Conquering Old Fears…

A/N: I want to give my deepest thanks and gratitude to all who have read and reviewed. This fic has reached the 200 mark! I can't tell you how tickled I am that so many of you have been enjoying my little story. Thanks again to my fabulous beta, MadBrilliant!

***

Severus wondered if he had been indelicate towards Hermione. For four days, she had come to bed dressed in her usual cotton nightgown, but he could tell she was wearing knickers and a bra underneath. She had not shown him any physical tenderness, nor had she even so much as kissed him on the cheek. He had tried to kiss her a couple of times, but she had ducked and had practically run from him. She slept with her back to him and was constantly skittish as if she had drunk ten cups of coffee in an hour’s span!

By fifth night, he had decided enough was enough. When she came to bed after plaiting her hair, she slipped into bed and curled up with her back to him. He sighed audibly and rolled his eyes.

“Hermione, look at me,” he demanded.

She scooted herself upright and turned to him.

“What is going on?” he snapped.

“What?” she asked in return.

“Do not repeat what I say, girl! I am perfectly capable to retaining my own thoughts!” he barked at her.

She was angry. How dare he use that tone with her and how dare he call her a girl!

“I am your wife, Severus, not a girl! I do not appreciate your tone, nor do I appreciate your choice of words!” she retorted hotly.

He smiled victoriously. “Now that I have the Hermione I wish to speak with, and not some shrinking violet, can you please inform me of the reasoning behind your behavior towards me, your husband, as of late?”

“You told me to watch out for the Fiendfyre between your legs! I don’t want to get burned or cause any trouble. I still don’t feel ready to take the next step, and I don’t want you accusing me of being a tease!” she fumed.

He laughed heartily now. “Hermione, I would never take you against your will. I was just saying that my ardor for you might be too passionate if I were stirred up enough. You may not be prepared for the rougher side of sex. Now, as to the ‘next step,’ I would like to inform you that intercourse is not the next step. Have you truly forgotten what you studied, or did you decide to pass on certain chapters?” he said sarcastically.

She looked puzzled, but then a wave of realization came over her. “Oh, that,” she whispered with disappointment.

He looked at her in interest, raising his eyebrows questioningly. “Do I dare even venture into this territory?” he asked her wearily.

“You mean oral sex, right?”

“Yes. Does that bother you?” he asked calmly, praying to God she would say ‘NO!’

“Well, I just remember listening to the girls in Gryffindor talking about it. It seems all nice and fine for the bloke, but what’s in it for the girl?” she challenged.

Severus rolled his eyes. “I cannot believe—no actually I can—Gryffindors!” he muttered. “I assure you, Hermione, oral sex is meant for both partners to enjoy, not for just one at the expense of the other,” he said sourly.

My, he looks offended! Hermione thought. “Well, what do you want from me?” she said exasperated.

“Take off those damn knickers, your bra, get over here like you normally do, and let me hold you!” he bit out at her.

She got out of bed in a huff, and when she came out, he quickly appraised her through her lightweight nightgown. Dark patch, good! Knickers gone. She’s slipping into bed; aha, there are her breasts; no bra!

She snuggled up to him and snapped, “Are you happy now?”

“Quite,” he replied smugly.

***

The teachers began arriving the week before classes were to resume. There were three lovely young ladies from Beauxbatons who had finished their apprenticeships: Mlle. Belfort who would be the Arithmancy Professor, Mlle. Toulouse who would be the new Ancient Runes Professor, and Mlle. Beauharnis, who would be the new Muggle Studies Professor. They stepped off their flying coach in identical robes of Beauxbatons blue. All three were blonde and fresh-faced as the morning dew. Severus and Hermione stood at the main gates to welcome their new staff members. They reminded Hermione very much of Fleur Delacour, who had married Bill Weasley, both of whom had perished in the final battle.

“I wonder if they are part Veela?” Hermione whispered to Severus as they walked towards them.

They seemed to be attached to the hip somewhat. All three women said “Hello!” in a charming accent. Thank the Lord it didn’t sound as thick as Fleur’s! Hermione wondered how the students would learn if they had to continuously fight through translating their teachers accent into English!

One of them began to speak. “My name is Emile Beauharnis. May I introduce to you my colleagues, yes? Satine Toulouse and Christine Belfort.”

Severus bowed genteelly and welcomed them to Hogwarts. “I am Severus Snape, Headmaster and Potions master of this school. I would like to introduce my wife, Madam Hermione Snape; she will be teaching Charms and is Deputy Headmistress.”

Hermione nodded politely. “How do you do?”

The five walked into the castle and went immediately to the Headmaster’s office. The young ladies were unimpressed with the structure of Hogwarts. They fairly shivered.

Hermione noticed their discomfort and said, “We shall be getting you settled with Hogwarts teaching robes. You may find them warmer and cozier in the castle.”

They all were silent as they headed inside. Hermione inhaled and rolled her eyes at Severus. It was going to be quite frosty, no matter how many robes and jumpers these Frenchwomen wore!

They silently walked into the Headmaster’s office and without ado; Severus explained the necessity of House Sorting and took the old, dusty hat, placed it on Mlle. Belfort’s head.

“Hufflepuff!” cried the Sorting hat.

Next was Mlle. Toulouse.

“Hufflepuff!” cried the Sorting hat.

“We may be in deep trouble, sir,” whispered Hermione to her husband.

Last was Mlle Beauharnis. Hermione thought, She seems the most intelligent of the lot. Please, please let her be a Ravenclaw!

“Ravenclaw!” cried the Sorting hat.

“Oh, well done!” exclaimed Hermione. “Now we will have to choose who will be Head of Hufflepuff house.”

“Let us not make hasty decisions, Hermione,” corrected Severus. “After all, Mr. Ketsall still has to be sorted as well as the American witch and the Durmstrang wizards.” He eyed the three witches appraisingly, wondering which would be the best choice for Head of Hufflepuff house if it came down to it.

“Ladies, we shall be meeting again for dinner, which is served promptly at five o’clock in the Great Hall at the Head table. Madam Snape shall see you to your quarters. Your steamer trunks will have already been brought in by our house elves. Welcome again to our school, Mademoiselles,” Severus said graciously.

Hermione loved it when her husband used that voice. He had no idea, but these blonde birds had better not try any funny business, or she’d have them out on their ears! She couldn’t believe the roaring jealousy that was coursing through her. No matter that the triplets had shown absolutely no interest in her husband whatsoever, the issue was that Hermione felt inferior to these beautiful women with their curvy bodies and long, blonde hair. It also didn’t hurt that they each had more than a handful of breasts and were tall. All three had legs that went on to their throats. She felt very much like a little French horse compared to the thoroughbreds beside her with her small features. What if Severus became attracted to them? She needed to have sex with her husband. She wasn’t going to lose him to another woman. Not after everything they had been through and done! She blushed at the intimate acts they had engaged in, and her heart hurt at the thought of Severus doing those intimate acts with another woman. That settled it. They were going to have sex—tonight!

***

She had lied to Severus about needing to work in her office, but actually, she had snuck out of the Floo in her husband’s office to the Three Broomsticks to meet up with Rosmerta. She had owled the bar owner earlier and had asked if she could ask the proprietor of the local lingerie shop to stay open after hours for her to buy something special in private.

Hermione stumbled through the Floo, and Rosmerta was waiting. The older witch beamed and grabbed her cloak.

“Let’s get to it, shall we?” she asked. “What’s the special occasion? Did you do something bad and now you have to make it up to him?” she inquired, laughing.

Hermione blushed. “It’s just, well, we got married so fast, and I don’t have anything frilly or sexy. I am feeling more confident now and felt the time was right.”

Rosmerta snickered. “You’re gonna have him climbing the walls, eh? Well, that’s good. A witch ought to feel secure in her sexuality! Well, here we are!”

Hermione looked up at the dark marquee. In golden letters it read, “The Witch’s Wardrobe.”

“Interesting,” Hermione murmured as she looked at the outside of the store.

Rosmerta smirked. “This here is the best lingerie store outside of Diagon Alley. Hell, I’d even wager even in Diagon Alley you won’t get the kind of service Rosie provides!” She leaned in and whispered, “Some think that she’s a Legilimens or a Seer. She just knows things. She’ll get you the perfect ensemble. Trust me!” Her words assured the younger witch.

They went into the store and it was very girly. Pure whites, pale pinks, delicate, cream lacy things were everywhere. Rosmerta pulled her towards the back. Here it was NOT so very girly. Hermione’s eyes popped wide open at the outfits in front of her: leather, spikes, lingerie that had strategic bits taken out, it was very intimidating.

“Here’s where you want to be, Hermione! Rosie! Here is Madam Snape!” Rosmerta called.

Rosie, the owner was a very dark, sultry, provocative woman. Her dark brown hair was rich in volume and hung loose about her shoulders. She was no youth, but seemed to know how to use her assets to her advantage. She reminded Hermione of the Muggle actress, Sophia Loren. Rosie eyed Hermione and told her to take off her cloak. Hermione complied, and the witch asked her if she wore anything underneath her robes.

“I have jeans and a tee-shirt on. I’m Muggleborn,” she said meekly.

The older witch eyed the girl. She’s a virgin, but not completely. She has yet to experience all of her husband, she thought.

“No, she is not ready for the trifles back here, she is still too virginal,” she said out loud to no one in particular. She turned to Hermione, her dark-lidded eyes were smoky, and she said, “You want to seduce your husband, but you don’t know how, yes?”

Hermione opened her mouth and nothing came out. She shut her mouth and nodded.

The witch smiled as she walked a circle around Hermione. “I know Severus. I am most shocked he is married,” she said matter-of-factly. “Although what shocks me most is that he has caught himself such a young witch!”

“How do you know my husband?” demanded Hermione. She was getting riled again and she didn’t understand why. “I’m sorry for being rude. I didn’t mean to come off so harsh,” she apologized with her head hanging low.

The older witch laughed. “Don’t be concerned! I was a seventh year Ravenclaw when Severus was just a little first year. He was gloomy even then. One doesn’t live in the Wizarding world without knowing the more notorious members of our community; and Severus Snape is a very well known man. Very well known,” she said cryptically.

“Come,” she said as she offered her hand. She took Hermione’s small hand in her own and walked her around to the very front of the store. Hermione glanced behind her to make sure Rosmerta was nearby. It was eerie being in a strange, dark place with this dark, mysterious woman who seemed to see right through her and knew her husband in some strange capacity.

The candlelight shone beautifully on cream lace in front of her. It was a very innocent piece, with tiny pink rosebuds on the shoulder straps and on the center where the cleavage met. Hermione touched it fondly.

“I think this will suit you, my dear,” Rosie said sweetly. “Look at me, Madam Snape,” she said forcefully.

Hermione jerked her head up as the witch peered into her face. “You are afraid, but you should not be insecure. Severus Snape is a loyal wizard. He sees things that ordinary wizards do not see or appreciate. Yet, it is important for you to feel comfortable and able to please your husband. Here, try this on,” she ordered.

Rosie spun her around a bit and marched her into a dressing room. “Take off everything, including your knickers,” she said. “Then come out so I can see how it fits.”

She did what she was told and came out. Rosie smiled at the young witch. Hermione looked at herself in the mirror. It was like a very short dress that was form-fitted and showed just a peek of her bum. It finished with a lace border around the bottom. She looked in the mirror and couldn’t help but cup her breasts. They seemed larger!

Rosie chuckled. “Feel the sides of your breasts. There is a built in padding that gives your bosom a bit of a lift!”

“Oh,” said Hermione, “like a Wonderbra.”

“Indeed, I am not unfamiliar with Muggle ingenuity,” the sultry proprietor replied smugly.

Hermione loved the lingerie. It was very seductive and innocent at the same time. The lace showed the color of her areolas and the dark thatch of hair between her legs. She turned to Rosie confused.

“Am I to come out into the bedroom in just this?” she asked.

“Oh, no!” Rosie laughed. “Although, there’s nothing wrong with that! But, you want to seduce him, not merely get him randy. Here, this is a garter belt and stockings. Do you know how to put these on?”

“Uh, in theory. I understand the concept, but I’ve never worn one before.”

Rosmerta laughed. “We’ll help you!”

In no time, Hermione was in cream silk stockings, garter belt, and the lace lingerie outfit. She felt a bit silly and exposed, especially since she wasn’t wearing any underwear!

“Shouldn’t I have knickers?” she asked.

“Why?” said Rosie carelessly. “You have no need for knickers if you are having sex, right?”

“Won’t I look a bit desperate if I show up like this?”

Rosmerta smiled broadly. “Honey, Severus won’t even have the ability to think when he sees you in that! As for the knickers, all he’ll be thinking is, ‘I can shag her, and I won’t have to take anything off!’

Hermione blinked and felt warm at the thought of Severus thinking like that. Surely, he must, they had fooled around, even if they had not had intercourse yet.

“Okay, I’ll take it!” she said, feeling light-headed.

Rosie went to tally up the amount. She smirked to herself. She was very happy for Severus and his little bride. She was the perfect counterpart for him. She knew how difficult it was going to be for them to build the school back up again. However, they would work together well, holding everything that was needed in place.

***

Hermione took her bag and shook Rosmerta’s hand, thanking her for her help.

“Good luck!” the bar owner teased her.

Hermione smiled slightly. She knew when she came out of the Floo; her husband would know she had lied to him and that he would want to know immediately where she had been since she obviously had not been in her office.

She stepped out of the Floo and there was Severus, sitting calmly on the sofa chair facing her.

“Explain!” he snapped. His expression was etched with anger and worry.

“I went to get a surprise for you. It was a little sensitive, so I made arrangements so I could be discreet.”

“Where were you?” he asked calmly this time.

“I went to a store with Rosmerta.”

He cocked his head to the side and eyed the bag. “What store?” he asked curiously.

“A lingerie store.”

“Which one?”

“The Witch’s Wardrobe,” she whispered shyly.

He raised an eyebrow. “When will I be able to have my very own fashion show then, Madam Snape?”

“I thought about now,” she whispered as she sauntered towards him.

He narrowed his eyes and considered her. “What were you hoping to achieve with this?” he asked bluntly.

She blinked. That was not what she thought she would hear from him.

“I suppose what any woman expects when she buys lingerie,” she said stiffly, her ego a bit bruised.

Severus took the bag from her hand and set it on the floor. He then put his hands underneath her cloak and placed them on her hips, nudging her closer to him. She came closer and he lowered his hands to drag his fingers up from her calves, catching her robes and pulling them up higher as he wedged his legs between hers. He pulled her closer until she fell on him, straddling him. She giggled, and he groaned.

“Do you have any idea what that does to me?” he whispered as he looked into her face.

She shook her head.

“No?” he replied. “Hermione, you don’t need lingerie to entice me, although I am very curious as to what you’ve chosen. I’ve heard witches talk about Rosie and her abilities.” He cocked an eyebrow and gave her a very wicked look.

“What do you want tonight, Hermione?” he whispered softly against her neck.

“I want it all.”

***

A/N: Woo-hoo! Major Lemons up next!