Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Broken Dreams	By : onecelestialbeing Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 34536 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 13
Disclaimer: I make no money from this story, own nothing of Harry Potter, haven't met any of the people (except Alan Rickman and sadly that was brief)

Chapter List
- 23
- 24
- 25
A/N: I really appreciate the reviews, thanks so much! Finally the next chapter, I wanted to make sure things were to my liking.

Happy that she had been able to help her friend, Hermione wished she was able to work through her own remaining issues with a certain wizard. Shivering as a breeze passed through the garden, Hermione wrapped both arms around her torso, wishing that she'd brought her cardigan outside with her. Her skin began prickling in the cold air when she was suddenly engulfed in a swath of warm fabric.

"Are you trying to make yourself ill?" Severus asked, arranging his traveling cloak around Hermione's shoulders and sitting down next to her.

"No," she answered. "I hadn't intended on staying out here, but it's rather peaceful. Much like the calm before a storm, although I think the storm has passed."

"One would hope so," Severus replied, crossing both arms across his chest and staring straight ahead.

The two sat in complete silence, save for the sound of chirping crickets that were buried among the shrubbery.

"Contrary to what others might have you believe, I'm not a sadist, Hermione," he began in a hushed tone, breaking the lengthy silence.. "I don't enjoy hurting you, although somehow I keep managing to do so."

Hermione had curled up in her chair, burrowing beneath the oversized cloak that dwarfed her slender form and leaving only her head exposed. "At this point, I don't know what to believe," she admitted softly, taking a deep whiff of Severus' much missed scent that was embedded in the cloak's fibers. The soft wool brushed against her cheek as she turned towards the stoic wizard, finding that he was looking up at the night sky. She could nearly see the thoughts whirring about in his head, but knew that Severus would share each of them when he was ready.

"I take the blame for that; it's only right. Let me start off by saying that Lily was my only friend-the only true friend I'd ever had," he started without preamble. "I'm sure you questioned as to why I'd omitted telling you about her, but you should believe me when I say that my reasons had nothing to do with you-not directly at least."

Hermione slowly nodded her head, floundering to find the right words."I know that I can't change your past, but I refuse to complete with it, nor will I try to."

"There is no need for you to compete with Lily or anyone else for that matter. You have my trust, for one. I don't think I need to point out that trust is something I never give freely."

No kidding, Hermione thought. "So why is it that I'm the one always on the receiving end of your wrath? That's a pretty peculiar way to treat someone that you claim has earned your favor. Sometimes I feel as if I'm back at school dealing with a certain redhead and his antics."

Severus tried to ignore the dread that came over him. Realizing that he had a pattern of hurting those who were most dear to him made him feel loathsome. However, instead of focusing on his own ineptitude, he honed in on the fact that he reminded Hermione of her former beau. "How dare you compare me to another man?" he muttered, casting her a reproachful look.

"I'm not comparing you, Severus," Hermione snappishly retorted. "Believe me, you and Ronald are different as night and day. I was merely pointing out that I've had to deal with irrational behavior when I was undeserving of it. You ignored me as if I was no more than a piece furniture in your way, after which I hadn't heard from you for days! I wonder if I would have even crossed paths with you had I not needed you to keep a bunch of wizards from destroying my house?"

Hermione was shooting Severus a ferocious glare, the very one that had on occasion made the likes of Ron and Harry run in the opposite direction. Severus, however, was a wizard of another caliber and refused to shrink beneath the weight of her gaze. "You are absolutely correct, Hermione, I handled things abominably and I apologize."

"You say that now, but how do I know that I won't be subjected to that again?"

"Because the look in your eyes...knowing that I was the cause of it, was enough for me to never want to witness that again. Not from my hand or anyone else's."

Hermione fell silent at his admission, abashed at the remorse she heard in his tone. On her last day at Spinner's End, Severus had been so aloof, she didn't realize that he had in fact noticed how hurt she was by his rejection.

"I knew Potter would be able to only give you a skewed version of past events, but I should have told you from the off. It might be difficult to understand, but Lily was the only person I've ever trusted, even after we had stopped being friends. Admittedly the fault rested upon my shoulders, yet she never broke any of our prior confidences, even though she had every right to. And then I..."

Severus stopped short, obviously agitated as he mentally rehashed the events of Lily's death.

Hermione also felt herself growing tense, worried about the course their conversation was taking. Still, she held her tongue and waited for Severus to continue speaking. He went on to tell her about the circumstances surrounding his father's death, as well as the day he called Lily 'Mudblood', and the regret that he'd lived with since that day. The fact that he played a part in the death of her and James had also led Severus to believe that he was beyond redemption, no matter how many altruistic deeds he'd carried out after the fact.

"Severus, surely you know that those were all mistakes, right?" Hermione pointed out, craning her neck to look at him. His jaw was set firmly, and she was able to make out the outline of his strong nose and tightly drawn mouth through the dim lighting.

"Neville Longbottom blowing up his cauldron every other day was a mistake. My actions, on the other hand, are unforgivable," he said staunchly.

"Severus, you are aware of your many redeeming qualities, are you not?" Hermione pressed. "Or have you forgotten that quickly?"

"Apparently I have," he curtly replied. "I handled things poorly the other day, but perhaps you can see why I was most disinclined to travel down this road again. Maybe it was inevitable that you'd found that photograph and letter, but I wasn't ready to deal with it. On some subconscious level I suppose I was also worried about how you would react once you learnt the entire truth."

"I understand your reticence, but even if you'd told me, it wouldn't have changed the way I feel about you. I'd like to think that I can dig a little deeper than that. Besides, it's not so much how you start your life, rather how you finish. I'd be a fool to judge you solely on your past mistakes, especially considering everything you'd gone through beforehand."

"You would be the first."

"If it's worth anything, I don't think I'll be the last."

Severus gave a noncommittal grunt, falling silent again. "You are exceedingly patient. I'm still not sure if I'm quite deserving of it, but it is appreciated nonetheless."

"Yes well...I can accept the fact that you are cranky and unsociable, but your temperament towards me was utterly cruel. The next time you disappear without notice or I don't see or hear from you for three days, I'm going to do a lot worse than smack you on the head with your own wand. I'm just going to put that out there."

"Duly noted," Severus replied, his lips twisted into a wry smirk.

"I mean it, Severus!" Hermione insisted, completely twisting around in her seat, causing the cloak to fall away from her shoulders. "I'll borrow Ginny's owl or purchase my own, and I'll make him peck at you until sense is unearthed from the brilliant mind of yours. I'm not adept at Legilimency and can't skulk around your mind when the fancy takes me, so unless you tell me what's bothering you, bottling it up serves neither of us any purpose."

Severus was unable to resist shooting Hermione a sardonic glare. "You know I'm not one of your loquacious mates, eager to spill every thought that crosses my mind. Our exchange right now is difficult enough as it is."

"Merlin forbid you should willingly display such cathartic behavior," Hermione shot back, shivering as she tugged the cloak back up on her body. "But at the very least, if something is bothering you, I hope that you'll tell me instead of flying off the handle or trying to deal with it on your own. Yes, I know you're used to doing just that as you have been for the past fifteen years, but I'm telling you that you don't have to. All right?"

Severus gave a stiff nod, and Hermione decided to change the subject, hoping that she'd driven her point home.

"Thank you for coming, by the way. I shudder to think about what would have happened had you not showed up in time."

"Perhaps another black eye for Lucius," Severus drawled, chuckling quietly as he thought about the past fight between Lucius and Arthur in Flourish and Blotts. "He would have been most put out had that pretty face become marred again."

"Oh no," Hermione cringed. "That day was horrid, although this time I'll admit that Mrs. Weasley's snide remarks are what set things off. It was only natural for Mr. Malfoy to defend his wife, in turn Mr. Weasley doing the same."

"I'm amazed that Lucius and Arthur were civil to one another tonight."

"Well, even so, Mrs. Weasley harbored enough ire for her and her husband. To be honest, I distinctly got the impression that Mr. Weasley was more interested in my television set rather than sorting out something that didn't need interference to begin with."

"That's how most things start," Severus dryly commented.

Hermione nodded her head and back turned around in her chair. "I suppose I should check on Ginny and Luna."

"If you like; but I should warn you that I gave Miss Weasley something to help her sleep. She still appeared a little distressed."

Hermione was touched by his concern for her best friend, but another thought crossed her mind that sent her reeling. "Not that damned sleeping potion, I hope!"

"No, Hermione," Severus intoned. "Merely a nightcap-a bottle of elf-made wine from my personal stores. Surely Miss Lovegood also indulged, and no doubt they are kipping on your front room's floor."

"Goodness," Hermione sighed. "I'll be right back. Do you promise to not leave?"

Once Severus gave his word that he would remain in his seat, Hermione dashed inside her house. Midnight, with Button on his back, immediately sauntered out from beneath the dining room table, mewling loudly and demanding to be fed. Flicking her wand at his dish, his food immediately appeared and the kitten scampered over. Button dutifully trailed behind Midnight, and used his tiny beak to withdraw a few chunks of the dried cat food.

"Ginny?" Hermione called out after she'd found her friend slumped over on her sofa, Luna gently snoring at the other end. Indeed there was a nearly empty bottle of wine on the side table, along with two glasses holding faint traces of a deep red at the bottom. It took Hermione two more attempts to rouse Ginny when she finally sat up, clumsily brushing her long red hair back from her face and blinking sleepily.

"Oh, hello Hermione," she yawned, rubbing her eyes. "Snape gave us some wine; it's delicious but it's bloody strong. I fell asleep after my second glass. Luna barely finished her first before she curled up over there," she continued, nodding her head in the sleeping blonde's direction.

"You two can sleep in my room," Hermione told her. "If you want nightclothes, just look in the top drawer of my bureau."

"All right," Ginny lazily nodded again. "We did the washing up and all for you, so the kitchen is clean. Luna wanted to use the dishwasher, but something told me that without you nearby, it was a bad idea."

"Thank you, Ginny. I think you're right," Hermione agreed, remembering how Luna had nearly singed the ends of her hair just a few hours ago. She didn't want to think about soap bubbles and electricity where they concerned the sweet but sometimes absent-minded witch.

"Is Snape still here? Did you two get everything sorted?"

"I think so," Hermione dubiously answered, watching as Ginny's eyelids started drooping again. "Ginny, you're knackered. Wake Luna up and go to my room."

"All right, thanks Hermione," she replied in a garbled tone, using her toe to poke Luna in the leg. The blonde witch finally stirred from her slumber, and smiled brightly when she saw her two friends.

"This was a lovely get-together," she trilled, right as her head flopped backwards onto the sofa cushions.

Hermione bit back the urge to laugh, and she and Ginny hoisted Luna to her feet. Making surely they safely made their way upstairs and to her bedroom, Hermione went back outside to rejoin Severus. He was still sitting rigidly in the same chair, and turned his head when she drew close. Noticing her reticence, he motioned for her to come forward and pulled her down on his lap.

Hermione still had his billowing cloak around her shoulders, and arranged it to cover them both. The part of her legs that rested against Severus' felt warm, the exposed bits prickling in the night air. The cloak covered her upper half, and Hermione buried her head in Severus' neck, feeling the ends of his hair tickling her cheek.

"All right?" he asked as his arms came around her waist.

"Yes," came the muffled answer. Hermione was aptly burrowed into Severus' lap, her arms wound around his neck and her fingers buried into his nape. It was true that she still had lingering doubts, but it didn't change the fact that she enjoyed the way she felt with his arms around her. Severus laid his cheek on top of Hermione's head, his hand idly stroking her side through the thin material of her dress.

"Will you stay tonight?" he heard her ask in a sluggish tone.

"Would you like me to?"

Hermione nodded her head beneath his, her fingers tracing along the ribbed collar of his jumper. She was unsure on how to broach the topic of the litany of unanswered questions that continued to beleaguer her thoughts, yet for the moment Hermione chose to enjoy the easy silence. Still, her pensive nature forced her to internally ruminate over everything he had told her that evening.

Hermione now understood why Severus had acted in an unconventional manner when she asked him about Lily. It didn't excuse him for behaving the way he had, but his explanation did give her a bit more insight.

Throughout her entire life, Hermione had friends and family standing behind her when things became thick. During the war, and after both her parents' death, she had her best friends offering her support, whether she accepted it or not.

Severus had barely been afforded the luxury of friends, much less a confidante. He took complete blame for letting down the one person that he had grown close to, although it was clear that she had also disappointed him. For the most part, Severus was alone after his friendship with Lily ended. His mum had never come around after Tobias' passing, and whenever Severus returned home from school, she was oblivious to her son. Clearly there were no heart-to-heart chats in which her son could have asked for advice or the like, and Severus stumbled awkwardly throughout his adolescence and beyond.

Hermione knew that the only people Severus maintained contact with were the same ones he used to go around with in school. She knew better than to consider said malevolent wizards as friends. Every last person that he previously associated with became a Death Eater, all of which tried to kill her and her friends.

After switching sides, Severus was virtually unable to let anyone in, even if he wanted to. To do so would have meant risking his life as well as another. Even after the threat had been banished, Severus maintained the icy facade that kept others away. To let his guard down meant that he would have had to make himself vulnerable, and after all that had transpired in his life, Severus has no intentions of doing so. It had been easier to live without expecting anything of others, that way he would have been insusceptible to disappointment. Surely it was a lonely life to live, but nonetheless, Severus had been able to carry it out on his terms.

Hermione found herself appalled when Severus broke down the past twenty or so years of his life. She always been the odd one in her group of peers, but she still had friends. Even when things had grown strenuous between her and Severus, she had been able to go to Ginny and Luna.

Hermione fully understood that Severus' insecurities were deeply rooted, as he had gone through things that weren't easy to forget about or get over. Still, as much as she wanted to try and convince Severus that she would never hurt him, Hermione was still battling issues of her own. In spite of everything that happened, she was certain that he was still harboring deep feelings for Lily, and knew that they would most likely remain. As painful as it was for Hermione to admit to herself, she knew that in the end she would become disappointed and upset. Disappointed that she'd completely let Severus in without him reciprocating, and upset for going along with the parody for so long.

Right then Hermione found herself growing completely detached, despite being in such intimate proximity with Severus. His arms were around her, his nose buried in her hair, yet she distinctly believed that his thoughts were still elsewhere. Part of her wished that she'd never found the photograph; perhaps things between them would have continued going smoothly. Consequently, Hermione knew that it was best she discover the truth, even though she discovered firsthand what everyone meant when they said that the truth hurt.

"What are you thinking about that has you so tense?" she heard Severus ask as his hand mapped across her lower back.

"It doesn't matter," Hermione answered in a small voice.

"Amazing. I could barely get you to close your mouth the entire time you were beneath my tutelage, and now you're willingly choosing to remain silent."

"I think I'm just tired," she fibbed, feigning a yawn. "I woke up early and then with everything that happened..."

"It was certainly trying, to say the least," Severus added. "Perhaps you should go to bed."

"I'm more mentally exhausted than anything," Hermione replied, pushing herself up from Severus' lap. She felt completely torn and utterly wrung out from her conflicting emotions. In spite of her lingering doubts, she still wanted him nearby, and frowned when he remained in his chair. Hermione gathered up the dangling folds of the cloak in her arms, taking care to not trip as they both walked into her house.

Once everything had been warded and the lights turned off, Hermione led Severus upstairs and to the guest bedroom, the very one he slept in the first night at her house.

"I'm not going to bite; you can come closer," Severus coaxed when he noticed that she was keeping her distance.

He had taken his place on the edge of the neatly made bed, having already removed his boots and about to do the same with his jumper. Hermione stood in front of the closed bedroom door across from Severus, warily eyeing him as if she was calculating his next move.

"Shall I use a Summoning Charm to bring you over?" he asked, picking up his wand.

"No," Hermione sighed, shaking her head as she toed off her flats. She had already set his cloak down on a chair and shoved her shoes beneath the space. Opting to keep her dress on, she sat next to Severus on the bed, unable to bring herself to look at him.

"Have I hurt you that badly that you're unable to face me?"

"I wish I could say no, but I would be lying to myself," she replied, staring down at her tightly clasped hands in her lap. Hermione's answer didn't come out snidely or accusingly; she sounded completely dejected.

Severus, on the other hand, had no qualms with looking at Hermione and did just that. Her jaw was obstinately set, and her eyes completely still as if she was willing them to remain focused on some spot in front of her.

Hermione felt Severus' intent gaze burning into her skin, but knew that if she glanced to the side her composure would be torn to shreds.

"Your thoughts are so loud, they're nearly shouting at me. You might as well verbalize them."

"I suppose I could, but I doubt that it'll make any difference."

"Unless it was another messy-haired Gryffindor telling me not ten minutes ago about holding things in, I suggest you carry on."

Just as she shook her head, a single tear made its way down Hermione's cheek and landed on her cloth covered thigh. She kept her head bowed, willing herself to not cry as she intently focused on the tiny droplet lingering on the blue fabric.

Severus was used to Hermione's fiery temper, and knew that many times he was the cause of it rearing its head. But a forlorn and silently crying Hermione was something else. Her frizzy curls were hanging down and concealing her face, but he noticed her chest heaving slightly, as if she was trying to fight back tears.

Knowing that he was the source of her pain was a severe blow to Severus. He instantly wanted to make things right, no matter what it took, yet found it infuriating that Hermione was now refusing to talk. Shaking his head to himself when he realized that he'd given her the exact same silent treatment, Severus found that indeed it was annoying. But if it was one thing Severus hated, it was to be badgered and nagged incessantly.

He had been grateful when Hermione opted to let him tell her things in his time, instead of her trying to pull them out of him. Figuring that he would allow her the same courtesy, Severus forced himself to wait patiently until Hermione had her bearings together.

"Do you think you'll ever feel the same way about me?" she finally asked, sniffling and wiping her face on the back of her hand.

"I beg your pardon?"

"You heard me, Severus," Hermione choked out, looking up him with watery, red-rimmed eyes. "I need to know if you think you'll ever feel that way for me, or if I'm just wasting my time." It was rare for Severus to be caught off guard, and a tinge of color flooded his pale complexion.

"I knew it," she continued when he didn't answer. "I'm a bloody idiot. I wasn't planning on falling in love with you, you know. I didn't come to you out of pity, or in aims of fixing you-it just happened. You're a man, not some broken pocket watch that needs mending."

Feeling the onset of full-fledged tears, Hermione jumped up from the bed, desperate to put space between her and Severus. She had moved all of a few inches when a pair of sturdy arms came around her middle, firmly keeping her in place.

"You and I have both done our share of absconding," she heard Severus' gravelly voice at her ear as he trapped her against his solid frame. "No more running away; we are going to face this head-on."

Hermione had been trying to work herself out of his grasp and finally relented, knowing that Severus' strength surpassed hers. She was quiet, although tears continued making their way down her face.

"For a witch that's utilized logic most of her life, clearly you still manage to miss things that are right beneath your nose," Severus went on, still towering over Hermione with both arms wrapped around her waist. "The answer to your question is no, I won't ever feel the same way about you that I did Lily. You are both different, for one, and two, she is no longer here. I loved Lily as a friend, and always will, but believe me, I'm not quite so noble as to harbor some unrequited sentiment that will keep me from living out my own life."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"At least humor me and behave as if you aren't dim-witted, Hermione," Severus drawled. "It's no mystery between us that I'm prone to keeping my sentimentalities to a minimum, but can you honestly say that you've gleaned nothing from my behavior?"

"The last time I've made an assumption, it blew up in my face!" Hermione snapped, her sorrow quickly turning to anger. "I'd rather hear something factual instead of reading between the lines. It makes for a much less confusing life."

"Dammit, Hermione!" Severus fumed, losing his patience. "You have half your belongings strewn about in my personal chambers at Hogwarts, not to mention half a dozen hair grips littering my bedside, along with cat hair coating nearly every surface. I've bought you an extra nightgown and toothbrush to keep at my home so that you wouldn't have to lug about that bag full of rubbish with you each time you visit. On top of it all, you are the first and only woman that I've shared personal space with. And to think, you're boldly standing here, asking me if I'll ever feel the same way about you that I did Lily?

'No I won't, you simple-minded witch, because I feel more for you than I have for her or anyone else, for that matter. Is that proof enough, or shall I compose a sonnet?"

Severus' tone was heavy with irony yet his words conveyed such sincerity that Hermione knew he was speaking the truth.

"Do not think for one moment, that just because I haven't said so, equates to me not feeling it. Even if it's not obvious, every one of your affections are mutual. Every. Last. One. Surely you're aware that I'm not adept with this sort of thing, but if you take away only one thing from this conversation, I hope it erases at least a trace of your doubts."

Hermione released breath that she wasn't aware she'd been holding, letting her head fall back against Severus' chest. The balloon of tension that had welled up in her chest was somewhat eased at hearing his admittance.

Sliding one arm from around Hermione, Severus withdraw his wand from his sleeve and doused the lights in the room. Hermione was still silent as Severus moved in front of her, his eyes focused on her quivering lips as he used his thumbs to wipe the remaining tears from her cheeks. She had just taken a shuddering breath when Severus guided her over to the bed, pulling her to lie down with him, her back against his chest and their limbs intertwined.

"You thought I was still in love with Lily, didn't you?" Severus asked as he idly stroked the side of her neck.

"Is that so hard to believe?" Hermione croaked, feeling wrung out with emotion. "Especially after what Harry told me, and then the way you reacted with the photograph..."

"I suppose not, but just so you know, I try to make it a habit to never pine after the unattainable. I'll admit to being disappointed in my youth, but let me assure you that I pushed past it."

"Good, because I don't want to share you with anyone," she adamantly replied.

"Likewise," Severus murmured, his fingers sliding beneath the scooped neckline of Hermione's dress to trace along her collarbone. "Although I distinctly remember telling you so before. And just so we're clear; I never planned on it either. Truthfully speaking, I never thought it would ever happen."

Hermione had closed her eyes, reveling in the sensation of Severus' hands gliding over her sensitive skin, when she opened them to stare up in the darkness at hearing his last statement. Severus had fallen silent, continuing to trace his fingertips against her skin and enjoying the feel of her body pressed against his.

Hermione slid further up on the bed until her head was below Severus', reaching one hand up to stroke the side of his face. "We're a proper mess, you and I," she murmured. "Before I forget, Molly, Narcissa, and I'm sure Lucius, knows about us."

"Oddly enough Narcissa didn't mention anything, but the looks I received from Lucius and Molly were confirmation enough," Severus dryly offered.

"I'm curious...what did you say to Molly after we'd left?"

"I didn't have to say much; Arthur was the one that somewhat made his wife see reason. I think we were all able to understand Molly's apprehension, but the fact remains that Ginevra is of age and can see who she likes."

"But the way she kept going on about Draco, even I'd started feeling bad for him."

"Draco has dealt with more inexorable challenges in his life; he will be fine. And it's just as well, he's going to need a strong constitution to deal with the rest of the Weasley clan."

"Oh, well...Fred and George already know about Ginny and Draco dating. Charlie might also, I know he and Ginny spoke a lot when she and Harry were going through their changes. Even though Ron instigated a lot of this, and I guess Ginny should have come clean with her parents, but I suppose she wanted to wait until school had ended."

"Perhaps. Now my little mediator, I would prefer it if we left the topic of your mates and their dilemmas for another time. Three days away from you felt like a fortnight."

"I agree," she hummed, her fingers lingering over the trace of stubble lining his cheeks.

"I was just about to handle that when I received your, rather Ginevra's, owl. Damned thing nearly crashed into a wall when I let him in."

"You know, I've yet to actually see you shave," she mused, her fingers moving down to cup Severus' chin.

"That's because you were always still abed when I performed my morning ablutions."

"And why is that? Oh, because at night a certain wizard rode me without mercy and had me clinging to the duvet until I passed out."

"You speak as if you didn't enjoy it," Severus chuckled, his fingers moving lower to graze over the swell of Hermione's breast.

"Though you've yet to hear me complain," Hermione shot back, turning over onto her stomach and burying her face in Severus' chest. His arms settled around her body, both hands mapping along the curve of her spine. Hermione went completely slack, melting against Severus when his slender fingers began tracing endless whorls into the valley of her lower back.

She murmured a buzz of disappointment when Severus stopped, only falling silent when his hands curved around her face. Slightly lifting his head off the pillow, he brushed his lips against Hermione's before engaging her in a gentle kiss. His mouth was warm and inviting as it slowly moved against hers, their cheeks and noses bumping against each other's as their kiss deepened.

With his lips still sensually roving against Hermione's, Severus shifted his weight and guided her onto her back, partially hovering over her. His forearms pressed against the mattress and caged in Hermione's head, his mouth briefly straying from hers to seek out the sensitive skin between her neck and shoulder. There was just enough moonlight slithering in from the window, and Hermione was able to make out Severus' face that was now above hers. His black eyes were intently focused on hers, his thumb occasionally smoothing over her forehead.

Wanting to close the already small space between them, Hermione locked her legs around Severus', her bare calves brushing against his trousers. She slid her fingers beneath the bottom of his jumper, gently stroking his warm back when his mouth descended upon hers again.

One large hand began mapping over the contours of her body, the knit material of her dress now a thin yet cumbersome barrier. Hermione desperately wanted to divest herself of the garment when Severus slipped his hand beneath her dress, his slightly calloused fingers delicately stroking her inner thigh.

Hermione let her legs fall open, only for Severus to insinuate himself between them. He continued trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses along her neck and jaw, while simultaneously teasing her body into a fevered state. Hermione was unable to keep her hips flat on the bed when Severus' hand pressed against her thinly covered cleft, the heel of his palm flush against her clit and sending delicious shocks of pleasure throughout her body.

"Wait, what about Luna and Ginny?" she half-heartedly protested when he moved further down on the bed, his fingers slipping beneath the elastic of her knickers. Despite her apprehension Hermione lifted her hips, allowing Severus to slide her knickers down and off her legs. "I don't want them to hear..."

"Then I suggest you keep your exultation to a minimum," he suggested as he pushed Hermione's dress up to her navel, encircling both arms around her thighs and prying them apart.

Hermione nearly drew blood biting down on her lip when Severus lowered his head, pressing his warm tongue at her slick opening before gliding up to the nub at the top of her folds. His grip tightened on her thighs when she shivered beneath his touch, her back slightly arching off the bed.

Severus took his time licking and kissing her sensitive flesh, all the while tracing his fingertip around her entrance until Hermione thought she would scream. Just when she was on the of brink of losing control he paused, his lips pressing into her trembling left thigh as two long fingers sank into her pulsating heat.

Releasing a ragged cry when his knuckles and fingertips brushed against every sensitive spot hidden deep in the crevasses of her body, Hermione grabbed a pillow and pulled it over her face, knowing that she was seconds away from waking everyone in her house.

"Put it down, Hermione," Severus ordered in a low growl, cutting his eyes up at Hermione through the dark. He was thoroughly enjoying the sight of her losing control, particularly the enticing sounds of her suppressed delight.

"But I'll scream," she half-moaned in protest. "Would you like for everyone to hear us?"

"What I would like is to be able to hear your little moans and gasps, even as you try to contain them," he smoothly replied. "A pillow will just smother everything."

"Fine," Hermione grumbled, tossing the pillow back to the side. "But if my friends hear me, it'll be your fault."

Severus gave a deep chuckle, pressing another kiss to her inner thigh. "This is the perfect opportunity to excise a bit of self-control."

"Somehow I doubt that," she replied, gasping sharply when Severus resumed his exquisite finger and tongue-work. With each pass of his tongue it became harder for Hermione to lie still. Her hips kept thrashing against his face of their own volition, and somewhere along the way her hand worked its way down between her legs to clutch onto his hair.

Little squeaks managed to escape Hermione's tightly drawn lips. Her dress clung to her sweat-dampened and trembling frame as she neared climax. Hermione was unable to hold back the faintest of swears when Severus upped the ante, his tongue lashing more fervently against her engorged nub. Her walls tightened almost painfully around his pistoning fingers before exploding into forceful spasms.

Hermione's hastened breathing filled the room as she squirmed and writhed about, her dress twisting around her body, hands tightly clutched onto Severus' hair and both legs stiffened over his shoulders. Her moans rang throughout as he continued lapping at her sex until she collapsed back onto the bed, gasping for air and weakly pushing his head away.

Hermione was still trembling from her release when Severus withdrew his soaking wet fingers from her channel. Pressing a kiss onto her quivering abdomen, he moved from the bottom of the bed and stretched out atop her body. "You are wicked," she groaned, amazed by the way her limbs continued to tremble, clutching onto Severus' back as he covered her mouth with his.

"I know," he smugly offered, leveling his hips against Hermione's. He was sporting an almost painful erection, one that was unfortunately confined by his trousers.

"I want you," she whispered against his cheek, "but this damned bed...a Silencing Charm won't work if it hits against the wall."

"I'd noticed," Severus gruffly replied, tracing his tongue over lips. He knew that Ginny and Luna would most likely remain completely oblivious to their amorous activities, as the wine he'd given them was particularly strong. Still, Hermione's bashfulness was most inconvenient as Severus was struck with the utmost need to have her completely stripped and crying out beneath him.

Getting up from the bed and taking Hermione with him, Severus yanked the duvet off the mattress and placed it on the thickly carpeted floor. Displaying uncharacteristic impatience as he hastily removed her damp and wrinkled dress and bra, Severus hurriedly did the same with his own clothing and guided Hermione onto the duvet.

Severus settled into the cradle of Hermione's hips, urging her legs around his waist. Hermione moaned as she trembled at the contact, the tip of his weeping erection between her folds and nudging her entrance. She writhed against Severus, beckoning for him to move forward and huffing in irritation when he refused.

"I'll not leave you wanting," Severus reassured in a rumbling baritone, his tongue swiping against the bared curve of Hermione's neck. Before she was able to utter another word, Severus flicked his tongue against her lips, gently capturing the lower one between his teeth.

Hermione was still able to taste herself on Severus' lips when he kissed her again. It heightened her arousal, and she found herself cupping Severus' face in both hands, ardently returning his kiss. Remonstrating slightly when he pulled back from her, Hermione gave in as Severus began running his hands over her bare, heated skin.

His nimble fingers teased and pinched, coaxed and caressed Hermione's body until she was reduced to mewling and gyrating, grabbing onto his forearms in an attempt to pull him back against her. Severus merely pushed Hermione's arms above her head with one hand, pressing them down the duvet. He continued his leisurely exploration of her trembling form, his fingers tracing over each soft curve before following suit with his mouth.

Alternating between panting and gasping, Hermione shuddered when Severus kissed a trail from her breasts down to her stomach, soft black hair sweeping over her skin, nose grazing against her hip as his tongue briefly dipped into her navel. Unable to keep still, the torturous anticipation was nearly her undoing. By the time Severus moved back to cover her body with his, Hermione was frantic with need and firmly ensnared his hips with her legs. "Please!" she beseeched, digging her fingers into his shoulders.

Supporting himself on one elbow, Severus reached down with one hand to tilt Hermione's hips flush with his, aligning himself at her entrance and easing forward. Hermione threw her head back, her hands tightening against the sinews of Severus' biceps as he slowly stretched and filled her to completion. Keening softly at the ingress, Hermione's eyes snapped open when she realized that Severus wasn't moving.

Too absorbed in the sensations sweeping over her body, Hermione was unaware of the way her mouth was gracelessly gaped open. Sharply sucking in air, she looked up to find Severus' black eyes burning into hers. He was still immobile, yet Hermione felt the slight trembling in his limbs as if he was forcing himself to remain at a standstill. Tentatively flexing her muscles around him, Hermione saw Severus' jaw tense, his body jerking unevenly against hers.

"Do that again," he commanded in a strained voice. Severus and Hermione both simultaneously moaned when her snug walls gripped his cock again. "You are going to be the death of me," he growled, involuntarily shuddering before pulling back and thrusting forward.

Hermione desperately tried to hold back her cries of pleasure, unable to forget that she and Severus weren't alone in her house. Breathing heavily through the tendrils of intense pleasure shooting up her spine, Hermione tried focusing on other things- the feel of Severus' lightly furred legs and chest rubbing against her skin, the slightly calloused hand curved around her breast, or his warm, moist breath ghosting across her lips.

Severus suddenly changed his cadence into a slow, rhythmic rolling into her body, making Hermione fight back another fresh round of moans. His cock pressed and prodded more places than his fingers had, and she let out a muffled cry when an orgasm caught her unawares. Burying her face into the tight chords of Severus' neck, Hermione tried to catch her breath when the waves of her release subsided slightly.

Severus rested against Hermione, breathing heavily into her ear as he continued moving within her at an unhurried pace. He was having difficulty holding back, as her snug heat continued to grip and squeeze him nearly to the brink of release. Wanting to prolong their lovemaking, Severus slowed down much to Hermione's annoyance, and her legs tightened around his lean hips, her heels digging into his behind in an attempt to urge him.

"I'm trying to make this last for you," he muttered thickly into her hair, groaning when Hermione's walls clamped down on him again.

"Honestly Severus, I don't care," Hermione whimpered, close to clawing his skin as she rocked her hips against his. "I'm going to explode if you don't go faster." Drawing her legs further back, she was mollified when Severus hooked them over his forearms before pushing up on his knees.

Hermione's hands slapped down on the floor, her fingers twisting into the duvet when Severus began eagerly thrusting into her. Insensate to everything but the feel of him moving inside of her, along with the sensation of their sweat-dampened skin gliding again one another, Hermione was no longer able to fight back the moans that seemed to well up from the pit of her stomach.

A slow measure of push and pull caused a delicious friction in Hermione's lower regions that rendered her shuddering and incoherent. Squeezing her eyes shut, all she was able to focus on was the sublime rocking of Severus' body that left her with tensed limbs and an inability to properly take in air.

The faint moonlight fell upon the two, highlighting Hermione's thrown back head and heaving chest. Her ragged breathing betrayed the onset of another orgasm, and all it took was a mere shift of Severus' weight as he reached his right hand up to pluck at her erect nipples. Almost instantaneously Hermione lost control of her senses and shuddered viciously, her voice rising to a high-pitched wail as Severus continuously fucked her through her climax.

Her fingers had found their way back to his shoulders, and threatened to leave bruises behind they bore down so strongly. Despite resting on the thick duvet, Severus' knee were beginning to ache as they pressed into the floor with each movement. Yet Hermione's body felt divine, so unyieldingly wrapped around his that he was willing to put up with a moment's discomfort in aims of a greater pleasure.

His little witch was writhing uncontrollably beneath him, sweat dotting her forehead and turning her curls into a fluffy mess. Still she clamored for more, clinging to him with arms and legs, and lifting her head to forcefully shove her tongue between his lips.

Severus fisted a hand into Hermione's damp curls, keeping her face against his as he continued ploughing into her body. Their warm breath became mingled as they both approached release, Hermione's the lustier of the two. Despite her moans coming out muffled against Severus' lips, they still seemed to reverberate between them.

"Severus!" she cried out, her body viciously trembling and erupting into goose bumps from head to toe. Her pleasure culminated to a shriek as her tight sheath greedily clasped around his cock, liberally bathing him in her essence.

The feel of Hermione coming apart in arms was the catalyst to send Severus over the edge. His grunt of satisfaction was lost in her neck as he furiously spilled inside of her shuddering body, his hand still gripping her hair.

Little tremors continually quaked throughout Hermione's limbs, long after Severus had slumped over onto her. After a few minutes he mustered up enough strength to shift to the side, and draped an arm over Hermione's hip, drawing her closer. She had finally gone limp with exhaustion and was sprawled atop the duvet as her breathing evened out.

Curling up in Severus' arms, Hermione nuzzled her face against his warm chest, planting a kiss above his nipple. She felt sated beyond belief as they rested on the floor, their limbs tangled and heavy with lassitude. Completely immersed in one another, neither found the need to speak for some time. Hermione's fingers slowly traced against Severus' forearm, while his lips pressed lazy kisses onto her forehead.

"I hate to break the reverie, but do we intend on sleeping here?" Severus asked after awhile, even though his languorous tone gave the impression that he was most disinclined to move.

"No, but the bed is entirely too far away right now," Hermione mumbled sleepily. She was ready to use Severus' shoulder as a pillow when he heaved a sigh and sat up, slipping both arms beneath her body. Hermione laughed weakly when he easily hoisted her up and carried her to the bed, retrieving the duvet and spreading it back into place.

Hermione sighed contentedly when Severus was lying next to her, his fingers twirling around a lock of curls. Her thighs and bum ached a bit from rutting about on the floor, and she was positive that her hair had tripled in size. On top of it, Hermione was sure that her cries of pleasure had grown loud enough for Luna and Ginny, as well as the few surrounding neighbors to overhear, yet she didn't give a damn.

Severus' hand stopped moving, although it was still firmly planted in her disheveled curls. He began snoring lightly, which amused Hermione but she was too tired to even crack a smile. Yawning broadly and settling her head against his chest, Hermione found herself becoming further lulled by the sound of Severus' breathing, and was asleep within seconds.
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Broken Dreams