Chapter 3: The Morass, Part 1
Chapter 3 of 28
SubversaNow Complete! ~Winner Rd 3 Quill to Parchment for Best Fanon Het, Best AU, Best WIP!~ Hermione is cursed by the Death Eaters, and Dumbledore believes Professor Snape is the only one who can help her and keep her safe. Hermione is 18 years old in this story, but she is still a student.
ReviewedChapter 3: The Morass, Part 1
Severus received the girl into his lap and his senses were assaulted on many levels at once. She smelt of the standard Hogwarts bath soap, and she was surprisingly light upon his legs. He had a quick impression of hip bone, then soft feminine flesh; next, the child buried her face in his neck with a whimper which fair promised to provide mighty counter-action to the Impotence Potion he had downed. It was not something he kept on hand, so he had been forced to brew it, whilst dashing about preparing for when the child would wake and his their, he corrected himself ordeal would begin. He had to find clothing for her to wear for as long as he could manage to keep her dressed, find the appropriate book and remove the jinxes so she could read it, brew the tisane and double-dose it with a sedative draught in short, he had not stopped running since Dumbledore had walked out, leaving him with an eighteen-year-old girl who would, for the foreseeable future, be in a nearly constant state of sexual arousal with Severus as her only focus.
Bugger.
Determinedly, he simply held her cradled in his lap, ignoring the fluttering of his own libido. This was not about him and he was damned if he would permit it to become about him. From the goodness of his heart, he was performing a duty as a favour to Dumbledore, his general in war. He would do exactly and precisely what needed to be done no more! And he would never do anything but what was requested of him. Yes, it was a fucking shame that he hadn't bothered to go to visit one of his favourite doxies in rather more months than he could recall, but he would take care of that at his next opportunity he would not permit himself to be swayed by the simple fact that he had not had intercourse with a woman in damn near a year. When one's hand sufficed to the job, why waste the Galleons?
But this fresh armful compared to nothing to no one he had ever touched in a sexual way. There had been no romance in his youth, regardless of how he had longed for it, and convenient connexions arranged for him by the Dark Lord in later years never lasted; certainly, none of those women, who were either Death Eaters or who wished to be closely allied to the Death Eaters, had been at all similar to the trusting virginal girl who now trembled in his arms.
Yes, he was certain of her virginity. He had taken the opportunity, whilst she slept, of casting the necessary diagnostic spell to determine that her maidenhead was intact and unbreached. What in the name of Nimüe's garters was the girl saving herself for? Goddamn Dumbledore to hell for this he was to be forced not only to consort with a child his student but also to relieve her of her chastity?
She clutched at his shirt, fisting the fabric in her hands, and her lips touched his ear. 'Sir please ...'
With a calm which belied the wild thumping of his heart, he replied, 'Put my hands where you want them.'
The girl was too far gone for modestly or embarrassment; she sat forward for a moment and jerked his nightshirt to her waist in one vicious yank. He scarcely had time to register the sight of her bare thighs, coming together at an apex of tight brown curls, before she placed his hand unreservedly upon her mound, damp to the touch and fragrant with her arousal.
'Oh, God please!' At the touch she had instigated herself, she cried out, twisting to press her breasts against his chest and dragging his other hand from its unobjectionable place at her waist to yank it to an undeniably erect nipple. 'Kiss me!' she begged, lifting her tortured face to his, her eyes dilated as if she had partaken of a drug, her lips parted as she panted.
Ignoring the command to kiss her, he captured a hardened nipple through the fabric of the nightshirt and pressed his fingers through the wet hair to her passion-glazed softness, desperately hoping he could remember enough of female anatomy by touch to bring her off without humiliating himself with his ignorance. He knew from his reading of his Dark texts he had many more than the one he had shown to her, and he had chosen the least alarming book to inform her of what was ahead that she would scarcely be fit, when it was over, to grade him upon his performance in servicing her needs.
He commiserated with himself, thinking that he would be undeniably more adept at manually pleasuring a female partner when this charade was done than he could ever hoped to have been, left to his own devices.
Not that he would live to put the experience to practice.
'Oh!' she cried, and his thoughts became inextricably focussed on the sounds issuing from her throat.
She lay against his shoulder, her eyes closed, and he had the leisure to look at her as much as he liked without being concerned about being taken for the fascinated male he was. He encompassed her breast with his entire right hand, gently squeezing at the same time he spread her labia with his left index and ring fingers, offering his long middle finger the opportunity to roll her needy little clit about like a kidney bean in olive oil. He had scarcely touched her when her scream filled his small sitting room with an echo of desire, not quenched, but incited to further need.
Her thighs clamped tight on his hand as she spasmed her orgasm, then she shifted demandingly, her thighs bracketing his legs on the cushion of the wingback chair facing him. 'More!' she cried, rubbing her dripping wet crotch against the rough weave of his wool trousers.
Settling in for the long haul, Severus looked up into the flushed face of the girl straddling him and said, 'Put my hands where you want them.'
She cried out in frustration, but she took both his hands and brought them simultaneously to her squirming centre. Watching her face intently, he used the fingers of his left hand to pluck repeatedly at the hardened nub of her clitoris, and with his right hand he shallowly penetrated her vagina, finding her so slick that he confidently slid a second finger within her as well, plucking with one hand and fucking with the other as she bobbed her arse just over his pelvis, grinding herself against his hand. He had read that manual stimulation for a woman with this curse would take one only so far, but he was determined that it should suffice. He would not risk either of them by actually penetrating her piercing her maidenhead with his prick and fucking her properly. He would never be able to remain objective if he made her his own in that way. Taking a woman's virginity was strong magic, and he wanted no part of such a procedure with this girl his student. No, by Merlin, he would make do with his hands and his mouth, if he must but his cock would remain where it belonged.
Before his amazed eyes, the girl tugged the nightshirt over her head and flung it from herself blindly. She then reached for the lank strands of his hair, and grasping them mercilessly, she pulled his face between her breasts. 'Please,' she moaned, and he felt his potion-restrained prick twitch in spite of chemical discouragement. Damn and blast!
'Use your hands,' he encouraged her gruffly, taking special care not to make contact with her nipples.
She groaned again, but released his hair and arched her back, bringing her hands up to stimulate her breasts. Gauging her breathing, he slipped a third finger into her body and began to rub her clitoris with a consistent circular motion until she screamed again, becoming utterly rigid above him and remaining in that position for a long moment before crumpling, removing his hands from her vulva by the simple expedient of thrusting her arms between his and flinging them outward, carrying his arms with hers. She sagged against him, tears following swiftly upon the heels of the second orgasm, and he glanced at the coach clock over the fireplace: It had been five minutes from his first intimate touch to the completion of her second climax.
He flexed his fingers as the girl sobbed into his shoulder and thought to himself that it was going to be the longest damn weekend of his life.
A/N: Beta reading thanks to DeeMichelle, Brit-picking done by MagicAlly, and alpha reading done by Sshg316. Love to all, of course.
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Latest 25 Reviews for The Love You Take
1365 Reviews | 6.59/10 Average
Poor Hermione, and poor Severus too but I trust you to lead them to safe harbor.
That was wonderful. I love your work.
Never in my many years of devouring fan fiction have I come upon a more perfect work! I was enthralled from start to finish! You truly have a gift & I thank you for a most enjoyable read. I have neglected all responsibility, but I have not one regret! I look forward to reading more of your work.
Ahhh, i love those roses.. I was a florist for a few years and worked with them daily, they're tied with anther type for my favorite ever. EVER. Lol
Don't worry, I speak some German, and honeybunch is correct, merry Christmas. :) enjoying the story so far, even if the plot has taken over the porn lol. No really, i don't mind, the story keeps you interested in things beyond three scope of their bed.
Love this story. I've read it so many times. Good characterisations, good plot & very hot!
Mmm, gotta love the chapters with eye candy. Yum!
For a moment I wondered why Morgan would fight to get someone who clearly didn't feel the same way about her. How could she possibly think she could screw Severus Snape over and win him at the same time? For that matter, why would anyone be in a relationship with someone who loathed them even if they could force them? But then as quick as I could click my mouse to the next chapter, I thought about all the stupid, silly things women think they can change in a man and realized she thinks that if she can just get Severus for herself, she can make him want her, she can change him. First of all, the slag has too hight of an opinion of her self. Second, the stupid cow hasn't been on earth long enough to learn what this old hag, who has been married to the same man for 33 years, knows. That is, you can't change anything in a man, no matter how long you wait. Not one single thing. You either take him as he is, because the benefits out weigh the bull shit, or you need to move on while you still have your youth and your looks.
Well, I hope Hermione learned an important lesson about life that I needed to be reminded of with regard to "great men". Many, many better men have been willingly sacrificed on the alter of their great master, even though he were a lesser man, in vain. It is the way of power and politics. If one can't change the situation, one possible choice is to resign one's self to his place in the game and do his duty with honor and valor. Ha! Severus Snape is not truly resigned when it comes to Voldemort. "Revenge is a dish best served cold," indeed! Our mighty Potions Master is patiently working his master's demise. Once that is accomplished his other master will hopefully leave him to live his life as he pleases, only Severus doesn't expect to live. He may have resigned himself to the part of a pawn, but he will take The Dark Lord with him on his way down. Severus' original creator was no better than Voldemort or Dumbledore. Thank heavens, worthy bard, that you have seen fit to make his end more sweet.
The first time I read this I had thought that Viktor had coupled with Hermione, but now I see he was gallant enough to stop when he saw her crying and rock her instead. He isn't like that swine, Ronald. Please let me know if I'm incorrect. It is very handy that Viktor was knowledgeable about Hermione's condition, was non judgmental, saw that is wasn't anything personal, Hermione wasn't rejecting him, and he understood compulsions spells. She really needed someone who understood and wouldn't judge at that moment. It was also very handy that Viktor's presence ending up forcing Severus to face his feelings when he was attacked by the green eyed monster. (And, I'm on referring to Lily.) I'm very glad Viktor didn't get in trouble for casting the imperious. He did it out of compassion. 5 stars to Viktor Krum. I'm also very glad Severus has sorted himself out. I'm sure Hermione is too.
Response from Subversa (Author of The Love You Take)
You are correct. Viktor did not force himself on Hermione when he saw her distress.
Response from Subversa (Author of The Love You Take)
You are correct. Viktor did not force himself on Hermione when he saw her distress.
Albus asks too much of Severus Snape. He is only human. By giving him permission to have a relationship with Hermione after graduation, is Dumbledore recanting the order to let her go when the curse is lifted? If Severus wasn't so distraught wouldn't he hear permission to become emotionally attached to Hermione in Albus' words? It's so tragic that a man like Severus Snape must sublimate he very feelings, his thoughts, his future and every thing he is or will be to a Master. Albus tells him what to do, how to do it, how to think and how to feel. He is nothing more than Albus Dumbledore's secret weapon. Severus' life is worse than that of a house elf to the Dark Lord. I imagine that Voldemort dosn't give two shits about what his house elves think or feel or what they do in their free time, as long as they do their job. Poor Hermione. She is a good girl. She is sweet, forgiving and level headed. She didn't ask for this, but she has done the best anyone could ever be expected to do under these circumstances. She doesn't want to be a burden to Professor Snape. I can't remember if she knows that Severus has been ordered not to become too attached to her because he has to act as if this never happened when the curse is removed. If she knew this maybe she could speak to Professor Dumbledore about letting her and Severus work that out on their own. Severus is gallant and won't force himself on Hermione if she doesn't want him. Dumbledore knows he wouldn't. There is no way for this to end well, except for these two to end up together. Surely Dumbledore is beginning to see this.
They are both daft not to already know they are hopelessly in love with each other. I can't believe the level of denial Severus manages to maintain. I guess he doesn't want to get his hopes up. But what now? Is he convinced? I'm not surprised Hermione followed him and I'm not surprised he knew she was there. I'm not surprised he didn't want to upset her but I'm a little surprised he thought he could actually get away with the whole thing. He should expect more from Hermione. She may not be Slytherin but she isn't stupid. Silly silly man! How many times will he continue to underestimate her?
Mighty kinky fun to be had doing the naughty with your hunky Professor under the feet of your friends if they were to look. I do think that Viktor's willingness to cast the imperious charm was to help Hermione. And he did apparently do her. I think he was also trying to give her some surcease from sorrow and getting a little delight of his own. I do think Viktor cares for her. But, the big BUT, she belongs to Severus Snape and the sooner he gets them promised to each other the better. Many marriages have be built on so much less than what these two have in common as people and what they have suffered together. All he needs to do after Voldemort is dead is have Hermione look in the mirror. If she sees her and Severus getting married, he will know that is the greatest wish of her life after the curse has been lifted.
I must say good night!
Response from Subversa (Author of The Love You Take)
I want you to know that I am reading your reviews and enjoying them very much. I'm so glad you're enjoying this story; it is very, very near to my heart.
Response from Subversa (Author of The Love You Take)
I want you to know that I am reading your reviews and enjoying them very much. I'm so glad you're enjoying this story; it is very, very near to my heart.
my cat won"t let me type. 
What-an-Ass! Men are so stupid. Maybe if he promised to put a good word in for him, Ron would give him a blow job when he finished his duties to Hermione and they could be mates. If he promised never to cum in Hermione again maybe Ronald would let him bugger him after he was finished with Hermione. Ronald could become he right hand. Snape wouldn't be able to tell the difference between his own hand and Ron, but it would help him alienate and humiliate Hermione even more effectively.
It's been years, and I still need therapy for the mishandling of Severus Snape's fate in the DH. I don't know what I would have done if it were not for you, gentle writer, and those like you who have faithfully continued to craft a life befitting of Severus Snape and rubbing out JKR's embarrassment and shameful invention of such an Un-Snape-like demise. Nimue's colossal crystal dildo!!!! As if the greatest potions master in the world, supremely puissant wizard and preeminently consummate, hard core and lifelong spy would have allowed himself to be killed by the venom of Voldemort's familiar, known assassin and a weapon Severus Snape had had years to prepare against. 
PA-LEESE!
And for the sake of every god known to man, Hermione Granger would never SETTLE for Ronald Weasley as her mate for life!!!!! 
BLESS YOU, MY DEAREST THERAPEUTIC CRAFTER OF THE WRITTEN WORD! 
I wonder if she is too innocent to recognize his fury as the jealousy it is? I know he is worried too, but he is passed the "I was worried for your safely" type of anger. I know she is thinking, "why does he have to be so mean about it?" I wonder if he will ever believe she wants him on her own. There are enough chapters for that to happen, I think. Thank Merlin Dumbledore go hold of the map! I hadn't thought of it, yet.
So much happened in this chapter! The most important is obviously the fact that she mentioned before sleep. In the storeroom she wanted him again "...just me wanting you,- without the curse." Perhaps now she can remember to use the coin. It was a wonderful wonderful chapter!!!!! My neuropathy is killing me but I couldn't stop reading. I must go lay down now. I love this story. I wish I had the time to comment further. Maybe later.
The picture is magnificent! I have to admit that Severus Snape took on a whole new persona when the trailers first came out and I found out that AR was going to play Snape. I remember the first trailer when my heart jumped into my throat. That was the instant when I became obsessed with this character and this actor. I had found him attractive before but never was he so sexy. I was delighted and scandalized that there was already some fan fiction with this couple. I had never read smut before and had never been attracted to bad boys, though I was 40 years old. But the combination of Severus Snape imagined as I thought AR would play him was my undoing.
Back on topic: The chapter was tender and compelling. My heart is well and truly engaged with this Severus and Hermione and their plight. You have done a masterful job of making your reader become quite emotionally affected by what they are experiencing. What a relief that they have come to some kind of understanding! Hermione, now knows he desires her. Poor Severus knows only that for now, she needs him and wants him to desire her. I can't imagine all the fears and insecurity that must be racing through their hearts and minds regarding the future. How can they help but become attached. To fall in love. What Severus doesn't know is that women fall in love with men whom they respect and Hermione has great respect for him. How could he know that a good woman can come to love any man who is good to her. He has no idea that a good woman would find it very hard to resist the love of a man that finds her beautiful and intelligent, and who makes her feel desired and cherished when he makes love to her? I am hoping that Hermione's obvious admiration of his body in moments when she isn't in the grip of the curse will convince him that she sees him as more than a convenient shag in time of need. And need I tell you that your writing is extremely sexy without being vulgar? That it is the epitome of erotica? Surely not.(Not that I don't enjoy well written vulgarity.)
I'd venture, never did anyone wish more that Monday would never come. How long can one make a Sunday evening last without being too tired for another day at work, just waiting for clock out time, only to become so absorbed in one's work as to stay late anyway. It happens to me all of the time, though never have I passed such a charming Sunday evening as Severus and Hermione. What I would give to be on that work bench... I am certain I would never stay late at work again unless under severe duress.
Dear poor Severus! It's only the second time I've said it I think. Pitiful! Down right pitiful! He's well and caught in this as I expected he would be. I hope young Hermione will take pity and not insult his pride without meaning to. I suppose it's only a matter of time before his tongue and lips won't be sufficient. They must call a truce and get over the reason they are here and just accept that it is thus for the foreseeable future. Hermione will hopefully express some gratefulness at his thoughtful care even if he didn't want the job. I am beginning to think that this curse also has some affect on the one the victim is fixed upon as well. He seems quite perceptive. On the other hand, maybe he's just that good.
I hope he becomes more cooperative. I totally understand the way he has approached this problem. His is being gentlemanly and is intent on not taking advantage of this young woman. However, they will both do better in the long run, I think, if after he has assured her he has no desire to take advantage of her sexually, he goes with the flow and gives her what she wants. His clinical approach will be even more embarrassing to Hermione but is the proper thing to do until they work out some relationship that isn't simply student and professor. I hope that doesn't take too long. Hermione would feel less embarrassed if she wasn't the only person behaving so wantonly.
I shall try my best not to write "poor Severus" with my every review. I don't know why I feel more sorry for him than I do for Hermione at the moment. Her condition is horrible. Most horrible for the fact that she isn't in control of what happens to her. Even if it wasn't sex magic she would not be able to resist the compulsions another has placed upon her and must rely heavily and exclusively on some one else. It is made worse only by the fact that being sex magic, she will be humiliated when she can realize that Professor Snape is being forced to help her when she has a moment of lucidity. I suppose my sympathy lies with Severus because of his vulnerability. He is vulnerable to Voldemort. He is vulnerable to Dumbledore and between he and Hermione, I think the potential for a truly broken heart that can't be unbroken resides more strongly with him. I shouldn't assume Hermione to be so shallow though. She is the same age as he was when his heart was broken possibly permanently by Lily Potter. I say "possibly" due to my hope and expectation that the reason you have written this story is so that Severus can have the love he deserves and will find it with Hermione. Merlin!!! How much worse it would be to be fixed on Dumbledore. Besides the fact that he is not sexy in the least and Severus is sex incarnate, he's gay and would not enjoy her attentions at all. At least if Severus can allow himself to enjoy his new fate, Hermione won't have to feel so terrible that he is forced to do this against his choosing, though willingly. How happy the circumstance is that they speak the same language and he could use the book to tell her what the situation is and that she would be able to understand and appreciate that approach. Unfortunately, they will both be mortified for a while, I think.
"...and when the time comes you will set her free to live out her life as if Your Master had never interfered with her." Fuck that, Dumbledore. Poor Severus. Every thing he can never have has been dumped at his feet. I am hoping that Hermione will love him and he will let her. At least I hope Snape isn't likely to die in this version of Tom Riddle's demise. A bang up start!!! I'm hooked!