Interlude
Chapter 12 of 18
PlaidPookaA potion accident causes unusual results.
ReviewedWaking, Severus kept his eyes closed for a long time. It was no Slytherin artifice; he knew exactly where he was. He was lying naked in the middle of the Forbidden Forest--and he'd never been happier in his life. The delightful vixen twined around him snuggled closer, making soft sounds in her sleep. Severus lay still, eyes firmly closed, lips curling into a ridiculous grin.
They'd been roused from sleep once during the night at the beginning of a sudden storm. Severus had used Hermione's wand to cast a shielding charm; they'd then made love again with frantic abandon as the storm raged around them. Remembering each exquisite detail, Severus' smile widened.
Sighing, he opened his eyes at last and contemplated the morning. He wanted nothing more than to wake his sleeping seraph and spend the entire day teaching her the thousand ways two people can pleasure one another. It was not to be--now the fates had granted him such joy, his only fear was it would be abruptly ripped away. The forest was a dangerous place, and they had but one wand between them. He could use Hermione's wand, but only with difficulty. Besides, he wanted her to be able to protect herself. Better she retain it and he manage as best he could. If he could but guide her safely back to Hogwarts, they could spend the rest of their lives in rapturous pursuits.
The goddess at his side stirred and woke.
Hermione took one look at the ridiculous grin on Severus' face and matched it with one of her own. He leaned over her and twin grins met briefly in a hard kiss. Severus smoothed the hair from her face. Gods, he could stay in this moment for all eternity. Giving the tip of her upturned nose a quick peck, he breathed a regretful sigh and resolutely began disengaging himself from Hermione's embrace.
"And just where do you think you are going, professor of mine? I have many plans for you!" Hermione demanded imperiously.
Chuckling at her tone firstly, Severus then waxed more serious, though he couldn't banish that damn fool's grin entirely. Lying on his side, facing her, his tousled head propped upon a hand, he regarded her as seriously as he was able. "From what you have told me, and my best guesswork, I imagine we are only about ten miles from Hogwarts. I would like nothing..." he reached a hand to gently cup her cheek, "nothing better than to remain here in exalted dishabille until the end of time, Goddess. However, if we forgo that pleasure, for now, I think we could reach home today."
"Why is it so important to get back today? We've had an easy time of it so far. Would it be so terrible continue to have me all to yourself?"
Hermione's tone was teasing, but the observant ex-spy noticed the thread of uncertainty in her expression. "Believe me, Hermione, I am not in haste to share you with anyone...you are mine," he growled, leaning forward for another quick, possessive kiss. "I will bow to the inevitability of having to share your attention with others if it means we are home safe. I know we've had an easy time, but this is a dark, very old forest. It hides secrets and dangers I would rather not face with only one wand between us. If my own wand wasn't heavily warded against such an attempt, I'd have you try to fetch it."
"Are we in danger then? We could use the invisibility cloak, though you are a bit tall for it."
"I'd rather exchange invisibility for speed. Honestly, little one, it's a miracle you reached me without mishap. I know you are both fierce and clever, but there are fell creatures in this wood and no invisibility cloak will fool all of them."
Noticing how serious his expression and the sudden sadness in his eyes, Hermione wondered anew what had happened to him before they came together. She had not forgotten the unicorn blood; she just hadn't felt brave enough to question him about it. Vowing to ask him about it after they got underway, she reluctantly began to climb off the pallet.
"All right then, if we are going to get moving, then I need to use the bushes!" she said cheekily. Severus chuckled again and went to "use the bushes" himself. A brief snack, quick packing, and they were walking down the trail.
Their walk was different today. Though Severus was not a man for overwhelming displays of affection, he constantly found reasons to touch the smiling woman at his side. Offering Hermione his hand to help her over a fallen tree, he would find himself holding it a bit longer than necessary. Occasionally, he'd rest a guiding hand on the small of her back or take a moment to wave a stray curl away from her face. She didn't mention the change in his attitude, but with every gesture she would turn to him with a beaming smile. He found his own foolish expression returning again and again. Who would've ever thought the "greasy git" would behave in this insanely insipid manner, he thought to himself. The students at Hogwarts would faint dead away. Hmmm...actually a rather intriguing notion.
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They walked for several hours--cherished hours full of inconsequential talk and stolen caresses. Eventually, Hermione gathered courage enough to ask the question that had puzzled her for days. "Severus, may I ask you something?"
"You may ask me anything, Hermione. I will answer if I can."
"When I reached you...well...you were covered in unicorn blood. Would you tell me what happened?"
Severus abruptly halted in the middle of the path, his face a transparent mixture of fear and mortification. He stared at her with haunted eyes. "Hermione," his normally sure, steady tones coming out jerkily, "I would never..." He broke off, dropping his head and closing his eyes tightly.
Hermione immediately knew what the trouble was. Appalled that she had waded into the obviously painful subject with so little tact, she rushed over to grab his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her.
"Severus, I know. I know you would never do such a thing. Forgive me my carelessness. When I finally found you, you were a mess. I adore you, Severus, and seeing you like that scared the very life out of me. It was a miracle I was able to stay calm enough to help you. I only asked because I wanted to know what horrible things you'd endured to bring you to such a state. I know damn well my wonderful, honorable man would never harm such a creature."
Severus' anguished look quieted and he buried his face in the crook of her neck. Holding him tightly, Hermione continued murmuring reassurances into his hair. They stood there, locked in a tight embrace in the midst of the woodland path, for a long time. Eventually, Severus calmed himself. Rather dismayed by his distasteful display of emotion, he gave a soft, self-deprecating snort and drew back far enough from Hermione to look at her.
"I'm sorry, Hermione," he whispered, a bit sheepishly. "I'm just not good at all this..." He gave a graceful sweep of his arm, as if he were referring to the whole forest, but Hermione knew he referred to their fledgling relationship.
"I'm obviously not very good at 'all this' either, or I would've managed that more gently. I didn't mean to upset you. I expect it's going to take us some time to get used to one another."
"You are being too kind to me," Severus said with a roll of his eyes. "You posed a simple question and I responded like a babbling idiot...I should have known better...I should have known you better."
"Hush," she said, giving him another hug. "Can you tell me what happened?" she asked quietly. "It must've been bad."
"It was horrible, Hermione," he said in a frighteningly flat tone. "Despite years of the dreadful things I was forced to endure while spying amongst the Death Eaters, I think it was the most awful moment in my life. I know that I have never in my life felt so absolutely helpless."
"Tell me. Perhaps sharing this burden with me shall lighten it."
"All right, but let's keep walking. It seems easier somehow..."
Walking through the wood, Hermione at his side, her hand clutched tightly in his, he told her about Bob. He told her the whole tale: of Bob's gentleness, his humor, his unwavering loyalty. He told her of his sacrifice and of his death. When he finished, tears streamed down Hermione's face. She stopped them on the path again to hold her beloved tight in her arms.
"I'm so sorry, love. So very sorry. Gods bless him for keeping you safe."
"He would have loved you, my angel," whispered Severus.
They continued their walk in silence for some time. Severus never let go her hand.
*********************************
Mid afternoon found the pair sitting close together on the ground, having what was supposed to be a short rest and a bite to eat. Hermione, however, was taking every opportunity to snog her beloved professor senseless.
"Sweet Lilith!" grumbled Severus, "I've created a monster! I see that I was quite correct, Madame, when I thought it best not to instruct you in the pleasures of passion until we were safely back at Hogwarts. If you do not stop your repeated attacks on my person, I fear we shall never arrive home." While the voice he used was pure Potions Master, the heated look belied his words. He dipped his head to hers and kissed her breathless. "Damn siren!" he growled, "We must get started. I think Hogwarts is only a matter of miles."
"Yes, Professor," Hermione said, rolling her eyes as she regretfully disengaged herself.
Before they started off, Severus realized he had to piss like a unicorn. With a complete lack of modesty, he simply whipped it out and got down to business. When he noticed Hermione studying the process with avid interest, he bit back a chuckle. "Woman, must you ogle me?" he asked her, smirking.
"I'm sorry," she said with a blush. "I've just never seen a man do...that... before--it's rather oddly fascinating. I can't seem to drag my eyes away."
Severus did chuckle then. "What am I going to do with you, siren?" Damn. One ogle and he was getting hard...makes it blasted difficult to take a piss. Finally finishing, he turned towards her as he began to tuck himself back into his trousers. Before he could complete the task, Hermione threw herself against him. Finding his bare cock suddenly thrusting against her jumper covered stomach was the last straw. Giving up to fate, he plundered her mouth with a searching tongue as he ground against her. Perhaps if they could be quite quick...he thought. Still ravishing her mouth, he divested Hermione of her wand. It was time to act on a particularly tantalizing fantasy.
Hermione was completely befuddled when Severus broke the kiss to strike a tree with a cushioning charm. What on earth was he doing? When he then used her wand to divest her of only her jeans and panties, while leaving her hiking boots, she was equally astonished.
"Perfect," he rumbled, eyes slithering up and down her half naked form. His erection still protruding proudly from his unbuttoned trousers, he did not waste time removing any of his own attire. Pressing once more against Hermione, he placed his strong hands on her waist and effortlessly lifted her up. "Put your legs about my waist, little one," he instructed, before returning his hungry tongue to her mouth. Hermione readily complied. She let out a pleased (if startled) squeak when Severus, with one swift, sure movement, lowered her to be instantly impaled on his shaft. She clutched him tightly with both arms and legs as he began to thrust into her eager heat.
For long moments they remained standing, unsupported, in the middle of the path while they writhed together. Eventually Severus' passion demanded more leverage and he stepped to the cushioned tree to press Hermione firmly against it.
Hermione had never imagined sex could be so wild and abandoned. While she loved the sweet attention Severus had previously paid her, she found herself enthralled by his present loss of control. The thought that she could reduce the normally reserved man to such a state, combined with the amazing things he was doing to her body, made her excitement rise quickly to a fever pitch. When Severus worked a thumb between their heaving bodies to find her button, she came immediately, shouting into the mouth that still devoured her own. Severus thrust one last time deeply into her tight heat as she spasmed around him, and his shout mingled with her own.
They rested against the tree for long moments, staring into each other's eyes and sharing gentle kisses while waiting for their panting breath to quiet.
"All right, little one?" Severus asked. "I was not...too rough with you?"
Hermione replied with a smug smile any Slytherin would have been proud of. "All right? Perhaps you didn't notice me screaming your name into your mouth? I'm a bit better than all right...I'm bloody brilliant!"
"I've always thought so," Severus replied with a satisfied smirk of his own.
A short time later found the new lovers once again walking down the path, hand in hand. A veteran of two wars as well as an accomplished duelist, Severus always remembered to take Hermione's left hand, leaving her wand hand free. Yet even the most brilliant of minds can fail one when suitably distracted. Severus had completely forgotten that, in the heat of passion, he had slipped her wand into his own pocket. It was a mistake he would live to regret bitterly.
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The merry blue twinkle of Albus Dumbledore's eyes had gotten devilishly intense in the past two days. Students and Professors passing him in the halls fell to wondering what the old boy was up to. Albus wasn't up to anything (for once), he was just incredibly happy.
The morning after Severus' clock hand had landed in "Collapsed," giving Albus such a fright, both the hand of his reserved Potions Master and that of his rescuer had swung firmly into a new designation of the diverse grandfather clock..."Courting." Albus liked to stop by and check out the expressions on his young friends' faces. On the first day, Severus' expression ran the gamut between sly, thoughtful, and a bit taken aback. Hermione's had ranged between puzzled and a rather wistful hopefulness. This had amused Albus no end. He had swept Minerva into the room just to watch her face as she saw where her favorite student's hand had landed.
Minerva had snorted and said, "They are either perfect for one another or they're going to kill each other."
The second day of voyeuristic clock-watching had left Albus wondering if Minerva's second opinion had been the correct one after all. He was certain, however, that Minerva hadn't imagined it would be the sweet student who killed the often infuriating Professor. Yet there it was. Severus' picture looked absolutely devastated while Hermione's usually kind young face had a look of unspeakable fury. Albus couldn't imagine what Severus had done to cause that look. He knew Severus was brilliant, but there were obviously some things that the confident Potions Master had not yet learned to fear. Hell hath no fury...
By the next morning, both of his missing friends had sprouted absolutely ridiculous grins. Albus had a pretty good notion what had caused them. He found himself snickering at odd points during the day which made Minerva curious indeed. He tried to keep his observant Head of Gryffindor out of his sitting room that day. He wasn't sure how the woman would react if she figured out Severus was "molesting" her student. He sniggered again. Perhaps he should be more concerned for the girl, but judging by the expression on her clock hand, she wouldn't thank him for interfering. Ah, well...she was of age and almost graduated. He was certain the level-headed girl could make up her own mind on the matter.
He felt, at turns, a bit sorry for each of them. Hermione was going to have her hands full with his sly friend; that was a fact. Severus on the other hand, was patently unused to love of any sort. He was reserved even with those professors he called friend. Having an exuberant young witch like Hermione in love with him was going to throw him right off his head. Albus allowed himself another chuckle.
Suddenly, both oft-watched clock hands began a slow and unstoppable movement. Albus' expression grew wary. Perhaps they were only arriving home at last? His face fell as both hands stopped firmly in "Deadly Peril."
"Oh my children...what have you done?"
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Severus saw the beast first. He halted immediately on the path, stopping Hermione as well with their still clasped hands.
"Hermione," he said with quiet urgency, "my love, do not move."
Only three miles from home and safety, fate stopped them in their tracks. On the path before them stood a minotaur.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Naked Journey
155 Reviews | 5.72/10 Average
I can confidently say that this is one of my absolute favorite SS/HG stories. Keep up the great work.
I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes when I read this:
“What elegant appellation could possibly do justice to your graceful form, your evanescent eyes, your incessant snickering? I fear it’s a Herculean task. Yet--wait! Perhaps it isn’t hopeless. I shall name you…Bob,” he finished with a smirk, arching his brow as if daring the unicorn to argue.
I didn't have this checked off as read, but I have read it apparently elsewhere. However it was no chore reading it a second time.
Thanks for sharing such a sweet story.
Explosive from the start and hurtled down into hillarity , angst and much speculating. The thought of a naked Severus lost was just too funny not to read. Liked it a lot and wanted to tell you this.
Very witty comments and double meanings from both main characters. The dawning realisation from both that the fates mean them to be together even if fate played nasty at times.
Bob and the Black Unicorn stole the show for me. As for Dumbledore not able to interfere - all the better and to stay back and clock watch - now that was really funny.
Well done. Blows kiss for writing and making an awful day for me yesterday turn into something much better after reading your story. Thanks.
A wonderful tale.
I can just imagine waking up to being nommed on by a unicorn- it makes me laugh. *chomp chomp chin*
Dear PlaidPooka.
Beautiful. Charming. Funny. Hot. Touching. What else can be said?
Is that really all there is> You are incredible and I loved it very Much!
That was a very delightful if fanciful story. Severus was extremely AU but still wonderful. I would never have thought of him as a unicorn, that was brill.
I've read more than 700 SS/HG stories in the past 5 years, but really, this is one of my favourites. Good story, well written and yes Bob...brings tears to my eyes, not only because my father was called Bob.
I *heart* Bob!
Damn, one more twist before we got off. This is a lovely story.
Um, eating a wand. :) it worked!I'm so glad. No more rollercoasters in this one, right?
LOL! a draw! I love it. What did Harry say? Yay for finished stories!
Now, i'm crying because everyone is stuck.
Ouch, this whole chapter made me wince in sympathy.
I love your choices for Arithmancy Masters! Heinlein is one of my favorites.
Now, I'm sad and happy, but mostly sad for Bob.
wow. that's a lot of travel.
I wonder if Dumbledore was trying to goad them into finding Severus. That would be Dumbledore sneaky and just like the trio to break the rules.
First(ish) part: I love the Snape compass!Next: Oh to be Bob, kind of.
Second part: not good to be in danger and have no defenses, but yay for Good Old Bob. I hate redcaps.
First part: maybe snape spit is unicorn ambrosia, since snape is unicorn catnip, snicker.
Why wouldn't he want her?