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Master of the Senses	By : shsa0702 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 29781 -:- Recommendations : 5 -:- Currently Reading : 11
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the affiliated characters. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter List
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I figured that since I had an extended weekend due to President’s Day, this would be the perfect time to crank out another chapter. This next one came as a bit of a surprise as I sat down fulling intending to write about Snape’s next lesson with Hermione, and came up with something entirely different.
As such I’ve edited the last chapter’s title to fit a bit more with the progression of the story, titling it now “My What Big Ears You Have” in order to give this new chapter the title of the previous one “All The Better To Hear You With My Dear…”
Anyways, thank you so far to those that have read and reviewed! They fuel my writing fire!
On with the story!

Following Hermione’s accurate assessment of the final potion in Snape’s classroom which had indeed turned out to be Moonseed Poison, Hermione received what she interpreted to be the closest thing to a compliment that anyone had ever gotten from Snape.
“Miss Granger, if your evaluation of the most recent potion is any indication of your potential, I think the next ten weeks will prove to be very promising.”
Hermione had flushed crimson at the commendation, but whether it was from the compliment he had paid her or the echo of his voice resonating in her ear from earlier she could not discern. However when the blindfold came off it was like a switch, and Snape appeared to be at an appropriate distance as she triumphantly viewed the cauldron before her. In the moment of clarity Hermione was unsure whether the effect Snape’s voice seemed to have on her merely moments ago had indeed been due to his physical proximity or the heightened experience of the blindfold.
She did not have much time to experience any remorse at the loss of what could almost be considered intimacy as Snape jumped right into quizzing her about the following three potions. In fact they spent the rest of the morning talking about the potions and their following properties, all from the perspective of sound.
The next three days were all focused on that particular sense and identifying ingredients, materials, and properties. Hermione found herself blindfolded again and again, with Snape asking her a variety of things such as the identifying the type and intensity of a cauldron fire as well as the types of material a cauldron was made of when tapped with a marble pestle. Hermione was amazed with what she could determine based solely upon sound, and Snape seemed so pleased with her progress that after she removed her blindfold for the final time that Thursday afternoon after spending nearly 4 minutes identifying whether a potion was being stirred clockwise or counter-clockwise, he questioned her with the following proposition.
“Miss Granger, you have demonstrated a tenacity for learning this week that I did not anticipate, even though I should have expected it when reflecting on your years prior at Hogwarts.”
Hermione was unsure at first whether or not this was again an expression of approval, or an admittance of annoyance and she cast her gaze downward with uncertainty.
“…do you take pride in being an insufferable know-it-all…”
The chastisement from her fourth year rose shamefully in her mind, echoing as a ghostly reminder, and Hermione continued to stare at the floor.
“What I also did not expect,” he continued, “was the learned sense of humility that seems to have come with it.”
Hermione looked upward in surprise. “Yes Master Snape, I’ve found that learning at the Apothecary and Trade School has given me the sense that simply knowing the right answer is nothing without valuing the experience that led you there.”
Snape gave her a curious look, but nodded and said “Perhaps it was not only the change in schools that has given you this outlook but also your sensibility as an adult.”
Hermione didn’t know what to say at his proclamation of her as a grown woman, so instead responded with a small smile.
“I was actually wondering,” Snape began a bit uneasily, “Instead of meeting in the lab as we do normally, if tomorrow you would like to meet in the Great Hall at noon to discuss what we’ve experienced this week. It would be ideal since we’ve seemed to have missed our noon break a handful of times this week, perhaps we can make up for it by dining together tomorrow.” Snape eyed her with an unreadable look.
Hermione’s smile grew into a full blown grin. “That sounds agreeable, it would be nice to be in an area with windows. I find myself craving some sunlight.”
“Then I shall expect you there tomorrow at noon.”
“Yes Master Snape, I look forward to it.”

~*---*~

That next morning Hermione found herself in her quarters trying to decide what to wear. Throughout the week she had simply worn plain black dress robes; functional in the coolness of the dungeons but also practical for brewing. In fact, the attire was not dissimilar to the ones she had worn as a student, although instead of the traditional Hogwarts uniform underneath she had chosen black slacks and a simple blouse.
Today she felt strange as she donned her favorite pair of skinny jeans along with a comfortable white and black striped long sleeve. With the weather becoming more agreeable, she decided to push the sleeves up and wear a pair of black sandals. Although she normally wore her hair up for class, she decided to leave it down today. What had once been an uncontrollable mass of frizzy ringlets had now morphed into soft browns curls, and Hermione was rather pleased with how her age seemed to agree with her.
She found herself in her bathroom, putting on a modest amount of lipstick and mascara.
Why does this feel so different? I am still attending class, this is just a change in environment.
Hermione tried to tell herself that the flutter in her stomach was simply from the excitement at the prospect of learning somewhere other than the dungeons. Even though the dungeons was the obvious choice for brewing with it’s cool temperatures providing an atmosphere of stability along with the lack of sunlight preventing any unforeseen effects on potions or it’s ingredients, it didn’t mean that Hermione didn’t crave the outdoors and sunlight.
Throughout the week during her learning, she had usually found herself so engrossed in the content before her that many hours would pass before they had even realized it. Three out of the four evenings Hermione had arrived back at her quarters to find herself ravenous; they would work clear through lunch time without even noticing. The one day they had actually taken a break for lunch Snape had given her a time frame with which to be back in the classroom, and Hermione had taken her lunch in her own living residence. It was strange idea to be eating with Snape, and as Hermione thought about it again her stomach did a weird somersault.
She gave herself one more glance over in the mirror, tried to convince herself she wasn’t as overly concerned with her appearance, and left to make her way to the Great Hall.
On the way she remarked how nice it was to be somewhere other than the depths of Hogwarts. It seemed that throughout the week she had fallen into a regular schedule of breakfast in her residence, class during the day, and then relaxing in her room with a book and dinner before bed. She hadn’t actually had the time or perhaps even the energy to adventure throughout the castle.
Hopefully this exhaustion is just from getting into a routine, it’d be nice to explore the castle and familiarize myself with my potential future place of employment.
Before Hermione had realized it she had made her way to the Great Hall, but the sight she was greeted with upon entering made her stop short.
Whilst the idea of changing her attire had come naturally to her, she did not anticipate that Snape would also feel the desire to do the same. He was currently seated at the end of what Hermione remembered to be the Ravenclaw table, but Hermione couldn’t help herself from staring.
Though he was wearing his normal shade of attire with simple black slacks, he also currently sported a stark white oxford. What was even more surprising was that the sleeves were neatly rolled back and pushed up to his elbow, bearing his forearms. Hermione also noted that the top button was casually undone, displaying just a hint of his neck and chest. In all her years at Hogwarts, Hermione couldn’t even remember seeing more of his skin than past his wrists and above the high collar neck of his teaching robes.
Snape was preoccupied with straightening what appeared to be the dishes to their meals upon the table, and therefore hadn’t noticed Hermione’s arrival. With a deep breath she continued onward and as her footsteps against the flagstone announced her entrance Snape glanced upward. The look that registered on her face was not necessarily a smile, but more of a positive recognition at her arrival.
“Good afternoon Miss Granger, glad to see you were able to find your way here without wandering too far off the path.”
Hermione blushed at the reference to her arrival a mere week ago when she had found herself in the exact same room with none other than the person who stood before her. However she also managed a small smile, assuming now from his expression that he found amusement rather than annoyance at her.
“Yes, it seems that being back in the castle seems to bring back many memories, whether warranted or not. Hopefully I will be able to give myself some time to reminisce and explore around the castle this weekend since I’ve been rather tired at the end of each day.”
Here Snape took on a fixed look, “I believe I did reassure you of the level of rigor my curriculum demands.”
“Oh please don’t get me wrong,” Hermione gushed, “my lessons are quite enjoyable. I just find that my desired outlet at the end of the day is to relax in my quarters and wind down with a good book.”
“Such as reading Magical Botanical Mysteries?”
Something of a smile flitted across Snape’s face.
Did he just make a joke?
Hermione let out a small laugh, “Perhaps, yes. However, the only mystery I’m looking forward to currently is what we are having for lunch.”
Snape gestured at the table, and Hermione took a seat. It was strange to be seated at such a table, almost like she was bridging the divide between student and teacher. The notion of sitting at the head table seemed a bit strange, but almost stranger still was to see Severus Snape seated across from her at a table designated for students as he took his place across from her.
Before Hermione could fully take in her surroundings Snape blurted out uncharacteristically, “Your attire seems…appropriate for this afternoon.”
Is it just me or is he acting strangely?
“Thank you,” Hermione murmured, although her words felt thick and unsure. “Your attire is also…appropriate. I don’t believe I’ve seen you in this manner before Master Snape.”
Snape looked down in amusement at his clothing.
“Yes I suppose you would not have had the chance to. Believe it or not I do enjoy wearing something other than my traditional teaching robes, although I am rarely afforded the chance throughout the school year.”
Hermione felt strange; she had spent most of her time this week with the man in front of her but today something was different. It was like she was hyper-aware of all of her movements and the words exchanged between them. To ease the tension she looked at the table before her, knowing subconsciously that if she were to continuing looking at Snape her eyes would inadvertently be drawn to his bare forearms that rested on the table before her, or perhaps the thin silver scars that were just visible along the collar of his unfasted button-up that he had sustained from the Battle of Hogwarts.
Laid out before her on a platter resting upon the table was a spread of cheese, nuts, and grapes. There was also a set of plates before each of their seats which Hermione assumed were yet to be filled with their main course.
“I thought we could begin with something that could be eaten leisurely while we discuss your learning.” Snape gestured at the platter, and Hermione smoothed out her napkin across her lap as she helped herself to an assortment of the contents before her.
Snape did the same, and it wasn’t long before they had fallen into their comfortable routine of scholastic conversation. Hermione found herself getting lost in academic discussion much like they had in the classroom earlier in the week, and before long they were nibbling at the last few morsels on the platter before them.
“Earlier this week I had you correctly identify cauldrons that were composed of metal alloys. Explain to me how you were able to do so.”
Hermione smiled, this was something she had studied intensely at her Trade School, although she had never considered identification of the cauldrons through sound.
“I suppose it has something to do with the resonating sound after the initial strike of marble against it. Most metals have a consistent ringing to them, but when a cauldron consists of more than one the sound…changes. I suppose it may have something to do with the pitch or frequency, but it’s definitely discernible if not hard to verbalize. “
“Interesting Miss Granger. Do you believe the density varies based upon whether it’s a solid solution or a mixture of metallic phases?”
“I do, although it would be interesting to test the affect it would have on a controlled potion that has no requirement of cauldron type. Of course we would have to take into account the change in brewing temperature if it differs from that of a standard size two pewter cauldron.”
Here Snape gave a small smirk, “Perhaps that is something we can delve into later this summer. We have many things to cover Miss Granger.”
Hermione smiled at the prospect, “I would like that if the time can be afforded.”
“As enjoyable as this discussion is, I believe now we should delve into lunch before it gets any later in the day.”
Wandlessly, Snape vanished the empty platter that had held the cheeses, nuts, and grapes before them only to have a light salad appear on the plates directly in front of them. As both of them began to tuck into their plates, a surprisingly comfortable silence settled between them. Hermione couldn’t help but sneak a glance here and there as she ate, taking note of the surprisingly muscular nature of Snape’s forearms.
Is it really that surprising though? Being a Potions Master requires lots of lifting, harvesting, steady hands and arms for brewing. Although I suppose Snape hasn’t been Potions Master since the Battle of Hogwarts…
“Master Snape, do you do much brewing since taking up the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor?”
Snape looked up in surprise. “You more than anyone should be aware that achieving mastery in any area is not considered to be given up lightly. While I do not brew as much as I’d like to throughout the school year, I do afford myself time to continue my own personal research as well supplying the needed potions for the Infirmary when I can. I find that brewing for such a need continues to give me pleasure.”
Hermione blinked at the sudden lack of formality.
Pleasure is certainly not something I thought I would ever be discussing with Severus Snape…
“Do you not consider what areas you will find agreeable outside of teaching once you are employed here Miss Granger?”
“I guess I hadn’t given it much thought,” Hermione began uneasily, “I guess my biggest focus was just on securing the job first.”
“Much like schooling, there is not much purpose in serving an area that you are passionate about if you do not give yourself time to enjoy that pleasures that the subject matter can provide.” Snape’s tone became a bit ardent. “Teaching is a whole different level of pursuing the content than simply studying or giving into one’s own interests.”
“I’m sure it’s something I will learn in time, for now my focus is to learn by teaching others.” Hermione smiled. “Surely you must gain some fulfillment from that in itself?”
Here Snape paused, and gave Hermione a calculating look. After a moment he said slowly, “Yes, I suppose there are students in amongst those who are simply there because they are required to be that give me some level of accomplishment.”

~*---*~

Following their strangely informal lunch in which they discussed things both academic and slightly personal, they had decided to take a stroll outside where her and Snape had continued to stray a bit from the discussion of curriculum and Hermione inquired about life as a teacher.
She questioned him about things such as additional responsibilities, including the requirements of serving as a head of house. They distractedly wound off on many tangents, including talk of how extra-curricular groups were formed and maintained, as well as how attendance was expected at the regularly scheduled extra-curriculars such as Quidditch.
Hermione had even gotten Snape to talk a bit about his personal research, although he would not let on any more than that he was experimenting with various cauldron types and new potion prototypes. They had become so engrossed in their conversations and continued to walk for so long that Hermione found herself to be a bit sore that evening. As such when she found herself back in her quarters afterwards, she decided to draw herself a bath to soothe her sore feet. She let out a sigh as she slid in among the small mountain of bubbles into the welcoming liquid heat.
As she felt her body beginning to relax in the water Hermione allowed her mind to empty, letting it wander and simply enjoying the heat of the bath. It wasn’t long before she let her hand slip down further and she let out a satisfying sigh as her fingers made their way towards the apex of her thighs.
She closed her eyes as her fingers explored familiar territory, and she began to rub small circles, letting out a long breath as she felt the pleasure began to course through her like a slow burn.
“Is this something you find pleasurable Miss Granger?”
Hermione’s breath hitched with a jolt of pleasure as the unexpected voice ran through her head. Her eyes flew open as the unexpected invasion, feeling much like she did when she was blindfolded and Snape’s voice echoed in her ear.
She shook her head, and let loose a small nervous laugh at the silliness of it. Why in Merlin’s sweet name would his voice find it’s way into her head now?
Clearing her mind once more she resumed her ministrations below the surface of the water, but it wasn’t long before the voice echoed within her head once more.
“Let’s see just how ready you are to receive instruction.”
Hermione groaned as the deep timbre of his voice resonated in a place below the water that made Hermione blush. However this time she did not stop and continued to let his words echo through her mind, picturing him as she did when blindfolded.
Closing her eyes allowed her the illusion of him leaning over and whispering into her ear, close enough again to run his tongue along the outer shell as before.
“I think the real question here Miss Granger is…do you trust me?”
Was it just her imagination or did Snape’s voice sound even deeper than before? It had almost a gravely undertone to it, and Hermione groaned in pleasure as she pictured his bare forearms as they had been at lunch.
“Relax Miss Granger, and take my hand.” Hermione’s face burned in embarrassment as the exact words he had uttered during class now took on a whole new meaning as she continued to pleasure herself. She let out a moan and leaned her head back against the tub as her pace quickened. Replacing the image of Snape leading her through his classroom with a new image, one in which his muscular bare arm was reaching towards the junction of her legs, his long fingers replacing hers and causing her to whimper with a desperate need.
“Come with me…”
Associating the unexpected voice with the sensations as they coursed through her body, Hermione cried out as her pleasure heightened and peaked, arching her back in the water as an unexpected name was torn from her lips in a forbidden whisper.
As Hermione came down from her sensual high, she realized nearly all the bubbles had evaporated from her bath. She opened her eyes, vanishing the illusion that she had created for herself and leaving herself with a feeling of bewilderment.
What in the world just happened?
Hermione shook her head, trying to erase what just occurred and also realizing with a small feeling of guilt that perhaps it was not something she wanted to altogether forget.

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Master of the Senses