The Spreading Of News

Disclaimer: Can I have Harry Potter for my birthday? No? Blast, I turned in the rights too late.

I’m glad I had an awesome Beta like hp_bcn! I would also like to thank the lovely admin here! One of these days I'll send you something mistake free!

Chapter Four: The Spreading Of News

News is the fastest moving thing in all of Hogwarts. News and rumours, which are, in theory, the same thing; then again, in theory Nick Carter has talent.

By dinner time news about Miss Granger’s class had spread throughout the halls. Many of the older children stared at her as she was passing them in the halls. Her newly tamed hair gave her a sultry look she had never been able to achieve before; her body, though fit, still had very feminine curves; her pouty lips glistened in the firelight. She was a rather attractive girl. Many of the older boys began fantasizing about her, especially after hearing about some of her less than ladylike exploits. Hermione made a mental note to try to be less candid in her classes while answering questions about sex.

The teacher’s table was buzzing with conversation. Hermione was waiting for the Headmistress to call her into her office and reprimand her for being too outspoken in class. Severus certainly had not held back his thoughts on the matter. He had insinuated many things about her; mostly that she was an easy little tart, who would sleep with anyone who was willing. This hurt her. She was not sure why the proclamation hurt so much coming from him, but it did.

The staff table was quiet compared to the remainder of the hall though. The older students could not wait to have class over the next few days, and the younger students were offended that their class was so “boring” compared to what the fifth year students had for a lesson.

Thursday

Eleven AM rolled around, and the classroom had filled up with eager sixth year students. Severus had taken his stance in the centre of the room, glaring down at the children, like he had with the first and second years earlier that week. His intimidation had no effect on them, though. They still chattered happily to each other, wondering what they could find out about Miss Granger today. Severus was disheartened by the lack of response to his grimace.

Hermione gave the same lecture she had given the fifth years, just two days earlier, before opening the floor for discussion. There was less of an air of embarrassment surrounding the topic at hand. They had heard from the other students, Miss Granger would not be offended by pretty much anything they thought to ask. That is, of course, as long as they didn’t stray too far from the topic at hand. There was a small scattering of hands in the air. Hermione picked on a blonde Hufflepuff first. “Yes, Mr. Higgins.”

“I was wondering about masturbation, Miss…”

“Mastur-WHAT?” Snape growled in response.

“Masturbation, sir. Mum says that if I do it, I’ll grow hair on my palms. A kitten dies every time someone touches themselves.”

“There is no truth to that. In either case,” Hermione began calmly. “Masturbation is actually quite a healthy activity. It’s an excellent stress reliever and a sleep aid to boot. Everyone does it.” Some of the girls had a haughty air about them, prompting Hermione to add more to her answer. “Even girls do. Keep in mind, it’s not something everyone does every night. But, everyone experiments a little at least once. It’s a great way to learn your body, to learn what you like. People who masturbate, or engage in sexual activity on a regular basis, often complain of less frequent headaches, and they generally have healthier looking skin. I must remind you that it is against school rules for students to engage in sexual intercourse on school grounds.” Most of the female students were still blushing.

“How much masturbation is too much?” Mr. Higgins asked without raising his hand again.

“Well, that depends on a lot of variables. But as a general guideline, if you masturbate more often than you eat, chances are you’re a bit overeager. Your body can become trained to a certain schedule, and you can form a dependency on having that release. If you’re feeling particular lusty, or seem to be having a problem falling asleep; I’d recommend a quick round with yourself, and then straight to bed with you.”

Hermione combed the classroom for another question. A girl with long black hair from Slytherin raised her hand next. “Miss Mae.”

“My boyfriend wants to tie me up when we mess around, is there anything strange about that?” A deep blush came to her face, but she kept her eyes locked with her teacher’s.

“No, Miss Mae. In fact, I like a little bondage myself. If you feel safe and comfortable with your partner, then it’s perfectly acceptable.” There were dropped jaws all around the classroom again. Snape seemed to be working extra hard to hide his surprise. From Hermione’s peripheral sight she noticed that Severus seemed to be shifting uncomfortably, and his eyes seemed to have a slight smoldering of passion hidden behind them. Score one for the bossy, little know-it-all. “When you should be concerned is if the only way your lover can find pleasure is if you are bound. There is a difference between a fetish and an obsession.”

More hands rose in the air, but the bell rang before Hermione could get to any more questions. She smiled at her students as they packed up their bags, and headed down to lunch.

“I hope you’re proud of yourself.” A cold voice came from the right hand corner.

“I am proud of their thirst for knowledge. I am proud that they are intrigued enough to ask questions. Most importantly, I am proud that they want to learn ways to protect themselves.”

“Asking about ways to masturbate is hardly self preservation.” He spat angrily at her.

Hermione was slightly taken aback by his anger. She decided that arguing with him was going to be futile. She quickly closed her mouth and tried to give him a sultry look. She seductively walked towards her former professor, being sure to make her hips sway in a tantalizing manner. Why is she staggering like a drunken prostitute? She stood directly in front of him, leaning in slightly, making sure to exhale sensually on his earlobe before whispering to him, “I’m a woman with needs, Severus,” she hissed into his ear, “and it appears as though you have needs of your own.” She glanced momentarily down to the zipper in his trousers before she picked up her bag and sauntered out of the room. She headed back to the hospital wing to ensure that no students had come in ill while she was away.

Severus stood in the empty classroom for several minutes. I do believe that little vixen is coming on to me.

Meanwhile, up in the hospital wing, Hermione was torn. She had made a pass at Snape! Granted, that wasn’t what she had set out to do. Make him a little flustered perhaps, but she had said in not so many words, “I am a wanton woman! Take me to your bed, and have your wicked way with me!” However, no amount of mental scolding changed the fact that she did like the idea of being violated in such a sensual way by her ex-professor. She would never admit it to anyone, but she was awfully keen on the idea of putting on her old school robes and reporting for detention.

Hermione visibly sighed. Tomorrow she was teaching the seventh years, and the questions seemed to be going from lewd to pornographic.

***

Notes: I saw something about ‘Mastur-What’ on the Potter Place boards when I was backtracking the challenge. It was such a good line, I couldn’t let it go! Whoever came up with that little gem, thanks! In regards to Carter, well, it’s replaced the “Communism is a theory” with a friend of mine, no offense meant!