The Potions Master

Author's Note: I know it's been forever since I worked on this story. Things have been crazy with school and my divorce and taking care of the kiddo. Many thanks to my patient readers who have waited so long to hear more of Snape and Hermione's love.

*****************************

“I have an idea,” Snape said one warm May afternoon, “why don’t we go out to the other side of the lake and have a picnic. No one’s allowed out that far without a teacher. We won’t be bothered there.”

“That’s a wonderful idea!” Hermione cried. She had been stuck inside for weeks studying for an Arithmancy exam, which was now, mercifully, over. She was thrilled by the idea of getting out in the fresh air on such a beautiful day.

An hour later, the pair was gliding across the lake in a dinghy, bound for a secluded cove on the far side of the Black Lake. The boat needed no manual propelling; Snape muttered something and it immediately shot across the water. Within a few minutes, the bottom was scraping sand and Snape stood, offering his hand to Hermione to help her from the boat.

“What a beautiful little beach,” said Hermione, looking around admiringly at the tiny stretch of sand bordered by a band of thick grass. Snape busied himself spreading a blanket on the grass and laying out the food he had brought – freshly baked bread, cold chicken, green grapes, and a bottle of white wine. “Mmm,” Hermione murmured in appreciation, plopping down on the blanket and immediately filling her mouth with a large bite of chicken and bread. Snape chuckled at her and began piling food upon his own plate.

“Severus,” Hermione said, chewing her food thoughtfully, “do you have any children?”

“No,” Snape answered, an odd look on his face, “I never married.”

“Why not?” Hermione leaned back on her elbows, her appetite sated for the moment.

“I became a Death Eater not long after graduating Hogwarts. I was well known to be such. No one wants to be the wife of a known follower of the Dark Lord.”

“I’m sorry,” Hermione said. Her piteous look irritated him, though he couldn’t explain why.

“Don’t be,” he snapped, “I’m not.”

Hermione’s eyes widened at his harsh tone and for once she knew to hold her tongue. She stood and walked around to his side of the blanket, kneeling behind him and wrapping her arms around his neck. “I didn’t mean to upset you,” she whispered, “forgive me.”

Snape took her hand, softening, and turned toward her. “No, forgive me,” he said, “I shouldn’t have snapped at you.” Hermione kissed him, wanting to drive away the pain of the memory of his past. He took her shoulders and lay back into the grass, pulling her on top of him. “I don’t deserve you,” he murmured against her lips.

Hermione pulled back, looking him square in the eyes. “Of course you do,” she said firmly. Understanding her meaning, Snape nodded silently and smiled. Suddenly, he rolled over, pinning her beneath him and making her shriek with surprise. She giggled and buried her hands in his thick hair, drawing his mouth to hers.

She moaned deep in her throat as his tongue snaked between her lips and his hand slipped under her blouse to cup her breast. She unbuttoned his trousers without breaking the kiss and drew out his penis, which was already half hard. A few deft strokes and he was completely erect.

Withdrawing his lips, Snape grinned and said, “I want to see you naked in the sunlight, like the Goddess you are!”

Hermione blushed, but stood and removed her clothing, fighting the urge to fold it neatly and set it in a stack on the blanket. She stood before him unashamed. He lay before her, in awe once more of her beauty and perfection of form. After a moment, she looked away, breaking the spell between them. “Aren’t you going to undress?” she said mischievously.

Snape chuckled and stripped off his clothes. “Want to go for a swim?” he asked.

She agreed and the two frolicked in the shallows, splashing each other and laughing. Hermione couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so free – romping naked in the waters of the lake with someone who truly cared about her.

* * *

Hermione lay on the soft grass, the sun warming her nude body. She could feel Snape’s body next to hers, his fingers twining in her hair, spread over the grass.

“Hermione,” Snape said, sounding oddly unlike himself.

“Hmm?” She opened one eye lazily and peeked at him.

“I want to tell you something,” he said, propping himself on one arm and looking down at her.

“Is something wrong?” she asked, opening both eyes, concerned at his serious tone.

“No, sweet, nothing’s wrong,” he said, “I just wanted to tell you – well, I love you.”

Hermione grinned. “Is that all?” she laughed.

“ALL?” Snape glared in mock outrage. “Do you know how long it’s taken me to work up the nerve to tell you that?”

Hermione giggled. “Why do you think I never said it to you?” she asked, “I never had the guts.”

“You mean – “ Snape started to say.

“Of course I love you, you silly man!” Hermione said, hugging him. Snape hugged her back.

The two lovers remained locked in each other’s arms for what felt like years, unaware that they were being watched.