37- Taking Baby Steps
Chapter 39 of 84
Good_WitchHermione and Snape are still in his bed, but after all of the stops and starts already, can they come to an agreement and be comfortable together? *graphic sexual descriptions contained herein*
ReviewedStandard Disclaimer goes here.
Author's Note: Check out my LJ (www.livejournal.com/users/pern_dragon) for all the reasons why this took so long to update this time. *rolls eyes* And, now more than ever, profuse thanks go out to Ladyofthemasque for her beta services, including real-time online betaing and ensuing discussions. Thanks to everyone who has left me so many supportive reviews and LJ posts and emails. I appreciate it more than I can say. Oh, and check out my Photobucket (http://photobucket.com/albums/y116/Good_Witch/) for more PoH goodness from Becky and tainted_sanity on LJ! And thanks to my posse: Lotm, Laela, SnivellusSnape, Horserider, and yutamiyu as always! *luff and hugs* And now, I point you to the smuttage...
Chapter 37- Taking Baby Steps
Hermione was once again grateful that it was dark, so Snape couldn't see the abject nervousness that belied her confident pose. Although she wanted to take the step that had sent him scurrying off, she couldn't help but feel anxious that she would "do it wrong." Not that she knew what would constitute "doing it wrong," of course. She just felt incredibly inexperienced, but she wanted to remedy that as much as possible under the circumstances.
Snape's breath caught at the feel of Hermione's hand on his arse again. He felt himself tensing in anticipation of her touch. All of his focus centred on her soft hand down his satin trousers, and he felt a tingle of relief at the tell-tale tremble of her fingers. At least I'm not the only one a bit unsure of all this...
In his musings, Snape had become distracted enough to cease responding to Hermione's kiss. Eyes snapping open in the dark, Hermione pulled back and queried, "Severus?"
Snape's attention shot back to Hermione and he quickly retorted, "What?"
Hermione's voice was uncertain as she said, "Is everything okay?"
Snape blurted, "Yes! Of course." Then, after a tiny pause, he asked, "Why?"
Hermione's hand stilled, and she murmured, "It's just that... you stopped kissing me back..."
Snape's mind raced. Shite! Way to go, old chap. Keep that up and you won't have to worry about doing things with her, since she'll just leave! Hastily, he squeezed his arms tighter around her and attempted a winning tone. "Did I? Well, I'll just have to remedy that." With that, he pressed a demanding kiss on her lips, his eyes rolling back in relief as he felt her respond. Pulling back slightly, he felt her smiling. His voice a throaty growl, he added, "Satisfied?"
Hermione laughed and lilted, "At least once already..." Snape snorted mildly at her quip and relaxed again as she pinned him with another fierce kiss.
By paying more attention to the passionate snogging, Snape managed to not tense up as much when Hermione began smoothing her hand over his arse and around his hipbone. Hermione pressed forward, tilting Snape's body back again. She cupped his hip as she settled him on his back, partially covering him with her torso. Anxiety flared in Snape's gut.
Hermione trailed light kisses over his jaw and down his throat, making him cant his head back. As she nibbled, she heard his breath catch. He seemed to be holding his breath for a beat, then exhaling heavily, only to gasp and hold his breath again. She could feel his chest rising and falling unevenly beneath her.
Gathering her courage, she nipped and licked her way back up to his ear, tracing it with her tongue as she ever-so-slowly slid her hand around his hip and over his taut abdominal muscles. When her fingertips grazed along the edge of his patch of wiry hair, she both heard and felt his sharp inhalation. She paused for a moment, waiting for his exhalation, but he held his breath. In the charged silence, she inched her fingertips hesitantly down, sliding through the hair until her fingers ran up against the erection once again tenting his trousers. As she touched his cock, his tightly-held breath exploded out in a harsh whoosh.
Snape flung his hands to his sides, gripping the bedspread. His heart was racing, between her stimulation and his nerves. Eyes squeezed shut in a supreme effort to maintain his composure, he swallowed against his now dry throat. Every muscle in his body was as rigid as the straining cock which Hermione was tentatively touching. Incredulous at the intensity of his desire to come again, Snape thought disgustedly, Bloody hell! You've come twice already this evening; you should have a little more control by this point!
Hermione dropped feathery kisses down his throat again, dipping lower to his chest. Laying her cheek on his chest, she could hear his heartbeat thundering. Good! I'm glad I'm not the only one nervous about this! As she slid her fingers along his erection, she marvelled at the contrast: hard, yet soft. She, too, held her breath as she carefully dragged her fingers along his hard length, sucking her lower lip between her teeth at the surge of wild lust that washed over her.
When she reached the tip, which was pressed against his trousers, she slid her fingers around to wrap against the underside, gently angling it away from the satin. Running her hand toward the head, she felt the moisture that had seeped through the fabric against the back of her knuckles.
Snape pressed his head back into the bed as she gingerly stroked his raging erection. A strangled sort of noise erupted from his throat. Hermione's head jerked off his chest at the sound, wary that she had done something wrong. He was panting shallowly. Worried, her hand stilled and she said, "Severus?"
Snape heard the anxiety in her tone and swallowed again, grinding out, "Everything's fine, love." In his head, he added, Trust me on this one...
Heaving a relieved sigh, Hermione resumed her explorations, taking his shuddering exhalation as a good sign. She wrapped her hand around his cock, feeling the soft texture of the skin sliding along the searing hot stiffness within. Holding him in a loose grip, she slipped her hand lower, once again coming in contact with his coarse hair. Very carefully, she opened her grip and gently trailed her fingertips over his balls, eliciting a deep groan from Snape.
Emboldened by his reaction, she expanded her target area. Lightly, she caressed his hips, the tops of his inner thighs, his balls, and eventually back up the length of his cock, the satin tight against her arm.
Snape felt dizzy from the rush of sensations. The combination of his erratic breathing, his fluctuating blood pressure, and the tickling bliss of Hermione's touch nearly overwhelmed him. As her fingers once again wrapped around his shaft, he was taken aback to hear a raspy "Good gods...", apparently from his own mouth.
Hermione lifted her head at his utterance, smiling in the dark. Ears straining to catch every minute sound that might come from the man within her grasp, she tightened her grip around the base of his cock. She was rewarded by a sudden bucking that rippled the abdomen pressed against hers. A thrill washed over her, making her giddy with a rush of accomplishment. I may actually get him to lose control! Oh, I wish I could see that... But something tells me that he wouldn't let himself go if it were lit in here. Hmmm... Small steps, Hermione, just a bit at a time...
Tightening her grip around the pulsing hardness, she heard a hiss followed by a low moan. Instantly releasing her hold, she whispered solicitously, "Did I hurt you?"
Snape's voice was thick as he growled, "Not at all." Hermione's hand squeezed again, and Snape's muscles seized, seeming to force out a strained, "Quite the contrary."
Hermione felt encouraged by his reactions and slowly drew her hand up his shaft, concentrating on the feel of his skin, the throbbing of the veins under her fingers, and the twitching of the whole thing in her hand like it had its own reflexes. As her hand smoothed up to the head, she felt the ridge against her skin, and heard Snape's harsh exhalations in time with the spasming of his cock.
She slid the pad of her thumb up across the tip, smearing the drop of moisture that had leaked out. Snape gasped and held his breath again. Hermione curled her forefinger up to meet her thumb and drew it over the tip and down the underside of the head, having released her tight grip around his cock. When her fingertip grazed the soft spot underneath the head where the ridge smoothed out, Snape's body gave a violent jerk, and a shuddering moan escaped him. Filing that information away for future reference, she decided that such a reaction was interesting and tried it again. She was surprised, on her second swipe over that spot, to feel Snape's hand fly up and clasp her shoulder tightly.
Swallowing against his dry throat, Snape panted, "Hermione."
Innocently, she queried, "Yes?"
Snape snorted involuntarily at her tone. Gritting his teeth, he rumbled, "Spare me the innocent act, impudent minx."
Hermione giggled. In a sugary voice, she lilted, "Whatever do you mean?" And with that, she pulled her fingers back from his skin and lightly dragged her nails down the underside of his cock, raking them gently over his balls.
Snape's grip tightened so much that he fisted the shirt she was wearing in his hand in his attempt to avoid bruising her shoulder. Arching his back in surprise at the sensation, he hissed. Head pressed back into the pillow, eyes rolling back in his head, he gulped in air as she continued to rake her nails along his skin...over his balls, under them, along the creases of his groin and legs, around the perimeter of his hair. His free leg twitched and bent at the knee, drawing up toward his body, allowing her easier access in her explorations. As his thigh rose off the bed, she slid her nails up the inside as far as she could reach within the confines of his trousers, letting her fingertips caress him as she swept back down to his crotch, feeling the goose flesh her touch had raised.
Snape's guttural moan made Hermione shiver, feeling a delicious throbbing, drawing sensation deep in her core. Her legs squeezed together of their own accord, reminding her of the slippery puddle of juices that had thoroughly drenched her knickers and his thigh.
The hand that wasn't threatening to rip his shirt from Hermione's body had flown up to his face, grinding his palm against his shut eyes and shoving his fingers through his hair, scratching along his scalp before gripping his hair and pulling. As Hermione once again wrapped her hand around his shaft, he was mortified to realize that his hips were shamelessly bucking into her encircling grip.
Hermione, on the other hand, was ecstatic that she had caused such a reaction. Crooning encouragingly, she took the tacit instruction and began stroking along his length, delighting in the hoarse groans and deep sighs that met her ministrations. She moved off him, lying flush against his side, dropping kisses on his chest and throat as she slowly slid her fist up and down his cock.
The soft sound of her hand stroking him seemed to roar in his ears along with his pounding blood. His left arm was tucked about her shoulders where she lay curled up against him, and his right hand was still tangled in his hair. Her slow pace was agonizingly exquisite. Waves of pleasure rolled over his body, rippling his muscles. His spastic reflexes calmed as she continued, lulling him into a state of euphoria, in which the deep desire to climax simmered as the heady sensations built.
Hermione noticed that his startled reactions had ceased, and, as he grew quieter and calmer, she started to worry that she wasn't doing things right, and that he had got bored. Leaning close to his ear, she whispered, "Severus?"
Snape was pulled from his euphoria by her voice and gently caressed her hair with his right hand, saying, "Shhhh..."
Hermione didn't know what to say to that and simply concentrated on his body. She maintained the slow rhythm she had begun, and every once in a while, she felt his hips rock, thrusting his cock deeper into her grip. Snape's hand rested against her hair, idly rubbing her scalp. All she could hear was the sound of their skin against each other, and their breathing. Everything seemed magnified in the utter blackness. After several moments of the same, at a gentle caress of Snape's fingers along her scalp, Hermione hummed in appreciation. That sound seemed to kick start something in Snape, and a low growl issued from his throat.
Lost in the erotic feel of Hermione's hand stroking his erection, Snape envisioned sliding into her virginal heat, slipping through her slick curls to rest deep within her. He could almost feel the sensual encounter of thrusting slowly into her clutching depths. So immersed in his imagination was he that he rocked his hips into Hermione's hand, picturing instead his cock enveloped in her cunt. When he heard her croon, a savage jolt of pleasure arced through him, and he felt his lust mounting.
His hand travelled down her shoulder and along her arm, squeezing and caressing in time with her strokes. Hermione could feel his focus and waited, senses heightened, for the next step in their venture. She stifled a moan when his hand snaked down to pull his trousers away from her arm, tugging them down below his balls, freeing her movements from the confining boundaries of the satin. Then, Snape's long fingers wrapped around her wrist and squeezed; at the same time, he barely breathed, "Faster."
Hermione eagerly complied and was startled by his vehement exhalation and the renewed thrusting of his hips. Stroking faster, Hermione was entranced by the sound of Snape's panting breaths, and the rhythm of his hips rocking into her grasp. Snape's fingers began clenching around her wrist in time with his movements, and she daringly tightened her grip in kind, squeezing and releasing at the same time his hand was doing so on her arm. A low, quavery groan issued forth at her attempt, and she smiled shakily in the darkness.
The tension increased as Hermione kept pumping Snape's cock in her fist. His breathing became faster and shallower, and every so often, a faint grunt would accompany a particularly energetic tilt of his hips. When Snape's hand released her wrist in favour of travelling over her hand and wrapping around hers, encompassing his cock, Hermione's eyes fluttered at the surge of lust that fired her veins and she moaned her appreciation.
Snape trapped her hand inside his as he guided her to stroke him exactly the way he wanted. He increased the speed, varying it every so often, squeezing and caressing, pressing her fingers against his skin. He could feel the tightening in his balls, the energy coiling in his gut. The roaring in his ears intensified as his blood pounded through him.
Hermione felt him rocking so hard that his arse was lifting from the bed and gasped at the surge in her centre as she thought of him sinking into her with those strong thrusts. His left hand was spastically clenching on her shoulder and back as she stroked him. She was mildly surprised to hear what sounded like keening whimpers emerging from her own lips as she delighted in the erotic abandon of Severus Snape coming apart in her grasp.
Snape's spine stiffened and his cock pulsed in Hermione's hand as he hit the excruciatingly divine peak of his pleasure. An inarticulate roar filled the room as he exploded, comparatively little come spurting out to drip on his and Hermione's hands since he had already done so twice in the previous few hours. As he came, he held Hermione's hand still, squeezing against the pulsing of his cock.
Hermione knew her eyes were wide with the impact of feeling his cock throbbing in her hand, spewing forth on her knuckles. Even after all that they had done, she knew she was flushed, both with excitement and embarrassment. Fighting the embarrassment, she froze, afraid to do or say anything until Snape had done so first.
Aftershocks coursed through him, rippling his muscles and making him buck against her. He felt his balls slowly retracting, his body relaxing from its fever pitch. As his breathing evened out, he became painfully aware of Hermione beside him. He could practically feel her avid interest, and it made him self-conscious again. Gently releasing her hand, he hoped she would follow his lead and let go of his deflating cock.
Hermione could feel his come cooling on her skin as he removed his hand from hers. Carefully easing her grip, she felt his cock softening, becoming more pliable and velvety. Unable to resist, she started touching him again, only to elicit a pained yelp. Again, she froze in uncertainty.
Snape's body had gone rigid again, and he swallowed before gritting, "No more. Not now." Hermione's hand mercifully disappeared, and Snape heaved a sigh of relief as he relaxed once again.
In the strained silence, he could sense the myriad of questions waiting to burst out of Hermione. In an attempt to stave some of them off, he murmured, "Too much." Then, he carefully reached for his wand, adding, "Give me your hand."
Hermione placed her hand in his, and he laid it on his chest, where he cast a cleansing spell on it before doing the same to his own flesh. He was taken aback by her soft sigh of disappointment. Perplexed, he queried, "What?"
Hermione seemed to toss her head on his shoulder before snuggling closer to his side. "Oh, nothing. Just... I didn't really get a chance to appreciate it before you magicked it away."
Snape's brows rose. Incredulous, he said, "What? There's nothing to appreciate when it dries, Hermione. It's just a sticky mess that's better got rid of."
Stiffening in his embrace, she asked dangerously, "So is that what I should do? Here, hand me a wand and I'll tidy up my knickers in a tick."
Snape recognized the warning note in her voice and sighed. Bloody hell, not again! Out loud, he ventured, "Stop that. Gods forbid I try to be as couth about this as I can, under the circumstances. This is not another double standard, Hermione. I'm simply trying to spare you an unpleasant experience."
Hermione stilled in thought, considering his explanation, and finally relaxed against him again. Still, her voice held a hint of pique as she murmured, "Fine, but you got a taste. I didn't!"
Snape's hands clenched violently as the meaning of her petulant comment sank in. Before he could censor himself, he rumbled, "Good gods, Hermione, what wouldn't I give for you to have a taste..."
Hermione's head shot up off his chest again, and Snape realized what he had just said. Closing his eyes in mortification, he cursed himself for his lapse in control.
When Hermione's lips tickled his ear, he froze, only to hear her trembling whisper, "You have no idea how much I would like to try that."
Snape groaned and gathered her in his arms, capturing her lips with his. As he held her close, she wriggled against him and he felt her smooth thigh against his bare crotch. They both gasped at the definite twitch of his cock on her leg.
Hermione made an inquisitive noise in her throat, and Snape pulled back to rest his forehead on hers, playfully purring, "Have mercy, woman! You wouldn't want to break me before you get a chance to partake fully, would you?"
Hermione smiled wickedly. "I thought a man of such power could certainly withstand the fumbling attempts of an innocent girl."
Snape inhaled sharply, his voice deep and intense as he retorted, "I told you to spare me the innocent act. What you may lack in experience, you make up for in natural aptitude. Sweet Circe! I assume you are pleased with yourself?"
Hermione's voice was husky as she said, "That depends on whether or not you were pleased with me."
Snape groaned. His tone sardonic, he said, "I thought that was obvious, love! I couldn't have faked that if I tried."
Hermione giggled in satisfaction. Wrapping her arm around him, she trailed it along the line of his back, down over his arse. His trousers were still bunched below his groin, and she bit her lip in curiosity. After a beat, she finally asked, "Why did you make me stop?"
Snape snorted and drawled, "Too sensitive."
She felt his pubic hair tickling her thighs as she pressed against him and asked, "Is it still too sensitive now?"
Snape considered his response carefully. Slowly, he said, "It's not over-stimulated as it was then, but it is still sensitive. I'm suffering no discomfort right now, if that's what you mean."
Hermione buried her face in his neck and mumbled, "Well, I just wanted to touch you again, if that's okay."
He contemplated for a long moment. Finally, he asked, "Why?"
Hermione's brows rose. "Why? Because I want to. What do you mean why?"
Snape felt his cheeks growing hot as he mumbled, "Well, it's far too soon for me to have a reaction again..."
She cut him off indignantly. "That's not the only reason why I would want to touch you! I like touching you. It feels good. Wait... Doesn't it?"
"Yes! Of course!"
"Then isn't that reason enough? I enjoy making you feel good. And I like the way you feel. Can't you understand that?"
Snape was silent for a few moments before finally sighing, "Yes. I can."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I can understand that reasoning, as I feel that way about you. It's just... difficult for me to believe anyone could feel that way about me. Forgive me, Hermione, I'm still trying to get used to the unbelievable notion that you care for me."
Hermione reached up and caressed his cheek. Chest and throat tightening, she whispered, "Believe it, Severus. I don't just care for you. I love you. I am in love with you. Completely. Besottedly. So much so that it frightens me sometimes with the intensity. And everything I learn about you, or experience with you, just serves to further cement that feeling in my heart. Who knows how such things come to be? I can only be grateful for it and enjoy it with all my being."
Snape felt tears pricking his eyelids at her impassioned words, and he swallowed convulsively. His voice was ragged as he said, "My love... Hermione." He tightened his embrace and rained kisses over her face, finally claiming her lips with a kiss that expressed his devotion. A few drops managed to streak back to his temples from the corners of his eyes, and he sheepishly thanked the gods that it was dark and she couldn't see his weakness.
He didn't think to contend with her roaming hands, however, which eventually caressed his face and ran through the tell-tale traces of moisture. He could feel her concern in the stiffening of her body, and could hear it in her voice as she whispered, "Severus?"
Embarrassed, he said, "It's nothing. Ignore it, I beg you."
Hermione, however, would do nothing of the sort. Humming a soothing sort of sound, she rolled until she was straddling him, lying against his bare chest, her fingers smoothing his face as she murmured terms of endearment and kissed the tears away. Her voice low, she said, "Just answer one question. Were they brought on by something bad or good?"
"'Good' is not a good enough word to do it justice."
She smiled against his cheek and kissed him again. "Then they can happen all they want, and I won't mind a bit." At that, she kissed him deeply, tangling her hands in his hair.
Their snogging was both lazy and passionate, focusing on both giving and receiving pleasure. It went on for what seemed like hours, before Hermione let her hand snake back down to caress Snape. She gingerly slid her fingers through his wiry hair, kissing him harder when he started and stiffened in her embrace. Deliberately, she teased him with her tongue while she carefully threaded her fingers through his nest of tangled hair to caress his flaccid cock.
At the feel of her fingers, Snape pulled away from Hermione's kiss and rasped, "Hermione!" His tone bordered on plaintive, and he nervously grabbed at her hand.
Hermione set her teeth and resisted his attempt to pull her hand away from his groin. "Give over, already!"
There was a long pause, charged with their silent battle of wills. Snape gnashed his teeth and railed inwardly that he would fall for such a stubborn witch. Finally, after some rapid mental calculations, he growled, "Very well then. But, keep this in mind: I reserve the right to respond in kind." He smirked at Hermione's gasp of comprehension.
Slowly, she said, "That's only fair..."
His voice imbued with both a threat and a promise, he simply retorted, "Indeed."
Resolutely, he released her hand, allowing her to resume her explorations. Nimble fingers traced along his cock, gently cupping him. A tiny sigh escaped him, much to his chagrin.
She ran her fingers through his hair, feeling how prone it was to tangling, and gently pressed on his inner thigh, urging him to lift his knee. After a bare moment's hesitation, he complied, and she soothingly caressed his skin, rubbing with a firm touch. Another relaxed sigh drew up from the depths of his chest, and she allowed herself a moment of triumph.
Impishly, she pulled her hand away, only to approach again with one finger, lightly dragging the back of her fingernail along the crease of his groin, down under his balls, which were now nestled heavily between his thighs. He twitched and hissed. Stifling a giggle, she cupped his balls, lifting them gingerly and feeling the weight in her palm. A low moan of contentment rewarded her initiative. As she stilled, savouring the intimacy of his trust in her, she felt the skin shifting in her hand, drawing up tighter where it touched her palm, and releasing on the other side. Fascinated, she shifted his weight, once again feeling the contracting and relaxing. Damn! I wish I could see...
Snape forced himself to relax under her touch, holding onto his trust in her like a lifeline. When she calmly and gently began touching him, he could feel her simple wish to give him pleasure, and he succumbed to her desires.
Eventually, she drew her attention back to his cock, which was now quietly resting in its surrounding nest of hair. Lifting it, she marvelled at how different it was from before. Still, he gasped and held his breath for a second before exhaling harshly, but he wasn't burning hot and stunningly hard any longer. His skin was soft and velvety, and his flaccid penis was almost spongy under her tentative squeezes. The loose skin bunched and rolled as she stroked her hand from the base to the tip. Still, she could feel the ridge of flesh around the head, and she experimentally flicked her fingertip against the sensitive spot under the head, wondering if it would still get a reaction.
It did.
Snape was once again nearly overwhelmed by sensation. He felt like he was floating in a pool of contented relaxation, and his senses were being further dulled by Hermione's gentle caresses. Until she deliberately flicked that spot.
Muscles seized in reflex all along his body, making him buck and choke as he gasped. Hermione froze at the unexpected vehemence of his reaction. In the strained silence, she whispered, "Oops..."
Snape's lip curled and he rolled his eyes. Sardonic, he murmured, "So much for relaxed euphoria..."
Abashed, Hermione stammered, "S-sorry."
Snape heaved a huge sigh and reached down to carefully lift her hand from his body.
Hermione guiltily blurted, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to ruin it..."
Snape cut her off, mildly saying, "Nonsense. You didn't ruin anything. I am merely invoking my rights."
Hermione blinked rapidly, trying to compute his meaning. Snape, meanwhile, had laid her hand on his chest and reached down to tug his trousers back up. Then, he rolled Hermione onto her back and propped himself up on his elbow to hover over her. Finally, Hermione figured it out, and a startled "Oh!" of comprehension burst from her lips.
Snape smirked wickedly in the darkness, ready to give himself over to returning the favour. He leant down to kiss her as his free hand cupped her cheek, slowly trailing down her throat and over her collar bone. As he released her lips to move back and suckle on her earlobe, he slid his hand down between her breasts, smugly enjoying her little squeals in reaction. Trailing his hand lower, his wrist caught against the shirt where it was still buttoned. Deliberately, he withdrew his hand from her person and slipped the button from its hole. Hermione gasped in surprise. He paused for a moment, allowing her a chance to protest, but when she didn't, he dropped to the last button and freed it, opening his shirt so he could bare her completely.
Hermione's breathing quickened, and Snape languidly dragged his fingertips back up her belly and between her breasts to rest his hand over her rapidly rising chest. His voice dripped with wicked intent as he purred, "Let me see... Oh yes, responding in kind. I believe I can manage that."
Hermione moaned softly at his tone, her heart thudding beneath his palm. Snape slowly pushed the panels of his shirt to the sides, baring Hermione's breasts and belly. As the fabric fell away, Hermione shuddered, feeling her nipples contracting.
"I remember this..." Snape leant down and kissed her ribs, nibbling up between her breasts. Hermione jumped, panting. He worked his way up to her throat, which he kissed and licked, smiling at Hermione's whimpers. Then, he paused, letting the tension grow.
With mock perplexity, he murmured, "Hmm, there's something missing. What is it?" In the charged silence he heard Hermione's shallow breaths. "Ah! Yes..." Hermione gasped and held her breath in anticipation, wondering what was next. Snape let the moment swell before finally acting.
He swiftly and determinedly slid his hand along her belly, his fingertips stealing beneath the waistband of her knickers. As his fingers travelled over her damp curls, Hermione arched her back, moaning. Snape inhaled sharply at the flash of lust swirling in his gut. Clenching his teeth and panting through his nose, he firmly stroked along her plump lips, sliding through her slick juices. His attention was diverted for a moment by Hermione's right hand scrabbling against his shoulder, digging her nails into his flesh.
He resumed his feathery kisses and nips along her chest, circling her breasts, at times moving onto the soft swell of her breast, but never closing in on the nipple. Hermione squirmed in torment, vainly trying to direct her stiff nipples into his mouth. After a few long slow strokes along her pussy lips, Snape dipped further down, completely cupping her mound in his palm, savouring the heat pouring from her flesh. His fingertips wedged between her thighs, and he pressed his hand against her, making her cry out.
When her hips rocked against his hand, he descended on her, pinning her to the bed with a savage kiss. As she thrust her hips up, her thighs parted, giving him the chance he wanted. Deftly, he pressed down, slotting his middle finger between her slippery lips, aligning his first and third fingers along the sides. She shrieked into his mouth, gripping his shoulder tight.
Sweet mother of Merlin, she feels so good! At her excited response, he felt his cock stirring again, and he wondered incredulously at his abilities of recuperation when with Hermione.
Snape slid his finger along her cleft, up one side of her clit and around to the other. Hermione writhed under him, moaning. He could feel her arousal building quickly, no doubt fired by her exploration of him and her successful attempt to get him off. His gut clenched at the copious amount of slick juices soaking through her knickers and drenching his hand. Once again dipping his head to feast on the bared flesh of her chest, he circled her clit with his finger, groaning at her heated cries.
Hermione's brain seemed to stall. All rational thought ceased at the sensation of Snape's fingers stroking the centre of her lust. A fleeting memory of a similar situation with Harry whipped through her, but it was quickly chased away by the pulsing waves of pleasure that rippled out from the hard nub being rolled under Snape's fingertip. Her head rolled from side to side in delight, and her right hand clutched at Snape's shoulder, digging into his skin.
As her breathing quickened, Snape increased the speed of his stroking. He could feel her hips twitching, tilting her pelvis up into his hand. When he slipped his finger down, she canted her hips up, and his fingertip grazed the edge of her sopping opening. He sucked in a breath and she voiced a ragged groan. Heart racing, he leant down beside her ear and rasped, "Hermione?"
She heard the unspoken question in his voice, and knew he had noticed her reaction. Head swimming, she gasped, "Gods, please..."
Snape panted at the surge of excitement that washed over him and closed the distance between them with a vehement kiss. Hermione instantly reached up and gripped his hair, holding him to her and crooning into his mouth. Snape pushed up onto his elbow and knee, pulling away from her kiss to trail his tongue over her jaw and down between her breasts as he backed away from her, still stroking her into a frenzy.
Hermione felt the loss of something to hold onto when he backed out of her reach. Grabbing the bedspread on either side of her, she felt as if all of her focus zeroed in on the sensations Snape was inciting between her thighs. As every tingle was suddenly magnified, she arched her back, grinding herself against his hand.
A guttural groan sounded from past her knees. Snape knelt between her legs, his hand still rubbing her swollen flesh. As he sank back onto his heels, he let his free hand trail along her body, sweeping over her breasts and down her ribs, coming to rest on the soft curve of her belly just above her pubic bone. After a pause, he hooked one long finger into the edge of her knickers and eased them down, away from his other hand. Hermione gasped and keened one long exhalation.
Removing his busy hand from its awkward position, he quickly twisted it to a more comfortable orientation and touched her again, rubbing his thumb in a circle around her swollen clit. His fingertips lightly traced along her pussy lips, nudging them apart. She arched, bucking against him.
He laid his free hand back on her belly, stroking her skin soothingly, quieting her; he could feel his heart pounding in anticipation of what he would do next. Never stopping his stroking of her clit, he gently used his first and third fingers to prod her slippery lips, opening them to allow his middle finger to trace along the hot flesh within. He could feel the slickness pouring from her opening, no doubt evidence of her earlier orgasm. Shuddering gasps met every tentative touch of his finger. As she unconsciously spread her legs further in invitation, Snape circled her opening more firmly, swallowing a groan at her ululating cry. Then, taking a deep breath, he pressed his fingertip in, sinking into her. His eyes closed involuntarily at the erotic bliss in her voice when Hermione rasped, "Oh, gods, yes!"
She was quivering around his finger, and he carefully slid deeper, past the first knuckle to the second. Her hips rocked, silently urging him further. He could feel the resistance of her hymen against the back of his finger and he hesitated, not wanting to hurt her. In an automatic response to her grinding hips, he rubbed faster around her clit. His free hand was smoothing over her abdomen in a lazy figure eight.
He could feel the clutching of her walls around his invading finger, and he wished fervently that he would know the feeling of her gripping his cock the same way. Cautiously, he slid his finger in and out, staying fairly shallow, constantly circling her clit. As she neared her second orgasm of the night, she made the same noises that Snape had come to recognize. A triumphant grin spreading his lips in the darkness, he stilled his free hand, resting it just above her mound. Finally, unable to stand the build-up any longer, he pressed down with his free hand, at the same time he slid his pumping finger in, curling it forward, pressing against her throbbing wall. Hermione convulsed in shocked ecstasy, completely overwhelmed by the intensity of her orgasm.
Blinding pleasure radiated out from the sensitive spot she didn't even know she had, but which Snape had obviously found, manipulating it from both inside and out. Coupled with the tingling from her clit, she shuddered and flailed, shrieking incoherently.
Snape felt her cunt clamping down on him, and bit his lip fiercely, maintaining focus on Hermione, drawing out her climax. She bucked and shivered, whimpering and keening in delight. He held her down as much as he could, pressing on her, still massaging her clit as he fluttered his finger against the spongy mass inside her body. Her juices coated his hand, pooling out into his palm. He was hit with a desperate desire to bury his tongue in those juices, lapping at her essence, but he fought it, knowing there was such a thing as too much. Gods willing, they had much to look forward to, and anything more in this moment would lessen the impact of what they had experienced already.
Slowly, Hermione floated down from the stratosphere, panting and swallowing against her parched throat. Her heart thundered in her ears, and she could sense the ringing that followed her deafening shrieks. Her body felt both weightless and extremely heavy. It was like all of her bones had disappeared...gods forbid, was Lockhart around?...and she was melting into the bedding. She could feel Snape slowing his movements, eventually stopping. She savoured the sensation of his hands on her, in her. As he carefully, lovingly withdrew, she couldn't help but sigh in disappointment. He had felt so good. When he leant back, separating from her entirely, she voiced a petulant whine.
Snape chuckled deep in his throat, steeling himself to regain his self-control. Resolutely, he tugged on her thong, slipping it back up her legs and easing it back into place. Hermione struggled to lift her hips to assist him, sighing deeply. When she felt the bed shifting, indicating that he was crawling back up to join her, she furtively adjusted the thong so it was more comfortable...well, as comfortable as arse-floss could be.
Snape settled himself back at her side, propping himself up on one elbow and resting his head in his hand. He was amazed to note that he was half-erect again. Shaking his head in rueful wonderment, he gently reached up and caressed Hermione's hair, drawing his little finger down her face and feeling the clammy skin where her sweat was cooling.
As his hand passed over her lips, Hermione could smell the scent of her arousal on his fingers. Colouring in embarrassment, she screwed her eyes shut. Snape couldn't see her reaction, but he felt her body tense, and he guessed the cause. Leaning over her face, he waited until she stilled, practically hearing her attention reorient on him. His voice was a seductive purr as he said, "I've told you before, Hermione... Delicious." He drew the word out on its final sibilant. Hermione's breath caught, and he dropped his fingers to her lips, covering them with his mouth.
His kiss was deep and sultry, his tongue snaking over his fingers, probing between them, to caress her tongue. He drew her own tongue out through his fingers, revelling in her taste, willing her to understand how much he loved it.
Hermione's stomach quivered nervously when Snape's damp fingertips alit on her lips, just after his comment sent a tingle of heat chasing through her core. When he descended on her, licking her lips and his fingers, giving her a sensuous taste of her ecstasy, she felt her heart pounding again, and her mind went spinning. As he pulled back a fraction, breathing heavily, she found herself sucking his finger into her mouth, eliciting a sharp grunt from Snape. His head rolled back and he groaned as she swirled her tongue around his finger, pushing it out and then sucking it back in. Faintly, she heard Snape choke out, "Unreal!" She smiled around his finger, and a moment later, he lunged back up, wrenching his hand from her mouth and pinning her with a demanding kiss.
Snape inched closer until he lifted his body over hers, propping himself up on his elbows and threading his hands in her unruly locks. One leg draped between hers, and he rested on his hip, letting his bare torso press against hers. Her nipples were hard between them, but her skin was softer than silk. Snape couldn't get enough of her, and feasted on her mouth, alternating between aggressively and languidly. Their soft sighs and croons blended with the moist sounds of their kisses.
After a while, their racing pulses slowed to a desultory, sated pace. Fatigue was creeping up on them, particularly after such a manic evening. Their kisses stretched out infinitely, savouring each other.
Snape was drawn from his contented haze by a short squeak from Hermione, followed by what felt like a jerk away from him. Blinking to clear his head, he paused, concerned. "What's wrong?"
Hermione was writhing in mortification. She felt like she couldn't keep up with him and his apparent wealth of experience. How to explain?
"Um... As much as I love kissing you... Well, it hurts." Hermione grimaced as she forced herself to speak.
Snape was taken aback, and he pulled away from her in worry. "Hurts? How?"
Hermione tossed her head on the pillow. Her voice was strained as she bit out, "My chin. It stings. So do my lips. My skin feels raw..." She was utterly stunned when Snape fell onto his back beside her, peals of laughter echoing off the stones. A bit put out, she snapped, "Why is that funny?"
Snape instantly composed himself, rolling back up to caress her face in apology. His voice still held a ripple of laughter as he spoke. "Dearest, I'm so sorry. I'm not laughing at you. It's my fault completely. You should have said something sooner, before my stubble rubbed you raw in my enthusiasm for your rather formidable charms." He murmured healing charms, and she felt the tingle of magic trailing after his fingers, soothing the abraded flesh. He rested his forehead against hers for a moment and rumbled, "I hesitate to even think how late it is, and it's obvious that it's been far too long since I shaved for the party. I should have been more mindful; I apologize."
Hermione let his words mollify her ruffled feathers, reaching up and sliding her fingers over his jaw, feeling the rough sandpapery texture of his beard growth. Wryly, she said, "Perhaps this is a sign that we should take a break for a little while?" Snape snorted and she smiled.
"Perhaps." He backed away to drop a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose. She giggled and walked her fingers over his nose so she could do the same. Snape huffed and grumbled, "Not like you could miss that target."
Hermione squawked in indignation and smacked his bicep. He yelped and jerked away. She snapped, "Stop that!"
Bewildered, Snape said, "What was that for?"
Hermione pushed him onto his back and aggressively poked him in the chest. "Don't insult the man I love, you hear me?"
Snape cottoned on and covered his eyes with his hand, muttering, "Oh, bloody hell..."
Hermione drawled, "I heard that..." Snape grunted in response and she giggled.
With mock asperity, Snape queried, "Are you quite finished abusing my person?"
Hermione stifled another giggle and leant near his ear, lilting, "Well, perhaps just for the night."
Snape groaned and wrapped his arms around her, squeezing. He drawled a long-suffering "Impertinence..." as he shifted her, tugging the covers out from under them. As he slid back down, pushing the covers below their feet at the end of the bed, he manoeuvred her to rest comfortably within his arm, smiling in spite of himself at her happy sigh when she laid her head on his chest.
Snape pushed her wayward curls away from his face and remained to stroke her hair as she pressed herself against him. His shirt bunched beneath her, and her breast was soft and warm along his side. She laid her arm across his ribs, idly rubbing his side and tracing the bones beneath his skin. When she flung her leg over his, her thigh rubbed across his satin-clad cock, making his muscles ripple at the sensation.
Hermione lay quiet, listening to the steady beat of his heart in her ear. She could hear his breathing as well, and after a long moment of calming herself to match his rhythm, she felt her emotions welling up at the simple joy of lying curled up with him. Her embrace tightened and she whispered, "I love you."
Snape sucked in a breath at the surge of love that engulfed him in response. He lifted his free arm to clasp her to him and kissed the crown of her head. His voice was thick with gratitude for the gift of her love as he murmured, "And I love you, Hermione."
There was a pause, filled with the unspoken devotions of the two lovers, and Hermione smiled in supreme contentment, wishing she could stay in his arms forever. That thought, however, spurred others, many of which were more troublesome. Recognizing her chance to finally talk freely with him, Hermione decided to broach some of the questions that had been nagging her ever since they had realized their connection.
In a low whisper, she said, "Severus?"
Snape felt more at peace than he remembered feeling in the rest of his miserable excuse for a life. At her tentative query, he simply responded with a "Mmmm?"
Hermione smiled at the vibration of his deep voice rumbling beneath her cheek, but her smile vanished as she posed her question. "What will happen when school is over?"
Snape frowned in the darkness. "To what, specifically, are you referring?"
"I mean, when school is over, we can come clean about our relationship, right?"
"Ye-e-es."
Hermione heard the hesitation in his tone and grimaced. "Well, I'm not so naïve as to think that there won't be repercussions. I just want to know: what do you expect those repercussions to be?"
Snape heaved a sigh from what seemed to be his toes and resignedly answered, "I won't lie to you and pretend that we won't cause a scandal. There will undoubtedly be an inquest to determine if our relationship affected your grades...not that there could possibly be any evidence to that effect. The headmaster will likely disapprove, and I can't say, with any certainty, that he'd be inclined to allow me to keep my position as a professor."
Hermione's voice was small as she choked, "I don't want to cause you to lose your job!"
Snape patted her shoulder consolingly. "Shhh. Hermione, love, think about it for a moment. The war is over. I no longer need this position to serve the Order. I am free to do whatever I wish for the first time in my life." His voice dripped with sarcasm as he said, "Has it never occurred to you, you maddeningly bright witch, that perhaps teaching was not my first choice in profession?"
Hermione blinked. "Oh!"
Snape snorted and stroked her arm. "Indeed. When this school year is over, I should like to take a new path. The mere thought of being spared a recurring multitude of dunderheads inspires me." He paused, letting his words sink in. Hermione was silent. His voice dropped to a wistful yearning as he said, "I have experienced so much that the wizarding world has to offer, but most of it has been on the Dark side.
"I have always been fascinated by how much we are able to accomplish by honing our natural abilities. My years as a Potions Master have provided me with a marketable trade, and with the downfall of the Dark Lord, I can make good use of it, outside of the walls of Hogwarts. My reputation has been cleared enough by the events of the Final Battle that I can find buyers for my wares. And, in my free time...about which I fantasize most longingly, contemplating the thought of not having classes to deal with...I have hundreds of ideas of things I would like to research, to expand our knowledge of the boundaries of our magical abilities..."
Hermione marvelled at the depth of feeling in his voice, showing how much he craved his freedom. Her heavy heart lifted. In an awed whisper, she said, "I had no idea..."
Snape chuckled dryly. "Of course not! I hardly dared entertain the notions myself until the war was over. I had kept my inclinations buried so long from sheer necessity of survival that they took a while to resurface." He paused for a long moment. Then, patting her shoulder firmly, he said, "I daresay things will be quite awkward and difficult when we go public, but you needn't worry that I will lose my job and we will end up eking out a living somewhere off Knockturn Alley."
He kissed her head again in reassurance, and Hermione hugged him, but she still couldn't completely quell the niggling anxiety in her gut at the eventual exposure of their true feelings.
Solemnly, she said, "You are a wonderful man, Severus Snape, and quite the enigma."
Snape made a rude noise. Scoffing, he retorted, "Not quite, Miss Know-It-All, but I appreciate the sentiment nonetheless. Of course, I daresay you're biased..."
He gave a wicked chuckle that sent a stab of heat straight to her centre. "Hmmm, I may be biased, but you don't give yourself credit. As for the enigma that is you, I hope to spend quite a long time unravelling your mysteries."
Snape closed his eyes as another wave of emotion crashed over him. His voice was low and fervent as he said, "I hope you do, my love. I sincerely hope you do." He held her tight for a moment, before relaxing again and sighing. "The alarm is already set. Fancy a turn in dreamland before you have to depart?"
Hermione smiled as she snuggled closer to him, making herself comfortable. "I feel like I already am in dreamland, since mine have come true with you."
Fighting a grin, Snape chided, "Now, now, beloved, be careful what you say, or I might become as conceited as that idiot Lockhart." Then, he teasingly added, "Oh, wait, you fancied him, didn't you?"
Hermione groaned in embarrassment. "Don't ruin the moment, Severus! Honestly, bringing up that prat when I'm as close to perfectly content as I think I can be! Hmph, see if I whisper sweet nothings to you anymore..."
Snape chuckled again and sighed, "My dear, you couldn't possibly whisper sweet nothings, as you never speak but that you say something." Hermione swatted his chest and he grunted. Catching her hand, he lifted it to his lips and kissed it. "Now, shall we fall asleep, or would you rather continue this charming little quarrel?"
Hermione finally gave in and giggled. In a tone of affectionate indulgence, she murmured, "Good night, dearest. Happy Christmas."
Snape relaxed and Summoned the covers over them. "Sleep well, even if it is only for a short while. Happy Christmas to you, my love." A peaceful silence descended upon them, blanketing them with comfortable drowsiness. Feeling safe, secure, and content, they succumbed to sleep in each other's arms.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Phantom of Hogwarts
1533 Reviews | 7.33/10 Average
It's been so long since last I read Phantom of Hogwarts, and it was just as wonderful as I remembered! Thank you for writing this fic...however many years ago. :)
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Oh, wow! No matter how long ago it is that I finished PoH, It will always be in my top 5 achievements. LOL I'm so glad you feel that it has held up on re-reads. Thank you so much for making my night brighter! :)
Haa! Haaa! Haaa! Had to keep reading so I couldn't review since the proposal. Harry is a turd for telling Dumbledore to use Dobby to go after Hermione and Severus. I didn't expect Dumbledore or her parents to react with such intense nagativity. I expected some nay saying but not the heap of anger that was piled on top of them. Well, lets see if Minerva is here to hug him or hang him.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*huge grin* Glad to make you laugh! Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
O I just love the ring!!!!!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I covet that ring SO much. I'm glad you like it too. Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
What did Albus do while the rest of the cast enjoyed the party? I suppose he was entertaining the Ministry official? I felt a little bit bad for him. He did have fun directing the play. I wonder if he plans to teach next year's Art's class. Maybe he was having a long distant conversation with the other Headmasters. I doubt it, though. Things are going too well for Severus in a way. I'm waiting for the other shoe to fall when he and Hermione come out of the closet. I don't know why Hermione can't be bothered to see him once a week for a few minutes somehow. I couldn't stay away from my lover for two months while we lived in the same castle. I'd at least write him a little love note as often as I could. The girl is made of steel or ice. You would think she would realize they need to have some plan for what they are to do at the end of term. Will they be a couple at the graduation ceremony? Will they be one the next day? Will they both go to the house on Spinner's End or will she go home to her parents first? I don't think she realizes that he wanted her input so that she would love the house as their home. He's giving her a house. He's preparing her a home, them a home. She could at least tell him that she is happy to think he is working on their home and tell him if she plans to move in straight away or not. This hiatus in their relationship puzzles me. I suppose they can only have it all or nothing. Hermione isn't able to compartmentalize apparently.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
You're not the only one wondering when the other shoe will drop, especially after the close calls they've had already. *snerk* Your questions will be answered (some to a greater degree than others) all in due time, my dear. ;) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I have no worries over the employment with Fern issue. I like her though. My kind of woman. Born and raised only slightly less hippyish. We moved to Hawaii, but didn't live in a commune. I'm very glad Hermione likes the idea of the house being "theirs". I am surprised her dad didn't notice her mum gushing over Severus. But, I don't think my husband would notice now that I think about it. I could go out with my pants inside out and he wouldn't notice unless someone else said something about it. It's odd. He complements me when he thinks I looks pretty but wouldn't be able to save me from lipstick on my teeth or some other embarrassing thing. He reminds me a lot of Ron, come to think about it.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
LOL at your description of your husband. I hope reminding you of Ron is a good thing. ;P Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I'm surprised at Hermione's behavior and her giving up the opportunity to spend time with Severus. I suppose that the fact that neither seems to be obsessing about two missed opportunities to spend time together shows they are more confident in their relationship. I'm surprised that Severus would leave Hermione crying with her feelings hurt after the play. He was able to suppress his revolt of Voldemort. He needed to compartmentalize his being creeped out by Hermione's mother. I'm also surprised that so much time has gone by since they have communicated last. Hermione didn't even look at him during the performance. I realize he was sitting next the Minerva, but there must have been some opportunity to make eye contact if they had been looking for one. I'm happy Severus is so distracted by planing his new life. Other wise, I think his feelings would be hurt that she seemed to ignore him. It is the holidays and I would have thought that Hermione would be looking to spend time together even if it was just studying in her rooms while he read. I'm also glad that his neighborhood isn't the run down and empty sort of place it is usually described as. I have never thought of myself as super jealous but I guess I am. I don't know about having Severus in business with another witch. I know he wouldn't love anyone besides Hermione, but I wouldn't expect the other witch not to be attracted to him. Who wouldn't be. Well, his plans of leaving at then end of the year are out of the bag; it's kind of too bad. People are bound to connect his leaving with he and Hermione starting a relationship while he was still a Professor after such chemistry between them in the play. I expect some idiots to be that way even if they wait a little while to come out together. But there is no need to wait. They need to get married asap! I know I've already said this 3 other times. They have already promised to be together forever. At least half the people on the planet have their marriages arranged by their parents and they learn to live together without long periods of courting even if they are engaged as children. Not that I approve of child engagement, but I'm not against other cultures with arranged marriages. My life would have been happier if my parents and my husband's parents had been from the same social class. My parents tried to be friends with his but his were intimidated. His mother and sister also didn't like me. Severus and Hermione are going to have to deal with Hermione's mother though. It will become a problem between Hermione and her parents because her mom likes him too much! If they can get that under control, I don't think Hermione's parents will be unhappy about them becoming a couple.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
They have indeed become more confident as a couple, after the things they've already gone through. And they are now able to focus on other things besides the all-encompassing obsession with each other, such as setting up their future. :) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
OK. I would never perve and gush like that as a married woman. Thank gods, I am not Hermione's mum. I was getting worried. She is so embarrassing. Poor Severus! Hermione's dad must be very secure. He wasn't jealous at all even though Dion was making a spectacle of herself. Poor Hermione too! It's creepy and gross to have your mom perving about your lover let alone being so obvious about it in front of all of your peers. Did she really think he would give her a kiss? Yuck! I had a friend when I was a teen who's mom slept with her boyfriend and she caught them! I'm trying not to gag right now. I was already not feeling well, so that might be adding to it. Let's move on, shall we? Wonderful chapter BTW!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
ROFL!!! Sorry to make you all oogy. ;) Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
I do hope I wasn't that embarrassing as a mom! But then again...I did so enjoy embarrassing my teenagers. Maybe I'm getting payback but I do believe I am being over paid enormously. I count it as a down payment on all of the money, time and emotional energy they are still costing me as adults. They are higher maintenance now than they were as children! But how can you blame me? Who else's mother carried a knitted uterus, a muppet breast and a life size fake pelvis in her trunk? Did you know that if you take the pelvis, turn it over, turn it backwards and put it on your head you can say, "Look! I'm a Klingon!" I only resorted to such things when provoked, I swear! If they were rude to me and embarrassed me in front of their friends, well, what was I supposed to do? And I'm sure anyone's mum would give STD lectures to any teenagers that she could get into the back seat of her taxi. I did have some mercy. I declined the request to a teach sex ed module at their private school. Instead the teacher would send home questions and I would write her a note to be taken back the next day. One of my favorites was, "What is the vas deferens?" I also spent literally thousands of dollars on therapy for both of them. I even took out a mortgage on my house to afford it. It was a total waste of money and the bank ended up with the house. ! I wonder if Dion will be just as enamored with Severus after she finds out he is her daughter's soul mate and she is the love of his life? I would be so jealous! I seriously can't even imagine what is going to happen when those two come out. The only one I can count on is Ginny. Everyone else is a wild card as far as I can see at this point. I have no guesses about who will say what. Will Minerva still support Severus? I do hope so. I hope I am pleasantly surprised by everyone else as well. Maybe Albus will stun me and back them up after he comes to terms with the new Severus Snape. On with the show!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*cackling* I love it! Too funny, darlin. :D I have to say, I am so enjoying that you really can't tell what will happen, particularly with people's reactions. I would hate to be too transparent and predictable. ;P Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
Bless Minerva! I dare say she will be angry at first, but I do believe that when she realizes how much Hermione loves him she will come around. I'm so glad she came down to tell Severus she supports him in his quest for freedom and happiness. Severus is experiencing a whole new world in spite of megalomaniacs like Dumbledore and Voldemort. He is a very useful and powerful tool. It's no wonder they both wanted to control him. He is probably the most powerful wizard next to Dumbledore in Britain, maybe even the world. I do hope that Albus reconsiders his motives. If he persists in believing he owns Severus Snape, I would have to say he is a bad person for all of his twinkling on the outside. I know you said he was like a father that didn't want to let go of a son, but he needs to get over himself or he will lose said son. He probably isn't evil but he is controling, manipulative and has power issues. I know I already said this, but I think they really need to get married before they come out of the closet to shut down any scandle mongering. They aren't just every day people. They are war heros and have reputations to worry about that everyday people don't have to be concerned with. If they are married then no matter what people may accuse them of, they can't say that Severus didn't do the honorable thing by quiting his job and marrying the young woman. Some people like to believe the worst in others as a hobby. They are stupid and stupid people don't matter. I have an idea of where Severus could work!
They could start a second line of products that are serious.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Yeah, you summed Albus up quite nicely, indeed! Thank you for such a lovely review! :)
Tastefully kinky and erotic solutions to several itches, not the least, Severus' newly declared freedom from Albus Dumbledore. I am surprise on one hand that Albus could be so selfish and forcefully maintain his mastery over his ex spy. He seemed to truly be interested in Severus' happiness, but like some parents he can't cut the apron string. He also seems to forget that he wouldnt have needed to work so hard to keep Severus alive if he hadn't been constantly sending him into lif threating circumstances. Albus misstepped himself when he made Severus a possession. I can imagine Hermione having something to say to Dumbledore before they leave the castle for good. Albus is a bully even though he works on the side of the light. Power corrupts as they say. I can imagine Hermione telling Albus Dumbledore "exactly where the bear slept," explaining exactly how things are going to be from now on and letting him know what she is willing to do if he decides not to respect their relationship and autonomy or tries to stand in their way. I think the best thing to do is get married the night of the leaving feast in a small wedding that maybe her parents will be at and Ginny, Neville, Harry and Ron. Severus, with his wife, can turn in his resignation the next day. I know there are more opportunities out there for them and him in particular than the apothecary shop. In his new state of the art lab, he can mix specially requested potions for individuals and corporations. Hermione can help him with the research and inventing new potions. They could do some coloboration with the Twins and be a private contractor for the Ministry and St. Mungos. They can travel and do research while things calm down back at the school. I'm all for their kinky fun and planing for the future. Does Albus Dumbledore forget who Severus Snape is?
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Oh, I am looking forward to you reading further... ;D Albus may not have ever really understood who Severus is, but he'll learn, and fairly quickly too. Thank you so much for such a lovely review! :)
I started to write about this before, but didn't get to finish the review. I think. If this is a repeat just ignore me. I think that Hermione should let Severus know about her plans to stretch her hymen before they consummate their relationship. He is insecure and jealous by nature even if he is doing a spiffing job of changing. I can see a slow train wreck on the horizon that could ruin the most important night in their lives. If Hermione feels different to Severus he may wonder. And if he asks in a way that makes her offended that he would even think she would be with another person that would be a total boner breaker, if you'll forgive the use of the term. I hope she decides to write him a steamy letter telling him about her explorations with the candle. I could see 4 months either making the heart grow fonder, or just as easily the space between them making them more open to misunderstanding. They may become out of practice at communicating. I am surprised that Severus didn't let the apothecary owners know that he has not yet informed his current employer of his plans and that jealous would appreciate it if they would be discreet and not discuss this with anyone else. I wonder why he doesn't apply with St. Mungo's. Maybe he will.I wonder how Minerva is faring.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I think I can safely say, without being too spoilery, that Hermione's explorations don't end in tragedy and interminable angst. *shifty eyes* Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
My Word!!! That Colin did get what he deserved. But my, the drama! It was extremely... wonderful! The entire chapter was extremely wonderful!!! I love, love, loved it! I'm sorry for not reviewing lately but I felt it was building to something and wanted to keep going without stopping when I could. Also, I've been so tired because I've been getting home from work quite late this week, and I know that if I start a review I'll want it worth something and that takes time that would prevent me from being able to read. All day and evening at work I can't wait to get home and read a chapter or two before going to bed.Now, I am wondering about Albus. He isn't daft. He's at least as intelligent as Ginny Weasley. And while Ginny knows Hermione, Albus knows Severus. I do believe he isn't fooled but trusts Severus to be honorable until Hermione graduates. His trust isn't misplaced. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if this entire contest was all just a ruse for Severus' benefit. Although Severus is older than Hermione,his emotional growth has been stunted and I think Albus knows that.Hermione is exceptional and more mature than the boys her age. Someone as intelligent as Dumbledore must have seen that they would make the perfect couple. And he loves Severus like a son in this story, I think. Also he can't stop from meddling. It must be a little boring and anticlimactic for a strategist like Dumbledore without Voldemort around. This would be a big huge plan that would last the entire school year, take a lot of planning and time for Dumbledore to work on, he is obviously having fun and it gives these two time to fall in love! That is my theory at this point. I seldom read a long story that I become emotionally invested in without checking the ending to make sure it isn't sad. Actually, I don't think I can read a story without becoming emotionally invested so I can't bare sad endings. But you've said this has a happy ending so I'm glad to tell you that you have the honor of being the only author in forever that I haven't read the ending first. At least I don't think I have. ...If I have I don't remember it. I am getting so forgetful. It scares me. Seriously. I hope it's only stress. I have that in spades with adult children and their children living with me, sucking the life out of me and all my money too. None of them work. Well, enough of that. I read you to forget that crap! On with the story!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Whoops! I can't believe I missed this review earlier. Sorry! :( I can guarantee that this fic has a happy ending, so I am glad you are sticking around. :) Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
"All right Hermione, spill it! Just what's going on between you and Snape?" a stanza of intense and slightly alarming music is inserted here. What the Hell, Hermione. Just tell her. You have enough dirt on her to get her expelled if she says anything. She is usually a very reliable secret keeper. And as your friend she will he happy if you are. She may even be able to do you the occasional turn of favor and cover for you.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
LOL!!! I can hear exactly what you're describing. Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I love the letter!!! It's wonderful that Severus and Hermione are equally inexperienced in the matters of the heart. The letter is sweetly mushy, blooming with youthful enthusiasm and titillating; and it was received with simple joy, surprise, and equally exuberant arousal. His first love letter was a doozy! Wait until they have some experience writing naughty letters! I'm very happy for Harry and Ginny. I hope Harry loves Ginny as much as she deserves. I suppose it goes without saying that she is a much better match than Hermione.It was pretty amazing the effect Snape's fear had on him in preventing him from punishing Harry and Ginny on that table. I wouldn't have expected such a reaction once he'd registered it wasn't Hermione. I would have thought that he would have been delighted in the opportunity to embarrass and punish Harry Potter. He's fallen hard. Poor man. I hope having what he's been longing for can live up to his expectations and hopes fueled by all this anticipation. I guess letting the kids go shows that he isn't motivated by meanness really. He just didn't have anything better to think about before. Everyone hated him and he hated them before they could hate him so there! But now he can move on past puberty and past his hatred of his childhood enemies, James and Sirius. He's the only one of them still alive for, goodness sake! Put those childish things behind you, Severus, and live! Maybe you have already paid for this good karma and they have paid for their cruelty. Stop disliking Harry just because he's a Potter. It eats away at you like a cancer. Be free of it. Forgive like you have been forgiven and be healed. It will help your relationship with Hermione too. What could be better than helping your relationship with Hermione, hmmmm?
I also want to say that I have always loved the twins. The return letter was excellent. Fred and George should have never been separated any more than the paramount potion's master in the world would be caught without antivenin with a known deadly snake.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*pleased grin* Y'know, I really hope you continue to enjoy some of the stuff coming up, because it SO addresses things you've brought up here. *rubs hands together in anticipation* And I love that you enjoyed the twins' letter. I wanted to capture their voice, even if only for a short blurb. I lovelovelove your deliciously thoughtful reviews. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
I truly enjoy the way Severus has taken the plunge and isn't reluctant to tell Hermione that he loves her at least 3 times, I think, in the last few hours. I am extremely happy that they were able to retrieve their memories of each other so quickly. I have no doubt that Ginny will figure out there is something going on between these two. The only question is how soon? Well, and will she be supportive? I think she will. I think she will see that they match eachother. Twice in my life another person told me there was something between myself and male of the species while I was in denial about it, I guess. And didn't see it until a 3rd party told me straight up. Both said it was the way we looked at each other when we interacted and they were dubious about the fact that I was not aware of it because to them it was so obvious. I admit there was what I had considered some harmless flirting going on, but I told myself that is was all a lark. The first time, I had really pushed those feelings deep inside and I was truly flabbergasted when I was told that the young man was in love with me by a mutual friend. Once I had possession of that knowledge however, my own feelings came rushing up at me out of nowhere and floored me. It was kind of awful because I was in a long engagement to someone else that lived far away whom I only saw about once a month and had to share him with his family when he would come to see me. I was still in school and he was 7 years older than I was.Once the cat was out of the bag, I dreamed of that young man at least once a week then once a month for the next 13 years because we had unfinished business when we parted. All of my dreams were trying to resolve the issue and get closure. Finally I got fat enough that I would be too embarrassed if he ever saw me again and the dreams mostly stopped. But...I still think of him from time to time 35 years later. I enjoyed this chapter very much. Once again, you have done such a wonderful job of making the reader feel what our Hermione and Severus are experiencing.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*wriggles in happiness* I love that you are pleased about feeling what the characters are experiencing. I strive so much for plausibility and believability that it warms the cockles of my heart to get such lovely feedback. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
I certainly can't blame Dione for having a fan girl crush on Severus. What red blooded woman in her right mind wouldn't? Dude is totally hot! Hermione should be glad it gave her the opportunity to come to an understanding with her man that Severus belongs to her ...and he likes it! And don't we all wish we had a dad like Mr. Granger? It must be very difficult for some parents to send their children away to boarding school. However, it probably makes some other parents and young people appreciate one another in a way that would never happen if they had been in eachother's space all the time, struggling for who's in control and experiencing full blown teenage angst. Over all it has been an extremely satisfiying trip.
And now they don't have to worry about Severus having to meet Hermione's parents in the circumstance of, "Mom. Dad. This is my former Potion's Professor Severus Snape. I have some very exciting news for you. Severus and I are in love and plan to spend the rest of our lives together. We fell in love while playing oposite each other in the school play."
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Your reviews bring joy to my day. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
This was a sweet and fun chapter. I love that Severus has a sense of humor. When are they going to "do" it?! Or at least go to second base! This is going to be a long school year!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Oh, darlin, this is definitely gonna be a long school year... LOL Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I can't imagine what mischief I would have gotten into if I had the ability to silence my parents door. For some strange reason, ever since I was in 10 th grade, I would be out in the front whatever car with my boyfriend and I just knew my parents would never come out side to check on us or wonder what we could possibly be doing in the driveway for 5 hours with the windows fogged up. They locked the front door and went to bed. Only once did I forget my house key and had to wake my parents at 1 AM to get in. They really trusted me. Why? We never had intercourse but we did just about every thing else. I was the mother who came looking for you if you were a half hour late. I didn't trust my daughters because I knew I wasn't exactly Polly Anna when I was their age. I mostly just ended up knowing more than I wanted to about my kids personal lives. If your progeny don't stop themselves by choice, there isn't a lot you can do unless you keep them tied to you 24/7 with a rope around your waist. Only one daughter was boy crazy. Things had changed. I don't know what the definition of slut changed to but it didn't include girls that slept with their boyfriend from 8th grade up. I never needed to be on birth control until a month before my wedding. I made sure my little minx was on the pill because I didn't believe I could trust her and I was right. At least Hermione is an adult and Hermione or Severus must certainly know contraception spells. I'm feeling as frustrated as Hermione here. But he's right. And it won't hurt them to wait. I did and I'm still glad. But they've made a lot of head way in their relationship. Wouldn't it be better to just come clean to Dumbledore that they are in love with each other through no fault of their own, but that they promise to follow the school charter and will be very discrete and won't tell anyone else but him. Rather than finding ways to keep them apart, I inclined to think that Dumbledore would find ways to give them time together and would cover for them so that Minerva doesn't find out until after the school year is over.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bounces in glee* Oh, I love how invested you are, and how awesome your reviews are. Thank you so much, as always! :)
Absolutely lovely! The play was wonderful. All the flirting is building massive quantities of tension! I can imagine how they are feeling during desert. It's like being there. You expressed every movement, thought and feeling so exquisitely. In my springtime I remember a young man. We wanted each other but we couldn't go there. I was spoken for and had made my choice. I made the practical choice, but not my heart's choice. I was mature enough to know that the butterflies in your tummy don't last forever. We did things together pretending to be just friends The tension was painful and delightful at the same time. I'm still pretty sure I made the right decision.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Why, thank you! I'm so glad it came across so well (I try to describe exactly how I see things playing out in my head, so it's as detailed as I can make it, LOL). As for the tension, I was called the Queen of UST back in the day when I was writing this. *snerk* But, it'll all be resolved, I promise! ;) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
Poor Hermione. Her parents were very ebarrassing. But isn't that what parents are for? At least we know that when Hermone and Severus can finally come out of the closet, Dione will be on Hermione's side. She would totally understand what Hermione sees in Severus Snape. And Geoff is a nice man so I think he'll be OK. I couldn't write all the reviews I wanted because it wakes up dad. I wanted to ask you a question on a previous chapter. If Severus takes dreamless sleep and there is an emergency in Slytherin house, can he wake up to tend to the problem? I just want to say that the 4.5 stars on some of the chapters baffel me. I think they are all 5's. I have 20 more minutes before I have to go to bed so I must return to reading. Happy Sunday night.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*blush* Aww, you're so kind! Re: Dreamless Sleep, I have always thought of it like an over the counter sleep aid, which in my experience just keeps you groggier if you're woken up, but you can be, with proper interference. LOL I had SO MUCH FUN writing this chapter. :D As for writing reviews--I appreciate any and all, whether they're on all the chapters you wanted to review or not! Thank you as always for reviewing! :)
I've been excitedly reading the last 4 chapters and you have met and exceeded my hopes and expetations. I can't type more because the sound bothers my husband's sleep. Hugs and kisses. I Love It!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bounces* Yay! I'm so glad you've been enjoying it. Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
Do witches and wizards listen to the same holiday music as muggles? I hope Hermione doesn't regret forgetting to take the smut reading material that she had borrowed from Ginny out of her bra before the party.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I daresay there may be some old standards that may crossover. LOL Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
You have taken my breath away. How exciting and horrible to want someone one shouldn't and can't have. The play...such a brave young woman to make him kiss her. What will Severus do to punish himself and Hermione for this secret that has been exposed. Desire. Humiliation.
Hurry. Send him an owl, Hermione or a house elf with a note to let him know you reciprocate his feelings. Thank him for being such a gentleman and not pressing his advantage. Are you wise enough and mature enough to be proactive once again?
You aren't afraid of him. Can you imagine how he must be feeling and prevent the damage? It would be very hard not to be carried away with her own emotions and physical sensation and not to tarry hashing it out over and over in her mind before she finally realizes the danger. Will she see it immediately or think of it too late?
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
And you've just taken my breath away! *bounces* Oh, I love that you're enjoying this and are so invested in it so far. It brings me such joy. Thank you for such a lovely review! :)
I really enjoyed the interaction between Severus and Hermione when they got their costumes and Hermione did his hair. I am really glad he got to see her telling Harry off. I don't know how much longer they will be able to keep their hands off eachother. There is so much suppressed sexual tension that if when they actually kissed kiss they might combust. I'm actually looking forward to her detention. This was important bridge chapter. I wonder what else is going on in Dumbledore's head. He is no fool. I can't believe he doesn't see the sexual tension between these two, or at least the potential for it eventually. He does have a great deal of confidence in Severus. I believe he is sure Severus would never be inappropriate with a student,...but she's an adult. Is he tryig to fix them up or is he really just a mean manipulating old puffter that truly gets enjoyment out of making other people uncomfortable and embarrassed because he's Albus Dumbledore and he can? How do the "good guys" find an outlet for their control and power issues? They pick on others and prentend it's a joke. If Voldemort worked this hard at embarrassing Severus would we think he was just being evil or that it was just all in good fun and that he only teases people he cares for as a show of affection? I think not.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*huge grin* I daresay your questions about "good guy" Albus will be answered in due time. *snerk* Thank you again for such a lovely review! :)
Again, Wow! The scene with Severus' jealous rage was incredible. I'm happy that Hermione perceives all things in Severus Snape she told Harry. I really hope he thinks about what she said and heeds her warning, if not garner some sense of respect for the man. I felt a sense of satisfaction when she admitted that if Harry had been that angry his lack of control would have brought down half the castle. Harry won't be able to let this go as well as Hermione. He isn't as mature and...he isn't falling for someone else. This whole thing will prove very unpleasant for a while I suspect. I'm kind of sorry for Harry. How can he not help but be attracted to Hermione, but he hasn't got a tinker's chance in hell against Severus Snape? How long before Severus realizes Hermione broke it off with Harry? Will he at all admit to himself that it was because of him? No. I think not. How long before Harry realizes that next to Severus Snape's power, discipline, knowledge, experience, awesomeness and mojo, he's got a long way to go and he may as well move on? Well, I doubt he'll ever see Snape as sexually appealing, so no mojo epiphany expected. I wonder, how long it will take Hermione to get Severus to trust her? Which will take longer; Harry to realize he can't compete with Severus Snape for the girl or for Severus Snape to trust Hermione? I don't envy Hermione right now. But Severus Snape is worth it. Amazing chapter!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bursts out laughing* Mojo epiphany? LOVE IT! So glad you're enjoying; thanks so much for reviewing! :)