The Rules of Engagement

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A Prelude to Mating
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Hermione swayed slightly as they appeared, but Severus’ sure grip kept her from losing her balance. Why had she said it that way ?, she wondered. But the answer was as clear as it was surprising. Snape Manor was starting to feel like home to her, at least as much as Hogwarts did. As she stepped back and took his arm, she wondered what Severus thought of her comment. Looking up into his face, he appeared completely neutral.

“I wonder where Remus and Annya are ?” Hermione asked.

“Tinker will know.” Severus answered calmly. Calm ? That was not a term usually associated with the Potions Master, but yet it was the best word to describe his mood the entire day. He had spent all day by her side and not once had he snapped at anyone. Now that she thought about it, Severus had been rather calm this past week, since bringing Annya back. Hermione had still heard the usual complaints from the students about the Potions Master. His classroom persona had not changed, the change was only apparent when he was in her presence and she wasn’t sure what to think about it. Or about what he had said, ‘Never think that I do not care.’

Did that mean he did care ? Well, don’t be an idiot, she thought to herself, of course he cares, but how much ? How much did she want him to care ? They came to stop at the front door, bringing her out of her thoughts.

“Forgive me, if I have angered you.” Dark eyes looked down at her with concern. She stared dumbly for a moment.

“No, I . . . . . . No, I ‘m not angry.”

A sensuous hand raised to brush the curls off her shoulder, the expression on his face one of admiration.

“I have neglected to tell you how lovely you look today.”

She felt the heat rising to her cheeks. “You look quite smart yourself.” she said, trying to deflect the attention off herself. She just caught a pleased smirk that formed on his lips before he turned and opened the front door.

Hermione wasn’t sure exactly how she was expecting to find a mating pair of werewolves, but reading quietly in the front parlor was a scenario that had not occurred to her. Remus closed the book he had been reading and stood from the chair, Annya looked up from her spot on the couch where she was curled up.

“Good to see you.” Remus said, crossing the room to kiss her cheek. Hermione almost backed away, remembering how the werebitch had reacted to Tonk’s mere presence in the same room with Remus. The Head Girl shot a worried glance in the werebitch’s direction. The blonde woman laughed, noting the younger woman’s concern.

“Don’t worry, Hermione. I know your affection for Remus is true. Your desires are engaged elsewhere.” Annya said with a smirk, her eyes resting first on the Lord of the Manor, then Hermione. The younger woman felt her cheeks flush.

Severus took their cloaks and left the room, without acknowledging the werebitch’s statement. Hermione was relieved. Her feelings towards the Potions Master were becoming muddled. She did desire him, that much was clear in her mind. But what woman would not want more of the way he had made her feel ? Or more of the powerful way pleasing him made her feel ?

“How was the wedding ?” Remus asked beside her, bringing her back to the present.

“Well honestly, it was a bit odd. But Susan and Ernie were happy. That’s all that matters, I suppose.”

Annya sat up and patted the cushion beside her. Hermione sat down and gave the blonde a shy smile.

“I’ve never been to a real wedding.” Annya commented with no indication if this was a good or bad thing.

“Really ?” Hermione asked unbelievingly.

“Most of the people I know are werewolves and we aren’t allowed to get married. Well, not a legally recognized marriage anyway.”

“Oh.” The young Gryffindor said inadequately, as she noticed a frown forming on her Defense professor’s face. Severus came back into the room and seated himself in the other armchair.

“I have asked Tinker to bring in Tea.”

“What did you think of the wedding, Severus ?” Annya asked cheerily.

“A bit too muggle for my taste.”

“What’s the difference ?” The blonde asked eagerly watching the dark haired man intently.

“The bride was swaddled in a plethora of puffy white fabric with a bouquet of orange flowers with black ribbons streaming from it. Most distressing.” Severus said with distaste. “There was no blood transfer and a rotund woman wailed on cue in the middle of the ceremony, somewhere after the second time we knelt on the ground.”

Hermione burst out laughing. “That was Susan’s great Aunt Amelia. Muggles often have music in their weddings.”

“I do not believe I would refer to that as music.”

“And they did perform Gwaed Trosglwyddiadau. They did it last night, so it wouldn’t scare Susan’s parents.”

“And why would Gwaed Trosglwyddiadau scare them ? It is a most ancient and sacred act ! It is the epitome of intimacy and commitment.” Severus said with some force.

“I thought making love was the epitome of intimacy.” Remus commented with a slight smirk.

“Lupin, even you must see that the sharing of blood between a witch and a wizard is the highest form of commitment.”

“Are you going to do it in your ceremony ?” Annya asked looking between the affianced pair. Hermione’s mind froze, they hadn’t really discussed it.

“I am leaving the ceremony up to Hermione.” Severus said, which was followed by an awkward silence.

Tinker popped in with the Tea and placed it on the low table. Hermione greeted him warmly and the small creature’s ears twitched with delight. She sent a message with him to tell Wubby, she would visit with her soon.

Refreshments were savored in near silence. Hermione asked after Remus’ health. He seemed happy to inform her that he was now doing well. His strength was returning and he and Annya often took a turn around the grounds, relishing the autumn weather.

Hermione was nearly dying of curiosity as to how far the ‘mating’ had proceeded, but it seemed impolite to ask one’s professor if he had had sex with a woman he hardly knew, even if he was a friend.

“I believe I’d like a stroll before dinner.” Remus announced casually. “Hermione, would you like to change and walk with me ?”

Hermione glanced at the werebitch to gauge her feelings on the matter. The blonde woman gave her a slight grin and an encouraging nod.

“I’d like that.” Hermione answered, giving Remus a smile.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Severus sipped his tea and looked up to find his young blonde companion smirking at him. He set down his cup and addressed the woman.

“What is it you find so amusing, Miss Leonov ?”

“You. And call me Annya,” she said, showing him a broad smile. Severus arched an eyebrow questioningly.

“What, pray tell, is so amusing about me, . . . . . . Annya ?” It rankled him a little to address her so informally, they hardly knew each other, but since they were to stay in the same house, it seemed polite. Merlin help him, when did he worry about being polite ?

“That formal face you put on for the world. You aren’t unfeeling at all. Remember, I can tell.” she said pointing a finger to the side of her nose. “Especially when you’re in the company of a certain young lady.”

“My affairs are my own business,” Severus said in warning.

“Oh, so it’s an affair, is it ? I thought it was an engagement.”

“I will thank you to keep your werebitch nose out of my private life.” Severus snapped, trying to make ‘werebitch’ sound like an insult, but his companion laughed heartily. He glared his most formidable glare at her, but it did not cease her merriment.

“I don’t suppose you’ve ever heard the old adage ‘A werebitch nose knows all secrets’ ?” Annya said with a giggle.

“No.” he said, feeling like a ruffled bird.

“I like her. Hermione. She’s very sharp, I like that.” The woman curled her legs up next to her as if settling into an interesting discussion. “She feels the same about you, at least desire wise.”

To his great distress, Severus felt his cheeks warming. He turned his head towards the window. “How is the mating progressing ?” he said after a long pause.

“Oh, we’re going to be polite and change the subject. All right. The mating is going okay, I think. We’re still in the bonding phase. It’s been a little difficult. Remus has spent so many years suppressing his wolven side, I think he’s finding it hard to let go.” She sighed a little. “He is too controlled. But you wouldn’t know anything about that, would you.”

Severus looked at her and Annya was giving him a quirked smile. He found the corners of his lips twitching in response.

“I believe I shall retire to the library until dinner.” he said, then stood and exited the room. Something about this young woman was beginning to grow on him.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


“Did Severus behave himself today ?” The fair haired man asked. They were walking side by side along the edge of the pond as the sun hung low in the sky.

Hermione chuckled. “Yes, he did. He was a perfect gentleman all day. I even got him to dance with me.”

“Dance !? Really ? I don’t know as I have ever seen Severus dance.” Remus said with delight.

“He’s very good.” She said, letting the conversation fall into a comfortable silence as the greenhouse came into view.

Hermione shared a few of her’s and her mother’s ideas for the ceremony as she and Remus peered into the empty glass structure. Soon, they turned and headed back towards the house slowly.

“Are you still certain of your choice ?” He asked and she knew the gathering darkness hid little from the werewolf, but she was thankful for it just the same.

“Of course.”

“No more arguments ?”

“What couple doesn’t argue ?”

Remus let out a warm laugh. “Just so.”

A few paces later her professor asked her a more difficult question.

“Have you changed your mind about allowing Severus to truly be a husband to you ?”

Hermione blushed and turned her head, staring at the last rose tinted beams of the setting sun.

“You know we have already slept together. Severus told me he talked to you.”

“Being a husband is more than sex, Hermione. Are you willing to let him love you ?”

The young woman stopped in her tracks in the middle of the Herb garden to stare wide eyed at her professor.

“Love me ?” Hermione burst out. Remus must have gone daft. Severus Snape . . . . love her ? A mudblood ? A Gryffindor ? His student ? His wife, a voice in the back of her mind firmly reminded her, and soon to be the mother of his child.

“Severus is a man of deep feeling, good and bad. You know that he cares for you, don’t you ?”

“I . . . . yeah, I suppose so. We’ve gotten to know each other some. I guess we’re getting on alright.”

“Getting on ?” Remus laughed. “Severus went to a social function voluntarily, didn’t snipe at anyone and even danced. What would you call that ? Given his personality, you wouldn’t call that out of the ordinary ?”

“He was just being civil.”

“And since when does Severus Snape worry about being civil ?” Remus stared at her a moment or two as she could not think of anything to say.

“We should go in.” He said glancing towards the house.

“Wait, I didn’t get to ask about you and Annya.”

The werewolf let a smamilemile grace his lips. “Miss Leonov is a most interesting young lady.”

“She isn’t that young. How old is she ?”

“Not yet thirty.”

“That’s not that much younger than you.”

“Miss Leonov is here to help only.”

“She likes you.”

“She admires a name, not me.” Remus said with a frown.

“Feeling a bit like Harry ?”

Remus chuckled, looking a little surprised. “Yes, I suppose so.”

“Cauldron’s on another fire, now isn’t it ?” She said. Remus laughed softly, then his demeaner turned more serious.

“How is Tonks ?” The pain in the werewolf’s eyes told of his expected answer. Hermione sighed.

“Alright, I hope. She went home, so I haven’t been able to talk to her. Professor Dumbledore said she would be fine. She talked to him before leaving. She has ‘other’ worries right now.”

Remus’ face turned grim. “Is the order going to help her ?” Hermione nodded.

“As much as they can. Don’t worry Remy, she’ll be okay.” He looked at her then averted his eyes, nodding his agreement. As the last rays of the sun faded from view, they turned and entered the house.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~**~*~

The Lord of the Manor sat nervously on the edge of the bed waiting for his fiancé to join him in the bedroom. He closed his eyes trying to will away the thoughts of what might happen this evening and his body’s subsequent reaction to them. He had resolved that this night was for Hermione’s pleasure alone. Determined to show his soon-to-be wife of his ability to satisfy her, Severus had decided to not seek gratification himself. Well, his brain had decided, his loins had quite a different opinion.

“Were you ready for bed ?” Hermione’s voice broke through his thoughts. Dark eyes snapped up and fell on the young woman. He almost laughed at the vision in front of him. Her night attire looked specifically chosen for tonight. The plain white nightgown had a high neck and low hem, revealing little skin. Had she no idea how fetching she looked in such a demure garment ?, he thought and felt his shaft twitch in agreement.

“I was only waiting for you.” Severus answered, watching her eyes rake over his nightwear. It seemed prudent to cover himself as much as possible, so he wore an old pair of flannel pajamas. The top had obviously been worn considerably less than the bottoms, if at all. Standing, he turned back the covers and climbed into the bed, stretching out and feeling Hermione doing the same. He had just settled on his back when he heard Hermione say ‘nox’, leaving them in the dark.

Severus lay still, barely breathing, uncertain of how he wished to proceed. This is ridiculous, he thought to himself, you are a grown man and this woman is to be your wife. Why did this young Gryffindor cause such anxiety in him ?

“Severus ?”

“Yes,” he answered too quickly.

“Thank you for letting Remus and Annya stay here. It was kind of you.”

“It was nothing. They could certainly not have stayed at the school,” he said reasonably. Hermione turned onto her side to face him.

“Why do you do that ?”

He turned his head towards her, though he could only see her outline by the fading firelight.

“Do what ?”

“You never let anyone thank you. You deflect any hint of gratitude or praise.”

Severus stared up at the darkness broken gently by the flicker of the glowimbermbers. He sighed deeply. He could not even argue, he knew it was true. When one is accustomed to no recognition, any amount of praise feels wrong. The silence stretched. He could not come up with a suitable response.

“Severus,” she said and a hand landed lightly in the middle of his chest.

“I do not know.” Severus admitted softly. Even with his eyes closed he could feel her watching him. How had the moment gotten so awkward ?

“Thank you,” Hermione’s whispered breath tickled his skin before he felt her lips press lightly to his temple. She repeated the whispered phrase again and again each followed by a light kiss. One kiss to his nose, one to each eye, one to his forehead, one to each cheek, but after she pressed her soft lips to his chin, he grasped her face and captured her lips in a hungry kiss. From anyone else, the words and kisses might have felt staged, but from Hermione the gesture and the emotion felt true. He was shocked at how much her praise meant to him. Before he knew it, he had rolled her onto her back and he had settled overtop of her, his length hardening quickly. The kiss became desperate, as if he could not get close enough to her and she echoed his need. One of his thighs worked it’s way between hers and she was rocking her heated center against him. A loud groan came from him when her hands went under his top and touched bare skin, kneading and clawing at his back. His hips began to rock involuntarily, rubbing his aching bulge against her thigh. He broke the kiss.

“Hermione,” Severus panted breathlessly, listening to her answering pants. “did you bring any of those muggle devices with you ?” Her breath caught in understanding.

“I . . . . um . . . no, no I didn’t.” The defeated man dropped his head to her shoulder with a grunt. After several breaths, he steeled himself and rose from the bed. Seeking escape, he headed for the door.

“Severus wait, please don’t leave.” He stopped with his hand on the knob, closing his eyes against the desperatio hea heard in her voice. Taking a deep breath, he repeated a phrase in his mind again and again, ‘for her pleasure’. But thinking of giving her pleasure was doing little to relieve his current predicament.

“I have an idea.” He turned to look and she was standing beside the bed looking rumpled from his attentions, wringing her hands. He lowered his head in dt.
t.

“I should leave, my dear. I am not to be trusted. One more touch and I fear I am lost.”

“You . . . . . you won’t have to touch . . . me.” With a furrowed brow his eyes met hers. “Come . . . . sit down.”

Tentatively, he walked back to the bed and sat up against the headboard. Hermione sat at the other end of the bed against the footboard facing him. She had her wand in her hand and lit a few candles. There was just enough light to see she was biting her lip andsee see the peaks of her breasts poking at the thin fabric of her gown. He tore his eyes away from that vision, swallowing hard, then looked back into her eyes.

“What was your idea ?” Severus said, his voice sounding strangled even to him. Her eyes flitted nervously from the bed to his and he almost groaned when she licked her lips.

“I . . . . . I thought that maybe . . . . . we could . . . um,” she licked her lips again, then fixed her eyes on the floral design of the bedcovering. “We could . . . . pleasure . . . . . ourselves.”

Severus could hear the blood begin to rush through his system. He licked his own lips and looked into her face, which she was half hiding with her hair.

“You mean . . . . . . watch each other ?” He asked to clarify. Hermione looked up at him nervously and nodded her head.

Bloody Merlin !! His heart was pounding madly. The thought of watching Hermione . . . . touch herself. He had to shift to a more comfortable position to accommodate his growing approval. Looking at her wringing hands, it struck him how difficult it must have been to suggest this course of action. He was far older and more experienced and didn’t think he could have brought up an idea such as this. Gryffindor bravery, he thought with a silent snort.

“I am . . . . willing.” He said carefully. “However, you must promise to stay where you are.”

“I will,” she said with a slight smile. “I promise not to touch you until . . . we’re . . um . . . . finished,”

They stared at each other for a few moments, each waiting to see what the other would do. Hermione finally lifted her hand and began unbuttoning her gown. Severus was spellbound, as short glimpses of her skin were revealed. She cleared her throat and he looked up into her eyes. She raised an eyebrow to him. Oh, yes. He should be undressing also. Opening his top and removing it, he watched her lift her gown over her head. His eyes danced over her body, taking in every generous slope and valley. Chestnut curls fell across her shoulder and teased the top of her breast. She had turned her head to the side, a warm glow in her ch

“Forgive me for staring. You are just so lovely.” Her dro dropped down to the bed and she shook her head gently.

“I’m nothing special to look at.” Was it possible she had no inkling of her appeal ?

“My dear, you are exquisite.” She looked back up into his eyes. As if to prove his point, Severus stood and striped off his pants and under shorts, letting his shaft spring out. A giggle came from the bed, and for a moment he felt ridiculous and exposed, until he saw the smile on his intended’s face. Her warm eyes roamed over is body. It required every ounce of his control to not cover himself, but he saw nothing but approval in her eyes. He sat back down, leaning into the headboard. Hermione made herself comfortable, with her legs curled to the side. Well, that is never going to work, Severus thought to himself. More time passed as they stared at one another.

“How should we . . . . . um . .starstart ?” She asked uncomfortably. Severus swallowed the desire rising in his throat.

“I would like to see you fondle your breasts.”

“You would ?” She seemed uncertain, but lifted her hands, cupping her breasts gently. He nearly moaned at the erotic vision.

“And . . . “ he managed to say, before she pinched her nipple causing all intelligent thought to cease.

“Yes ?” She inquired while tugging at the others nipple as well.

“You should . . . . . um . . . .your legs. Place your legs out in front of you, open a bit.” Hermione did as instructed, even drawing her knees up some to give him an excellent view of her nether charms.

“Aren’t you going to . . . . . .?” She asked innocently.

Now he felt like a clumsy teenager. What should he do ? What did she want to see ? What was he willing to show her ?

Severus made himself comfortable, stretching his long legs out in front of him, his hlenglength resting against his stomach. He thought to perhaps stroke himself, but it seemed too soon for that. So he compromised and brought one hand up to rub his chest and with the other, he reached down and massaged his sac, letting his eyes slip closed for a moment. He snapped them open again at the small gasp from the end of the bed. Hermione was watching him, her hand slipping down towards her glistening curls. She continued fondling a breast with one hand as her other delved into her slick folds. Severus groaned at the sight, his hand moving to stroke himself.

Tearing his eyes away from her sex, he saw she was watching his hand move slowly up and down his shaft. He breathed in deeply.

“I can smell you,” he said, the words half moan and half spoken.

“What ?” The young woman looked at him wide eyed.

“Your scent. It is intoxicating.”

“Oh.” she said, her lips forming a little ‘o’. She appeared to like what he had said as her hand seemed to move more purposefully . She took a deep breath. “I can smell you too, sort of spicy and masculine. You always smell so good …….. and your voice. I‘ve always liked your voice.”

“Have you, my dear ?” he said, dropping the register of his voice to what he knew was seductive. She whimpered and her legs fell open more. The grip he had on his length tightened and the speed of his strokes increased. “Place a finger inside yourself.”

She looked at him with a combination of embarrassment and excitement. Watching him for a moment, she appeared unsure, but then her hand left her breast and went down to her sex. She closed her eyes and pushed two fingers between her pouting lips. A groan escaped Severus’ lips, he couldn’t help himself. Watching this lovely young woman doing such wanton things, displaying her body for him and knowing that she would be his wife. Bloody Merlin, it was nearly more than he could stand.

“Are you close ?” Severus asked desperately, a frustrated grunt was his answer. “What can I do ?”

His own release was eminent, but he wanted to watch her climax first. Hermione mumbled something he didn’t catch. Her eyes opened and locked onto his, a blaze of passion burned brightly there, searing him and causing a fire in the pit of his stomach.

“Name,” she gasped out louder than before as she continued her efforts and he understood what she needed.

“Hermione,” he whispered huskily, watching the effect of his voice wash over her, a moan passing over her lips. “Hermione, call out my name.”

“Oh, Severus . . . . . . . Severus !!” she called, her head going back, her body arching towards him. The sight of her and her voiced ecstasy proved to be too much. With a loud grunt, the fire in his belly exploded and wetness splattered his skin and oozed down his hand. He had to lay back gasping for breath, his mind a blissful blank. Minutes, hours later, he couldn’t tell, a soft voice spoke a cleaning charm, then pulled the covers over him. Not being able to pull himself out of the tranquil haze he was floating in, Severus gave into it and settled against the warm body that held him, more at peace than he had felt in a very long time.


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I KNOW it’s been a long time coming. I wish I didn’t need sleep either, so I could get more done, but that isn’t the way it is working out. I will be working on the next chapter, but I won’t make any promises as to when it will be posted.

Hope you liked.

Glinda
(not getting many reviews here (less than 0.5%), may have to rethink posting here, but will still update to other sites)
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I also have two original short PWPs for your lusty pleasure !!

http://chaos.sycophanthex.com/viewuser.php?uid=78

PLEASE leave a review !!

Glinda

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