Ensnaring The Senses

Severus signed the last letter as he looked to the small settee in his private rooms to see Hermione curled into a small ball, sleeping. He smiled as he sealed the envelope and added it to the pile. In the morning he would head for the owlery to deliver them before breakfast. He stretched out the kinks in his back as he stood up and headed for the sleeping witch. Severus bent down and kissed her forehead as he gently touched her cheek.

“Hermione love, wake up.” He whispered in her ear, his breath tickling her neck. She mumbled something as she shifted, snuggling deeper into the pillow beneath her head. She looked so young, as young as she did at nineteen when he felt his first attraction to her. He gently brushed a stray burnette lock off her face and kissed her again. In sleep she looked like that nineteen year old girl-- no woman-- that had attracted him on the battlefield with her maturity and skill. Her calmness as she handled each case brought to her, even Harry's near death had been handled with a skill he had never seen in one so young before.

Hermione bent over one of the Weasley twins as she gently applied a burn ointment to his arm and wrapped it, saying soothing words as she did it. Severus was helping Poppy with another case as Arthur Weasley had burst in the tent door bearing Harry with a crying Ginny by his side.

Hermione quickly ran over and helped Arthur lay Harry on a camp bed as she assessed his wounds and gathered the items needed to help him.

“Go help her, Severus. I'll be fine here.” Poppy had urged him. Severus nodded as he went over to Hermione's side. Harry had been hit with the cutting spell, and was bleeding through the bandages that had been hastily applied before bringing him.

They had worked well together, and even though her eyes were shining from unshed tears and her hands were steady as they healed him. Her expertise had amazed him and she instinctively matched him, move for move till Harry Potter was out of danger.

Arthur had let go of Ginny with a nod from Hermione as they all breathed a sigh of relief. Ginny had flown to his side and had never let go of his hand until he opened his eyes a day later.

Severus had watched as Hermione slipt out of the tent and around a big tree before collapsing into to the leaf strewn ground, tears rolling down her face and shaking. He had made a small noise to announce his presence before kneeling next to the small witch and gathering her in his arms. Her body shook with the force of her tears as he rocked her gently.

“You did well, Hermione.” He had whispered over and over as her tears slowed. He had almost kissed her then, but held back. He had been shocked how right the young witch had felt in his arms, how it was because of all he had done in his life.

“Thank you, Severus.” She had whispered back as she wiped the tears from her face with her sleeve. They had returned to the medi-camp, no one the knowing what had transpired. The faceless dreams of a woman had started then, his subconscious trying to tell him what he feared to allow.

The witch had captured his heart that day, though he had refused to admit it to himself or anyone. He had caught Remus staring at them both every time they were near each other, a questioning look on his face.

“You can't hid it, Severus. You'd be surprised if you actually talked to her about it.” Remus had cornered him just a few days before the Final Battle that had severed his connection to Voldemort forever.

“In a few years, Remus. Right now she's too young for an old wizard like me.” Severus told him bitterly. Remus had only shook his head sadly, watching them both as they danced around each other trying to hide a mutual attraction.

Severus had expected to die the day Voldemort had, in some noble sacrificing way. But some self preservation gene kicked in at the sight of Hermione that day. He watched as Harry, surrounded by Ginny, Ron, Hermione and Draco, advance towards Voldemort. The intentions were clear to all, either Voldemort died or lived that day with the death of those five young wizards his prize. He felt his heart rip in two as Draco stood by Hermione as Harry called Voldemort out in a challenge. They had prepared them well, the Order had. But he still felt the fear of loss again.

Severus stood facing off against Lucius and Bellatrix, as Remus stood with Tonks and Shacklebolt in the distance, fighting other Death Eaters. The lights from spells lit up the battlefield as some fell and others dodged, avoiding them. With a cry he had fallen to the ground, a pain ripping throw his arm as it signified the Dark Lord's demise. He had wanted to scream as the living Death Eaters fled the field in pops of disaparition, but his eyes looked for the pale platinum and the dark burnette of the two he cared for most in the world. He had let out a small groan of relief when he saw them alive before collapsing onto the ground, the pain from his wounds making him pass out.

“I love you, witch.” He said softly as he carried her sleeping form to his bedroom and lying her down on the bed. He slipt off her shoes as he tucked her in, pulling the dark green coverlet over her. He undressed to his knickers and slid a Muggle t-shirt over himself before sliding in beside her. Severus gathered her close to him as he fell into a deep sleep, her warmth a soothing balm to the aches of the past.


~*~


Hermione's opened her eyes slowly, the weight of Severus's arm light across her stomach. She lazily drew a finger down his arm as she clasped his hand with hers. I could get used to this. She thought groggily as she snuggled closer, tucking her foot between his larger ones. The burnette haired witch placed butterfly kisses up the black haired wizard's neck and cheeks before lightly nibbling on his nose.

Hermione squealed as Severus grabbed her tight as he rolled over, the hardness of his body pressing her into the fluffy mattress. “Good morning,” He growled out as his lips met hers, kissing them both senseless. He ran his hands down the length of her arms as he sighed. “It's late, and I have just enough time to get those letters sent before breakfast and classes.” He buried his face in her before rolling over regretfully.

Hermione's eyes followed him as he sprang from the bed and headed for the bathroom. Drawing the clothes from her body and kicking them to the corner; she entered the bathroom behind him, the sounds of running water hiding her entrance.

She pulled back the curtain and slide in behind him, and laughed as he suddenly turned, grabbing her, pressing her to the shower wall. “Took you long enough,” Severus said as their lips came together, the water rushing over them.


~*~


Severus tucked Hermione's arm through his, shutting and warding his door. They walled through the hallways and up the stairs to the Great Hall. Severus patted his pocket, “I'll meet you at the table as soon as I owl these.” He brushed his lips across her cheek before walking away.


Severus entered the owlery and started attaching the letters, telling the owls where to deliver and sending them on their way. The last one he held tight, almost crumpling it before tying it to the small brown spotted owl. “Arthur Weasley, Ministry of Magic.” He said as he flung the bird into the morning sky.

He entered the castle a few moments later, and with long strides headed for the top to release Remus from his room. He waved his wand to drop his wards on the door and swung it open.

“Morning, Remus.” Snape said as he unlocked the shackles. “You look a lot better than you did the last time I saw you after a transformation.” He nodded as he waved away the conjured items with his wand before tucking it into his sleeve.

“Why thank you, Severus.” Remus took the hand the black robe wizard offered and groaned as his bones creaked as he got up. “Each month on your improved potion the latent effects lessen.” He said as he dressed.

“You'd probably have no effects if you weren't forced to change by that old hag.” Severus said as his eyes looked over the room with distaste. “I'd love to have Umbridge here for one night.” He scathingly remarked.

“Now Severus. No need for such thoughts.” Remus said as they walked through the corridors towards the Great Hall.


~*~

Hermione and Tonks looked up as their wizards sat down beside them. Their Order activities had brought them a friendship their school years had denied, and Tonks had even been told by Remus it was Snape's advice one dark winter's night that had brought them together. Remus's words came to her mind as she laid her hand on her stomach.

Snape looked me hard in the eyes before speaking. “Do what Albus advised about Tonks also. Life is fleeting. If I could have another chance with Cissa--” He looked down, “If I had taken her away from the manor before Lucius escaped from Azkaban, who knows? Narcissa Black-Malfoy died because of the Dark Lord's anger at Draco's failure to kill Albus himself. Lucius may have done the deed, but I also take the blame. You can't always protect those you love from harm. What you can do though is love with them. I have the memories of my stolen moments with Cissa to cherish. Give yourself and Tonks the same.”

Who would have thought Snape could play cupid? She smiled at the thought. Narcissa had been her aunt, and knew Severus had mourned her for years till Hermione had entered his heart. She was still amazed in the change the young witch had brought to wizard. He was still snarky, but it was tempered by love Hermione gave him.


“The owls are off, ladies. I hold hope of positive responses from most.” Snape said as he sipped his juice. He filled his plate high with eggs, bacon and toast. The morning's activities had given him a hunger.

“Yes a sea full of red-headed Weasleys again this weekend.” Hermione winked as she heard Severus groan.

“Bloody hell.” He whispered as his appetite waned and the table's occupants laughed.