Survival of the Fittest

A/N – Apologies to all for the delay on this chapter. Hurricane season has arrived, and we Floridia Crackers are extremely nervous…downright paranoid, in fact. For those of you hoping for Hermione’s revenge – It’s coming. Please be patient. It’s in the next chapter.

--


Three weeks! Three bloody frustrating weeks of living with Hermione Granger and trying his best to ignore her, which was becoming extremely difficult since she didn’t seem to own any proper attire. She had insisted in traipsing about their immediate surroundings in the skimpiest outfits he’d seen.

Three weeks since Albus had trapped them here. The hols were over and classes had resumed. Obviously the meddlesome fool was intent on making him suffer. At least Miss Granger hadn’t accosted him with any more books.

He had to admit it though, that Hogwarts’ librarian was doing a commendable job ignoring him at every turn. When he sat at the table to partake of meals, she calmly stood and left the room, swaying her hips invitingly. That seemed to be the pattern. Whichever room he was in, she was in the other. It was as though she were reminding him of what he couldn’t have.

He was still sleeping on the wicker sofa, which reminded him exactly how old he was. He was twenty-plus years her senior. Surely that was enough to deter him.

Turning the page with a vicious jerk, Severus tried to focus on what he was reading. He’d read the same sentence at least ten times and he still didn’t know what the article was about. How could he with Granger frolicking in the ocean like some demented sea mammal?

The bloody minx was doing her very best to drive him insane. She had called his bluff three weeks ago. Instead of yielding to his heavy-handed manipulations, Hermione Granger had managed to render him speechless.

You want civil? she had murmured, her voice silky and low. I can manage that and so much more.

Her seductive invitation had tempted him – tempted him more than the Know-It-All need ever know. Severus had started reciting the ingredients of some of the most complicated potions, even though he really should have called her bluff and shagged her senseless.

Once he was released from this torment of a “vacation,” he would need to visit Knockturn Alley and indulge his baser needs. He would pay one of the prostitutes handsomely to take the Polyjuice Potion. He could fuck “Miss Granger” and she would be none the wiser for it. After all, he’d done it before – when he’d consigned himself to the torturous hell that Hermione was back at Hogwarts to stay.

How could he have been so careless? Albus had obviously divined his meticulously kept secret. Had he mentioned this despised attraction in the halls, near the portraits? Those blasted busybodies and spies were going to pay dearly for their lack of discretion.

His office! he cursed silently. “The bloody portraits of Heads of Slytherin House had betrayed him. They knew he wanted Granger. A few of them had even railed at the thought of being attracted to a Mudblood. Those particular portraits were no longer hanging in his office.

Severus didn’t want to want her. At this point, he would sever a limb to stop wanting her.

He had first noticed her at the leaving ceremony, supposedly a joyous time for him. After all, Potter and his friends would no longer darken his class. Severus had been irritated in the knowledge that Miss Granger would leave Hogwarts, go out into the world, meet some wizard, and breed. Over time, his obsession with her had lessened and he had started to go about his business with the usual distaste of teaching dunderheads and indulging the headmaster’s whims.

Then she had come back to Hogwarts. It would seem that Albus was intent on making his life a living hell.

Nothing had been the same since Hermione had taken the position of head librarian. The bloody hag had no clue how much he had endeavored to forget her. And now she was scantily clad in a maroon swimsuit that clung to every rounded curve of her feminine physique. At least she had fared better in wardrobe selections than he. The shorts and garish shirts Albus had left him were totally inappropriate.

Peering over the top of the journal, he drank in the sight before him. This cottage wasn’t enchanted. The bloody thing was cursed. Hermione had found a mask and snorkel this morning, and now he was stuck watching her shapely bum move in tandem with the waves as she studied the ocean floor. Suddenly her bum was no longer visible. Merlin’s balls! She’s coming back.

“This is just bloody brilliant,” he whispered softly, lifting the journal and staring at it blankly. He had to cross his legs to cover his reaction in case she looked his way.

--

Stumbling through the sand, Hermione glared at the front porch of the cottage. Why were they still here? Surely, by now, the headmaster must realize this was an exercise in futility. Snape was infuriating and totally unreachable. She had bluffed him and he hadn’t even flinched. The last thing she needed was to humiliate herself any more than she already had. She’d tried to entice him by wearing as little as possible. And when he took the bait, she was going to turn him down flat. The only problem with that plan was that he had never taken the bait.

The wizard was arrogant and…

Damn sexy? her sex-deprived voice chipped in.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Hermione scoffed and rolled her eyes. She’d never seen a more idiotic display of…

Blatant sexuality? the voice interrupted.

“What?” she bit off softly, grateful that he couldn’t see or hear her schizophrenic episode. “Blatant sexuality? That? You’re joking, right? First of all, if I never see his blinding-white legs again, it would be too soon.”

You want him.

“I want a pony, but you don’t see me rushing out and purchasing one, do you?”

A horse, huh? Don’t you ever wonder what it would be like to ride him?

“That’s bloody inappropriate!” she chastised.

Sure it is.

“And it’s not really something I care to imagine,” Hermione groaned and continued to trudge along in the sand.

Need I remind you that you practically begged him to kiss you a few weeks ago? the inner voice taunted.

Feeling the blush rise in her cheeks, she groaned. “You needn’t remind me.”

And?

“Perhaps Ron would indulge me in a pity shag,” mused Hermione. “I think he’s still single.”

Oh, please!

Hermione stomped up the steps. “Oh, do shut up.”

“I beg your pardon,” a snappish voice spoke, breaking the flow of her internal dialogue. Or is it a monologue? After all, I was talking to myself. And why does my “other” self’s voice sound like Ginny?

“Oh…I…uh, was talking to myself,” Hermione announced nonchalantly even though she was sure she was blushing.

“I see,” Severus retorted. “Has the strain of this vacation finally gotten to you?”

Hanging up her snorkel and mask, Hermione tried to think of a flippant remark.

“You do realize that our jailer will not release us until we are civil to one another,” he continued, glancing her way and smirking.

“Well then, it looks as though we will be here for an eternity,” replied Hermione as she tried to beat a hasty retreat into the cottage.

“Professor Dumbledore said that he would teach Potions in my absence,” Snape said in an almost-taunting voice. “And I believe he said something about Professor Grubbly-Plank taking over for Hagrid as Hagrid substitutes for you.”

Hermione froze. Hagrid in her library? The thought made her shiver. She loved the half-giant dearly, but she kept imagining Hagrid bringing Blast-Ended Skrewts in the library.

Oh Gods! The infestation! The books would be ruined.

She was overreacting and needed to calm down. The books are protected against vandals and pests. They were even charmed not to open if there is any food near them. Either way, the sun and sand were getting to be a bit much. Perhaps it was time to bury the hatchet.

“All right, then,” she conceded. “What do you suggest we do?”

Severus set down his journal and uncrossed his legs. “To begin with, I think we both owe one another an…apology.”

Hermione scoffed. “Whatever for?”

“You did assault me with a book,” he snapped as he stood up.

“After you accused me of stealing your clothes!” Hermione retorted quickly.

Severus sighed, running a hand through his dark hair in frustration. “Why must you make everything so difficult?”

“Me?” exclaimed Hermione. “You’re the one who said he would rather shag Hagrid than me! You’re the one who said that you would consider lowering your standards. You –”

“At which time you saw fit to injure me,” Snape stated and crossed his arms over his chest.

“You insult me, then expect me to apologize to you?” Hermione took a breath and continued. “Well…well…I…wouldrathershagNevilleLongbottom than shag the likes of you!”

---

One of Severus\' eyebrows quirked high on his forehead at the absurdity of her comment. Shag that pathetic example of the male species? “Oh really?” Severus sneered as he walked toward her. “What a challenge indeed.”

“Or Harry!” Hermione countered, backing away.

“Your standards are pathetic,” he announced with a casual air as he continued stalking her.

Hermione stumbled backwards against the porch railing. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Isn’t it obvious,” stated Severus, grabbing her hands and holding them in place. “I’m going to taste what you are so readily prepared to offer Longbottom and Potter.”

Before she could turn away or protest, Severus sealed his lips to hers. The kiss was aggressive and mean as he pushed his tongue into her mouth. Her eyes went wide and glassy with shock. He’d never seen so many variations of the color brown. If only he had his wand he could invade her thoughts and manipulate her. His hands released hers and caressed the length of her back. Thrusting his tongue against hers, he stifled the moan of pleasure that threatened to overwhelm him.

It was a battle of wills. Who was going to blink first?

As if in answer to the silent question, Hermione’s eyes fluttered closed and her tongue started to move against his.

Closing his eyes, he knew he was lost.

Severus clutched her bum and pulled her against his solid frame, reveling in the heated parry of the dueling kiss.

Hermione moaned, threading her fingers into his hair and leaning against him.

He didn’t care if she felt his vulnerability against her for he had every intention on tearing the wet swimsuit off her body and sating himself. He was punishing her – punishing her for goading him. Breaking the kiss, he nibbled his way down to the column of her throat. She was so pliable and willing that it was amazing he didn’t lose control right then.

“You want this,” Severus affirmed, biting her earlobe gently. “Admit it.”

Her only response was a whimper.

“Tell me what you want and I’ll give it to you,” he murmured against her neck as if he were trying to indulge a child.

“I – I –” she stammered, shivering in his embrace.

Licking a path down her shoulder, Severus moved the bathing suit strap out of the way and placed passionate kisses along the shoulder.

The sound of someone clearing their throat came from behind him. “Ah! Well done! Splendid indeed. I see you two are managing to get along.”

Mentally Severus cursed, Gods, Albus, you have the worst timing! Righting Hermione’s strap and moving behind her, Severus held her tight.

“Miss Granger and I were just becoming better acquainted,” Severus stated flatly, wrapping a possessive arm around her waist.

“As you can see, we’ve reached an accord and are ready to leave this…paradise,” he bit off through gritted teeth.

“I can see that,” Albus replied, his eyes twinkling at them over the top of his spectacles.

--

She didn’t know which was more embarrassing – her shameful snog session with her former Potions master, or getting caught by the headmaster. Either way, Hermione wished for the Earth to open and swallow her whole. Surely she was blushing all over. She was speechless. Any intelligent thoughts were scattered for she could still feel Severus behind her, his hands still on her shoulders.

“As you can see, Miss Granger and I have reached an accord,” Severus stated calmly. “And we would like to resume our duties at Hogwarts immediately.”

She watched as Dumbledore’s blue eyes narrowed skeptically.

“Oh really?” Albus questioned shrewdly. “What kind of accord have you and Miss Granger agreed upon?”

Clearing his throat, Severus removed his hands from her shoulders yet remained standing behind her. “Once we apologized for all our past transgressions, we agreed to treat one another with professional decorum.”

“Go on,” Albus prompted.

Severus sputtered.

Not believing her ears, Hermione rolled her eyes. Past transgressions? Apologies? Professional decorum? She’d just been snogged within an inch of her life, and he’s lying about their “relationship.”

“Well?” Albus urged.

“What else is there?” Snape snapped angrily. “Haven’t we suffered enough?”

Suffered? That’s it! I’ve heard enough, Hermione thought. That kiss was nothing more than a power play, a way to manipulate her! As hard as she could, she jabbed her elbow into Severus’ stomach.

Grabbing his midsection, he groaned.

With a satisfied smirk, Hermione walked past Dumbledore and into the cottage, slamming the door behind her.

--

“All those years spying on Voldemort, and you couldn’t manufacture a simple lie,” Albus said softly, grasping Severus’ elbow and offering him support. “Although, I have to admit I was surprised to come across such a passionate scene. I had anticipated you to fight your attraction to Miss Granger longer than three weeks. It appears that you owe Miss Granger an apology.”

Finally able to catch his breath, Severus gasped. “I don’t know what you are talking about.” Would the woman ever stop inflicting bodily harm on me?

Albus smiled. It was serene, and it annoyed Severus.

“Miss Granger fancies you,” Dumbledore stated simply. “And you fancy her. It’s about time you act on it. If I were twenty years younger, I would court Miss Granger myself. She is quite lovely – one might say alluring.”

“I – she –” Severus gaped.

“Protest all you want, Severus,” Dumbledore said sagely as he opened the door to the cottage. “The proof of the pudding is in its eating. Your class is doing splendidly and Madam Pince is running the library with her usual efficiency. You and Miss Granger have obviously not resolved the issues between the two of you. I will not sacrifice the peaceful harmony which has descended upon Hogwarts since your absence until the two of you have satisfactorily demonstrated the ability to get along.”

*****