Samhain Magic

This is a fic that I did for an exchange a while back. I had to wait for the reveal to post it, and then I forgot about it. It's a shorter one since I didn't have a lot of time to work on it. I like it alright, so I hope you do too. Hopefully this will hold you over until I can get going on What a Girl Needs again. I'm working anywhere from 10-16 hours a day right now and hanging on the edge of losing my pregnancy as a result. My mind is pretty much focus on my body at the moment, so writing isn't going to happen for a while, but I'll get to the story again when I get my life under control.

Samhain Magic

Preparations

Harry stared morosely at the portrait of the late headmaster, Dumbledore. “Is there nothing you can tell me that will help?” he asked in frustration. “Surely the real Dumbledore said something, anything to you about his plans?”

Portrait Dumbledore shook his head, casting his flat gaze out over the young man and the two professors at his back. “I'm afraid that I was created too long before my originator's death to know for sure what he was thinking. There were only a few murmurs here and there, but too many eyes for him to say anything definite. I am sorry.” He dug a lemon drop from his pocket and popped it into his mouth, sucking thoughtfully for a moment. “Perhaps you could look into the pensieve on the desk there?” he suggested pointing to the large basin that was now perched on one corner of the huge headmaster desk.

Headmistress McGonagall spoke up from behind Harry, “We have, repeatedly and there isn't anything concrete enough to go on there either,” she muttered sourly. “Really Albus, couldn't you have planned for this kind of situation a little better in life? We don't know what to do.”

“Minerva my dear, I am sorry,” the portrait replied sadly. “We didn't know how quickly my demise would play out. There wasn't time that night.”

“Perhaps if you hadn't been so secretive in life we wouldn't be quite so at a loss now,” Professor Snape growled in annoyance. “The Dark Lord has set his sights on Hogwarts. Surely you had some sort of contingency plan for such an occurrence,” he stated, clamping his hands down on his hips. It was a gesture all in the room easily recognized as Severus' way of preventing himself from strangling the nearest person to vent his frustration.

“Oh, no doubt my boy, but as I am but a thin capture of a brief moment in time, I can't give you the information you need. I'm afraid that you will simply have to come up with something on your own this time Severus,” the portrait replied, shaking its head.

McGonagall groaned softly to herself and turned to walk back to the sprawling desk, sinking into the chair. She rubbed her temples and sighed. “He's right I suppose. Without knowing what Albus had planned, or even what is already in place, we're rather on our own in this. You said we have several weeks left to figure something out then?”

Snape nodded shortly, glaring briefly at the portrait before turning back towards the Headmistress. “The plan is to move in on the school in the first week or two of November. It will be cold enough by then that students will be inside more often than not, and easy to trap. It will also be early enough that he doesn't run the risk of them leaving for the holidays.”

“But why even attack the students?” Harry asked in frustration. “They can't harm him or his Death Eaters, not really.”

“I should hope that you at least would be able to,” Snape growled, “since you are the one that is supposed to kill him.”

Harry flinched and looked away. “No need to remind me Snape. I'm well aware of what I have to do. Besides, I am no longer a student here, am I?” He'd taken over as the Dark Arts instructor at the beginning of the year, being the only one willing to take on what others considered a cursed position. He was already cursed in a way, so why not? He ran a hand through his perpetually messy hair. “So why the students?”

“Because they do pose some threat, even as young witches and wizards. They may not be adults yet, but their magic is still strong enough to be a hindrance. And not least of all, there are hundreds of them in one location,” Snape explained with surprising patience, his voice rolling richly through the large office.

“Still,” Harry sighed, sitting in a chair at the front of McGonagall's desk. “I wish...,” he started, but was interrupted by Hermione hurrying into the office.

“I'm very sorry Headmistress, Professor, Harry,” she panted, closing the door. “I just finished with the Heads' meeting. What have I missed?” she asked, dropping her bag on the floor at Harry's feet. Hermione had become one of the top researchers in the Order ever since her induction over the summer. Even Snape, albeit grudgingly, accepted that fact. She had a keen understanding of everything she'd ever read or heard, and could easily come to startlingly useful conclusions. She'd also taken over Transfiguration when McGonagall decided to accept the position of Headmistress. She was brilliant at that too.

Snape sneered and shook his head, “Not a damn thing. The Dark Lord plans to attack Hogwarts in under a month and we still don't have a plan.”

Hermione frowned, sinking against the arm of Harry's chair. “But I thought you were going to speak with Dumbledore's portrait,” she said confused. “Surely you didn't wait for me to arrive?”

“No,” Harry sighed. “He doesn't know what Dumbledore planned before his death,” he said waving a dismissive hand at the painted man, who shrugged apologetically. “I wish we could speak with the real Dumbledore,” he groaned, flopping back in his chair and closing his eyes. “He always had a plan for everything.”

“Yes, well, unfortunately he's quite out of our reach,” McGonagall sighed sadly.

Harry opened his eyes long enough to shoot Snape a glare, who ignored him completely. Snape had been cleared well over a year ago, having found at least one helpful pensieve memory detailing Dumbledore's plans for his own death. It didn't make accepting what Snape had done much easier, but it made it a little easier to deal with the man at least. Harry couldn't say that he trusted Snape implicitly, but he did trust him enough to accept that he was still on their side.

“I wish I had more faith in Divination,” Harry muttered softly. “We could get Trelawney to channel his spirit.” The room went oddly still at his words, prompting him to open his eyes. He glanced briefly between the three in surprise. McGonagall was wearing a thoughtful look, while Snape and Hermione were exchanging knowing gazes. “I wasn't serious.”

“I really don't put much stock in Divination either, but it is possible to reach out to those who have passed,” Hermione said slowly, cocking her head, “Isn't it Professor?” she asked Snape. “I know I read about it somewhere.”

“You read a book that had something to do with Divination?” Harry asked with a snort.

Hermione smacked his leg playfully. “Just because I think something is a bunch of rubbish doesn't mean that I'll refuse to read about it. Learning is learning and if I'm going to scoff at something I had better know what I'm talking about,” she replied. “I've read all of the leading text on the subject.”

“No doubt,” Snape purred sarcastically, earning him an eye-roll from the young woman perched on Potter's chair. “In that case I'd imagine that you've read Professor Trelawney's book, “The Other Side,” he said turning and moving to the shelves that lined the walls. After a moment of scanning the titles he pulled it out and held it up, eyebrow raised arrogantly.

“Yes,” Hermione said excitedly, standing up and crossing to him, “That's the one.” She reached happily for it, only to scowl as he held it out of her reach, a small smirk on his lips.

“Do contain your excitement Miss Granger,” he sneered.

“But I know exactly where it is,” she complained. “If you'll just let me...Professor!” she grabbed for the book again, brushing up against him as she reached. She was so intent on getting the book, she didn't absorb how very inappropriate her nearness to the older man was.

He backed away, eyes narrowed. “I know where it is as well, and better yet, I know exactly what it says.” He smiled inwardly as the young woman huffed and crossed her arms in frustration. Hermione Granger had quite a lot of issues when it came to sharing the stage. She wanted to be the one that explained everything, every time...though so did he, and he was bigger.

“The book details a ritual in which someone may channel a specific spirit in order to ask questions of the deceased person,” he explained, flipping through the book. Hermione was tapping her foot and waving for him to continue, clearly chomping at the bit. “Normally I wouldn't take the old bat too seriously, but as this book was written while she was deep in a true trance, we can assume that it will be reliable.”

“Let's try it then,” Harry said hastily, standing up. “What do we need. I'll go get it.”

Snape raised a brow at him. “Don't you even want to know what it entails first? It could be dark magic for all you know.”

“It very nearly is,” Hermione chimed in, her face thoughtful as she grabbed at the chance share her own knowledge. “It's nothing illegal, but it does skirt the edges a bit.” She cocked her head at Snape as if asking for his approval. He nodded slightly, and grunted his agreement. They might compete for know-it-all of the year, but she still looked up to him, and she admired his opinion of her ideas.

“It doesn't matter,” Harry said, shaking his head. “I'm tired of living in constant fear of what will happen. If Voldemort is coming here, then I'll be ready for him. I'll end this once and for all.”

Snape studied him for a moment, his face neutral and unmoving. Finally he sighed and stepped forward to place the book on the desk. “We will need four people to complete this satisfactorily. One person will accept the spirit, one will ask the questions, and two will conduct the ritual.”

“Will just anyone do?” the Headmistress asked, leaning forward to peer at the diagram displayed in the book.

“For the vessel and interrogator, yes,” Snape answered pointing to the people in the center of the diagram. “They don't actually perform any magic. They are simply along for the ride.” He pointed to the two people on opposite ends of the diagram's circle. “These two however, need to be both strong and intelligent. There is some risk of demons or other spirits slipping through the veil and interrupting the process. Quick wits and a quicker wand are vital to the safety of the center participants.”

“So how does it work?” Harry asked, leaning in.

“It must happen on Samhain for one,” Hermione said, tracing her fingers thoughtfully over the diagram. “It is the night when the veil between the living and nonliving worlds is the thinnest. Most people now see it as All Hallows Eve or, more commonly, Halloween. Some still celebrate it as it should be though.”

“Indeed,” Snape agreed. “It will begin with the drawing of the diagram here,” he said pointing to the book. “That will help shield us from outside interference. Second, we will build two bonfires. Either the remains of the one we wish to speak with, or at least something he owned is then tossed into it. Muggles adapted it so that animal remains were used, but for our purpose we need something a little more specific. It's not absolutely necessary, but it would be more effective.”

“Would a few locks of hair do?” the Headmistress asked softly.

“That will do,” Snape said with a nod, not asking why she might have some of Dumbledore's hair to begin with. “The four will then strip off all material items and walk between the fires to purify themselves for the ritual to come. The vessel and the interrogator will stand at the center, here,” he said, indicating the smaller circle inside the larger one. “The two conducting the magical part of the ritual stand here, and here,” he explained. “They will recite the words written on the following page of this book, and if powerful enough, Dumbledore will visit us and take over the vessel's body for a short time.”

“Does harm come to the vessel?” Harry asked, with a hint of concern in his voice.

“I doubt it. Perhaps there would a little amnesia of the possession, but I can't be certain,” Snape said with a light shrug.

“I will question the vessel,” Harry said with a nod, “And I know who will volunteer for that roll. He has wanted to make peace with the Headmaster for some time now, and this will be a good way to do that.”

“Mr. Malfoy, I presume?” Headmistress McGonagall asked. Harry nodded and sighed. It was no secret that Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy were lovers. It had come out quite scandalously over a year ago when a spurned Pansy Parkinson had announced it rather loudly in the middle of Diagon Alley. Draco hadn't bothered to dispute it, and the papers had gone wild with excitement. Ever since then the pair were in the paper every time they stepped outside their shared flat in Wizarding London.

“And the people conducting the ritual?” Snape asked. “Do you have a idea for whom you might wish them to be?”

Harry cocked his head and gave him a funny look. “I assumed you would be doing it since you know the most about it,” he said in surprise. “Besides, you're strong enough, aren't you?”

Snape scowled, “Indeed.” He sighed, “Very well, I will fill the roll of death and darkness well enough.”

“I'm sure,” Harry said, brow going up, “But what does that have to do with anything?”

“Samhain is the end of summer and harvest,” Hermione explained with a sigh. “It's a celebration, not only of finishing the harvest, but also as the beginning of a new time and the end of another. Some call it the Celtic New Year, and some just refer to it as the end of summer. It is the dividing point between the lighter and darker points of the year, or at least one of them. Thus, in the ritual, we will need someone to represent light and living and another to represent dark and death, or at least the passing from one phase to another.”

“So Hermione will represent the lighter side then?” Harry asked.

Snape blinked and looked sharply at him. “What gave you that idea?”

“Well,” Harry shrugged, “She's strong too, and she just seems more like the summer to your winter...if that makes any sense. Plus light and life are kind of pure, right? And it's not like she's ever done anything to hurt that side of her. I mean she's still a virgin and....”

“Harry!” Hermione gasped, cutting him off and blushing furiously.

“What?” he asked in surprise. “It's true. When we went for a walk last week, those unicorns followed you for a good hour. It was absolutely brilliant to get to see them so up close!” Unicorns didn't care for Harry much, possibly due to the Dark Lord's influence; or maybe it was just because of his relationship with Draco, which had been anything but tame.

“I'm sure Miss Granger doesn't wish for you to share with others whether or not the unicorns still love her,” Snape purred, smirking and glancing at the bowed curly haired head of the young woman in question. Even through the wild curtain of locks he could see the flush of her pink cheeks. So Miss Granger was still a virgin? He hadn't expected that at all, not after she dated Mr. Weasley for nearly a year before he ended up with Miss Lovegood. As intriguing as that all was, Potter was also correct. As a virgin, a powerful one at that, Miss Granger would be an appropriate counter to him.

“Sorry Mione,” Harry said, eyes widening a bit as he realized what he'd really said. “That was stupid of me.”

“Yes, well,” she muttered, gathering her wits together as best she could. “That's a rather private matter Harry.”

“As private a matter as it may be, he is correct in his assumption,” Snape commented with a small smile on his lips. “You would be an adequate choice for my counterpart in this.”

She blinked at him, surprised at the veiled compliment. “Thank you,” she said faintly.

He nodded shortly and sighed. “If that is all, I suggest we all read up on the ritual and meet back here in two weeks to prepare the circle and decide with what we will ask Dumbledore.”

“Yes of course,” McGonagall said nodding. “That would be fine, though I suggest the Room of Requirement if this is to be done indoors. The Great Hall would allow for too many spectators sneaking in, and I'd rather keep this quiet.”

“I would suggest a secure place on the grounds. The more traditional and natural the ritual the better. An open field would be best, or perhaps a large clearing in the forest,” Snape said, cocking his head a bit in thought. “Since we're doing this to protect the students, it would be best not to endanger them further,” he said pointedly.

“I will consider a suitable location and let you know then,” the older woman replied with a nod. “Now, why don't we all head to supper and you may begin your preparations afterward?” she suggested, rising smoothly.

“Agreed,” Severus murmured, “Though...might I have a word with you for a moment Miss Granger?”

Hermione blinked, and then nodded. “Of course Professor. We'll meet you at the table in a few minutes,” she said smiling at Harry and the Headmistress. Harry sent Snape a suspicious look but, followed the Headmistress down the stairs anyway, leaving Hermione to turn and look at the dark haired professor expectantly.

“Miss Granger, let me begin by saying that I assure you that my intentions are purely academic in nature,” he said turning and pacing away slightly and then spinning and coming back to stand before her, as if changing his mind on where he'd decided to go. She felt a twinge of surprise when she noted a small blush touching his cheeks, and nodded in bewilderment. “Normally I wouldn't presume to ask such a thing of a young woman, but...was Potter correct?”

“About what?” she asked eyebrows scrunching slightly in her confusion. “Harry said quite a lot if you remember.”

“The part about unicorns still loving you,” he said raising one elegant eyebrow at her.

“Are you asking me if I'm really still a virgin Sir?” Hermione asked, not sure if she was embarrassed or amused by the question, and fairly sure both were showing on her face. Hiding emotion wasn't something she did well.

“Yes...and considering we are both colleagues...perhaps 'Sir' is inappropriate?” he muttered. She had been calling him Sir or Professor for over a decade now, but hearing Sir right after the word 'virgin' sent a rush of...something through his body that he wasn't quite willing to explore at the moment.

“Professor then,” she said with a small smile. “And despite it really being none of your business, yes I'm still a virgin. Why do you ask?”

He cast his dark gaze briefly over her before turning his head to look at the fire. The 'something' thrilled through him again and coiled tightly at his groin. He closed his eyes in annoyance at the very familiar sensation of an erection beginning to tighten his pants. He knew she likely wouldn't notice his condition, blessing his tendency to wear heavy layers, but he noticed. It was terribly uncomfortable to deal with the issue while in front of others, but most especially in front of such a pretty young woman whom was only a few years out of school. Shoving away all thoughts that tried to immediately flood his mind at the thought of her in her school uniform, he turned his concentration to their conversation and pressed forward. “Virgin witches are valuable in any ritual, as you are no doubt aware,” he started. “Are you seeing anyone as of the present? Maybe someone that might interrupt that purity?”

“Not at the moment, no,” she said, fighting to tame the giggle and grin that were trying to claw their way to the surface. Despite the embarrassing inquiry, it was rather fun to see Snape look so uncomfortable while trying to be so proper at the same time. She could only see the side of his face from this angle, but he actually looked like he was sweating a little. Was he nervous?

“Ah, good,” he said with an outwardly calm nod. In his head however, he was thrilled at the prospect of a single Hermione, for reasons he was sure had everything to do with her virgin state. No man had touched her and none would, at least not in the near future anyway. He'd never been with a virgin, which in itself held a certain appeal, but to find one with a stunning brain to match.... When she blinked at his long, glazed pause, he clamored to explain, “It would be helpful to our cause for you to remain...intact, until after the ritual.” Never had he felt so inarticulate and off balance as an adult. He felt like a teenage boy trying to talk to his crush, all the while shifting awkwardly in hopes she wouldn't notice the line of his erection against his robes. When in the hell had he developed an attraction to Hermione Granger?

“No problem there,” she muttered, looking disappointed. “A year from now you could very likely ask the same of me and it would still be no problem.”

“Pardon?” he asked turning and both eyebrows going up.

She sighed and shrugged. “Boys...men don't really care for me that much. I talk too much, and I'm smarter than most of them. I'm not much to look at either; so really, they aren't exactly lined up at the door.”

“Miss Granger,” he started, looking at her as if she'd grown a second head, “I don't see the problem with that.” When she frowned and cocked her head in confusion he sighed. “Why on earth would you want to be with a man that isn't at least a little in awe of your formidable mind, though I must admit, you do talk quite a lot. And I happen to think that your features are quite charming; pretty even. You are elegant, intelligent, and brave. Once you figure that out and how to use it to your advantage, men will fight duels to possess you.”

“That is quite unlikely,” she said softly, her eyes downcast, “but thank you for saying so Sir...Professor.”

“I am only saying it because I believe it true. I'm not saying it to boost your ego,” he grunted. She really was a pretty young woman. She had developed from an awkward bushy-haired teen into a curvy woman with long, barely tamed curls. Her skin was clear and smooth and just asked to be touched to see if it was as soft as it looked.

He moved to the window and looked out over the grounds for a moment, trying to gather his scattered thoughts and will his body to cooperate. Finally he turned and stared at her thoughtfully. When she cocked a brow at him he grimaced and cleared his throat uncomfortably. “I have one more thing to ask of you,” he said, hating the hesitancy in his voice.

“Yes?” she asked, looking up at him, her face still faintly flushed from his proclamation of her charms.

“When you do...decide to fall out of favor with the unicorns,” he said softly, “might I prevail upon you to collect the maiden's blood? It's really quite valuable and rare, and even more rare to find such a powerful source witch.” He pressed away images of her spread out on a bed before they had a chance to take root, but not quickly enough to avoid the pulse of interest in his groin.

“Yes, yes of course I shall try to...yes,” she stuttered, hardly believing that the dour man was asking such a thing; though to his credit, he looked supremely uncomfortable about it. He actually was sweating! She felt strangely proud that she had actually affected him in any way other than annoying him.

“Thank you Miss Granger,” he said with a quick nod, relieved that she didn't scream at him for such a personal request. Of course he was fairly certain that, coming from him, she was just too startled to react as she normally might. Weasley or Potter probably would have been smacked and had a thorough scolding by this point. “That is all I wanted to discuss with you.”

“Hermione,” she blurted out.

“Pardon?” he asked.

“If you are going to ask me questions like that...please call me Hermione,” she said blushing and staring at the floor. “I mean...we are colleagues now, and it would be acceptable...I think.”

He studied her for a moment and then nodded. “Very well Hermione. You may call me what you wish as well. Severus would be acceptable. Professor and Sir are really unnecessary I think.”

“Yes, Severus then. Thank you,” she said, swallowing nervously. “If that is all...Severus?” She liked the way his name felt in her mouth far more than she'd ever be willing to admit to another person. It tickled her lips just a little and made her want to giggle. She was fairly certain that would be an inappropriate reaction at a time like this, especially after he'd just commented on her sharp mind and elegance.

“Yes, that is all. Shall we go down to supper?” he asked, gesturing towards the door and the steep stairs beyond. She nodded, and without another word gathered up her bag and headed out ahead of him. She disappeared down the stairs rather quickly.

Groaning softly to himself, he pressed his palm against his half hard erection, willing it to fade so he could go down to supper himself, but only making it worse in the process. He desperately hoped she hadn't noticed the wholly disloyal appendage pointing directly at her. Lack of control was something he deplored, but there were a few things even he didn't have a say over; spontaneous arousal being one of them. He sighed inwardly after a few moments and made his own way down the stairs at a slower pace. He didn't need to catch her, and it would give him the time he needed to get his body back under control.

Back in the office Dumbledore's portrait smiled serenely and settled back in his chair. He might not know what his originator planned for the fall of the Dark Lord, but he did know how the man had felt about Severus and Hermione, and he knew that Dumbledore would have approved of the strange exchange that had just occurred.

***

“Severus,” McGonagall beamed as Snape sat down on her right, “how was your chat with Miss Granger? She looks rather flustered,” she said, her sharp gaze moving over the younger woman who was now sitting at Harry's side, then back to the dour man.

“Fine,” he murmured, spooning potatoes onto his plate. It was fine if you didn't have a small issue with being aroused by a woman who you'd taught only a few years prior anyway. “I simply wanted to impress upon her the importance of her untouched state,” he said with a shrug. “And I asked of her the small favor of saving the evidence of its destruction for my use in the future.”

Minerva, mid-sip, choked rather inelegantly, drawing his black gaze to her startled face. “You did what?” she hissed, once she'd recovered her wits and the students and faculty alike returned their attention back to their own supper and conversations. “Severus, why on earth would you ask such a thing? I had no idea...I mean you're still a young man and all, but I didn't think you were marriage minded in the least.”

“Marriage?” he snorted, gathering another round of curious gazes. He glared back at the puzzled onlookers until they broke and looked away, then he turned his attention back to the Headmistress. “Where in the hell did you get the idea that I'd ever want to marry...especially that chit?” Marriage to the young woman hadn't entered his mind once during that entire and slightly uncomfortable conversation; sex yes, marriage no.

“Really Severus,” she scolded, “there is nothing at all wrong with the girl.”

“Yes, yes, I'm well aware,” he said impatiently. “Explain why you think I have any intention of marrying the girl.”

She sighed and took a more careful sip of her wine, then looked at him seriously. “Even when I was a young woman a wizard asking to possess the blood of a woman's maidenhead was not only asking if he might take it personally, but also if she'd be his bride. It is a very old and seldom used custom, but still understood in some circles. It's very likely Miss Granger is unaware of the tradition, but if she were to know of it, she might conclude that you proposed to her this evening.”

His eyes widened in shock and a little horror as the revelation of what he'd nearly done swept over him. “Surely she doesn't think...that's quite impossible,” he insisted.

“It is quite possible. This tradition is still used in the very oldest and most traditional families,” Minerva informed him. “I will of course explain the tradition to Miss Granger just in case, and I'll inform her that marriage was not your intention...unless....”

“Absolutely not!” he hissed at her. “To borrow a Muggle term, that would go over like a lead balloon with the Dark Lord.”

“Yes, of course,” the older woman said quickly, “But perhaps after he is gone...”

“I don't want to have this conversation again Minerva,” he growled. Minerva tended to become rather mother hen-ish when she was around Severus, and on occasion she brought up the sad lack of a truly romantic relationship in his life. He'd had plenty of sexual relationships, but the older woman was beginning to despair of him ever settling down with anyone. “I'm not the kind of man women fall in love with and have dreams of white picket fences about.”

“No, I rather think their dreams would be all together more entertaining than what kind of fencing a woman might want in her yard,” Minerva teased with a smirk worthy of any Sytherin. When he blinked at her in surprise she patted his hand and poured wine into his goblet. “You're a very attractive young man Severus. Don't discount your worth based on mistakes and a few people's opinions about your physical appearance.”

He glared balefully at her. “A few people? Surely you're jesting. I am hardly a handsome man,” he snorted.

“Not handsome, no,” she agreed, “but you are fascinating and very mysterious. Women are attracted to that just as much, and a pretty face fades with time. A woman might find herself attracted to you for all your mysteriousness, and rather pleasing body type, but the one that keeps you will love you for your mind. That is your most valuable asset Severus, and the one who matters will know that.” It was like she was echoing exactly what he'd told Miss Granger...Hermione just moments ago. It was surprisingly a lot easier to say it about someone else than to hear it about yourself.

“Perhaps you are correct,” he conceded; mostly so she'd cease saying such disconcerting things to him. He liked his quiet life well enough, and talk of a wife was just a tad off-putting at this point. Though after the war was over, perhaps looking for a suitable wife wouldn't be out of the question.

“Of course I am,” she said with a smug grin. “Now pass the bread, please”

***

Hermione sank into the soft mass of her sofa, sinking deep into its welcoming embrace. She was still completely baffled by the behavior of both Severus and Minerva this evening. Severus had barely said a civil word to her the entire time she'd been a student at the school, and then out of the blue he just up and asked her some very personal questions. As if that hadn't unsettled her enough, Minerva's quiet explanation of wizarding marriage traditions post-supper, hadn't helped.

It had never crossed her mind, nor apparently Severus', that he would be a participant in the removal of her virginity; or that he might be her husband at the time. What a bizarre method of proposal. If it still worked like that, most of her year would have been married by sixteen.

Though she had to admit that it certainly had a romantic quality to it. What girl didn't dream, however briefly, that she would lose her virginity on her wedding night? It wasn't realistic in this day and age despite various religious pressures, but it was romantic. And never in her wildest dreams had she ever equated the image of Severus Snape with love and sex. But now that the subject had been brought up, she found herself entertaining the thought.

Severus Snape. Surely he'd had sex in his life...he was at least forty after all. She let her head fall back against the sofa thoughtfully. She couldn't remember him ever mentioning any woman in his life, and no one that she knew had seen him with anyone in a nonprofessional light. Though she doubted he would allow anyone to see him as anything but a professional. He was a man that clearly didn't mix business and pleasure. Did he date? Surely he must have, at least a little. He was still young, even by non-wizarding standards, and probably had at least some drive for sexual gratification. Of course the man was also rather uptight and snappy. Who would sleep with someone like that?

She bit at her lip thoughtfully. Some of the girls from her school days had mentioned seeing him as something more than just a teacher, so perhaps it was possible.... They would gush over his deep, rich voice. Thinking about it now, he did have a rather nice voice. It was rather like black velvet caressing your skin; rich and soft, but just a little rough if rubbed the wrong way. Of course he could also wield it like a razor sharp blade when he was impatient; slicing the air with biting words and sneering contempt. Yet...she could see how that could be sort of a turn on too, if used properly.

The other girls had also whispered about his imposing style of dress. He was always covered chin to toe in black, showing only his face and hands. They often speculated over what he might be hiding under all of that black and heavy cloth. She could now confidently tell them more or less what they'd girlishly mused over, and assure them it was probably all they'd hoped for. After years of serving as a spy among Voldemort's ranks he was still fit and healthy, that was probably what kept him alive. The Dark Lord was well known for punishing his servants rather indiscriminately, especially when they brought bad news. Severus had been on the receiving end of one such outburst some months back.

Hermione had been in the infirmary chatting with Madam Pomfrey one night when he'd practically fallen from the floo a few feet from them. She remembered just how much blood had caked his normally crisp, immaculate black robes. Just thinking about it sent a shiver down her spine. He'd literally reeked of blood and death, so much so she'd nearly gagged with it. The robust mediwitch at her side had jumped up and demanded her help while racing to his crumpled form.

“What have you done to yourself this time you silly fool?” Poppy had asked softly, concern lacing her words as she bent down to heave him onto his back. As Hermione knelt on his other side, the older woman began to mutter a series of diagnostic spells over his limp form.

“What can I do?” Hermione asked, unconsciously reaching her hand out to his ghastly pale cheek, hardly believing that he could still be alive. The only indication that he was still with them was the occasional harsh breath that his lungs would drag in. “Professor,” she whispered, finally giving in and touching his cheek lightly. He let out a barely audible groan, his head turning slightly and pressing into her gentle touch, unconsciously seeking the healing touch of another human.

“Help me get this robe off and then we'll get him into a bed,” Poppy said briskly. When Hermione pulled out her wand, Poppy shook her head and said, “I've used too much magic already. I don't know how it will react with whatever was done to him.”

“You don't know?” Hermione asked in surprise, slipping her wand into her pocket and reaching for the high buttons of his robes.

“Not exactly, but I have a few ideas...none of them pleasant I assure you,” the older woman said, quickly unlacing his boots and pulling them off gently. His socks followed and to Hermione's shock, the mediwitch reached for his trousers next.

“I thought you said just his robes,” she said with a hard swallow. She didn't think Professor Snape would appreciate that anyone had seen him so vulnerable, let alone naked, especially if she were one of those people.

“I did,” Poppy said, mechanically tugging free each button of his trousers, even as Hermione's trembling fingers pulled away his thick outer robe. When she saw that deep red of his shirt, once white from the occasional strip of pink here and there, she understood. They had to get to the wounds causing the gory mess. She didn't bother asking and simply reached for his shirt buttons as Poppy tugged his trousers down.

“Poppy?” he rasped softly, startling both women slightly.

“Severus?” she responded in surprise, moving forward on her knees as he opened his eyes. “What did they use?”

He swallowed and closed his eyes for a moment. “I don't know. They got me from behind after I left the meeting.”

“It wasn't Voldemort then?” Poppy asked in surprise.

“No,” he whispered, wincing painfully as Hermione accidentally pulled the blood soaked cloth from a partially dried wound.

“It couldn't have been a slashing curse,” Hermione said, studying the wound. “Your clothing isn't torn.”

He finally focused his eyes on her, looking rather startled that she'd been there the whole time. “Granger, what are you doing here?” he grunted softly, the normally cutting voice sounding weak and tired.

“Helping you,” she said gently, carefully lifting each arm and letting the cloth fall to the floor under him.

Her actions drew his attention to his lack of clothing, aside from a pair of blood stained boxers, their original color impossible to tell. “Poppy!” he snapped weakly, a flush staining his cheeks as he tried to rise. He shuddered painfully and fell back with a groan. “Why am I naked?” he finally gasped.

Poppy actually grinned at him. “That's hardly naked you old prude,” she said summoning water and a cloths. “I needed to see where you were injured and I need to get some of this blood off. Just wait until I actually have to take those boxers off. You can complain then if you like.”

“She is not staying here,” he groaned through clenched teeth as the mediwitch began to gently run a cloth over him.

“I won't tell anyone about this,” Hermione promised, reaching for another clean cloth. “Just be still for a bit. We'll take care of you.”

“I don't need to be taken care of,” he muttered petulantly.

“Stop being such a baby,” Hermione chided. “We're all adults here and we will act as such. I'm not going to go and spread rumors about you Professor. Just lie still and let us heal you.”

He huffed out a small sigh and relaxed, a look of resentment on his face. “Very well, but keep your eyes where they belong Miss Granger.”

“Yes of course,” she said quietly, biting her lip to keep from smiling. Could the man never relax his guard? Besides, why would she really want to check him out all covered in blood like he was?

The two women worked quickly, but as gently as they could, their patient grumbling softly or wincing whenever they hit a particularly sensitive wound. Once most of the blood was washed away and the wounds carefully cleaned, it became apparent that they were all shallow. They were deep enough to bleed a lot and hurt, but once tended not a problem to fix. If he'd been left unattended he could have been in danger, but whoever had attacked him must have known he'd return to the castle. They must have realized that killing him would have been a problem if the Dark Lord found out who'd done it. He was an important 'spy' for the Dark Lord after all.

When Poppy had finally coaxed him out of his boxers, Severus grumbling weakly the whole while, Hermione had been too tempted to not take the opportunity for what it was. Pretending to reach for a clean cloth she let her eyes flick over his newly exposed flesh. She blushed, and then quickly averted her eyes, unconsciously catching his steady gaze. She couldn't tell what he was thinking in that moment; Severus Snape was just too hard to read. She was sure that he wasn't pleased that she'd seen him so devoid of his normal protective layer of clothing and pride.

It wasn't that she'd never seen a naked man before. She'd stayed at the Weasley's a few times, and with so many brothers around you were bound to catch a flash here and there. The twins were particularly notorious for bolting...or sometimes flat out strolling, naked from the bathroom to their shared bedroom. Plus she'd walked in on Draco and Harry in the library at Harry's house one night. Seeing Harry...very naked and laying face down on the wide couch with an equally naked Draco moving fluidly against him...that had been quite a shock. It hadn't been one of those unpleasant shocks like catching your parents at it of course. It had been more of a surprised shock; one that made you tilt your head to get a better look at. But there was something a little more startling about realizing that Severus Snape really was just a man.

Sighing, she sat up on the sofa and rubbed her temples. Even with all of that blood on him, it had been hard to deny he was just a man, and not the boogie monster from her childhood. He was a well built man at that. His body was lean and finely muscled, and apparently easily hidden under layers of cloth. She smiled to herself, remembering the trail of fine hairs that had spread down his toned belly. She found it amusing that Severus Snape could have something so mundane as body hair. She had never thought that there was a single mundane thing about him.

The man was amazing. He was brave, something she could easily respect. The fact that she now found him a least a little bit attractive was just an added bonus. Since that night in the infirmary she'd thought about the man several times in ways that did not fall into the 'appropriate' category. At first she'd been shocked with herself for having even the smallest of crushes on the cranky man, but then she decided that the past didn't matter. He'd been an ass to her while she'd been in school, and he wasn't much better now, but there was just something about him. He was fiercely intelligent and had the sharpest wit of anyone she knew. It was refreshing to say something to him and not have to explain it in great depth so he'd understand.

She hadn't been paying attention to him at dinner, but she wished she could have seen the look on his face when Minerva informed him that he'd very nearly proposed to the Gryffindor know it all that had been the bane of his existence for the past ten years. Even better was the thought of what he looked like when he was informed that he'd basically offered to remove her maidenhead personally. That brought an outright snort of amusement to the surface. It had to have been a priceless moment. Maybe Minerva would put it in a pensieve for her later.

She smiled to herself and rose, stretching with a groan. As amusing as it was to ponder the mystery that was Severus Snape, she had a lot of grading to get finished, and a lot of research to get started on. They didn't have long until Samhain and there was much to prepare for. With a deep sigh, she plopped herself down at her desk, preparing to be there for the long haul.


***

Harry and Draco lay in their big rumpled bed, later that night. Normally Harry stayed at the castle a good part of the school week, but he'd chosen to return to their shared home in London that night to discuss their plans with Draco. Of course since he hadn't seen his handsome partner in several days there had been a few urgent things to get out of the way first. They'd been together for some time now, but Harry didn't think it was possible that he'd ever feel anything less for the blond than he did now. They were both fiercely in love, lust, and like of each other. Anyone who spent any amount of time with the men could see that clear as day.

“So this will be safe, correct?” Draco murmured from where he rested against Harry's shoulder. “I won't be forever infected with bits of Gryffindor will I?”

Harry's body shook with a soft chuckle and his voice rumbled against Draco's ear. “Not that I'm aware of...aside from bits of me that is,” Harry joked.

Draco hummed in pleasure as Harry's hand came up and he gently stroked the blonde's pale hair. “If you believe it safe, I will do it...for you.”

“And for you,” Harry said softly, raising his head slightly to place a kiss on Draco's head. “I'm not sure how self-aware you'll be during the process, but it might be your chance to make a little peace with him. Snape seemed to believe that beyond a little amnesia, you should be fine.”

“How can I make peace with the old codger if I don't remember the experience?” Draco grunted.

“You'll feel it,” Harry said with a firm confidence.

“What makes you so sure?” Draco asked, rising up on his elbow and looking down at his lover, his expression just a little sad. Draco was a master at hiding his emotions, except with Harry. With Harry he was an open book and didn't seem bothered by it in the least. “How do you know?”

Harry sighed and reached up to stroke Draco's hair back from his face. “I don't for sure, but I believe it.”

Draco snorted and flopped onto his back. “Gryffindor,” he grunted, as if it were an insult.

Harry grinned and rolled over until he was half covering the slim blond. “You say that like it's a bad thing love.”

“It is,” Draco said, eyes slightly hooded. He spread is long legs and sighed softly as Harry settled between them. “You lot are far too trusting and noble for your own good. You stumble into the worst possible situations, believing that somehow you'll succeed despite the odds.”

“Mm true,” Harry grinned, leaning down and nipping at Draco's jaw, “But it worked with you didn't it? As I recall, it took months to get you to believe that I really did want you. If I'd been a Slytherin you'd never have accepted me. You probably would have thought I was trying to get something out of you...rather than just trying to getting you out of your trousers.”

“Is that all you want me for?” Draco asked with a laugh, “My body?”

“Definitely,” Harry purred teasingly, burying his face in Draco's neck and grinding his awakening erection into Draco's already rampant length. “I love your body, and your hair, and your eyes....” He groaned low and ran his right hand up Draco's side, plucking at the blond's tiny, flat nipple. He smiled at the sharp intake of breath that his tease brought forth and rose slightly to take his lover's lips harshly.

“That'd better not be it,” Draco said petulantly, biting lightly at Harry's bottom lip and grinding his hips upward.

Harry chuckled and leaned into the kiss again, his tongue hungrily sliding out to taste the warm, moist heat of his lover. He loved kissing Draco almost as much as he loved fucking him. He loved the slide of Draco's lips and tongue against his; the nips of his teeth, and even more, the low groans that would slide from the blonde's throat as his excitement increased. “It's not. I love everything about you,” Harry murmured into Draco's mouth. “I love the way you look riding your broom, all happy and free up in the clouds. I love the way you reach for me in your sleep. I love it when you say my name and every way you say it. I love the way you are honest with me, like you've never been with anyone else. You know I love you Draco. That'll never change.”

“I know,” Draco said with a soft smile. He nipped teasingly at Harry's lip again and wrapped his legs loosely around Harry's thighs. He ground upwards, his hands sliding down his lover's well muscled back and coming to rest in the tight buttocks at the base. Harry had a lovely ass, wonderfully rounded and muscular from years on a broom and training for the war. Draco would never admit it out loud, but the sight of Harry's naked ass, whether he was walking across a room, or spread beautifully under Draco, made his mouth water in anticipation.

Draco trailed his fingers lightly down the valley and smiled into their kiss as Harry groaned and pressed into the touch. Harry's body was still slick from their previous joining, making it easy to slide two fingers into the tight heat nestled between the two hard mounds. He slid his tongue into Harry's mouth tasting him as he quirked his fingers, searching for that spot that made Harry beg so very sweetly.

“Oh fuck,” Harry groaned, pulling slightly away from Draco's lips as his slick entrance contracting around Draco's invading fingers.

“Sore?” Draco asked, pausing briefly and then making sure to keep his caress slow and gentle just in case. Harry swore when he liked something and swore when it hurt, so Draco had quickly learned to double check with his lover when 'fuck' wasn't followed by 'yes', 'more', or 'I love you'.

“Not really,” Harry panted against his mouth, lifting his hips and pressing backward onto Draco's fingers. “It's a nice ache, and I wouldn't care anyway.” Harry occasionally hinted like that, making Draco think that his lover might want a little something 'more' during their lovemaking. He hadn't asked yet and Harry hadn't come right out and said anything about it either. Their relationship wasn't really all that new, but there were still a few things here and there that they hadn't gotten around to talking about.

“You're insatiable Potter,” Draco mumbled with a teasing smile and nip at his lover's lips. “Do you want me to fuck you again, or are you too sore to handle me?”

“Never,” Harry replied, pulling away from Draco and straddling his hips with a grin. “I'm a Gryffindor, remember? We're not afraid of a little thing like pain.”

“So you're all a bunch of masochists then?” Draco asked with a snort, half teasing, half serious. “I had no idea that you were such a kinky lot.”

“Mm, you have no idea,” Harry purred, tilting his head and smiling wickedly. He lifted his hips and slowly slid down over the rigid length of his lover, eyes sliding shut and a groan slipping from his parted lips.

Draco arched and gasped as Harry's body enveloped him slowly, squeezing his cock in soft pulses of contracting muscle. He'd never tire of the sensation of Harry all around him, hot, tight, and slick with his cum. He felt a fierce flood of possessiveness, unsure if it was the Slytherin in him or not. It didn't matter anyway. All he cared about was that Harry was his, and his lover didn't think twice about turning down the numerous offers he got from other men and women. Harry was a handsome man and drew the appreciative eyes of most when they went out. Of course Draco got his own fair share of intimate offers, but really he couldn't be bothered with any of them. Harry was far too tasty to give up over a stupid affair, and more than satisfying to be with. For a long time he'd convinced himself that what they had would just be a fling, but as the months had passed he'd slowly grown attached to his one time rival until one day he realized how very deeply in love he'd fallen. Fortunately for his fiercely protected heart, Harry had felt the same and they hadn't looked back since.

“Fuck you feel good,” Harry groaned, rising up and sliding down once more, relishing in the sensation of Draco’s pulsing cock inside him. He was sore and it stung a little, but in a way that made him want to feel it, to remember how Draco had tackled him the moment he stepped through the floo that evening and taken him hard across the cool sheets of their wide bed. Of course that had been partially Harry's doing, as he'd been sending naughty little notes to his lover all week.

Draco was a passionate and creative lover, never failing to draw every ounce of pleasure that he could from Harry and himself. There were nights where Harry was left feeling quite weak from their lovemaking and unable to move. He'd planned to spend all weekend in bed with his lover, thus the use of notes to get him riled up. He'd come home sooner than planned this week though, and it was worth it. They could go out and have a nice autumn picnic somewhere and laze out just as nicely anyway. He enjoyed lying in the grass with the blond and just chatting about what their future would be like once Voldemort was gone.

Draco didn't reply, he simply tightened his grip on Harry's flanks and rocked upward, eyes closing in pleasure. Harry panted softly as they flexed against each other, eyes raking over his blonde Adonis appreciatively; feeling a thrill that such a handsome man loved him so deeply. Draco was lightly muscled and tall, passing Harry up by half a head. One of his favorite features aside from Draco's finely chiseled face was his wonderfully long fingers. His hands were delicate, almost too much so for a man, but not enough to actually look feminine. Those long slender digits could be gentle and tender, or delightfully wicked; reaching high into Harry's body, or skillfully pinching and stroking him into a heightened state of ecstasy.

“Harder,” Harry groaned to his lover, turning his attention more fully to their current activities.

“I don't want to hurt you,” Draco gasped, hips jerking reflexively at Harry's sweet request.

“I don't care,” Harry insisted, grinding down hard and squeezing around Draco, “just fuck me!”

Draco growled appreciatively and yanked Harry downward, biting roughly at his corded neck. Harry groaned at the aggressive gesture and ground his leaking length into Draco's belly in appreciation. After a few hard thrusts Draco rolled them over and slid out of Harry. “Turn over,” he commanded, his face flushed with lust and excitement.

Harry groaned and quickly turned onto his belly in the cage of Draco's long arms and legs. His breathing hitched as Draco slid into him once more, not taking the same care this time and hitting bottom in one thrust. His mouth dropped open and he panted into the pillow as Draco thrust hard again and then again. “Oh yes,” he whispered passionately, “Like that...Draco...fuck!”

“This how you want it Potter?” Draco growled, teeth gritted against the rising orgasm in his loins.

Harry nodded jerkily, loving the way Draco always reverted back to using his last name when he was fucking him like this. It was a reminder of what they'd been during their school days, and what they could have been instead. Hermione liked to remind him that she'd always suspected that their tense boyhood relationship would eventually have to give one way or the other. “Yes,” he grunted, burying his face in the pillow and groaning long and low, “Fuck yes.”

Draco hummed his acknowledgment, leaning down to nip at the back of Harry's neck as he thrust firmly against his lover. He marveled at Harry's openness and capacity for passion in the bedroom. Of course the man was a Gryffindor, and would try anything at least once or even twice just for the thrill of it. They were perfect together, Draco was creative and crafty, and Harry open to trying anything that Draco dreamed up without question. That was true in and out of the bedroom. They'd gone on some fairly daring adventures since they'd been together and Harry had happily gone along for the ride each time.

Draco's breathing hitched as his balls began to tighten and that wonderful tingling sensation at the base of his cock warned him that he was going to come...and soon. “Fuck Harry,” he grunted. “Tell me you're close.”

“I am,” Harry gasped, pressing backward onto Draco's length.

“Fuck...fuck!” Draco gasped, knowing he should stop for a moment. He was too close and unable to control himself enough to summon up the willpower. It was too good and too close. He groaned low and with a strangled grunt and a full body tremor, spilled himself into Harry's tight channel.

Harry mewled in frustration as Draco froze against him, jerking as his cock pumped his seed deep inside. He was close, but without the stimulation of Draco's body rubbing up against him and pressing him hard into the bed, his orgasm began to recede rapidly. “Please,” he groaned, pressing back into Draco and squeezing around him.

Draco hissed and gritted his teeth at the sensation against his oversensitive cock, pulling out of his lover with a small grimace. “Patience love,” he soothed. Panting slightly from his exertions, he began to kiss down the long muscled back of his lover, flicking his tongue out to tease sensitive spots and dip into pools of sweat that had begun to gather against Harry's tan skin. “You taste so good,” he murmured, sucking in a breath as his sensitive cock pulsed slightly in interest. There really wasn't any way he'd get hard again any time soon, but that didn't make Harry any less sexy and arousing.

Harry groaned low and jerked his hips into the bed as Draco dipped downward and traced his tongue over the sensitive hollow at the base of his spine. Harry always smelled good, kind of spicy and earthy, but here he smelled darker, richer. There was a deep earthy smell that always drew a groan of excitement from Draco. Harry jerked and grunted as Draco nipped at one firm cheek, rubbing his cheek across the tanned skin.

“Please Draco,” Harry groaned, arching his ass upward and pleading in desperation.

Draco growled softly and bit at Harry again. “Please what?” he purred and flicked his tongue over the spot he'd bitten.

“I'm not going to beg,” Harry grunted into the pillow.

Draco chuckled softly and traced his tongue lightly up the valley of Harry's muscled ass, tasting himself there. When Harry whimpered in excitement at that, Draco grinned and pulled his cheeks apart, dipping his tongue between the soft mounds of flesh and inhaling the delicious scent of his handsome lover. His own scent and taste was stronger as he slid his tongue just inside Harry's body. It sent a raw thrill of possessiveness through him that would have left him achingly hard if he hadn't already spent himself twice in the last few hours.

Harry was slick, warm, and wet, his body gently clenching around the invading tongue. He arched and pushed backward trying to impale himself further. “Oh fuck me,” Harry groaned long and low, muffled by the pillow he was now clutching. Draco hummed and sucked lightly, inwardly grinning as Harry jerked erratically. He was still close, but Draco was keeping him just on the threshold of the climax he craved so desperately. “Draco,” he whined softly, “Please, for fuck's sake....”

Draco chuckled against Harry's rosy skin, pushing his tongue forward once more and sucking hard, drawing another groan from Harry before pulling away and turning Harry onto his back again. He tickled his tongue up the quivering ridge of Harry's cock, teasing him just a little more before taking Harry fully into his mouth.

Harry sighed and arched as he slid slowly into Draco's throat, the blonde demonstrating his easy skill in this. He thrust upward, gasping and groaning as Draco sucked and nipped at the tight flesh in his mouth, drawing Harry's orgasm to the surface once more and skillfully teasing him to even higher levels of arousal. “Oh Draco,” he groaned, sliding his fingers into the blonde hair that was tickling his belly and thighs so evocatively. “That's so good. I love you. I love you....”

Draco hummed in agreement around the thick length buried deep in this mouth, rasping his tongue against the sensitive head as he pulled briefly upward. He felt Harry's fingers tighten in his hair and the faint jerk of his hips that indicated that he was close. Reaching under Harry he slid two finders back into him, quirking them slightly and pressing just enough to make Harry whimper delightfully. He grinned inwardly, and groaned deep in his chest as Harry tightened his grip more and began to gasp and swear; twitching and tightening before finally spilling out his passion with a strangled grunt and one jerky thrust. He ignored the urge to gag as Harry pressed into his throat, pulsing hard and spitting bitter seed across the back of his tongue and down his throat.

After a few seconds of paralyzed euphoria, Harry went limp, sighing in contentment. “That was amazing Draco,” he slurred, his eyes lightly closed and a small smile on his lips.

Draco pulled away, letting Harry slip from his lips with a parting nip that made his lover jerk. “Satisfied now?” he asked teasingly, moving up to lie next to Harry and kissing him lightly.

Harry kissed him back, tasting himself and Draco mixed together on the blonde's lips. He pulled back after a moment and nodded. “More than,” he sighed. “You were brilliant love.”

Draco smirked and reached down to pull up the covers that had ended up on the floor during their passionate scuffle. “You shouldn't expect anything less from me, you know that.”

“I do,” Harry agreed with a sleepy, satisfied grin on his face.

Draco pulled Harry's warm body against him and sighed. After a moment he asked, “When are we doing this summoning then?”

Harry was silent for a moment and Draco almost thought he'd drifted off, until the brunet sighed. “Three weeks, during Samhain.”

“Ah,” Draco said with a nod. “That would be an appropriate time wouldn't it?” He placed a slow open mouthed kiss against Harry's jaw just beneath his ear and sighed. “You can count on me love. Just let me know what I am to do and I'll be there.”

“Thank you,” Harry said, turning his head to smile at his lover. “I appreciate this.”

“I know,” Draco replied softly.

“And I love you,” Harry added, leaning forward and kissing him tenderly.

“And I you,” Draco said, kissing him back and then snuggling comfortably under the covers, relaxed, sated and happy.

***

“Enter!” Severus called from his desk, glaring at a particularly idiotic piece of scribbling that a student dared call a proper report on the uses of basilisk scales in potions. First of all, it was obvious to him they'd copied it almost word for word out of the assigned book on the subject, being that he had written the text and knew it by heart. Secondly, they'd drawn all the wrong conclusions when they did attempt some originality of thought. To make it even worse, he'd seen almost the same exact answer five papers back in his finished pile. Honestly, did they even try?

A feminine chuckle from the doorway drew his eyes from the paper upward. Miss Granger stood leaning against the frame, arms crossed comfortably and her eyes twinkling with amusement. “It can't be all that bad Severus.”

“It can, and it is,” he grunted, scrawling a nasty note about plagiarism across the bottom and marking it with a grade so low the student was probably wincing from it already. He tossed his quill aside and rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. “I can't comprehend how very stupid some of them are. Do they even read the class text? I don't believe that what I assign is so impossible that they can't at least do a decent job of figuring it out.”

“They are young and have far more interesting things going on in their head than the uses of unicorn blood in healing potions, or the five ways to stir a potion counterclockwise,” she said, straightening and coming into the room.

He grunted, flicking his dark gaze over her, taking in the snug fit of her red sweater and gray trousers with more appreciation that he should probably have for a witch so much younger than himself. Still, ever since his blunder three days prior, he couldn't help but think of her, at least a little, in several different inappropriate ways, most of them ending up with her nude (and usually gasping his name repeatedly). “Perhaps,” he agreed, pushing away his musings impatiently, “but you obviously succeeded, so why can't they?”

“Because I'm brilliant,” she said nonchalantly, settling into the chair before his desk and crossing one leg comfortably over the other. She smiled at him as he raised a brow. “You know I am, so don't even think of disputing it,” she warned playfully. “Besides, as you now know, I didn't allow myself the same...distractions that most teens do.”

Severus averted his gaze to his desk, flushing lightly. He had to force down the raw rush of arousal at the reminder that she was still wonderfully untouched. The primitive male beast inside roared in frustration, urging him to take her in ways that she'd never imagined, let alone experienced. He wondered if she'd accept an advance from him though. It was hard for people to understand, that despite is cool demeanor and strict lifestyle, he was indeed still a rather young man, and a prize like Hermione Granger was difficult to resist on so many levels. “Yes, of course...I...” he started, gritting his teeth for a moment. “Has Minerva spoken to you yet...about my social blunder from the other night?”

“About proposing marriage?” she asked, grinning outright when he flushed and stiffened. Taking pity on him when he started to look supremely uncomfortable, she sighed and let her grin drop into a small smile. “She did, and I understand it wasn't your intention to either propose or proposition me. Consider it forgotten.”

He relaxed visibly and nodded. “Still, I do apologize,” he said sliding his gaze up to meet hers. “Normally I'm quite aware of what I say, so I was quite surprised that I'd done something so foolish unknowingly. If I'd requested such a thing from a pureblooded young woman I might very well be facing wedding bells at this moment. I thank you for your understanding,” he said politely.

She smiled wider at him. “Are you saying that you don't relish the thought of being married to me Severus? It wouldn't be a dream come true?”

“More like a nightmare,” he grunted unconsciously, drawing a startled laugh from her.

“So cruel,” she sighed in amusement as he smirked lightly at her. She studied him for a moment and then cocked her head, “What if I had understood it and accepted...what then? Would you have married me...the Gryffindor know it all?”

He raised a brow and her. “I'm not sure I could properly answer that question,” he said feeling a rush of panic at her bluntness. “You do understand that my work as a spy would make that nearly impossible.”

“But if the war were over and we were free to do as we liked, what then?” she pressed, not understanding why his answer was suddenly so important to her.

“Perhaps...perhaps I would consider it,” he admitted not looking directly at her. Merlin she was a forward woman. His groin pulsed faintly as he wondered just how forward she could be. “You are intelligent enough that I could discuss my work with you and not feel like I was forever teaching a student. You are also, as I mentioned before, quite attractive, and you have a pleasing personality. I'm sure I could live quite comfortably with a witch such as yourself.”

She beamed at him, blushing at his startling praise of her charms. When Severus Snape complimented you, you took it at face value. He didn't waste his time on false praise with anyone but the Dark Lord, and that was more a matter of life and death than anything else. “Thank you,” she said, her gaze falling to the floor modestly for a moment. Finally she looked up at him through her lashes and asked softly, “And the other part of your unintentional request? Would you have been willing to personally collect the blood you value so much?”

His heart began pounding in his chest at her surprisingly daring question and he realized that she was flirting with him, albeit subtly. Women rarely flirted with him so lightly. Most were rather direct in their praise and intention. Hermione actually looked a little nervous about what his response would be and that made him feel more desirable than any other witch had. While others had thrown themselves at him, attracted by his dark attitude and bad boy facade, she looked like the answer was rather important to her.

He studied her silently for a moment, cocking his head slightly in consideration. She was rather attractive in her own way; short and wonderfully curvy, yet not overly so. Her hair still tended to have a life of its own, but it was rather easy to imagine what it would look like completely untamed and spilled across his pillows. Her lips drew his attention as well. She tended to nibble at the bottom lip when she was thinking or nervous, so it was often plump and red from abuse, making him wonder what her lips would look like after being thoroughly kissed or, even better, wrapped around his cock.

He rested his elbows on the arms of his chair and brought his long fingers together against his chin as he pondered his words. Finally he said slowly, “I believe that it would be a task that I could take on with great pleasure and interest.”

She blinked and blushed a deep crimson, as if hardly believing that he'd actually admitted that to her. He smiled slowly as the tables turned and he took control of the conversation. “And you Miss Granger... Hermione,” he purred, “Would you be willing to give such a prize to a man like me? Would you be willing to take me into your body, holding me in such an intimate embrace that none other can come close in comparison?”

He clasped his fingers together and willed himself not to take his penetrating gaze off of her as she flicked her eyes to the still open door and the much anticipated lip nibbling began. “Well I...” she stuttered softly, blushing prettily for a moment before visibly gathering herself and straightening in her chair. She was still blushing, but she lifted her eyes and with all her Gryffindor bravery, met his gaze and said, “Yes, I believe I might.”

“That is interesting,” he murmured, dark eyes glittering with something she couldn't identify. He quirked one corner of his mouth up in amusement, meeting her eyes silently for a moment before sighing and releasing her stare abruptly. He leaned forward on his desk and raised one brow. “So, there must have been some reason for you to visit me down here, other than a little verbal sparring,” he murmured, amusement dancing across the normally severe line of his mouth.

She nodded and relaxed slightly, shifting in her chair as she tried to reset her mind and direct it towards her purpose for coming there. “Yes, I thought we might do a quick run through of the ceremony and it's spells so I know what I need to work on over the next few weeks,” she said, standing up and turning to walk to his fireplace. She traced her slender fingers over the bricks for a moment, distracting herself and gathering her scattered wits.

Allowing her a moment to 'hide', as it were, he simply nodded and said, “That would be acceptable Miss Granger. When would you care to meet?”

“I was thinking tomorrow after supper,” she said, glancing at him over her shoulder. “It's Friday night, so I'll have all weekend to work out the kinks and still get my grading done.” She turned and took a few steps back towards him. “Perhaps we might do a second run through next Friday, as Samhain will begin the following weekend.”

“Of course,” he said with a small nod of acceptance. “I will make myself available tomorrow evening and we may begin at, say, eight o'clock?”

“Alright,” she agreed with a nod. “That should be fine for me as well. I'll simply get the Heads to complete my rounds for me, so that won't be a problem.”

She moved towards the door, pausing as she reached its arched framework. “And Severus...thank you,” she said softly and then was gone and down the hallway.

He stared at the empty space, wondering if she was thanking him for helping her with her practice, or for admitting that he'd gladly take her virginity from her. Though for a woman who previously thought men didn't find her attractive, he rather thought it might be the latter. Smiling slightly to himself, he picked up his quill again and went back to grading. Even the abysmal attempt that stretched over the parchment before him couldn't kill the strange thrill that raced through him as he pondered his exchange with the willful and tempting witch who'd just left the room.

***

The next evening Hermione knocked on Severus' door, feeling a little nervous about talking to him again. There had been a rather sudden shift in their interactions within the last few days, enough of one that she was feeling a little baffled by it all. He was being strangely nice, which was a rather new turn of events in of itself. That's not to say he had been cruel before. When she'd returned to the school to teach he'd automatically accepted her as just another colleague. He'd ceased his sneering at everything she said like he had been prone to while she was a student, and simply watched her speak with a politely blank face.

Politeness...that was what it was. He had been achingly polite and proper with her whenever they spoke, up until he inadvertently propositioned her the other night. Now...well at least since yesterday, he smiled slightly at her when their eyes met, and he had actually flirted with her the night before. It was a little odd to say the least. She wasn't quite sure how to process this other side of the man she thought she'd known for over ten years, realizing that the man was just that, a man.

“Enter!” he barked in his professor voice. She bit back a smile and pushed the door open. He was scribbling away at his desk like before, though this time he wasn't frowning, so apparently he wasn't grading at the moment. “Well, speak up, can't you see I'm busy?” he snapped, not looking up for a moment as she stood before the wide desk.

“Charming as ever I see,” she said, her smile clear in her tone.

His eyes jerked upward and his face relaxed minutely. “Ah, Miss Granger...Hermione, I apologize,” he said, dropping his quill and standing up. “Students have been pounding on my door all evening, to the point that I had considered hexing the damn thing.”

“You have office hours for a reason Severus,” she reminded him with a small smile.

“I'm well aware,” he grunted, turning and striding towards the fireplace. “I've set up a space for us to practice in the forest, if you'll follow me,” he said, abruptly changing the subject.

She shook her head and sighed softly. So much for a little conversation before they got right to work.

“We'll floo to the Headmistress' office and then portkey from there,” he explained, taking a bit of floo powder and dumping half of it in her hand. “It's a rather long walk and I thought perhaps you'd wish to spend less time traveling and more actually working.”

“Yes,” she said with a nod and a smile, “That would be preferable. Thank you.”

He shrugged and tossed the powder into the fire, calling out “Headmistress' Office!” In a whoosh he was gone, leaving her momentarily alone in his small office. Glancing around, she had to reign in the temptation to poke around a bit. She wondered what she could find out about the odd man from this room, but knew it would have to wait for another time. With a sigh she tossed her own bit of powder in the flames and followed him through.

With a startled shriek she ran right into his broad, black clad back.

He grunted in surprise and then quickly turned to grab her as she stumbled backward, very nearly falling back into the fireplace. She stared at him with wide eyes as startlingly strong hands held her suspended over the heat of the fire at her back. His own surprised look turned to a curiously calculating gaze before shutting down completely and she was being tugged firmly to her feet. “If you're ready,” he said abruptly, walking briskly to the Headmistress' desk and picking up an old shoe.

She sucked in a deep breath and closed her eyes for a brief moment to gather herself. Hermione was having a difficult time assimilating all of these unfamiliar faucets of Severus' personality. He was nothing like the man she knew from her school days. He allowed her to see brief moments of unguarded emotion and he was actually rather open with her when she asked him personal questions; something that would have had him snarling at her only a few short years ago. This new Severus was a baffling man, but one she had a certain amount of interest in getting to know.

With a quick shake of her head she marched to his side and gripped the outstretched shoe, preparing for the sickening tug and swirl of portkeying. She clenched her teeth as her stomach did an abrupt 360, rather like hitting a loop and then a drop on a roller coaster. It made her grateful that supper had been a light fare that night.

They landed somewhat ungracefully in a large clearing in the Forbidden Forest. She let her hand drop from the shoe and looked around curiously. The forest would have been rather pretty had it not been for her knowledge of the giant spiders and dubiously friendly centaurs in it. She'd run into the latter during her years in school and she wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea of doing it again.

The clearing was quite wide, easily big enough for two bonfires to be set without the trees cringing back in horror, but closed off enough that no one would be able to see what they were up to. The ground was flat and lightly sprinkled with grass, weeds, and wildflowers. She couldn't see what kind they were in the darkness of the night, but she imagined that it all look quite pretty with the sunlight touching the trees and flowers all around them. “This is a nice clearing. How did you know about it?” she asked, turning to gaze up at him.

“Firenze pointed it out,” he said with a shrug. “He knows the forest better than I and was most useful in finding this location for me. He also made sure that no forest creatures claimed this clearing as their personal property. It's a common area of sorts, so we should be accepted as just another tenet...hopefully.”

Hermione nodded and set out to explore the area a bit more carefully. She trusted Firenze, even if the other centaurs terrified her silly. They were an unpredictable species, and once angered, difficult to reason with. Firenze was sort of an exception to that rule. He was rather rational and serene, able to understand his human peers better than most of his kind; even when those humans did something terribly irrational and stupid. Perhaps his long-time friendship with Dumbledore had something to do with that, but she wasn't sure.

“You might point out this clearing to Minerva,” she suggested, tracing her fingers over a large flat rock. It would probably work rather well as an alter should the need arise for one, or at least a workbench to place their supplies on. “The ritual is best done out in the open like it was in old times, but this would do very nicely for the security issues that we have.”

“I agree,” he said with a nod. Severus watched as she paced around the clearing, inspecting every aspect of it. She looked lovely, dressed in black slacks and a white sweater that flattered her curves wonderfully. He felt a clench in his belly as she bit at her lip thoughtfully. Even in the poor light of the moon he could see the habitual gesture; it made it sexier to be able to see what she'd look like in the darkness of his bedchamber.

She turned and looked at him, smiling softly. “You did nice work Severus. This will work very well.”

He felt a strange rush of masculine pride at her praise. “Thank you,” he said softly. His belly clenched again when her smile turned warm in the pale light. Clearing his throat and reaching into his pocket he pulled out a minimized bag. “Shall we get started?” he asked, waving his wand over the bag and muttering a quick spell. The bag grew in his hand until it very nearly touched the ground.

Her eyes widened. “What on earth is all that?” she asked curiously, moving quickly towards him and peering into the large bag.

Severus inhaled softly as her scent flooded his senses. She smelled so feminine and pretty, like violets and warmth. “Just this and that; supplies that we'll need for the summoning.”

She nodded in understanding, reaching in and pulling out candles and the book on the subject. “Will we practice the entire thing, minus the actual spells?”

“More or less,” he said with a nod. “It would be a good idea to get it worked out so the final ritual goes as smoothly as possible. Fortunately for us, should the first time not go as we would like, Samhain lasts approximately three days, so we might have a second chance. I'd rather not risk it however, so let's do our best now to prevent such an occurrence.”

“Alright,” she agreed with an understanding smile. “Shall we get started then?”

He smiled slightly and nodded. “Yes. Perhaps you could set out the candles and I'll set the circle? Then we can begin.” He watched in fascination as she set to work, face set in serious determination. What an intriguing woman she had become, one he found himself wanting more and more to get to know better; more intimately. After a moment he sighed and set himself to his own task, promising himself to consider the new curiosity that was Hermione Granger.

***

Ritual Night

Hermione, Severus, Harry, and Draco all agreed to meet for a light dinner the night of the ceremony. It was fairly common in Samhain celebrations to feast together, leaving a spot open and set for certain ancestors to 'occupy'. Usually family and friends would sit around the table and share tales of the honored ancestor, celebrating their life and their death. When Hermione had suggested it the three men had all agreed, albeit a little sadly. The curious events surrounding Dumbledore's death made it sound just a little bit awkward, but also promised to be cathartic for those personally involved in that fateful day.

Hermione looked around the small table piled with small dishes of fruits, chicken, vegetables, and what looked like blueberry tarts. She smiled a little at that. There were several spices, trees, flowers, and other plants that helped to protect against psychic attack, and she'd once read that blueberries helped. Further inspection of the table revealed dishes with fennel, and the warm scents of ginger and cloves. The house elves were an intuitive lot, and apparently decided that a little intervention on their human friends was in order. They'd also actually managed to dig up a small bag of Dead Sea salt in Severus' stores so their circle should be well enough protected that they wouldn't need this extra fortification. Still, they were things that tasted and smelled wonderful, so who was she to argue?

Hermione glanced up as Severus entered the room, followed by Draco and Harry, the latter two strolling with fingers intertwined. She felt a rush of something...envy and joy twisting strangely around each other. Never had she met two people that were so openly devoted to one another. Since their rather public outing they were together as often as they could be; Harry's position at the school being the only thing preventing them from being permanently joined at the hip. Sex, surprisingly enough, had little to do with it. They were clearly deeply in love with each other. It showed in their faces, their actions, and every plan they made.

She bit her lip and felt her heart clench as Harry grinned playfully at his blond love as he pulled out Draco's chair, the brunette outright laughing as Draco rolled his eyes that the chivalrous move. Harry leaned in to give him a slow casual kiss, and then slid into his own seat as soon as Draco sat. She couldn't deny the sweet jealousy she felt in seeing them together. They had someone to love and hold, someone to laugh with and chat with late at night.

She didn't have that with anyone, she never had. She'd chosen the route of scholar, somehow skipping woman and lover along the way.

“Miss Granger?” Severus' deep voice murmured softly from behind, startling out of her self pityingly thoughts.

Hermione spun half way around, surprised to see Severus holding her own chair politely out for her. She felt a small swell of hope when she saw Severus, the one man that had seemed to take an open interest in her, though she half suspected she'd been too absorbed by books and homework and studying to notice any other speculative stares. “Thank you,” she whispered softly, gracefully sinking into her seat.

Once Severus was seated next to her she cleared her throat, catching the attention of the three men. “Tonight is the first night of Samhain,” she started, folding her hands together in her lap. “We, along with many others, celebrate the transition from summer to winter, the harvest, and the passing of friends and family.” The men nodded slightly in agreement. “On this night we hope to once again speak with our beloved friend and mentor Albus Dumbledore,” she said, indicating to a beautifully set place at the head of the small table. Dumbledore's portrait had been hung on the wall of the small room just above the ceremonial setting. The painted man nodded solemnly to them, but remained quiet. “We will enjoy this feast prepared for us, and share stories of Albus' life and death. Please try to sample each item prepared before you, as several of them will protect you in the night to come,” she finished, glancing over at Severus for approval. He nodded slightly and gave her a small smile.

“Very well, shall we eat?” she asked, looking around at the men seated at the table. They nodded and a little of the tension broke as everyone began to dish food out on their plates and their neighbor's.

They ate, laughed, and occasionally brushed away a tear as they recounted every story they could remember about the old wizard. Even the portrait jumped in on occasion, reliving what he could for them. Soon they were down to munching on remains and licking tart syrup off their fingers as they wound down.

They were relaxing back into their chairs and enjoying the post feast lassitude and silence when Harry broke the silence. “Now what?” he asked.

Hermione flushed slightly as the next step in their night finally crept up on them. It was the step she'd hoped to ignore, but Severus had been quite adamant about it remaining in place, saying that the more they did to protect themselves and the ritual the better. She half suspected that the strange man she was just beginning to really know might have an alternative motive though. “We must bathe,” she said softly, inwardly cringing at the thought of being anywhere near naked around the three men. She wasn't normally self conscious, but she didn't have much experience being naked around anyone but Ginny and her former dorm mates.

Draco snorted and raised a brow at this. “I'll have you know I bathed only a few hours ago, so I hardly need another washing.”

The way Harry flushed and smiled softly at his love made Hermione think that it must have been a bit more than just a bath. Of course what else would two people in love be doing right before entering into a potentially dangerous ritual?

She shook her head. “No, it's a purification bath with special herbs steeped in it. Severus and I set it up earlier, so we'll let it cool and steep a little more as we get the fires ready. Once the fires are going a bit, we can take care of the bathing, and then continue on with the main part of the ritual, if you are both still ready and willing?”

Harry nodded and Draco looked at her seriously. “I am,” he said softly. “I'll do anything for Harry. Just tell me what to do.” He was putting on a brave front, but even Hermione could tell that he was nervous. He was much paler than usual, and his grip on Harry's hand white knuckled. For all of his reassurance that he was ready, she wondered if he really ever would be. She inwardly sighed and prayed she'd one day find a man that would do the same for her; risk himself for her despite his fear of the uncertain outcome.

Hermione nodded and rose from her seat. “Very well then. Minerva has opened a pocket in the school wards until midnight so we can apparate from this room to the site of the ritual. If you are ready, please take hold of myself or Severus and we'll be on our way.” Perhaps once they got started Draco would relax a little; if not, well...there wasn't anything they could do about it now.

Draco leaned in and kissed Harry once more. “Only for you,” he murmured and then moved forward to Severus, linking his arm through the older man's, and with a pop they were gone. Harry smiled at Hermione, looking just a tad stressed, but holding together rather well. “Ready?” he asked softly, reaching out and placing his hands on her shoulders.

“Yes,” she said with a nod, “And have a little faith in me and in Severus. We will protect you both, Draco especially. You are both valuable to us.”

“I'm not sure Snape would agree with you there, but thank you,” Harry said with a small shaky laugh.

“You are the key to his freedom,” she said seriously. “He won't ever admit it, but you are indeed important to him. If you die, all he has worked for will be destroyed. He won't let that happen Harry.”

“How do you know so much about Snape all of the sudden Hermione?” he asked with a curious sigh.

She flushed and lowered her gaze shyly. “We've been spending quite a lot of time together these past few weeks, and he isn't the same man he was when we were children. He doesn't treat me like I'm a hindrance now that he's realized I'm not just another idiot student.”

“I saw the way he looked at you during dinner,” Harry said, moving one hand to her chin and tilting it upwards. “I'd say he sees you very differently now. He looked at you like you were something new and interesting, and definitely beautiful.” When Hermione flushed red and tried to pull away, he pulled her into his arms. “You are a beautiful woman Hermione, and Snape is anything but blind. I think you've struck him silly with your pretty face and charming intelligence.”

“And what are you if my beauty and charm doesn't strike you down in awe?” she asked teasingly through her embarrassment.

“Gay,” he said with a chuckle. “As lovely as you are, you're not quite my type.”

“Draco is rather pretty though,” she said with a giggle.

“He is, but never tell him to his face,” Harry said, hugging her tighter and laughing softly. “It really pisses him off. He might be pretty, but he's anything but girlie.”

“Oh I know that,” she laughed, blushing deeper with each moment. “I accidentally walked in on you two once and girlie is not a term I'd use for either of you,” she admitted, refusing to pull back from the hug and look him in the face during her confession.

He stiffened slightly and sucked in a breath. “When was this?”

“A few months ago,” she admitted reluctantly. “When I was staying at your place for a few days. I went to grab a book from the library and there you two were....”

Harry laughed, though it was more in embarrassment than anything else. “I remember that night. I thought I heard something, but when I looked at the door it was closed so I passed it off as nothing. I'm sorry that we didn't think about you first though.” He hadn't seen Draco in two weeks if he recalled correctly. He'd brought Hermione home with him at the end of the school year, promising to let her use his extensive library to get some research done. Draco had been fine with the unexpected house guest, but not so much with waiting to get Harry alone. They might be settling into domesticity rather nicely, but they were also two healthy young men with healthy sexual desires. The instant they thought Hermione had gone safely up to bed, they'd started with a welcome home kiss that had turned serious in a matter of moments.

“Oh I don't know,” she mumbled into his shirt. “I rather enjoyed catching you once the shock wore off. You might both be my friends, but I can still appreciate how good both of you look bare ass naked, and all sweaty and panting.”

Harry laughed outright at that. “You're something else 'Mione; truly you are.” He felt a small twinge of embarrassment at what she'd likely seen, but it was competing heavily with a small rush of pride that she'd liked what he looked like naked. She might be like a sister to him, but he was only human and he enjoyed the praise.

She finally pulled back and smiled up at him, her cheeks a lovely shade of red. “I'm glad you're not angry Harry. I didn't mean to see anything....”

“I know,” he said tapping her nose teasingly. “Don't worry about it.” He studied her for a moment and then sighed. “Shall we join them before Snape sends out a search party?”

She grinned and nodded. “Hold tight,” she advised, concentrating on the prepared clearing and pulling Harry across the huge grounds of the school in a stomach twisting lurch.

When then came to a halt, Severus looked at them with a raised brow. “Did you get lost Miss Granger?”

“No,” she said simply before walking past him to the large wooden bath they'd created earlier that day. “Is it ready?” she asked, poking at the water.

He frowned at her vague answer, but brushed off his annoyance in favor of the task ahead of them. “Nearly. We can build the fires while it finishes cooling. I'm sure we'll exert ourselves enough in doing so that we'll desire a bath anyhow. There's no sense in wasting the water if we're only going to build up a sweat and get dirty all over again,” he reasoned.

She nodded and smiled briefly, walking past the tub towards the center of the clearing. “Yes of course. Draco and Harry, pile half of the logs and sticks over there where I've drawn a circle,” she commanded, pointing a few feet away from where she stood. “Severus and I will work on setting the fire just there,” she said pointing the other direction. Both young men shrugged and wandered towards the large pile of wood that the castle house elves had provided for them.

Severus joined her in levitating their half of the wood to the circle, and arranged it in a neat pile. “Care to tell me why it took you so long to arrive? We're a little pressed for time tonight.”

She leveled him with a stern 'are you serious' look and sighed. “If it doesn't go well tonight, we'll just do it again tomorrow. We have three nights.”

“Yes, well tonight the moon is actually full, so we're better off doing it now,” he argued back. “And you still didn't answer my other question.”

“We were simply chatting for a moment,” she said with an airy wave; 'about you.' She didn't voice that aloud of course. “It's not important now. What's important is that we get ready and you focus on tonight, not a personal conversation I had with Harry.”

Severus grunted and shrugged, turning back to the pile of wood. “That should do,” he finally said, stepping back. He glanced over his shoulder at the other pile made by Draco and Harry and nodded. “Good. Step back a moment.” They all moved backwards and watched as Severus ignited both piles with his wand. The heat was strong enough to drive them back a little further.

“Well at least that solves the issue of getting too cold once we're naked,” Hermione muttered, just loud enough for the two younger men to hear.

“Pardon?” Harry asked in surprise. “Since when are we all going to be naked?”

“Weren't you listening the other night Harry?” she asked in exasperation, though she was blushing. “Severus mentioned it, I'm sure of it. As we walk between the flames, we'd normally strip off our material possessions anyway, but now that we've also elected to take a purification bath beforehand, that's rather obviously going to happen anyway. Did you plan to bath in your clothing?” she asked, raising a brow.

Harry flushed slightly at his blunder and shrugged. “I suppose not,” he muttered.

“Besides, Draco has seen you naked, and I've already admitted to the same, so really it's only Severus that hasn't,” she said, trying to be all nonchalant about it. Draco grinned at his flushed lover and shrugged.

“I wasn't really all that concerned about myself,” Harry mumbled. He gestured vaguely and sighed. “It's just what will people think if they find out...I mean you're a girl, and there are three men here and....”

“Are you worried that this'll turn into some sort of sexual orgy Potter?” Draco asked with a snort.

Harry glared at Draco. “No, you prat,” he scowled. “I'm worried that that's what people will say happened.” He turned to look back at Hermione. “Is it necessary?”

She cocked her head. “Well no, but it'll make the ritual more powerful, as we'll be more connected to the earth and our surroundings. This is old magic Harry. We can't get all bound up in worrying about modesty and other's opinions when something this important is at stake. Even if it was a mass orgy, if it worked, I'd be willing to do it to save my students,” she announced, flushed but serious.

Severus nearly groaned aloud at her announcement as several detailed accounts of what could happen in such an event slid through his imagination. Draco's smile morphed into a wholly inappropriate predatory grin and he chuckled. “I'm sure we could think up a reason for one if you're game Granger.” Well at least he'd shrugged off a little of his nervousness if he was teasing her.

Hermione rolled her eyes and flipped Draco off so smoothly Severus was left blinking in surprise at the out of character action from the young woman. Harry and Draco on the other hand just laughed. The atmosphere relaxed noticeably though, so whatever worked....

“Now, if we're done chatting,” she said with a sigh, “Let's get on with it.”

“Who goes first?” Harry asked, reaching for the buttons of his shirt with a flush on his cheeks.

Hermione shot Severus a glare. “Severus is of the mind that we all bathe at the same time. He's concerned that the effectiveness of the herbs won't last through four separate baths.”

“Plus we are on a bit of a time schedule here,” Severus put it quietly. Of course he could easily admit to himself that even if time and potency weren't an issue, he would have found some other excuse just so he had a chance to be anywhere near Hermione while she was naked. He might be twenty years older than her, but he was still a healthy and relatively young male.

“So you say,” she muttered, reminding him subtly that she wasn't stupid. “Well,” she said gustily. “We can be adults about this right? Let's just get on with it.” With that she reached down and pulled her pale blue robe up and off, tossing it over a low branch of a nearby tree.

All three men gaped and the clearing grew still except for the rustle of Hermione carefully arranging her robe on the branch so it wouldn't wrinkle. Harry reached over and pinched Draco sharply as the blonde groaned in soft appreciation of the sight before them. After pulling off the robe, Hermione was left wearing only stockings, sturdy shoes and the tiniest thong any of them had ever seen.

Draco swore and glared at Harry in annoyance. “What? You might prefer only men, but you know very well I used to date women too,” he groused. “Just look at that lovely round ass and tell me it doesn't do anything for you.”

Hermione flushed red and spun, arms wrapped around her breasts, mouth hanging open in shock. Harry crossed his own arms, but not for protection. He glared steadily at his lover until the blond flushed guiltily and looked at the ground. “I'm just saying,” he mumbled.

“Have the lover's spat later,” Severus snorted, reaching for the buttons of his long jacket in an attempt to divert his attention from the lush spread of bare skin before him.

He knew he should think of something, anything but Hermione Granger naked, but he stupidly let his mind wander over the possibilities as she balanced on one foot and then the other, pulling off her shoes and stockings. He wanted to curse Draco for his comments that made her turn, because while the plump view of her partially covered breast was enticing, it didn't fail to occur to him what else he might have seen had she been bent over and turned the opposite direction. It was easy to imagine the teasing glimpse of full pink folds peaking from between shapely thighs, and no great leap to imagine those thighs spreading to show him something much more....

“Severus!” Hermione called out and snapped him out of his day dream with a start. She looked at him in confusion, dropping the scrap of material that could hardly be called underwear over a thin branch. “You're not even close to ready. Hurry up.”

Not ready? Could the little chit not see the bulge in his trousers? He was more than ready. Identical smirks from Draco and Harry as they pulled off their clothing told him that they'd noticed. He groaned inwardly and turned his back to finish undressing. He was just shucking off his boxers when he heard the other three splashing lightly as they climbed into the water. Quickly turning, he hoped to get into the water while they were distracted by settling themselves.

That hope was dashed when he realized that the splashes were from the two younger men only. Hermione stood right in front of him, where she was paused, hand on the tub as if she'd just been about to climb in as well. Instead her eyes were wide and her cheeks flushed red in embarrassment. “Oh my,” she said faintly, her gaze falling a little too far south for his comfort.

He cleared his throat and raised a brow, drawing her startled gaze. She mumbled an apology and quickly scrambled into the tub, giving him the brief glimpse of pale pink that he'd been fantasizing about only moments ago. She settled herself on the other side of the tub and sank nose deep into the cooled water. Harry, at her side, chuckled softly, and Draco smirked as Severus climbed into the empty space of the tub, settling himself without a word.

“My apologies Miss Granger,” he finally muttered softly, a tiny flush on his own cheeks.

She stood and scowled. “My name is Hermione. I've told you to use it twice now. Now that I've seen you naked and...” she waved her hand at the water and grunted, “call me by my first name. It's just weird to hear 'Miss Granger' when we're out in the woods in our birthday suits, you know?” She moved to slump back down but missed the seat entirely and flailed as she went under. Harry's startled squeak of surprise was the only clue as to what occurred underwater before she rose to the surface with a choke, starting at her left hand in horror. “And what's your excuse?” she demanded from the brunette. “That's just not right Harry!”

Harry blushed and scooted closer to Draco. “Well if you hadn't been grabbing you wouldn't even know about it now would you?” he defended himself. “Besides, what do you expect? I'm twenty two and naked with three other people. It's bound to act up! It's not like I fancy you...it's just we're all here and naked...and you know....” he grumbled, floundering horribly for the right explanation. His eyes jerked suddenly to Draco and his mouth dropped open in protest. The blond smirked and shrugged innocently, his arm reappearing and hanging over the edge of the tub again. It was that action that finally made Hermione's scowl drop and she started to laugh, clutching at her stomach and waving her hand as she gasped something none of them could understand.

“My god,” she finally gasped. “Look at us. We're all acting like a bunch of teenagers, blushing and fumbling, and being silly. I think most of it is even my fault,” she admitted, scooting backwards and sitting down carefully this time. “I'm sorry guys. This is just very strange for me. I haven't seen that many naked men before tonight, so I'm being stupid.”

“How many?” Harry asked with a smile. “Just me and Draco, or were there others?”

“Me?” Draco asked. “When was this?”

“In the library of your house,” she said with a dismissive wave. Draco gave Harry a 'you'll explain later’ look as she went on without pause. “Bill and the twins as they left the bathroom. Seamus when Dean yanked down his trunks when we were all swimming seventh year. And...a patient I was helping Madam Pomfrey to heal once,” she finished, not looking at Severus just in case they'd guess. She'd promised to keep it a secret after all. “Not that many, and except for the library, never...you know,” she flushed and made a gesture with her index finger that made the young men laugh, and Severus grunt in mild amusement. “I know you probably think I'm a silly little girl, but it's still weird for me.”

“Not silly,” Severus purred softly. “Just new to it all. And I assure you that most men are not turned off by that sort of innocence.”

Draco nodded and grinned at her. “Most guys will totally get off on the idea that you're a virgin, and it will drive them wild to see that sweet blush of yours.”

“You make me sound like I'm fifteen, not twenty three,” she snorted. “Who would want a silly virgin when they could find an experienced lover just as easily?” She nearly laughed at the incredulous looks she got from all three. “Seriously?” she asked in surprise.

Harry blushed slightly. “Maybe it’s a little different for me...maybe not, but the idea of being someone's first is really hot. It's that little bit of caveman still left in us I guess,” he said with a short laugh.

“Or the divide and conquer mentality,” Draco said with a lascivious grin at his lover. Harry blushed, but grinned shyly back. Hermione already knew that Harry had been a virgin when he got together with Draco, but Draco definitely hadn't been. Harry had been a little disappointed, but not enough to override his deeper feelings for the blonde. Anyone could see that they were deeply in love with each other.

“Indeed,” Severus said slowly, drawing her attention. “Men have long had the desire to claim things as their own. Taking an innocent woman is rather like carving his name into a tree,” he mused. “Even after years and years, his mark will remain. Even once the tree has covered it in bark, it's still there inside. It is the same with a woman. She will never forget the man that first buried himself inside her body, no matter how many may follow.”

Hermione felt herself flush, and not entirely in embarrassment at his words. “And the man? Does he remember where he carved his name?”

“Who could forget such a pretty tree?” Severus purred, eyes glinting in amusement, and something much more intimate.

After a moment Harry cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “What now?” he asked, reluctant to break up their 'moment', but knowing that they had much to do still.

“Finish washing yourselves, and then we'll add the hair to the fires and walk between them. After that, there's no turning back. We've drawn the circle in salt and the pentagram is set. All we need are a few words and the two of you and we'll be ready to receive Dumbledore,” Hermione said.

Both men sobered and waved quickly, dunking under the water to wash away the dirt and sweat of the day. “What's in this bath?” Draco asked curiously after a moment. “It smells nice...soothing.”

“Lavender, rosemary, thyme, basil, fennel, hyssop, mint, vervain, and valerian root,” Severus said smoothly. “They are herbs which help to sooth and protect us, as well as wash away that which clings to us as we move through the day. A salt bath would have worked too, but I don't care for the itchiness of the salt as it dries,” he said with a shrug.

Draco snorted and nodded. “It just smells rather like a perfume Mother used to wear,” he said with a sigh.

“If any woman needed soothing it was her,” Severus replied quietly, standing and slipping from the bath. Hermione followed him silently, letting the heat from the fires dry her skin as she took a small lock of hair from the bunch he pulled from his robe pocket.

The two young men came up behind her silently. “Will we be safe?” Harry asked softly, some of the nervousness from earlier evident in his voice.

“Hermione and I will do our very best to protect you from anything that dares to cross the circle of salt,” Severus replied. “It is high quality salt though, and little would risk it.”

Harry looked skeptical that salt would hold anything but an army of slugs back, but decided to trust the dark man and his curly haired friend. He turned to Draco. “If you need to stop, tell me,” he said gently lifting his hand and stroking Draco's cheek. “I won't risk losing you, so you have to tell me.” Draco nodded seriously and leaned in to kiss Harry sweetly.

Hermione looked away from them, feeling as though she was intruding on something a hundred times more private than anything she'd seen in their library. Her heart clenched with the hope that she might share the same sort of love with someone as well. Severus, who was watching the two men with a gleam of envy in his eyes, gave her some hope that maybe it was possible.

Finally Draco and Harry parted with a soft wet sound and turned towards the fires. “Let's get this over with,” Draco sighed nervously, stepping forward and tugging Harry with him.

Hermione and Severus followed directly behind, tossing their small bundles of hair into the flames in place of the typical animal bones that people usually used during Samhain. Both flared blue briefly, and then settled into normal crackling orange as if nothing had happened. “Was that a good or a bad sign?” Hermione whispered.

“Good. It means magic is out tonight and very sensitive. This should work,” Severus whispered back.

“Doesn't that also mean the demons will be more active tonight as well?” she whispered.

“They already are with the full moon out and the veil so thin anyhow,” he answered. “Keep your wand ready and your mind sharp,” he commanded softly, watching as Harry and Draco entered the salt circle and moved to stand in the middle of the pentagram as previously instructed.

Hermione gave Severus a worried look, but didn't say another word as she crossed to the other side of the circle just outside the pentagram. He watched her walk with a great deal of interest. Her naturally golden skin glowed in the firelight, and shadows danced erotically over the gentle dips and curves of her youthful body. He closed his eyes as she turned and the firelight touched her rosy, upturned nipples and the neat thatch of curls between her thighs. It was tremendously easy to wish for the orgy that Draco had previously teased her about, minus the two young men of course. Images of taking her between the roaring bonfires, or bending her over the natural alter of rock to his left filled his brain and threatened to bring the traitorous appendage between his legs to life once more.

Shaking off thoughts of Hermione, he turned his attention to the young men and cleared his throat. There were more important things to deal with at the moment, but he promised himself to pursue her quite seriously the second this damned war ended. “Sit in the center there, with your legs crossed Draco.” He nodded when the young man sat, smirking slightly when Draco yelped and drew a twig out from under his ass with a glare. Harry chuckled, and sat across from his love at Severus' direction, but made no comment. Draco huffed softly and tossed the offending stick out of the circle.

Severus took up his spot directly across from Hermione and sent her a reassuring smile. She nodded back, and with a quick accio they were holding their wands. Severus raised his wand and started the chant they'd practiced over and over in a deep resonating voice, startling Harry and Draco slightly.
“Fire red, summer's dead,
Yet shall it return.
Clear and bright in the night,
Burn, fire, burn!”

Hermione lifted her chin and her wand and said in a clear voice,
“Dance the ring, luck to bring,
When the year's aturning.
Chant the rhyme at Hallowstime,
When the fire's burning.”

Again Severus spoke clearly, his eyes focusing on Hermione's intently as the magic began to rise around them with each word they spoke.
“Fire glow, vision show
Of the heart's desire,
When the spell's chanted well
Of the witching fire.”

Hermione shuddered softly at the caress of magic on her skin and the blaze of Severus' eyes over the heads of Draco and Harry. The two young men watched in fascination as the two continued to speak, and colors began to rise from the salt line around them.
“Dance the ring, luck to bring,
When the year's aturning.
Chant the rhyme at Hallowstime,
When the fire's burning.”

Severus forced himself to keep his eyes on the young woman performing the chant with him, even as he saw a streak of blackness just outside the ring of dancing light around them. He knew demons would be attracted to the gathering of power and magic, especially considering the caliber of those present.
“Fire spark, when nights are dark,
Makes our winter's mirth.
Red leaves fall, earth takes all,
Brings them to rebirth.”

The words of the chant were a celebration of sorts, but also a point of focus for those working the magic. He watched with a strange sense of pride as Hermione continued her part of the chant and gathered power to herself easily, like it was something she did every day. But then again, she wasn't called the brightest which of her age for nothing. She was powerful, and it was a pleasure to watch her work.
“Dance the ring, luck to bring,
When the year's aturning.
Chant the rhyme at Hallowstime,
When the fire's burning.”

He raised both arms as she did the same, almost as if they were linked, and boomed out confidently, “Fire fair, earth and air,
And the heaven's rain,
And blessed be, and so may we,
At Hallowstide again.”

She smiled tightly at him, not taking her eyes away when the colored lights began to dance inward and finally outlined the pentagram surrounding Draco and Harry.
“Dance the ring, luck to bring,
When the year's aturning.
Chant the rhyme at Hallowstime,
When the fire's burning!”
She called out, pointing her wand at the young men in concert with Snape. Power flooded the circle and Draco and Harry grasped at each other under the surprising weight of it buffeting them from all sides.

Just as suddenly as the power flared, it seemed to dissipate, leaving the clearing oddly silent and dark, except for the still blazing fires. But they knew it wasn't gone. The air felt heavy, wild, and a little dangerous.

“Merlin,” Draco muttered, unsteadily shaking his head. “That was something.”

Harry hushed him gently as Hermione and Snape once more raise both wands and hands, speaking as one this time. “We come this night, a night of death and rebirth, to ask a boon of the Goddess. We seek a friend beyond the veil whose wisdom we dearly need. We ask the Goddess and beg of her to guide him here tonight. We call forth from the spirit plain Albus Dumbledore, dear friend and father to us all!”

At first it was totally silent, and Hermione and Severus looked at each other in concern, wondering if they'd said the wrong thing. After a moment Harry groaned low and slumped forward into Draco's embrace. “Harry?” he gasped, shaking him gently. “Severus? What's going on?” He shook Harry again, much harder this time. “Harry!” he cried again, the panic he was feeling evident in his voice. “What the fuck did you two do to him?” he finally yelled, gripping Harry tightly to him and glaring at Severus and Hermione furiously. “Bring him back!”

“Gently my son,” came Harry's soft reply. Draco jerked slightly in surprise at the odd response.

“Harry?” Hermione called in concern.

“He's here,” Harry said, straightening upwards and out of Draco's embrace, an odd look in his eyes. “As am I.”

“Who are you?” Severus asked carefully. It was hard to tell who would have come, even if they had called for Albus.

“My dear boy,” Harry said turning with a smile, disregarding their collective nudity completely, “I'm glad to see that my death did not bring about yours as well.”

“Albus?” Severus gasped, sagging slightly.

“Of course,” Harry said gently. “I've been waiting for you, and hoping you'd find me. I have much to say, and little time.”

“What the fuck?” Draco finally yelled. “I was supposed to be possessed, not Harry. What in the hell did you do wrong?” he asked furiously.

Hermione frowned and then groaned, smacking herself in the forehead, “We forgot to mark you so he'd know which body to possess. I'm really sorry Draco.”

He sneered at her, clearly not happy about the lame response, and probably planning to repay her later. She doubted it would be pleasant. “You're not hurting him are you?” he asked, turning to Dumbledore urgently.

“No,” Dumbledore replied with a soft smile. “Harry is sitting quite calmly right here with me. He was surprised, but he didn't fight it.”

“Why didn't you go to me?” Draco demanded, pouting a little, though he wasn’t sure why.

“I didn't know I was supposed to,” Dumbledore said with a chuckle. “Besides, Harry's link to Voldemort leaves him a little more open than you. It was easy to slip into him, so I made the choice. I do apologize however for the mix up.”

“Despite the change of plans, we're still on a time schedule here,” Severus reminded them softly. He was looking rather pale and Hermione wasn't sure if it was from the magic usage, or because he was talking to Dumbledore's spirit for the first time since he'd had to kill the man.

Hermione opened her mouth to ask him if he was alright, but was cut off as something slammed into the salt ward at her back. Stifling a shriek, she sent a stunner through the wards and took down the small red demon that had tried to attack her. It screamed and tumbled head over hoof into a tree not far away, but didn't get back up. “Can they get in?” she asked, not directing her question to anyone in particular.

“Eventually,” Dumbledore said with a small shrug. “You called me using some of my physical body, so I was drawn inward through the cracks in the wards. They will eventually break through the same gaps, but we should have enough time to complete whatever business you have with me.”

Breathing a small sigh of relief, she turned her attention to Severus again, only to find he was firing curses at several more of the short pests. She knew that they looked small and relatively harmless, but demons of any size were nasty to deal with. They had wickedly sharp teeth, and tended to be able to curse you with all sorts of inconveniences. Plus, it was sort of like when you saw a baby bear. There was always a much larger mama bear nearby too. If the little demons were flocking towards them, eventually bigger ones would come to investigate.

“Get on with it Draco,” Severus snarled as a medium sized green nasty clawed at the ward behind him, it's claws raking against it unpleasantly.

Draco focused on Harry, eyes wide. “Sir, Voldemort is planning to attack the castle any day now, possibly a week at the latest. We need to know what you planned for such an event. We've looked in your journals and pensieve, and even grilled your portrait. We have nothing.”

Dumbledore sighed and looked at the ground. “The plan was simple, but at the same time tricky. Kill him.”

“That's it?” Draco snapped. “How? Are there any traps, or spells, or anything?”

“Oh yes, the biggest trap of all; mortality,” Dumbledore said with a nod. “You have to make him mortal, human.”

“But we can't find the last piece of his soul,” Hermione protested, firing another stunner at a much larger demon than the last. That one had even managed to tear a hold in the shimmering fabric of their warding spell. She hoped the others wouldn’t notice it and try to make it bigger. “I've searched and searched through every book on the subject. Harry, Ron, and Draco have gone through every cave, house, and box that I've sent them after. Nothing they bring back is what we need.”

“Of course not. You've been looking too hard,” Dumbledore said with a sad shake of his head. “It became clear to me as I passed through the veil. For a very brief instant I could see every living soul around me, but it was too late to tell anyone. Harry has the last piece inside of him.”

Draco choked and went deathly pale. “We can't destroy Harry...even if it would kill the Dark Lord.” He jumped to his feet. “I won't allow this! There will be another way and that is final.”

“Of course you can't kill Harry,” Dumbledore said standing up as well. “He must kill the Dark Lord once his soul is whole again. However, the soul piece does need to be removed and set free to return to its owner. Once his soul is whole again he will be human, and he can be killed.”

“How?” Severus asked, relaxing a little as it seemed that the demons were staying back now, wary of the humans and their wands. That didn't mean that they were entirely safe, but hopefully they'd be left alone long enough to complete their task.

“I'll just give it a little tug,” Dumbledore said with a shrug.

“Will it hurt?” Draco asked, not wanting his lover suffer any more than he already had.

Harry turned his green gaze back to Draco and nodded. “Yes. The soul piece has rooted into Harry's some, and it will take a fair pull to get it out. He'll feel it.”

Draco paled even further somehow, and looked livid. “How can you be so nonchalant about it? How can you talk about hurting the man I love as if you were discussing the weather? This is ridiculous! Find another way,” he demanded.

“There isn't another way,” Dumbledore said regretfully, and then Harry was screaming, collapsing to the ground. Draco cried out in horror and fell to his knees, clutching at Harry as he continued to scream and writhe in agony.

Hermione clamped her free hand over her mouth and willed herself not to move or cry. Moving would disrupt their wards, and crying would make it impossible for her to fight off anything that might come their way. “Oh Harry,” she choked out, trembling with the desire to run to him.

“Severus,” Draco pleaded, holding Harry to his chest and rocking gently, “Please.”

“No,” Severus said regretfully. “This is the only way, or Albus wouldn't do it.”

“Fuck!” Draco cursed, blinking back tears as Harry arched and cried out harshly. “Fuck! Come on Harry. You can do this. Come back to me.”

Suddenly Harry relaxed, and a tiny black ball of mist floated from his nose and mouth, rapidly mixing with the black smoke of the bonfires. They blinked and stared at Harry in concern, not knowing what would happen next, or if it was over.

“It's done,” Harry whispered softly before passing out completely in Draco's arms. Draco felt for a pulse, closing his eyes and sighing in relief when it was there, strong and steady. “Thank Merlin.”

Hermione and Severus relaxed, breathing their own sigh of relief as the demons were sucked back through the veil and the wards dropped completely, leaving them drained and exhausted. “Draco, take him to the hospital wing,” Hermione suggested gently, exhaustion lacing her soft voice. “Severus and I will clean up here, and Madam Pomfrey can check him over.”

“Okay,” Draco said, nodding to the tired witch and wizard. “He'll be okay,” he muttered, probably more to reassure himself than anyone else.

“Yes he will,” Severus murmured, his shoulders sagging as he leaned against a tree for support. “He always is, isn't he?”

Draco smirked a little at that, and was gone in a flash, leaving them alone with the dying remains of their fires. It wasn't until Hermione picked up her robe a few minutes later that she realized something. She started to laugh and shook her head gently.

“Something amuses you?” Severus asked, picking up his own robe with a soft groan of exhaustion. Merlin he was going to sleep well. He was grateful that he had the weekend to rest. He wasn't quite as young as he should be for rituals like this.

She nodded and laughed, pointing to the couples' clothing a few feet away. “Imagine Pomfrey's surprise when Draco carries Harry in to her hospital, both of them naked as the day they were born.” Hermione shook her head. “I hope no students see them. It would probably scar them for life.”

Severus chuckled and called for a house elf. A tiny figure appeared at his side, not even blinking at their lack of clothing. House elves were a more open minded lot, and rarely commented on finding the masters in any sort of seemingly compromising situation. “Jingle is called Masters?” he asked politely.

Hermione raised a brow, wondering why house elves couldn't have normal names like 'Ted'. “Yes,” she said gently. “Could you take those clothes to Harry and Draco in the hospital wing?”

Jingle grinned and nodded. “Madam Pomfrey is already screaming at the young masters, she is. They's come in with not a stitch on. Dosh, tell Jingle all about it.”

“So Harry is awake?” she asked with a smile.

“Yes, but he be sleepy and mad he is naked. I take clothes to the young masters, yes?” Jingle asked, gathering up the clothing and popping out of the clearing.

Hermione grinned at Severus and shook her head. “Poor Harry. It's not really his night, is it?”


Death of an Era

Two days after their summoning ritual, Severus had been called to the Dark Lord's side once more. All of them had been sure that it meant that the attack on the school was eminent. The students were ushered to the Great Hall as quickly and quietly as possible under the guise that Minerva had decided to have a Harvest feast for them. Order members had been called, and aurors were ready and waiting. A half an hour later Severus reappeared looking strangely happy, excited even.

“He's ill!” Severus announced to those that had gathered in Minerva's office to plot their strategy and organize their people.

“He's what?” Harry asked tiredly. They'd been worried about the attack, mostly because Harry was still a little weak from the encounter with Dumbledore. Having a chunk of soul removed wasn't a walk in the park after all.

“He isn't doing well at all. Apparently his body doesn't know how to cope with being mortal again,” Severus said with a smirk. “He's called off the attack this week because he's too weak to lead it. He believes he's been poisoned; that's why he called for me.”

Hermione looked at him in surprised shock. “Do you think it's permanent? If it is, Harry could go after him in a few days when he's more rested.”

“I doubt it's permanent,” Draco piped in. “He'll eventually figure out that he's mortal and try to remedy that by making a few more horcruxes.”

“I agree,” Severus said with a sharp nod.

“Well then we'd better find a way to prevent that long enough to attack him, hadn't we?” Minerva said sternly.

Hermione and Severus glanced at each other and then shrugged. “We'll see what we can do,” Hermione murmured.

***

It took another week for them to find anything remotely useful in the Hogwart's library on souls and what could be done with them. Severus and Hermione had finally managed to narrow down their search to about twenty books, four of which looked promising. They were now painstakingly searching for any information on how to keep Voldemort's soul where it belonged; with him in a deep grave.

They'd holed themselves up in his private lab, pouring over book after book, only occasionally speaking, but oddly content in their arrangement. Both of them knew something was happening between them, but neither was quite sure if that first step should be taken to solidify what they had started.

Severus glanced up at Hermione for what felt like the thousandth time. She was sitting a few feet away, nibbling on a muggle pen as she read. He smiled slightly at the sight. She'd admitted to preferring the pen to a quill since she inevitably ended up with it in her mouth, and she really hated the sensation of mushy feather.

She sighed softly and turned the page of her book. He felt a tiny flutter in his belly as he watched her. She was beautiful and intelligent and,in his opinion, currently the sexiest woman alive. Everything was so natural about her, so smooth and graceful.

He wondered how all that he found lovely about her now would translate into the bedroom. Would she sigh softly,or would she cry out passionately? Would she try to take control,or would she defer to her partner, looking for approval every step of the way like she always had with him?

Severus stifled a groan and shifted as his groin flared to life. He wanted her, he wouldn't deny it. He wanted to shove all of their notes and books off the long desk and take her hard against the smooth surface. He wanted to watch her eyes flash with that famed Gryffindor passion, and admire the arch of her neck as she cried out in pleasure. He wanted...he wanted everything to do with her.

“Is everything okay Severus?” she asked, glancing up briefly. “You sound frustrated.”

He blinked and shook his head, realizing he must have vocalized his need. “Just tired,” he fibbed. “I think I'll stretch my legs a bit.” She nodded absently as he stood up, too absorbed in her research to offer her company. He was grateful for that, as “stretching his legs” would involve more time wanking in his bedroom than it would actually walking. He needed to get rid of some of the tension that was building, and a quick toss would have to do for now.

***

Hermione looked up and bit her lip as Severus left the room. He'd been looking at her for awhile now, though he didn't appear to realize she'd noticed. How could she not? It was hard to ignore such an intent dark gaze, even when he was trying to be discrete about it. It was like she was a puzzle that he needed to work out.

Sighing and shaking her head, she turned her attention back to her book. They had to be close, she was sure of it. They'd picked up a few ideas here and there, and each had led them to the four books they were now scanning. Three paragraphs later she was sitting up straighter and staring at the book intently. Could this be it? Was it possible? Severus! She had to show Severus!

Jumping up from the table, book clutched to her chest, she sprinted across the room towards the door he wandered through a few minutes ago. She flung the door open and was about to call out to him, but the sight before her killed her voice and had her dragging the door back as quietly as possible. Her heart pounding furiously, she leaned her forehead into the door frame. Dear Merlin had he been...?

Biting at her lip and flushing, she cracked the door open again and peeked in, knowing she shouldn't, but unable to resist the opportunity.

Severus stood on the other side of the large bedchamber, half facing the window, and thus lit by the bright moon. He was still clad all in black, but he'd unbuttoned his long coat and trousers, leaving him bared chin to thighs in the bluish light. She swallowed convulsively as he traced his fingers over his belly and down into the nest of hair surrounding his rampant length, a soft groan filling the air at the gentle caress. He was beautiful in that moment, his pale skin glowing in the moonlight, shadows dipping and dancing around the slight definition of muscle tracing down his belly and bared hips. She'd seen him naked twice, but she hadn't been able to look at him this carefully; not with Madam Pomfrey, or Harry and Draco there, and definitely not with him looking back.

As a student she'd heard many times that he was a crabby old man, but that really wasn't true. He was still young actually, and it showed most in moments like these. He'd been beaten down a bit over the years while in the service of Voldemort, but it was clearly a combination of his brilliance and a fit body that had kept him alive. He was fit and lightly muscled, like a runner or a swimmer.

Her eyes dropped and focused on the center of him as he wrapped his long agile fingers around his lovely thick erection. She bit her lip and shifted quietly. She might be a virgin, but she knew that it would feel nice. He wasn't terribly long, average from what she knew, but he did seem wonderfully thick. The idea of being stretched around him did appeal to her, and it made her belly clench and her core flutter pleasantly.

He groaned low and moved his hand slowly, seemingly savoring the sensation he was creating. Her mouth watered slightly as he flexed his hips and traced his thumb over the faintly glistening head of his cock. She'd never taken a man in her mouth, but in that moment as she watched him tease his head and stroke himself with a practiced hand, she could certainly see the appeal. Fantasies of rubbing her cheek against him like a pleased cat, or tracing her tongue over him, tasting him, and feeling him invading her throat flooded her brain. A pleasant heaviness settled in her belly and her womb clenched in excitement.

Another low groan and he was stroking himself more quickly, his free hand sliding up his chest and pinching at one flat, tiny nipple. “Oh Merlin,” she whispered, near silently. She watched, her face flushed with arousal and embarrassment as his strokes became more determined, his hips flexing slightly and his head falling back. He was beautiful to her; it was all she could do to resist the temptation to join him, or at least slide her hand into her own panties.

“Oh...Hermione,” he groaned softly, a barely there whisper of pleasure that sent her heart pounding so hard she thought she'd faint from it. He was thinking about her? He said that he was attracted to her; maybe...maybe she could...?

She was barely aware of what she was doing, and in an instant she was before him, sinking to her knees. His startled shout was only just heard over the pounding in her ears. He jerked and hissed as she gripped his hips and leaned into him, burying her face against his exposed hip, taking in his masculine scent with a deep contented breath. “Miss Gra...Hermione!” he gasped.

“Shut up,” she heard herself say, and then moved to take him into her mouth, groaning as the taste of him filled her senses and glided over her tongue sensuously. She hummed in pleasure and sucked, gripping his hips more firmly as he groaned and thrust reflexively. She didn't have a clue if she was even doing it right, but it was wonderful and amazing; better than anything she'd every done. Thank Merlin for growing up around so many boys and listening to them regale each other with tales of their exploits. She dug up everything in her memory about what to do and hoped for the best. Long fingers slid into her hair as she rasped her tongue over the head of him, tasting the sharp bitterness of his excitement. Maybe she was doing alright after all.

“Oh Merlin,” she heard him groan in that wonderfully rich voice that had sent a thrill through her since she hit puberty. She sucked in a breath and took him in further, choking as she went to deep but wanting to swallow him whole and never let go. She moaned and shuddered in raw excitement, reaching down into her panties with a free hand.

“S-stop,” he groaned. “I can't...just...I'm going to...” he gasped. “I'm too close.”

She ignored him, and a moment later was surprised as bitterness splashed her throat and tongue. His whole body shuddered, and his fingeres pulled her into him, nearly gagging her on his pulsing length. She choked and swallowed as best she could; raw excitement thrilling through her at what she was doing, at who she was doing it to. Hermione Granger had just made Severus Snape lose control.

A moment later he pulled away from her abruptly, wide eyed and panting. “Merlin's balls woman, what was that?” he gasped.

Hermione flushed, her breath nearly as fast as his. 'What was that?' She looked up at him from her place on the floor, taking in his disheveled state. His clothing was open wide, and his hair was falling forward into his face. He looked thoroughly ravished and she felt a private thrill that she'd been at least partially responsible for it. Severus wasn't one to let loose and let his guard down, but she'd busted through every barrier around his person, and done something that had left him floundering.

“You didn't like it?” she pouted, pulling her hand from her panties. That drew his attention immediately, and it was a moment before he could answer.

“Of course I did, you couldn't tell?” he grunted, a tinge of the familiar snarkiness in his voice. He began to button his trousers, his face lightly flushed with what she was sure was embarrassment.

She flushed brighter and stood. Clearly she'd overstepped her bounds by miles. “I apologize. I thought...I thought that perhaps it was something that was okay between us. I thought you wanted to...with me.” She rubbed her face and forced a smile. Glancing up at him, she held the smile and shrugged. “Forget this then okay?”

He looked flabbergasted at her reaction. Of course he wouldn't forget about it! What man in his right mind would forget about the woman he'd been fantasizing about sucking his dick? “Miss Gran...Hermione,” he corrected himself, “that's not going to happen, I assure you.” He stepped in closer to her and sighed. “When a beautiful woman sneaks into my room to pleasure me, I do not just forget about it. I'm not as heartless as that.”

Her face lit up, and for a moment he thought they might move forward. Instead she bolted across the room, heading for the door. What in the...? “Where are you going?” he asked in surprise, following her quickly. “I didn't intend to hurt your feelings.”

She waved him off and picked up a book off of the floor. “I found it!” she said turning and beaming at him. “It's why I came looking for you. I think I found a way to bind Voldemort's soul to him. If this is correct, he won't even cross over. At death both his mortal life and his soul will just end.” Flipping through the book quickly, she shoved it forward. “Look!”

He read the passage that she was pointing to and felt excitement flood through him. “This looks plausible,” he said softly. “I think you really found something here. It might just work...and it's easy enough to do. Potter could even cast this in the middle of a duel.”

“Yes, that's what makes it so perfect!” she gushed. “There were other rituals, but they would require us to contain him for several hours. This is short-term, but only takes a moment to cast, and by the time it would wear off, he should be dead.”

Severus smiled at her, a true smile. “You really are the brightest witch of your age...or any other.”

She flushed and waved a hand at him. “I just like books. Anyone can find the answers to questions if they'd just read.”

“Hermione,” he said softly, closing the book. “You're brilliant.”

She blushed brighter and smiled softly. “Thank you. From you that means a lot.”

He set the book down on his nightstand and moved towards her. Reaching out he gently traced her face with long fingers. “You are brilliant and so beautiful,” he murmured, his face surprisingly soft. “I would be pleased to find a woman half as intelligent and lovely.”

“And if I offered myself?” she asked hesitantly.

His hand paused and he looked at her seriously, “Are you?”

She took a deep breath and stepped back for him. “Severus Snape I would be honored if you would accept the gift of my first blood and all that comes with it.”

He felt heat flood him. After the last incident concerning her virginity, he'd read up on the subject and easily recognized the formal request for protection and marriage that a woman might use on a preferred suitor. It was an old way for a woman to request that a man make her his wife without actually asking it outright. “If I accept your gift, you will be mine alone,” he replied. “Is that acceptable?”

She swallowed and looked into his eyes. “Yes.”

He nodded slightly and sighed. “It is to me as well.”

She smiled nervously. “When?”

He felt his groin, still sensitive from his recent orgasm, twitch in interest. They had other business to get out of the way first however. “We must deliver your findings to the Order and Potter first. After that we will discuss this further.”

“Alright,” Hermione said with a small smile. “Let's go find Harry and then we'll discuss what the future holds for us.” He smiled slightly and nodded, reaching out to take her hand. The future...didn't that sound nice. Until Hermione he hadn't had one. It sounded very nice indeed.

***