A Crown of Thorns

Chapter Eighteen – No Longer a Dream


Returning from another one of the Dark Lord\'s gatherings, Hermione shrugged off the heavy Death Eater robes and flung them in a heap on the floor of the closet. Pulling on a lightweight set of robes she scooped her hair up quickly, securing it at the nape of her neck with a few pins.

\'Much better.\' she thought to herself as she made her way to the library, knowing that she would find Severus waiting for her. When she pushed the heavy door open, she found the room to be unusually dark and turned, heading for the laboratory.

Lifting the wards, Hermione slipped into the dimly lit room, quietly closing the door behind her, resetting
the wards and casting a silencing spell. Severus was in the far corner, hunched over what would have been his desk in the classroom at Hogwarts, and the only sound she heard was the scratching of a quill against parchment. Standing with her back against the door, Hermione watched in silence as he worked. His dark hair hung like a curtain, concealing part of his face and his long, graceful fingers held the quill delicately as he wrote, pausing only to dip into the inkwell. She smile thi this, most witches and wizards preferred to use a charmed quill to write, but she preferred the \"old-fashioned\" way as well. It was just one more thing that she found they had in common.

\"Are you going to lurk about all evening Miss Granger?\"

The familiar silky voice pulled Hermione from her thoughts and she looked up to see Professor Snape smirking at her. She grinned at him and crossed the room to where he was sitting.

\"What are you working on?\" she asked, leaning over him slightly, peeking at the parchments on the desk.

He sat back a bit to allow her a better view, \"Dumbledore has requested that I draw up a layout of Malfoy Manor.\" he said dryly.

Two weeks had passed since Voldemort had shared with Hermione his plans for the final battle and there was much work to be done. Since most of the staff went home to visit with family, Voldemort had decided that the attack on Hogwarts was to take place during the winter holidays when the school would be most vulnerable. However, with the holidays drawing alarmingly closer, Dumbledore knew that they would need to act quickly if they were to strike first.

After careful deliberation by the Order, it was decided that the time had come for Hermione and Draco to make known to Voldemort and Lucius their wishes to be married - before the final battle. At first this plan had made no sense to Hermione, but Severus was familiar with the ways of the pureblood families and explained to her that a formal betrothal celebration would be held at Malfoy Manor to honor the young couple. Traditionally, before the start of the celebration, a ceremony was held and Draco would ask the head of Hermione\'s family for her hand in marriage, but since Hermione had no family, Dumbledore had instructed her that she was to ask Voldemort to speak for her, thus ensuring his presence at the celebration.ce tce the celebration was under way, Dumbledore and the rest of the Order would attack.

The simplicity of the plan was unsettling to Hermione. Like before, she saw too many flaws. What if Lucius or Voldemort insisted that they wait until after the battle to hold the celebration? What if the Order could not breach the reinforced wards at Malfoy Manor? And most importantly to Hermione, would Voldemort allow Professor Snape to attend the celebration?

Since the night that Severus had stayed with her in her room, Hermione had grown increasingly dependent upon his presence. More often than not, she appeared at his bedside in the darkness and he would silently
pull back the covers. On these nights she would cling to him desperately, and he would hold her, watching over her as she slept, easing the visions that haunted her dreams. Severus had become the one constant in her chaotic life and she drew off of his strength, allowing it to wash over her ren renew her belief in herself.

She needed him to be by her side at the final battle.

~~~~

Another night passed as Severus sat in the immense library, turning the pages of the book before him but not really seeing the words. Hermione had come home from another attack that evening more distant than ever. She had long since retired for the evening and Severus thought to check on her to make sure that she was alright, but decided against it for fear that she would want him to stay with her again. Not that he minded when she fell asleep in his arms; her soft, rhythmic breathing lulling him to sleep. Waking the next morning to find her snuggled against him beneath the covers with one arm casually wrapped around his waist, her head resting on his chest. He found that quite lovely, actually, but he knew that he could too easily get used to the comfort he found in her presence, and right now he could not afford tcomecome so attached to another person.

For the majority of his life, Severus had strived to keep his heart closed off to the luxury of feeling love or happiness, seeing them as frivolous emotions that had no place in his solitary existence. He had long since chosen a way of life that would not permit him to have a “normal” life, and had resigned himself to the path that was chosen. But now, in the least expected place, in the least expected person, Severus caught glimpses of a life he never knew he desired.

Replacing the unread book on the shelf beside him, Severus made his way to his room, stopping briefly at Hermione’s door. Placing his hand on the knob he hesitated, leaning his forehead against the cool mahogany. He stood for a moment before retreating down the long hallway to his own room, quietly shutting the door behind him.

~~~~

That night Hermione lay in bed, her mind refusing to submit to the exhaustion that overwhelmed her body. She tossed and turned but the harder she tried to force herself to sleep, the more her mind resisted. Admitting defeat, she sat up and flung her pillow across the room in frustration. Padding across the room she rifled through the cabinet in her bathroom, not finding what she was looking for. She knew that Professor Snape kept a supply of Dreamless Sleep in his private stores so she made her way to his room.

She slipped into his dark room quietly and since his room was the same layout as hers, she easily found the bathroom and shut the door behind her. Illuminating the sconces on the wall, she rummaged through his cabinet coming up empty handed.

\'Was he having as much trouble sleeping as she was?\' she wondered to herself. It was a fairly simple potion and took almost no time at all to brew, but at this hour of the night she didn\'t want to be bothered.

Opening the bathroom door, she was startled to find Professor Snape sitting up in bed, wand pointed directly at her. She gasped, \"What on earth are you doing?\"

Lowering his wand he looked at her pointedly, \"I believe that I should be asking you that question seeing as you are sneaking out of my bathroom.\"

\"What do you think I was doing?\" she snapped, \"I couldn\'t sleep and I don\'t have any sleeping draught. Do you have any?\"

\"And I wasn\'t sneaking.\" She added with a huff.

Ignoring her surliness, Severus slipped out of bed wearing nothing but his pajama bottoms and crossed the room to where she was standing.

\"If you would like, I can have some ready in less than an hour.\" He offered.

Wearily she nodded and he slipped on his dressing gown, took her by the hand and led her to the laboratory. She settled in on one of the hard, uncomfortable stools and watched him from her perch as he began to gather the ingredients; chopping, grinding and measuring precisely until the contents of the cauldron took on a familiar glow. Lowering the flame, he left the potion to simmer for the next hour.

He came over to where Hermione was and sat down, conjuring a cup of tea for her.

\"Thank you.\" She whispered, cradling the hot mug in her hands, watching the wisps of steam rise into the air, disappearing before they had a chance to take any particular shape.

He watched her intently as she sipped her tea. She glanced up at him, catching his gaze briefly and returning it with a forced smile, but the shadows that lurked just beyond the surface of her bright eyes betrayed her.

\"Why can\'t you sleep?\"

She avoided his gaze as she spoke, \"I don\'t know.\"

\"Are you having bad dreams again?\"

She shook her head before taking a sip of the hot liquid, feeling its warmth radiate in her chest as she swallowed.

\"Then what is it?\" he questioned.

She bristled at the question, her body becoming rigid and defensive as she spoke, \"I told you already, I don\'t know.\"

Severus decided to let the matter drop for now, he was in no mood to argue with an irritated Hermione at this time of night. Instead he rose and moved to stand behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders, kneading away the tension.

Hermione closed her eyes and let her head drop forward to allow him access to the back of her neck. He gently pushed her hair aside and stroked her softly with the tips of his fingers, trailing them alone exe exposed skin of her shoulder, tracing the graceful line of her neck. It was barely a whisper of a touch, but it sent a chill down her spine. She allowed a small sigh to escape her lips before leaning back against his chest feeling the warmth of his body pressed against hers.

“Severus.” She whispered, allowing herself to ask for what she had wanted for so long.

It was one word, barely spoken, but the longing in her voice not lost to him. And despite the fact that every rational thought in his brain was screaming am tom to stop, his decided for the first time in his life, to let his heart lead him. Leaning down he brushed his lips against the hollow just below her ear as his arm snaked around her waist, pulling her even closer. He reached up with his other hand and cupped her chin, turning her head slightly, leaving light kisses trailing along the line of her jaw. Unsure of what to do, Hermione sat motionless, her heart pounding in her chest.

She jumped when he spoke quietly in her ear, “Are you sure this is what you want?”

Without hesitation, she nodded.

Severus stepped back from her and she turned, still sitting on the stool, to face him. She sat before him in her nightgown with the soft glow of the candlelight flickering on her skin, and he knew that he had never before laid sight upon such a beautiful creature. In his eyes, in that moment, she was perfect.

Something about the way he was looking at her made Hermione feel a bitder,der, reaching out she took his hand in hers and brought it to her lips, kissing the palm gently before pulling him to her. She slid her arms around his neck and tangled her hands into his lank hair, pulling him down so that their lips met. Hermione was surprised to find that his lips, the same lips that were so often twisted into that trademark smirk, were actually quite soft and warm against her own.

He returned her kiss, slowly running his tongue along her bottom lip, nipping gently at the soft flesh. His lips left hers and traveled slowly along her jaw, returning to the hollow under her ear. She tilted her head back, allowing her hands to fall limply to her lap and he followed the curve of her neck, his lips leaving a trail of fire along her skin. She leaned back a bit, willing him to go further and he moved his hands up her arms, caressing her shoulders momentarily, tracing with his fingertips the line of her collarbone. When he reached the top of her nightgown, she watched as he slowly unfastened the hooks that held the flimsy material together, sliding the straps down her arms. He paused to admire her exposed breasts before cupping them in his hands, running his thumbs over her hard peaks causing her to moan. She arched her back as he lowered his head and took one of her nipples in his mouth while running the palm of his hand over the other. He worked her sensitive flesh with his lips, sucking gently at first, flicking his tongue over the taut skin, grazing it lightly with his teeth. She gasped at the sensation, and their eyes met as she looked down, watching curiously as he moved from one breast to the other, continuing his ministrations as their gazes remained locked.

Pulling away from her, the air met her heated flesh, causing her to shiver. He stood between her legs now with his hands resting on her knees, lookiown own at her with such intensity that it was almost frightening. As she tilted her head up to meet his lips, she slid her hands over his and began to guide them up the inside of her thighs, spreading her knees apart wider. She removed her hands as his fingertips moved closer to her center, brushing against the silky material of her panties, feeling her damp heat. Finding the waistband of her panties, he moved his hand beneath it, sliding his fingers through her silky curls to seut hut her entrance. Gently, he let the tip of one finger slide in and out of her moving at an agonizingly slow pace, stroking her swollen clit with the length of his finger, up and down, teasing her. Her breathing became shorter with each breath and she grasped his hips, spreading her knees wider, tilting her pelvis upward to allow him to slip one finger inside of her, then another, while his thumb continued in circles on her clit. She moaned softly and her breathing became ragged as he increased his movements. Pressing herself desperately against his fingers, her hips rocked back and forth as the ripples of pleasure spread from her center. She had never felt like this before, it was as though every nerve in her body was being stimulated and her thoughts swirled together as the ripples of pleasure became waves that gradually consumed her body. Unable to hold back any loner, she allowed the blinding heat to course through her body and she cried out as her orgasm overtook her, causing her entire body to tremble uncontrollably.

Severus wrapped his arms around her as she buried her head against his shoulder, and he held her tightly until the sensations gradually subsided and her breathing returned to normal.

Hermione looked up into Severus’ face and rose to stand on shaky legs. Letting her nightgown pool on the floor, she stood before him in just her panties and Severus felt himself growing hard once again under the flimsy pajama bottoms he was wearing. She reached out to take his hand and he allowed her to lead him back to his room.

Standing beside the bed facing one another, Hermione slid the silky material of his dressing gown over his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. She traced the curves of his shoulders, trailing her fingers over his chest, allowing her nails to lightly graze his nipples. She heard his breath catch at her touch and looked up at him to find his dark eyes half closed, watching her intently. His skin was smooth beneath her fingertips and Hermione continued her exploration, running her hands over every inch of his exposed flesh, occasionally following her touch with light kisses. Her hands traveled to the waistband of his pajama bottoms and she looked up at him expectantly. He couldn’t help but smirk, just a bit, at her hesitation and this fueled her courage as she narrowed her eyes at him defiantly, clumsily sliding the bottoms down over his hips. Stepping out of the discarded pants, he was amused to find her staring at him wide eyed. This was, no doubt, the first time she had ever seen a completely naked man, and he was by no means lacking in endowment.

Hermione stepped closer to him and allowed one finger to follow the line of dark hair that began at his navel. When she reached the base of his cock, she stopped, unsure of what to do. Tentatively she stroked the length of him with her fingertips, light feathery touches that caused a strangled sound in the back of his throat. She grinned at this. Courage renewed, Hermione rubbed her thumb over the swollen head, smearing around the few drops of moisture that had escaped from the tip before circling her fingers around him and moving up and down.

Severus stood motionless. Never had a woman touched his body like this, with such wonder and affection.

Her lips found his and she kissed him fiercely, drawing his bottom lip between her teeth, her tongue demanding entrance into his mouth. He kissed her back with equal enthusiasm and gently pushed her down to the bed. Breaking away from him, their eyes met and she looked at him with a mixture of fear and desire. Severus kneeled between her legs, looking down at her lying before him. Hooking his fingers in the waistband of her panties, she lifted her hips to allow him to pull them down, discarding them on the floor with his own clothing.

Leaning over her he rested his weight on his elbows, capturing her lips with his as she ran her hands over his strong back, feeling the muscles beneath her fingers. Reaching down between their bodies, Severus slid his fingers into her and feeling how tight she was, he knew that this was going to be uncomfortable for her.

She whispered, almost as if she could read his thoughts, “I’ll be alright.”

He looked up into her eyes and saw her urgency as she spread her legs wider beneath him.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

A smile played on the corner of her lips as she slid her hand between them, grasping his cock and guiding it to her entrance. Hesitant, Severus slid just the tip in. He felt her body stiffen and her hands reached out on either side of her, gripping handfuls of the bedsheets in her fists. She gritted her teeth at the feeling of him pushing into her, willing her body to relax. After a moment, Severus pushed himself into her fully. Hermione let out a small yelp and gritted her teeth at the pain. It was exquisite; the complete feeling of his fullness inside of her and the sharp stabs of pain that radiated throughout her center. He watched as one tear slipped down her cheek. Leaning down he kissed the solitary tear away and pressed his cheek against hers, slowly withdrawing from her before filling her again. She drew in a breath sharply at the searing pain that shot through her with his movement and he stilled. She squirmed a bit beneath him and he began moving very slowly again, in and out, feeling her gradually relax beneath him.

Hermione had to remind herself to breathe as the pain she was experiencing slowly subsided to a dull, insistent ache. She felt him moving inside of her and let her muscles relax so that she could accommodate him as his movements began to hasten. Severriedried to control his movements, not wanting to hurt her more than he already was, but she was so tight around him he was sure that he wasn’t going to be able to hold back much longer. Hermione opened her eyes to find his face inches above hers and she leaned up, beckoning him to her. He kissed her possessively as he pushed into her repeatedly, feeling himself on the edge of release. She felt his body become rigid and with one final thrust, he filled her completely, his cry of pleasure muffled against her lips. Hermione held him tightly against her, a feeling of exhilaration rushing through her body as she stoked his back. Raising himself to lean on one elbow, Severus looked at her with concern.

“Are you alright?”

She grinned at him broadly despite the nagging pain between her legs and whispered, “Never better.”

He raised one eyebrow at her, apparently unconvinced as she shifted her legs from beneath his, wincing in pain at the movement.

She giggled, “Well, I suppose that I have been better, but…” she looked at him almost shyly, “This is what I wanted.”

“You are what I wanted.” She added quickly, “And I’m sure that next time it won’t hurt as much.”

He leaned down, gently kissing her on her forehead as he stroked her sweat-soaked hair off of her neck.

Turning on her side (and wincing again) she faced him so that they were nose to rather large nose. He snaked one arm around her waist and pulled her naked body to his, pressing her to him and letting her warmth envelope him. He felt her warm breath on his cheek and his eyes began to droop as sleep overtook him.

Lying together in the soft candlelight, Hermione leaned back so that she could watch over him as he slept, the way that he had done for her on so many nights. She surveyed the man in her arms and pushed a stray lock of hair back off of his cheek, wondering how she had been fortunate enough to find him through all of this madness. And despite the fact that he would never be a storybook prince, he managed to rescue her time and again, and in her eyes, in that moment, he was perfect.

A/N – My ogieogies again for the lapse in posting. *looking sheepish* I found myself suffering from RL problems combined with a severe bout of writer’s block, unsure of where I wanted this story to go. I am back on track now and the posting will be coming more regular once again. Thanks to all for your patience and understanding and for sticking with the story. :)