One Step Closer

Disclaimer: All characters are for J.K.R. of course. Plot thought of by Betz. The other stuff belongs to me!

As always, a big thanks to the brilliant Charmed Nay for being my beta!

Hermione made her way to her chambers. "Ruddy prats!" she said, flinging herself onto the bed. How could they have said that? Is that what they all called her? Her-my-icy-woman? That was just horrible. She had a mind to owl Charlie and tell him exactly what she thought about him. Disgusting! He'd gone to them and ran his mouth about what had happened between them on their only date. So, the truth had come out, and now Harry and Ron thought her to be a prude.

Was she so worried about being proper and modest that she had indeed become prudish? She sighed loudly. Her parents had raised her by their beliefs. Being Muggles, it was completely different from the views of the Wizarding world. Her mum had always told her to wait until she was married before she had sex. Her dad had always said that she should become educated and follow her own goals before thinking of relationships. Wizards didn't have the same views and were very open about many things. They took things as they came: sex, jobs, and relationships.

She had wanted a relationship badly in the past couple of years, but there was no one who appealed to her in that way. Well, that wasn't exactly true. One man did appeal to her, but she wasn't sure it was on a sexual level. There was just something about him. The urge for a relationship hadn't been so bad when she was younger, but as she'd entered her late teens, it seemed that everyone had someone except her.

Harry had dated first Ginny and then Gabrielle for a while, Ron had dated numerous girls, and she'd dated nobody. She had fancied Ron, and for a while, it seemed that he'd fancied her as well, but he'd never asked her out. Both Harry and Ron were now single, but it didn't stop them from engaging in flings here and there. Last summer, they had told her that she needed to get out of the castle. It was true. She spent most of her time reading, researching, and preparing for her classes, so she never took time to get out much. Ginny had insisted that she accompany Charlie to the Quidditch World Cup.

Reluctantly, she had gone. Out of all the Weasley brothers, Charlie was the one she knew the least. He lived in Romania still, and she'd never really had a conversation with him before that night. It was a disaster. They had all gone together: Ginny and Draco, Ron and Parvati, Harry and Gabrielle, Bill and Fleur, and Hermione and Charlie. Draco and Harry had ended up getting in a row over a bet on the game, causing Draco and Ginny to Disapparate away. Feeling sulky, Harry had urged Ron and their dates to go back to the local pub with him. Charlie and Bill had decided they would not leave. There was only so much conversation she could make with Fleur at any given time. The woman seemed to think it was a sin to not have her tongue connected to some portion of Bill's skin. Charlie had made her feel uncomfortable. The memory came back unbidden.

Charlie snaked his arm around her waist. "Mmmm, you smell good, Hermione." He made a show of sniffing her hair loudly, even as she tried to pull away from his hold. He lightly nipped her earlobe. "England has just won. I think it's time to celebrate, don't you?"

Charlie sat up. "Lumos. What is it, Hermione? Are you all right?"

"No. I can't... This... No," she said hurriedly, scooping up her things. "I'm sorry. It's not right." Before he could protest or reach her, she Apparated all the way to the gates of Hogwarts. Why had she let it get that far? The sun was just coming up on the horizon. She dressed quickly and hurried to the lake to cry where no one would see her.

Even thinking about it now, she knew that he hadn't tried to rape her or anything. She just hadn't said no soon enough. She hadn't made her intentions clear, and they had misunderstood each other. He had sent an owl the next day apologizing for scaring her off, and he'd said that he hoped there would be no hard feelings. She had let it go, but now... this angered her. He made her out to be some... tease! The worst part about learning this bit of information was that Professor Snape had also heard it. What must he think of her now?

"Blast!"

If anything he probably thought her to be a right little harlot, what with the way her breast had rolled over his arm. It had been a complete accident. She'd seen the way he'd looked at his arm after, as if it were tainted. Not in so many words, he had told her to be sure it didn't happen again. She was surprised that he'd shared a laugh with her over the Fudge incident, and he'd even seemed to be on the verge of talking to her when the others had shown up. Each time he spoke to her it was like a rare treasure. When she had first started out teaching, he'd been friendly, but eventually, he'd started ignoring her again. Either ignoring her or treating her like a student. She never understood exactly what she had done wrong.

"Bugger it!"

She decided not to go anyplace near the guys or Charlie, but that didn't mean she couldn't have an evening with the girls. She did deserve some time off. It would only be for a few hours, so anything at the castle that she couldn't get to during the day could wait. What could it possibly hurt? She sat down to owl Ginny, telling her she was ready for a night out, knowing Ginny would set everything up.

Hermione spent the rest of the day working fervently on her essays and tests; she'd decided to put off working on her students' study lists until the next day and had skipped lunch, knowing that Ron and Harry would be there. The last thing she needed was for them to start up again. However, she knew that they wouldn't be present at the evening meal because it was Friday--they always missed those, venturing into town instead.

When her stomach began to growl, she decided to brave a trip to the table. The first person she saw as she walked in through the staff door was Professor Snape, who was having a quiet conversation with Minerva.

As silently as she could, she slipped into her seat and began to fill her plate with a serving of beef casserole and jacket potatoes. He seemed to not have noticed her presence, which was fine by her. She was still embarrassed by what had gone on at breakfast, but she was an adult, wasn't she? She could handle this.

I'm just lucky Harry and Ron aren't here.

"Good evening, Professor. I see you are alone tonight," a silky voice said.

She nodded instead of replying, chewing her bite thoroughly. She prayed that he wouldn't bring up the morning's events.

"Where are your ever-present guardians?"

"You know as well as I, Professor, that they go into town on Friday evenings," she answered softly, feeling his gaze on her. It was bloody hard to eat with someone staring all the while. "Did you need them for something?" she asked, meeting his eyes for the first time. She saw him blink as if being caught at something.

"Certainly not," he scoffed. "I am rather enjoying their absence. Pity they don't miss more meals."

"Right," she said, sipping on her pumpkin juice. "Ron? Miss a meal? Wishful thinking, I say." Good Lord! She could feel her face beginning to burn under his stare. As quickly as she could, she went back to her meal.

"Did you happen to read tonight's edition of the Evening Prophet?" he asked, sounding bored.

"No. Should I have?" She was intrigued. It wasn't often that he brought up a topic for conversation first. He simply handed the paper to her. She glanced down at the front page, not noticing anything out of the ordinary.

"Keep it," he said. "I have patrols." She smiled as he wiped his mouth and placed his napkin on the table. With a sweep of his robes, he was gone. She felt a moment's disappointment. Why couldn't she have asked him what he'd found so interesting? Damn it. She always ruined things by letting her emotions get the better of her.

After her meal, she retired to her rooms, declining Minerva's invitation to join them in the staff room. She wanted to scour over the paper to see what the professor had found so interesting. She flipped through several pages before finally seeing an upcoming set of conferences. Both were to be held in the same night. One having to do with Potions and the other with Arithmancy. Was this his way of asking her if she'd like to go? For the first time in well over a year, she had some form of hope. Perhaps he could see her as something other than his former know-it-all student. She'd have to find the courage to bring it up to him. The double conference wouldn't be for another three weeks. The students would have just gone home, so there would be no classes to worry on. Was she misreading this?

Just in case there was something else, she read through the rest of the pages. She laughed loudly at the last pages. They were full of ads. Women for hire. And even... Men for hire? Good grief! She had no idea that men hired themselves out. Why? Perhaps there were lonely women out there who needed them. After thinking about it, she nodded to herself. Yes, she could agree with that. Why shouldn't women be able to hire someone for pleasure? Men did it all too often, didn't they?

One ad in particular caught her attention. A Mr. R. Libertine was offering his services for whatever the lady's pleasure may be. Prices were negotiable. Hermione began laughing aloud.

"He requests the right to view the women first?" She supposed that would be in order. It did seem arrogant though. Perhaps he was only making sure they didn't have some disease. No, he was likely making sure they were attractive. Well, he'd never have to worry about her applying for his services. Arrogant git!

******** SS ************************ HG ********

"Hermione! I'm so glad you decided to meet us," Ginny said, embracing her quickly. "Have a spot. I'll order you a drink."

"Hi," Hermione greeted the girls: Luna, Lavender, Parvati, Padma, and Fleur all greeted her warmly. "Guess it's the right time for me to get out, what with the term nearly over with. I have been a bit stressed as of late."

"Well, you should have come earlier," Parvati offered, holding back a giggle. "Fleur has just talked Padma and me into going over to meet with the guys. I think it will be fun. How about we all make a night of it with them? You can still have your night out."

"No," Ginny answered for her, apparently aware of how she felt. "Go on. We'll stay right here."

"You're making me feel bad about it," Padma said, "but I do want to see Charlie again. He's to be showing us a baby dragon tomorrow!"

"Oh, go on with you," Hermione said with a fake smile. "We'll be fine. I'd prefer not to be around Harry or Ron for a change. I see them enough at the castle."

The three women left quickly. Hermione could sense their excitement. Fleur just couldn't let Bill out of her sight for more than a couple of hours at a time, and the other two were likely hoping to find someone to share their beds.

"Why are you late?" Lavender asked.

"Well, before I could get away, Minerva asked a favor of me. It took a bit longer than I had planned. Sorry."

"Don't worry on it," Luna said dreamily. "We've got all night. I've no man to be worrying about."

"Oi! What happened to that bloke you were thinking about having a romp with?" Ginny asked, handing Hermione her drink.

"He turned me down," Luna said with a laugh.

"The wanker!" Lavender exclaimed.

"What the bloody hell for?" Ginny asked, looking shocked.

"What bloke?" Hermione asked, not following the conversation. She hadn't known that Luna was interested in anyone.

"No, don't be upset. It's quite romantic, actually." Luna patted Lavender on the arm.

"Getting turned down by a hired man is romantic?" Lavender asked incredulously.

"In this case, it is. Here, let me explain." She pulled out a rumpled piece of parchment from her bag. "You should know, Hermione, that my cousin has been seeing a hired man for the past month on occasion. She said that he is a master in the art of sex. Well, I wanted to have a taste of it. I first sent an owl to describe myself, but I gave him a fake name. He wrote back saying that wouldn't do, so I gave him my real name. This is what he wrote to me."

Hermione looked down to the letter in her hand and began to read, Lavender scooting closer to see as well.

"Oh, how sad. Poor bloke lost a sister, and he won't bed anyone who resembles her. I can understand that," Lavender said. "He seems to be particular with his choice though."

Ginny laughed. "You're just mad because you've only recently cut your hair, and it's not wavy in the least. Wouldn't do for you to owl him for services."

Luna hunched over the table near Hermione. "You know, Hermione, you fit this description. Why don't you have a try with him?"

"Certainly not," she said with a frown. "I don't want to have to pay someone to be with me. That just doesn't seem right."

"Well, you've nobody else beating down your door," Lavender commented dryly.

"You're wrong," Ginny defended. "My brother, Charlie, has had a thing for her since the last battle with Voldemort. She turned him down. It's obvious she is saving herself."

"Why?" Lavender asked. Her face contorted with disbelief as she eyed Hermione. "You should live your life as you'd like. Don't worry about waiting for marriage. Life is what we make it."

"There is nothing wrong with not being loose," Hermione said sourly.

"Right," Ginny said. "If you want to wait, so be it."

Luna spoke again. "Hermione, think about it. This guy is such a romantic. What guy do we know that says anything about making passionate love under the stars? Talking softly? He compared my eyes to rays of moonlight! You should think about it."

"Who is this guy? How did your cousin meet him?" Hermione asked reluctantly. She wasn't considering it, but something about this seemed vaguely familiar.

"She saw his ad in the paper one night, and she gave it a try. To hear her tell it, he's brilliant. They play little games while shagging. She said he seems to know exactly what to do, and she has multiple orgasms!"

"Multiple?" Lavender asked, suddenly interested. "I might call on him after all." Everyone started laughing. "What? A good lay is hard to find these days. I've never really enjoyed anyone since Seamus..." She sighed. "Since Seamus was killed."

The table remained silent for a long time. Each girl contemplated on the losses that the war had wreaked upon her. Many friends and family had been lost for the cause. In the end, Harry was able to do his job and fulfill the prophecy.

"What's this bloke's name?" Ginny asked eventually.

"He's always got an ad listed in the Evening Prophet just near the back. He goes by the name of R. Libertine, though I doubt that is really his name," Luna stated, eyeing Ginny oddly. "Are you thinking of... seeking him out?"

"Heavens, no! Draco is more than enough for me. I wanted to know how to get in touch with him, so that I could convince Hermione to do it." Ginny grinned impishly at her friend. "Don't say no. Not yet. Just think on it."

"There is just no reason to pay a man to bed me," Hermione scoffed.

"When on a quest for multiple orgasms, I'd say paying someone might be worth it," Lavender replied, standing to make her way to the bar.

"I would have done it. I wanted to experience what my cousin was talking about. Alas, he doesn't like blondes," Luna said, smiling wildly. "He wants someone who sounds suspiciously like you. I'd say you should try him. Who would know anyway?"

"Oh, I don't know. I'll think on it," Hermione said halfheartedly. She knew that she wouldn't contact the fellow. The last thing she needed was someone checking her out and telling her that she was lacking. Besides, in her mind, it would seem a bit like being unfaithful. Not that she had any cause to feel that way, mind, but the mysterious Professor Snape had such a hold on her that it seemed like any hands upon her body that were not his would be a crime.

Hermione was well into her cups by the time she finally Apparated back to the castle. She made her way out towards the lake. She always found the water alluring when she needed to think. She sat down to listen to the sounds of nature surrounding her. The trees swayed in the breeze, night creatures' sounds floated in the air, and the slight waves in the lake slapped the bank lazily.

Hogwarts was her only true home. It was one of the reasons she'd accepted the job so readily. She never felt quite right around her parents anymore. They seemed to disapprove of the choices she had made with her life. They had hoped that she would return to them after she finished her magical training to pursue a career in the Muggle world, but she couldn't. Her place was here, in the Wizarding world. They were proud of her many accomplishments, but they always did badger her about things. Now that she had been properly educated, and had started a career, they were wondering if she would be settling down any time soon. With her parents, if it wasn't one thing, it was another.

"Enjoying the moonlight, are we?"

She jumped slightly at the sound of Professor Snape's smooth voice. "You've scared me, sir," she blurted. "I'm not doing anything wrong, you know. No need to try to take points from me."

He sat down, uninvited, to look out over the lake. After a moment, he said, "It would make no sense to attempt to take points from one who is no longer a student."

She looked at him in surprise. "So, you've finally noticed that I am no student then?"

Hermione saw the odd look that passed over his face before he masked it. "What are you rambling on about, girl? I would be daft to not have noticed that you are part of the staff and have been for the past two years."

"Oh, forget it," she said, managing to stand. "You'll never be nice, will you? I was just trying to make a bit of conversation with you."

He grabbed her wrist to keep her from leaving. "Miss Granger, have a seat. I'm not trying to run you off." He pulled at her harder than he had intended, and she lost her balance, falling into his lap soundly. He grunted at the sudden weight.

"Are you all right?"

Through laughter, she said, "Sorry, Professor. I seemed to have lost my balance." Even she heard the slur in her voice, so it was no surprise when he answered.

"How much have you had to drink tonight?"

She shrugged.

"I might have known you were off to town when you didn't go towards your quarters. Didn't you eat anything solid to help keep the liquor at bay?"

She couldn't think straight because it seemed that his mouth was slowly descending towards her own. And his eyes kept darting between her lips and eyes. Did he want her? Feeling dizzy, and a little nervous, she blurted the first thing that came to mind. "I've read through that paper you gave me. I accept."

His head jerked back. "Accept what?"

She didn't know why he seemed so shocked. Did he not think she had the gall to approach him about the conference? "The double conference just after school lets out. It was your way of asking me to accompany you, wasn't it?" Things were getting a bit warm and foggy suddenly.

His expression seemed to be one of surprise. "Well, to be honest, I was only... Miss Granger? What's wrong?"

She could hear the worry in his voice, but she couldn't open her eyes to show him she was fine. She was just a bit sleepy suddenly. Overwhelmed as well. Hell, embarrassed to boot. It appeared that she'd just made a fool of herself. He actually hadn't meant to ask her to the conference. The last thing she felt before her mind plunged into darkness was the feel of her body being gathered closely to his.