Unforgettable

Chapter Seven–
Chapter Seven–

She’d tossed and turned all night, even after taking the Dreamless Sleep Draught. Although Hermione’s sleep had been dreamless, it was not restful. One question kept repeating in her mind.

Why her?

Why had Severus Snape, dreaded Potions master, singled her out? Any curse-breaker would do. If he hadn’t crowded her, and if he’d let her have a few more moments with his precious heirloom, Hermione had felt as though she could have broken the curses on it rather easily.

Eglerns had been beside himself once he realized she had missed her bat. Not only had she missed her bat, she’d missed the last Portkey to Hogwarts for the day. Instead of staying at Gringotts for the day and listening to Eglerns’ scathing comments about her lack of responsibility, Hermione skived off for the rest of the day.

After all, she had arrangements to make. Her contract was for the duration, until the employer had no need of her services.

She had to find a sitter for Crookshanks and had to pack. After that, she’d set out to make Severus Snape sit up and take notice of his new employee.

Had she imagined his advances? Was she delusional? Why did she feel the need to humiliate herself? Why did she feel the overwhelming desire to cast an Imperius Curse and have her wicked way with him?

Knowing Snape, he’d probably enjoy that.

So she’d done what any sensible witch would do. She went shopping. She’d bought some new, fancy knickers, colorful ones with matching brassieres. Not that Severus Snape would ever see said knickers.

She’d also bought some new jumpers. Her normal inclination was to buy them loose and baggy, but there was one pink cashmere jumper she just had to have. Yes, it was a little tight across the front, but her work robe would cover her meager assets.

Her clock chimed, signaling an end to her purported semblance of sanity. It was time for her to leave.

--

Severus stalked through the halls of Hogwarts in the foulest of moods. His offer had been more than generous and Eglerns had jumped at the opportunity to boost his department’s revenue by a considerable percentage. Getting rid of Miss Granger was an added bonus.

She was late. He’d entered into the contract in an untimely fashion, therefore Miss Granger had missed yesterday’s Portkey to Hogsmeade. The desire for her had done anything but diminish. He had refused to take Dreamless Sleep Draught, and had suffered the last two nights full of erotic dreams.

He had woken aroused, her scent and taste lingering on the cusp of his dream. She would writhe beneath him, pulling his hair painfully and pushing her moist sex up to his seeking tongue. Her taste was like an opiate, highly addictive and mind-numbingly satisfying.

Unfortunately, his dreams had spawned the nightmare truth. She hated him. Her reaction the morning after was an averment beyond doubt. He was not a handsome man.

But he could be charming, if need be. Hermione only knew him as the dour Potions master. It was time she thought of him in a more…substantial light. It was a small price to pay for access to her delectable body. The young witch had no clue as to his intentions. Before she could discern them, he would be buried so deeply inside her that she wouldn’t remember her name, much less his.

Hagrid had his instructions. The half-giant was to let him know as soon as Hermione entered the castle.

Everything had been arranged for her arrival. She would be his guest and would be residing in his suite. He would seduce her with the subtle skill that would enable her to believe it was all her doing. She would call out his name in passionate response as her flesh admitted his within her.

That’s what he wanted – an end to the turmoil that had haunted him ever since he had been poisoned by the two twits.

--

“And this is where Missus will be staying.” The house-elf waved its hand around the drafty room of the dungeon.

A shiver ran up and down Hermione’s spine as she set her miniaturized luggage on the bed. It wasn’t too cold, but she knew where she was – Snape’s domain. “Surely there are other accommodations on the grounds?” she persisted. How could she possibly plan to titillate the man if she was living right on top of him?

Hoki squeaked with trepidation. “Bu—but Master…” Her voice trembled as her eyes filled with tears.

Not wishing the creature any further distress, Hermione relented. “The accommodations are perfect,” she lied. “Where is Professor Snape?”

Sniffling, the house-elf rubbed her tattered sleeve across her large nose. “Professor teaches dunderheads and will be with Missus soon.”

Turning to look at her home-away-from-home, Hermione couldn’t help the smile that escaped her lips. Hoki sounded just like Severus when she said dunderheads. Knowing Snape, he’d probably demanded that his personal house-elf refer to the students in such a manner. Typical.

“You’re late,” a menacing growl issued from the entryway. “I would have thought a Gringotts’ employee would be more mindful of the time.”

Hermione smiled, sensing his annoyance. “The contract was not finalized until the last Portkey for Hogsmeade had already departed yesterday. I really must meet this lady you are so impatient to bestow your locket to. She must be very…special.”

Severus could hear the slight catch of annoyance in her voice, and smirked. It almost sounded like jealousy. How was that possible? His eyes raked up and down her robe, his mind mentally stripping her naked and imagining the warmth of her body around his.

“She will be,” he replied softly, admitting part of his ruse.

“I beg your pardon?” she asked quickly.

“I’m preparing,” Severus lied. “Getting my affairs in order, in a manner of speaking. When I do meet ‘that special person,’ I will not waste time with silly notions of romance or love. I will offer her baubles for proper behavior and reward devotion accordingly. I –”

“How typically Slytherin! A fortunate woman indeed,” Hermione’s voice dripped with sarcasm, not really caring that she was addressing her employer. Old habits died hard.

“Men always equate romance and love as the same issue. Take ‘making love,’ for instance. It is possible to have sex with another person and not have one single loving emotion for that person. It’s a basic biological drive, primarily driven by lust. What –”

“And just what would you know about one of the seven deadly sins?” With serpentine grace, Severus circled her and eyed her suspiciously. Had she remembered their night together? Was she simply toying with him? His eyes met hers and she averted her gaze.

“N-nothing, sir,” Hermione stammered and cleared her throat. “Where is the locket?”

So much for Gryffindor bravery, Severus thought with a satisfied grin. “Hoki will bring it to you once you’ve settled in,” he replied. “I suggest you make yourself comfortable. You may be here a while.”

Trying not to leer too much, Severus walked toward the door. He’d added several layers of hexes on the locket. It should keep her busy for weeks to come. Just enough time for him to seduce her. If it weren’t for a class of third-years, he would have started the seduction now. Perhaps tonight, then? Yes, definitely tonight.

He would have to wait and bide his time.

*****

A/N – Insert standard disclaimer here. I’m sure by now you all realize I don’t own any of the characters. Thank you for the reviews.