7

Chapter 7- September 19, 1998

Saturday afternoon, Snape looked up from the worktable littered with notes and manuscript pages and said, "Hermione, if there's anything you need from the kitchen, I suggest you get it now, as I am about to bar you from it for the next few hours."

Hermione sat back, gazing at him in surprise and consternation. "Uh... no... I think I'm fine. Why am I banned from the kitchen?"

Snape stood regally and drawled, "Well, if I told you, it wouldn't be much of a surprise, now would it?"

Hermione snorted and cut a lopsided grin up at him. "All right then, if that's the way you want it. I'll stay out here until you tell me otherwise."

Snape smirked and bowed. "Excellent. I should be done around dinner time."

Hermione nodded and Snape disappeared into the kitchen, shutting the door behind him.

By the time an hour had passed, Hermione was pacing the around the worktable like a caged tiger, recognizing the scent of chocolate cake baking. Anticipation kept her from being able to concentrate any longer, so she retreated to her room to stay away from the tempting kitchen door.

After another hour, she sat up in her bed in response to Snape's knock on her door. "Come in!"

Snape opened the door and regarded her with a self-satisfied smirk. "Hermione, would you care to come down for dinner?"

Hermione bounced off her bed and to the door, but Snape didn't back away. They were very close again, and Hermione was beaming up at him in appreciation. Snape's hand swung out from behind his back and around Hermione, rising to tuck a flower in her hair as he said, "Happy birthday."

Hermione lifted her hand to his where it still held the flower and guided him to bring it in front of her. It was a gardenia, and she lit up with a delighted smile as she inhaled the lovely fragrance. "Oh, Severus, it's beautiful! Thank you."

He returned her smile, once again lifting the flower to tuck the stem behind her ear, brushing her hair back and trailing a gentle caress down her hair and shoulder before he said, "I do hope dinner is to your liking as well. Come along."

He took her hand and led her down the stairs to the table set for two, with a bowl of glistening pasta beside another bowl of aromatic alfredo sauce. Smaller bowls of green salad sat above their plates, and a basket piled with garlic bread was off to one side. On the counter, she spied the evidence of the heavenly smells earlier; a chocolate cake with fudge frosting beckoned to her. Snape pulled her chair out and she sat, staring about with gleaming eyes.

"It's so lovely! And it smells so good...I can't wait to taste everything!"

Snape sank down in his chair and smirked. "I only hope it tastes as good as you think it smells. Here, the salad is fresh, and take a piece of bread."

They began eating, and Hermione kept exclaiming over everything, enjoying herself hugely. Snape regaled her with his attempts at making the meal, keeping her laughing. Finally, they were too full to eat any more, even though Hermione kept casting lecherous looks at the cake.

"We've a while yet before you need to meet everyone at the pub. You should have time to digest and sample your cake before we leave."

Hermione leant back in her chair and heaved a replete sigh. "I'm so full, but it was so good. It was a perfect birthday surprise. Thank you."

Snape offered a mock bow, a pleased smile quirking his lips. "You're quite welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

He stood and collected their plates to take to the sink. Hermione jumped up and gathered their bowls to follow him. He spun and nearly ran into her. She reached past him to deposit the bowls in the sink, peering up at him with a smile. Letting her fingers trail down his arm to twine with his, she said softly, "I did. Very much."

He froze as she stretched up and placed a kiss on his cheek. As she backed away, he ducked forward and returned the salute, pressing a kiss to her cheek for a long moment, then nuzzling her ear with his nose before pulling back. She stared at him, eyes wide, and his demeanor was shy and awkward as he murmured, "A special birthday kiss for a special birthday girl."

Hermione's heart was thundering in her chest, and she could feel the heightened awareness of her skin where his lips and nose had touched her. Heat rushed through her, reddening her face and prickling her flesh. Her eyes flickered between his dark gaze and his lips, until she finally stepped back, mumbling, "Excuse me... I'll be just a moment."

Disengaging her fingers from his, she whirled and sped out of the kitchen and to the bathroom upstairs where she leant against the locked door and panted, staring at her overwhelmed reflection in the mirror. She used the facilities and spent a long moment just gazing at herself after dousing her face with cold water, rebuilding her composure.

In the kitchen, Snape put away the leftovers, chest tight with recognition of what he had seen in her dilated eyes. He knew she was likely confused at the welter of emotions clamouring to be released; he had seen it. By the time she came back down, he had brewed a pot of mint tea and was sitting at the table with as unassuming an air as he could muster.

They were quiet as they sipped the tea, then Snape said, "Would you like a piece of cake now?"

Hermione perked up and said, "Please. I'll find room for that bit of decadence!"

He brought the cake to the table and flicked his wand at it, conjuring nineteen lit candles. "Make a wish."

Hermione flicked a shy, pink-cheeked glance at him, then took a deep breath and blew out all the candles. She sat back with a satisfied grin. Snape snorted and served her a generous portion, taking a similar slice for himself. Hermione pulled the candles from her slice and sucked the frosting off the ends, humming with pleasure at the rich flavour.

Snape cocked an eyebrow at the performance, and she simpered at him, lilting, "Do you want yours?" as she nodded toward the candles stuck in his cake.

Snape spread his hands in a gesture of concession and she giggled as she snatched the candles and licked the frosting off them too. Snape just watched her mouth with an intense expression. She tucked in, sighing in delight at the first mouthful and gazing at Snape with a blissful look.

"It's divine, Severus. Well done!"

They devoured the cake, even considering another slice before regretfully covering it for safekeeping. Hermione retreated to her room to get ready for the outing, and Snape tidied up the worktable a bit. When he heard her coming down the stairs again, he looked up and sucked in a sharp breath.

Hermione had decided to treat herself for her birthday and had bought a new dress for the occasion. It wasn't overly dressy, but it was pretty. Combined with a soft cardigan to stave off the night's chill, sleek heels, and the gardenia in her hair, she looked utterly feminine and desirable.

Snape couldn't help but smile up at her, appreciation glowing in his eyes. Revelling in her desirability, Hermione bobbed a curtsey and said, "My birthday present to myself."

Snape offered his arm and said, "I like it."

Beaming up at him as they left the house, she retorted, "So do I," and laughed.

They arrived only a few minutes before Draco slunk in, eyes wide and wary until he saw them, at which point he wilted in relief and smiled. Crossing to them, he bowed to Hermione and kissed her hand, saying, "Happy birthday, Hermione. You look lovely."

"Why, thank you, Draco. I'm glad you could join us."

A beat later, Harry led Ron, Neville, and George into the pub, making a beeline toward Hermione to envelop her in a fierce hug. "Happy birthday! I've missed you. How are you?"

Harry pulled back to grin at Hermione and she laughed. "I'm great, thank you. How's training going?"

Harry stepped back and turned to the others, looking at Ron as he said, "Well, we've survived so far, but I'm fairly certain they're waiting to unleash the worse stuff, right, Ron?"

Ron was staring at Hermione with a wistful, hungry expression, but he muttered, "Yeah, it's all right. Happy birthday, Hermione. You look really nice."

Hermione blushed and said, "Thank you. I'm glad training is going well."

Ron started to move forward, but he stopped short, so George jumped into the awkward moment and ducked in to give Hermione a quick hug. "Thanks for the invite, Hermione. And happy birthday."

Hermione hugged George extra hard, knowing he would understand the unspoken acknowledgement of Fred's absence. "I'm so glad you came. It means a lot to me."

When they separated, Neville was right behind George, grinning at Hermione. "My turn now?"

Hermione laughed and pulled him into a tight embrace. "It's so good to see you, Neville. Thanks for coming."

Neville planted a kiss on her cheek and backed away as he said, "Happy birthday, Hermione."

Snape cleared his throat and said, "Why don't we clear the area and have a seat over at the tables. I'll get the first round. What'll you have?"

Hermione beamed at him and said, "You know my usual, Severus. Come on, you lot. Let's have a seat over here."

The others murmured their drink choices as they passed Snape, and George joined Snape at the bar. "You don't have enough hands; I'll help."

Snape nodded his thanks as Kelly crossed to them. "Evening, Severus. The usual?"

Snape tilted his head at the group with Hermione at the table and said, "We'll take ours, but we've got more for the first round."

Nodding briskly, Kelly served up each pint as ordered, setting them on the bar before Snape and George. While she was busy, George leant closer to Snape and said, "She's a pretty bird. Know if she's taken?"

Snape smirked. "Not that I've seen. Good luck if you try. But remember, you're in a Muggle pub, so no magic."

George snapped a mock-salute and said, "Right-o," as he tried to catch Kelly's eye before following Snape to the table with his hands full of drinks.

Hermione had dragged a couple of tables together so they could all sit around them, and she was avidly listening to Harry regaling the group with a tale of Auror training. Snape placed her pint on the table in front of her and she broke her attention away long enough to flash a radiant smile of thanks at him.

Ron took his drink from George and immediately took a long swallow, clearly unhappy. The rest of the boys exchanged knowing looks, determined to keep him under control and make sure he didn't ruin Hermione's birthday.

Snape sat a little further back from the table, observing the younger crowd, appreciating how much Hermione was enjoying herself.

When glasses were about half-full, George shot up and said, "It's my round. Back in a tick."

Draco saw Snape smirking at George's retreating form and turned to see why. He snorted when he saw George obviously trying to chat up the barmaid. Leaning closer to Snape, he drawled, "Does he need any help?"

Snape cocked an eyebrow and murmured, "With which: carrying the drinks back or having any success with Kelly?"

Draco sniggered. "If he looks like he's having trouble, I'll go grab the pints."

Snape nodded, turning his attention back to Hermione. When George returned...making two trips with the drinks...Hermione shrugged and drained her first pint, unwittingly giving George the opportunity to take the empty glasses to the bar to press his flirt.

Ron started to loosen up after his first pint, and he responded cordially to the others' attempts to draw him out. Upon seeing him behaving well again, Hermione nearly bounced in triumph. After the first hour, everyone was smiling and sharing stories, relaxing and having a good time. Snape, however, refrained from taking the spotlight, only responding to any inquiries or chuckling at particularly funny anecdotes.

Draco took the next round, smoothly asking George to help him get the drinks, earning a sage nod from Snape as they strode off. Hermione's cheeks were flushed and her eyes were bright with merriment. She had nearly finished her second pint already, and her gestures had already become more expansive and her speech slower. Snape watched to see how steady she was on her feet when she took a quick trip to the toilets, and noticed that she was a little wobbly, especially on those heels.

The third round was at the table when she returned, and she drank up, cheerily announcing, "This is my best birthday ever!"

Everyone toasted to that, joining her on her path to inebriation. Snape purposefully slowed down, wanting someone to be alert, just in case. What if one of them forgot that they were in a Muggle pub and let something slip? He didn't want Ministry authorities spoiling Hermione's occasion.

It was nearly closing, and when Kelly announced time, Neville shoved to his feet with a faint sway, intent on getting last rounds at the bar. Snape declined the offer, and Hermione blinked a few times before ordering a water instead. The rest of the boys switched to halves, and Neville joined the rest of the patrons in the scrum at the bar, with George at his shoulder again.

Finally, the pub was closing, and Kelly walked around gathering glasses and shooing everyone out. Hermione beamed at Kelly as she led her party outside, slightly unsteady as she walked. She hugged everyone in turn, lilting, "I'm so glad you came," before planting a loud kiss on each of her friends' cheeks.

Ron seemed inclined to hold on longer, but George deftly tugged Hermione out of Ron's embrace, preventing him from causing a scene. Snape presented his arm to Hermione, and she gratefully gripped it, swaying into him as he led her on the route to Spinner's End, leaving the boys to find discreet spots from which to Disapparate.

The village was quiet on their way home, but Hermione kept giggling every time she wavered on her heels, hugging Snape's arm tighter and attempting her steps with deliberate care. Thus, the walk home took longer than usual, and it was after midnight by the time Snape ushered her into the house.

Snape locked the front door and turned to see Hermione perched on the first step, smirking at him. Raising his brows, he said, "And just why are you smirking?"

Hermione crooked a finger at him, beckoning him closer. He obliged and stepped in front of her. "All it took was... four-inch heels and a stair step, but for once... I'm finally taller than you!"

Snape snorted and she dissolved into giggles again, gripping his shoulder and the banister. "Does it make so much difference?"

Hermione tilted her head and appraised him thoughtfully. Pursing her lips, she murmured, "I can see your neck more... from this angle. Usually your hair and collar hide it. Does it hurt?"

Snape sucked in a breath when she followed her query with a gentle hand brushing his hair back, tucking it behind his ear to bare his throat more. His voice was hardly more than a whisper as he said, "No."

Hermione tugged on his shirt collar and said, "What's it feel like?"

"What do you mean?"

Inquisitive fingers trailed over the scar tissue, and Snape swallowed hard, closing his eyes at the streaks of arousal washing over him in response. Hermione leant forward, getting a closer look at his neck, and she started to overbalance. Snape instantly reached up and steadied her, his hands at her waist.

One of her hands was on his shoulder while the other was exploring his scar, and his grip moved them even closer as Hermione studied him. Snape was nearly trembling with the effort to keep himself from crushing her to him and snogging her beyond reason.

Hermione's pensive voice drew his attention from his fight for control. "It's strange... both smooth and rough. Not rough exactly, more ridged... lumpy..."

Voice strained, Snape said, "Does it disgust you?"

Hermione's gaze snapped back to his, her eyes wide with indignation. "Of course not! Scars have... stories to tell, and yours is one of... bravery... and sacrifice... and... is proof of why you deserve respect... and admiration."

Snape's lips twitched. "I'm glad you admire me, Hermione."

She smiled, making his chest tighten. "I do! You've made me... so happy today. This really's been... the best birthday ever. Thank you."

Snape locked eyes with her, his expression intense and consuming. In a rough purr, he said, "I enjoy making you happy."

Hermione's pupils dilated, and her smile faded into an almost dazed expression. The silence grew very loud as they stared at each other, both inching toward the other until their lips met in a tentative kiss.

Hermione nearly wavered on her feet again as her knees went weak, but Snape's grip at her waist held her up even as her arms slid over his shoulders. The first hesitant brush of lips was followed by Snape stepping closer, pressing her to him as he captured her mouth in a more forceful kiss, coaxing her tongue to meet his for a sensual dance of discovery.

Snape's cock sprang to life with a vehement bounce, straining against her body where she leant against him. Hermione's head was swimming, jolts of heat racing through her limbs and twining with slow tendrils of arousal that blossomed and crept toward her centre.

After several long moments of snogging, Hermione slid her hand into Snape's hair and pulled his head to one side, baring his scarred neck. Dragging her lips from his, she drew a trail of nibbles and licks back and down to his neck, tracing the contours of the scar tissue with her tongue, bathing it with her warm breath. Snape's eyes fluttered closed and he exhaled a harsh breath, one hand caressing her back and cupping her arse as he ground against her.

An approving hum vibrated Hermione's lips against his neck, and he twisted, one hand tangling in her hair to guide her mouth to his. His guttural groan was muffled by Hermione's tongue duelling with his for dominance.

They stood there, wrapped around each other, kissing, for a long while. Finally, when Hermione shifted her weight, she miscalculated and twisted her ankle on one heel, making her lurch and grab Snape even as she backed away with a startled cry. Scowling, she kicked off her shoes, sinking four inches onto the stair and no longer standing taller than Snape. Grimacing at the awkward pain in her overextended ankle, she blinked blearily at Snape, trying to gather her scattered wits.

"Ow. I think I... had too much to drink. I should... go to bed. I need the loo."

Snape backed away, taking deep breaths to regain his composure. "Let me help you upstairs. We don't want you hurting yourself further."

Hermione allowed him to grip her elbow, supporting her to climb the stairs. At the top, she cast a haphazard Summoning spell over her shoulder at her shoes, making Snape duck out of their way as they sailed past his head toward her room.

Hermione wrinkled her nose sheepishly and muttered, "Sorry," before covering her mouth as she yawned.

Snape let go of her elbow so she could enter the bathroom and retreated to his doorway. When she shut the bathroom door, he wilted against the doorjamb, heaving a huge sigh and clapping a hand over his scar. After a few beats, he gathered his strength and stepped into his room, but he left the door open so he could hear Hermione if she called for help.

He took off his shirt and tossed it into the hamper, then reached for his waistband. His erection was still straining against his trouser placket...boxers weren't exactly confining. Dropping onto the edge of his bed, he cradled his head in his hands, his elbows propped on his knees, as he struggled with his roaring desire for a woman nearly half his age.

She's clearly drunk, and although she was snogging you quite enthusiastically, that could merely be the alcohol acting, not her. If you tried to push things now, it could be a disaster. Do you want to ruin your chance to build something worthwhile for a quick shag while she's pissed? If you don't cock things up, she'll be around for a right long while, so you'll have your chance to pursue things more later. Take it easy, ol' chap. Once she's in bed, just have a wank and get some sleep yourself.

He heard the bathroom door open and snapped his head up to look at his doorway. Hermione appeared, leaning against the doorjamb, her cardigan gone, baring her shoulders in the thin-strapped dress. Her eyes were red from the alcohol and droopy with sleep, her hair was mussed from Snape's fevered caresses, and her lips were swollen from their fierce snogging. Snape's cock jumped in eagerness, but he remained where he was.

Hermione's speech was slow as she said, "Bathroom's free. I'm gonna... go to bed. Tired. Too much t'drink. G'night..."

Snape nodded. "Good night, Hermione. Get some rest."

She jerked a nod and rolled along the doorjamb to turn and stumble to her room. Snape heard her door shut and sent a spell at his, slamming it closed and locking it. Flinging himself onto his bed, he made quick work of doffing his trousers and shoving his boxers down, stroking his cock and stifling the groans of pleasure as he replayed the taste and feel of Hermione's mouth on his and her body under his roaming hands. Pumping his fist faster, tilting his hips into the strokes, he dragged his other hand over his scar, tracing where her tongue had drawn patterns on his skin. Imagining what it would be like to plunge into her, drinking in her nude glory, he gasped and shuddered as he came, spurting over his knuckles, his muscles rippling along his lean body until he was spent.

He allowed himself to doze for a bit before stirring and cleaning up. Finally sure that he could take the chance of being seen without a raging erection tenting his pants, he made a quick trip to the bathroom and got ready for bed, wondering what the morning would bring.

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