to talk about Severus?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard met her eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMe. I want to tell you about me, Hermione. My background, my parentage, my past. You only know me as a teacher at Hogwarts and a member of the Order. You know nothing about my upbringing, the kind of life I come from. You\u2019ve said you want the \u201chappily ever after\u201d scenario. I\u2019ve never considered it for many reasons. My past is most likely part of the reason why, though I haven\u2019t thought about it for a while. I\u2019ve never told anyone my life story witch. You will be the first to hear it. Maybe if you do, you will understand me better\u2026my hesitation and my fears,\u201d he said softly, his rich voice washing over Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTell me, Severus,\u201d she said softly. \u201cTell me everything.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her, then rose and prepared himself a nice, stiff firewhiskey. He told himself it was because he had a taste for it, but in reality, he needed a bit of liquid courage. He had never bared his soul before.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard sat down in the armchair and took a sip of the drink, his black eyes resting on the flames in the fireplace.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy life began on January ninth\u2026\u201d he began, Hermione glued to his every word. This was his life story.<\/p>\n<p>And what a story it was.<\/p>\n<p>***************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Wow. Getting deep and heavy. The patronage agreement is dissolved and Hermione is looking for a flat and tells the wizard she wants a husband and family. He wasn\u2019t ready for that. Now he\u2019s done some soul searching and is letting the witch into his private world. He\u2019s never done that before. He\u2019s growing. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 62<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 62 ~ Beneath the Obvious<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at Severus as he fell silent. He had talked for about two hours\u2026often hesitating and having to stop as he told her about his upbringing and his parents\u2019 deaths. He also went into detail about just how cruel and hurtful Harry\u2019s father and his friends had been, but they weren\u2019t the only ones who harassed him.<\/p>\n<p>He told her about his father\u2019s abuse of his mother, and her subsequent death at his hands and the suicide. Hermione\u2019s heart went out to the wizard\u2026how horrible for him. He was a lonely child without playmates and he had to find his own entertainment, which was collecting and growing herbs and making simple potions from books. He became quite proficient, even as a youngster, and pored over ever Potions book he could find. He was a very intelligent and self-motivated child. He liked to make perfumes for his mother. He stopped liking to smell any kind of scent on a woman when she died. It made him think of her.<\/p>\n<p>The first words anyone had ever said to Severus when he arrived at Hogwarts were, \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter with your nose? It\u2019s enormous!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A first year witch had said this and made all the other students laugh at him. Then they began to tease him about his pale skin and his greasy hair. From his first night at the school, Severus was a target for cruelty. He was a sensitive child too, one who would never insult anyone purposely. But he soon learned to fight back verbally with scathing comments of his own. He was quite well-spoken which only added to the acid of his replies. He could make other students cry or want to fight with his words. The little wizard learned how to go right to the heart of their shortcomings and twist the knife. He was soon left alone by the others.<\/p>\n<p>On several occasions he had made friends, or thought he had\u2026only to find them talking and laughing about him behind his back. After a couple of experiences like this, he started cutting them off, focusing on his studies to the exclusion of all else. But when he went home on holiday, his mother lavished him with love, and so restored him somewhat. He had her to fall back on until his third year, when she was killed by his father, whom he also lost.<\/p>\n<p>Then the harassment from the Marauders began in earnest, starting when Severus was walking up the stairs and Sirius cast a tripping spell on him. The young wizard\u2019s nose was broken for the first time as a result, and his face badly bruised. They didn\u2019t use glamours in those days and for over a week he was laughed at and teased because of the condition of his face\u2026which Sirius claimed was an improvement.<\/p>\n<p>For the first time, Severus used magic to get someone back. He cast an antler spell on all four of the Marauders as they entered the Great Hall. They found out what it was to be laughed at. Then the war began, with James and Sirius the main antagonists. Peter was too afraid of Severus to actually hex him or torment him, but he was always ready to laugh at him. Remus didn\u2019t participate either, or laugh\u2026but he was still with the others and to Severus that made him one of them. Alone, without friends or family, Severus became cold, bitter and downright mean. Students called him the blackest wizard at Hogwarts\u2026and he lived up to that name. He was a true wizard at Potions, and caught the eye of Tom Riddle who had heard about his talents as well as his situation. Tom figured that he might be able to draw the wizard in with promises of support and power. After a few meetings, and a lot of praise and false understanding, Severus joined his ranks. Everyone wanted to \u201cbelong\u201d and Severus\u2026despite his coldness\u2026was no different. And the rest\u2026well that was history.<\/p>\n<p>He also told Hermione about his contact with witches. Until he joined the Dark Lord, his sex life was non-existent. That changed when witches who wanted access to Tom Riddle began to come to him and offer him favors in exchange for introductions to the wizard. Severus obliged them. But not one wanted him for him. He became bitter toward witches too, and saw them as being devious and plotting, willing to do anything to get their way. They were only good for one thing. Climax. His opinion didn\u2019t change when he got older. Sex was something he engaged in for release and nothing more. Who he fucked didn\u2019t matter, long as she was wet, tight and without STDs.<\/p>\n<p>Still, he caught one once\u2026a horrible wizarding version of the clap that literally set his cock on fire when he pissed. Poppy was able to cure it with a simple spell, but the wizard began to practice celibacy after that\u2026only fucking on very rare occasions after checking the witch out thoroughly with a number of spells he had learned for just that purpose. When Hermione came to him, he didn\u2019t do all of the spells because he was aware of the witch\u2019s overall nature.<\/p>\n<p>Both witch and wizard sat silently in front of the fireplace. Hermione didn\u2019t comment on what he told her, other than to say, \u201cThank you, Severus.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard nodded, and they sat together that way for another two hours before Hermione suggested they retire.<\/p>\n<p>Severus rose and together they went to his bedroom and prepared for bed. Hermione put on a nightgown and climbed in. Severus slid in beneath the cover next to her, dressed in his boxers. They lay there for a while, looking up at the ceiling.<\/p>\n<p>Finally Severus turned his face toward the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWould you mind terribly if we did not engage tonight?\u201d Severus asked her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, Severus\u2026I don\u2019t mind. We don\u2019t have to have sex every time we\u2019re in a bed together. We can just sleep,\u201d she said softly, placing her hand on his arm comfortingly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 black eyes flicked down to where her small hand rested on his pale arm, then back to her face. Suddenly, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled the witch in tight against him, his lips resting lightly against her temple.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you,\u201d he said softly, pressing his lips against her skin and settling in with a sigh. Presently, he was asleep.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione lay within the Potions Master\u2019s embrace, looking at his profile as he slept. He never once released her\u2026in fact, every time she moved, he would frown in his sleep and hold her tighter. This wasn\u2019t the reaction of a man who didn\u2019t care. The fact that he was asleep and still so possessive told the witch he did find her important, and did need her presence.<\/p>\n<p>Also, this was the first time he didn\u2019t fuck her when he had her in his bed. Something had changed tonight. Hermione could feel it.<\/p>\n<p>And something had changed. When Hermione told the wizard what she wanted out of life, where she wanted a relationship with a wizard to go\u2026it was sobering and eye-opening. She was well within her rights to want more than a stiff cock and a man that wouldn\u2019t commit to her. Hermione became in that moment, more than an intoxicating pleasure and sexual partner. She became a complete woman who deserved more than he was offering her.<\/p>\n<p>Severus felt that a physical relationship with Hermione had greater connotations now. Whether or not he realized this on a conscious level was a matter of conjecture. He only knew when he looked down at her in his bed, he didn\u2019t want to do the usual. He needed to show her something different about him. That it wasn\u2019t all sex\u2026even if he couldn\u2019t say it or admit it to himself. So he decided to sleep with her in a conventional sense. And that simple act seemed even more intimate than sex to the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes grew heavy, and Severus\u2019 profile blurred. She yawned and his arm tightened around her, his face turning toward the witch, though he didn\u2019t wake. Hermione smiled sleepily, kissed him on the tip of his big nose and contentedly fell asleep.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<\/p>\n<p>The next morning at breakfast, Hermione decided to broach the topic of Playwitch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo Severus,\u201d she said brightly as the wizard took a bite of his toast and jam, \u201cHow did the interview with Playwitch go?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked up at her for a moment before answering.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was\u2026quite different from what I expected. Miss Fitzworten offered me thirty thousand galleons flat for four nude photos,\u201d the wizard said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s heart dropped. Thirty Thousand galleons for four pictures? That was a lot of money, and Severus loved making money. He was good at it\u2026it almost seemed a game for him. He didn\u2019t spend much of it\u2026just liked to let it grow.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s a lot of money, Severus,\u201d Hermione said slowly. He could hear the disappointment in her voice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, it is,\u201d he replied, cutting into his sausage, \u201cbut not enough for what I would have to go through. I told Miss Fitzworten I wasn\u2019t interested.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes widened. He turned them down?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy? What would you have to go through?\u201d Hermione asked curiously, \u201cA room full of people watching?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. The opposite. It would have just been me and the photographer,\u201d he said with a slight shudder.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat doesn\u2019t sound so bad,\u201d Hermione said, feeling she could talk freely now that Severus said he wouldn\u2019t pose nude. She was very happy about that.<\/p>\n<p>Severus made a face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt would have been bad, Hermione. Extremely bad, believe me,\u201d he said, not wanting to tell her about Adam Sweetmeats.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut it would have been better, wouldn\u2019t it? I mean, you could be more comfortable that way,\u201d she pressed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHardly. Even when I spoke to the photographer I was extremely uncomfortable,\u201d the wizard said, taking a sip of coffee and shuddering again.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione caught the shudder. Not many things made Severus Snape shudder. She just had to know more.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat was wrong with the photographer?\u201d she asked him, enthralled, leaning forward eagerly over the kitchen table. Severus looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would rather not talk about it,\u201d Severus said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione scowled at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, you told me you would discuss this with me. Even though you\u2019ve decided not to pose, I still want to know what happened,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked at her for a moment. Hermione\u2019s jaw was thrust out determinedly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sighed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right. The photographer was a gay and very flamboyant Vampire Queen named Adam Sweetmeats.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sucked her lips in to keep from laughing at Severus\u2019 stricken expression. Finally after she thought she had a bit of control, she repeated, \u201cAdam Sweetmeats? Severus\u2026you HAVE to be joking.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dTrust me, Hermione this is no joking matter. The vampire\u2019s name is Sweetmeats. He is a part time photographer. Apparently he runs a beauty shop called \u201cLove Bites,\u201d the wizard said darkly. \u201cHe appears to be a civilized vampire. He has a death partner named Victor. A very jealous fellow I might add. He looked as if he wanted to tear my throat out the entire time I was there,\u201d the Potions Master replied, grimacing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy Severus, I never took you for a homophobe,\u201d Hermione said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI assure you, I am not a homophobe. I am more of a\u2026Sweetmeatsphobe. The vampire was out to do more than shoot me. I think he wanted me to do the shooting. As a Queen, he has the power to compel humans to do what he wants, Hermione. I refused to be alone with him, but he claimed that was the only way he could \u201cfocus.\u201d Well, I didn\u2019t want his focus on me. So I declined. End of story,\u201d the wizard said blackly. \u201cI don\u2019t care if they offered me one hundred thousand galleons. It\u2019s not worth fucking a male vampire.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at Severus for a long moment, then burst out into hysterical laughter as Severus looked on, scowling. He didn\u2019t find anything remotely funny about the situation at all. He could have been severely compromised.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione gasped, trying to breathe.<\/p>\n<p>Gods, she\u2019d have to send this Adam Sweetmeats a thank you note.<\/p>\n<p>The vampire had really saved the day.<\/p>\n<p>********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: So, Severus decided not to pose\u2026but not because of Hermione\u2019s feelings, but because he was worried Adam would make him perform behind closed doors. Lololol. Too funny. A Sweetmeatsphobe. Hahaha. Well anyway there are some changes happening. He didn\u2019t touch her sexually, but kept her close. I think he\u2019s almost ready to take the plunge. But\u2026I could be wrong. At any rate, please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 63<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 63 ~ Finding Out the Truth of the Matter<\/p>\n<p>Hermione picked out several possible flats and spent the day checking them out, accompanied by a scowling Severus.<\/p>\n<p>The first flat they visited was a two-bedroom with a kitchen, living room and bathroom in the hallway. Severus snorted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cToo inconvenient. If I have to piss in the middle of the night, I will have to stumble out of the bedroom and up the hall,\u201d he complained. You need a flat with a bathroom in the master bedroom. Besides, the rooms are too small. Where will you set up a lab?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione tried several more flats, all of which Severus had complaints about. Finally they came to the last flat on her list. This flat was part of a large number of flats. As they waited for the landlady to let them in, Severus noticed a handsome young wizard exit the flat next door and looked at them with interest before checking the post. The Potions Master then looked up and down the street and noticed there were quite a few young wizards gadding about.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre there nothing but young wizards here?\u201d he asked the landlady as she let them in.<\/p>\n<p>The rotund blue-haired woman looked up at the wizard. She recognized both Hermione and Severus from the Daily Prophet, but was a shrewd enough woman not to let on. She might lose the rental. The young witch had informed her she would be living here alone and the landlady wanted Hermione to feel she could live here without being harassed. It was clear that the pale, tall wizard was more than a friend to the witch and didn\u2019t like the neighborhood. Well, that was just too bad. He seemed too old for Hermione anyway. She needed to be around wizards her own age.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, yes. Most of my tenants are young and single. They like to live in groups, you know. A nice sober bunch really. All hard-working. Usually they move on when they marry,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled at this. This was definitely not the kind of neighborhood he wanted Hermione in. The flat was much like the others they visited, but the rooms were larger and the master bedroom had its own bathroom.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione walked from room to room.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow this is nice,\u201d she said to Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t like the neighborhood,\u201d the wizard growled, his black eyes shifting about the flat trying to find something wrong with it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd it\u2019s still much too small,\u201d he griped.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s large enough for me, Severus, and the price is right. It\u2019s not too far from the Ministry either. I\u2019ll have a short commute if I take this,\u201d Hermione said, looking around and smiling. Severus\u2019 scowl grew blacker as Hermione and the landlady, Agatha Peabody discussed the rental fee.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHermione, you don\u2019t have to work,\u201d Severus said, \u201cYou are bringing in enough residuals to do your own research now. Hell, I\u2019ll rent you my house. The labs are already set up for your work and I live at Hogwarts for the most part.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, Severus,\u201d Hermione said as she paid the landlady a month\u2019s security and the first month\u2019s rent. \u201cI need someplace of my own. And I want to get some experience working for the Ministry. It will be interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione signed a month to month lease and told Agatha she would be moving in during the week. Severus let out a growl of exasperation. As they left the flat, the handsome young wizard was again outside, sweeping off his walkway. He waved at Hermione, who smiled and waved back.<\/p>\n<p>Severus scowled darkly. No. No. She couldn\u2019t stay in this neighborhood. That wizard next door\u2026more than likely he\u2019d bring her some kind of flat-warming present, stay to chat a bit, then start dropping by for coffee. Then, he\u2019d start telling Hermione he wanted to find a nice witch and settle down\u2026and next thing\u2026she\u2019d be breaking it off with him and telling him she\u2019s found someone whose dragons are all in a row\u2026<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, are you all right?\u201d Hermione asked him as they walked up the street. His face was contorted and his eyes distant.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard started.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he snapped, \u201cAre you ready to return home?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. I want to go to Hogsmeade and pick out some furniture for my flat,\u201d she responded, \u201cBut if you\u2019re tired, you can go on ahead. I\u2019ll be along later.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus said he was tired and disapparated home, leaving Hermione to her \u201cshopping.\u201d But the wizard wasn\u2019t tired. He was highly disturbed and upset. Hermione had chosen a flat surrounded by eligible young bachelors. When they realized a young, single witch lived in their neighborhood\u2026no doubt they would start zeroing in, even if she were involved with someone. They\u2019d move in under the guise of \u201cfriendly neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not the marrying type,\u201d the wizard said haltingly.<\/p>\n<p>Then he thought what his life would be like without Hermione. He would return to Hogwarts, completely alone again with nothing to look forward to except loneliness. The witch\u2019s absence would be a great hole in his life now. He was used to her. She was good to him and for him. She was the first witch to occupy his bed untouched, and he found when he woke up beside her, he felt as satisfied as if they had spent the night fucking. It was pleasant waking up beside her, something he could imagine doing day after day\u2026<\/p>\n<p>Severus paused.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo I love the witch? I don\u2019t know what love is,\u201d he thought, \u201cI want her for my own. I don\u2019t want her to leave or to be with any other wizard. I enjoy being with her sexually and non-sexually. Is this love? And if it is love, is it the kind of love that will last a lifetime? Or is it a love that will fade over time?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard sat down in the armchair and pondered his situation. Hermione had said she would continue with him, but she wanted more. That would always be in the back of his mind now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want you to love me back, Severus Snape.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s words echoed in his head, the wizard blinking quickly. That was the crux of the matter\u2026the witch wanted his love. He didn\u2019t know if he loved her. Severus Snape was the kind of wizard that liked to know what a situation was for certain. But love for a woman was something beyond his experience, something he wasn\u2019t familiar with. The only woman he had ever loved was his mother.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard sighed. He needed help\u2026he needed to know if he and Hermione were meant to be together. If they were\u2026then he would marry her if she would accept him. He would care for her and father her children. He would be a better husband than his father was. But first, he had to know for certain. There was one way to do that\u2026but it could be costly. But losing Hermione would be costly too. It was worth the risk.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard stood up and headed out the back door, across the yard and to the invisible door that led to his dark library.<\/p>\n<p>He pulled it open and disappeared.<\/p>\n<p>**************************************<\/p>\n<p>When Hermione returned, she found Severus seated in front of the fireplace staring into the flames. She walked over to him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDid you take a nap?\u201d she asked the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked up at the witch. His dark eyes washed over her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t. Something else occupied my time. Sit down, Hermione,\u201d he said, gesturing toward the seat next to him.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat down and Severus leaned forward in the chair, turning towards her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know what you want, Hermione\u2026but I don\u2019t know that I can give it to you,\u201d he said quietly, his eyes intense, \u201cBut inversely, I don\u2019t know if I can\u2019t give it to you either. Since you\u2019ve come into my life, witch\u2026there has been a vast improvement. I prefer not to lose you. I am willing to become part of your dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him, her heart swelling then sinking.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026I don\u2019t want\u2026\u201d she began, but the wizard held up his hand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou don\u2019t want to marry a man who doesn\u2019t love you or can\u2019t admit he loves you. I know that. Unfortunately, I can\u2019t tell you what I don\u2019t know for certain, witch. If I said I loved you at this moment, it could be a lie, something said to keep you with me. I feel certain things toward you, protective, possessive, but also kindly. I would not hurt you for anything in this world and would give you anything you asked of me freely. I don\u2019t know if that amounts to love\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at him, her eyes glistening as he continued.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI need you to come with me\u2026to the library. I need to find out if this is love, Hermione. If it is, then we will move forward together\u2026if you want me, but if it isn\u2019t\u2026I will have to let you go. I refuse to keep you from your dreams of happiness and fulfillment. I am a selfish man, Hermione\u2026in my heart I would keep you close to me forever even if I didn\u2019t love you. But my conscience has sharpened and I find I cannot do that. You deserve a happy life. So I need to know the truth about us. Will you come?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dTo the library?\u201d Hermione asked, lacewing flies beginning to swirl in her stomach. If they were going to the library, more than likely that meant Severus was going to use Dark Magic to find out if he loved her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d he said softly, \u201cto the library.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re going to use Dark Magic, Severus. There is a price when you use Dark Magic,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou will be in no danger, Hermione. I promise you,\u201d the wizard said, taking her hand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut what about you, Severus? Will you be in danger?\u201d the witch asked.<\/p>\n<p>Severus didn\u2019t answer. Hermione pulled her hand out of his.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. No. I won\u2019t do it,\u201d Hermione declared, \u201cI won\u2019t have you risking your soul for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI need to know this, Hermione. I\u2019ve taken risks before. If all goes well, I will be in no danger. Our offering will be accepted and there will be no other requirements for the use of this magic,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOffering? What kind of offering?\u201d Hermione asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dBlood. And passion,\u201d the wizard replied, \u201cA very small amount of blood from each of us\u2026mingled.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd the passion?\u201d Hermione asked him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 dark eyes went hot, and Hermione immediately knew this Dark Magic required sex to be invoked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSex? In the library?\u201d she asked, her voice low now. Despite her worry, the witch found herself growing quite aroused.<\/p>\n<p>Severus nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlease, Hermione. Help me. Help me to find out what I feel\u2026to find out if you are my destiny,\u201d the wizard said to her, lifting her hand and bringing it to his lips. \u201cHelp me to find out if you are my deliverer, my savior, the one who will bring me up out of the darkness that is my world into the light. Hermione, I need to know,\u201d he said sincerely, his eyes glistening. \u201cI need to know if you are the woman I was meant to love.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at Severus, his plea touching her heart. She was afraid for him, but knew he wanted to take the risk\u2026he wanted to know for certain if he loved her. To the witch, just his willingness to imperil his soul was proof enough he did. But she also knew Severus wouldn\u2019t accept that.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right, Severus. I will go with you to the library,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n<p>Severus leaned in and kissed her softly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you,\u201d he said rising and helping Hermione to her feet. \u201cThe library has already been prepared. Let us go.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus tucked Hermione\u2019s arm in his and led her out of the house, across the yard and to the invisible door. The sun was setting. The wizard pulled open the door and Hermione saw all the torches leading down the stairs were already lit as if expecting them. She entered, followed by the Potions Master.<\/p>\n<p>Silently they walked down the stairs, the only sound the spluttering of the torches. They reached the final landing and Severus opened the door to the library and let Hermione through, following her closely.<\/p>\n<p>The library was dark, but the large protective circle was encircled by red candles. In the middle of the floor the desk had been replaced by a huge four-poster bed, covered in red silk sheets. Next to the bed was a small table, also draped in red fabric. An unlit red candle, a large open book, a knife and a pewter bowl rested on it. Hermione felt magic wash over her as she entered the library. It must be the protection.<\/p>\n<p>The witch stopped and stared at the candles and the bed, then turned toward Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRed?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard nodded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cApparently the powers of darkness prefer red and black. Black for darkness\u2026red for blood. Understandable really,\u201d he said, placing his hand on Hermione\u2019s back and guiding her forward toward the table. He showed her the book.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is what I must say before our blood is mingled in the pewter bowl,\u201d he said, drawing one long pale finger under some text. \u201cAnd this is what I must say before I take you. When we have finished, then the truth will be revealed. Do you have any questions?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at Severus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat will happen to you if our offering isn\u2019t accepted,\u201d Hermione asked him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNothing that would matter, Hermione. If our offering is not accepted\u2026it will mean I am going to lose you. That is the most painful punishment I can imagine,\u201d he said softly, \u201cNothing will be worse than losing you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou won\u2019t lose me, Severus. I believe you love me, or you wouldn\u2019t be willing to go through all this to prove it,\u201d the witch replied softly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wish I could \u2018believe\u2019 as you do, witch. But I need concrete proof,\u201d he said drawing his wand. He pointed it at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDivesto,\u201d he breathed, leaving the witch nude in the candlelight, shadows flickering over her body, which was bathed in reddish light. Sounds came from all the books. Hermione felt the urge to cover herself from the tomes for a moment.<\/p>\n<p>Severus then pointed the wand at himself, removing his own clothing. Both sets of clothes appeared outside the circle, neatly folded. Severus tossed his wand toward them. It landed neatly on top of his robes. He turned to Hermione and picked up the knife.<\/p>\n<p>He held out his hand, looking into her eyes. Hermione slowly took it, and Severus stretched out her arm over the bowl.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith Love comes Pain, with Pain Opened Eyes. We give Blood for Love and Pain,\u201d the wizard intoned, slicing a small gash in Hermione\u2019s arm, letting the rich red blood drain into the bowl. The witch gasped from the pain, her eyes watering as her blood flowed freely.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly, the gash healed and the pain was gone.<\/p>\n<p>She looked up at Severus, amazed.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard held his own arm over the bowl, repeating the invocation and slicing his arm, letting his blood fill it until his own gash healed. He turned to Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt has begun,\u201d he said softly, drawing the witch close and kissing her tenderly before lifting her and carrying her towards the bed. \u201cI need you to feel me, Hermione. All that I am when I take you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at the pale wizard and caressed his cheek.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI always feel you, Severus,\u201d she replied as he gently laid her on the bed\u2019s red silk sheets.<\/p>\n<p>*******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Ooh. A ritual that requires sex to be completed. Yum. I agree with Hermione that by being so willing to go through this to prove he loves her actually does prove he loves her. Too bad Severus needs more to be sure. But then again, he doesn\u2019t know what love is\u2026so yes, it makes sense he would want proof of it. But what a way to get proof. Yeesh. (Also a good way to sneak in some lemons, lol) Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 64<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 64 ~ The Ritual<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt magic move over her as Severus laid her down on top of the silk sheets. The wizard looked down on the witch, erect and ready. Without a word he entered the bed and rolled on top of her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026the invocation,\u201d the witch breathed as his long, lean body rested against hers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot yet,\u201d he replied, lowering his head and kissing the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was blown away by the gentleness of his initial kiss, and returned it, but soon the wizard began to show more ardor, slipping his tongue into her mouth and possessing it fully, his hands beginning to caress her body slowly, following her curves. Hermione was beginning to lose herself in the Potions Master\u2019s kiss, practically purring as his hands moved over her, his mouth never breaking contact. Suddenly, the wizard rolled over, pulling Hermione on top of him, holding her head securely and continuing his kiss, Hermione beginning to work her body over his, pressing her pelvis against him hungrily. Her mouth slipped from his lips to his throat, the wizard sighing with pleasure as the witch kissed, licked and suckled his throat, his large hands smoothing over her back and ass, slipping between them to fondle her breasts, causing Hermione to moan and move lower, kissing his chest now.<\/p>\n<p>Severus raised himself up on his elbows so he could watch the witch\u2019s descent as well as feel it, his dark eyes full of desire as she moved over his abdomen. He closed his eyes momentarily as she dipped her tongue into his navel and moved lower. Suddenly he fell back and caught Hermione under her arms and drew her back up, the witch protesting, her eyes hot with passion.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d he said hoarsely, \u201cWe have to come in the traditional manner, Hermione\u2026though the gods know I would love to feel your mouth wrapped around my cock, witch.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared down at him, still undulating. Severus drew her in for another kiss, rolling back on top of her, then giving her body the same attention with his mouth as she did his, suckling her breasts, licking and sliding his lips over her moist skin, moving downward and looking longingly at her apex, his mouth watering. But the magic required sex in the traditional manner. Only Hermione\u2019s pussy could engulf him.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was writhing with need now. Dark Magic or no Dark Magic\u2026she wanted the wizard inside her. She was burning up and needed to feel his possession.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus,\u201d she said brokenly, \u201cI need you now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard took one more longing look at her chestnut bush then slid back up, looking down at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cImmersing myself in you and you surrounding me will testify to the world what shall be\u2026shall be,\u201d he said softly, invoking the Dark Magic.<\/p>\n<p>Immediately a mist of blood rose from the pewter bowl, floated towards the bed as one long tendril and surrounded the couple, Severus entering Hermione slowly and gently, his dark eyes locked to hers, oblivious to the swirling crimson cloud around them as her heat surrounded him. He bit his lip. Gods, she felt like home.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione let out a moan of pleasure as Severus\u2019 huge cock parted her flesh, his hot, hard shaft sliding inside her like a sword into its sheathe.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYesssss,\u201d the witch sighed, her eyes full of fire as she looked up at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFeel me,\u201d Severus groaned, beginning to move, fucking the witch tenderly, drawing back and sliding forward, shuddering as her inner flesh caressed him over and over. He fell to her mouth, riding her body, his back and ass flexing as he took the witch with all the passion he contained, Hermione sighing and moaning with pleasure, meeting him stroke for stroke.<\/p>\n<p>Above them, two entities shimmered into view, red and translucent. They looked like two old men with lascivious leers, except they each had a set of short straight horns, scales on their lower halves, and short tails.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe fucks her like he loves her,\u201d one of the demons said, frowning.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. But still, that means nothing. It is what comes after that will tell,\u201d the other demon said, its red eyes glittering. \u201cBut we might as well enjoy it. It\u2019s been a few millennia since we\u2019ve had a chance to \u201cwatch.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Both demons reached between their legs and pulled out a dual set of scaly, studded cocks and began wanking off.<\/p>\n<p>Below them, Severus had turned Hermione over to her hands and knees and was taking her from behind, hunched over her body kissing her neck and shoulders, caressing her breasts and sides as he continued fucking her, the witch crying out from pleasure.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dYes,\u201d he purred, speeding up and giving her more power, but still tender\u2026still taking her the way he loved. \u201cYou are so good for me, witch. So good.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard felt Hermione begin to shudder and stopped moving.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus!\u201d Hermione hissed, pushing back on his cock, ache in her voice.<\/p>\n<p>Severus pulled out of the witch, and Hermione let out a cry of disappointment. She was ready to orgasm and was right on the edge.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sat down on the bed, and caught Hermione by her waist, turning her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome here,\u201d he said, his voice raw with desire.<\/p>\n<p>He positioned Hermione on his lap facing her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to watch you come,\u201d he breathed, lifting her and sliding the witch over his cock with a groan, then wrapping his arms around her and kissing her deeply. After a minute or two he stopped the kiss and looked at the witch. Hermione\u2019s lips were swollen and she looked thoroughly intoxicated as she gazed at him with half-lidded eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have to come together,\u201d he said softly, \u201cWait for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 comment dimly registered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll try,\u201d she breathed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou have to do more than try, witch,\u201d Severus responded as he began to move her body back and forth over his slightly bent legs, throwing his head back and closing his eyes as her pussy slid over him at a delicious angle. It wouldn\u2019t take him long at this rate.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s kissing too much,\u201d complained one of the demons, speeding up, his clawed hand sliding over both cocks simultaneously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cKissing is a part of loving,\u201d the other demon said grimacing. \u201cIt\u2019s still good. Look at them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Both Hermione and Severus had their heads flung back, eyes closed, faces contorted with pleasure as they shared their bodies, moving faster now, sweat flying from their jerking bodies, Hermione crying out as Severus plunged into her, lost in passion. The bubble inside was growing to an immense size and the witch trembled as she tried to hold back the eruption.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026Severus I\u2026I can\u2019t hold it in\u2026you\u2019re too \u2026\u201d she gasped at the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>Severus quickly pushed Hermione to her back and climbed on top of her, lifting his hips high, ramming his cock deep inside her and becoming a human jackhammer, fucking the witch for all he was worth so he could climax with her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHot damn! Now he\u2019s on top of things!\u201d one demon said, grimacing as he approached his pinnacle. The other demon couldn\u2019t say a word\u2026he was coming, red spray flying out of both cocks and dissipating in the air as he grunted. He was truly a horrible sight.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow Hermione! Now, sweetness\u2026let go! Let go!\u201d Severus gasped at her as he climaxed with a groan, slamming his cock deep inside the witch, who exploded around him with a shriek. Severus dropped down on Hermione and wrapped his arms around her, locking his mouth to hers as they soared, one pulsing body of bliss, tumbling together then falling back to earth, shuddering against each other, hearts pounding.<\/p>\n<p>Severus released Hermione\u2019s mouth and let his head fall next to hers, panting heavily, feeling the witch\u2019s heart pounding against his chest. He tried to slow his own heartbeat. He had to be prepared for what was going to happen next.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo matter what you are asked, don\u2019t agree,\u201d he breathed to the witch. \u201cSay no. Remember, you must say no.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt her heart go cold.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d she gasped.<\/p>\n<p>Who was going to question her?<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly, Severus was ripped from her embrace and floated about ten feet above her. Hermione tried to sit up but found she couldn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus!\u201d she screamed as the wizard rolled over in mid-air, his arms and legs outstretched. It was then she saw the demons.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet him go!\u201d she shouted at them. They ignored her as they looked at the wizard evilly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo\u2026you want to test your love, wizard. Mortals are such fools,\u201d one of the demons chuckled. \u201cIf you do not love the witch\u2026you are ours at your life\u2019s end.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust do what you\u2019re going to do,\u201d Severus said through clenched teeth. He felt as if he had ropes tied to his wrists and ankles and was being stretched to his limits.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe intend to,\u201d the other demon said. Suddenly both of them fired bolts of black light at Severus, who began to scream hoarsely as pain wracked his body. It was twice as horrible as the Cruciatus curse.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cStop it! Stop it!\u201d Hermione screamed as the wizard continued to scream as if he were being ripped apart.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is the kind of pain you will experience for all eternity, wizard. But we will stop it if you let us torment the witch\u2026just for a single minute,\u201d one demon said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo!\u201d Severus screamed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHalf a minute,\u201d the other demon said as the wizard continued suffering.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo!\u201d Severus cried out again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s strong. Most men can\u2019t get a word out when they are in this much pain,\u201d the other demon observed. \u201cMaybe we should turn it up.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The other demon nodded and they both fired another blast at Severus, whose screams became even more tormented.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s better. Now, nod your head if we can have her for ten seconds,\u201d the demon crooned.<\/p>\n<p>Severus again screamed no, the eyes of both demons widening in disbelief.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll right. One second. Relief for giving her just one quick second of pain,\u201d the demon said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNooooo!\u201d the wizard cried.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione heard everything, but she couldn\u2019t keep silent with Severus in so much pain.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll do it! I\u2019ll do it! Let him go!\u201d she cried. Both demons turned to look at the witch and drifted down towards her, Severus still screaming with pain\u2026but what Hermione said registered. No\u2026she couldn\u2019t do it. It would mean the loss of her soul as well.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNOOOOOO!\u201d the wizard screamed, his voice echoing with power as a golden light exploded from his body, the demons blown to shimmering red particles as the light hit them. All was silent. The pain was gone.<\/p>\n<p>Severus continued to float in mid-air. Another form materialized. This one was white and winged like an angel. He was white-haired, handsome, wore a quiver of arrows and carried a bow. He looked quite stern.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow foolish you mortals are,\u201d Eros said, flicking a finger at Severus and lowering him back to the bed. \u201cUsing a method so evil to divine something so pure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He shook his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI still say the gods were crazy to have created your race, particularly with magic. But you have proven you love the witch, mortal, and if you meet the final requirement within forty-eight of your earth hours, your soul will remain yours. If you don\u2019t meet it, your soul is forfeit,\u201d the god of love said warningly. \u201cNow if you are finished disturbing my repose, I will go.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eros began to fade, but then gave them a beautiful smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLong life and eternal love to you both,\u201d he said, giving them his blessing before disappearing.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione quickly rolled Severus to his back and examined him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you all right?\u201d she asked, her eyes full of worry.<\/p>\n<p>Severus looked up at her, his lips quirking.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am fine, witch,\u201d he replied softly.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione slapped him painfully in the chest. The wizard started.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat the hell was that for?\u201d Severus growled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor not telling me what was going to happen to you. I would have never agreed to this if I had known you would be tormented,\u201d the witch seethed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s why I didn\u2019t tell you,\u201d the wizard said, quickly rolling over and pinning the witch under him. \u201cBut now we know for certain that I love you, witch. It was worth being tormented to know we belong together.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s angry eyes softened at this statement. She wanted to hear it again, more directly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou love me Severus?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard scowled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just said that,\u201d he responded. Now that he knew for sure, he didn\u2019t plan to go around telling Hermione he loved her all day long. The witch knew he did.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just want to hear you say it,\u201d she said, smiling at him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sighed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI love you. Satisfied?\u201d he asked her snarkily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d Hermione said, pulling Severs down into a sweet, soft kiss that mollified him immediately. She broke the kiss and stared up at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUm, Severus\u2026what is the final requirement?\u201d she asked him curiously.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly the wizard looked quite shifty. Hermione frowned.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is it, Severus?\u201d she demanded. \u201cWhat do you have to do within the next forty-eight hours to save your soul?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus blinked down at her, his dark eyes intense.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMarry you,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n<p>********************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Ooh wee. Perverted demons, torture\u2026lemons. Now they have to get married. Lolol. Bet that&#8217;s quite a shock for our favorite witch. lol. :::shaking head::: Well the story is almost over now\u2026but there\u2019s still some loose ends to cover. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 65<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 65 ~ A Desperate Measure<\/p>\n<p>After the shock of learning that Severus had to marry her within forty-eight hours and getting into a huge row with him that lasted through their getting dressed, exiting the library, returning to the house and having dinner, Hermione managed to rein herself in\u2026somewhat.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus,\u201d she said, \u201cWhen I said I wanted to get married and have children, I meant five or ten years down the line for marriage, and maybe twenty years before having children.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard scowled at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, you didn\u2019t exactly give me a timeline, Hermione. All I knew was that every time I would be with you, it would be in the back of my mind you wanted a husband and children and were looking for a wizard to fulfill that wish. I didn\u2019t want to lose you, witch,\u201d Severus said frowning at her blackly, his expression a definite counterpoint to the words he spoke.<\/p>\n<p>He fell silent for a moment. Hermione could see the light going out in the wizard\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou don\u2019t have to marry me. I won\u2019t force you into a marriage you don\u2019t want,\u201d the Potions Master said quietly. \u201cAs I told you before, Hermione, I\u2019ve always been an observer in these matters of human interaction. Now you can understand why. My heart has been taken by you\u2026now the pain begins. You\u2019re free to do as you wish, witch.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus turned and began to walk out of the living room. Hermione jumped out of the armchair and ran after him, pulling at his shoulder to stop him. The wizard shrugged her hand off of him and spun on her quickly, his eyes empty and cold.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t touch me,\u201d he hissed, stalking off into his bedroom and slamming the door.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stood there a moment, stunned. The wizard had sounded as if he hated her. He had never told her not to touch him before. Gods, what had she done? Severus was new to all this and he had taken a chance on love, only to find that he had jumped the gun. Now he felt Hermione had rejected him.<\/p>\n<p>She had given him the pain he had expected all along.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione walked swiftly down the hallway and began to bang on the wizard\u2019s door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, open the door. I never said I wouldn\u2019t marry you. I was just\u2026just shocked. I didn\u2019t expect it,\u201d she said to the door.<\/p>\n<p>Severus sat on his bed with his head in his hands, listening to the witch. Now she was making excuses. He pulled out his wand and cast a silencing spell on the door so he couldn\u2019t hear her. He didn\u2019t want to hear her. He had only been in love for an hour, and already Hermione had broken his heart.<\/p>\n<p>He sat there for about fifteen minutes, then suddenly disapparated.<\/p>\n<p>After about forty-five minutes of trying to talk to Severus through the door and hoping he would open it himself, Hermione used her wand to gain entry. She looked around the bedroom, then checked the bathroom. The Potions Master was gone.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh no,\u201d Hermione breathed, sitting on the edge of his bed. \u201cNo, Severus. No.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>From his citadel in the heavens, Eros looked down, shaking his head. He had seen everything.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFoolish, foolish mortals,\u201d he sighed.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p>Two days went by without the Potions Master returning. Severus wasn\u2019t at Hogwarts or his home. The time to fulfill the requirement had passed and the wizard\u2019s soul belonged to the demons now.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was beside herself with worry and guilt. She should have known to be more understanding with the wizard. He had given her his heart, something he had never done before. The man was fragile and more than likely a bit frightened at his situation. It was hard to imagine Severus Snape frightened of anything, but this had been different. He was in love with Hermione, which meant he was invested and at her mercy. When she said she didn\u2019t intend to marry right away, he took her words as a rejection. His love had cost him his soul.<\/p>\n<p>She was still at his house, hoping he would return. Suddenly Eli appeared with a note in his hand. He held it out to Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFrom Hogwarts,\u201d he said sadly. The elf was also very worried about his master, though he knew he was fine and didn\u2019t want to be contacted. His mood was blacker than the elf could ever remember. Eli couldn\u2019t tell Hermione where he was because she was no longer his Mistress and besides\u2026it was his Master\u2019s secret.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione took the note from Eli and opened it. It was from Albus. She had gone to Hogwarts in search of Severus, and when she didn\u2019t find him, went to the Headmaster explained what happened. He was very sober.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus has never been in love, Hermione. When you told him what you did, he took it to mean he had made a mistake. He did what he did because he wanted to give you what you needed. He thought he knew what that was. He didn\u2019t understand it wasn\u2019t an immediate need. He is too proud a man to marry you to save himself. I\u2019m afraid his soul is lost now. A man cannot love without a soul, Hermione,\u201d the wizard said sadly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. No,\u201d the witch said miserably, beginning to cry. \u201cThey said they wouldn\u2019t take him until the end of his life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dNo. He will not be tormented, but they do have his soul. When he dies, that will be when his torment begins. But now, he cannot feel love\u2026it is a feeling that wells up from the soul. Without a soul, he feels nothing. Dealing with the powers of Darkness is a dangerous business, Hermione. Severus took a great risk, and so has to pay for it,\u201d Albus said gently.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes watered. The note said two words.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s back.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione grabbed her cloak and apparated to Hogwarts immediately.<\/p>\n<p>**********************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus was in his office when Hermione knocked on his door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome in,\u201d he said as he shuffled through some parchments. Hermione opened the door and entered, her eyes glistening. Severus looked up at her and his face contorted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d he asked her coldly, \u201cI thought you would have moved into your flat by now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione walked up to the desk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026Severus why did you leave? Why didn\u2019t you come back?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n<p>The wizard looked at her, his black eyes hard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou didn\u2019t want to marry me. Why should I have tormented myself by remaining in your presence, Hermione? I did what I felt I had to do. I didn\u2019t feel like listening to you play the Gryffindor and sacrifice your dreams to save me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>A tear fell from the witch\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus, I never said I didn\u2019t want to marry you,\u201d the witch began.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou might as well have!\u201d the wizard snarled. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter now. I\u2019m lost. As I feared, love has destroyed me. I want you out of my house by the end of this week. When I return Friday, if you are there, I will cast you out myself. Now leave me to my misery witch,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026I don\u2019t want to leave you. I still love you,\u201d Hermione said in a pleading voice. Severus laughed, a cold, harsh laugh.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, I do not love you witch. There is nothing in my heart for you or anyone. But if it is any consolation\u2026I don\u2019t blame you. It was my own fault I believed that you could bring me happiness. I was never meant to be happy\u2026to live a normal life. Have a wife or children. It was a madness that came over me because\u2026because I allowed myself to be caught up in your charms. I should have treated you as a plaything. I would have been better off. You have made me a richer man, witch\u2026but the price was steep. Now, leave my sight. Our association is ended.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When Hermione didn\u2019t move, Severus stood up, walked around his desk and opened the door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGet out witch,\u201d he hissed, his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione could see nothing in his eyes but emptiness. Not even pain.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSeverus\u2026\u201d she began.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOUT!\u201d he roared at her.<\/p>\n<p>Several students who had been passing his office, started in surprise as Hermione came flying out of the Potions Master\u2019s office and the door slammed shut behind her. The students looked at her as she wiped her eyes and straightened her robes.<\/p>\n<p>She began to walk up the hall, fighting her tears.<\/p>\n<p>Severus no longer loved her and wanted nothing more to do with her. How had things gone so terribly wrong? Now his soul was lost, and it was her fault. Her fault.<\/p>\n<p>She had to do something.<\/p>\n<p>Albus was standing in the main hall when Hermione appeared. He looked at her sadly. He knew what was going to happen when she met the Potions Master.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m so sorry, my dear,\u201d Albus said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at him, her eyes flashing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t be sorry, Headmaster. I\u2019m not done fighting yet,\u201d she said, \u201cI\u2019m not going to let him be damned for eternity because of a misunderstanding. I still love him, even though he no longer is capable of loving me. I\u2019m not going to let them have him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione walked swiftly to the main doors and out on to the Hogwarts grounds, the Headmaster looking after her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh Hermione, I hope you don\u2019t do anything foolish,\u201d he said to himself, shaking his head.<\/p>\n<p>In his citadel, eating some peeled grapes, Eros watched the witch walk across the school grounds, shaking his head. Like all mortals, she was going to do something even more asinine than the first time. He lay on the duvet, pondering the situation. The gods rarely involved themselves in the lives of mortals any longer. They were avenues of entertainment for the most part. Most in the magical world didn\u2019t even believe in them any longer, though demons were well recognized.<\/p>\n<p>But Eros had been aware of Severus Snape for quite some time, and considered it quite a coup for love when the wizard began falling for Hermione. The dark wizard was practically a poster child for \u201cLove Conquers All.\u201d The god of love hadn\u2019t expected Severus to use Dark Magic to divine his love for the witch. He thought the mortal would recognize it when it hit him. It hadn\u2019t worked out that way. He was just too thick, too mistrusting of his own heart.<\/p>\n<p>The god sighed.<\/p>\n<p>More than likely the witch was going to end up losing her own soul. He watched as Hermione apparated to Severus\u2019 home and made a beeline straight outside to the entrance to Severus\u2019 dark library. Yes, she was just as much an idiot as the wizard.<\/p>\n<p>But it was love that motivated her, and that was Eros\u2019 department. Stupid acts done in his name meant technically he was responsible for them. But he hadn\u2019t interceded on a mortal\u2019s behalf in over a millennia.<\/p>\n<p>Yet, things were pretty boring in the heavens with nothing to do but watch mortals. Besides, he couldn\u2019t stand those two perverted demons that had the Potions Master\u2019s soul. He\u2019d love to give them a bad time. The god smirked evilly.<\/p>\n<p>Eros sat up and stretched, adjusted his toga, then picked up his quiver and slipped it on. Next he picked up his bow. He wasn\u2019t sure if he were going to help the witch, but he could at least be present when she did whatever insane ritual she chose to try and get the Potions Master\u2019s soul back. More than likely it would be a sacrifice play.<\/p>\n<p>Eros shook his head again at the insanity of mortals, walked to the edge of his cloud and leaped off, heading for earth.<\/p>\n<p>**************************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was leafing through the catalogue, looking for the first book Severus showed her, the one that listed demons who would assist witches and wizards. She finally found the card listing the protective spell.<\/p>\n<p>Eros watched as she cast the protective circle and said the incantation that made the book remove itself from the shelf and float down to her. She carried the book over to the table, and stepping back, opened it. The boar-faced demon emerged roaring and breathing fire. It didn\u2019t scare the witch this time. She was expecting it.<\/p>\n<p>Disappointed, the boar demon returned to the book, muttering.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione sat down and began studying the names of demons and their attributes.<\/p>\n<p>Hm. Necromenon, raises the dead. No. Severus wasn\u2019t dead, just soulless.<\/p>\n<p>Castratus.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione grimaced. No\u2026she definitely didn\u2019t want that demon anywhere near Severus.<\/p>\n<p>Vulvatia. Oh gods, no. Female demon no less.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione continued leafing through the names.<\/p>\n<p>Finder. Returns lost or stolen items to their proper place.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione paused over this name. Hm. Well, Severus\u2019 soul wasn\u2019t exactly stolen, but it was lost to the demons. She wondered if demons split hairs over such distinctions. Finder sounded like the best bet so far. She flipped to the page that told more about him. There was a picture of a demon with an elephant head, and two sets of tusks, one set in the normal place, and another set like a boars. He had large red eyes, a scaled body and a dragon-like tail with spikes on the end. He carried a wicked looking sword and a sack in which to place the items he recovered. What he would accept in payment could be negotiated. He didn\u2019t deal strictly in souls.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked at the protective pentacle that would have to be drawn to contain him, and the invocation. She was a bit frightened to summon the demon, but she had to help Severus. He was all that mattered right now.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione quickly drew the pentacle, careful to focus on what it was meant for\u2026to contain a vicious demon. The pentacle remained where she drew it. It was not absorbed into the larger circle. She stepped back and said the incantation.<\/p>\n<p>Nothing happened at first, then a cloud of noxious black smoke funneled up, and disappeared, leaving the demon in the circle, his back to the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, what the fuck is it now?\u201d the creature griped. Finder\u2019s voice was like a chorus of voices of all different timbres.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUm, excuse me\u2026I\u2019m behind you,\u201d Hermione said timidly.<\/p>\n<p>The demon spun, its trunk raised threateningly and brandishing its sword. Finder\u2019s red eyes rested on the witch, and his trunk lowered, his sword dropping to his side.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, now. You\u2019re not gnarled or grizzled,\u201d the demon said appreciatively. Hermione felt cold as ice under its gaze. Obviously the creature had an appreciation of human females.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to know if you can return a soul,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhose soul?\u201d the demon asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA wizard\u2019s soul that I love,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh, love. Yes, that\u2019ll make you mortals do ridiculous things like this. Yes, I can return a soul, though it is complicated\u2026and expensive,\u201d the demon said, whirling his red eyes at her. \u201cI have to face down other demons. Try to negotiate with them first, and if that doesn\u2019t work, then fight them. They are usually very protective of their souls.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat would it cost?\u201d Hermione asked him.<\/p>\n<p>The demon looked thoughtful, his eyes washing over the witch slowly. Then he smiled lasciviously.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA go at you,\u201d he replied, his trunk writhing sensuously. \u201cYou look like your pussy is worth fighting a demon or two for.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione blanched. That would be bestiality at the least and horribly revolting at the most.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCouldn\u2019t you take something else?\u201d Hermione asked him. \u201cI\u2019m not enthusiastic about fucking a demon.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Finder frowned at the witch.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThen you\u2019re not too enthusiastic about getting your wizard back,\u201d he growled. \u201cI want pussy and nothing less.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWill it hurt?\u201d she asked the demon, who laughed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m a demon, of course it will hurt,\u201d the creature said as two, snake-like appendages with little spikes on the heads emerged from between his legs. Hermione brought her hand to her mouth as they wriggled about, then pointed straight at her.<\/p>\n<p>Eros had enough. He materialized.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFinder, put those things away,\u201d the god said, grimacing at the sight. Hermione looked up at the handsome winged man. She recognized him immediately.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEros?\u201d she said as the god floated down, landing on his feet lightly and approaching the witch. Hermione immediately felt as if she would swoon at his closeness. She wobbled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOops. Let me turn off the juice,\u201d Eros said, snapping his fingers, \u201cMortal women go bonkers over me at full power.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione felt she could breath again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat are you doing here, Eros? What I want to do to this mortal has nothing to do with love,\u201d Finder said in his chorus of voices.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, but what she wants you to do does concern love, so falls under my domain, Finder,\u201d the god said.<\/p>\n<p>Finder looked surprised.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dDon\u2019t tell me after millennia of sitting on your ass and wanking off to the lives of mortals, you\u2019re going to actually do something?\u201d the demon asked in disbelief.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPossibly,\u201d the god replied, looking at Hermione appraisingly. \u201cIt all depends on her. She\u2019s been walking quite the gray line here, trying to use dark magic to bring about good. I need to decide whether she is worthy of being helped.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s eyes went wide. There was hope.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow can I show I\u2019m worthy?\u201d Hermione asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dI need to review your life,\u201d he replied, looking into the witch\u2019s eyes. Hermione went stiff, unable to move.<\/p>\n<p>Finder watched with his red eyes. He\u2019d like to fuck the witch\u2026but damn, if Eros got involved, he could get something much, much better.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p>A\/N: Wow, what a sad turn of events for Severus and Hermione\u2026and an opportunity for more OCs, though Eros is hardly original. Still, it\u2019s interesting. Finder is something else. Let\u2019s see what happens. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 66<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 66 ~ An Attempt at Restoration<\/p>\n<p>Eros saw Hermione\u2019s childhood, her focus on things intellectual rather than romantic. How she had never loved a wizard before Severus. He also saw the witch was full of love\u2026Harry the prime example. Her love for her friend never faded and she never gave up on him. He looked further. Hm. The witch was so dedicated she was willing to kiss\u2026ugh\u2026were those Dementors? Diana\u2019s crooked bow. That was the nastiest thing he had ever seen. The god shuddered.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Eros pulled out of Hermione\u2019s mind and looked at her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou certainly are a brave mortal. Rather twisted, but definitely brave. I find you worthy of love,\u201d the god said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione let out a sigh of relief. Eros was going to help her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh thank you, Eros, thank you so much,\u201d she said to the god who looked at Finder.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat would you have of me to retrieve the mortal\u2019s soul?\u201d Eros asked him.<\/p>\n<p>Finder didn\u2019t even have to think about it. He had a dream for many millennia.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to be free of the Summons,\u201d the demon said, \u201cI\u2019m tired of battling for mortals. Even though I reap some benefit, it is still hard, painful work\u2026not to mention such service alienates me from other demons. I want to be beholden to no other than myself,\u201d the demon said in his chorus of voices.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAh, an independent demon. Yes, I can see that, Finder. Very well. Retrieve the wizard\u2019s soul and bring it to this witch and I will free you from the Summons for all eternity,\u201d Eros replied. Finder grinned horrendously. He would hack those two old geezers into tiny bits for this reward.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI go,\u201d Finder said.<\/p>\n<p>The demon disappeared in a flash of flame and black smoke.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDrama king,\u201d Eros snorted as he turned to Hermione and looked her up and down.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat do we do now?\u201d she asked the handsome god.<\/p>\n<p>Eros arched an eyebrow at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf not for the nature of our acquaintance, I would make love to you several times while we waited. But, that would ruin your faithful love for the wizard. Plus, once you\u2019ve made love with an immortal, you can never go back to mortal men,\u201d the gods said, his golden eyes glittering at the witch. Then he asked, \u201cDo you play Snap?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione nodded and Eros summoned up a deck of cards and they sat down at the table.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI haven\u2019t lost a game of Snap in over a thousand years,\u201d Eros said, matter-of-factly as he dealt the card. \u201cLosing displeases me very much.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A little crack of thunder accompanied this remark. Hermione understood immediately. Gods hated to be bested by mortals in anything. It brought out their jealousy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have a feeling your skills are much greater than mine,\u201d the witch replied, \u201cI have no hope of beating you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eros gave her a benevolent smile. The mortal wasn\u2019t so stupid after all.<\/p>\n<p>They began to play.<\/p>\n<p>**********************************<\/p>\n<p>The two old demons sat in a small cave, a bonfire before them, souls shackled to the stone walls surrounding them dejectedly. Screaming on the floor beside them was a soul whose eye sockets were empty and bleeding. The demons had her eyeballs on sticks and were roasting them in the fire. Cries could be heard outside the cave.<\/p>\n<p>Behind them, a tall pole was inserted in the ground. At the top of it was Severus\u2019 soul, tied like flag and flapping. It was like a two dimensional painting of the wizard on vellum, the eyes closed and pale hands crossed over his chest.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI thought for sure he\u2019d gotten away from us, Barth,\u201d one demon said, turning his eyeball carefully so it would be equally browned.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know Garth, but you know mortals. They are complete idiots,\u201d Barth replied, looking up at Severus\u2019 soul. \u201cHe\u2019s going to be a lot of fun to torment. I\u2019m going to keep him in the fire.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Garth nodded, smiling wickedly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe we can speed up his demise,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Barth frowned at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow Garth, you know that\u2019s against the rules of the Ministry of Demonic Affairs,\u201d the demon said, taking his eyeball out of the fire and examining it before returning it to the flame. He liked his eyeballs crisp, the juicy middle slightly congealed.<\/p>\n<p>Garth gave an evil grin, which showed some missing fangs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019re so wrapped up in red tape, they\u2019d never notice. They haven\u2019t even completed the paperwork for \u201cThe Fall\u201d yet,\u201d the demon said.<\/p>\n<p>Barth cackled. \u201cYou\u2019re right you know.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Garth nodded and pulled his eyeball out the flame. It was perfect.<\/p>\n<p>The demon was about to take a bite when suddenly a great roaring filled the cave. He dropped his eyeball.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn it,\u201d the demon hissed, rising to his feet along with Barth, both facing the cave entrance.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWho is it?\u201d Barth demanded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFinder,\u201d a chorus of voices replied as the elephant-headed demon strode into the cave, brandishing his sword. \u201cI\u2019ve come for the wizard\u2019s soul.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat?\u201d both demons cried, taking up defensive positions around the flagpole. \u201cWe just got him. We aren\u2019t about to give him up.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dListen, there\u2019s a lot at stake for this wizard. I\u2019m not going to try to negotiate this. I\u2019d rather hack you little bastards into a thousand pieces and take him. It would be faster. You know how painful that is,\u201d Finder replied, taking a threatening step forward.<\/p>\n<p>Barth looked at Garth, who nodded his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery well Finder, take him then,\u201d Barth said, he and Garth stepping aside.<\/p>\n<p>Finder strode up to the flagpole and was about to hack it down when both Barth and Garth hit him with blasts of black light, the demon roaring in pain.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019ll teach you to pick on demons half your size,\u201d Garth cackled as the demon writhed. But Finder was stronger than they thought and threw off the black light, which enveloped both demons, who screamed in pain.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy you little\u2026\u201d Finder hissed, striding forward, his sword raised high.<\/p>\n<p>A few minutes later, Finder and Severus\u2019 soul were gone. Pieces of the hacked and diced demons wriggled all around the cave floor. A little piece of flesh with a mouth attached spoke.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe we should have let him just take the soul, Garth. It\u2019s going to be days before we reform,\u201d Barth\u2019s mouth said.<\/p>\n<p>Garth couldn\u2019t answer him. His tongue was separated from his mouth, and writhed helplessly. All around them, the shackled souls were smiling. The woman whose eyes were ripped out was sitting up, new eyeballs already starting to form.<\/p>\n<p>At least they\u2019d have a few days of respite. And to the lost souls, that was like a bit of heaven.<\/p>\n<p>**********************************<\/p>\n<p>Hermione and Eros played Snap for about two hours before Finder returned to his pentacle. Eros was in an excellent mood, having soundly trounced Hermione game after game, boasting of his skill and how a mortal could never best him. Hermione found the god of love handsome, but a braggart and extremely vain.<\/p>\n<p>Finder shook the bag at them.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve got the soul, Eros,\u201d Finder announced.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet\u2019s see it,\u201d the god of love said, rising from the table and walking up to the pentacle, followed by Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>Finder reached into the bag and removed what looked like a rolled parchment. He shook it out and Severus\u2019 image appeared, eyes closed and arms crossing his chest as if in repose.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared at it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt looks like a photo,\u201d she breathed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s not,\u201d Eros said, reaching for the soul. Finder jerked it back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFirst, my reward,\u201d Finder demanded, his red eyes glittering at the god.<\/p>\n<p>Eros scowled at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat do you think I am? Some reneging demon?\u201d the god asked him severely.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust better safe than sorry, Eros,\u201d Finder replied, still holding Severus\u2019 soul protectively.<\/p>\n<p>The god frowned, but thrust forward his hands, bathing the demon in golden light, smirking as Finder screamed horribly. Finally he stopped, the demon dropping to his knees, panting.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re free,\u201d Eros said, \u201cNow hand the soul to the witch.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Still panting, Finder thrust Severus\u2019 soul outside the circle.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t touch the demon. Grab the soul from the bottom and yank it away,\u201d Eros instructed the witch.<\/p>\n<p>Obviously, Finder was not to be trusted. Hermione did as the god directed, Severus\u2019 soul dangling from her hands, lighter than parchment. Suddenly, it glowed golden, and Hermione felt a comforting warmth wash over her. Severus\u2019 love.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The light faded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u201cRoll it up and put it in your pocket, then banish Finder. Otherwise he will be let loose on the earth,\u201d Eros said.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione gingerly rolled Severus\u2019 soul up until it resembled a scroll, then stuck it in her robes pocket. Then she did the banishing spell on Finder, who was still on his knees when the black smoke rolled over him. He disappeared with a chorus of roars.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, we must go to your wizard, and you must reinsert his soul. It won\u2019t be hard. The moment it is unrolled in his presence, it will be sucked back into his body,\u201d Eros said, grabbing the witch and lifting her in his arms.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy, you\u2019re curvaceous,\u201d he purred into her ear.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe need to go to Hogwarts castle,\u201d she said. \u201cBut there are wards\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dNo mortal ward can keep out a god. We aren\u2019t demons,\u201d Eros said disdainfully.<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">He and Hermione became insubstantial, and the god winged upward, through the ceiling, out of the ground and soared at an amazing speed up into the clouds, holding the witch securely as they flew.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u201cBetter than a broom,\u201d the god said, \u201cMuch more cozy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione added \u201cflirt\u201d to the god\u2019s shortcomings. Obviously, men weren\u2019t the only sentient beings created imperfect. Still the god had done her and Severus a great kindness.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you for helping us, Eros,\u201d she said to the god.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was done in the name of love, or in other words, my name. I want to see that wizard of yours in a loving relationship. He was one of the most unlikely mortals to ever know love. His succumbing to it is quite a coup,\u201d Eros replied as Hogwarts came into view.<\/p>\n<p>They soared down through the castle walls and into the dungeons. Hermione directed Eros to Severus\u2019 private rooms. The god set her down and looked around.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnother library?\u201d he said, eyeing all the books in Severus\u2019 study, \u201cHe seems as much a bookworm as you are.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe likes books,\u201d Hermione agreed. She was nervous being in the wizard\u2019s rooms after the way he had received her.<\/p>\n<p>Eros looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBe brave. Love will find a way,\u201d he said to the witch. \u201cNow, I\u2019ve already blessed you two once. Don\u2019t fuck it up this time.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>With that, Eros faded out and returned to his citadel to watch the rest of the show.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was in Potions class. It might be some time before the wizard actually came to his rooms. Hermione sat down in one of his armchairs facing the fire, staring into the flames. Presently, she fell asleep.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat the hell are you doing in my rooms!\u201d Severus roared.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione woke up with a start to find the pale wizard hovering over her in the armchair, his face contorted with anger and his fists clenched against his sides. His black eyes were filled with rage.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI made it clear I want nothing to do with you witch! You have violated my space and my privacy. Now, how did you get in here?\u201d he snarled at her.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione looked up at Severus not knowing what to say. Suddenly the wizard\u2019s hand shot out and caught her by the wrist, yanking her out of the chair.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs you know, Miss Granger, trespassing on Hogwarts grounds is a punishable offense. Since you do not understand what \u2018leave me alone\u2019 means, I will have to report this violation to Albus and insist you be prosecuted,\u201d the dark wizard said, his eyes glinting with malice. \u201cMaybe then you\u2019ll understand I mean business.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He began to drag Hermione toward the study wall. The witch fumbled in her pocket with her free hand and pulled out the rolled up soul. It glowed golden again. Severus stopped and looked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is that?\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione shook the soul out so Severus could see his own image. Startled, the wizard let her go.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is that?\u201d he asked her again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour soul,\u201d the witch said in a low voice, \u201cI got it back for you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at her a moment. Suddenly a powerful wind and thunder sounded as the soul tore from Hermione\u2019s hand and plastered itself to Severus body, the wizard clawing at it as it covered his face and frame a moment, then sunk in, disappearing. Severus\u2019 body began to shudder powerfully, the wizard\u2019s eyes rolling up into his head as his head snapped back.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione watched as Severus continued to shudder for several minutes. Finally, his trembling stopped and his head dropped forward, the Potions Master panting, his eyes closed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stood there, her heart pounding. Was he still going to throw her out?<\/p>\n<p>Severus\u2019 eyes opened, the hardness gone from his face. He looked at Hermione, blinking. He caught her hand roughly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow?\u201d he demanded, \u201cHow did you do this?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2026I used the library. I summoned a demon to retrieve it,\u201d Hermione began.<\/p>\n<p>Severus blinked at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. No, Hermione\u2026tell me you didn\u2019t sacrifice your soul for mine, you crazy Gryffindor,\u201d his eyes beginning to glisten. \u201cI\u2019m not worth that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dI was willing to, but I didn\u2019t. The demon wanted a go at me to retrieve it,\u201d the witch said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus went several shades whiter. He spun the witch, looking her all over then spun her back. Demons were monsters in more ways than one\u2026had Hermione gave herself to one of those cursed creatures for him?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2026you didn\u2019t,\u201d he asked her, clutching her other hand now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. The god of love intervened. He said you falling in love was a coup. He promised the demon something else he wanted, and the demon retrieved your soul and gave it to me. Then Eros brought me here to put your soul back,\u201d the witch said softly, \u201cI couldn\u2019t let you be damned for eternity, Severus. I love you too much. If I had to be damned to save you, I was willing. You had to be restored. You just had to be.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared down at the witch for a moment, then suddenly crushed her to him so tightly Hermione felt she couldn\u2019t breathe. Yet, if she were going to die, there was no better place to meet her demise than the wizard\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDear gods I thought I had lost you forever witch,\u201d he breathed, relaxing his hold on her and looking down at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, Severus. I was always here. I\u2019m so sorry you thought I didn\u2019t want to marry you. I do. I was just in shock,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared at her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow we have time, witch. There\u2019s no rush for our nuptials. As long as I know you will keep yourself for me, then I am willing to wait until you are ready. But I need to know, Hermione\u2026will you marry me? Tell me witch,\u201d the wizard breathed.<\/p>\n<p>He wanted no more misunderstandings.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, Severus. I couldn\u2019t imagine spending my life with anyone else,\u201d the witch replied.<\/p>\n<p>Severus eyes glittered down at her for a moment, then he swooped Hermione up into his arms and strode toward his bedroom.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet\u2019s just seal this deal,\u201d he purred, kicking the door open with his foot and sliding through, Hermione pushing it closed behind them.<\/p>\n<p>Several hours later, an exhausted Hermione lay in a sleeping Severus\u2019 arms, tired but unable to sleep as the wizard held her tightly against him.<\/p>\n<p>She had almost lost the wizard. Almost.<\/p>\n<p>From his citadel, Eros watched the couple with satisfaction. They had several vigorous and very entertaining rounds of make-up sex which Eros had enjoyed immensely. He\u2019d be looking in on them again during the honeymoon. The god waved his hand toward Hermione and the witch immediately dropped off to sleep.<\/p>\n<p>Eros lay back on his duvet with a satisfied smile.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWho says Love doesn\u2019t conquer all?\u201d the god said to himself as he closed his eyes, \u201cIt sure whipped that mortal. Severus Snape in love. What a coup.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019d have plenty to brag about at the consortium of the gods tomorrow. The Potions Master was quite well known to most of them. Until now, it was the Fates who talked about him the most, since they had twisted his life to be utterly miserable. He was deemed to be the most miserable example of a mortal in the wizarding world.<\/p>\n<p>Well, this would put a little snag in their tapestry. They wouldn\u2019t be allowed to interfere with his happiness any longer. Once love took over, they had to respect it. Oh, that one eye the old crones passed around was going to be very, very narrow.<\/p>\n<p>Eros chuckled at the thought of it. The couple\u2019s life together was assured. As far as Eros was concerned, this was as happy an ending as Severus Snape could get.<\/p>\n<p>He was one lucky, lucky wizard to have found a witch like Hermione Granger to love.<\/p>\n<p>******************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Ah, love conquers all. Those dirty fates, making Severus\u2019 life miserable on purpose. Well, our Potions Master is in the clear now. Love\u2019s won out. Stay tuned for the final chapter\/epilogue. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 67<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 67 ~ For the World to See<\/p>\n<p>The moment Severus slipped the engagement ring on Hermione\u2019s finger and kissed her, he began to arbitrarily shrink every item in her flat to storable size, helped by Eli as Hermione fruitlessly tried to stop him.<\/p>\n<p>It took two weeks for him to get the platinum band with tiny diamonds encircling it. The jeweler had to rework it several times before the wizard was satisfied with it. Hermione had moved out during that time. But now, Severus had concrete proof she would be his wife and wasted no time imposing his will.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will not have my fianc\u00e9e neck deep in single wizards,\u201d the Potions Master said as he strode through the flat, wand extended. \u201cI don\u2019t trust their motives. You will move back to my home and remain there until we marry.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione didn\u2019t fight as hard as she could have. The truth of the matter was, several wizards had been dropping by to chat and for coffee, and were being quite aggressive trying to get her to go out or have dinner with her. She hid this from Severus as best she could, but had been in a constant state of fear the wizard would pop up and catch a wizard there. No doubt some serious hexing would have followed.<\/p>\n<p>The witch discovered Severus was extremely jealous, though he never directed his jealousy toward her verbally. He simply confronted whoever he felt was eyeing his witch and warned them off in no uncertain terms. Hermione usually felt his jealousy in another more intimate way. Severus seemed to need constant reassurance that she was truly his, and often demanded she tell him she was when he fucked her.<\/p>\n<p>It kind of turned her on.<\/p>\n<p>Severus applied himself to Bara\u2019s Slytherin education, and also told him it was believed that he was a descendant of Salazar Slytherin, and his gift of speaking parseltongue was passed down from the founder.<\/p>\n<p>Bara was completely gassed about this, and inhaled everything he could about the wizard and subsequently about Tom Riddle as well, another famous descendent. The boy soon became quite a history buff, his interest centered on despots and tyrants throughout history. Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini and others.<\/p>\n<p>When the time came, he was sorted into Slytherin house, and proved to be a perfect fit. He became quite proficient with spell casting as well as Potions. He had the highest grades in the school. Minerva and Albus did their best with the boy, but Severus seemed to hold the most sway over him, though the Potions Master worried a bit about the boy\u2019s fascination with dark rulers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey are so much more interesting than those who give people choice,\u201d Bara would say, \u201cThey had much more power. Fear seems to work much stronger than love when it comes to being in charge.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus would do his best to explain to the boy that these tyrants were no one to admire, but couldn\u2019t seem to get through to the boy. And although Bara seemed to be enthralled with dark wizards and despots, his conduct toward others was fine. Severus finally wrote it off as a quirk in the boy.<\/p>\n<p>Severus and Hermione married four years later in a small ceremony in Albus\u2019 office. Only Albus, Severus, Hermione, her parents and Harry Potter were to be present, but the Headmaster enlarged his office so the entire staff of Hogwarts could attend.<\/p>\n<p>Severus was furious.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is a private matter,\u201d he snarked, glaring at all the staff as he ran his finger around the uncomfortably stiff high collar of his marriage robes. \u201cI don\u2019t need all these hangers-ons gawking at me, Hermione.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione, who was dressed in a light blue dress, garland and spray of light blue flowers did her best to calm her angry groom down. When Albus asked the important question\u2026Severus practically spat \u201cI do.\u201d At the pronunciation they were man and wife, Severus kissed Hermione stiffly and led her from the office without accepting any congratulations, apparating with her to his rooms as soon as they were safely out of sight of the others.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut Severus, the cake!\u201d Hermione exclaimed as he dragged her alongside him, his jaw thrust out determinedly. \u201cOur guests!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThose were not guests. They were wedding crashers. As for the cake, let that crowd eat it,\u201d he muttered, apparating. \u201cI\u2019ll apologize to your parents later.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus then grabbed her overnight bag and apparated with her to what appeared to be a meadow.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is this?\u201d Hermione asked.<\/p>\n<p>Severus didn\u2019t answer as he led her through the meadow to a small construction. It was a bower, covered in white and blue flowers. In the center of the bower was a huge four poster bed, draped in blue and white, the ground completely covered in flowers as well. A white wicker table stood beside the bed, and on the table was a bucket containing a bottle of wine. Two crystal glasses glitter next to it. Beams of sunlight shone directly down on the bed as if someone had told them where to shine. Hermione looked at the arrangement in wonder.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is this?\u201d she asked again.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur honeymoon bed. Here is where we will consummate our marriage, Hermione\u2026under the open sky for all the world to see. We have a cottage as well, but I wanted to take you here first before we retire,\u201d Severus said softly, wrapping his arms around the witch and drawing her back against him. His voice sounded a bit apprehensive as he asked her if she liked it. He had taken a big chance setting this up.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione turned in his arms.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s absolutely beautiful, Severus\u2026and so romantic,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n<p>A look of relief washed across the Potions Master\u2019s face before he guided her to the bed and helped her sit down. He debonairly opened the wine, let it breathed then poured them both a glass. He handed one to Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo you, Mrs. Snape. May you never rue the day you married me,\u201d Severus said, lifting his glass to her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd to you, Mr. Snape. May you never lose the snarky ways I love,\u201d she replied, smiling at him.<\/p>\n<p>Severus stared down at his wife, his heart tightening. She didn\u2019t want him to change, and that was something he had been privately wrestling with for a very long time. What would she expect of him as a husband\u2026it had to be different than what she expected of him as a lover. But with those simple words, she had soothed his fears. Severus quickly downed his wine and set the glass on the table, his eyes glittering at Hermione. He wanted to see her spread out, beautiful and naked, bathed in sunlight and ready for love.<\/p>\n<p>He sat down on the bed beside her, watching her drink her wine. Impatient, he reached over and took the glass out of Hermione\u2019s hand and set it on the table.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ve taken long enough with that wine, witch,\u201d Severus breathed, moving her hair away from her neck and pressing his lips gently against the pulse, making Hermione shudder deliciously. He then turned her face toward his and covered her mouth in a searing kiss, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close, the warmth of her body burning through both her dress and his robes. He broke the kiss.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWife,\u201d he said, his voice raw. \u201cI must have you now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The wizard pulled out his wand and pointed it at Hermione.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDivesto,\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n<p>Immediately, Hermione\u2019s wedding dress disappeared. However, Severus left the garland. It made her look like a lovely nymph, and he was randy as a satyr. The wizard stood up and pointed the wand at himself.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDivesto,\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione stared up at her husband, his body bathed in sunlight, his alabaster skin glowing as if he were some black-haired god come to earth. No longer a dismal dungeon dweller, Severus had become a god of fire and light.<\/p>\n<p>The witch swallowed and automatically shifted back into the bed, lying down, her arms extended toward Severus, whose black eyes washed over her sunbathed body. The songs of birds rang about them, and a cool breeze rushed through the bower, caressing them both. Severus climbed into the bed, and shifted over Hermione\u2019s body, his cock swollen with desire as he held his body over hers. He lowered his head and kissed her, allowing no other part of him to touch her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo beautiful,\u201d he breathed against her cheek before moving to her throat.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione moaned and reached up, trying to pull the wizard down, to feel his long, taut body against her own, but he resisted, moving lower, his mouth running over her shoulders and breasts, licking and tasting, his wife arching under him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you going to tease me, Severus?\u201d she gasped at him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo,\u201d he said, moving his mouth over her belly, his hair dragging across her skin. \u201cI am going to love you, Mrs. Snape. Like a husband.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hermione\u2019s knees automatically drew up as Severus approached her core, lowering himself to the bed. He breathed the scent of her arousal in deeply.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI never tire of the taste of you,\u201d he said softly, his eyes hot as he looked up at Hermione. She felt her belly flip-flop as she drank in the expression on his face. It was so intense. Severus pushed her thighs apart and dipped his tongue into her wellspring, the witch arching up and crying out with pleasure as he began to eat her out hungrily, his face glistening with her juices as he lapped at her lovingly, leaving no part of her tender flesh untouched, tonguing her clit, slipping it inside her and twisting, driving the witch insane as she locked her fingers in his hair and orgasmed with a shriek.<\/p>\n<p>This is what Severus loved, making the witch give up her flow for him. He drank her down greedily, savoring Hermione\u2019s sweet musky taste before pulling up and sliding his body over her undulating form and kissing her, sharing her ambrosia as he positioned himself against her, the thick head of his cock pressed into her folds and nestled against the heat of her entrance, her pelvis rocking expectantly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAccept me, wife,\u201d Severus said hoarsely, drinking in Hermione\u2019s beauty as the sunlight hit her. Her skin was glowing with moisture, her hair in ringlets, the garland lost and lying crumpled on the pillow above her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI accept you, husband,\u201d the witch whispered, her amber eyes full of love and desire. The Potions Master\u2019s heart tightened as he slid into her welcoming heat, her flesh surrounding him, bathing him in warmth and pleasure.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDear gods,\u201d he groaned, dropping on Hermione and kissing her, his body flexing and thrusting as he took his wife for the first time, groaning, hissing and sighing with delight, vocally expressing his pleasure as Hermione flowed under him in counterpoint, her moans mixing with his.<\/p>\n<p>Above, Eros watched.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBeautiful,\u201d he thought, directing the sunbeams to fall on their rippling bodies.<\/p>\n<p>Severus rolled, pulling Hermione on top of him, pushing her up. The witch never missed a beat, rising and falling on his cock rhythmically, her mouth slack, her eyes fixed to his face.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI love you,\u201d she breathed, and Severus couldn\u2019t help grasping her waist and plunging into her deeper in response, Hermione shrieking and falling forward to his mouth as the wizard took over, driving into Hermione hungrily.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re mine\u2026mine for all eternity,\u201d he groaned against her lips.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d Hermione gasped, \u201cEternity.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Severus rolled her back over and rose to his knees, catching Hermione under her buttocks and lifting her, thrusting into her passionately, his eyes on her sun-kissed body, her breasts bouncing, her body jerking at his ardor, the witch crying out his name. It was too good, too sweet, and he fell forward on his hands, driving her up the bed now, unable to stop slamming into her body. He wanted all of her, more than all of her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamn,\u201d Eros breathed, \u201cHave some mercy, mortal.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>But the wizard wasn\u2019t being merciless\u2026he was caught up in his delicious wife, too lost in her body\u2026too lost in her love. It was only when she began to slide over the edge of the top of the bed (there was no headboard), that he was able to stop and pull Hermione back down, whispering endearments as he returned to his hungry possession of her body.<\/p>\n<p>The witch was dimly aware of the words \u201cBeautiful. Delicious. Angel. Love,\u201d as well as a smattering of obscenities as Severus\u2019 hard, hot tool scoured every inch of her. Her body was full as well as her heart, and she shrieked as the wizard wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pistoned into her desperately, his back locked\u2026his climax approaching.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome with me,\u201d Severus hissed, a low groan rising in his throat as his balls began to tighten.<\/p>\n<p>Hermione was already bursting forth in a torrent as Severus stiffened and let go with a cry, his body shuddering as he climaxed, his heat mingling with hers as they both clutched each other, the world fading away and leaving only them joined in body and spirit to spin through the bliss of one another and fall back to earth, exhausted and exhilarated. Severus kissed Hermione over and over as his pulsing slowed, and the tightening of her pussy around his deflating cock eased.<\/p>\n<p>Panting they lay against each other, their love palpable, their marriage consummated beneath the open sky, before all the world. They had been together over five years now and their passion for each other had not diminished in all that time.<\/p>\n<p>Both doubted that it ever would.<\/p>\n<p>True love was like that.<\/p>\n<p>*****************************************<br \/>\nA\/N: Consummation of the marriage completed. Next the epilogue. Please review.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">CHAPTER 68<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/>\nDisclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.<br \/>\n*******************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chapter 68 ~ Epilogue<\/p>\n<p>Bara graduated Hogwarts with high honors. The young wizard received many awards for his accomplishments in Potions, Charms and Arithmancy. He had perfect marks in Magical history as well. He also won Most Valuable Player for his final year of Quidditch. He was a marvelous seeker and could do things on a broom people had trouble doing on solid ground. He was quite competitive in the air, and most tried to stay out of his way.<\/p>\n<p>Despite his aggression on the Quidditch court, Bara was quite even-tempered for a Slytherin. Never once was he caught doing anything untoward\u2026a testament to how well Severus had schooled him.<\/p>\n<p>Albus and Minerva fairly burst with pride that their son had done so well for himself. They had high hopes for him after Hogwarts.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHave you decided what university you will be attending, Bara? Any one of them would be excited to have you,\u201d Minerva gushed, kissing the wizard on both cheeks and hugging him tightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, mother Minerva,\u201d Bara said, \u201cI haven\u2019t yet. I\u2019ve decided to go back to my homeland for a while. Find my roots again.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Minerva and Albus looked at each other sadly. Bara leaving? They hadn\u2019t imagined the wizard would do that. But it made sense. He hadn\u2019t seen India for a long, long time.<\/p>\n<p>****************************************<\/p>\n<p>Severus and Hermione had been married for several years now. There had been a few clashes, but overall they suited each other just fine. They were still childless, Hermione wrapped up in private research and Severus continuing to teach at Hogwarts. It would be several years before they started a family. Right now they were quite satisfied and fulfilled with each other.<\/p>\n<p>Harry had become an Auror for the Ministry. Initially he caused quite a stir when he appeared, but soon the furor died down and he lived a nice quiet life. He was quite the eligible bachelor and was dating frequently. He hadn\u2019t found anyone he could be serious with yet, but he still wasn\u2019t ready for that. He still saw Ginny on occasion. Gail had found herself a nice wizard and broke it off with the redhead, and now was married with two children, a girl and a boy. Her husband never found out about her wild lifestyle. Gail thought it better that way.<\/p>\n<p>Ginny still played the field and had other lovers besides Harry. The witch believed she would never settle down. Her brothers all married and had children, so Molly wasn\u2019t after her to bear grandchildren, something Ginny was extremely happy about.<\/p>\n<p>Eli found himself a mate at well. Her name was Bottleblue. She was a cute little elf with big blue eyes. He also had a son, Leafear, who was a chip off the old elf. He was anxious to render service whenever he could, Eli instructing him how to serve a master properly. He hoped to bind his son to Severus\u2019 offspring letting the generations grow together.<\/p>\n<p>Eros began to help mortals more. Severus and Hermione had whet his wings, and the god found it quite rewarding\u2026though he was still vain. Finder made a nice living finding things for other demons. Barth and Garth continued tormenting their souls and roasting eyeballs, and on occasion, tongues. They gave Finder a wide berth.<\/p>\n<p>************************************<\/p>\n<p>The Untouchable were in their small camps, cooking what meager food they could find when there was a flash of blinding blue light. They all looked up, frightened as a man emerged from the light.<\/p>\n<p>Bara walked into the middle of the camp.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy name is Bharadwaj. I am a mighty wizard and I have come to help you. You will all follow me\u2026every Untouchable will follow me. We will rise up against those who oppress us and demand our rightful place in India,\u201d the wizard said, looking around the camp.<\/p>\n<p>A man stood up. He had a shirt wrapped around his head and wore ragged red pants. He was dirty and barefoot. He glared at Bara.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPah. A mighty wizard. Tricks with light do not make you mighty or a wizard. Who are you to come here and tell us we will follow you? Many have led us to our deaths with such foolish talk of fighting our oppressors. This others may follow you, false magician, but I and my family will not!\u201d the man said, sitting back down and spitting as a sign of disrespect with his wife, young son and daughter.<\/p>\n<p>Bara frowned.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI see a demonstration is needed,\u201d the wizard said, pointing his wand at the man. \u201cCrucio!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The man let out a horrible scream and began to writhe in pain, as the others watched, their eyes round as the man vomited, urinated and defecated on himself.<\/p>\n<p>Bara released him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFirst you see the pain I can cause,\u201d Bara said evenly, \u201cNow bear witness to my other power. Avada Kedavra!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bara cast the killing curse on the untouchable. He lie there dead, his wife and daughter screaming and shaking him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will not tolerate rebelliousness in any form,\u201d Bara said, \u201cIf you all do as I say, I will treat you well and reward you. If you do not, then you will die. There is nothing between. Me or death. Am I understood?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The untouchables looked at the dead man and all nodded, daring not to speak to this killer of men. Bara smiled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood. Now line up to take my Mark so I will always know where you are.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Slowly the Untouchables stood up and formed a line in front of Bara. The first man approached him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOpen your shirt,\u201d Bara ordered.<\/p>\n<p>The man did so, his brown eyes wide with fear. Bara touched the tip of his wand directly over his heart.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMorphus Morsmordre,\u201d he intoned. The man let out a cry as the Dark Mark burned into his chest.<\/p>\n<p>Bara smiled darkly at the skull and snake insignia.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt begins again, cousin,\u201d he said to the night sky. \u201cBut I, cousin\u2026I will be greater than you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Above the wizard, the stars twinkled, then grew dark.<\/p>\n<p>THE END<\/p>\n<p>***********************************<br \/>\nA\/N: And that is the end(?) of \u201cWalking the Gray Line.\u201d I hoped you enjoyed it. Please leave a final review and see you next story. Bye :::waving:::<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The story content is adult in nature and can contain graphic sex and violence.\u00a0 Those under the age of 18 are asked to leave this site immediately.\u00a0 You are not welcome here.\u00a0 The author is not responsible for those under-aged who view these works. SYNOPSIS: Hermione is willing to experiment with Dark Magic to restore &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theburningpen.net\/index.php\/2020\/05\/03\/walking-the-gray-line\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Walking the Gray Line&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-alternate-universe"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theburningpen.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theburningpen.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theburningpen.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theburningpen.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theburningpen.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/theburningpen.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theburningpen.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theburningpen.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theburningpen.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}