Chapter 7- Touched and Tormented

Disclaimer: Alas, the world of Harry Potter is not mine. JKR dreamed it up before I ever had a chance. Any character you recognize belongs to her.

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Ch 7 - Touched and Tormented

Severus sat in the Restricted Section, the books before him. He wondered at his find. Could it have been possible? He definitely remembered Ron had been standing in the closest proximity to the Dark Lord as they had vanquished him. But was it really possible that he could have centered all of his hatred and anger to land on Weasley at the point of his death?

Also, why would it wait for so long to begin to manifest? It had been a good two months now since the final battle, and Weasley had just begun to show the signs that were related to this kind of attack.

The boy was showing anger and hatred toward his best friend, who was a Muggle-born, but was he exhibiting it at anyone else as well? Was it an actual possession they would be dealing with? Or just negative energy? Would they be able to stop it before all the good had been drained from the Gryffindor, or was it already too late?

The questions filled his mind at an alarming rate as he searched for answers. He would have to speak with the Headmaster and get his aid in looking into this. Also, he would have to warn Potter and Hermione both that until they knew for sure what was going on, it would be best for them to keep a safe distance from their lifelong friend.

He resolved to speak to them both about this. The sooner he told them, the better. But as he considered it, he found himself longing for one more night without any distractions between them. Tonight, he wanted her to himself. Tomorrow would be soon enough to alert the others to his suspicions.

Tonight, he wanted to alert her to something else entirely. He wanted her to know about the feelings that were beginning to stir to life within him. Tonight he would ask her if there was any way that she could let herself care for someone such as he.

A small smile graced his lips before being replaced with a scowl as he again let his thoughts turn to the problem of her friend. It seemed that even from the grave, yet again, the Dark Lord would always have his revenge.

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By the time Hermione had to report to the music room, she was trembling in anticipation. A million questions ran through her mind. What did he think of when he held me in his arms? Was this just some cruel game he was playing with my feelings? Did he plan this as revenge for the dare? Was it possible that he was really attracted to me? Did he feel anywhere near as nervous about what was happening between us as I did?

Stopping outside the door, she stood there with her hand pressed to the door for a moment. Closing her eyes, she took a steadying breath before finding the energy to knock. When she rapped, the door opened of its own accord, revealing a room lit with hundreds of candles.

Stepping hesitantly across the threshold, Hermione gazed in wonder at the room around her. Soft scents of lavender and myrrh tantalized her, relaxing and calming her simultaneously. Smiling at the nervousness she'd felt, she turned slowly, enjoying what she saw before coming face to face with the man who made all her senses come to life.

Drawing a shaky breath, she whispered, "The room is beautiful."

Severus' lips quirked for only a moment at the hint of a smile before he spoke. "Yes, well, if we are going to be dancing in such ways, we might as well have the correct atmosphere for it."

She found her brow furrowing at his attempt to sound nonchalant when he snapped his fingers. Immediately her clothing was once again replaced by a gown. This one was elegant, but modest. It fit her snugly, coming to her neck in the front, but dipping to her waist in the back. Also, the skirt fell just above her thigh on one side only to cascade well past her calf on the other. The color was dark blue, and the slippers that now adorned her feet matched it perfectly.

Looking from her new apparel to the wizard before her, she was rewarded with a slow smile as he gathered her into his arms. Mesmerized by the way his body seemed to fit so well to hers, she took his offered hand while her other found its way to his shoulder.

His eyes never leaving hers, he said in a low, seductive voice, "Slow rhumba, please." As the music began to play, Hermione found herself holding her breath as he started to lead her through the steps of what she had always considered a nice, but less than sensual, dance.

She found herself having to rethink her opinion as he closed the distance between their bodies, bringing her closer and letting her feel every line of his physique mold to hers. She began to shake as he leaned his head so close to hers that she could feel his breathing against her cheek. Waves of heat began to roll over her internal organs, building a fire that threatened to consume her.

She could feel her body responding to his in ways she had never thought possible. Her pulse raced. Her breathing became hard to control, and she could feel the flush rising on her cheeks as he dipped her down to where the only thing that kept her from falling was the strong arm that held her. Then, he kept her there as if waiting for something. Her eyes were closed, and she didn't dare look at him for fear of seeing any hatred or cruelty in his eyes. This is where he will warn me never to trifle with his life again and say some hateful thing before sending me on my way. Her heart broke at the thought.

This had to be some cruel intent on his part. She knew he couldn't possibly look at her in a truly romantic way. She was his student, and more than that, he had never made any effort to hide the fact that he really didn't care for her, or even her efforts in a scholastic sense.

She made up her mind to open her eyes and face him. Let him have his victory by humiliating her. The school year would be over in just another week and a half. Then, she need never feel his scorn again.

But when she opened her eyes and let herself see him, his own emotions were laid bare before her. His eyes, usually so cold and callous, were instead hot and devouring her in a way that made her own pulse beat ever faster.

His lips were open ever so slightly as he drew ragged breaths into his lungs, as if fighting an urge to do something. Unable to resist, she opened her own mouth to ask what he was thinking and why he had stopped, but was unable to do so as she was swept tightly into his embrace.

His lips descended on hers in a way that had her moaning into his mouth as she held to him and returned the kiss. Greedily, he sucked her tongue into his mouth and twined his tongue with hers. Her fingers found his hair, and she was surprised by its texture. It wasn't greasy at all, but instead, soft and silky. She let herself give in to the urge to hold his head to hers as she let him deepen the kiss.

He brought her up slowly and held her body in a way that kept every inch of them touching. Slowly, he let one hand leave her waist and travel down towards the thigh that was partially exposed. When his hand touched her bare skin, he moaned at the contact before releasing her and stepping back.

"I'm sorry, Miss Granger. I had no right to do that just now." He turned away from her, leaving her feeling chilled and rejected.

She stared at his back silently as he refused to turn. She wanted to touch him, but was afraid to. What if he not only rejected her, but went into his normal defense of belittling and humiliating her out loud? No, she decided. This is humiliating enough.

Turning, she began to slowly make her way from the room before his voice stopped her. "Miss Granger?"

Stopping, she didn't turn, but asked, "Yes, sir?"

There was no answer for her, but instead, she found herself once more enveloped in his arms from behind. "I am an old man, Hermione. I am battle scarred and miserable." He shook his head before leaning to rest it against her cheek, his eyes closed. "Is there any way that an intelligent young witch like yourself could possibly become attracted to the likes of myself?"

He chuckled mirthlessly. "I just cannot fathom it. Dumbledore can. In fact, he is the one that insisted I try to build a relationship with you, but I just cannot seem to believe that you would ever want me."

Hermione found her breath coming in gasps as she turned in his arms to face him. "You are attempting to find a romantic outlet with me because Albus Dumbledore wants it?" Her voice shook and her eyes betrayed her hurt. "Do you always do everything that he asks of you?"

She stepped out of his reach and looked down at the dress he had enchanted her into when she had first arrived. In a painfully even voice, she asked, "May I have my clothes back, please?"

Realizing his mistake, he tried to explain. "Hermione..."

"I think I would prefer if you called me as you had before. There is no reason to drop the formality, as I am only a student to you, and you cannot force," her eyes met his, "what isn't really there." She drew a shaky breath before adding, "Please tell the Headmaster that I would appreciate it if he would stay out of matters that involve my personal life."

She looked around the room, feeling as if she had just lost something very precious and sacred. "If it's all the same to you, I think perhaps we should refrain from holding the rest of our detentions in this room."

Severus stared at her, speechless. He understood her hurt. He had unknowingly caused it. Much as he had thought that she asked him to dance only on a dare, she thought he was pursuing her only because of his mentor's request.

Her eyes held his for a moment before looking back at the gown she still wore. She bit the inside of her cheek, refusing to succumb to tears before saying, "Fine... If the clothes decide to magic off of me before I reach my rooms, I shall just have to walk through the halls naked!"

Turning, she ran from the room, leaving Snape's ears ringing at the stifled sob she hadn't been able to hold back.

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A/N: Another somewhat short chapter... I am sorry, but it seems these few chapters around this part of the story are pivotal to the flow of the story. New things are happening. New developments are threatening the lovers before they can even find happiness, and my MUSE is giving me no choice but to write it exactly as she deems... And when will the LEMONS get here already??? ;..(( I wish I knew! Forgive me and review anyway, please?