Dark Days

Dark Days Chapter Eighteen – Rediscovering love

Hermione and Severus lay wrapped in each others arms for many minutes. Hermione felt weak with relief and sadness. So many months wasted, so many hurts to heal; not only her own but those of her friends and the man who held her against him now. It pained her to think of what she had put him through, what she had wished upon him.

At length Severus rose and picked Hermione up with him, cradling her like a baby. She clung on to him desperately as he carried her through to the sitting room. He settled them both down on the sofa. She curled up next to him, burying her face in his shoulder, she couldn’t bear to look him in the face. Shame welled up inside her and tears soaked his shirt. He ran his hands through her hair whispering comforting words. She kept muttering “I’m sorry,” over and over. It seemed to be the only words that she could manage.

Severus placed his long hand under Hermione’s chin and turned her face up to look at his. “It’s okay Hermione, everything’s okay.” Any anger that he had felt towards her had gone, instead he felt only an acute relief to be holding her. For now it was enough.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

“I know! It’s okay!” he murmured comfortingly.

“It’s not okay. I’ve treated you so badly. I shouldn’t even be here.”

“Hey,” he stopped her. “Don’t you ever say that. This is where you belong. This is exactly where we should be!”

“But…”

“No buts.”

His absolute decision was comforting. She had not lost everything as she had feared. But it had come so close to it, too close. Desperately she clung to him and understanding her need he held her tightly and did not say a word. She was crying again, but he let her cry. So many months of grief were not quickly over. So he held her and stroked her hair, his strong presence a comfort to her.

It was warm in the room, and she was tired from the emotions and the tears. So soon, safe in her lovers embrace she fell asleep, and he sat there watching her sleep. Nothing else mattered anymore. Love would not be his downfall, love would make him stronger, she would make him stronger. This tiny slip ofirl irl that loved him. That one fact still amazed him; that she should want anything to do with him was astounding to him. She whimpered in her sleep and he picked her up. Even weakened as he was from his ordeal this was an easy task and he carried her gently upstairs and put her to bed.

* * * * * *

It was cold when she awoke, filthy in a pristine bed. Her torn, muddied gown had been stripped and she was clothed now in a simple white nightdress. Her insides felt all turned inside out. Rising she went to look in the mirror and was appalled at what she saw. The woman that stared back at her looked years older than her age and ill to boot. Filthy and tear streaked, her hair a mass of tangles. Hastily she fled into the bathroom and filled the huge bath that she loved. Outside dawn was close and the very faintest hint of gold was just breaking the horizon.

Lowering herself into the bubbles she luxuriated there for a while, thinking back over the events of last night. Her parents deaths still brought her much pain, but she found that she could bear it, and tears no longer seemed imminent. And Severus, she had been unsure how he would receive her, but he’d been a perfect gentleman, holding her, comforting her, asking for nothing. She realised that she loved him more than anything and wondered if she had ever told him so.

The past few months faded like a bad dream. She wished that she could erase them and go back to the way things had been before. Pulling herself out of the water she dressed, determined to try. “Severus and I have to talk,” she thought, and quickly dried her hair. “What the hell will I say to him?” she wondered then. “Oh my God, I hate this.” Wretchedly she wrung her hands together and paced backwards and forwards from the door to the bed and back again. Eventually she took a deep breath and pulled open her door, determined to set the record straight. They would have to talk sooner or later and it might as well be sooner.

Without even think of the time but left her room immediately, determined to find him. It was once she was out of her room that she realised that she had no idea where Severus’ bedroom actually was.

“Miss?” came a tiny voice then. “Is Miss okay? Would Miss like something? She is up very early!”

“I’m fine Tikki,” said Hermione quickly, “But could you please tell me where Severus is?”

“Sir is in bed Miss.”

“And where is his room? I need to see him!” Hermione was practically begging.

“Three doors to the left Miss,” said the little creature bobbing her head.

“Thank you,” Hermione called as she trotted to the door.

Quietly she pushed the door open. This was the part she hadn’t thought through. Severus had spent most of the night awake thinking, and was still asleep. With shaking hands she pushed the door to, and instantly regretted it. What now? Wait until he woke? Wake him up. Her courage failed and she turned to leave, but Severus, senses sharp with long years of doubt woke and saw her there.

“Hermione? What is it?”

“I’m sorry, I should not have…”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing I wanted to…stupid, should have realised you’d be asleep.” She had taken an involuntary step forwards.

“I’m always here for you, you should know that. Come, sit.” He beckoned her over to the bed and she approached hesitantly, perching on the end of the bed. The silence grew awkward, words unsaid sprawling before them.

Hermione turned her face towards him, plucking up the courage to say something, anything was better than silence. But no words would come. Her mind was filled with him. His beautiful face, the faint outline of his body beneath white sheets in the almost black room. They gazed into each others eyes and hesitantly he leaned forwards, bringing his mouth towards hers.

Their lips met in a gentle, almost reverent kiss, yet it was long and searing. Before she could pull away Severus kissed her again, more fiercely then, his hand snaking around her waist and pulling her closer to him. She parted her lips to allow his tongue access to her mouth, it felt soft and warm against her own and she moaned into the kiss. His other hand joined his first on her back and she leaned into him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and ran the fingers of one hand through his hair.

They pulled apart and gazed at each other once more, each sensing the need of the other. Hermione shifted so that she was sat astride him and bent down to capture his lips with her own. His hands roamed her back, feeling her soft skin through the thin material. She shivered.

“Are you cold?” he whispered.

She shook her head, “No…”

Her hands wandered down across his bare chest and she leaned back to admire the view. Even considering what he had been through it was not a bad view and it sent thrills through her body. His hands softly tugged at the material covering her, raising it slowly over her head. She lifted her arms and he pulled it clear. The sight was enough, more than enough to arouse him and he longed to take her, and yet desired to prolong the moment at the same time.

Slowly she pulled back the sheets that were covering him and found that he was naked underneath, apparently Severus did not favour night-ware. Her eyes took in his body appreciatively. Neither one touched the other, the sights for a moment being enough. But the moment did not last long, Hermione slid forwards, needing the feeling of his body on hers. Once more his hands roamed her back, sending shivers of pleasure through hody,ody, his mouth caressing hers in a loving kiss.

Pulling away she moved her mouth to his neck, covering it with tiny, fluttering kisses. Each of them enjoying the slow pace and relishing each others every touch. Slowly he rolled her over, laying her flat on her back and began his own minute exploration of her shoulders and neck with his mouth. She ran her fingers once more through his hair, relishing its softness. She felt his hands move from her shoulders to her breasts, thumbs brushing softly against her nipples for one tantalising moment before moving down to her belly. They soon roamed up again, each hand palming a breast as his mouth continued to kiss her neck, the sensation was incredible. Hermione let out an involuntary moan and he smiled, gradually moving his mouth down towards the gentle swell of her breasts. Sofhe che captured one nipple in his mouth, lavishing attention on it with his tongue.

When that one reached its peak he moved his attention to her other nipple and stroked it into a similar condition. Hermione felt a growing heat and moisture between her legs and longed for him to move lower, but he did not, tormenting her with his lips. He continued to kiss her body and neck before sliding back up to capture her mouth for a kiss. She kissed him hungrily and brought one leg up and stroked it slowly down his side. He pulled away and grinned wickedly at her, his hand travelling at an agonisingly slow pace down towards her sex.

Her eyes begged him to hurry, but instead he merely slowed, tracing fiery lines across her skin with his fingertips. Eventually he reached the gentle mound of her pubis and stroked his hand across it, she shuddered with pleasure and his eyes watched her every reaction to the sensations he was giving her. Suddenly she felt two fingers push up inside her, he barely concealed a moan at the feeling of her slick, satiny passage. For several minutes heasueasured her in this way before bringing his thumb up to stroke and caress her nub. Each touch sent a thrill tingling up her spine and she gasped with pleasure, her face a picture of ecstasy and his eyes drinking it all in greedily.

“Severus…” she moaned.

He took this to mean that she could take no more torment, and he was only too ready to remedy that. Positioning himself above her he softly kissed he and he felt her groan as she felt his hardness pressing on her ready to penetrate. Unable to bear it any longer Severus pushed himself inside her. Gods he had forgotten how good she felt. He struck up a slow pace pushing deeper inside her with every thrust. She wrapped her legs about his back and brought her hips up to meet his. They set up a slow pace together but they could not keep it up. Severus began to quicken his pace, and Hermione spurred him one. She could feel a deliciously warm feeling welling up between her legs and every stroke brought her closer. Her eyes were closed; she was lost in the sensations.

Severus gazed down at the beautiful woman beneath him and thanked God to be alive. He never felt so good as when he was with her, and hell she felt so damn good. A man could get addicted. The faster pace was no longer good enough and he speeded up again, a low moan escaped Hermione’s lips and he smiled. Her legs tightened around his waist pulling him in closer. He swivelled his hips, using his pelvic bone to put pressure on her clit. She shuddered beneath him, her breath now coming in ragged gasps. He was close, not sure how much longer he could bear such sweet torment.

All at once he felt her tense around him as her orgasm took her. She cried out and her eyes flew open, gazing adoringly, if somewhat distractedly at him. Every fibre in her body quivered. Unable to hold on any longer Severus too came, spilling his seed inside her and collapsing on top of her. They lay there entwined, gasping for breath. He pushed his arms under her and pulled her round so that they lay on their sides, her legs still around him. She could feel him softening inside her. Their hands they could not keep to themselves and they roamed at will across each others body.

“So much for talking,” murmured Hermione at length.

“This was better,” said Severus grinning. She grinned back and kissed soundly on the lips.

They lay thus for a long while, eyes closed, hands roaming each other’s bodies in a voyage of rediscovery. All too soon Severus pulled away and Hermione moaned in protest at the separation. He hushed her with one finger on her lips.

“Stay there, I won’t be a minute,” he whispered and stood up.

She curled up, pulling the thick covers over her and closed her eyes once more. In her mind every second of their lovemaking was replayed and she found herself becoming aroused once more. The separation of their bodies was not a good one and she waited somewhat impatiently for his return. It was not long in actuality but it felt like hours. When he did return he carried two glasses of juice, “Thought you might be thirsty.”

She suddenly realised that she was parched and gulped the smooth, thick juice down gladly. Next to her she felt him slide back next to her and wrap his arms around her. She leaned back into him and felt him bury his face in her hair, inhaling its scent. He took the now empty glass from her hand and cast it uncaringly on the floor. His arms then tightened about her waist and she felt his hands stroke patterns across her hot skin once more. She twisted and met his eyes, gliding one hand smoothly over his face, tucking one stray strand of hair behind his ear. He lifted one hand to behind her head and pulled her closer to him to meet he lips in a desperate kiss. She wrapped her arms about his neck and kissed back with wild abandon.

Slowly Severus slid down the bed until he was lying flat with Hermione’s tiny frame on top of his. His hands he slid down her smooth white skin until they rested on her hips. Then Hermione pulled away slightly and grinned mischievously at him.

“What?” he whispered. She did not reply but instead began to trail tiny kisses down to his neck and across his chest. His arousal grew as she neared his groin, but instead of pleasuring him with her mouth she moved instead to his thighs, teasing him as he had once teased her. Her soft lips felt heavenly on the tender skin of his inner thighs but still she did not move to the place where he most desired her to be. He let out a low groan and she ginned finally relenting and bringing her mouth to the tip of his manhood. An involuntary shiver went down his spine as she began to trail her tongue up and down his length and gently kiss the very tip. All at once, and unexpectedly he felt her mouth engulf him. Very softly she began to suck and lap him into ecstasy. He closed his eyes and placed one hand very gently behind her head. Then as suddenly as it had begun, it stopped and her mouth was gone. He moaned again and she shushed him quietly, sliding once more up his body until she sat completely astride him.

Devilishly slowly she guided him inside her and began to ride him. Their eyes met and they smiled at each other. It felt wonderful to be here, to be able to express their love in such a simple uncomplicated way. She felt as if her heart would burst, after months of pain and anguish she was finally home. Severus could not believe his luck as he gazed up at the beautiful young woman above him, whatever he had done to deserve it he thanked God for. He ran his hands up her sides watching her face once more as she pleasured them both, and watching her breasts as they moved with her rhythm. He felt her speed up could not hold in the low groan that had been building up for some time. She grinned as she heard him once more, it felt good to know that she could give him so much pleasure. Wickedly she began to tease him once more, slowing her pace and rising up so that he almost was not within her before plunging back down to engulf him completely. Suddenly she felt him tighten his grip on her hips and rolled them both over, “Tease…” he whispered in her ear. She grinned at him and cast a look that said, “What me?”

He positioned himself above her and placed first one, and then both of her legs over his shoulders before re-entering her. A sharp gasp escaped her as she felt him penetrate to new depths. He grinned at her again, now it was his turn to tease. Agonisingly slowly he moved in and out, although once again he was wondering if he could keep it up for long. Taking one of her hands in his own he moved it down to her sex and pushed one finger firmly on to her clit. Slowly, and in embarrassment at first she began to pleasure herself even as he moved within her. Gradually she began to work with more fervour and he could see that she was close, even as he was. When she did peak her back arched right off the bed and the hand that she had been using was thrown behind her head to grasp at the bars of the headboard. She screamed in pleasure and it was perhaps that more than anything that brought on his own climax and soon they were laying as before in a tangle of arms and legs, sweat glistening on their bodies and the flush of pleasure on their faces.

Gently he kissed her forehead and she snuggled close to him, resting her head on his shoulder. His arms snaked around her and she lay within the protective circle of his arms. Idly she traced her fingers through the hairs on his chest, until she fell into a peaceful sleep. He lay awake hearing her breathing slow as she fell asleep. He longed to hold her thus forever and cursed the idiocy that had made him leave her in the first place. Okay so he had thought that he was working for the benefit of the order, but not to tell anyone his plans had been stupid and resulted in so much pain and torment. Trying to push such thoughts from his head he instead gazed adoringly at the woman he held. He kissed her hair and then lay back to sleep himself. They slept long and peacefully, more so than either had been able to do for many months. Great comfort was to be found in a loved ones arms.

It was still dark when they woke, almost at the same time, although it was nearly noon. The thick curtains that Severus hung in his bedroom kept out all light. Hermione yawned and stretched luxuriously. Severus watched her from where he lay, enjoying the sight of her naked frame as always.

“Morning,” he said.

“Morning,” she red ald almost shyly. He sat up then and kissed her softly.

“Did you sleep okay?”

“Better than ever.”

He smiled at her and wrapped his arms around her again, unable to bear being apart from her by even a tiny distance. They sat for sometime like that before Severus supposed it was time to get up.

“No,” moaned Hermione, “Not yet, stay here.” She pushed him back against the bed and lay on top of him to prevent it.

“You know if you stay like that too long then I will not be held responsible for my actions,” he growled menacingly.

“Oh really?” she cast an innocent look his way. “And pray tell; what might those actions be?”

He growled again and pushed her down on to the bed, lying heavily on top of her. “Guess,” he said.

“I can’t!” she smiled impishly at him. “I’m sweet and innocent remember?”

“Is that so?” he asked amused, “Well we’ll have to see what I can do about that then!”

With one hand he held her hands above her head so that she couldn’t move and with his knees he pushed her legs apart and settled himself between them, before lowering his mouth to hers in a crushing kiss. She felt him heavily on her and it felt wonderful. His lips moved from hers and began to trail them down across her body. His hand released hers, but she kept them above her head, grasping at the headboard for the support she felt she would need.

Soft lips found a nipple and began to coax it to a peak, while one hand repeated the procedure with the other. She squirmed beneath him and moaned softly. To her surprise when she did thatstopstopped what he was doing until she was quiet and started again. As he continued another low moan escaped her lips and once again he stopped grinning evilly at her. Every time she made a noise he would stop, teasing her until she was desperate and begging.

“That’s cruel,” she whispered raggedly.

“Fun though,” was the wry reply. And he lowered his mouth once more to her breasts. She bit her lip to prevent any noise escaping and grinning he began to move lower. He spent long minutes on her flat white belly and her hands slid down from above her head to play with his hair and encourage him lower.

“Ah, ah!” he chided, “That’s against the rules!” And with that he slid off. Hermione moaned with protest but he was not gone long. A few seconds later he returned bearing a soft silken scarf. Taking her hands he bound them up with that and tied it up to the headboard, seeking permission with his eyes even as he did so. Hermione, to her amazement felt her arousal increase still further.

”Oh God…” she moaned. The restraints were not tight and the feeling of being spread open, naked for his eyes was incredibly erotic. He pressed on finger momentarily to her lips and resumed his position above her.

Softly his tongue and lips continued to explore her belly. Unable to resist any longer Severus went still lower to slip his tongue tantalisingly between her lips. Hermione once again bit her lip to prevent herself from making any noise. He wanted to tease then he could tease, but she definitely did not want him to stop now. He nuzzled at her with his nose, brushing her nub and causing her to quiver, but she made no sound. His tongue pushed in deeper now, lapping at her soft wet folds. She tasted divine and soon he got completely lost in her. After many minutes Hermione could not contain a quivering moan, and reluctantly, teasingly he stopped what he was doing. Hermione lay once more lay shaking on the bed, trying to restrain herself from pulling her hands free to release her torment with her own fingers. When she had regained some semi-control of herself Severus continued his game, this time using fingers as well as tongue. Yet another climax was building within her, brought on by only the talent of his hands and mouth. She bit right through her lip in the attempt to remain silent and a thin trail of blood ran down her cheek. A suddenly explosion of pleasure ripped through her body and she could no longer stop from screaming out. She felt his body sliding up her own but hardly recognised it, her mind was too full of her pleasure.

Gently he released her hands, and wiped away the tiny bit of blood with the scarf, casting it aside and holding her tightly. His erection was building, but he waited for her to regain herself before moving to enter her. She encouraged him towards her with her hands and soon he pushed inside her. She was still wet from her orgasm and he moaned in pleasure. They moved together, needing and wanting to feel the other this closely. Time became meaningless as they made love, neither one needing anything but the other. Their eyes locked and held, exploring each others souls, even as they explored each others bodies.

They came together in a shuddering climax which wracked their bodies and left them breathless. After they lay apart, only touching each other by the hand, which were clasped together, each lost in their own thoughts. How long they lay there they knew not, but at last Severus sat up and looked down at her;

“Are you okay?”

She smiled, “Never better.”

He bent to kiss her nose and then pulled away. “I’m going for a shower, I won’t be long.”

She nodded and pulled the covers more tightly round her as he slipped out and passed out of her sight into the next room. She could hear the water turn one and imagined him slipping into the hot streams of water. Not wanting to resist she got up, creeping to the door which was slightly ajar and peered through. She could barely make out his body for the steam, but the sight of him was wonderful. Pushing open the door quietly she slipped inside. He had his back to her and did not notice her come in. Stealthily she crossed the room and opened the shower door. He span around and grinned as he saw her, opening his arms to welcome her in. She slipped in, pulling the door to behind her and snuggled into his arms. Hot water ran in steaming rivulets down her back and his arms were slick and wet about her.

“I’m so sorry,” she said then.

He looked quizzically at her. “I put you through so much over the past few weeks,” she explained.

“Hey,” he said, “No more than you went through because of me. If I’d just told someone what I was trying to do, or hadn’t had the stupid idea in the first place then none of this would have happened at all.”

“What stupid idea?” she asked looking up at him, but she could see that he didn’t want to talk about it. “Well I’m still sorry,” she said after an awkward pause. “I knew you hadn’t really done it. Deep down I knew. Harry suggested veritaserum at one point, but I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to accept that you were innocent because then…” she stopped.

“Because then they were really gone?” he finished for her. She nodded. “I wish I could change that Hermione, their blood is on my hands and I will never forgive myself for that.”

“Well you didn’t kill them,” she said but then she pulled away, “Did you?”

“No, but if Voldemort hadn’t caught me out then he would have never found them. Apparently the idea of us together wasn’t pleasing to him. I don’t know why, and he wanted to make sure we would be apart forever, no, more than that. He wanted us to hate each other.”

Hermione looked puzzled. “That’s weird,” her frown deepened.

“What is?”

“Dumbledore mentioned something about me and you; me being the only one that could rescue you, and the ancestors picking me, or us.” She looked up at him in confusion, but the look he gave her back was no help, he was clearly as confused as she was.

“I dare say it’ll work out in the end,” he said.

“Aren’t you even a little bit curious?” she asked.

“Of course and later I will be as inquisitive as you like but right now I have a beautiful, naked young woman in my arms and I have much better things to think about!” He ginned at her and she smacked him playfully.

He bent down and kissed her rather seriously. “Again?” she asked amazed.

“Why not?” he grinned, “We have a lot of time to catch up for, remember?”

She grinned back and stood on tip-toe to kiss him back. Hot water pounded on their skin and steamed up the room. He picked her up and pushed her back against the wall, she wrapped her legs around him and her arms around his neck. The water was now pouring across her chest and teasing her nipples into hard peaks.

“I love you,” you announced then, her face serious.

“I know,” he replied kissing her face. “I love you too, always!”

AN – Okay that works out at about 6 pages of pure smut if you exclude the conversation. But I couldn’t resist, they’ve been apart for so long they deserved a bit of fun! :D I will get back to plot next chapter, promise. Hermione and Sev still have a long way to go before everything’s okay again but they will start to work it out now.