Torment *Completed* | By : Kvarta Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 31716 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 8 |
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction. Harry Potter is owned by J.K. Rowling. This story is purely for entertainment purposes, no money is being made from it. |
A/N: Thank you all for your support, kudos, comments, and klicks.
I had this chapter drafted long ago, but this entire situation chased away my Muse. I wressled her back, just long enough to finish this and the final chapter.
No beta, so all mistakes are mine as always.
Harry frowned, even if he was a guest to Rosebush Manor often enough, this was the first time he visited the upper level of the Manor. In a way, it wasn’t much different than Malfoy Manor. The long hallway with rows of doors.
He miscalculated the first time, obviously, ending up in a room that looked like another library. Instead of books, this library was full of scrolls, nested in shelves that gave it a look of beehive combs.
How many libraries do they need? Hermione and Snape combined, probably all the libraries in the world wouldn’t suffice.
He shivered, remembering the library in 12 Grimmauld Place, most of the books there had a nasty habit of trying to harm you in one or the other manner. Not an experience he wanted to repeat.
So, Harry counted the doors again. With a sigh he knocked.
“Enter at your own peril.” Drawled the voice of Lucius Malfoy.
Harry pressed the knob and creaked the door, slipping into the room. A bedroom by the looks of it. Malfoy was sitting in one high-back cushioned chair looking bored.
Snape was standing at the window, back turned to the room. Harry glanced at the man’s knuckles curved around the windowsill. White with pinkish blotches. It surprised him how long was Snape’s hair actually, he noticed it only now.
Snape was in a shimmering robe that shifted from purple to dark blue and back, with every nervous twitch of his back. The ribbon tied his hair, sending it straight down his back. Harry presumed that ribbon supposed to be at the nape of the neck, but it slid down and nested in the height of the shoulders. He could see a few runaway strands.
“I was sent to see if I can be of any assistance.” Harry smiled nervously, looking at Malfoy.
“if I need someone to blow up a cauldron or botched up the potion- I’ll be sure to call you, Potter.” Growled Snape, not turning around.
“Everything is under control, Mr Potter. I believe it is much safer not to be here at the moment. Severus…” Malfoy dragged in a same boring tone, but he didn’t manage to finish.
The mix of a growl and a hiss came from the place Snape was standing, still staring outside, and the random item from the bed stand zoomed through the room slamming the wall near Malfoy.
“Now, now, Severus. Temper…” Malfoy sighed, not even flinching. He did, however, motioned for Harry to get out of the room.
Harry nodded and slipped out of the room and potential danger. Even if his and Snape’s relationship- if one could call it like that. Improuved over the years, he wasn’t so sure that the flying objects would miss him the way they missed Malfoy. Harry saw Snape using his wild magic far too often to know how well controlled it was.
Why do they still insist on calling it a wild magic if he can control it so precisely?
He was at the top of the stairs when an ethereal mare appeared before him. He jumped back, startled.
“Harry, we need you. Come at once.” Ginny’s voice came out of the creature before it dissolved.
Harry shook his head. Numerous times he told Ginny not to use Patronus as an owl, but she ignored him. He could only consider himself lucky that he was not in the crowd gathered in the lower parts of the Manor. With cringe he imagined the panic that a Patronus messenger could evoke. People were still jumpy, even after all this time.
He managed to get lost two more times before finding the right door.
“Hey, Hermione. How are you doing?” Harry entered the room.
Hermione turned to him, and Harry could easily imagine that she mirrored the Snape’s expression. She looked positively furious.
“And what do you think, Harry?” Hermione snapped.
Harry glanced around the room. Luna stood by the window being, well- Luna. She had that soft smile and her eyes looked soft but lost in her own world. Ginny looked like she is going to burst to tears or blow up something, one could never tell for sure. Narcissa had that dignified posture that announced cold anger.
Hermione, on the other hand was furious. That was easy to see. Her hair was sticking every-which-way. She had a frown etched on her face. Hands fisted next to her body, telling on the storm she was ready to spill on his head. Her robe in lighter shades of blue and green rustled with every twitch of her shoulders.
Her robe is complementary to Snape’s.
It was an odd thought to have. But then again, the situation was- expected in Harry’s opinion. He voiced it weeks ago when they came to him with idea of public bonding ceremony.
Narcissa claimed it was absolutely necessary.
Ginny thought it is a public evet of the year.
Luna thought that she can help control the damage.
The Daily Prophet slandered the names of Hermione Granger and Severus Snape.
The Quibbler glorify them.
The public opinion was divided.
Harry thought that no one actually asked Hermione or Snape for the opinion, only now suffering the full brunt of their disagreement to the entire ordeal.
“I think that I better remove myself if you are going to send that spell of yours flying around.” He smiled at her.
Hermione widened her eyes and her shoulders slacked a bit, she grinned at him.
“Now I know why I love you this much, Harry.” She made a few fast steps, hugging him- or trying to break his bones.
“So, what is the matter?” He asked returning the hug.
“I refuse to be groomed like a parade horse.” Hermione sighed in his shoulder.
“Ummm…” Harry replied, not really understanding. What is that mean?
“My hair…” Hermione mumbled in his shoulder then pulled back and turned to women in the room, hissing. “My hair id fine as it is.”
“You look like you had a handshake with a lightning bolt.” Ginny growled at her.
“Gin, you… I don’t think it helps if you say it like that.” Harry sighed; he’ll have a hell to pay later for that.
“Harry has a point. Making her angry won’t get you anywhere.” Luna chimed in.
“Hermione, you look good. Stunning. But I just saw Snape, and I’m telling you now- you may want to reconsider and go that extra something.” He winked at her. “Malfoy had him fixed for a show. He made him wash his hair.”
“Harry!” Hermione turned to him and giggled, slapping him on a shoulder.
Narcissa sighed in relief.
“Fine.” Hermione rolled her eyes. “Would you bring me my stuff? From the bag- you know which one. It is in the bathroom. That door…”
“I can…” Ginny started but Hermine growled at her direction.
“Only Harry can touch my bag.”
“Fine, as long as you do something about your hair.” Grumbled Ginny.
Harry nodded, squeezing Hermione’s hand.
It took him bloody forever to dig up what he deemed a hair stuff from the bottomless pit Hermione called her bag. She was still packing emergency supplies in there, but at least she didn’t carry it with her all the time.
He was at the door when he heard Malfoy’s voice.
“Ladies, will you give me a moment of time with Miss Granger?”
“You can’t…” Ginny started.
“Come Ginny. Mr Malfoy won’t harm Hermione.” Luna cut Ginny off.
Harry heard scuffing and the door clicked.
“Lucius?” Narcissa’s voice was soft but full of warning.
“Don’t worry dear, I just want to have a private word with Miss Granger.” Lucius’s voice was equally soft.
Harry nearly gasped at that. He wondered if he should make his presence known, but no one warned Lucius that he was in the bathroom. Maybe all of them left the room because he was still there. He sneaked closer to the door and peeked through the keyhole.
Lucius approached frowning Hermione.
“And what do you want?” Hermione glared at Lucius.
“To settle thing between us.” Lucius replied calmly in that snide tone he always used.
If he continues, this won’t end well.
“I am still not too fond of you. And I do believe that Severus could have much better than you. However, his heart is set on you. Merlin, even the magic is set on you- you are a nearly perfect match in compatibility index. And you did help him stay alive and free, for that I am grateful. No matter how much it pains me.”
“What a heart-warming words. I think I’m going to cry from joy.” Hermione replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Yes, well, that is the truth. Nevertheless, you do know that Severus is part of my family and so will you be soon. That puts you under my protection, weather I want it or not. It also gives you the certain rights.” Lucius rolled the words like he is chewing on something bitter. “I came to bring you this.”
Harry saw a small box, Lucius placed it into Hermione’s hands.
“This is not for you, mind you. It is for your offspring or offsprings.”
“And what is this?” Hermione asked, opening the box. “A ring?”
“Not just any ring. It has a Malfoy crest. For each child, the box will multiply. It won’t give you the access to Malfoy trust… But it can help you get by in life a bit easier as a member of Malfoy family.” Lucius said.
“Yes, because the Malfoy name is so wildly respected now.” Hermione tilted her head, but Harry could see softness in her eyes even if her words were harsh.
“Be that as it may- Severus, you by extension and your children are and will be Malfoy.” Lucius arched his brow at her in a challenge.
“Yes, fine, why not.” Hermione grumbled. “Anything else?”
“No, that will be all.” Lucius leaned on his cane as he turned to walk away.
“Mal-Lucius!” Hermione called him when he was at the door. “Thank you. Not for… For Severus, for everything you are doing for him.”
“Believe it or not, I do care for Severus a great deal. He is the only relative I have.” Lucius replied softly and left the room.
The moment Hermione was left alone, Harry barged into the room.
“Hermione, are you ok?”
“I’m fine, Harry. You know he isn’t the half bad as he is trying to be. Not really. I mean, don’t get me wrong- he is still a foul human being, manipulative, self-centred, bigoted to the point… but under all that, he can be caring for those he consider worthy of his care.” Hermione smiled softly. “It is strange, you know? Being the one he cares for.”
“He didn’t sound caring to me.” Harry wrinkled his nose.
“No, and he never will. But, like most Slytherin’s, I came to understand that saying and doing are two different things. The words are just for show, the deeds are what matters. Words can be deceiving; the deeds speak the truth.” Hermione smiled mildly.
“Well said, Hermione.” Narcissa’s voice made both of them flinch. “Now, if that is settled, can we at least remove the hair from your face? Nothing too fancy, just a simple hairstyle?”
“Fine.” Hermione sighed. “I’ll see you downstairs Harry.” Hermione hugged him again.
“Sure, I’ll go to find Ginny before she does something she’ll regret later.” He smiled at her.
The sun was about set, not that it was easy to tell. The thick forest cast a chilly shade on the small clearing. Harry could not fully understand why this place of all.
Sure, there was that ancient looking stone, covered in moss. They told him it is the ancient altar. The bonding Hermione and Snape will perform didn’t demand official. It didn’t demand anyone but the two of them. Harry tried to wrap his brain around that and failed.
The crowd gathered around the stone, pressed to each other. It was more people than clearing could support.
The mass on the east and the west sided parted to let Hermione and Severus came through.
Hermione came from the east, her robe shining, reflecting the light of falling sun. she looked like she was dressed in a lake water in a sunset. They removed only the curls that obscured her face, twisting them to the back of the head. A row of bluebells created the crown around the twist of the hair.
Severus came from the west. His dark robes announce the upcoming night.
Harry could see how nervous both of them were.
They meet at the stone. Severus extended his hands and Hermione placed her palm on his. One muscle nervously danced on Severus’s cheek; Hermione gave him an uncertain smile.
As the last rays hit the stone, the string of golden lights burst out of the stone, creating a shimmering globe around them. Golden strands turned to vines. Harry could see their lips moving but he could not hear the words.
“Is something wrong?” He leaned to McGonagall, standing next to him.
“Our education truly failed you, Mr Potter.” McGonagall sniffed.
“It is Old Magic, Harry.” Luna leaned to him, whispering behind his shoulder. “The bonding may be public, but their promise to each other is private.”
“So, what now?” He asked, wishing that he listened when Ginny was explaining to him.
“They will say what lies in their heart or what they promise to each other. And magic will judge them- the strength and purity of their hearts. And if it deems them worthy, it will bless them with the bond.”
“But how we will know?” Harry asked.
“Honestly, Mr Potter.” Huffed McGonagall. “Just watch.”
For a few long moments after their lips stopped moving nothing happened. Through leafy globe Harry could see frown on Snape’s brows and nervous chewing of the lip on Hermione. They kept on starring at each other.
Suddenly, more golden strands burst from the stone, interloping over their hands. Twisting up their arms. Tendrils of gold circling their foreheads like crowns, reaching through their robes into their hearts. It didn’t seem to pain them, both Hermione and Snape kept on looking at each other’s eyes, hands tightly clenched.
They are holding on to each other. The realisation dawned on Harry. The moment later, the sun set leaving the clearing in the dark.
A ray of golden light burst from the stone, breaking the vines, and showering all present with a sparkle of brilliant golden droplets.
Harry blinked. Is that it?
The cheers and calls of blessings came from all around him.
Harry rushed towards the bride and the groom but stopped. They were still standing in the same position, oblivious to the people around them. This time, however, Harry didn’t wonder if everything was all right. It was enough to look in their eyes and see.
~ S ~ S ~ S ~
The blood in her veins, the magic inside her was still buzzing. Vibrating with such warmth that left her speechless. It wasn’t only her magic, it was his as well, wrapping her in a cocoon of safety.
It wasn’t as much the words he said. Severus merely repeated what he said to her long time ago about support and trust and protection. There were no big words of love or romantic confessions.
And she didn’t need one.
When they said their words – for a long time nothing happened. She begun to worry. The only thing preventing her to run away were his hands. His sweaty palms holding on for a dear life to hers.
And then the magic burst out of the stone, tying them up. Connecting them. She felt it- his magic flowing through her.
At that moment Hermione knew.
She knew exactly how much she was loved.
She could have burst from happiness.
The black eyes filled with wonder and confusion and she knew that Severus could feel her love as much as she could feel his.
Now she understood what that old portrait tried to tell her. She knew why the Prince line used the stone to seal their marriages. It wasn’t that they were cursed with inability to say the words of love.
There were no words to describe how deeply they could feel.
Like a sound of waves crushing to the shore, the sounds around her brought her back to reality. People were clapping her on her shoulder. Someone was trying to pry their hands and shake hers.
Hermione ignored all of them.
Severus, pulled her in his embrace and she hid her face in his chest, breathing in his scent.
With a sound of thunder, they were in their bedroom.
“Hermione,” Severus whispered in her hair.
“Severus… Oh, Severus!” She moved back from him. “The guests…”
“Do you want to go there and…?” He asked, still not letting her from his arms.
She shook her head.
No, she didn’t want to be with all those people, no matter how much she cared for them.
Black eyes of her bonded partner softened. He nodded.
“Me either.” Severus whispered before he pulled her to a kiss.
They kissed before, but it was nothing comparing to the feeling she had now. Hermione sank, melting against him. She poured all that she felt into that kiss.
This time, they didn’t rush.
It wasn’t awkward.
They undressed each other slowly, parting their lips only to removed robes. To remove all obstacles between them. His skin felt like silk against hers.
His fingers and lips left a trail of fire that pooled and settled between her legs. But she didn’t want to rush things, it was a sweet torture. Her fingertips tingled as she buried them in his hair and explored his skin.
She knew his body.
But at this moment Hermione was re-discovering it.
It wasn’t about the planes and ridges- it was about sensations. For the first time she could get a glimpse of how it felt- how he felt…
It wasn’t anything like mind reading or any connection she could imagine.
The magic was the guide. A blind guide. She couldn’t feel what he felt, she felt how his magic reacted to her. It was indescribable feeling.
Her skin was burning, but it felt like fire and ice mixed together.
His lips closed around her nipple and she moaned, her responded with a vibrating growl.
The need inside her reached new peaks. Demanding to be satisfied.
She whimpered.
Severus’s hand found her core, slinking between their bodies.
Hermione wondered should she moan or whimper. His fingers pressed and rubbed on the right places. Lips switched to her other nipple. All she could do was to fist his hair, pull him closer to her. Her skin felt normal only where they touched.
“Merlin…” Severus breathed out, pulling up, hovering over her.
She felt him pressing gently at her core while both of his hands cradled her. This was new and quite demanding. It was hard to make love and have so much skin contact.
Or wasn’t?
It didn’t really matter. She felt keenly every bit of him filling her in. Hermione thought she could scream or purr from bliss, but her own throat was tight. Brain worked in overdrive, cataloguing every moment, every touch and yet keeping her mind separated from her body.
She could only feel.
She was.
They kissed and kissed while he moved languidly inside her. She wrapped her legs tightly around him. If she could Hermione would melt into him. She could feel the pressure of the tip of his ribs at her, normally this wouldn’t be a pleasant feeling, but now it kept her grounded. Anchored in this realm of existence.
The tightness in her chest, in her belly had nothing to do with the position they were in. It was conjured by the slow grind of his pelvis against hers. Hermione wasn’t sure if she wanted him to move faster or to stay like this.
“Shhhhh…” Severus whispered against her lips.
A rain of small kisses covered her face. She tried to press her lips on his skin, not caring which part she reached as long as she could feel him.
The pressure risen, pending inside her like a crazed drummer.
Suddenly, Severus stilled, his head fell against hers. He grunted like a bear, pressing into her- all of her.
And the pressure suddenly snapped in a million colourful lights dancing in the darkness in front of her eyes. He fell on her, then rolled over pulling her to his chest.
“Merlin…” She sighed, her senses settling down. Hermione had a feeling like she was drugged.
“They did say that ancient bonding had it’s perks.” Severus croaked, his voice sounding strained.
“What was this?” Hermione snuggled closer to him, still seeking to soak up fast dissipating feeling.
“Magical- high…” Severus murmured into her hair.
“The bonding drugged us?” Her brain done a summersault, she tried to raise but his hands prevented her.
“In a way. This was the final part of bonding ceremony. Usually couples wait for it, interact with guests… I presume we did rush things and in return experienced the full load of the sensations.” Severus’s voice sounded sleepy but more sober, more like himself.
“Well, for one I do not mind, this was- mind blowing.” Hermione pressed her lips at his skin, salty and damp.
“For ones, I am inclined to agree with you…” Severus whispered pulling her tighter. “My bondmate.”
“I am knackered.” She laughed tiredly.
“Hmmmhhh.” Severus mumbled.
Hermione allowed herself to rest. To rest from all the worries and all uncertainties. Life was in front of her. There were no promises, the future never was certain.
But there was love.
She had his love.
And that was all that mattered.
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