Four

It was probably the nicest thing anyone had said to her in a very long time, but clinging to a few words of kindness like some sort of lifeline—especially from Snape, of all people—seemed almost pitiful. Too late, she noticed those dark eyes searching hers again, following her thoughts to that very conclusion. He drew away from her.

‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.’

‘Hmm…? No matter.’ His attention had shifted once more to her feet. ‘That emptiness can be relieved—at least… temporarily. I wish to show you how. That is my price. Miss Granger.‘

*

‘I don’t under—Oh!’ She’d forgotten about those. Energised by some wordless spell, the ribbons on her bound foot were winding their way up her leg, weaving an elaborate diamond pattern over and under her calf and shin as they went, creating little triangles and forming knots at strategic points. When they reached her knee, they paused as if awaiting further instructions.

‘Observe,’ said Severus.

One of the knots began to pulsate against her skin.

‘Oh, that’s-that feels really…ooh… strange… ’ Hermione gasped. ‘What’s it doing?’

’Not much. Yet,’ Severus replied. ‘But note what happens when I do this…’

*

He watched her face intently, counting the tell-tale signs of arousal. Ah, yes, there: the widening eyes and dilating pupils, the silent ‘O’ of the lips, teeth clamping down, eyelids fluttering… ‘As you have probably realised by now,’ said Severus, as Hermione let out a little sigh, ‘my ribbons are designed to have a certain… effect on the body’s nervous system. The little shockwaves of pleasure you are no doubt experiencing can be increased or decreased at my command. Thus.’

Hermione squeaked.

‘Now, imagine how that would feel with the ribbons encasing your entire body. All your body, Miss Granger.’

*

‘A-all?'

‘Yes, all. From the tips of your…’ Severus licked his lips ‘…toes to the roots of your hair—and all… points in between.’ He tweaked the ribbons again and was rewarded with rather a delightful moan.

‘You still—oh—still haven’t told me what it is you want, exactly,’ Hermione managed to gasp.

‘Ah, such fortitude. Such…single-mindedness.’ Severus chuckled. ‘You are to be commended, Miss Granger, for keeping your focus.’ He reached forward to make a minor adjustment to the ribbon, unable to resist grazing his fingertips against her skin as he did so. ‘Not to mention… rewarded.’

*

‘And so, Miss Granger,’ Severus continued as the young woman on his bed sighed deeply, ‘if you will allow me free reign with my ribbons as I see fit, and if, after my best… efforts to convince you that your existence is not pointless, you are still hell-bent on pursuing your route to oblivion, I will show you the Abramelin. I will even help you increase your chances of survival by assisting in the preparations for your pilgrimage—on one further condition.’

‘And what might that be?’

’I would very much like…’ He swallowed thickly. ‘…to fuck your beautiful feet.’

*

Impulsive…reckless…stupid… Severus chided himself, thinking for a moment that he’d overplayed his hand. But then, seeing as he was her last hope, what choice did she have?

Letting his hair obscure his smirk, he began fiddling with the second ribbon in readiness, drawing it repeatedly through his fingers while patiently awaiting her decision. Soon, soon, she would come to the same conclusion as him, accede to his demands and submit to the tender mercies of his ribbons.

He prayed she was adequately flexible—bent backwards, wrists bound to ankles was always the best position…

Please. Just say yes.

*

Severus felt a small hand stay his much larger one.

‘Can they really make me… feel?’

He met Hermione’s gaze evenly. ‘Rest assured, my dear. They will wind their way into your most… intimate places: inflame your fantasies, rip away any and all inhibitions and leave you quivering with desire.’

Hermione averted her eyes and nodded. ‘Well… I knew sex had be involved somewhere.’ With a long sigh, she began unfastening her robe.

‘Only if you wish it,’ Severus murmured, introducing the second ribbon to her naked foot. Only if you beg for it. And you will. Oh, you will.

~ finite ~