Willful Wishwork

Author's Note: J.K. Rowling owns all the best parts, and a special thanks to my beta, sempra, for being amazing!

HG

Hermione sits quietly, staring into Professor Snape's eyes as her mind attempts to sort out what she has just heard.

"What do you mean, you saw me?" she asks.

For once it is Snape who breaks eye contact first, perhaps unnerved by her vulnerable gaze.

I bet few people risk looking into his eyes so unguardedly.

He sighs.

"I went in looking for Weasley's motives for switching sides. His thoughts were tinged with a thirst for power and recognition, angry and fearful, but strongest was his jealousy, like an acidic film on his skin, burning and impossible to ignore," Snape replies.

"His jealousy of Harry?"

"Indeed."

"But... he was past that, I thought. He seemed to finally understand that Harry loathed all the attention and the burden. Ron understood Harry hated being famous," she trilled, trying to identify a flaw in Snape's assessment. "And what does this have to do with me?"

"It has everything to do with you, you foolish girl. Weasley didn't envy Harry his fame, he envied him owning your heart!" Snape sat down on the edge of the bed. "Weasley was in love with you."

Hermione's eyebrows practically disappear into her hairline as she looks at Snape in disbelief.

"Owning my...what? Harry and I were nothing more than friends!" she insists. Another thought hits her. "He was in love with me?"

Yes, Hermione, was, as in 'no longer' loves you.

"I believe he lost interest after finding you and Potter having sex."

If the statement itself weren't so shocking, Hermione might have managed to laugh at the uncomfortable tone Snape had slipped into at the mention of 'sex.'

"I didn't... I have not... we NEVER..." she splutters. "I never, and I mean never, had s-sex with Harry."

"Miss Granger, while your... virtue is of no concern of mine, I do not tolerate being lied to so vehemently. I saw Weasley's memory of you and the Chosen One having... being intimate."

Hermione falls silent at the look of disgust on Severus' face.

How can he seem so certain when he is obviously mistaken?

Unable to muster the nerve to protest any further, Hermione bows her head. Because of this, she doesn't notice Snape's fluid withdrawal of his wand or the subsequent waves.

Cuffs appear instantly around her hands, and she jumps, startled. Hermione shoots Snape a fierce, questioning glare, but her fire is replaced by fear when she sees the predatory gleam in his dark eyes.

Snape reaches out and places a hand on her shoulder, gently urging her to lie down. Hermione's breath hitches and stomach rolls, but she complies with eyes clenched shut.

Play nice... be good... don't fight.

Snape spreads out on the bed and places a tentative hand on the hem of her shirt. Ever so slowly he slips his hand under the fabric and traces gentle circles on her abdomen.

Don't move...

His hand reaches higher, and he traces the bottom curve of her breast with one finger.

Earn trust, Hermione.

She forces herself to remain as still as possible as his hand ventures even further up to cup her breast. Hermione opens her eyes and looks at Snape, attempting to show her acceptance of the situation but managing nothing more than to express her terror.

Something flashes in Snape's eyes, and he gives her breast a quick squeeze, causing her to squirm and gasp with discomfort. Hermione can feel a single tear roll down her face and turns her head away from him. Immediately his lips descend on her exposed neck. After a quick kiss and a faint nibble, Snape bites down hard, just stopping short of breaking skin.

She lets out a quiet pant, struggling to regulate her breathing and pounding heart.

The pain from her neck begins to ease. A sudden draft makes her eyes pop open and her head whipped around towards him.

Snape is standing over her, giving her an unreadable look before turning on his heel and stalking away. At the door he turns to face her once more.

"Call Mazy if you require anything," he tells her coolly.

Then, banishing her cuffs, he leaves.

SS

After leaving, Severus uses a secret entrance behind a portrait of a famous Quidditch player Severus never bothers to remember to access his private laboratory. He could have entered through his old rooms, but he doesn't want Hermione to know he is close by.

Damn that girl...

He paces back and forth around his workspace, attempting to erase her reactions from his memory: her shock, anger, tears, fear, and her acceptance.

Unfortunately, without her reactions to think about, he is left only with his own.

Her skin is so smooth, body so soft... almost willing. But no, he reminds himself, not willing, just... compliant.

He is furious with himself for the twinge of disappointment in his gut, and for that other twinge a bit lower. Severus storms to his potion cupboard and begins to tear ingredients from the shelves. Sadly, the infirmary potions needing restocking are ones Severus could brew blindfolded and offer no respite from his own thoughts.

HG

Maybe his plan is to drive me crazy little by little.

Well, you are talking to yourself an awful lot... and replying.

Hermione plops down on a dining chair and crosses her arms angrily in way her father would declare 'uncontrollably pouty.'

I'm not pouting, she declares silently.

Okay, fine. You're not pouting... but you are talking to yourself again.

Huffing, which even she can't deny is pouty, Hermione stands up and calls for Mazy.

CRACK!

"How can I be helping you, Missy?" Mazy asks.

"Please, enough with the 'Missy;' my name is Hermione."

"I is sorry, Missy Hermione; what services can I be helping with?" Mazy bows low apologetically.

"I'm done with the breakfast dishes," Hermione tells her. "Um, and I need a clock."

Mazy wrings the bottom of her toga and bites her lower lip.

"Mazy is not sure..."

"What's the worst I could do with a clock? I just need a small one so I can get on a regular sleep schedule. It would please the Headmaster if I were awake for once when he comes to visit," she urges.

Without answering her, the little elf snaps away the dishes and quickly follows in the same manner of exit. Hermione barely lets out half of a sigh when Mazy reappears, holding out a small pocket watch. Hermione takes it excitedly and squeezes the elf's hand in gratitude.

"Thank you, Mazy!" she cries.

"Anything else I can get you, Missy Hermione?"

"Do you know if the Headmaster plans on joining me for any more meals today?"

The elf nods.

"He is telling Mazy he is going to be having a late supper here with you, around 8."

"Alright, thank you, Mazy. Oh! One more thing, could you possibly warn me if the Headmaster heads here for an unexpected visit? Just so I have a chance to make myself decent," Hermione assures her.

Mazy is quiet for a long while, and Hermione almost loses hope.

"It would be improper for Missy to be walked in on by a male not Missy's husband. And that is being bad for Hogwarts so is also being bad reflection of Mazy. I will put a detector charm on Missy's door. It dings if you is having a visitor," Mazy explains.

Without giving her a chance to respond, Mazy Disapparates, leaving Hermione feeling happy for the first time in a while.

Yes!

Smiling, Hermione rushes to the bookshelf and pulls out Willful Wish-Work for the Wandless, then she carefully arranges the books to look as if none are missing. Happy with her work, she retreats to the bathroom and locks the door. After a quick perusal of the book, Hermione climbs into the empty bathtub, placing the pocket watch on the ledge.

Ooh, the charm works even without water.

Leaning back into the cushy marble, she opens the book. The first chapter is entitled "Lightening the Dark and Shadowing the Light."

Lumos and Nox are the most fundamental spells in a witch's or wizard's spell cache. If one ever finds oneself in a situation without a wand, these spells are likely to be helpful, either by lighting the way or concealing one's escape.

To begin, chant the following phrase: "My magic is mine to direct."

Hermione chants.

Concentration is key. Wandless magic has a similar technique to Apparation and requires much determination. Now, to attempt wandless magic, repeat the chant in your head (this is a concentration tool and will become unnecessary as you progress), concentrate on what you wish to do and then say the spell aloud, "Nox!"

Hermione recites the chant over and over again in her head and concentrates on the bathroom light extinguishing. She takes a deep breath...

"Nox!"

Nothing happens.

"Damn it."

She closes her eyes and starts the concentration ritual all over again.

SS

After having brewed several batches of Pepper-up Potion, Calming Draught, and Blood-Replenishing Potion, Severus feels calmer and more in control of his thoughts.

Luckily, he thinks as his arm begins to burn.

* * * * *

"At your service, my Lord." Severus bows.

"Rise, Severuss," Voldemort hisses. "I have not yet received a memory today; I was worried your Mudblood had gotten the better of you."

Severus looks into Voldemort's eyes.

"Never, my Lord. I was merely caught up in interrogating her. I have discovered something important about some of your 'loyal' followers."

"Sshow me."

Severus focuses on Hermione's account of the trio's visit to Malfoy Manor. Voldemort is quick and brutal in his search.

"Betrayers!" Voldemort cries, pulling from Severus' mind.

"I am sorry to bring you such unwelcome news, my Lord."

"I know, my most faithful servant. I will deal with the Malfoys and my dear Bellatrix soon, but first tell me more of your relationship with the Mudblood," Voldemort demands.

"I would not call it a relationship... That implies she is a person," Severus contradicts boldly.

Voldemort cackles loudly.

"Ah, Severus, always so adept at answering without truly answering. Your actions as of late please me, and therefore I am willing to offer you a compromise."

"A compromise, my Lord?"

"I know you are a very private man, and I know having someone watching your sexual exploits bothers you deeply. So as a sign of my faith in you, I will allow you a reprieve... of sorts."

Severus raises a questioning eyebrow.

HG

After more failed attempts than she'd care to admit, Hermione finally manages to wandlessly extinguish the bathroom lights. She is so stunned, she jumps and drops the book in the tub.

Taking a calming breath, she concentrates as hard as she can.

"Lumos!"

The lights flicker briefly and almost sputter out, but after another second's hesitation, they come on as if never interrupted.

Hermione smiles brilliantly and jumps to her feet only to sit back on the ledge of the bathtub a moment later as a wave of dizziness hits her. Her hand brushes the pocket watch as she grasps the ledge to steady herself. After a few deep breaths, she picks up the watch.

7:45 p.m.

"Shit..."

Realizing she's spent several hours huddled in the bathroom attempting very complicated magic without eating anything, she chides herself, Smart choices, Granger.

Carefully, she stands up and makes her way out of the bathroom. Gaining her bearings, she quickly puts the book back and places the watch under her pillow. She then runs to the bathroom to check her reflection in the mirror. Just has she had feared, her skin has a pale sickly pallor, a clear sign of her drained magical energy.

Hermione splashes cold water into her face and pinches her cheeks. A little color reappears just as the room emits a faint 'ding.' Casually Hermione exits the bathroom and spots Snape standing by the door, scoping the room.

"There you are," he says.

"Where else would I be?" she mutters.

"I suppose you are ready for dinner?" Snape asks. Not waiting for an answer, he continues, "Mazy, dinner."

The dining table instantly sprouts food, mimicking the Great Hall. Snape gestures for Hermione to sit and quickly follows suit.

This time, too hungry to wait, Hermione begins eating immediately, not even noticing what is on her plate. After demolishing more than half of her meal in a very unladylike fashion, Hermione slows her fork and takes smaller bites.

"You seem much calmer than earlier," he notes coolly, his demeanor reminiscent of the vile Potions master from her school days.

Hermione pauses mid-bite and realizes that she hasn't thought about Ron taking the Dark Mark or Snape's accusation since he kissed her that morning.

She sets her fork down and takes a contemplative sip from her goblet.

Her world starts to go fuzzy, the edges blurring, and she has one last distinguishable thought before everything fades to black... Maybe that was the point. He kissed me to distract me.

SS

That took bloody long enough; I thought I'd have to propose a toast.

Severus stood up from the table and, for the second time of the day, gathered Hermione in his arms and carried her to bed. He laid her flat and pulled out his wand.

The Dark Lord had instructed him to use a special spell to report his activities with the girl. All he had to do was cast it, and an aura would appear around her, revealing her latest sexual exploits, then Severus would just send a memory of the spell cast to the Dark Lord.

Although he knows what to expect, he reviews once more...

White – Virgin

Green – Sexually Active

He aims his wand.

"Revelio actes sexuals!"

An aura begins to build slowly around her. It turns red.

Rape.