The IT Factor

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: The IT Factor

Hermione was overcome with extreme sensations, and everything assaulted her senses. She was overwhelmed by the enormity of the restaurant's gaudy décor that she hadn't noticed as intensely as she did now, other than the beautifully enchanted ceiling so reminiscent of Hogwarts. But now, as if through some unseen and unparalleled magical enchantment, she became acutely aware of the intense light coming from three massive chandeliers, which she had admired earlier, but through her suddenly startling senses, she now saw that they were adorned with baby cherubs, majestically brandishing wands that lit the restaurant. Hermione was surprised at the decorative details and could only imagine the intricately woven magic involved in creating such meticulous garishness.

It wasn't only her vision that had been affected by this heightening of sensations. Her hearing was keen as well. And while she heard the static noise of others conversing, it was Severus' breathing that captivated her attention. He was breathing deeply, evenly, as he held her hands in his. In their current position, she could feel each swipe of his thumb caressing the backs of her hands, magnified tenfold. It was as if each stroke were alight with fire, which left behind a tingling sensation wrought with need and desire.

She was acutely aware of Severus, his cologne and just the smell of sweat and man. It was intoxicating and exhilarating, and she was nearly panting with desire. Hermione tilted her head back sensually in a reflexive response to the sexual desires building within. She felt overcome by the intensity of the sensations, but it was the vibrations of him that left her with a burning desire.

Severus' raven eyes, dark as the abyss, stared intently back at her in awe. She had transformed from his cool, witty, and level-headed date to a woman who was lost in the depths of her own sensations. She was breathless, wrought with anticipation and practically exuding eroticism. Hopefully, he recognized her transformation for what it was and didn't think her altered state was a result of an overdue and much needed visit to the loo.

She sought to return his attentions and struggled to observe him through her lust-induced fog. Hermione noticed him fidget in his seat and make some quick maneuvers to adjust his trousers. She hoped her plan was working and his body was responding to the medication. Although she would have preferred a natural response, some things should not be left to fate alone. After all, pharmaceuticals were as much a part of sex therapy as exploring teaspoon fetishes and blaming one's premature weaning.

"Severus, are you well?"

"Am I well?" he returned. "Are you well?"

"Yes, yes," she responded breathlessly as she threaded her fingers through her hair, noticing its silky texture as her curls caressed each finger. "I'm fine. I... I'm better than well. I feel so... alive!"

Hermione was startled by a scraping noise and realized it was the sound of a chair scratching against the hardwood floorboards. She looked up and noticed Severus above her, his arm extended in invitation and his features formed in a most delicious, albeit serious, expression. "It is time we left this establishment, my dear." The timber of his voice dropped an octave or two and vibrated through her body like the primeval, hypnotic beat of a tribal drum. Hermione instinctively complied with his demand, wanting nothing more than to give herself to the man who had fueled her desires since her return to England.

Severus held onto her and guided her out of the restaurant. As they walked toward the exit, Hermione fell against him as a surprising, albeit not completely unwelcome, sensation overcame her. The cotton gusset of her panties massaged her clitoris, stimulating her as she walked. She looked up at her companion and saw passion in his eyes as he seemingly understood the pleasant turmoil she was experiencing.

"Shall we retire to my chambers?" he asked once they exited the restaurant and walked into an evening breeze sprinkled with gentle rain.

Hermione shrieked as the rain, although misty and no more then a fine drizzle, pummeled her skin. Instinctually, she wrapped her arms around herself for protection and turned her body toward Severus.

"It's just a little rain, Hermione," Severus whispered as he pulled her closer to shelter her from the rain.

"Severus, something is wrong with me!" Hermione cried. "I don't understand, but I feel as if I'm being tortured or something. Sometimes cruelly and sometimes wonderfully." She looked up at his face, and with a trembling voice, she shared, "I feel... and see... and hear... everything!

"Severus, please help me." Hermione pleaded, "I can't move any further without being overtaken by my sensations!"

"You are more than well, Hermione. You are brilliant. You have nothing to worry about, love. I will Apparate us." Severus wrapped his arms around her protectively; gentle enough not to cause her pain yet firm enough to successfully Apparate.

Hermione closed her eyes to calm the raging storm and prepared for her Side-Along-Apparition. Severus' strong arms felt soothing. She nestled into his body, contouring her own against his in a desperate attempt to feel his body heat seep into her and calm her frayed nerves. She didn't ever want to let him go.

Severus whispered into her ear, his warm breath an unending trickle down and into her body, akin to a luscious encasement in warm dark chocolate. As his warm breath washed over her again, she realized he was attempting to get her attention. She pulled away and immediately realized that they had Apparated and Hogwarts was in the distance.

"Severus, I can't walk to the castle!" she exclaimed. "How am I ever going to get from here to there without driving myself crazy?"

"What will happen, my dear?"

"Severus, please, I feel everything! Don't you understand? As I walk, I feel everything!"

Severus looked at her and seemingly understood her special predicament, saying, "Then, it shall be one exciting walk... one exciting and stimulating walk indeed!" He chortled and, taking her hand gently, led her on their long trek toward the castle.

~*~

She trembled. The coffee mug in her hand clattered and was precariously close to toppling over when Severus extracted it from her hands and sat beside her. No words were spoken as he took her hand in his and pulled her closer. She leaned against him and sighed, enjoying the feel of his hard body against hers. During their walk to the castle, Hermione shared with him, as best she could, considering her current affliction, how his embrace had calmed her and helped her to rein in the onslaught of sensations she was experiencing. As he sat next to her, he pulled her toward him and helped to mold her body against his in an apparent test of her theory.

He soothed her by his mere presence, but she was gratified that he took an active role in calming her as he gently stroked her back, creating repeated sensual circles. While he comforted her and kept her oversensitivity at bay, she knew that his arms felt right. Despite all of her uncertainty and desire to experience all that life had to offer, this man, with all of his complexities, was what she desired. This was where she wanted to be. Yet, despite her desire for him, they were hardly a perfect couple. Since her return to Hogwarts, she knew she would do what needed to be done to ensnare him. Well, here she was in his arms, and she was a wreck. They had played games with one another, been angry, been jealous, and in the midst of all of that tumultuousness, they opened up and expressed their deepest confessions. Furthermore, today, on their first date, she resorted to Slytherin tactics to ensure a successful and satisfying evening. Definitely not a typical therapist modality to treatment, but then again, she was acting outside of her role as therapist and within the framework of Hermione Granger, woman in love.

"You are very quiet. What's the matter, Hermione?"

"I was just thinking about us and all that we've been through to get to tonight."

"Interesting ride, wasn't it?" he asked.

"Severus," she said, looking into the endless depths, the exquisite ebony in his eyes. "You say that as if the ride is over. Unfortunately, I have another confession to make.

"It's only fair, now that I sit here in your chambers and in your arms. I... well... I did something tonight to ensure that we would have a satisfying evening. In essence, I'm still playing games with you."

Severus did not respond and maintained his embrace on Hermione as he apparently waited for her to continue with her confession. His silence bolstered her ego and gave her the courage to continue.

"There's a Muggle medication that I told you about during our first therapy session that is used to assist men to obtain an erection." Hermione averted her eyes and found her courage as she seemingly memorized the hairs on the back of his hands. "Tonight, while at the restaurant, I ensured that you ingested that medication."

Severus pulled away from her and stared down into her eyes with a sincere look of incredulousness. Her hyper-senses allowed her to smell his increased perspiration, as he was assuredly furious with her. She hoped he did not recall her diatribe about the increase chances of heart failure and consequently death with this particular medication. He would certainly know she was errant and unconscionable.

Hermione kept her eyes trained on his hands, and what happened next caused her to turn toward Severus, and it was now her turn to wear a genuine look of incredulity. Severus Snape was roaring with laughter. A deep, raucous laugh that would have been contagious had she not been so surprised to find it emanating from him.

"I am sincerely happy that you are so amused, Severus. I was concerned that you would be angry with me."

"No, not angry. It appears that you and I may never be free of games. Life must be controlled and never left to chance, and I believe you and I are cut of the same cloth, my dear. I would imagine that now is the time for complete confessions, and if you are done, I shall share mine."

"You have another confession to make?" she asked, recalling the seriousness of his previous confessions.

"Only when you are finished."

"I am," she replied, shocked with his witty repartee.

"Are you certain?"

"Yes."

"Well then, after your confessions yesterday, you shared with me very intimate details of your difficulty achieving release with a partner. I wanted you to have a positive experience with me, and I created a potion to aid you in increasing your sensitivity to sexual stimulation."

"You did what?"

"Apparently the same as you, my dear, with the exception that my Virility Potion put you in no danger of death as opposed to what you have done." His voice held no resentment or anger.

"You remember that and you're still not upset with me?"

"Hermione, I have another level of confession, and after which, I promise you there is nothing more for me to confess. I planned a successful evening for both of us tonight, and in doing so I not only created a potion for you, but I also..." Severus stopped in mid-sentence, removed a vial from his robes, and extracted a little blue pill, rolling it between his thumb and forefinger. "I also took one of these."

"Severus! That's... that's..." she shrieked, "VIAGRA!"

"And this is what you gave me, is it not?"

"YES! Oh my gosh, now you have two doses in your system!"

He looked at her with a mysterious glint in his eyes. "Well then, that certainly would explain this," he said as he boldly took hold of her hand and, as if giving her time to pull away, slowly positioned it on his groin. Hermione allowed him to lead her, and she willingly touched him. She felt his hardness and returned her gaze to his eyes, where she simultaneously saw and felt his desire for her.

"Oh, my," Hermione whispered. "I was about to apologize for slipping you the pill, but now feel that is no longer necessary."

"Apologies are not necessary, as long as you're prepared to deal with the consequences."

"Consequences?" she asked, panting with anticipation.

"Oh, yes, very severe consequences," he said as he leaned into her causing her to recline in her attempt to maintain eye contact. He held her gaze, her eyes interminably locked with his. "It appears you and I are in for a very long night. Are you up to the challenge?" he asked as he slowly brought his lips to her face. Hermione closed her eyes in preparation for his kiss, and what he did surprised her. Severus Snape licked her face.

Despite the shock, Hermione was ever so aroused. He left an erotic wet trail from her ear to the nape of her neck, and as she recovered from her initial surprise, he continued to lick her, gently and thoroughly. With her increased sensitivity, each stroke of his tongue left her in sublime delirium.

"Severus, this feels so good."

"Umm, humm," he responded, apparently too busy to remove himself from his current task.

"Mmm, I never knew that licking could feel so soothing." She was lost in her sensations until she shrieked at feeling Severus nip her teasingly on her shoulder. He pulled back and searched her eyes. She followed his movements and watched as he traveled down her body, turned his head and bit her arm. With a smirk on his face, he looked toward her, held her gaze and with a swipe of his tongue, soothed her.

"Are you injured?" he asked glibly. "Shall I make it all better?"

It was her turn to be speechless, and all she was able to say was, "Ummm, huuumm."

"You are quite the delectable dish, Granger."

"Granger? Delectable?" she quipped through bated breath. "Are you talking about the Granger Ranger dish from the Palate of Heroes?"

Hermione heard a deep, guttural growl. "You, Hermione Granger, are my dish, and I must devour you... now!"

Severus held out his hand. As she stood up, he grabbed her and effortlessly tossed her onto his shoulders. From her new vantage point, she saw the lounge retreating as he walked to where she assumed was his bedchamber. He placed her on her feet and left the room, and he quickly returned with a bottle of wine and two goblets. He sat comfortably on his bed and, with a penetrating stare and a nod of his head, encouraged her to do the same.

"I love a good red wine when I eat," Severus purred and popped the cork out of the beautifully decorated bottle. For the first time Hermione felt a little concerned that he was not just speaking metaphorically. It was obvious... She would become his meal tonight, and she was utterly excited to become his feast.

Hermione was completely taken by this man. As she sat on his bed, fully clothed and sipping smooth red wine, she was enchanted. Severus exuded sensuality. He was in control of the moment, and despite having a surging erection, he was in command of not only his own body, but of hers as well. She was eager to forgo the luscious drink of crushed grapes for something of even greater epicurean value. She wanted to taste him.

"Now, where was I?" he teased. "Ah, yes. I believe I was right here," he said as he set aside his goblet and laced his fingers in her hair, pulling her face to his, and kissed her. She immediately opened her mouth to him and was surprised when he shared his wine with her.

"Do you approve?"

She nodded her head in the positive and whimpered in anticipation. She was becoming as dumb as a doorknocker in his arms.

"Speechless?" he quipped. "I'll see if I can remedy that."

He laid her back onto the bed and kissed her gently on and around her lips. He was sensual and tender. His kisses traveled down her body, and he nestled between her breasts, kissing their valley and coaxing the fabric further away from her young, supple flesh. Hermione undulated her body to increase contact with his mouth, wanting to feel his lips on her sensitive breasts. He pressed his hard body against hers, his heat radiating into her and increasing her desire.

"Let me taste you, love. I want to..." he paused and moved up her body to whisper in her ear, "eat you."

His smile was wickedly sinister. It spoke of mirth, but also warned of danger. It was glorious to behold. With a mumbled Accio, his wand was in his hand, and just as quickly their clothes were off. He was definitely in control.

He pressed their naked bodies together and kissed her deeply, seemingly exploring her mouth. Hermione tasted the wine on his tongue and sucked, wanting to taste more. He opened his mouth further and her kisses became unbridled. Hermione was intoxicated by his expert kiss. He was fierce and commanding and clearly expressing his craving for her through his exploration. Their kiss intensified as he returned his attentions to her breasts, massaging them in slow circling motions and lightly squeezing her nipples. Hermione moaned with deep pleasure as she felt a direct connection between her breasts and her mons, as if she were a marionette and he was her puppeteer.

He caressed her body, as if trying to memorize her through his touch. She enjoyed his rough hands and feeling his unabashed desire press against her. His tongue soon followed, and Hermione was lost in her own world, filled with yearning at his touch. She wanted more of him, needed to feel more. As if he understood her desire, he responded and bit her. She shuddered in surprise and pain, and he soothed her by licking the sting. Over and over again he bit and then gently lapped at her breasts, tasting and massaging her. It was soothing and exhilarating. He turned his attentions over to her other breast and suckled – gently at first and then with more abandon, taking her nipple into his mouth and nibbling with his teeth. Her breast filled his mouth, and as she looked down at him, he appeared to enjoy his feasting.

With his knees, he opened her to him, and he pressed his leg into her apex. She was dizzy with desire, and at feeling him open her, she pushed herself down onto his leg as she searched for relief. As he sucked on her breasts, alternating between rough and gentle strokes, she rocked onto him, stimulating herself.

"You will not find release yet," he insisted. "I was serious about needing to feast upon you, and I want my mouth on you when you come."

For a brief second she replayed what he had just said over on her mind. As the meaning of his message sunk in, her eyes opened wide and her jaw gaped in astonishment at her former professor's promiscuous promise.

He kissed his way down her body, and finding her mons, he snaked out his tongue and tasted her. Hermione buckled in response, feeling exquisite pleasure. It had been a long time since she'd had a lover enjoy her this way. He positioned her legs on his shoulders and appeared to ensconce himself for a night of feasting.

She felt the luscious lapping of his smooth, hot tongue as he lavished her sex and writhed in luxurious torment. He was really feasting, seeking out her juices and eating as much of it as she had to offer. Deliriously, she felt the flutter of her sex respond to his attentions. She was moist, and he was licking her clean as his probing tongue was digging and seeking more of her to taste. Through hooded eyes, she was unable take her gaze away from his bobbing head between her legs. It was an intoxicating sight to behold – Severus Snape relishing his meal – and she was the lucky banquet.

Severus lifted her hips higher and licked her completely. His tongue traced through her lower lips, found her delicate opening, swirled and entered her. He was warm and smooth, yet strong and insistent. With desperate passion, he grabbed her legs and with abandon flicked at her clitoris until she felt the long forgotten glorious tremors of orgasm begin to overtake her senses. Her body wracked with pleasure, and her shaking legs trapped his head keeping him, a willing captive, to his task. This was ecstasy.

When her legs collapsed, he moved atop her, found her mouth and kissed her hungrily. She tasted herself on him and could do nothing but enjoy the musky taste by proxy. He apparently took great pleasure from her, and she would take all that he would give.

"You are delicious," he gasped before capturing her lips once more.

"Oh, I can't believe this is happening," she responded, bathing in his kisses. "This is wonderful."

"The night is still young, and you have plenty left for me to enjoy," he rumbled as he removed himself from her and sat her up. "I need you on all fours for my next feasting."

Hermione immediately complied without hesitation, wanting to feel him stroke inside of her. She ached to have him. She wanted him to take her, claim her. "Oh, Severus, yes please," she begged. "I need you now. I want to feel you moving inside me... please, Severus." She knew her mewls were of a desperate and wanton nature. She didn't care.

"Oh, you will have me, witch," he responded. "Now, spread yourself for me." He moved behind her and pressed himself next to her entrance, lubricating himself with her juices. Before succumbing to her wishes, he smoothed his hands over her arse, apparently enjoying their smooth roundness, and then, with exacting fingers, he opened her for him and said, "Here I am." In one swift movement, he pressed himself into her waiting heat.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

IT was confused, to say the least. IT found itself in unfamiliar territory. To say it was unfamiliar was an exaggeration. Even IT knew that. However, it had been way too long since IT experienced complete gratification. Gratification by the rough digits of ITs master's hands did not complete gratification make.

One couldn't say that IT was a conscious being, but IT knew pleasure. More specifically, IT knew the presence or lack thereof of pleasure. IT was primitive. Even IT knew it was a singularly driven mass of instinctive urges and impulses motivated by one purpose and one purpose alone. Some might say that IT was one dimensional. IT was okay with that.

IT was fidgety as a rookie at the Quidditch World Cup. Months confined within layer upon layer of black clothing was dull indeed. He hadn't been rigid with boredom, far from it. He'd spent his days relaxing and longing for the glory days when IT would be enveloped in the warmth of a woman.

As in déjà vu, IT experienced that warmth again, and IT was pleasantly bewildered. IT found itself encased in warmth, darkness and surrounded by complete, snuggly wetness. IT was in paradise. IT had always lived by a singular code: the Pleasure Principle. However, the lack of pleasure brought IT to a premature end, and although IT didn't believe in reincarnation, IT was brought back to life, and it didn't matter if it was by divine, magical or medicinal influence.

Some thought of IT as amoral and egocentric, but they didn't know the pleasure of dipping ITs head, feeling the pressure, and slipping in between a woman's nether lips. The suctioning IT felt as ITs instincts demanded that IT grind itself into her delicious heat. No... no one could judge IT too harshly.

As in riding a bike, IT didn't forget how to ride a woman. IT eagerly sought ITs own gratification, willing ITs master to move relentlessly into the woman, seeking ITs own pleasure. If IT brought her to her own pleasure in the process, far be it for IT to complain, but IT was designed with one goal in mind, and IT wasn't about to change now.

IT focused straight ahead toward ITs goal like an offensive player targeting the field goal. IT chased ITs own release, pounding into her warmth repeatedly. IT felt the pressure building in ITs trunk, and just as IT thought IT would explode uncontrollably, IT was unabashedly withdrawn against ITs will.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Severus slumped over Hermione's back, attempting to rein in his control. He had been giving her exactly what she wanted and what she needed when he pulled out of her.

"Severus?" she asked, confused.

"Turn over," he commanded. "I refuse to be done with you so quickly."

Again, she did as he demanded, knowing that she was in expert hands. He moved over her and gave her an open mouth kiss, lavishing her mouth and neck as he nipped and sucked his way around his sensual feast. As soon as he positioned himself directly above her, she wrapped her legs around his waist, eager for more. He moved his hand between their bodies, exposed her clitoris and entered her. He ground his pelvis, directly stimulating her. She was intoxicated with need and desire. He had brought her to a new understanding of sex and sexuality. Hermione learned this night that he was a master in more than just Potions. He was in control as he tempered his ministrations to bring about her desire. He moved inside her, above her, rocked her until she felt the tightening of her belly and her body's need for completion.

As her body responded, she cried out her release, and he pushed inside her deeper, apparently unable to maintain his second climax at bay. He kissed her, swallowing the last of her cries, and he came, grunting his release into her mouth until both cries mingled and ebbed into the seas of contentment.

~*~

"Doctor, tell me again about my sex appeal," Severus asked confidently, as they lay in each other's embrace.

"If your fragile ego must be reminded, you, Professor, are the epitome of sexuality. You exude power and strength of character. And that is very sexy. Your scathing tongue and biting remarks are intoxicating. However, now I have experienced you, and I can assuredly say that your bite and your soothing tongue are even more intoxicating."

He massaged himself and placed her hand on his groin to feel his renewed erection. "You are a brilliant therapist, Dr Granger. Your therapy sessions have worked miracles. It appears that you and I are in for a longer night than anticipated if this," he said, squeezing her hand around his hot, pulsing flesh, "is to be any indication."

He rolled over, partially atop her, and began languidly kissing her. He pulled his head away and said, "Hermione Granger, you belong to me now. Do you understand what this means?"

She shook her head in the negative while her body practically sung in contentment at his dominance.

"I will not allow these romantic games you and Remus have been playing to continue. They will cease."

"Severus, you need to relax. You're wrapped up far too tightly."

"Is that your professional opinion, Doctor?

Hermione giggled at his dry wit. She was no longer confused. Severus Snape was the man she wanted. Remus was gentle. Severus was hard. They were both very different men, but Severus took her and claimed her. In addition, he was correct; they seemed to be cut from the same cloth. "Severus, you are the man I want."

"Well then, I suggest you cease your endless chitchat and service me. The night is still young, and I still have an erection that must be catered to, considering it is your fault for my current condition."

"My fault?" she asked through her laughter.

"Oh, yes, my darling therapist, I think it's time we continued with our practical sessions," Severus retorted as he positioned his wand underneath the sheet, brazenly imitating a towering erection.

"Sigmund Freud once said that sometimes a wand is just a wand, Severus."

"Sigmund Freud?" he asked as he removed his wand and his own erection remained proudly vertical.

"Zo, tell me," Hermione teased as she imitated her favorite psychologist, "ven did ju fall in love wit your moder and vant to kill your fader?" She saw the features on Severus' face change from wonder and curiosity to disgust and dread. Hermione followed his panicked gaze and realized why he looked distraught. They both watched the crest of the sheet collapse. As if in slow motion, his proud penis was reduced to a flaccid state in mere seconds.

"I think we've found a cure for an overdose of Viagra," Severus said morosely.

"Severus?" she asked timidly, "do you still have that extra dose?"

A broad and wicked smile graced their faces.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He heard a loud knock on his door, and for a moment he hoped it was Hermione. He knew she was with Severus as he saw them return to the castle the evening before. He was happy for her, but he had to admit that he had hoped she would make a better choice. He loved her, and maybe one day she would realize it. He opened his door and found a woman staring at him.

"Remus Lupin?"

"Yes, and you are?" he asked as he considered the lovely witch before him.

"My name is Frances," she whispered seductively, "and I was wondering... where have you been all my life."

The end.

A/N:

Royal thanks to Wartcap, my beta, my mentor, and my friend. An American salute to SiriusWoman, who helped me with the beginnings of this fic, and to Jackie, who served as beta for many of the earlier chapters.

My sincere appreciation goes out to all of YOU for reading and following this story. There were times when continuing this tale was difficult, but feedback from you, whether through reviews or through emails, motivated me to finish.

Thank you to those who nominated and those who voted for Sex Therapy in the Dungeons in the 2006 OWL Awards – Humor category.

Lastly, I am appreciative of this experience, as I've made wonderful friends along the way.

~Ruthie