Confessions

Summary: Severus experiences Erectile Dysfunction. Hermione is a Sex Therapist. Will she be able to cure him?

~*~

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Confessions

Severus found himself in a bit of a quandary. After Hermione's candid proposition, the moment of truth had come. He had two choices to make. Either continue his ruse and engage in more sessions with Hermione under the guise of taking them on behalf of Remus... or confess.

He had tried to ignore making this decision on his own. Instead he found himself taking advantage of the situation, and of her. Despite the longing in his loins and an unfamiliar desire to hold her, to be near her, he knew when to change tactical maneuvers. Even a Slytherin knew that there were moments for the games to end and for truth to prevail.

"Severus?" Hermione inquired, puzzled by his lack of response.

"Hermione, I did not intend to ignore you. You've just given me rather a lot to consider." Severus lowered his face so that it was level with hers. "I would love nothing more than to discuss practical sessions with you, but for now why don't you obtain some more leaves so that we can talk without any further beastly interruptions if it should become necessary to medicate Remus again."

"Severus," Hermione warned, "play nice."

"My apologies, Hermione. Upon your return I would like an opportunity to talk with you."

"Always the mysterious one, aren't you?"

"Mysterious? Well, a spy should never be expected to change his colors."

"No, I but I can expect a Slytherin to shed his skin every so often."

"Then, upon your return, I shall meet your expectation."

"Severus Snape, you really are dark and mysterious! Now you have me very much intrigued, so I'll be back in a jiffy!" With that statement Hermione turned around, searched for the pocket watch, and within an instant she was transported out of the Chamber to Colombia.

Lost in thought, Severus stared at the spot Hermione had vacated. His Slytherin tactics had failed him. Not because they were unsound, but because for a hateful moment he'd faltered and allowed the beast to return, upsetting his entire game plan. This started out as a simple ploy on his part to maintain his secrets, but he never imagined that this woman, a Gryffindor no less, would be a match for him. Regardless, it was time for a ceasefire. He created this hole he was in, and it was time to set it all right again.

It was Albus, thankfully, who had returned him his dignity. He helped him to realize that despite his descent, the beast did not overtake him. Had it, he would have forced himself on Hermione, and he had not. Though, with his use of Obliviate on her, his violation of her was that of a different, albeit intimate, sort.

The time for a ceasefire was long overdue. While he would introduce the possibility of a truce to Hermione, she may not forgive him. She might be repulsed at what he had done, and rightfully so. Despite her not having any memory of the incident, he would ensure that she regained the events of that day.

As Severus mulled over his inescapable confession, he walked around the Chamber and looked in on Remus. He was doing well, despite being in werewolf form, deep in sleep. Considering the initial double dosage required for that deep sleep to occur, Severus believed that it would be some time before another dosage was necessary. Although, one could never be too careful or too confident, as Remus had already proven himself to be full of surprises.

Severus looked around the cavernous Chamber. From his position he could see the vast antechamber flanked with Salazar's snake-entwined pillars. He could see the sleeping werewolf just in front of inoperable entrance doors. He turned his gaze toward his immediate surroundings, from the makeshift potions lab to the plinth of Salazar's statue; cold and void. What else should he have expected from the Chamber of Secrets, hanging tapestries and an Axminster carpet?

In light of the intimate and potentially disturbing conversation that he planned, the atmosphere certainly didn't lend itself to a sense of warmth and security. Though, thankfully, as the Chamber of Secrets, it did provide complete privacy. Severus was unsure as to how to proceed, but it was clear that he had to improve upon the Chamber's décor if he was to make Hermione comfortable. Looking around the chamber, there was nothing of substantial size and dimension from which to Transfigure to make the place comfortable. He would have to improvise. Time and lycanthrope wait for no man. With Hermione due back at any moment and Remus to observe, simple Cushioning Charms would have to suffice.

And, with a grumble in his stomach, a thought came to him.... "Dobby, you are summoned." As soon as Severus said the words, Dobby appeared with the resonating crack typical of elf magic.

"Dobby is here, sir." The little creature sheepishly said as his eyes darted to and fro, searching for the werewolf.

"We are all safe, Dobby, at the moment. Please share with Professor McGonagall that all is going well."

"Yes, sir. Dobby is a doing good, sir. I've already sent word to Professor that you and Dr Granger is getting along."

"Already sent word?"

"Yes, sir. Headmistress has asked that Dobby look in every hour, and I is doing that, sir."

"And just when did you check in on us before?"

"You were eating something on Dr Granger's face, sir. I was scared and was going to help her, but I think she was happy to share. Is she okay, sir?" Dobby continued as his eyes rolled around his tiny head, scanning the Chamber for her.

"Dobby, do not concern yourself with that. Dr Granger is well and is currently obtaining another cutting."

"I think Headmistress would prefer for Dobby to remain to see to Dr Granger's health, sir."

"Nonsense. Dobby, you are needed on another matter. Dr Granger and I require tea, biscuits, and sandwiches."

"Yes, sir. Dobby is helping you, sir."

"Thank you."

"Yes, sir!" Dobby eagerly replied and Vanished with a snap.

As is typical for efficient house-elf, Dobby returned within moments with a tray full of food and tableware... a lot of tableware.

"Dobby, only Dr Granger and I have requested nourishment. How many people do you think we are entertaining down here in the Chamber of Secrets?" Severus continued, "Considering the number of plates you've brought us, you expect us to feed an entire Quidditch team."

When Dobby did not immediately respond, Severus demanded, "Answer me, Dobby. Why have you brought us so many dishes?"

"Dobby is a very smart house elf, sir. I's bringing you dishes so you don't have to eat food from Dr Granger's face, sir."

~*~

Despite it being mere moments before Hermione's anticipated return from Colombia, Severus continued to question his decision to reveal all to her. He was unbalanced and, despite committing himself to the task, he needed to convince himself why he should go through with confession. He was his only source of strength right now. Albus was safely locked away in the Headmistress' drawer. He was sure of it, considering how upset Minerva had been with Albus last night.

What would confession bring? How would confessing be better than continuing this game? He was getting soft – there seemed to be no other explanation for his emotional state. He was anxious and unsure of himself. This was not the Severus Snape he cultivated. Never before had anyone, not even the Dark Lord, caused him to question himself. Yet here he was, thinking and rethinking, figuratively flagellating himself over his decision, behaving like the cook's apprentice on pancake night – a right tosser.

There seemed to be no reason to maintain this façade anymore. Hermione had already guessed he was her real patient during her enraged diatribe just before he lost control. If she knew, really knew, then why would she endure his presence? In fact, she volunteered to assist him this evening and was even receptive to his attentions. She continued to confuse him. Severus guessed that maybe strategic confusion was her tactical maneuver! Confuse and destroy! Only a Gryffindor would choose such a perplexing strategy. He continued to consider this as he reconsidered the considerable consequences of her non-consideration – this made his head hurt. He leaned back against the wall and sighed with defeat. She was beautiful. It wasn't so much her physical beauty that attracted him but her confidence and her intellect. Luckily, she was human too – an advantage in a world of Red Caps and Hinkypunks. For all of her attempts to present herself as a composed young woman, Severus could see the fire underneath the surface, luring him into the swamp gas, the quagmire of a relationship. Oh yes, she possessed the fire of a Hinkypunk all right! It was that very fire, and her fallibility, that he found most alluring, endearing and attractive.

As Severus pondered his attraction to Hermione Granger, she reappeared, staggering to retain her footing from her latest Portkey experience. Hermione noticed him in the distance as she smiled and gave a small wave of acknowledgment. Severus stared as he approached her. Her hair no longer remotely resembled tresses or curls, but was more like a frizzy nest of twigs trampled by its avian creator. Her skin was no longer soft and supple but instead she was sporting red splotches swollen by the creature's poison. And yet, she was beautiful. She looked so young and delicate. Amazing really, considering the roaring fire that burned within the woman. Despite her desire for unrestrained passion and dominance, she could only play that role because in her daily existence she was fire. She was a force to be reckoned with, and Severus Snape would have it no other way.

"Welcome back, Hermione. How did you fare, this time?"

"Look at me! How do you think I fared? Of all the idiotic questions, Severus Snape!" Her words were harsh, but her demeanor bespoke gentle humor as she tilted her head and smiled with her hands on her hips. "Argh, I could never live there," Hermione added then paused for greater effect, "The heat... the humidity... the trees... the mosquitoes!" Hands thrown in the air completed her tirade as she smelled the food and let her nose guide her to the blanket on the flagstone underneath Salazar's formidable statue where food was laid before her.

"I'll be content with a high dose Malarial prophylactic panini," she muttered as she approached the spread. Severus had already taken the cuttings from her and placed them on the workstation using a stasis spell on the chance it would help keep them a bit longer, despite all the research to the contrary.

"Why are you dressed?" Hermione asked as she cast a Cushioning Charm and sat down onto the floor to eat.

"What kind of question is that? Explain your meaning," he snapped.

"Before I departed for Colombia we talked about you shedding your skin." She winked and continued, "I just assumed I'd return to a Severus Snape sporting his birthday suit."

"Ah, clever, dear. Always with your mind in the gutter."

"Don't you mean the dungeon?"

"Don't you wish, my dear?"

"I do," she coyly responded.

Severus took the tender moment to wipe some grime from her face and lingered more than necessary, showing his affection for her. "Hermione, at the moment I believe it is necessary to discuss these sessions of ours. If you don't mind?"

She responded with a cheeky smile that touched his heart. "We agreed, Severus, that they're non-refundable."

"Yes, yes, I know. This has nothing to do with the Galleons." Trying to maintain composed, he pulled his hand from her face and turned his back on her. "Just give me a moment please, I'll explain."

As Severus walked away he vigorously rubbed his face and threaded his hands through his hair, contemplating how to begin this very delicate conversation. There was only one way... to jump right in and ride the tsunami that would assuredly rebound on him.

He turned around facing her and, noticing their height differential, he returned to his seated place across from her. "Hermione, I have not been truthful with you," Severus offered as he reached out to caress her hands in his. "You see, I've lied to you. I told you that Remus was the one experiencing sexual problems, when in actuality it was I who required your services."

Hermione's typically expressive features changed from lighthearted to sober as she absorbed the information presented to her.

"Hermione, it is difficult for me to share this with anyone, and I would understand if you were outraged. I don't know if you are aware, but I'm not normally a very expressive man, and it was difficult to share that with which I was uncomfortable accepting myself.

"I've deceived you. You deserve to know the truth. I found myself in a precarious situation on All Hallows' Eve. You had taken to my advances, but I was not in a position to reciprocate."

"Because of your commitment to your witch?" Hermione asked, wringing her hands.

"No... because of my inability to pleasure you." Upon this sensitive revelation, Severus searched Hermione's eyes for acceptance, wanting to know if she would reject him because of his condition, his confession, or his actions. When no negative response came, he continued, "Hermione, there is no other witch."

"No other witch?"

"None other than you, Hermione."

She turned their hands so that she was holding onto him as he had done with her. This gentle action passed conversational control to Hermione, and he graciously relinquished. "Severus... I'm a bit at a loss for words at the moment, although there are many things that I want to say."

Severus' brow furrowed in concern. Her opening statement seemed to be preparing him for her next words, which would be comforting, designed to let him down easily.

Hermione hesitantly continued, her eyes trained on their entwined fingers instead of his eyes. "I'm grateful to you, first of all for respecting me enough to share this with me. I know it was not easy. You are such a private man... such a deeply private man."

Hermione lifted her head and met his eyes. "I feel privileged to have your confidence...."

"Witch!" Severus yelled. Spittle escaped his mouth as his anger flared. "I don't want you to play therapist with me! Speak to me! Yell at me! Walk away... do something, but don't be reasonable!"

"Severus, I said I had many things to say. If you wish to play tyrant, I will not continue, and I believe this conversation to be very important for both of us. Therefore, I would like to continue, but only if you calm yourself."

"You're therapizing me."

"Yes I am, and with good reason. Your reaction speaks loudly, leaving me to believe that there are other things you wish to share. But before you do, I will continue with what I was going to say.

"Severus Snape. I do feel privileged that you are opening up to me. I recognize that it is not an easy thing for you to do with me... or with anyone else I'd wager. Truth to tell, I had guessed that you were my intended patient, although that didn't come to me until some time had passed, and after a lot of investigation. Even though I'd presumed this to be the case, I still pursued you.

"I do want you, Severus Snape." Hermione's declaration was clear and concise. She wanted to leave no ground for uncertainty.

"Hermione, I knew you had presumed I was the patient."

"What do you mean? We never discussed it." Though she questioned him, recognition began to dawn on her as to the memories removed from her.

"Yes, we did, in a way.... It was the evening you and I returned to my rooms after our visit with Remus.

"Go on."

"I wanted to have you, but I was a dunderhead. I couldn't think with anything other than my penis and my considerable ego. I'm a force to be reckoned with where those two are concerned, let alone in combination. Whilst you may not have been aware, you and I were in a battle of wills. We were in a grand competition, and while I wanted you, I needed your professional assistance to actually succeed. But as my id was in control, I couldn't allow anyone... especially not you, the beautiful witch I desired, to know of my situation." Severus was deep in thought, and Hermione chose to remain quiet, allowing him time to think and work through the emotions boiling under the surface.

"When you returned to my rooms that night, you confronted me."

"I'm sorry, Severus."

"Do... not... be... sorry," Severus warned with more of an internal hatred than an animosity toward her. "You confronted me because I, being me, had to cement my ruse, and I said cruel things regarding Remus. Naturally, you defended him and confronted me. The situation was not pretty. You are strong willed, and I am a stubborn man. Something in me awoke, something... Dark and ugly. Something I had buried deep down inside and thought that I had eradicated. I thought I that I had outgrown who I once was, but in that moment I lost myself to it."

"To what?"

"To the beast, Hermione... to the beast." Severus was now ready for the tsunami to hit.

"Tell me more of this beast, Severus." Hermione's heart was thundering loudly in her chest. She was scared, and in this moment she didn't know what to do or how to react. It seemed logical to respond as only therapist Hermione would – to do anything else would place her and Severus in another potentially explosive situation. There were not many times she played therapist in her personal life, but there came a time in everyone's life where the unknown was scary. And right now, Hermione was terrified.

"The beast, Miss Granger...."

"Hermione, I am Hermione! Look at me, Severus!" she cried. "Do not refer to me as Miss Granger or Dr Granger or anything other than Hermione. Do not distance yourself from me, not now! I need you to stay with me, Severus. Do not put up any walls between us anymore. We're past that. This beast will not win. I will not allow it to win or to control you." Hermione was now certain her heart would escape the confines of her chest. What was unfolding in front of her was like an event she'd read only in her psychology books and the occasional well scripted thriller movie where the criminal distanced himself from his victim in order to justify his behavior. She would not, and could not, allow that to happen.

Severus bent his head down and laced his fingers through his hair, forcefully grabbing it so much that Hermione was certain that it hurt. Seconds felt like minutes, and when he finally let go, he turned his face toward her. When she saw his eyes, they were blood red and staring at her with such intensity that she was not certain if this was the emerging beast he was referring to. Hermione's internal world began to calm, despite the dangerous external stimuli she was facing. It reminded her of her cool head in the face of real danger. History books record that she was the cool-headed friend of Harry Potter. She didn't know if she should be relieved at her tranquil reaction, as it meant that she was preparing for battle, or if she should be frightened. Her confusion was unsettling.

"Hermione," Severus sobbed, "I'm trying. Please help me to forget about the beast."

"Severus," she said as she reached for him, "I won't help you forget, that is not the answer. But, I will help you heal." Though she was not certain she wanted to know about the beast, she needed to know and asked, "Severus, tell me about the beast."

In an attempt to regain some semblance of control, Severus sat up, straightened his posture and smoothed down his robes. He reached for some tea and drank the soothing liquid in an attempt to calm his nerves as he began his tale. "Many years ago, when I worked as a spy for Dumbledore in the Dark Lord's camp, I occasionally transformed into a beast. Not literally as in our friend over there...." Severus pointed a lazy finger toward the sleeping werewolf. "But I was a beast in every other sense of the word. I was merciless, and while I was playing a part, it was still me.

"Hermione, I could not do the things I did while being 'Severus Snape the spy', I had to be 'Severus Snape the beast.' It was what the Dark Lord expected of me, and I did my job well." Severus' voice was low and deeper than usual, though not smooth as his usual tones were. This Darker version seemed laced with gravel and sounded very sinister. "I would transform into the beast during these moments, and it allowed me to succeed where others have failed. In the end I know that I owe the beast my life. But in saving my life, it also took away something precious, something I held dear."

"What, Severus? What did the beast take away?"

"The beast took away... everything good that I was. I became that which I hate most in this world. I was evil and foul. I allowed no one into my life save Albus. I shut out the entire world, and while I'd never win a popularity contest, I purposefully created a world where people would hate me and scorn me. In the end, it was I who paid dearly for it. I've never known love, Hermione. And in this game I began playing with you, I began to feel as if you were a match for my style and my wit. I was actually hopeful that you and I would become involved, to have an opportunity to see if we could develop a relationship. But, it's not meant to be, my dear."

"Why is it not meant to be?"

"Because the beast returned that night, and I almost raped you, Hermione." And with that declaration another evil was laid bare. Severus repeated in a whisper, "I almost raped you."

"Severus, look at me please," Hermione pleaded, attempting to keep him rooted to this reality and not one generated by his self-pity. "I need you to look at me because I want to be clear that you are listening to me and that you understand what I say. I disagree with you," Hermione emphatically stated while searching his eyes for comprehension. "The beast did not return that night. Had it, you would've raped me and while I do not condone rape, I do praise you for stopping and not allowing the beast to return. Let the beast go, Severus. He is part of your past, not your present. And he will not be a part of your future unless you allow him to be. He has not returned and it is only the ghost of the beast that is haunting you, for you are truly 'Severus Snape the man', neither spy nor beast... and it is the man that I want."

"I Obliviated those memories from you, Hermione. It was a most despicable, desperate act, but I could not allow you to recall those terrifying memories. For this, I am truly sorry."

"Severus, I need to have my memories returned to me. I do not condone that type of violation against my will. While I understand your reasoning, I need all of my mind intact. Whether for good or for bad, all of my experiences make me the person that I am. And if the memories hurt, then I will heal and become stronger for it. But Severus, an Obliviate does not a beast make."

"I will place the memories in a Pensieve and share them with you. You are a remarkable woman, Hermione."

"Yes, I am!" Hermione jokingly agreed.

"You know, Albus shared similar words of comfort and they fortified me. I was prepared to take on the beast and not let him conquer me. But, in revealing all to you tonight, I realized that the beast will never truly leave me. While I agree that he is part of my past, I cannot seem to leave him there."

"Please don't let the beast go. He needs to remain in the past and never forgotten. Only then can you continue to live and grow strong in the knowledge that you are no longer the beast and no longer controlled by him. Everything you are today and everything you choose to become tomorrow is dependent on the lessons learned during the era of the beast. It is why you almost violated me. Had you, then yes, I would agree that you were the beast. But in not completing the act, you showed that you learned your lessons, you have free will and you made the right choice. Not because your strings were pulled by the Dark Lord or by Albus, but because you made your own choices and ended what had the potential to be a very deep and disturbing venture into the evils of your past. The beast brought about death and destruction. The man you are today brings about healing and life. You are a good man, Severus Snape."

He laughed. "I am, aren't I?"

Hermione hurled herself into his arms and said, "Yes, you are," as she delivered a bear hug. Severus felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He was free, truly free, and he would leave the beast where he belonged – in his past.

"We should finish the potion and give another dose to Remus."

"Severus, you didn't call him a beast!"

"No, I didn't. The beast is gone and nowhere to be found."

"Ah, no, I was warming to Remus' animalistic qualities."

"Come here, witch. I can show you my animalistic qualities as long as you know that this animal doesn't share very well."

~*~

"Mmm, Hermione, you taste so good," he said as he sucked on her bottom lip and trailed wet kisses to the nape of her neck. Hermione knew that his kisses were a bit on the soggy side, but she had never felt so aroused. He fondled her breasts through the tight rib-knit of her jumper, and she felt her nipples respond to his touch. It was an intoxicating feeling. His probing tongue possessed her mouth and imitated the sexual act, fucking her mouth as he pushed it in and out. Hermione thought she would gag from the sheer intensity. She thought to concentrate on the other sensations he was creating as he humped her thigh through their clothes. "Let me touch you, love?" he asked. Trapped as she was, she couldn't speak as his tongue returned to her mouth, so she nodded as best she could to give her enthusiastic consent for him to be doing something other than his current activities. He fumbled before sliding his hand under her jumper and touched her breasts in a way she'd never allowed him to do before. He boldly felt his way down her abdomen toward her mound, stopping only to open her trousers and ease his hands inside the warmth under her panties. Hermione felt a flutter of excitement, desperate for his hands to massage her intimately. When he reached her core, his fingers dipped into her heat and before she could adjust her position to help him find her center, he brutally extracted his hand crying out her name, but not in passion as it should've been, but in disgust. "Hermione, what the fuck? You're too wet! Damn it, didn't you wash before I came over?" She was embarrassed and ashamed, although she knew in her heart there was no need for it. What he'd felt was normal, and if he didn't know that, then that showed his inexperience and immaturity. Her wetness was normal after all, wasn't it?

"Hermione... Hermione, are you okay?"

"Oh, yes, of course, Severus. I am. Why do you ask?"

"I thought we were debating the moist method versus centrifugal force for deflowering scurvy-grass. You became unfocused, distant. Are you sure you're fine with everything that I've shared with you?"

"Absolutely! I must apologize to you. My inattentiveness was as a result of recalling a rather unpleasant memory. It's over now, I'm fine."

Severus didn't push her to explain any further, and for that she was grateful. They continued to work in companionable silence as they each completed their respective tasks. Severus heated the base formula while Hermione prepared the leaves for steeping. Thankfully, the leaves were still fresh as they remained within the window of usefulness. The last thing Hermione wanted to do was leave Severus after they had formed a delicate thread in their relationship. Not to mention that she dreaded going into that heat and humidity again.

"Severus," Hermione began in an attempt to get his attention, "have you done your homework?"

"What are you talking ab... oh, naughty little witch. Yes, I remember. A most delectable homework assignment if not a little unorthodox, even for you, my dear."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Only that you take Sex Therapy to a completely different plane of existence."

"Well, Severus," Hermione said as she removed the steeped leaves from the tea they'd created. "Since we're being completely honest with one another tonight, you are not the only one with a confession to make."

Severus mixed the tea with the base potion and though his job was finished, he continued to stir the cauldron, deep in thought. He didn't own the playing field, and while Hermione was concerned he would be angry at her for playing games with him, it was nothing compared to what he'd shared with her. So he either had to take it, or give up playing. After all, if you play with Incendio, occasionally, you get burned.

"Earlier you confessed that you were playing a game with me, intent on getting therapy sessions for your benefit, although it was not exactly how you initially presented it. I was also playing a game with you. I wanted you, Severus, but when you mentioned you were in a relationship, I could do nothing but desire you from a distance. Then you enlisted my professional services. It was during that visit with you, when you retained my services for Remus, that I became suspicious. You were acting rather strangely and very un-Severus like. I didn't know what to do or what to think. All I knew was that I desired you so completely that it was all I could do not to bolt out of your rooms. But I also knew that something was amiss. I left your rooms that morning with a battle plan. My mission was to expose your secret and get you into my bed."

"Explain this battle plan," he added tersely.

"I asked Harry and Remus for assistance. Harry and I went out to eat and planned a passionate kiss in public. Harry being who he is was easily recognized, as I knew he would be, and our picture made the Daily Prophet, " Hermione pointed out, conveniently leaving out the sexual relationship that had been rekindled. "I also made plans with Remus to send him an owl inviting him to dinner the following night."

"Why, Hermione? What did you seek from doing this?"

"I wanted you to desire me as much as I desired you. I tried to arouse your jealousy," she added sheepishly. As she heard herself speak the words, the stupidity of the entire situation shone brightly in her face. She was embarrassed for how immature she reacted to him, but when in the moment she could do nothing else but enjoy the game.

"Severus, that is the reason for the very unconventional therapy session we shared. I was not acting as a therapist, I was acting like a woman. An immature woman admittedly, but as a woman who wanted you desperately. We were knee-deep in a battle of wills, and I was hell-bent on winning. Please believe me, I have never, ever, ever done a therapy session like that before.

"Pity...."

"What?"

"I said, 'pity'. I'd like to see if I could have a repeat performance."

"You're not upset or furious with me?"

"No, Hermione," Severus said with a chuckle escaping the confines of his throat. "I knew you were a spitfire, but I never knew how rambunctious you could actually be – especially when you climaxed! I was so stunned that you could so easily bring yourself to orgasm. That is quite a delectable gift you have there." A smirk graced his lips.

"Don't be so quick to judge me, despite what I said and did during that so-called therapy session. I easily exaggerated my own orgasmic releases, and while masturbation is perfectly normal, climaxing has mostly been outside of my reach."

He searched her eyes for amusement or mischief. When he found none he asked her incredulously, "Please explain, Hermione."

"It is called Secondary Female Sexual Dysfunction. I've researched it thoroughly, as you can well imagine. Basically, it is an inability to orgasm after once being able to. Many believe this to be a psychological problem and not physical. The etiology of which is only garnered through many years of psychoanalysis. Other theorists discuss a more practical approach whereby the woman engages self-exploration through masturbation to determine what techniques are more stimulating for her. The end result of this exercise is to bring oneself to orgasm and then teach these sensual pleasure techniques to your lover. Other theorists discuss a woman taking a more aggressive approach and to seek her own pleasure during intercourse with her lover as this...."

"Hermione... please stop all of this psychobabble and tell me about you and not about theorists!"

"Actually, to say that I have Secondary Female Sexual Dysfunction is probably a bit exaggerated, but there is not as yet any Tertiary Female Sexual Dysfunction. My problem is that orgasms are very difficult for me to reach, though not impossible. I believe that I have a rather high threshold. It is rare for me to orgasm with a partner, and mostly I am dependent on seeking my own release."

"How did this happen?"

"Ah, that's the magical question isn't it, Severus? I've asked myself that same question many times, and while I haven't spent thousands of Galleons on psychoanalysis, I believe I have been able to understand the genesis of my dysfunction." Hermione's eyes glazed over as she recalled her unpleasant memories. "During my seventh year, Ron and I were kissing, and well, we were both very stimulated. I was still a virgin and, while I wasn't ready for penetration, we were both willing and very eager to explore each other. We were kissing and discovering one another while in my dorm, and he touched me intimately. I was so aroused... I had never been touched there before, you know? Well, not by anyone other than me, that is. So, he... he was touching me, and when he reached my center, he pulled back in revulsion."

"Whatever for?"

"He said I was 'too wet', and he claimed that I was..." Hermione paused and turned her head toward Severus in an effort to valiantly complete her tale. "He claimed that I was unclean."

Severus reached out for her and turned her completely toward him so that she was facing him. He gently reached out and tilted her chin upwards so that they were both looking at each other.

"Look at me, Hermione." Severus repeated Hermione's therapist technique that apparently worked well for her as he now thankfully felt free of the beast. "I need you to look at me and understand what I am about to say. I say this with every fiber of my being. Are you ready? Ron Weasley is a stupid fuck up! He was then and he is now! You are supposed to be naturally lubricated when sexually excited. He brought you to that level of excitement, and the stupid fuck couldn't even understand that! I'm sorry, Hermione. I know that I'm not a therapist, and I cannot say anything brilliant in that arena, but you know as well as I do that he was wrong. You are a beautiful and vibrant woman, and I would consider it an honor to bring you to that level of excitement. You need a man, a mature man who knows how to treasure you, to bring you pleasure instead of seeking his own.

"I want you, Hermione. Would you let me try?" he asked as he caressed her chin and searched her eyes for a response.

"Oh yes, Severus!" Hermione cried and reached up to kiss him.

Holding her, Severus scanned for any evidence of Dobby and, finding the Chamber elf-free, he proceeded to claim her mouth in a passionate kiss.

He pulled away when he felt the tears fall onto his fingers as they graced her face. "Why are you crying?"

"I can't get that son of a bitch out of my mind! I've tried for years, and I know he was stupid and immature and just plain wrong, but it hurts, and I can't make the hurt go away!"

"You and I are some pair, aren't we?" He said, acknowledging the absurdity of their situation.

"Yes, we are! I guess we both need therapy."

"Well, you're a therapist, Dr Granger." He playfully added the emphasis on her title.

"Oh yeah, like that worked out well!"

To be continued...

A/N: Wet smooches to Warty! She's an amazing beta and an amazing friend.

Male and Female dysfunction is no laughing matter. Sex is a very important part of the human existance, and I mean no disrespect to those who suffer with this and thier loved ones. For this chapter I researched the following site. www.ecureme.com/especial/obgyn/Female_Sexual_Dysfunction.asp

THANK YOU for reading and reviewing!