Fever

FEVER

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Disclaimer: Nothing's mine. Never will be.

A/N: This chapter contains BDSM and some lemons.

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Big thanks, as ever, to Snarkyroxy for her help and advice.

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Severus could hear Draco whinging before he entered the Hospital Wing.

'But I'm telling you, I stirred the bloody thing clockwise!'

'Language, Mr Malfoy,' said Professor Slughorn. 'Ten points from Slytherin.' He spotted Severus.

'Ah, Professor Snape, there you are. Perhaps you can throw some light on this mystery. I'm afraid Madam Pomfrey and I are completely baffled.'

'I heard there was an explosion in Potions, and that a member of my House was injured,' replied Severus, looking at Draco. 'Judging by the colour of your face and hair, Mr Malfoy, I would hazard a guess that you were brewing a Calming Draught and stirred the potion anti-clockwise after adding the moonstone.'

'I didn't! Why won't anyone believe me?'

'Why have you not administered the antidote, Madam Pomfrey?' Severus asked, ignoring Draco's outburst.

'I have, Professor, but it hasn't worked. This must be that one-in-a-million case where the antidote is not effective.' She turned to Draco. 'I'm afraid you're just unlucky, Mr Malfoy. You'll have to wait until the effects wear off naturally.'

'What? You must be joking!'

'Come now, Mr Malfoy,' said Professor Slughorn. 'It could have been a lot worse. If Miss Granger had not had the presence of mind to cast a Cooling Charm and to Scourgify your clothes, you could have been badly burned.'

'Are you sure the antidote is not at fault, Madam Pomfrey?' asked Severus.

'Yes, I am. Ron Weasley made the same mistake. The antidote worked just fine in his case.'

'Weasley was involved in a separate incident?' Severus asked Slughorn.

'Yes. Both cauldrons blew up almost simultaneously.'

'Hmm. Interesting,' said Severus. 'I take it you've checked to see if anything else was added to Mr Malfoy's potion?'

'Indeed,' replied Professor Slughorn, passing Severus a small phial. 'There was nothing in that cauldron that shouldn't have been. The only thing left to check for is contamination of the actual ingredients.'

Everything seemed to point to Draco making a careless error, and yet Severus knew that Draco was not usually so incompetent. He took out his wand and performed the same diagnostic scan on the sample as Professor Slughorn had earlier. All the ingredients he expected to see were accounted for. He then scanned Draco's body. Passing the wand over Draco's hand, he noticed a small blue stain on the sleeve of his robe.

If Draco is telling the truth, then why would the potion...? Wait a minute. It should not have dyed his robe blue, only his skin. He performed the scan again. Nothing. Unless... Severus let his hair fall forward to hide the smirk that was in danger of turning into a full-blown grin. There was only one person he could think of who could have come up with this. Clever, clever witch.

He said out loud, 'I'm afraid I have to agree with Professor Slughorn, Draco. I can find nothing out of the ordinary. Now, unless Madam Pomfrey thinks otherwise, there is no reason for you to miss any more classes.'

'But-but, I can't be seen like this,' Draco almost shouted.

'There is nothing wrong with you, Mr Malfoy,' said Madam Pomfrey. 'You may leave.'

'But...' Draco protested.

'No more buts, Draco,' said Severus. 'I shall expect to see you in the Great Hall for dinner.' And with that, he turned and strode out of the Infirmary, his robes billowing in his wake.

In the corridor, Severus allowed his face to relax into a smile. He couldn't be absolutely sure what Hermione had used, but there weren't many non-magical plants that produced such a strong blue dye.

A cunning plan worthy of a Slytherin, thought Severus, chuckling to himself. So devious in its simplicity. She even cleared up the evidence! Merlin, I love that girl. He stopped dead in his tracks. Love? Where the fuck did that come from?

* * *

After his last class of the day, Severus returned to his chambers, poured himself a large glass of firewhisky and collapsed in his favourite armchair. His emotions were in turmoil.

'This cannot continue,' Severus said out loud. If the Dark Lord were to summon him now, in this state, he realised his Occlumency shields would fail. He would not survive the night.

Determinedly, Severus put his drink down, closed his eyes and began the descent into the depths of his subconscious mind. He arrived in a room very much like his own Potions laboratory, only the many coloured glass bottles and phials which adorned the shelves here contained a carefully chosen selection of memories and emotions. This was the room Severus always showed Voldemort.

He walked over to a set of shelves, which swung out to reveal a hidden door. Severus stepped through the opening into a small library. On the walls, between the bookshelves, were portraits of people who had influenced his life, Dumbledore and Voldemort included. This room was his back up if the Dark Lord ever breached his first line of defence. Here, Severus kept some more of the things that Voldemort would expect to find in the mind of a loyal disciple, including some of his darker memories – his father's abusive tendencies, the bullying of the Marauders, his feelings of inadequacy and his desire for recognition and power. There were also some carefully constructed false sentiments, such as a hatred for Muggleborns, his devotion to the Dark Lord and his contempt for Albus Dumbledore.

Severus touched a candle sconce to the left of the portrait of Albus. An archway shimmered into view, revealing a set of stone steps. Severus descended the stairway, down, down into the part of his mind he called The Vault. At the bottom was a thick steel door, complete with a combination lock. He spun the dial, pulled the handle and entered. In this small room, Severus kept his few truly happy memories, as well as any feelings or emotions he deemed dangerous to his health. Conjuring a box and labelling it 'Hermione Granger', Severus collected his feelings for her and poured them into it. He closed the lid, added a padlock for extra security, and placed it on a shelf next to the box marked 'Lily Evans'.

Once he had done that, Severus felt a lot calmer. His emotions were now safely filed away to be examined at a later date. He downed the remainder of his whisky in one gulp and made his way to the Great Hall for dinner.

* * *

The Slytherin table was, indeed, graced that evening by a bright-blue Draco Malfoy. Following a stunned silence at his entrance, the school erupted into a cacophony of laughter. Hermione, Ron, Harry and Neville, of course, laughed the loudest.

Explain that to Voldemort, ferret-face, Hermione thought vindictively.

Severus glowered fiercely from the High Table at the sea of faces in front of him.

Serves the arrogant little wanker right. Severus inwardly smiled.

Later, after the plates for the main course had been cleared away and the desserts arrived, Hermione casually mentioned to Harry and Ron that she had agreed to assist Professor Snape brew potions one or two evenings a week.

'You volunteered to spend extra time with Snape?' Harry was appalled. 'Are you nuts?'

'Look,' said Hermione patiently, 'it's quite simple. Professor Snape is trying to find a cure for the Headmaster. Madam Pomfrey needs supplies for the Infirmary. I can brew the potions Madam Pomfrey needs, which gives Professor Snape more time to find the antidote.'

'Well,' said Harry, 'I suppose if you put it like that... all right. Will you be okay on your own?'

'Do you want us to escort you, Hermione?' asked Ron, tucking into his second helping of bread and butter pudding.

'Thanks for the offer, boys, but I'm not going to let Malfoy intimidate me. Besides, I don't think he'll be roaming the corridors much in his present condition.'

They all laughed.

Severus glanced at the trio. They're just children. Nothing more. He congratulated himself on his self-discipline. Albus said something, and Severus nodded absentmindedly.

'Capital,' said Professor Dumbledore. 'I'm glad you're amenable to the idea, my boy. I fear I have been overworking you lately.'

What's the old codger on about now?

'I think Miss Granger fits the bill nicely.'

'Albus, what are you talking about?'

'Your new assistant, Miss Granger.'

'My new WHAT?'

'Assistant,' replied Dumbledore slowly, as if speaking to a small child. 'Miss Granger has kindly agreed to brew the Infirmary's supplies – under your supervision, of course, in order to free up some of your time.'

'I do not need anyone's help, let alone that insufferable know-it-all's!' Severus spat.

'I disagree. You are worn out, Severus.'

'Are you suggesting that I cannot cope with my workload?'

'No,' replied Albus, 'you are more than capable, but at what cost to your health?'

Severus snorted. Since when were you so concerned about my health, old man?

Albus glanced down at his hand. 'Miss Granger, as well as being discreet, understands that by sharing the burden of that workload, you will have more time to attend to... other matters.'

'Professor Slughorn–'

'Agreed to teach, Severus. No more.'

'Miss Granger has her studies.'

'True,' Albus agreed, 'and I intend to see that they do not suffer. But Miss Granger is also well aware that as a Muggleborn witch, a bad outcome in this war would have an adverse effect on her future. She wants to play her part, Severus, and I do not want to dissuade her – or others like her.'

Severus huffed but said nothing.

'It's settled then,' said Albus, taking his silence for acquiescence. 'You may call upon Miss Granger two evenings a week. I'm sure the two of you will come to a workable arrangement.' He got up quickly and left the table before Severus could think up a scathing retort.

Severus remained seated. He knew Albus was right. He did need help, but his pride would never allow him to admit it. But why does it have to be her?

Deep inside The Vault, the box marked 'Hermione' rattled on its shelf.

* * *

Hermione stood at the top of the stairs and took a deep breath. She repeated the mantra, I will not be intimidated. I will not be intimidated, before descending to the dungeons. On the look-out for any trouble, she kept her hand on her wand, ready to draw it at a moment's notice. She was, therefore, slightly alarmed as she reached the bottom of the stairs to see the Bloody Baron drift through the wall and float in front of her.

'Good evening, Baron,' said Hermione politely.

The Slytherin ghost did not reply, but pointed a spectral finger in the direction of the Potions classroom. Hermione wasn't sure what he wanted, but he didn't appear to mean her any harm, so she continued on her way. In silence, the Baron floated slightly ahead of her until they reached the classroom, then he bowed and disappeared.

Severus was checking his notes for the umpteenth time. It was infuriating. He was no closer to finding the antidote than he had been a month ago. And now, for the next phase of his research, he was having to consider combining some very dangerous ingredients in a completely unorthodox manner.

Up until this point, Severus had conducted his experiments in his private lab, but although the protective shields surrounding it were very strong, they were nothing in comparison to the ancient wards protecting the Potions classroom. As Severus was entering uncharted territory, he had deemed it expedient to move his cauldron where both he and the castle would be better protected. He laid out the necessary ingredients on the table in front of him, together with a few medicinal potions and a bezoar in case of emergencies. Severus was so engrossed in his work, he did not hear Hermione enter the room.

'Good evening, Professor Snape.'

Severus whirled around. 'What are you doing here?'

'Has the Headmaster–' she began.

'–informed me that I must suffer your presence two evenings a week?' he cut her off. 'Yes, he has.'

'Do you–'

'The Infirmary's supplies are up-to-date. Madam Pomfrey will give me a new list detailing her requirements for the forthcoming week tomorrow. You may return then.' Severus waved his hand at her dismissively and turned back to his cauldron. He did not need this distraction; besides, the potion he would soon be attempting would be potentially explosive and quite probably lethal if handled incorrectly. He did not want to endanger her.

Hermione was unperturbed. 'Very well, sir. I'll just check my project while I'm here, if that's all right with you.'

Severus grunted by way of response.

They worked in silence. Hermione was dying to find out what Severus was doing but knew better than to ask. Instead, she gave her own work her undivided attention and tried to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Severus glanced once or twice in her direction, almost smiling at the intense look of concentration on her face. Despite himself, Severus was intrigued to know what she could find so absorbing.

Hermione was going over her notes again when suddenly a voice next to her ear said, 'What are you doing, Miss Granger?'

She nearly jumped out of her skin. How does he do that? Is he on castors or something? 'It's a potion that will hopefully relieve menstrual cramps, Professor.'

'Really? Are the proprietary brands not effective?'

'They relieve the pain, sir,' Hermione replied, 'but they either make me feel sleepy or nauseous or sometimes both. I'm trying something different.'

Severus picked up some leaves next to her cauldron. Ruta Graveolens. 'Common Rue?' He knew of no magical properties for the plant.

'Yes, sir. It has been used in Muggle herbal medicines for menstrual problems for centuries.'

'Muggle?' He snorted, but she still held his interest.

Hermione sighed before explaining, 'Muggle herbals – that is the books – often use plants in a similar fashion as us only, obviously, the magic is missing so they are not effective in the same way.'

Severus nodded. 'Continue'.

'Well, I have often wondered if Muggle folklore is based on knowledge that was gleaned from the wizarding community at the time when they knew of our existence. Whereas we stopped using plants like rue, for example – perhaps because we discovered something more effective – they continued to be used by Muggle herbalists. I thought it would make an interesting study, that's all.'

'An intriguing hypothesis, Miss Granger. Do you have any of these Muggle herbals, by any chance?'

'Yes, sir, I do.' Hermione pulled a small book out of her sleeve and enlarged it. 'This was my grandmother's herbal, sir.' She handed it to him.

It was not a printed work as he expected. The fly-leaf bore the inscription Cassie's Book in copperplate writing. It was rather a combination of a journal and a scrapbook, illustrated with some of the most beautiful pen and ink botanical drawings he had ever seen. It was a lifetime's work of the study and observation of plants and their uses.

It seems scientific minds run in the family.

Severus leafed through the book until he found what he was looking for. 'Hmm,' he said, looking at one of the drawings. 'Woad. A plant with a long and colourful history. The ancient Britons used to paint their bodies with it before going into battle, you know.'

'Really, sir?' Hermione said innocently. Shit, he knows.

'Yes, really. The leaves produce a stubborn blue dye that takes forever to wear off.' He smirked.

'How interesting.'

Suspicions confirmed, Severus let the matter drop. 'Cassie was your grandmother, I take it?'

She nodded. 'Yes, sir. Short for Catherine.'

'This is fascinating, Miss Granger. Are you sure your grandmother wasn't a witch?'

Was he teasing her? Hermione smiled. 'If she was, she kept it very quiet.' She paused. 'Sir, if you think it could help you in any way with your potion, you are more than welcome to borrow it.'

Severus looked at her. This book was a treasure, a family heirloom and totally irreplaceable, and yet she was willing to lend it to him? 'That is most kind, Miss Granger. I shall take great care of it.'

She beamed. 'I know you will, sir.' Hermione put a stasis charm on her cauldron and yawned.

'It is almost curfew, Miss Granger. As there is nothing further that requires your attention, you may leave. The Bloody Baron will escort you out of the dungeons.'

'Sir?'

'I have asked him to ensure your safety if ever you are in the dungeons unaccompanied.'

'Thank you, sir. That was very kind of you. Goodnight.'

'Goodnight, Miss Granger and...' Indicating the herbal, he added hesitantly, 'Thank you.'

**********************

The weeks passed and Hermione fell into the routine of helping Severus brew Madam Pomfrey's medicinal supplies. Her taciturn companion rarely spoke, but Hermione found she did not mind in the slightest. There was nothing awkward about it; in fact there was a certain intimacy in working together in silence. Naturally, she was curious about the experimental potion, but as Hermione was anxious not to spoil Severus' concentration or risk being peremptorily thrown out of the classroom for asking nosy questions, she kept quiet and tried to be as inconspicuous as possible. On occasion, the silence was broken by a curse and a slammed fist on the worktable as yet another attempt failed. Hermione fixed her attention on her cauldron at those times and ignored him. Much as she wanted to commiserate, she never said a word for fear of upsetting him further.

From time to time, the Headmaster dropped by for a chat and to check on Severus' progress. Albus was optimistic. He had the utmost faith in Severus' ability to find a cure, which only served to make Severus feel more wretched at his lack of success.

Hermione observed the interactions between the two men, wishing there was something more she could do. Severus always looked so dispirited and subdued after a visit from Albus that Hermione just wanted to throw her arms around him and tell him everything was going to be all right. Instead, she did the only thing she could. She cleared up early and left him in peace.

* * *

Hermione read the next item on Madam Pomfrey's list. Boil Cure Potion. Well, that was straightforward enough. 'I need to get some snake fangs from the storeroom, Professor. Do you need anything?'

Severus was stirring his cauldron and counting. 'Dragon bile,' he said, glancing up. 'Oh, and Miss Granger, please remain in the storeroom until I call you.'

Hermione nodded. Severus was ordering her to stay out of the way more frequently now while he took ever-increasing chances in his desperation to find the cure. Hermione scanned the shelves, quickly locating the jars containing the ingredients they both needed. As she reached for the dragon bile, there was a tremendous bang. Dropping the jar, Hermione rushed back to the classroom, terrified at what she might find. Severus was on the floor, struggling to breathe. A cloud of green gas hung in the air around him. His skin was turning purple and yellow blisters were erupting on his face.

'Professor!' Trying not to panic, Hermione cast a Bubble-Head Charm and put up a defence shield around her body before running across the room. She pointed her wand at the cauldron, intending to throw a containment charm around it, but before she could complete the incantation, there was another explosion. Hermione threw herself down on top of Severus. To her relief, the defence shield held, protecting them both. The contents of the cauldron bounced harmlessly off it.

'Anapneo!' Hermione cast the breathing charm, but Severus was rapidly losing consciousness. 'Stay with me, Professor.' She supported his head on her shoulder, grabbed the bezoar and pushed it down his throat. Severus' breathing began to ease, and his skin slowly returned to normal. Hermione heaved a great sigh of relief.

They sat, unmoving, for a few moments. Hermione, relishing the contact with Severus' body, was unwilling to push him away.

Severus had neither the energy nor the inclination to move. Just let me die now, here, like this, leaning against this angel. I've had enough; I can't go on any longer.

'Are you all right, sir?'

'What do you think, Miss Granger?' His voice was almost a whisper.

'I don't think you're all right, sir. I don't think you've been all right for a long time.'

'Why, you insolent...'

'Sir, you are injured. You have inhaled poisonous gas; you are stressed and exhausted and you're so thin I wonder how you manage to stay on your feet, let alone brew complex potions. You need to rest; let me help you up.'

'I do not need your help, Miss Granger.' Severus tried to get up and promptly collapsed to his knees.

'I'm getting Madam Pomfrey.'

'No.' The last thing he needed was that old harpy molesting his person. 'There is no need.'

'Then I'm getting the Headmaster.'

'Please... just help me to the office. I will be all right,' he said wearily.

'Lie down then, sir. I'm going to cast Mobilicorpus.'

Severus was too weak to argue. He let Hermione levitate him to the office. Once there, she gently laid him on the floor again while she quickly Transfigured a chair into a sofa. She then helped him onto it.

'Can I get you anything else? A Pepperup potion?'

'No, that will not be necessary, Miss Granger. You may leave.'

Severus started to shake. Thinking he must be cold, Hermione Transfigured a handkerchief into a blanket and covered him with it.

'You're shivering. This isn't normal.' Without thinking, Hermione reached out and put her hand on his forehead.

Severus froze. No one, but no one, touched him voluntarily, and yet Hermione Granger, the girl he had fantasised about for so many months, had her cool hand on his face and was looking at him with concern. Severus wanted her touch – needed it – but knew he had no right to expect any such thing. He was an old man to her, not to mention her teacher.

'Don't touch me.' The simple, unconscious gesture was too much for Severus. His carefully constructed façade began to crumble. He felt like he was coming apart.

Ignoring him, she said, 'You're burning up.' Hermione summoned a facecloth and some water and began to press the cloth to his face.

Torture and bliss. Only his mother had ever shown him such tenderness. He couldn't take much more.

'Why are you doing this?'

'I want to help you.'

'Why?'

'Because I want to.'

Hermione pushed a stray lock of hair off his face. He stilled her hand, brought her palm to his mouth and kissed it. Severus expected her to snatch it away and run off screaming, but she didn't. She just sat there and smiled at him.

'Leave, Miss Granger. Leave while you still have the chance.'

Hermione paused. He looks so vulnerable. Should I kiss him? No, he's not himself. It would be taking advantage. 'Okay, I'm leaving.' She squeezed his hand. 'But I shall be back tomorrow, and I'm informing the Headmaster about your condition. Do you want me to clear up the lab?'

'No, you go. I will see to it.'

'I'll see you tomorrow then, Professor. Goodnight.'

'Goodnight, Miss Granger.'

* * *

Next evening, Severus awaited Hermione's arrival with some trepidation. What must she think of me, behaving like that? Perhaps I should blame the potion.

Hermione, too, was anxious. Last evening, Professor Snape had been weak and vulnerable. She knew him well enough to know that he would have been embarrassed to be seen in that state. I shan't say anything, she decided as she walked to the Potions classroom. I'll leave it up to him. She stopped outside the room and turned to her companion. 'Thank you again, Baron.'

The ghost nodded and vanished. Hermione took a deep breath and opened the door.

Severus turned around and his heart gave a little flutter as Hermione walked towards him, remembering just how close he had been to the young witch the night before.

He cleared his throat. 'Miss Granger, I feel I owe you an apology.'

'Whatever for?'

'I was not in my right mind last evening, but that does not excuse my conduct. My behaviour towards you was entirely inappropriate. It will not happen again. I also wish to express my gratitude for your quick thinking, which no doubt saved my life. I am in your debt.'

Hermione was disappointed. 'It may have been inappropriate, sir,' she said softly, 'but it was not unwelcome.'

His black eyes fixed on her. She held his gaze.

'It is as well you left when you did, Miss Granger.'

'I didn't want to leave you like that.'

'I do not want your pity.'

'It's not pity. I was – am – concerned about you.'

'Why do you care?'

'I don't like to see anyone suffer so much. Professor?' Hermione spoke carefully. 'You seem weary, weighed down by something.' Severus looked at her sharply. 'I don't know all you do for the Order, sir, and I don't want to,' she added quickly, 'but I do know that you need all your wits about you and... well, you're not yourself, sir, and I'm worried about you.'

She cares about me? He snorted. 'It is not your concern, Miss Granger.'

'I disagree, sir. Your wellbeing may have a direct consequence on the outcome of this war, and that does concern me.'

Severus stared at her. What was it about this girl? He wanted to open up and confide in her, tell her everything, fall at her feet and beg her to understand. He knew that very soon his name was likely to be reviled throughout the wizarding world, and he was prepared for that, but for some unknown reason he could not bear for her to think badly of him. He could take anything Voldemort threw at him, but not her disdain. He could not contain it any longer.

'Miss Granger... Hermione, I have been charged with a terrible duty, something so reprehensible that you will in all likelihood hate me for it. Before you say anything, that is all I can say on the subject. But I would like one person to believe – I would like you to believe – that after the... event, despite appearances, my loyalties will remain the same.'

Hermione put her hand on his arm. 'I trust you implicitly, sir.'

Severus believed her; those big brown eyes couldn't tell lies to save her life. He picked her hand up and kissed it. Hermione smiled and caressed the side of his face. He leaned into her touch and exhaled in pleasure. He couldn't hide it and he didn't want to. Severus ached to crush her to his body, but he knew if he pulled her into his arms he would never be able to let go. Hermione put her hands on his shoulders and stood on tip-toe to try to kiss him. He stopped her.

'No, Hermione, we cannot. It is not right.'

'You don't want me?' she asked, sounding hurt.

'You are a very lovely young witch, Hermione. How could I not want you?'

He wants me?

'But it is not right or proper.'

He wants me. She tried to protest. 'Why not?'

He continued, 'For one thing, I am your teacher. I cannot afford an... attraction to anyone, much less a pupil. It would put you in danger, and that, I will not contemplate.' Besides, Dumbledore would have my balls on a plate.

He wants me. I'm yours, take me. Here. Now. Over the desk or up against the wall, I don't care. Aloud, she found herself saying, 'May I kiss you, just once?'

'I cannot allow you to, as much as I would like it. Now, are you going to finish the potion you started last night?'

Resignedly, Hermione moved away from him.

'Oh, and by the way,' Severus added, 'do I have you to thank for the endless supply of sandwiches and pumpkin juice that keep appearing in the laboratory and in my quarters?' His voice was stern but his eyes were smiling.

Hermione blushed. 'How did you guess it was me?'

'The house-elves would not do such a thing of their own volition, and as you are the only person to enquire about my health, I thought it was a safe assumption.' He smirked.

They went back to their work, acutely aware of their close proximity to one another. Hermione, though, could not accept Severus' refusal to kiss her. In fact, she was wracking her brains to think up a way to change his mind. They both wanted it – wanted more, in fact. What was the harm in one kiss? Did he think she was just some silly girl who wanted nothing more than a bit of hand-holding and a walk around the lake? She was a woman, not a girl. What would it take to show him she was mature enough for an adult relationship? There must be something she could do to persuade him. Resolving to try again as she went to leave, Hermione put her hand on his arm to wish him goodnight.

Severus stiffened but made no move to touch her.

Hermione could have conceded defeat at this point, but she wasn't a Gryffindor for nothing. She had a wicked idea. If this doesn't do it, nothing will. She looked him in the eye, and while she still had the courage, she reached under her robe and pulled down her knickers.

'What... what are you doing, Miss Granger?' Severus was shocked.

'Just a little present to remind you of me, sir.' Hermione stepped out of them and laid them on the desk.

Severus was incredulous, but he quickly recovered. So, she wants to play games, does she? Well, why not? I'll be dead in all probability before the month's out. Despite his racing pulse, he managed to keep his voice steady. 'Refrain from wearing such restrictive garments in future, Miss Granger. There will be spot checks.'

Did he mean what she thought he did? Nodding, she blushed and almost ran from the room.

As soon as the door closed behind her, Severus grabbed the knickers and buried his face in them. They smelled of her essence. He could feel her body heat and they were still wet.

WET! FUCKING HELL they're WET!

Potion forgotten, he ran to his chambers, hurriedly warding the door behind him. He threw off his robes and streaked into his bedroom, spelling the rest of his clothes off as he did so. Sitting on his bed, he inspected the pink satin knickers carefully, rubbing the lace inserts with his thumb and forefinger.

So, Miss Granger is a closet sensualist. Whoever would have guessed? Severus looked at the stain of her arousal and licked it. He moaned. He went to wrap the knickers around his cock, but changed his mind – instead, he stepped into them and pulled them up very slowly and deliberately, over his thighs, his buttocks and around over his erection. He stood up and went over to the mirror. Smoothing the material with his hands, Severus languished in the sensuous feel of the satin and the slight scratchiness of the lace. He stroked his buttocks and hips through the material, and then brought his hands around to the front where he rubbed his balls and cock. Closing his eyes in hedonistic pleasure, he groaned in delight.

If the mirror had any opinion on the sight of the former Potions master poncing about in pink ladies' knickers, it kept it to itself. It was not worth being blasted into a million shards over.

Not wanting to come in them and overpower her scent, Severus took them off again equally slowly. Then, lying on the bed, he put them over his face; imagining Hermione sitting there, he quickly climaxed, crying out her name as he came shuddering into his fist. Sighing, he placed the knickers reverently on the pillow next to him. His last thoughts before drifting off to sleep were of finding a good hiding place where the house-elves couldn't get their thieving little hands on them.

* * *

Hermione was making her rounds after curfew the following night when Severus stepped out of the shadows in front of her.

'Inspection, Miss Granger.'

Hermione did not understand.

'Your robe. Raise it.'

Hermione lifted her robe to her thighs.

'Higher, please.'

She lifted it above her waist, blushing as she did so.

He looked at her bare flesh. 'Thank you, Miss Granger. That will be all.' He turned and disappeared back into the shadows.

The game continued for some weeks. Severus would appear before her at any hour of the day and demand an inspection. Sometimes he would not speak at all, just gesture 'up' with his outstretched palm. Hermione would comply; he would look her up and down, then turn on his heel and walk off without saying a word. Severus took great care to ensure their encounters never took place near any voyeuristic portraits, but often they occurred seconds before someone came upon them in the corridor. For Hermione, the risk of discovery only added to the thrill. It was wicked, exciting and dangerous, and she loved every minute of it.

On top of this, Severus would torture Hermione by standing so close behind her in class that she could feel his breath on her neck. Hermione so wanted to lean back, just to make contact with him. The inspections continued, but he made no move to touch her. It was driving her crazy with lust. Then one day, Hermione decided to see what would happen if she broke the rules.

On discovering she was wearing knickers, Severus said, 'I will not tolerate disobedience. Give me your wand and follow me.'

Hermione's heart was pounding as Severus led her into a deserted classroom. He pointed his wand at her.

'Wingardium Leviosa.' Once her robe had risen above her waist, he spelled off her knickers.

'Turn around and bend over the desk,' Severus ordered. Hermione did as she was told. Severus picked up a discarded quill, quickly Transfigured it into a long cane and swished it in the air.

'Wha-what are you doing?'

'Six of the best, I think, for that flagrant flouting of the rules, Miss Granger.' He brought the cane down ruthlessly on her bare backside six times. There were tears in her eyes when he finished, but she had not cried out.

'You may get up now. Do not disobey me again.' He left her there, hurting yet strangely aroused. Her knickers were nowhere to be seen. Severus, who had nearly come in his pants, hurried to a quiet alcove and found a quick release. Hermione plotted her revenge.

* * *

'You stupid twat, what the fuck were you thinking?' Severus paced in his chambers, berating himself. 'Of all the stupid, irresponsible... Do you think you'll ever bed her now? What if she goes to Dumbledore?' A plate of sandwiches appeared on the coffee table. He picked the plate up and threw it as hard as he could against the wall, yelling in anger and frustration as he did so. Panting, he stood still and pinched the bridge of his nose.

I need some release from all this tension, he reasoned, or I am going to explode! Somewhat reluctantly, he sat at his desk and wrote on a piece of parchment:-

Magenta,

I require your services.

Any evening would be suitable.

S.S.

He put his quill down. At the thought of Magenta, his cock twitched in the hope of seeing some action. It had been a few months now – too long, in his opinion – but thoughts of Hermione had put him off visiting prostitutes. Magenta, however, was special. She had serviced his more exotic desires since his early twenties.

Nearly fifteen years previously, Severus had bumped into Lucius Malfoy in the Leaky Cauldron one evening and had a few drinks. Severus tried to steer the conversation to discuss old times, hoping that Lucius would let slip information about current Death Eater activities. Lucius' preferred topic of conversation was, however, the exploits and achievements of his wonderful son.

'Draco is so clever, Severus. I'm sure he will be able to teach you a thing or two when he gets to Hogwarts.'

'Really,' Severus replied.

'Yes. Did I tell you I bought him his first toy broomstick? No? Well, he's a natural flyer. He's bound to make the Slytherin Quidditch team.' Lucius grinned. 'He does have rather a temper, though. I caught him beating one of the house-elves over the head with it the other day because it didn't do what it was told fast enough for his liking.'

'Sounds like a chip off the old block,' Severus said dryly. 'You must be proud.'

'Indeed I am,' Lucius replied. 'He will serve the Da...'

Severus leaned forward and whispered, 'He lives, Lucius?'

'This is not the time or place to discuss such matters, old friend,' Lucius hissed.

Severus looked at him, his mind racing.

'Well,' said Lucius, drinking up, 'as pleasant as all this has been, I must be going... Destiny awaits.'

'That's a bit melodramatic, isn't it? Even for you, Lucius.'

'Destiny, for your information, Severus, is a high-class prostitute who specialises in catering to my... tastes.' Lucius hesitated. 'Why don't you come along? You look like you could do with some relaxation.'

It was Severus' turn to hesitate. 'I'm not sure if your idea of relaxation and mine are in any way alike.'

'Well, consider this an opportunity to find out. Besides, do you have anything better to do this evening?'

Severus thought it over. He had not been with a woman for some time, but this was a leap into the unknown. What did he have to lose? It was either that, or return, alone, to the dungeons for some serious monkey-spanking into the wee hours of the morning. Severus decided to take Lucius up on his offer.

The two wizards left the Leaky Cauldron and headed towards Knockturn Alley. Lucius led Severus through a maze of side streets and stopped outside a nondescript entrance. He rapped on the door and called out 'Malfoy, Lucius.' The door opened into an ante room where they were welcomed by a young woman wearing a wide red velvet collar and matching stilettos. Her body was pierced in some very interesting places. Severus was fascinated.

'Good evening, Lucius. Destiny is ready for you. Room Nineteen.' She looked at Severus. 'Good evening... Professor.'

Oh fuck, an ex-pupil. He had been too busy looking at the piercings to study her face. That's the trouble with wizarding brothels, he thought. Any tart under twenty-five, I either went to school with or taught.

'You're a novice, I take it?'

'Yes,' he said, recovering his composure.

'I believe Magenta is free.' The girl led them into the main waiting area. A palace of red and gold baroque splendour greeted Severus' eyes.

'Madam Andromeda was a Gryffindor,' said Lucius, stating the obvious.

'So it would appear,' Severus replied.

'Please follow me, Professor.'

'Enjoy yourself, Severus,' said Lucius. 'My treat. I've a date with Destiny.'

Severus followed the girl up the wide, red-carpeted staircase, keeping his eyes on her rather enticing backside as it swayed in front of him. She stopped at a door and knocked. A voice called out, 'Come in.' She opened the door for Severus; he stepped inside, and the door closed behind him.

Severus exhaled sharply at the sight in front of him. Magenta was a rather statuesque woman with long, black hair that reached to her waist. She was pretty, a few years older than Severus, and much to his relief, a total stranger. She was dressed in a sheer body stocking with holes cut out to expose the breasts and crotch. Her nipples were pierced.

'Please, sit down.'

Severus sat and began to take in his surroundings. His attention was drawn to the various whips, crops, floggers and what looked like implements of torture laid out on a nearby table.

Magenta studied Severus for a moment. She could usually tell straight away whether a client wanted to be dominant or submissive, but Severus, she thought, could go either way – or may even want to switch. She began by explaining the rules of the establishment.

'Madam Andromeda's is an exclusive House. Membership is by invitation or recommendation only. We do not allow anyone to walk in off the street, give them a whip and say, 'flog me'. We provide training. There are rules and they must be strictly observed.'

'I understand,' said Severus.

Magenta continued, 'Even if you wish to dominate rather than be dominated–' Severus nodded his head at this '–you must first experience the role of the submissive. By being on the receiving end, you will learn the behaviour and responses required of a good sub. This, in turn, will make you a better dom.' She allowed him a moment to digest this. Severus did not object. 'I will give you a taste of things to come this evening, but I will not allow you to tie me up. If you decide you like it, we will make arrangements for your training. This is not a cheap establishment...'

'I have money,' said Severus, looking at the table again.

Magenta smiled. 'I see you have noticed my toys. We shall not be using any of them tonight. Now, sit up.' She got down on the floor next to him and put herself across his knees. 'You may spank me.'

Severus was a bit uncertain at first. He gave her a few light smacks.

'Harder than that.'

Smack.

'Even harder.'

Smack!

'Is that the best you can do?' she goaded him.

Severus slapped her really hard.

'Good, much better. Now, between the legs.'

'What?'

'Smack me between my legs.'

'Won't that hurt?'

'Of course it will. That's the point.'

Smack!

'Oh yes, master. I like that.'

'Don't call me that.'

'Sorry, sir. What would you like me to call you?'

A jolt of desire ran down his spine to his already erect cock. No one had ever called him 'sir' and meant it. He called Dumbledore 'sir' out of respect, and he had called Voldemort 'master' or 'my lord' because his life would have been forfeit if he hadn't. He wanted neither epithet.

'Spank me. Spank me, please, sir.'

Severus regarded the tenderised flesh and rubbed it gently instead.

'Don't stop, sir. Please, don't stop.'

He was rock hard. Shit, he hadn't been this turned on fully clothed since he cast his first Disillusionment Charm and sneaked into the girls' changing room when he was fifteen. He grinned at the memory. That had been a day of triumph for the Half-Blood Prince...

Severus smirked. 'Highness,' he said, 'you may call me, 'Your Highness.''

**********************

Severus knew he owed Hermione a huge apology for his loss of control. If she could find it in her heart to forgive him, he decided, they would forget all this nonsense and resume a purely professional relationship. With this in mind, Severus went looking for Hermione the next day. He eventually found her in one of the alcoves in the restricted section of the library, studying a book on Transfiguration. She had put up a Do-Not-Notice Charm and a Silencing Charm, but he spotted her anyway.

'Miss Granger,' he began. Hermione was startled even though she had been half-expecting him. She got to her feet and faced him. Before Severus had a chance to say anything further, Hermione quickly spelled open her robes and dropped them to the floor. She stood in front of him dressed in a pair of ankle socks and her school shoes. All the blood in his brain decided to head south. He stopped breathing.

That's certainly got his attention, she thought. Maintaining eye contact, Hermione put her hands on her breasts and made lazy circles around her nipples. Something like a whimper escaped Severus' throat. She noted his reaction and decided to do something a bit more daring. Arching her back, she pushed her breasts up and began to knead them, brushing her fingers over her nipples and pinching them.

He groaned.

Teasingly, she pushed her left breast up as far as she could, put her head down and licked the nipple. Hermione had planned to put her hand between her legs and stroke herself, but she never got the chance. A whirlwind of black grabbed her, spun her around and slammed her against the wall. Kicking her legs apart, Severus lifted his robe, quickly freed his cock and with one swift, hard thrust, sheathed himself completely inside her.

He squeezed her breasts. 'Touch yourself,' he gasped.

Hermione was only too happy to oblige. She thought she had died and gone to heaven. Severus was holding nothing back and Hermione was on sensory overload – his cock pounding into her, his hands squeezing her nipples, the rough feel of the wool of his teaching robes, the wonderful smell of him, and his voice...

'So... tight.' Severus knew he couldn't last. He had wanted this for too long. 'Gods, yessss you fucking. Little. Tease. Ahhh... come for me, come for me now.'

'Oh, gods... harder... Yes, Severusss, oh yesss.' Hermione bit down on her lip to stop from screaming out as she shattered.

Hearing her say his name for the first time, Severus groaned and thrust harder. He felt the approaching surge of his climax just as her muscles clamped down on his cock. Straining not to roar out his orgasm, and with his heart pounding fit to burst, he exploded into her. It was as much as he could do to remain standing.

Severus pinned her to the wall with his body until he had got his breathing under control. Then he withdrew, stepped back, adjusted his clothing and said, 'Thank you, Miss Granger,' before turning and walking off.

Severus left Hermione weak-kneed and panting, leaning against the wall, his seed running down her leg. She scooped some of it up and licked her fingers. It was a taste she could get used to, she decided. Hermione raised her wand to cast a cleaning spell but changed her mind, deciding she wanted to savour the evidence of their encounter for as long as possible.

Still reeling from the experience, Hermione dressed and slowly made her way back to the Gryffindor common room, wondering where they would go from here.

Two days later, Dumbledore was dead and the man she loved was on the run wanted for his murder. It would be over a year before she saw him again.

---

A/N Magenta, of course, takes her professional name from 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' of which she is a big fan.