Sexto

Forbidden Obsession

Sexto

Standing at his door, Hermione softly knocked. "Remus, it's me."

The door unlatched. Pushing it open further, Hermione walked inside. Remus was sitting on the bed staring at the fireplace, not acknowledging her presence. She cautiously sat down on the bed beside him to avoid obstructing his view, and remained silent.

Hermione had an idea of just how inadequate he felt, but didn't know what she could to say to help him. Hesitantly she took his hand in hers.

"Remus, we won't let Voldemort kill -- "

"Hermione," he said gently as he turned to look at her, "I don't want to die, but I would rather face death, even if it is against Voldemort, than remain here, doing nothing." He turned to face away from her again. "A man can only feel useless for so long before he looks from somewhere else to belong." Hearing his words, Hermione pictured Professor Snape, wondering if a similar dilemma had caused him to become a Death Eater.

"What are you saying, Remus?"

"Hermione, I know that I am of no use here -- "

"But you are!"

"No, love, I am not. Every member of this Order is available at a moment's notice, except for me."

"The last few battles have been purposely scheduled during the full moon. Voldemort knows how effective you are against the Death Eaters. That is why -- "

"Hermione, Voldemort knows how to break a man, as does Snape, although Severus is

doing it for personal reasons."

"Why?" she asked, "This is life and death. Why would Professor Snape be doing this for personal reasons when you are clearly capable of aiding the Order?" Remus looked into Hermione's eyes. It was an honest question.

"Because I didn't stop Sirius and James," he said simply, standing up. Remus walked toward the window and gazed out of it, into the darkness. "Severus was the top wizard of our year while at Hogwarts, but he was also a loner, an outcast." Remus sighed as his gaze fell to the ground in shame. "Severus was very knowledgeable about spells and dark magic, and he would use them when needed. Sirius and James interpreted this as Severus mocking their ignorance, so every time Severus was not in the company of his Slytherin peers, they would belittle him in front of the student body, making sure he knew his place."

"So Professor Snape is holding a grudge?"

"Hermione, James and Sirius tormented the man in front of the entire school and I did nothing but look the other way. If I had been Severus, I would have killed James and Sirius."

"Remus, I'm sorry -- "

"Please, love, I am paying for my sins. Perhaps I will find absolution one day."

Hermione's expression grew sad as she watched him. A broken man stood before her. She opened her mouth, wanting to bring comfort, but the words failed her. Instead, Hermione stepped toward him, and placed her hands on his back. He quickly stepped away and turned toward her as if to say something.

Sighing, he placed his hands on her shoulders, looking at her in the eye. Remus tried to understand why she was there with him. There were too many unanswered questions, and this was just one more. Forcing himself not to analyze her motives, he allowed her to proceed.

Hermione slid her arms around Remus, holding him, comforting him.

The warmth and security of her embrace brought a level of comfort he had rarely known and Remus pulled her further into him, securely holding her, drawing in the strength she offered.

Hermione rested her cheek on his chest, and sighed. She was content in his strong arms. Remus had always been the voice of reason as well as a trusted friend. Hermione cared deeply for him. Her heart ached to see the misery in his eyes. She wanted to take away his pain.

His chin rested on her head, flattening her bushy hair. He admired Hermione as much as he had Lily Evans. They both found the good side in everyone. He held Hermione tighter, closing his eyes. He inhaled her sandalwood perfume, causing his inhibited desires to come alive. In his mind's eye flashed an image of Lily and then Hermione. He shook his head, clearing his mind. It was Hermione who was in his arms, but Lily's image kept coming back, along with the desires he once held for her.

Moving his hand to her face, Remus lightly brushed Hermione's jaw with the back of his hand, feeling her quiver. He stroked her jaw again, and Hermione lifted her chin slightly toward him. Remus looked into her eyes and for a second almost expected to see those loving green eyes of so long ago, but now he looked into brown ones that held as much love and concern. They were full of warmth, inviting him to explore.

Hermione looked into his eyes, which were as gray as a cloudy day and just as sad. At one time Remus had held a spark of desire, a drive to grasp his destiny and move forward, but now his eyes showed no hope. Hermione desperately wanted to help him.

Remus cupped her jaw in his hands and slowly lowered his mouth to hers. She responded by raising her mouth to his, and their lips pressed unambiguously together. He opened his mouth slightly and slowly moved his tongue to caress her bottom lip. She leaned further into his embrace, and opened her mouth in response. She felt his tongue gradually enter her mouth, unhurriedly tasting her lips and stroking her tongue. She pulled him closer. They deepened the kiss, slowly tasting and exploring each other.

His hands hesitantly moved down her waist to her thighs and on to the hem of her skirt. His fingers fumbled with the hem, not sure whether she would allow him to proceed. Shifting her position, she moved one hand down, placing it over his. Curling her fingers over his, she took her skirt in their grasp and began to lift it.

Remus' stomach tightened as he realized that she was willing. He pulled back and looked into her brown eyes once again. She met his gaze and smiled. Tilting her head back, she exposed her neck, inviting him to taste her. Remus moved his mouth to her soft flesh while letting out a growl.

Hermione whimpered at the growl. It was the growl of a wild animal, and, though she fought to remain in control, her body betrayed her and she felt the warmth increase between her legs. He continued to leave soft kisses along her bare skin, but soon he could no longer restrain the urges rising from deep within. He bit into her flesh, causing her to gasp but not breaking the skin. As he let another growl escape, she threw her head back and her eyes rolled. A moan came from her throat, indicating she was willing to be with him.

Remus' hand moved further up her leg, finding her inner thigh. His fingers traced the lace of her knickers, slowly moving to her core. Pushing her knickers to the side, he ran his fingers along her curls, teasing her. His other hand held her head securely while claiming her mouth again. She whimpered into his mouth as his fingers pushed past her folds, finding her wetness. He moved his mouth back down to her neck and behind her ear.

"Hermione," he whispered. She parted her legs, giving him access.

Her eyes were closed, concentrating on what his mouth and fingers were doing to her body, taken aback at how he affected her. She moved her hands across his shoulder and back, pulling him closer, wanting more of what he had to offer.

He turned her around so that her back was pressed against him. He continued to kiss the back of her neck and throat while his fingers continued caressing her, spreading her moisture around. He listened to her tattered breathing before he found her clitoris and rubbed. Her body quivered, letting a ragged moan escape.

Remus' eyes shot forward to the mirror they stood in front of. He intently watched her body grind against his fingers that were moving in and out of her. Her hair fell over one arm while her head slowly rolled. Her whimpers and moans increased with the movements of his fingers.

"Look at us, Hermione," he whispered. "Look at how we belong together."

Hermione heard his voice from the depth of her enthrallment, but found it too difficult to concentrate on.

"Look, Hermione," he commanded. Recognizing the voice, Hermione opened her eyes and looked into the mirror. Disbelief and shock came over her as she saw Snape holding her.

"No," she whispered, "No!" With this last 'no' she pulled out of his embrace and turned to face him.

She was shocked to be facing Remus. The display of confusion was evident on both of their faces. Looking around, she ran her fingers through her hair, moving it out of her face.

"I -- um," she didn't know what to say. She couldn't fathom why she saw Snape holding her.

"It's okay, Hermione," he quickly responded. "It was my fault. We shouldn't have done this."

"Remus, I am -- "

"No, Hermione, please. Don't say anything. There is nothing to be said, I beg you." Remus' eyes showed his disappointment, but his voice displayed how serious he was about not saying anything. It was not the first time he had been rejected and he found it easier to cope with by changing the subject.

"We had better return to the meeting," he said.

Understanding, Hermione nodded. She straightened her skirt and left the room with Remus following her. It was best if they both returned together and as soon as possible to avoid any insinuations about their activities.

Severus was in the kitchen discussing the recent turn of events with a few of the members of the Order when the image of Hermione and Remus appeared in his mind. Anger consumed him as he watched Hermione and Remus entering the kitchen. Severus glared at them both, causing Hermione to blush furiously.

She glanced at Remus to see his reaction, but he ignored her, heading in the opposite direction. Hermione felt Severus' gaze follow her across the kitchen as she walked to where Harry and Ron were.

"Is Remus okay?" asked Harry, pulling out a chair for her.

"Yes," she said quickly, sitting down. She had become accustomed to Severus' obvious attempts at intimidating her, but this time there was something more. Trying to ignore it, she turned her attention to Harry and Ron. "Remus is tired of hiding. He is ready to face Voldemort."

"We all are," agreed Ron. "I wouldn't mind seeing Remus take on Voldemort in his wolf form."

"Voldemort would kill him," said Hermione. "The Wolfbane potion prevents him from becoming vicious."

"If he takes it," added Harry.

"He will take it," snapped Hermione. "Remus is not about to risk his life or others'. Besides, if he tastes human blood his soul is eternally damned and nothing will redeem him." The three silently glanced in Remus' direction; none of them dared ask the question that had been on their minds: had Remus tasted human blood? Carrying a glass of bourbon, Remus left the room.

"Maybe I should go with him," offered Hermione. "He shouldn't be alone." She quickly followed him out of the room, not noticing Severus, who was attentively watching her. Harry and Ron shrugged. They knew Hermione cared for Remus along with all of their friends.

"Remus," she said, running to catch up with him in the other room. Remus stopped in mid-step. His head and shoulders drooped as he sighed. He didn't face her.

"Hermione, you need to go back into the kitchen with Harry and Ron."

"No, Remus, I need to be with you." She took his hand and held it. "Please," she whispered. He pulled his hand away.

Turning to face her, he was prepared to send her away, but the sincerity was so clear in

her eyes. Against his better judgment, he found himself taking her hand.

"Miss Granger," said Severus. His voice was low and threatening, surprising both her and Remus. Hermione spun around and came face to face with Severus. Severus grabbed her by the chin, forcing her to look into his eyes.

She felt him enter her mind, running through the most recent activities of her and Remus.

'No,' she cried mentally, but he ignored her pleas. He sneered as she relived looking into the mirror, hearing his voice say, 'Look Hermione. Look at how we belong together.'

When he let go of her, she staggered backward, into the wall. Severus turned to Remus and sneered, "Abusing your position of power, I see."

"No more than you, entering an unwilling mind," hissed Remus.

Severus stepped toward Remus and said in a dangerously low voice, "I saw her first."

Remus' eyes flashed dangerously to Hermione and then back to Severus, sensing that Severus was trying to establish his boundaries along with his property.

"I suggest you keep her on a leash," snapped Remus. He turned and left up the stairs to his room.

"Remus," Hermione called out, trying to follow him, but Severus grabbed her by the wrist.

"You will stay away from him," Severus snapped. She jerked her wrist out of his grasp. She stepped toward him, quickly pulled her hand back to slap him. Severus caught her by the wrist again and smirked at her.

"You do not tell me what to do, Professor Snape. Being my professor does not give you the right to dictate my actions." She pulled her arm out of his grasp and continued up the stairs. She went straight to her room and slammed the door.

Severus stood at the foot of the stairs. "It has begun," he whispered.

~TBC