The Heat Is On

Disclaimer: It's not my creation, but I do enjoy manipulating things. No money for me though. Enjoy.

A big thanks to my beta, Charmed_Nay, and to my friends over at Potter_Place.

"Shall I continue on to the next chapter? You seem comfortable," Severus' silky voice whispered into her ear. Hermione couldn't take it any longer. She could feel his hardness pressing against her arse. He wanted her. All she had to do was let him know that she wanted him as well.

She turned around as easily as she could and straddled him awkwardly, as the chair arms left her slightly restricted. "I think that we've had enough reading, Severus," she said huskily, hoping to sound seductive. She pried the book from his hands and tossed it behind her. Leaning in, she placed a kiss upon his lips, hoping to ease his obvious shock.

Severus pulled away. "Hermione, if you continue moving against me like that..." He left his next words unspoken, but his eyes drifted down to her moving hips...hips that were grinding against him.

"I want you," she whispered. There was a smug look that settled over his face suddenly. He pulled her closer, and the chair suddenly transformed into a bed. "Ah." She was able to straddle him easily, no restraints. "There is still a problem." A simple snap of his fingers saw both of their clothing removed.

His hands cupped her breasts, and his erection began to throb beneath her. She took it within her two hands and tried to guide it within her. "Easy," he said quietly. Without thinking, she impaled herself with his hard shaft.

"Oh!" she screeched. Hermione sat up, panting, in her own bed, alone. "A ruddy dream!" It had felt so real, yet it did have that dreamlike quality to it...false yet inviting, scenes that changed seemingly by themselves. She'd been having dreams of him over the past few nights. Each one had been more erotic than the previous.

Dumbledore had ruined their Wednesday night meeting...once again. He'd showed up just as she had, asking for a favor. It seemed that he needed Professor McGonagall's assistance, but she'd scheduled a detention. He'd requested that Severus take the detention off her hands since he'd only be supervising a student for the evening anyway. Of course, Severus hadn't denied the headmaster.

He'd not been paying much attention to her, not that she noticed anyway, in classes, corridors, or the Great Hall. The next evening would be her Saturday visit. What would occur? Would he ask her to sit on his lap again? Would he try to talk to her to tell her that things had to end. What had to end? Snogging? She snorted. What does he feel for me? I know he wants to do that with me, but what else does he want? Would he want to try a relationship?

For some reason, an unsettling feeling fell over her. A relationship with Snape. A few scenarios flashed through her mind. First, she saw herself trying to talk to Harry and Ron while Snape was pulling her away. Next, she saw herself locked away in the dungeons with no friends allowed to visit. Then, she saw him smirking at her as if he'd won a trophy. She shook the thoughts away and shuddered. She would not want a life like that. Is that how he would treat her? Her stomach fluttered and a small set of chills swept across her flesh as she imagined how they could pass a great deal of time. She imagined him above her, leaning down to kiss her, naked bodies pressing together.

Would having him, all of him, inside of her hurt the way Ron's finger had? It was likely that Ron's inexperience had caused her displeasure. She'd been uneasy about it from the start. She'd seen books on the subject, but she'd been too shy to check them out, not wanting Madam Pince to think she was trying to learn how to be some scarlet woman. She wasn't naïve, as she'd read many of the romance novels that her mum had bought. She'd also heard a few of the girls talking about their experiences.

According to Parvati, it really didn't hurt. It simply felt like some pressure was being applied. She'd said that once her partner had started moving about, the pressure had eased up, and she'd had fun. That didn't sound like any of the maidens in the novels she'd read, but Hermione supposed that those books had to add all that extra pausing after entering and such to make things more interesting and prolong the actual act. Parvati had also said that it didn't really last all that long.

"I really need to talk to Severus," she said with a soft sigh. She was an eighteen-year-old woman. She could make her own decisions. Surely, it wouldn't be seen as lewd or inappropriate if she made the decision herself, and it held no effect on her grade. What was it that he'd said about being with her in that way?

Don't you understand that we can't go any farther? You are still my student.

She'd rebutted with the fact that she wouldn't always be his student. He'd then wondered if she would waste her first couple of months out of school in a sexual relationship with him. To Hermione, it wouldn't be a waste. They could work things out easily and make arrangements for their perspective futures. Nobody would have to know the truth until Voldemort was finally defeated. Then, if they chose to further their relationship, they would do so. It would be nearly nine months before she graduated. How could she or he hold out that long? It was clear that things could get a little heated. She remembered something else he'd said when they were talking about Don Juan's first love.

There is always a way to be with the one you want.

Would there be a way to move things along now without changing things between them? Without anyone finding out? Without causing him any unwanted guilt? He wanted her in that way, but he would not be able to follow through with it while she was still his student. She would find the nerve to talk to him. She still had to tell him all that Harry had confided to her. It would be easy enough to slip into a conversation about their relationship. What if he laughs and says there is no relationship? No, there was something between them. It was time to find out exactly what it was.

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Severus glared at the students scurrying through the corridor. Hermione was due at any moment. It wouldn't be prudent to let too many students see her near his office on a Saturday evening. "Find your way to your common rooms," he hissed. "Five points from Ravenclaw. What are you doing wandering about the dungeons?" He held up a hand to stave the excuse. "Are you looking for me?" The student shook his head. "Off with you."

He walked through his office door and closed it. He'd only taken three steps when a knock sounded behind him. Whirling around, he barked, "Enter." It had better not be any of those imbeciles.

"Hi."

It was she. "Hermione," he greeted with a nod. A flick of his wand saw the door closed and locked. The moment he put away his wand, he moved close to her, backing her against the wall. She placed her hands on his chest, as if in defense of her person. No matter. He pressed himself against her firmly, planting both hands on either side of her head. Severus brought his mouth down to brush his lips against hers softly. He searched her eyes for acceptance. Finding it, he pressed his lips to hers more firmly, using his tongue to open her lips and explore her mouth. He'd not planned on kissing her, not this early on anyway, but for some reason, when he'd turned to see her there with her provocative Muggle clothes, he'd had no choice. The past week of not being alone with her had taken its toll. His body needed her touch...a little reassurance that his desire was near and wanting as much as he. Ending their kiss with a final chaste kiss, he pulled back slightly to look at her.

Hermione's eyes were half-lidded with desire. "Missed me?" she asked cheekily.

He blinked and thought for a moment. He supposed he had. "So it would seem."

"I've missed you, too. There," kiss, "are so many," kiss, "things that I want to tell you." She kissed him again, opening her mouth in invitation to deepen their kiss again. He accepted and tangled his tongue with hers, first in her mouth and then in his. A slight whimper escaped her lips.

It would be so easy to have her. She was wearing a blouse and skirt. He needed only to lift the skirt and press her into the wall to position her. What would she do? How far would she go? He eased away from her and quirked his lips upward while his index finger traced the outline of her face. "What do you want to tell me?"

"Harry," she said between breaths. "He's told me some things. I think the headmaster is the one that is having Malfoy follow me around."

Severus' mind cleared immediately. "Come," he said, holding her hand and leading her to their two chairs near his desk. "Explain."

"Well, first of all, Harry told me that he and Ron saw Malfoy and Ginny talking, and they went to Dumbledore. They found out that he has apparently switched to our side and is now spying for us with Voldemort. Harry has known since the summer, but Ron's just found out. He's not too pleased. I am sure that you know all of this already." At his nod, she continued, telling him all that had been said about Tonks. She even mentioned that Ron and Pansy are seeing each other privately. Once he'd digested all of that, she blurted, "Harry knows that I come here."

"How so?"

"The map of course. He saw me here when he was looking for Ginny." She grinned smugly. "I told him that I wasn't at liberty to say what I was doing here, but it was for a good cause. I even pretended to let information slip about us working on a potion together. He took that to mean that we're working on something for the Order."

"That was good thinking on your part. We wouldn't want Boy Wonder to try to thwart things. The Dark Lord's spy would enjoy reporting back to my master that our plans are being interfered with,"

"I thought Draco was V...er...the Dark Lord's spy, but I think he's following me on Dumbledore's behalf. Maybe he's trying to find out if something truly is going on here between us. You know, to be sure we're only pretending."

"While I wouldn't put it past the headmaster, I wouldn't put it past the Dark Lord either." What could he tell her? He wanted her to trust in Draco to a certain extent, but he didn't even completely trust in the boy. There would be no reason to put her off her guard. "I think of Draco as the son of a friend. On one hand, I believe him to truly want to make a fresh start and be away from his father's plans. On the other hand, I believe he would strive very hard to make his father proud." He scooted to the edge of his seat. "I need you to never appear anything less than friendly to Draco when you are in private. Even if you do not trust him, you must pretend that you do."

Her brow furrowed slightly. "Do you think he would betray you?"

"If he had to."

"Would you betray him?"

"If I had to."

"Would you betray us?"

He could see the fear in her eyes. "Never you," he said firmly. That seemed to appease her momentarily, but then he saw the worry return to her eyes.

"What of Harry? Dumbledore?"

Bypassing her question, he said, "I think it's safe to say that Dumbledore has schooled Harry Potter well enough. He will likely defeat the Dark Lord the next time they meet. Your loyalty lies with him." He cocked an eyebrow. "Therefore, I think we can safely say that your friend has nothing to fear from me." Unless he interferes with my plans.

She smiled then. "I trust in you," she said easily, reaching out to cup his cheek with one of her small hands. As her hand slid down, thumb grazing his lips, he opened his mouth to nibble on her thumb. Slowly, his tongue circled around her nail and sucked the digit into his mouth. She gasped in surprise but seemed to like his ministrations. Her flesh tasted of soap, bitter yet pleasant. There was a slightly feminine scent invading his senses.

His Hermione trusted him. He'd never allow her to see harm whilst he could help it. But, her trust was misplaced on a certain level. He had a plan, a mission. She would be his in every way possible. If he had to be manipulative about it and deceive her in some things, then he would do so. In the long run, it would be worth it...for the both of them.

Severus released her thumb and placed a small kiss on her palm before pulling her towards him until their faces met. The kiss was unlike the other. His need and passion took over, his lips and tongue melding with hers. Abruptly leaving her lips, he trailed down to her neck to lick, suck, and nibble at her sensitive flesh. Her hands wove into his hair as she tilted her head back to offer more of her neck to him. His hands found their way beneath her blouse and glided along her spine, finding the clasp to her bra. In only two attempts, the clasp was unfastened, and his hands slid around to her chest to slide beneath the loosened garment and caress both breasts.

"Oh," she gasped, arching further into his hold.

He wished that they'd be anyplace other than sitting in two chairs facing each other. Nevertheless, he couldn't stop himself. He pulled back from her completely and lifted her blouse slightly to place kisses upon her stomach. She grasped the shirt from his clutches and pulled it over her head and off, tossing it next to them. "Yes," he whispered. This was what he wanted...a responsive Hermione. Pulling back from her, his eyes met hers. He saw acceptance, desire, and approval. Severus quickly pulled her onto his lap so that she could straddle him. After kissing her deeply, his lips moved down to replace his hands, which were fondling her breasts. For the first time, he looked upon her bare flesh, naked from the waist up. Her flesh still held the unblemished look of youth, not yet marred by scars or time. Each breast was slightly more than a handful, and her rosy-colored nipples were hardened, waiting for his touch. "Lovely."

His eyes met hers briefly, and he noticed that she was biting her lower lip, an uncertain expression on her face. Did she think that he wouldn't approve? Was she nervous? He lifted his hand and to enable a finger to pull her lip free from her teeth. She lifted both hands, entrapping his index finger. What she did next ignited a fire in his groin. She mimicked what he'd done earlier by licking and suckling his finger. He left her to it and sought out the nearest breast, using one hand to position it just so, enabling his mouth to work its magic upon her. "Oh, God," she muttered, arching into him slightly before resuming her task.

Hermione's weak spots were easy to find. While his mouth familiarized itself with her tender flesh, he'd sensed that she squirmed and wiggled more when he kissed the underneath of her breast than any other spot, save a few quick circles of his tongue around the nipple itself. As he moved over to give her other breast the same attention, he noticed that she was arched completely into him, her bum wriggling against his erection, legs dangling over the arms of the chairs. He need only unfasten his trousers, move her panties aside, and impale himself within her.

She'd lost the heart to continue suckling his finger, so he moved that free hand down beneath her skirt to rest on her inner thigh for a moment. Good Lord! I can feel the heat radiating from her even now. What will her inner flesh feel like to the touch? He could resist no longer. His hand slid up further while his mouth never stopped pleasuring her. As his hand found the crotch of her knickers, he sucked in a breath. They were slightly dampened, meaning she was wet for him. Her desire was peaking, preparing her body for him. All senses left. Fuck the slow seduction. I will have her, here and now. His face was resting against her chest, and he could feel her heart beating quickly. Don't be afraid. I'll take care of you.

Arms encircled him as his other hand left her breast and joined the one at her crux. One index finger on each side slid beneath the hem of her knickers, coming in contact with smooth, heated, flesh and a small patch of trimmed hair. He longed to see her...needed to see her. However, he first needed to feel her. Remembering her reaction to the fumbling Weasley, he knew better than to insert his finger completely. It would remind her of that experience and perhaps put a damper on things for them. He wouldn't begin to stimulate her clitoris either, knowing that the over-sensitization might be a bit much for her. He simply and slowly rubbed both fingers only along the patch of hair artfully lining her labia. When he began to feel her slight wetness seeping out, he nearly groaned and had to restrain himself from thrusting a finger into her. She began to breathe heavily and moved with him slightly, as if mesmerized.

A loud banging against his office door startled them both, one finger slightly entered her when she moved the wrong way. "I will kill that meddling old fool," he whispered fiercely, pulling back from her all together. "Get dressed."

Hermione swallowed deeply, blushed furiously, and scampered off of him, quickly pulling on her shirt. When she looked at him again, he held her gaze as he placed the finger that had been able to penetrate her slightly into his mouth as he sucked away the minute evidence of where it had been. "Oh! You just...! Was that...? Oh, my!"

"Do not be ashamed, Hermione," he said smoothly, rising to stand before her. More banging on the outer door drew his gaze away momentarily. He looked back at her, smirking slightly. "You are delicious." He lowered his head and pulled her to him for one last kiss, hoping her lips wouldn't appear plumped when their visitor entered. He wondered if she tasted herself upon his lips, but he doubted it, as she hardly held a taste. "Pick up a book from my desk, open it to the center, and start to read."

She nodded and quickly sat down with the first book she could grab. He watched as she tried to smooth down her hair and slightly rumpled blouse. Severus quickly made his way to the door and opened it with a loud bang as it slammed against the back wall. "What is it?" he asked, clearly annoyed. To his surprise, it was not the pesky headmaster. It was Draco.

"It's done," the boy said quietly. "I've got the..." He'd obviously seen Hermione sitting in the chair. His eyes traveled between the pair a couple of times, realization settling in. "I'll come back later, sir."

"You might as well come in now," he said coldly, allowing the boy to know that he'd displeased him. He led the way to his desk. He motioned for Draco to sit down, and he turned to Hermione. "I suppose we are finished here for tonight, but we shall pick up where we left off next time." He hoped she got his meaning. He had every intention of having her. Slow seduction be damned. She was ready. Wasn't she?

"Al-all right," she agreed, placing the book back upon his desk. "Th-thanks for your time, sir." She quickly left without looking back. He would have had to be blind to not see that she was shaking like a leaf. Had he scared her? Was it too much? He'd have to think about it later. He needed to deal with his intruder first.

"Well?"

"I truly didn't mean to interrupt."

"No matter. What is it?"

"The mallowsweet. I have it, sir. It was exactly where you said it would be, and nobody saw me leave or re-enter the grounds. My father gave me a small trinket to use as a Portkey when I secured it. What should I do?" he asked, eyes moving to where Hermione had been sitting.

"Well, you need to go to him of course. Did he give you the activation word?"

"He did, sir. I've shrunk the ingredients and put them in my pocket. I'll give you a full report upon my return...er...that is, if you will be alone. Should I wait?" he asked, again eyeing the chair Hermione had vacated.

"Hermione is gone for the evening. I will await your return." Severus stood to walk the boy to the door leading to his personal study. "You can activate it in here."

"Thanks."

In only a few moments, the boy was gone. Severus could have throttled the youth for interrupting his evening with Hermione, but he supposed it might have been for the best. If he hadn't come along, he and Hermione would not likely have been able to stop. How did she feel about what had transpired between them? Was she afraid? Had the fear of someone possibly realizing what was truly going on too much for her to handle?

"Accio parchment," he called. His magical parchment made its way to him. He waved a hand over it, and said, "Locus Hermione." Immediately, he was given her location, and he longed to be with her. Bathing in the Head Girl's bath, alone. Dare he ever visit her Head Girl dorm as he had in his dream? Would she want to continue where they'd left off? Before he waved his hand to erase the parchment, he noticed another word pop up at the end. Upset.

What the hell? Why would she be upset? "Fuck! I did go too far." Disappointed with his lack of control, he fixed a tumbler of brandy and sat down to think things through. He'd pounced on her the moment she'd come through the door. It wasn't as if she'd tried to push him away. She'd responded just as any needy woman would have. She'd wanted him. It had been her reactions that had spurred him on. He'd have to talk to her and explain things to her. He couldn't scare her off now, not after all of his planning. She was nearly begging for him to take her, and it had only been a month since school had started. "Damn it." He would just have to restrain himself, give them a small break, and let her know that even though he treasured what happened, it couldn't happen again until she was no longer his student. That would put her at ease, and he'd even be keeping his word to the headmaster.

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Hermione dipped under the water to rinse the suds from her hair. The few tears that had leaked onto her face had been washed away. She stood and began drying herself. After that, she brushed her teeth and slipped into bed. She was deeply frustrated and disappointed. It wasn't because he had touched her in such an intimate way. No, it was because she wanted more. Ruddy Malfoy showed up just as she'd begun to ache for something more...anything more. The way his fingers glided along her opening had felt oddly exciting, and she'd nearly passed out with the anticipation. In fact, she'd become slightly frustrated and had started moving with his fingers, hoping he'd take the hint and really touch her.

When the knock had come at his door, she'd hoped to disappear. She was sure that it had been the headmaster waiting for entrance. She'd been so afraid that he'd realize what had been going on between the two of them. When she saw that it was Draco, she'd nearly cried with relief. In fact, she'd been fighting an emotional bout of tears when she'd been dismissed. They hadn't come until she'd nearly completed her bath.

Ron had never done anything like that. It was sensual, sexy, and left her feeling needy instead of dirty. Hermione's hand flew to her mouth, and she sat up in realization as to what she'd just done. It wasn't exactly Hermione and Severus that had done that. It was a student and a teacher. He was still Professor Snape to her most of the time and to all of her friends. They were blindly playing right into Voldemort's hand. She'd lied to Harry, to Ron, and to her other friends, and if they ever found out the truth, they would definitely be upset. It would bother Harry deeply. He still hated Snape, mostly. "But I want him," she whispered aloud. "When we're alone, we're only Severus and Hermione. There is no Hogwarts, no student and teacher relationship, and no friends just waiting to interfere."

She lay back down and nearly giggled with glee in remembrance of his lips and hands upon her breasts. I was nearly naked in front of him! Something sounding like a squee made its way from her lips. After a few moments of giddiness, she became somber. She hadn't asked if they were in a relationship. That had been a priority. Damn it! I lost all sense the moment I stepped into his office. It was hard not to, what with the way he'd waylaid her at the door. Smirking, she snuggled further into the duvet. She couldn't wait until they had time alone again. She would definitely talk to him. Surely he saw their relationship as something more than friendly.

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The Dark Mark made its presence known just as Severus expected. He quickly made his way to a safe location, and he Apparated to his Lord. The moment he was before the man, he knelt in a show of respect.

"Rise," the Dark Lord hissed. "What news have you?"

Severus stood and began reciting all that he'd stowed away for his Lord. "I trust that you were pleased with the mallowsweet that Draco brought to his father."

The ruby-colored slitted eyes narrowed. "When was the exchange?"

"My Lord?" Severus questioned, suddenly alarmed. "Is something amiss?"

"Explain, Severusss."

"Lucius instructed Draco to bring him a large amount of mallowsweet, and he gave him a Portkey. The boy delivered it last night. He said that he was with his father for only a moment before he was Portkeyed back to Hogwarts." Severus wondered what he'd revealed. "Was this not your doing?"

"Did the young Malfoy know why his father wanted this?" His eyes were trained on Severus', and he could feel his mind being probed slightly.

"No, Master, he did not. That was what he told me anyway, but I believed him. I thought it odd, as we have no centaur allies amongst us. Their prophesizing is the only thing I can think of that would need mallowsweet."

The Dark Lord nodded. "I know better than to try to persuade the filthy, arrogant beasts to join us. They believe themselves to be superior to us," he spat bitterly. "Filthy half-breeds!"

"Shall I interrogate Draco?"

"I think I shall interrogate Lucius." The calculating wizard seemed to be lost in thought for a moment. "You have done well to bring this to my attention."

"Master, I must explain my part in this," he said suddenly, bowing his head as if in shame. He made sure to sound repentant. "I mapped out the location of the mallowsweet for Draco and aided him with a path that would less likely draw attention to his departure from the grounds. I fear that I am at fault as well." There! If that didn't sound like a loyal follower disappointed that he'd let his Lord down, nothing would.

"You assumed you were following my orders, and you've openly given the information to me. There will be no punishment for that. If the young Malfoy thought he was doing my bidding, there will be no punishment for him either, but you will tell him to listen to no orders from anyone aside from me unless they come from you."

"Yes, my Lord." Severus nodded. "There is something else. Dumbledore has instructed him to befriend Ginevra Weasley to find out why she is questioning Nymphadora Tonks' loyalties."

"I saw a glimpse of the girl's face on our last meeting. I was biding my time before questioning him. It seemed that he wanted to shield that from me."

"Likely he is embarrassed to have to mingle with her. They have always seen the Weasleys are being beneath them, as poor wizards." He hoped that would be enough to save Draco from further suspicion. It seemed the young wizard had some explaining to do. If he was trying to shield away his relationship with the girl, it was likely that he was truly interested and didn't want to bring her under his Lord's scrutiny. Quite interesting, that.

The Dark Lord shook his head in disgust. "Some of the most loyal followers come from the poorest and darkest places. It would bode well for our Lucius to remember that." The wizard's expression changed to a calculating one. "Is this the same girl that Lucius planted my diary with?"

"She is."

"Interesting." His long white fingers tapped against his mouth, his flat nose flaring. "Tell the boy to continue this friendship and even bring it one step further. This will not bother Potter since he believes the boy to be on his side, but I want him to gain the girl's trust. I would like for her to be brought before me at some point in the future."

"If I may ask, my Lord, what interests you about her?"

"I want to see her memories of her times with the diary, of course. I want to see how Potter was able to get past my Basilisk and me that time. I want to see how the girl took to my orders and to me."

"I shall let him know, my Lord."

"Do not tell him of my plans to see her. I shall let that be a surprise."

"Yes, sir."

"Now, on to more pleasant things. What of your concubine?"

"Ah," Severus said, pasting a wicked smile upon his face. "She is coming around most easily. I nearly had things completely as I wanted them last night. Draco interrupted us. I am quite certain that she is taken with me. I believe that false words of love would ensconce her firmly on my side."

"Excellent. I am pleased for you, Severusss. Once you have her complete loyalty, we shall decide when to leak the news to Potter." The Dark Lord cackled. "You have pleased Lord Voldemort with your choice. We both get something out of the deal. That little bastard will be so disappointed, he'll not see our final attack coming." The ruby eyes glittered evilly. "Nor will that interfering Dumbledore!"

"Thank you, my Lord."

"There is one other request, my son."

"You've only to name it, Master."

"I want you to spy on Parkinson. Have young Malfoy do it as well. I am curious as to why her father truly wants her to couple with that Weasley." The Dark Lord shook his head. "During his questioning, he told me that he thought to drive a wedge between Weasley and Potter eventually with Weasley choosing his daughter over the boy. That is a good plan, as good as yours, but I felt that he was lying to me. He may have come up with that excuse after he realized that I supported your idea. I pretended to believe him." He cackled. "For now. Find out what the reasoning truly is, and let me know. I shall summon you soon."

"Yes, my Lord."

"Go."

Severus didn't need to be told twice. He Disapparated and made his way back down to his dungeons. What the hell was Malfoy playing at? The Dark Lord didn't know anything about it. Oh, how he'd love to be there when the truth came out. It wasn't that he wanted to see harm befall Lucius. The man truly was his friend, after all. No, he was just curious as to what he wanted with the mallowsweet. It was obvious that he didn't include Draco in his scheming. Well, either that or Draco was becoming adept at hiding things...some things. Speaking of which, he needed to get the boy to meet with him. It seemed they had some talking to do about Pansy Parkinson and the youngest Weasley. They would find out exactly what Parkinson's father was up to and make plans to become even more friendly with Ginevra Weasley.

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Hermione was only half listening to Ron's chatter about the upcoming Hogsmeade visit and was surprised to find Harry and he staring at her. "What?"

"Are you going to come with us?" Ron asked.

"Is, uh, is Pansy going to go with you?" she asked uncertainly.

"If you don't want her to, she won't. She and I could just meet up for lunch while you lot has lunch," he said, hoping she'd accept.

"Ron," Hermione began softly, "it's not fair of me to ruin your outing. If I decide to go, then I'll just have to put up with her being there."

"Er...all right," he agreed, eyeing Harry incredulously.

"What of you, Harry? Any dates?"

"Yes," he said. "She'll meet us for lunch."

"Who?" Ron asked quickly.

"Not telling," he replied mysteriously.

"If it's Ginny..."

"I've told you that Ginny and I will never be involved," Harry said hotly. "Stop trying to get me to talk to her."

"He wants you to talk to Ginny?"

"Yeah. Seems he'd rather her fancy me than Malfoy, which I don't think she fancies him," Harry said, clearly annoyed.

"I don't think so either," Hermione agreed. She knew that the girl fancied Lupin.

"Well, Ginny says she doesn't want to come with us. I've asked already. Thought it was odd, so I thought they might have wanted to surprise me." Ron shrugged. "Hoped, rather. I just don't like that bastard being around her."

"Lavender and I are pairing off," Neville piped up. Lavender giggled and snuggled closer to him. They'd officially started a relationship.

"I'm undecided," Parvati said, eyes straying to the group across the room. Hermione wondered if she was interested in one of the boys. Seamus maybe? They'd been an item before, lovers even, but they had drifted apart the previous year. Perhaps it was time for them to get back together.

After realizing that Neville hadn't sent the lavender rose or the letter to her, she'd thought that maybe it was Seamus, but part of her wouldn't believe it. Severus' face flashed before her. Was it he? She would ask. Why not? Ha! Gonna have to add that to the long list of things that I've been needing to ask! She sourly thought of the past week. He'd been a bit harsh with her on two different occasions...both in class. He'd allowed her to do her work on Wednesday, but it was Professor Dumbledore that was overseeing her. Supposedly the Potions master was busy in the village. On Saturday, she'd received an owl saying that he had other obligations and couldn't meet with her.

What was it that she'd done wrong? He'd seemed fine when she'd left that evening. Was he having second thoughts? How much longer would he ignore her? She'd been spying on him in the Great Hall, and he hadn't looked her way one single time. She'd decided that two could play at his little game, so she'd sent a note to him saying that she wasn't feeling well and couldn't make their Wednesday meeting. She'd even gone to Madame Pomfrey for a potion to soothe her sore throat in case he checked. It was an incredibly immature thing to do, and if she could change it, she would. However, if he asked, she'd simply maintain that she wasn't well. The upcoming Saturday was the Hogsmeade visit, she'd just say she was too tired to attend their friendly session. He would have to make the first move...if they would be moving forward at all.

"Hermione! Bloody hell. What are you thinking about?" Ron asked, waving a hand in front of her face.

"Suppose I'm just wondering if I'll be an extra wheel on the car. Everyone seems to have a date," she said quickly, hoping they'd buy it. She noticed that Ron looked away guiltily.

"'Course not, Mione," Harry said.

"Well, I'll go with you, Hermione," Seamus said, joining them at that moment. He sat down next to her. "I just hope you don't mind stopping by Gladrag's for a few minutes. I've got to pick up a new cloak. Mine has been ruined."

Not wanting to appear rude, she nodded and smiled. "All right. Thanks. Makes me feel a little better." She did note that Parvati was glaring at her for a moment.

"I suppose I'll have to ask someone," the girl said. "See you all later." With that, she got up and flounced off toward the stairs leading to the girls' dormitories.

"Been right mental since her sister disappeared, she has," Seamus said.

"Well, I'd say it's understandable," Hermione said. "Must be a lot to take in, losing her sister that way, never knowing what's happened."

Everyone became solemn after that. She thought of the others that had been lost to them: Hagrid, Dean, Sirius, and Cedric for starters. Who would vanish or be killed next? What other ill would befall them? She looked around at her mates, especially Harry and Ron. Which of them, if any, would be killed the next time Voldemort came around? She couldn't handle losing Harry or Ron. They were like family. It must be hard for Parvati to be without Padma, seeing her face each time she looked in the mirror yet knowing she'd never look upon her again.

"I think I'll have a walk and tend to my patrol," Hermione said. She quickly made her way out to the lake without anyone seeing. Darkness had fallen nearly an hour before. She suddenly wished that she hadn't cancelled her meeting with Severus. That had been ridiculous. He would likely see through her lie and know exactly why she'd missed. Just as she sat down, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned and saw Pansy walking towards her. Good grief. What the hell does she want?

"Don't bother to get up, Granger," Pansy said in a hushed voice. "I've never liked you, and I won't pretend to now. I do think that we will have to try to get along, what with me being Ron's girl and all."

Hermione's eyes narrowed. "What do you want with Ron suddenly? You've not liked him much either from what I can remember. I think you have some sort of plan, myself."

"He understands things," Pansy reiterated. "I don't have to explain my motives to you. I am simply hoping that we can learn to get along."

"I've already told Ron that I'll put up with your presence. Other than that, I have nothing to say to you," Hermione said firmly. "If you don't mind, I would like to be alone."

Pansy smirked. "I think you're just smarting from his choosing me over you."

"Excuse me?" she asked indignantly. "He would have stayed with me if I had wanted him to do so. I think you're a cow! Couldn't find your own man, so you had to try to take advantage of someone else's?"

"Take advantage!" Pansy laughed. "If you were any kind of girl..."

"That will do, Miss Parkinson." Severus had come upon them. He barely glanced at Hermione as he spoke to Pansy. "I'm sure you have better things to do than to goad this Gryffindor into an argument. Off to the castle with you."

Once Pansy was nearly back at the castle, he turned his cold eyes upon her again. She shivered under his gaze. "Feeling better, are we?"

"Yes." She pulled her gaze away from his and looked out over the calm lake. The sliver of moonlight played upon the water's small ripples. It was mostly the castle lighting that reflected upon the surface.

"Why did you lie to me?"

"Lie?" She looked back at him and saw how angry he was. "I did not lie. I truly didn't feel well."

"Another lie!" he spat angrily, moving closer.

She took in his deep scowl, his angry stance, and the thin, angry line of his lips. How did he know? "You can check with Madame Pomfrey."

"I did," he admitted roughly. "I did find it interesting that you could entertain friends in your dormitory and play games though. If you were well enough to do that, then you should have been well enough to attend your weekly meeting." He smirked. "I do believe that I may cancel your assignment. You're lucky that I do not automatically fail you, Miss Granger."

"Well, Professor, as for my friends visiting, they were just trying to cheer me up. I began to feel the effects of Madame Pomfrey's medicine shortly after their arrival and was able to join in a few games." She folded her arms over her chest and looked back out to the lake. "It's not like you haven't been avoiding me anyway. I'm surprised you noticed."

"I've not been avoiding you," he said heatedly. "There are things that I had to do."

"Right. You just didn't want to see me because of last week. Was I so repulsive? Too inexperienced for you, sir?" she asked angrily, jumping up from her position. She tried to brush past him, but he pulled her to him roughly.

"Don't you dare take that tone with me," he warned. "I know you are inexperienced, but that can easily be changed." His voice lowered dangerously. "Repulsive never passed through my mind." A lone finger moved to stroke her cheek, and then it trailed down her throat to her chest. "I admit to thinking things were moving too quickly, and I have decided that what occurred cannot happen again. However, I would not purposely avoid you."

She pulled away. "Why? Why can't it happen again?"

"You are my student. I will not completely cross that line," he said firmly.

"If I wasn't? Would you cross it then?"

"Yes."

"Oh," she gasped as he pulled her close.

"Hell, yes." He nipped her ear lightly. "We will not repeat that again, but I still want to see you."

"It's unfair," she said lightly. "I'm an adult. I know what I want. I might not have been ready to be with Ron, but I am ready for you. I didn't feel this way about him."

She saw the look of surprise pass over his face, and she wanted to simply blow away with the small breeze. She'd said too much. What if he thought her to be some lovesick little girl?

"It can't happen again regardless how you...we feel about each other," he said softly. "Never think that I don't want you."

"Can we no longer kiss?"

"It would not be wise. You've seen how far a kiss can take us," he said, moving to graze her lips with his. "Even now it's too dangerous."

She moved closer for a moment and pulled away abruptly. "How did you know that I had my friends in my dorm last night?"

"I shall not disclose my source."

"You're spying on me?"

"Perhaps."

In a burst of courage, Hermione decided to make a demand. "I want it all or nothing. I can't spend the next nine months with you and not touch you." She backed away from him. "I'm sorry. Let me know."

Severus watched her race back to the castle. What the fuck was she playing at? "Nobody gives me an ultimatum, my Hermione." As quickly as he could, he made his way to his chambers. He bathed, changed, checked to be sure she was alone in her chambers, and he made his way to her. He muttered her password darkly and entered her room in a flurry of swirling robes.

"What are you doing here?" she asked in disbelief.

He smirked as she scooted back to sit against her headboard. He simply raised an eyebrow and began casting charms. Nobody would be able to hear anything. Nor would they be able to enter.

"I think we should have a talk about your attitude. You need to realize right now that I do not enter relationships with foot stamping, spoilt witches. I see you as a woman, Hermione. Do not change the way I view you." He pulled off his robes slowly. "It appears that you are using the same tactic with me that Mister Weasley used with you. I will tell you once, and only this once, that you will never manipulate me to do anything that I don't want to do." Her mouth gaped open, and he congratulated himself. She hadn't realized that she'd tried Weasley's tactic. "We also need to discuss the fact that you don't think I want you." He kicked off his boots.

"H-how do you want to discuss that?"

He gave her a wicked grin. "I think words are not needed for that lesson. Actions work so much better, don't you think?" He swooped down upon her and gave her no chance to rebuff him. His lips roughly claimed hers.

Southern's Notes: Muahahaha! Sorry about the cliffhanger, but I thought it'd be a nice place to end. I have to leave part of Hermione's lesson for the next chapter after all. I hope you've enjoyed this one. As I read over their interaction, I find myself unable to wait for the next bit. It's getting heated, isn't it?