A Change of Venue 2: Granger Services, Inc

Chapter 4 ~ Honest Conversations

Hermione listened intently as Snape told her about Vargas' crimes against his art, then they had an interesting debate about potions and charms and which field was better. Hermione's point was charms creation was more cerebral, but Snape much preferred the hands on approach to potions. Since he was proficient in both fields, he felt his viewpoint was more informed than Hermione's. She listened as he described how fulfilling it was to collect ingredients and prepare them, and the preciseness necessary to create a proper brew. How the scent of bubbling caldrons could intoxicate—

"You make brewing sound very sensual, Severus," Hermione said softly. "You love to immerse your senses into the process."

"Yes," he agreed. "It is very rewarding."

Hermione smiled at him as she collected the dinner plates and returned with custard. Severus found it very good. Hermione then slid a parchment over to him. He picked it up.

"My medical records. Just to let you know I have a clean bill of health. I'm also protected from unwanted conception," she told him.

Snape read the results.

"Your ankles are a little weak," he observed.

"Just a little," she responded with a smile. "I'm not perfect. You're in good health, too, just a little underweight and a bit of stomach trouble."

"I have problems with my digestion," he replied. "Too much stomach calmer become ineffective after time. My heartburn is quite bad."

"Really? Did you know there's a very simple cure for that? One that doesn't involve potions or medications? Not bad for you at all and practically always works."

"What is it?"

"Saliva. Your natural saliva. It has properties that can neutralize acid reflux."

Snape frowned.

"So I am to bottle my own saliva and drink it?"

Hermione laughed.

"No, of course not. Just suck on something. A piece of candy, for example. You'll get relief in a couple of minutes," she informed him.

"I'll have to try that," he said, as Hermione stood up and walked over to one of her cabinets. She took something small out of it.

"Here, a peppermint. Don't wait for the symptoms to start," she told him.

Snape thanked her and finished his custard. Then he unwrapped the peppermint and popped it into his mouth. Hermione collected the remaining dishes, washed them and put them away. She returned to the table and sat down.

Hermione looked at Snape, and steeled herself. It was time to talk the business of pleasure.

"Severus, are you nervous about tonight?" she asked him softly.

"I—I have to admit some apprehension. This is a bit odd, to be dining with you and talking to you, while knowing we will be—engaging. I am concerned that—that I will not—"

"Oh, don't be concerned about your performance, Severus. You're in good hands, I promise you—"

"I'm not Lucius Malfoy—I—I pale in comparison to him—I know that. He's—attractive. I'm not. You're going to have to overlook my obvious lacking in—in physique—looks."

Snape looked very reticent about this, not meeting Hermione's eyes.

"Severus, let me tell you something, all right? And every word of this is true. Lucius Malfoy is attractive, rich, charming when he wants to be. But, if this were not business, but a matter of choice between you and him, I would choose you."

Snape scowled at her.

"I don't believe that for a minute. Don't patronize me, Hermione. I hate that. I might be a pitiful excuse for a man, but I don't want to be treated like a charity case," he said coldly. "Call a spade a spade."

"No, I would choose you, Severus. Malfoy is a pampered wizard who can pretty much bed who he wants to bed. I'm just a novelty to him. He comes here to play dress up and have a go. There's nothing really memorable about him. He's handsome, but that's outward. He's also vain and shallow—"

"What about your oath of privacy," Snape asked her suddenly.

"I don't have one with Lucius," she responded. "My contracts are tailor-written. I knew you needed one, but Lucius, that strutting peacock, doesn't. He'd love for me to talk about him. I'll never do it, but he wouldn't have a problem with it. I kept the option open though to protect myself. There may come a time when I need to talk about him."

"I see," Snape said softly, reassured.

"You are the only wizard who has ever not asked for a scenario. The only one. You are a brilliant man, Severus Snape. You aren't someone who takes women for granted. You don't think you're the gods' gift to the wizarding world, although you truly are with all the service you've done. I don't think you've ever had a satisfying sexual experience in your life, and I find that makes you exciting. When I engage you, it's going to be very special, and it has nothing to do with how you look, or your experience or abilities. It's because—it's you. Severus Snape. To be the first woman who you find real pleasure with will be an honor, not a chore. Business-wise, I couldn't play favorites, so I charged you like I would anyone else I chose to engage. But if this had been a choice, this definitely could have happened for free. After all the years you've taught me, I finally have a chance to repay the favor, and I'm truly looking forward to it."

Snape sat there, not knowing what to say as Hermione slowly stood up and walked around the table, stopping beside him.

"May I?" she asked him softly.

Snape blinked at her.

"May you what?" he asked her.

"Kiss you," she replied, then leaned in, not waiting for his answer.

Snape jerked back a little as her soft lips connected with his, and he held his mouth tight. But Hermione wasn't daunted. She pressed forward and softly slid her lips against his until they relaxed.

Snape closed his eyes and let her suckle gently on his lower lip.

It felt wonderful.

************************************
A/N: And we're off. A short chapter, I know. But I have the terrible teething twins, so I did what I could. I know it's a terrible cliffie but I like how it feels. Edge of the seat stuff. lol. Yeah, I get turned on by my own writing sometimes. A lot of the time actually. And I LOVE anticipation. One of the reasons I end on cliffies is because I'm tired of writing and I know if I keep going, I'm probably not going to post the chapter and at least give a bit more of the story. Hence, the cut-off point. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chappie despite its shortness. Thanks for reading. ***