Chapter Fourteen: Everyone Knows... Something

Disclaimer: They're still JKR's, although she might not want to admit to it with the way they've been behaving lately.

Chapter Fourteen: Everyone Knows... Something

"Are you planning to tell me what that was all about, Granger?"  Draco dropped her arm once they were well clear of his fellow Slytherins and attempted a feeble glare at his supposed girlfriend.

Hermione knew his pride wouldn't allow any saviour. "I couldn't stand her screeching any longer, so I had to do something.  Would you rather I'd let her continue?"

He avoided meeting her eyes, taking time to smooth his perfectly coiffed hair before he spoke.  "No, I suppose not.  But did you have to be so bloody Gryffindor about it?" 

Blaise grinned.  "I don't think she knows any other way, old boy.  Still, they're convinced you two are an item now, so that gets you off the hook and safely back in the closet."

Draco's horrified expression set his companions to rolling their eyes. 

"For goodness' sake, Draco, we're not blind, stupid, or naive."  Hermione patted him on the arm.  "For all that, you're a damned good kisser." 

Cheeks heating in a most unMalfoylike manner, the blond stared at her.  "You... you...  I..."

"Close your mouth, Malfoy. You'll catch flies."  Blaise chuckled as they entered the corridor to the library.  "Consider yourself lucky.  She seems to enjoy kissing Slytherins.  Present company excepted, of course."  He winked at Hermione with a mournful downturn of his lips.

Draco narrowed his eyes.  "Slytherins, plural?  Who...?" 

Blaise's smirk vanished as Hermione swore under her breath and shoved him up against the stone wall.  Locking her lips to his, she forestalled any further reply by rendering her would-be suitor mute for several long seconds.  As she pulled away, she whispered in his ear, "A single word more, Blaise, and no-one will benefit from the patented Zabini charm."  She shifted her weight so the wand in her pocket pressed against the hardness she had felt in his trousers.

"It was worth it," he murmured as, with a subtle tilt, his pelvis thrust against the supposed threat.  He sighed and straightened his robes.  "Besides, you'd never do it, Granger.  You're too decent.  That's one of the things I like about you."

With a twitch of her lips, Hermione acknowledged the truth of his words.  "I should have insisted on the damned Wand Oath." Turning to include Draco in the conversation, she changed the subject.  "Come on, you two, we're allegedly studying, remember?"  Stalking off ahead, she left the two Slytherins to follow – one bemused and the other still breathless.

***

Severus Snape replaced the lid of his inkpot and set his quill on its stand.  Neatly stacking the essays he had finished marking, he abandoned his office for the privacy of his rooms.  After discarding his robes and loosening his collar, he poured a glass of wine and settled himself into his well-worn but comfortable armchair.  Letting his head rest back on the padded leather, his mind drifted back to the first lesson for the day as he closed his eyes and relaxed.

Longbottom and Malfoy.  That was unexpected. I wonder when they'll recognise it themselves.  It's not as if everyone else hasn't noticed.  Lucius will have a seizure when he finds out his beloved heir is that way inclined. Can't say I blame the lad; I'd be tempted to the other side too, if Miss Parkinson was the alternative.

Still, I have an alternative, if I can only find out who she is. 

I know you have brown, curly hair.  Your body has delicious curves, and your breasts... oh, Merlin, your breasts, please let them be your own.  I need to taste them again.

Snape's fingers twitched as he slowly unfastened the buttons of his shirt.  Slipping his hand under the fine linen, he slid his fingertips over the heated skin of his chest and tweaked the nipple he discovered.  Allowing his imagination to picture Grace standing before him slowly discarding her clothing, item by item, he rolled and pinched his flesh into a peak of desire.

With his other hand, Snape withdrew his last letter from his pocket.  Unfolding it, he began reading as he shucked off his shirt and unbuttoned his trousers. By the time he had reached the last few lines, his trousers and boxers were pooled at his feet, leaving the cool evening air caressing his aching arousal.

I do so miss spending time with you.

His fingers drifted down his chest, brushed the sensitive skin around his navel for long seconds, then followed the trail of dark hair down to where it thickened into his only curls. 

I can't stop myself imagining you alone, taking care of yourself while you think of me.

Imaginary Grace's hand avoided his heat and instead reached down to cup the softness below, forcing a gasp from his lips as the sensation shot straight to his cock.  A bead of fluid glistened in the candlelight as he lost himself into his fantasy. 

Do you still do that, Severus?

Gripping and stroking and twisting and pulling, she smiled as she tormented him with pleasure.  Panting now, he dropped the letter as he reached out in a futile caress, seeking the warmth of his lover.

Do you remember Saturday night and smile as I do?

The strokes quickened... harder... faster... gods, I remember... I remember... faster... yes... yes...

I lo want you so much it hurts.

"Yesss!"

As his pounding heart found some semblance of a normal rhythm and his breathing slowed, Snape released his sticky, softened penis and smiled.  I love you, Grace.

He didn't hear the soft gasp from the corner of the room.

***

Having found a suitable table in the library, Hermione pulled parchment, quills, and her Ancient Runes text from her bag.  Blaise and Draco pulled out chairs and sat, watching her as she settled herself with her essay. 

"Are you two going to do some work, or are you planning to waste your time watching me?"

Draco shook his head.  "I don't believe you, Granger.  You snog the daylights out of two blokes, one after the other, then you calmly sit down to write an essay as if nothing had happened.  Has someone slipped something into your pumpkin juice?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Draco.  You know perfectly well why I kissed you, and Blaise, well, he knows why as well.  I've heard rumours you've snogged most of the girls in seventh year, which, considering your likely sexual orientation, is pretty bizarre."

"But, I..."

"You were trying to fool yourself and everyone else into thinking you're straight. Well, I have news for you, Draco Malfoy – it's not working.  It's time you woke up and saw what was under your pretty, aristocratic nose."

Blaise's eyebrows nearly reached his hairline as he watched Hermione lecture Draco.  "Steady on, Hermione. Give the poor fellow a break.  He's probably still lightheaded from that kiss.  I know I am."

"Bollocks.  He's a fantastic kisser, but he's also a bloody good actor.  Draco was no more turned on than I was."  She pointedly ignored his last statement.

Draco pouted.  "No-one else has ever complained."

"They were probably Slytherin girls.  They were turned on by the thought of the Malfoy fortune.  Now, if you're not going to study, perhaps we'd better arrange where we'll be meeting on Saturday."

"Saturday?"

"Saturday.  Our date, remember, when you're going to get me alone and ravish me senseless."

"Oh, great. That date."

Hermione chuckled. "Don't worry, darling, your honour is safe with me.  If you play along nicely, there might be a nice surprise in it for you.  Now, if you're not going to study, bugger off back to your common room and let me talk to Blaise in private."

Much to her surprise, Draco did, muttering something as he left which sounded suspiciously like, "Bloody Gryffindors."

After Draco had left, Hermione glanced around the library and reinforced the Muffliato charm she had applied when they had first arrived.  Turning her attention back to Blaise, she caught a glimpse of pain in his eyes before he reapplied his usual serene facade.

Reaching out to take his hand, Hermione squeezed gently.  "I'm sorry, Blaise.  I didn't intend to tease you like that, knowing how you felt.  It was all I could think of to distract Draco after what you said.  Please, forgive me.  Today's been somewhat...  difficult."

Blaise turned his hand under hers and gently stroked her knuckles with his thumb.  "It's okay.  I was out of line.  I was trying to make light of the situation and said too much."  He met her eyes, his own dark with want.  "I only wish... No, never mind." He shook his head and pulled his hand away, standing abruptly.  "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Oh, Blaise."  Moisture pricked the corners of her eyes as Hermione watched him walk away.

Fuck!  Why couldn't I have fallen for him? He's my age, gorgeous, witty, sweet... 

I must find Luna tomorrow and see whether she'll agree to ask Neville to take her to Hogsmeade.  If we time it right...

On that thought, Hermione packed up her bag and made her way back to Gryffindor tower.  Arriving at the entrance portrait, she smiled as the Fat Lady pirouetted to her own private melody.  "You're in a good mood tonight," she said instead of the password.

"Oh, it's been a wonderful day!  A lovely gentleman has asked to visit tomorrow, and I've just heard the most delicious gossip!"  She twirled again, almost losing her balance as she came to a halt.  "Do you want to know what it was?"

Thinking she would be regaled with tales of another portrait's mischief, Hermione decided to play along.  "Oh, do tell."

The Fat Lady beckoned her closer.  "Well, my friend Violet heard from her cousin Damara Dodderidge, the cow who snubbed me last winter in the Grand Staircase, that she'd heard Elizabeth Burke from down in the dungeons tell Giffard Abbott...  Oh, it's so delightful... and surprising...  You'll never believe it!"

"What?  What is it?"  Hermione rather wished she hadn't asked; curfew was drawing ever closer.

"Apparently, and don't say I told you this, the Potions professor is in love!  The snarky old git has finally fallen head over crabby heels with some poor woman."

Fuck!  What else do they know? Who else have they told? "Who? And how did Elizabeth find out?"

"That's the exciting part.  No-one knows who she is, only that her name is Grace.  He calls it out when he... you know..."  The Fat Lady blushed crimson and hid her face with her hands. 

"How on earth...?"

Peeking through her fingers, the Fat Lady replied, "Elizabeth has a habit of sneaking around in the paintings in his quarters.  If you ask me, the daft tart has an unhealthy obsession with him, always watching and peeping. Well, she got more than she bargained for tonight, I dare say!"  She fanned herself.  "Oh, I think I need a lie down, dear. Give us the password, and I'll let you get off to bed."

Hermione frowned, shaking her head.  "I don't think you portraits should be spreading those rumours.  If Professor Snape finds out, it'll be turpentine for the lot of you."

"Eeeeee!  Don't you tell him, missy!  Just get inside, I must go and see Violet!"  The door opened without the password, and Hermione stepped through to the common room, temper flaring. 

Bloody Elizabeth Burke.  Spying on Severus while he... I'll turpentine her myself if I find out she's done it again.  He's mine!

"Whoa, 'Mione.   Who are you about to hex?  I didn't do anything, I swear!"  Ron held up his hands and backed away as she stormed into the room.

"What?"

"You look like you're about to cast an Unforgiveable.  What's up?" Harry asked.

"Nothing.  Forget it."  She forced a smile.  "Have either of you two seen Neville this evening?"

Ron nodded.  "Yeah.  It was weird though.  He came in here a while ago looking a bit like you just did, stomped around a bit, then went up to the dormitory.  Haven't seen him back down here since.  Not like good ol' Nev at all.  You two didn't have an argument, did you?"

"No. I haven't seen him since lunchtime. He seemed okay then. Still, it's his business." She shrugged.  Neville could wait until he calmed down from whatever had upset him.  She had enough problems of her own to deal with.

***

The group of first-year Hufflepuffs scuttled away around the nearest corner in fright as Severus Snape swooped past on his way to the owlery early the next morning.

"Did you see that?"

"What do you think it means?"

"I dunno, but let's get out of here.  He might come back!"

Snape was oblivious to the fear his particularly good mood had generated.  Clasping the letter he had written after a long and satisfying shower, he beckoned to an owl watching from above.  "Come on, then, I don't have all day."  The owl fluttered down, landing unsteadily on the perch provided for the attachment of letters.  "Don't fall down now, there's a good chap.  Now, I want you to take this to the witch who calls herself Grace Henman.  If you can't find her, bring it back to me and no-one else.  Do you understand?"  The owl studied him, a solemn look on its small feathered face, and appeared to give a slight nod before launching off and out of the window.

That owl looked familiar.  Perhaps I've used him before. I hope the creature has the wit to follow my instructions and return the letter if its magic isn't sufficient to find Grace by her assumed name alone. 

His attention turned inwards, Snape failed to notice the small owl swooping around the owlery tower and directly into the Great Hall, where it landed on the Gryffindor table and limped over to a surprised witch, who opened it without thinking.

Ginny watched her friend's face as she read the letter. "Hermione?"

The other girl seemed to be staring at the High Table, where Professor Snape had just sat down. "Hermione?"

"Hermione!"

"What!"

"Are you okay?  You look sort of flushed... and why are you crying?"  Ginny's concern was almost Hermione's undoing. 

"It's... it's..."  The letter fell unheeded to the table, landing face up in front of the redhead.

My dearest Grace,

S.

"Hermione?  Who's Grace.  And who's this pervert, S?  He... or at least I assume it's a he, shouldn't be sending such disgusting letters to anyone, let alone the wrong person!  You should report it.  I'm sure that was a school owl." Ginny's initial whisper was increasing in volume.

Hermione glanced down the Great Hall to Harry and Ron, who had just arrived and were making their way to the two empty seats across the table. She shook her head and snatched the letter back.  "No, Ginny! Leave it.  You don't understand."

"But, Hermione, the beast made you cry."  All of Molly Weasley's overprotectiveness coalesced in her daughter in that moment.  "How dare he?"

Hermione caught Ginny by the sleeve.  "Hush!  I'll explain later.  Please, Gin, let it be.  Just eat your breakfast."

"You have fifteen minutes, Hermione Granger, and it had better be good." 

"You have no idea, Gin."

Less than twelve minutes later, Hermione and Ginny left the Great Hall in search of an empty bathroom.

"Spill.  Who is he?  And what does he want with this Grace person?"

"Gin, it's not that simple.  Grace is... well... me."

"You?"

"Me.  It's a name I used.  You don't need to know why, and, no, you don't need to know who he is either."

"So why are you crying?"

"Read it again, Gin."  She passed the now-crumpled letter.

As Ginny read the letter more slowly and carefully, her eyes widened.

"Bloody hell, Hermione, you've... you... with this guy... really?"

Hermione nodded.

"And he wrote this – this – without even knowing who you really are?"

Another nod.

Ginny closed her eyes for a moment and thought. Tapping her finger on her lower lip, she added, "That owl was from the Hogwarts owlery. I recognised the limp. It's someone here!"

"Stop! I told you, you don't need to know. Ginny, please! I'll tell you when I'm ready."

The younger girl pouted, then nodded. "All right. But may I ask one question? Why didn't he recognise you? Everyone knows Hermione Granger."

"I used a Glamour. And that's all I'm saying. I need to talk to him first before I tell anyone else." Hermione could not hide the slight tremble of her hands as she refolded the letter and tucked it into her bag. "I'll see you later, Gin. We'll be late for class if we don't go now."

As the door closed behind her friend, Ginny Weasley frowned suddenly. "Anyone else?"

***

A/N: This was written for shalimar1981 for the TPP Every Flavour Auction. Huge thanks to my beta, karelia, for all her advice and encouragement.