Teasing And Pleasing

The woman in Severus' version had taken on the likeness of one Hermione Granger – know-it-all, female component of the Golden Trio... woman.

The conjured Hermione lifted one hand from her breast and seductively waved at Severus. She was lowering her eyes to gaze at her own body and then back up to meet the black eyes of Severus Snape.

Severus quickly turned the pages and confirmed that the charm had worked on the entire text.

"This is more like it," he said smugly as he flipped back to the book's Hermione, who was now caressing her stomach and teasing her navel with her index finger. She was making a trail from below her navel, up through the valley of her perfect breasts, up her slender throat to her waiting lips. Hermione's mouth opened, coyly licked her lips, and let her finger slide over her pink tongue.

Severus felt a carnal jolt go straight into his groin as she began to tongue and suck on her own finger and then created the erotic trail up and down her body over and over again.

Another moan escaped his lips, and he moved to sit once more on the sofa. After several long minutes Severus ran his hand along his own body, following the same trail as Hermione had done along her naked form.

After a few moments, he turned the page. Severus knew this version would delve further into self-exploration. What he saw was Hermione teasing her breasts with one hand, pinching and caressing each nipple as they formed into taut peaks. Her other hand was touching her thighs, creating a large v-shaped trail as she went from one knee, to the junction of her desire, to the other knee, and back again.

Once again, Severus felt drawn to move his practised hands over his own aching body. He transferred his weight so that he was lying partially on his side, his left knee raised and resting against the sofa back. He undid the buttons on his trousers ever so slowly, allowing his fingers to tease the heated flesh beneath the cloth. He lifted his hips and slid his trousers off, making slow caresses down and back up his legs. He traced the line from knee to junction and cupped his balls, pressing them between his fingers, and then moved a calloused hand over his throbbing cock. Severus stroked himself with the palm of his hand, feeling the heat emanate from the direct contact.

He turned another page and beheld Hermione's form spread across both pages. The caption read, "Feel free to explore."

And she did.

Her hands were travelling over her now flushed skin, between her thighs and dipping slender fingers in so far that they disappeared from Severus' view.

Severus watched the movements as he began touching himself anew. He set the book aside for a moment, took in a deep breath, and watched through heavily lidded eyes as he wrapped his long fingers around himself, holding both his breath and his soft skin for a moment, and then releasing his breath slowly as he began this firm caress from base to glistening tip. His strokes were long and languorous.

He positioned himself so that he could once again watch the book. Hermione's form had continued its teasing and pleasuring strokes. Severus noticed her quickening movements, the rapid rise and fall of her chest, her bottom lip caught between perfect teeth, and eyes tightly closed. He too began to quicken his pace. The vision before him turned her head and opened her eyes.

He could have sworn he heard Hermione shout his name as his own release radiated through his body.

Severus allowed himself a few moments, and as his breathing returned to normal, he skilfully performed the cleansing spell. His mind continued racing around the thought of having Hermione's skin touching his, the feel of her flesh under his dexterous hands, touching, exploring, and enticing her to the ultimate climax.

"I've got to get that witch out of my mind," he growled as he sat up fully and placed bare feet on the cool floor.

He eyed the still open book. The image was once again in the full throes of ecstasy when he waved his hand, forcefully slamming it shut. He ran his hands through his hair and sat there silently, thinking.

Why? How? When did she start affecting me that way? He ran his hands over his face and eyes, as if trying to wash away her image from his mind.

"Coffee," he decided aloud. He reached for the book, used the shrinking charm, and with it safely tucked in his breast pocket, he left his flat. As he returned to the Apparition point, he secretly hoped that he would see her again.

Severus reached the café and saw Marcus sitting in his favourite chair. Typical, he thought to himself as he pulled the café door open and entered.

Severus stalked up to the counter, passing the girl, Mykell, on his way. After what seemed an eternity to him, but had only been a moment or so, Severus turned around to face her and the boy she seemed to be training. Leaning back against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest and his ankles over one another, he sarcastically asked, "Today?"

Both employees turned around with shocked looks on their faces. Mykell began to apologize when Severus heard her voice.

"It's all right, Mike. I've got this one."

Severus turned around to see Hermione's smiling face. A smirk quickly replaced the ire on his face.

"Professor," she stated with laughter in her eyes.

"Miss Granger," he responded, amused.

"Hermione, remember?" she prompted.

"Ah, yes." He feigned innocence. "I do recall an earlier conversation about the permission you graciously granted me."

Hermione let out a soft laugh as a flush crept into her cheeks. "Yes, well ..." she began.

Severus just waved a hand as if to push the memory and her comments aside.

"All right then, Severus," she agreed. "What may I get for you this afternoon?"

"Coffee. Black."

Hermione looked around Severus as he turned to see the smiling faces of Mykell and Marcus. They had spoken in unison at Hermione's question. The other boy stood there, confused.

Severus scowled. Turning back to a surprised Hermione, he simply stated, "Coffee. Black."

"You've been here before?" she asked as she set about gathering his order.

"Yes. I've enjoyed their coffee almost every afternoon for the past month." Hermione's surprise was visible as he saw her fumble with the cup and saucer. "Why does that surprise you?" he asked and set his payment next to the till.

"I've just never seen you here before," she replied as she finished his order.

"I usually sit outside." He started to reply. He then cocked his head questioningly and said, "Come to think of it, I don't recall seeing you, either."

Hermione handed him his drink and pushed his payment back towards him. "It's on the house," she replied, but did not elaborate on his comment.

"Your boss would not appreciate your giving things away." He said this as he pushed the payment back toward her once more, still questioning her with his tone.

This time Severus saw her smile widen, but before she could speak, a crowd of women came in the front doors of the café.

"Have a seat, Severus," Hermione directed. "I have a break in a few minutes. We'll talk then." She dismissed him as she smiled at the women behind him. She could see them admiring the tall man before them.

Severus was not used to being pushed out of the way, but he knew she had a job to do. He turned around and was face to face with a horde of women.

"Ladies," he acknowledged and tried to pass. They stood, smiling at him, but would not move. He looked at each of them and caught the approving gaze of more than one as he pushed his way through, saying "excuse me" when needed.

He heard Hermione begin taking orders as he headed for the door. Remembering the book, he looked to the right and found a vacant alcove. Perfect, he thought as he found an empty table and took a seat. He was able to view her working through a gap in the drapery. He removed the book and returned it to its normal size. He idly caressed the book and set it on the table before him as he stared at her, remembering that he had heard her scream his name just moments before.

Severus saw Marcus look longingly at Hermione when she was not looking. He had also noticed that Hermione paid very little attention to her colleague other than to assist him when he began looking lost.

He may be a dunderhead, Severus thought, but he cannot be much younger than she is. Why is she not accepting his advances?

Severus recalled her last years at Hogwarts. She had never really had a serious relationship. Not that he had inquired on his own. No, Minerva was quite proud of Hermione. She would spout stories about the goings-on of her favourite student, whether she was provoked into conversation or not. It was never gossip, just a deep pride in her student's achievements. She was pleased that Hermione had not succumbed to the pressure of truly dating Ronald Weasley. Minerva had never made clear why she would not have chosen Weasley for Hermione, but Severus had his suspicions.

She was always too good for that boy, Severus thought as he continued to watch her work. She deserves someone who will challenge her intelligence.

Someone like you, perhaps? His inner voice decided to butt in again.

"No," Severus growled under his breath, "not like me."

Just think about it, mate. Her picture reacted to you. Why wouldn't the real thing?

"Because!" Severus said loudly, startling a couple at the opposite side of the café. He glared at them until they moved out of sight.

Because nothing ... was all the voice was able to get out before a movement caught his eye. He covered the book's jacket expertly with his large hand as Mykell came into full view.

"Your coffee, sir." Mykell brought Severus his coffee and the usual sweet chocolate treat and set it on the table. She openly smiled at him, which caused him to look at her suspiciously as he raised the cup to his nose and inhaled. "Welcome back," she said as she turned and headed back to help at the counter.

Severus tipped the cup to her in response and took a sip. He began watching Hermione serve the women's group again. He sat motionless, save the occasional sip of coffee. He had not realised that his cup was empty until Mykell stood by him.

"Would you care for another cup?" she asked as he set the empty cup down.

"Please," Severus replied without looking away from Hermione.

Mykell glanced at his saucer. "You haven't touched your chocolate."

Severus turned his attention to the girl. "No. I suppose I haven't," he replied in a tone that made her smile fade.

Severus watched the girl retreat behind the counter and chat with Hermione, who began to laugh as she went to the sink and washed her hands. "I'll be back in a few minutes, Mike. Watch the counter for me, will you?"

"Sure thing, boss," Mykell replied and went back to work.

Severus saw Hermione move from behind the counter and walk towards his hideout. He quickly moved the book to the stool furthest from where she might sit and hoped that she did not choose to sit where it was hiding.

"The boss?" he asked Hermione as she poked her head into the alcove.

Hermione's face brightened with pride. "Yes. This," she gestured behind and around her, "is all mine."

"Well done," he complimented and raised his cup in a polite gesture.

"Why, Professor Snape, was that a compliment I just heard?" Hermione teased as she entered the alcove and took a seat opposite him.

"Do not get used to it." He smirked back at her.

"Not likely." Hermione laughed as she looked into his eyes. "So, tell me, why have you come in almost every day?"

Severus once again sensed her nervousness. "The bookstore." He nodded in the general direction of the store. "I was looking for a book. The shopkeeper had to order it."

"That explains the bookstore, but why here?" she prodded.

"Coffee. What else?" Severus stated, as if it should have occurred to her sooner.

"Oh. Right," Hermione answered.

She looks disappointed, he noticed internally. He sat looking at her, debating whether to tell her something else, anything, just to see her smile at him again, but he kept silent. She does not need me to make her happy, he decided.

"Has the book come in yet?" she asked somewhat distractedly.

"Yes. I just got it this morning," Severus answered, "shortly before we saw one another."

"Does that mean you won't be coming back?" Hermione asked, trying to sound professional.

Severus sat back and watched her for a moment before answering. "I had not thought about it."

Once again, he could see emotions cross her face. She had gone from playful and hopeful to somewhat shy and dejected.

They sat in silence for a moment before Hermione spoke. "Care for a game of chess?"

Severus raised a brow. "You actually play? And here I thought your life was all about books." His voice held a tinge of amusement, and he saw her flush.

"Yes, well, about that," Hermione started.

"Don't worry, Miss Granger. Your secret is safe with me." His eyes were shining with mirth.

"I'm never going to live this down, am I?" she asked hopelessly as she rose to get the chessboard.

"Not if I can help it." He chuckled.

A/N: I must thank sshg316 for reading this and helping me with minor errors. Please review after you read!