The Beginning of the End

The Beginning of the End.

Hermione approached The Keeper with fascination. She had read 'Hogwarts: A History' from cover to cover at least once every term when she had attended the school, and she had always felt the section on house-elves to be woefully lacking. Everyone knew that Helga Hufflepuff had been responsible for their indenture... and that was as far as it went. The creatures within the Forbidden Forest were given more ink, and as far as Hermione was concerned it further highlighted the lack of status they held. Knowing now that the castle housed an elf who was as intelligent as and more learned than Albus Dumbledore himself, well... Hermione felt her indignation rise. How dare they make him live below the kitchens, out of sight and out of mind, with no-one to know and care about his welfare and well-being? It was simply unconscionable.

'You needs to stop that thinking, daughter of Gryffindor. You who might be called a know-it-all, you know nothing of us. That which you do know is that which we have permitted up until this moment in time.'

The Keeper eyed Hermione sharply, and she couldn't help but feel as if he could see right through her. Snape used to do the same thing in Potions class, and she wondered if it was a sign of intelligence, because this was clearly no ordinary house-elf. She tipped her head to one side, trying to grasp why this elf seemed so familiar to her, but the moment was gone as she let herself hear what he was actually saying.

'Are you telling me that you're telepathic?' she said bluntly. To her chagrin the elf started to laugh, a deep, wheezy chuckle that ended in a slight cough.

'We is many things. Perhaps I see your thinking, or perhaps it shows on your face. The Keeper was right, was he not?'

He looked a little too smug for Hermione's liking and she tore her gaze from him, suddenly aware that she was standing right beside Severus Snape, her thigh almost touching his hand where it rested on the arm of his chair. She flushed as she looked down into his face, but she didn't miss the open look of appreciation in his gaze before he schooled his features again.

'I wonder if I might sit somewhere?' she asked lightly. Looking around the cramped space, there didn't seem room for her, until the chair that Snape was sat in suddenly expanded into a small couch. Hermione bit her lip and stifled a nervous giggle as she squeezed herself beside the Headmaster, not least because of the low growl he shot at the now innocent looking elf.

'He reminds me of Dumbledore,' Severus murmured under his breath.

'Or Yoda,' Hermione responded, sotto voce, trying not to think about her thigh pushed warmly against his or her arm pressed against his side, or how his maleness was almost overwhelming her.

'Star Wars? Really?' Severus Snape grinned and shifted sideways so he was looking at her fully.

'You do remember my best friend, Harry Potter? We were both raised as Muggles and it's become a bit of a Christmas tradition. Ron was always convinced that Yoda was a house-elf and not a small man in a costume,' she replied with a laugh.

Snape smiled at her warmly, and their eyes met. She found herself smiling back, and felt like a lovesick teenager.

***

Severus couldn't stop looking at Hermione Granger. She was sitting right next to him, seemingly willingly. Their knees were touching, and at times her elbow dug him in the ribs. He didn't complain just in case she decided to move, but still, he didn't understand her actions.

'Miss Granger, after what you've heard I don't understand why you're not running in the opposite direction,' he said with resignation in his voice. Perhaps she hadn't heard everything after all?

'I spent my teenage years following a Prophecy that was really nothing to do with me. I didn't stop to think that I could be killed at any moment; I just went blindly along, helping Harry, putting his needs before my own. Then I put Ron's needs first after the war, and well, the whole world knows how that turned out. Honestly? Nothing shocks me any more. The fact that my destiny is linked to you, well...' she paused and their eyes met briefly before he was forced to look away. 'I wouldn't be averse to the idea, and it might explain a lot.' She put a warm hand over his and squeezed, before turning her attentions back to the elf.

To say that Severus was stunned was an understatement. His hand tingled where she had touched him, and he was openly staring at her profile as she was now head down and reading an ancient parchment that looked suspiciously like his own family tree. She mouthed the words unconsciously as she read, her lower lip full, pink and luscious. Her tongue darted out and licked the drying skin, and Severus bit back a moan. He stood hastily, wishing he had worn his robes. His cock was getting hard just being in her presence, and he had to put space between them if he wanted to maintain any dignity at all. He caught the knowing smirk on the face of The Keeper and he glared at him, but didn't say a word. He wasn't going to give him the satisfaction, and felt more than a little frustrated that a house-elf knew more about his future than he did himself.

'I shall meet you in my office when you're fully sated, Miss Granger.' He nodded his goodbye to Hermione and The Keeper and made for the door, but as he did so she caught his hand and pulled him back a little. He turned back, quite sure that his face was telling her exactly why he had to leave, and the touch of her fingertips against his palm made him feel weak at knees.

'Call me Hermione, Severus. And if you think this will sate me,' she waved her hand over the pile of parchments and books, 'I think you have a lot to learn.' And then she winked at him. He felt his mouth go dry but couldn't help but grin at her not so subtle statement of intent, for clearly this was a witch who knew exactly what she desired.

'Unhand me, witch. You have the house-elves to placate before we discuss matters of a more... personal nature.' He let his hand slide from hers and traced her lower lip with his index finger. It was warm and soft, more than enticing.... And he really had to leave.

***

Hermione felt like she'd been hit by ten Bludgers. The amount of information she had digested was overwhelming, and her stomach was growling. There had been a time, during the height of the war, when Hermione would have gone hungry in the name of research. But she was older now and understood the need to keep her body fuelled and her brain working. But even though it was way past dinner time and she had probably kept Severus waiting for far too long, she still read on.

The Keeper had shared ancient texts from as far back as the founding of Hogwarts, including two journals written by Helga Hufflepuff herself. The relevant sections had detailed the first house-elves to come to the school, and for them it had apparently been a sanctuary. Some had arrived in a terrible state, beaten, naked, and half-starved to death by the lack of care shown to them by their Pureblood owners. It made sense to her now why the house-elves were so averse to being freed. After all, what would freedom offer them that they didn't have already? Even Dobby had used his freedom to join his fellow house-elves at Hogwarts, because in reality, how else would he have survived? What she had thought was slavery and mistreatment had actually provided succour. And Hermione understood the need to be needed all too well.

Hermione made a few more notes onto the six foot parchment she had already written, and put down her quill with a satisfied sigh. She rubbed the back of her hand across her eyes, and looked up at The Keeper with a soft smile.

'Thank you so much,' she said sincerely. 'I am so grateful to you for sharing all of this with me.'

'You is most welcome, Miss. And we have an accord?'

The Keeper was still sharp-eyed despite the hour, and Hermione couldn't help but laugh. The elf had provided her with more information on the history of the elves and the school that had ever known had existed, but he hadn't forgotten their agreement. And Hermione had to admit, he was right. Her bid to change the legal status of the house-elves was foolhardy, she could see that now. However, there were still improvements that could be made, and they had bartered back and forth until she had a new Law written and ready to be scrutinised by the Ministry's legal department, and enough information that she could write a whole chapter on House Elves for inclusion in a revised version of 'Hogwarts: A History.'

'Yes, we have an accord. Could you tell me where the Headmaster is? I think have some more negotiating to do today.'

Hermione smiled to herself. What she had said to Severus had been right. Nothing surprised her now in the wizarding world. Prophecies, Books of Destiny... anything could be thrown at her and she wouldn't bat an eyelid. That her destiny wanted her to spend the rest of her life with Severus Snape was a little bit ironic, given that she had begun to think along those lines herself. At least this way she wouldn't have to fight too much to get him, because he had read the book himself. He didn't seem averse either, and there was clearly chemistry between them. Hermione had noticed his swift exit earlier and had known exactly why, too. She stifled a giggle at the thought of Snape trying to hide seemingly keen erection, but she had lived with Ron and Harry for long enough to know the signs. She had felt quite flattered, really.

'The Headmaster is now in his quarters. Here.' The Keeper pointed to a brightly glowing purple dot on his incredible map, and Hermione followed the route back to the kitchens. There was a glowing pink dot, the only one she could see, and she looked at the elf in surprise.

'Why am I in pink?' She asked him.

'Lover of the Headmaster,' The Keeper said with a small smile, 'and Keeper of The Secrets.'

'Why do I get the feeling you're not telling me something?' She narrowed her eyes shrewdly.

'In time, you shall know. In time, you shall know everything,' he whispered, his eyes closing as if he were seeing something that only he could see.

Hermione sighed. She had spent enough time in Dumbledore's company to know that she wasn't likely to get anything more from the elf right now. She stood and stretched, and felt a slight tingle between her legs as she thought about Severus. Her hunger for food was taken over by another kind of hunger altogether, and she almost ran to find him.

***

Severus sat in his usual chair beside the fire, nursing his whiskey and brooding. He had waited for her for hours in his office until he realised she wasn't coming. He was fairly sure he hadn't misread her flirting, and chose to assume that she was just engrossed in her research. He knew that feeling well himself and had often spent days researching for a new potion without sleep and little sustenance. He was all but resolved to go and find her when he heard footsteps running up the stairs and a hasty rapping on his door. He went to the door quickly and all but wrenched it from its hinges. She stood before him panting, her hair awry and her blouse askew. Her eyes were bright with excitement, and he grinned at her. She was such an open book, and he knew that she was full to the brim with new information. He recognised that feeling too. It seemed they were much alike in that respect.

'Are you alright?' he asked her with a smile.

'Have you any idea how much that elf knows?' Hermione grabbed his hand as she walked into his quarters, her eyes never leaving his face.

'More than you or I together, I should imagine,' he said with amusement. He linked his fingers through hers as she stepped towards him, and his breath hitched as she stared at his mouth and licked her lower lip.

'I think I should like you to kiss me now,' she whispered.

She closed her eyes as he bent towards her, and Severus paused for a brief moment, knowing that his life was about to change forever and this time welcoming it. He brushed her lips lightly with his own, and couldn't restrain the groan as she surged towards him and immediately deepened the kiss. He opened his mouth to her questing tongue, and pulled her flush to him until she would be in no doubt as to how her kiss was affecting him. She moaned between their lips and pushed her thigh against his hardness, but etiquette forced its way into Severus' heady thoughts and he reluctantly slowed their kisses to a gentle caress.

'Should we go this far on a first date?' he whispered huskily. She kissed him again sweetly, and he sighed, knowing his gentlemanly behaviour would be scorned by his fellow Slytherins and not caring one bit. This witch was different.

'How long do you think we should know each other before we make love, Severus?' Hermione said in exasperation. 'It's already been twelve years.' She looked up at him, and there was a feral lust in her eyes that Severus could no longer ignore.

'Point taken,' he growled. There was brief heartbeat, and then Severus wrapped his arms around her and kissed her with so much passion he thought he might explode before they had even made it to the bedroom. He pushed her backwards as her hands started to deftly unfasten his shirt buttons, and she hit the bedroom door forcefully. This seemed to fire her lust even further, and Severus ran his hands through her thick locks and trailed hot, moist kisses along her throat and across the tops of her breasts as she threw her head back.

'Bedroom, Severus, Gods, please,' she moaned as he licked his warm tongue along her cleavage and his thumb brushed lightly across her needy nipples.

Severus waved his hand absently, engrossed again by Hermione's delicious mouth, and they stumbled through the bedroom door. Hermione pushed his shirt open and latched her mouth to a waiting nipple, and Severus held her to his chest as he gasped with pleasure. He opened his eyes dreamily, and froze.

Hermione seemed to realise he had stopped moving and she raised her eyes to his, and then turned to follow his gaze. The bedroom was full of house-elves. This time they were even lying on the bed, looking far too comfortable for Severus' liking.

'Please tell me you came to an agreement,' he asked her with a sigh.

'Oh, yes, of course. The Keeper and I have drawn up and new Law. It's all been sorted out. And I'm very sorry for the distress I caused you all.' She addressed the elves with a small wave, and then pulled closer to Severus. He wrapped his arm around her as he drew himself up to his full height.

'You heard her. You can get back to the kitchens. Now!' Severus snapped.

The house-elves immediately jumped, and one by one they disappeared, leaving Smith, who bowed lowly.

'My thanks, Headmaster.' He had the nerve to wink before he too, disappeared.

'Severus, you must know that one of the new Laws is that the elves are to be addressed in polite manner,' Hermione chastened with a smirk.

Severus rolled his eyes and pushed her by the shoulders towards the bed. 'In that case, I should be punished, don't you think?'

Hermione pulled him closer and kissed him. 'You have the best ideas.'

With a flick of his fingertips, Severus locked, warded and set a strong silencing spell around the room. He had high hopes that things would get a bit noisy, but his musings were interrupted by the sudden draught of cold air around his crotch, swiftly followed by the feel of a warm and sure grip around the base of his now throbbing cock. Pre-come was weeping from the tip, and Hermione held his gaze as she ran a fingertip though the slick liquid and brought her finger to her lips. Her other hand drew upwards, a thumb ghosting over the ridge of Severus' cock, and he let out an audible moan as she slipped her finger into her mouth and sucked his essence from it. She closed her eyes and whimpered at the taste, before dropping to her knees. Severus held his breath as she angled his cock just so, then place a delicate kiss to the tip, his sticky juices smearing her lips until she took him into the sweet, wet warmth of her mouth. The feel of her tongue swirling around him was almost too much. Slipping his hands into her hair, he tugged slightly. Hermione's mouth dropped open in surprise and he took the chance to withdraw and pull her back up to him. He kissed her swollen lips fiercely, at the same time unfastening her fly and slipping his slim fingers past the elastic of her knickers and down, down into her soft pubic hair, his index finger slipping through her soaking labia until he found her needy little clit. With a soft chuckle, he slipped past it after one stroke, and crooked his finger under, finding her hole and teasing her entrance with shallow thrusts. He noticed Hermione hand was now plucking at her own nipple through the fabric of her bra, and her mouth fell open when he let his lips drift from hers and downwards to take the dark brown bud into his mouth, sucking softly and then with more intent.

'Severus,' Hermione whispered urgently, running her fingers up the length of his cock and making it twitch. 'Please. I need you to fuck me now.'

Severus pulled his mouth away and looked at Hermione. Her eyes were wide and glassy with lust, and as he pulled his hand from her panties, she stumbled. He held onto her waist with one, strong arm, and pushed her trousers and underwear lower before pulling her damp curls flush against the tip of his cock, making them both gasp. A light push had them both falling onto the bed, and as Hermione pushed her trousers fully off, Severus grabbed her by the hips, thrusting home without further preamble. Hermione keened and pushed forwards, tipping her hips up to meet him as his heavy balls slapped against the firm flesh of her pink arse.

'Fuck,' Severus moaned, his eyes out of focus as he bent to kiss the gasps from Hermione's pink lips. She felt so tight, but so eager. He knew he wasn't going to last long. Pushing himself up onto his hands, he started down briefly at where their bodies were joined, taking in the sight of her moist lips as they clung and sucked him in to the very hilt. Hermione smiled at him softly, then pushed down the cups of her bra to reveal her soft, creamy breasts, running her palms across her nipples and making herself groan, squeezing her nether walls at the sensation.

'Touch yourself, minx. I won't last, not this time...' he whispered, forcing himself to hold still until her fingers had found her swollen clit and she started to thrum herself to orgasm.

'Gods, Severus, move... move...' she ground out, bucking her hips until he got the hint. Slowly, he began to withdraw, and then thrust firmly back in, and then again, this time increasing his pace unbidden. The sensation began deep within, a tightening that made his eyes close at the pleasure of sensation. He was aware of Hermione's thighs trembling as her orgasm started, and a loud, wailing cry as she came, her cunt throbbing and grasping around him as he felt himself grow harder. And then it was all too much. This witch, and this incredible sex, the best he had ever experienced, with someone who wanted him as much as he wanted her, apparently. He stilled as his orgasm broke, feeling his cock pulse as he came hard, his own cry mingling with Hermione's. He collapsed unceremoniously on top of the panting witch, and sighed as he felt her gentle fingers carding his hair and her soft lips kissing his cheek. Pulling back slightly, he stared into her dark, sparkling eyes, and answered her wide smile with one of his own.