Forbidden Obsession

Forbidden Obsession

Chapter 3


Severus Snape\'s rooms were lit only by candlelight, flickering and casting an array of shadows against the walls. Severus sat motionless in his chair. He had removed his dress robes and jacket. The top button of his black trousers was unfastened, and his white dress shirt was unbuttoned and open, its sleeves rolled up. His black, limp hair was disheveled, covering part of his face. His expression was hard and cold as he considered the events of the evening.

The only movement was when he raised his glass of cognac to his lips. The sip of liquor warmed his throat as it began its journey to helping him forget yet another mistake -- but had it been a mistake? In all his years of being who he was, he had made it a rule never to drink from an acquaintance. He had been warned about such things long ago and had abided by the restriction until now. Now he had fed, not just from an acquaintance, but from his student. It had not been a complete feeding, yet he had as much energy as if it had been.

Taking another drink of his cognac, he closed his eyes as he swallowed slowly, concentrating on the heat of the alcohol. The chill of the dungeon\'s air was sharp against his throat as he breathed in, causing his attention to return to the problem.

Covering his eyes with his free hand, he slowly rubbed his temples. It was difficult enough trying to convince himself he had drunk Miss Granger\'s blood to save his life, but it was even more of a challenge to convince himself his life was worth the sacrifice. He was well aware that his life was in the hands of others, yet he made decisions to always protect his own life. Because of these decisions, he was merely a pawn, while others controlled the game.

Removing his hand from his eyes, he raised his glass in the air, saying a silent, meaningless toast, and then finished the cognac in one quick swig. Putting the glass down, he waved his hand and every candle in the dungeons was snuffed out.

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

The intensity of the sunlight shining through Hermione\'s window was what finally woke her. Opening her eyes, she quickly shut them, thinking someone had turned her light on. Instinctively covering her eyes with her hands, she slowly removed them so that her eyes could gradually adjust.

She looked around her room, realizing the source of the light was from the sun. \"It can\'t be,\" she whispered, looking at her clock. It said 2:12pm. Hermione Granger had never slept past nine o\'clock, but today she had.

\"Unbelievable,\" she muttered, crawling out of bed. \"That cool air last night was more relaxing than I thought.\"

Getting out of bed, her legs were weak, but she assumed it was due to being in bed for so long. Pulling her lavender cotton nightgown over her head, she gingerly walked into the bathroom. Tossing it onto the floor, she rubbed her eyes, heading to the sink. Squinting into the bathroom mirror, she cringed at her reflection. Her hair looked like a bird\'s nest. It was going to take several detangling charms to undo that mess, she thought while reaching for her toothbrush.

When her teeth were clean, she filled the bathtub with hot water and Sandalwood oil. It was one of the scents given to her by Tonks. She was a bit insulted that Tonks would give her an oil that was for nervousness, anxiety, and acne, but Tonks whispered to her that it also contained the power to stimulate arousal and awaken erotic desires.

Until now, she had never wanted to use it. Removing her knickers, she carefully stepped into the tub and allowed the water to envelop her body.

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

The following Monday, Hermione was walking two paces behind Harry and Ron who were busy discussing their latest plot to defeat the Hufflepuffs in the next Quidditch match. Hermione was relaxed, thinking about potions class. They had been assigned an essay on the properties of dragon eggshells and how they varied from species to species. She was mentally going over her essay, making sure she covered every aspect of the objectives that Professor Snape had outlined, while following Harry and Ron.

Lost in thought, Hermione began to notice Harry\'s and Ron\'s voices fading, to the point that she could see that they were speaking, but could not hear what was being said. As if moving in slow motion, she turned to look at the students in the hall who were slowly walking past her with their voices softly fading but still she could not decipher what was being said.

Confused by what was happening, she raised her hand and reached out for Harry. He had been within arm\'s length of her but now he was more than an arm\'s length away. She tried to reach further out to touch him, but he seemed to always move just out of her reach.

\"Harry,\" she said, but he didn\'t respond.

Her heart rate began to increase out of panic, but she became acutely aware of a second heartbeat that was echoing in her ears. The sound of the heartbeat increased to the point that she could not only hear it, but she could feel it. Fear struck her and her heart rate increased as she realized it was approaching her from behind. Just as she saw a person coming into her vision, she felt her heart rate instantly slow down and come into sync with the other pulse. As the two heartbeats merged into one, Hermione saw who the person was. Professor Snape moved into her line of vision.

As if time had stopped altogether, their eyes met. Their breathing was synchronized, as were their pulses. She couldn\'t look away. She didn\'t want to look away. His dark eyes looked past her eyes and into her soul. For a second she thought he had entered her mind.

\"Hermione.\"

\"Hermione.\"

She was vaguely aware that someone was calling her name.

\"Hermione!\" Ron repeated sternly.

Hermione snapped out of her trancelike state and realized that Ron had been calling her.

Unsure what was happening she whispered, \"What?\"

\"I asked are you planning on attending the Quidditch match this Saturday?\"

Looking past Ron, she noticed Professor Snape passing by. Every other time Professor Snape had walked past them, he had never looked back, but just now, for a split second, his head snapped toward her, making eye contact for a fraction of a second before he disappeared inside the classroom.

\"I ... yes,\" she said half heartedly, trying to figure out what had just happened. She was sure she had been hit with a spell, but as soon as it had happened, it was over. Shaking her head, she continued into the classroom.

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

A meeting of the Order was taking place to discuss the latest demands of Lord Voldemort. Everyone was gathered, quietly visiting with one another.

Usually Severus made a dramatic entrance, flaunting the power he held but tonight he sat in the front of the room, facing the others.

With his long legs crossed, he rested his elbow on the arm of the chair while his fingers pinched the bridge of his nose. He was very still, barely breathing. It appeared that he was staring at the stone floor, but he was so deep in thought that the intensity of his dark eyes prevented anyone from approaching him.

The whispers quieted down as Albus moved to Severus\' side.

\"Again, thank you for being here. You are all quite aware that the short notice for this meeting has set the tone for the evening, but I will allow Severus the opportunity to share his information with you.\"

All eyes fell on Severus, who made his first movement of the night by closing his eyes for a brief second. Taking in a deep breath, he slowly let it out. Opening his eyes, he focused directly on Hermione. Standing up, his tall, thin figure, adorned in black, dominated those who were seated. There were no sneers or smirks or displays of power tonight. Severus\' voice was smooth and deep as each syllable rolled off his tongue.

\"The Dark Lord has ordered the next slaying to take place during the full moon.\" He
looked at Remus as he spoke his last words, but didn\'t wait for a response from him. \"He has ordered your death, Lupin and it shall take place during the full moon, when you are at your weakest. The Dark Lord wants to finish off the last of the Marauders.\" There were hushed whispers among the members.

\"He won\'t kill him,\" shouted Harry, jumping to his feet. \"It ends now. I\'m tired of death and I am tired of just sitting by, allowing it to happen.\"

\"And I suppose the rest of us are just allowing it to happen, Mister Potter?\" sneered Severus. \"Do I need to remind you of the work I have been doing for the past three years?\"

\"I am well aware of your work, professor, since you regularly remind us of it.\"

Hermione stood up and grabbed Harry\'s arm. \"Stop it,\" she hissed in his ear.

Harry jerked his arm out of grasp and continued, \"The only reason I am not out there fighting with you is because all of you treat me like a child.\" His voice was angry, but remained in control.

Severus moved closer to Harry and hissed, \"The reason you are not out there fighting is because you would get killed within minutes, fulfilling the prophecy in the Dark Lord\'s favor.\"

Harry stood his ground with his fists clenched at his sides. The look in his eyes displayed his hatred for the man standing in front of him. Harry still blamed Snape for the death of Sirius, and if Remus died it would be Snape\'s fault too.

Severus also stood his ground; his stance was less defensive but more intimidating. Severus\' black, limp hair fell on either side of his face. He slightly tilted his head forward so that his eyes looked down, glaring at Harry. His black eyes bored into Harry with such intensity that Ron could be heard, swallowing hard.

\"I believe Mister Potter has a point,\" said Albus. \"I do believe that past seven years have allowed him to prove that he is fully capable of participating in the battles.\"

Severus glared at Harry for a moment more before looking sideways at Albus, but didn\'t say anything. Instead he stepped back, taking his position at the front of the group.

Albus continued, \"If Voldemort wants Remus dead at the next full moon, then we all need to prepare ourselves, including Mister Potter.\"

Harry slowly nodded at Dumbledore, thanking him for his support.

A stern voice was heard next. \"I refuse to allow anyone to fight my battles.\" It was Remus, who was making his way to the front of the room. \"If Voldemort wants me, then he shall have me, but not without a fight.\"

\"Don\'t be ridiculous, Remus. With your Wolfbane potion, you will be as defenseless as a mutt,\" Severus said with a distinct sneer in his voice. The insult was clearly understood, but Remus did not back down.

\"I will not allow you to fight my battles, Severus.\"

\"Remus,\" said Albus gently, \"I am afraid Severus has a point. You are in no condition to fight while transformed. Even if you didn\'t take your potion, you might cause far worse damage to those around you as a werewolf.\"

Remus ran his fingers through his hair and glared intently at Severus, who smirked in return.

This was too much for Remus, who turned and stormed out of the kitchen. Hermione stood up and took off after him. She knew he was already under enough stress trying to find his place with the Order. Dumbledore siding with Snape was too much for him.

\"Don\'t go to him, Hermione. You are only playing into his game,\" hissed Severus.

Hermione turned back around, glaring straight at Snape. He returned her look for a moment and looked away. She looked at the others, but they showed no reaction to what Snape had said. Looking back at him, she narrowed her eyebrows in confusion and then shook her head. \"I must be going crazy,\" she thought, realizing the voice had only spoken inside of her head. She proceeded out the door.

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