On Submission

by ColorMeGolden

Summary:

“Oh my, Severus.” She spoke, clearly tickled. “Is this the first time a former student has stepped into your circle?”

Severus rolled his eyes. “Please, I’ve taught most of the witches in Britain, what makes you think I’ve never played with one?” He said, returning his eyes to Hermione, who was barely recovering from her shock.

“Ms. Granger was always eager to please as a student. I’m not surprised she ended up here.”

~~~

An ode to kink and healing

Chapter 1: The First Meeting

Summary:

Welcome to On Submission! This is my very first chaptered and completed work of fanfiction.
When I started it, I wanted to write a fanfiction about BDSM that had educational components and didn't skimp on etiquette and protocol for the sake of fantasy. I wanted to skim the surface of multiple kinks regardless of my personal interest in them. Although the tags might seem intimidating to some, I would generally say that I don't delve deep into most of the kinks listed. For example: Breath play is tagged but is only in a tiny part of this work for a very short amount of time. Hermione is only just starting her journey into BDSM, and I thought it would be weird for her to jump into riskier and more intense kink right off the bat.

 

I will be going through the entire fic and looking for the tiny errors I know will be there, because I did not have a beta for this work and I wrote it in under two weeks. That being said, I hope you enjoy, and I am excited to read all of your thoughts in the comments below. I am also planning to create a series of one-shots as a companion to this fic.

The restaurant wasn’t particularly large, but the tables and booths were spaced far from each other and tucked into various nooks and crannies, enabling a certain level of privacy. Hermione figured this place was just the right balance of private and cozy for her purpose. Glancing over at Mazie, Hermione caught a small smile.

“I told you I wasn’t taking you to some dark, sleazy alleyway, do you believe me now?” she chortled, nudging Hermione’s arm. A sigh of relief, loosening of a jaw.

“I’ll reserve total judgment until I’ve met these characters you’ve been telling me about,” she countered, following Mazie to a large, rounded booth that was around the back end of the restaurant. There were already a few people seated at the booth--a woman with loosely tied up grey hair, a dark man whose back was turned to her, a blonde man who appeared closer to her age, and another woman with sleek brown hair.

Mazie announced their presence, “Hey guys, I’ve brought someone new. Meet Hermione.” Hermione followed her friend’s lead into the booth. Her breath, however, suddenly caught as she glanced up to see the faces of those around her, only to meet an all too familiar gaze. A chuckle, a smirk, then--

“Ms. Granger, a pleasure to see you again.”

She gaped at him.

“P-professor,”

The woman with the grey hair, who Hermione could now tell was a lightly tanned woman who seemed to be in her fifties, raised an amused eyebrow as she reached for a sip of her water. The few wrinkles in her face showed years of joy and laughter.

“Oh my, Severus.” She spoke, clearly tickled. “Is this the first time a former student has stepped into your circle?”

Severus rolled his eyes. “Please, Janine, I’ve taught most of the witches in Britain, what makes you think I’ve never played with one?” He said, returning his eyes to Hermione, who was barely recovering from her shock.

“Ms. Granger was always eager to please as a student. I’m not surprised she ended up here.” Hermione felt a little agitated at them speaking like she wasn’t there, and she cleared her throat, straightening her spine.

“If you’ll allow me to speak for myself,” she interjected, getting the attention of everyone at the table. “My name is Hermione. Mazie and I work together, and she was generous and observant enough to invite me.” Seeming to understand that they needed to move things along before things got uncomfortable, the young blonde took the opportunity to break in,
“I’m Jared, I’ve been part of the community for a couple years now.” Hermione smiled in thanks, appreciating his interjection.

“Rhea,” said the brunette. She looked to be about 30 years old and was dressed sternly. “I’ve been doing this for almost a decade.”

The other woman, previously named as Janine, spoke next. “Call me Janine. I’m the co-owner of our local dungeon with Severus here,” she nudged the dark, familiar man to her left. “I’ve lost track of the years, but I host events and teach seminars and classes regularly.”

When Severus failed to continue introductions, he got a firm elbow to his side, causing him to huff. “You already know me, Ms. Granger, but please refrain from calling me any variation of Professor or Sir. I am not your superior any longer. You may call me Severus.” Hermione nodded in acquiescence, finding this a fair and understandable request. “I have spent countless years teaching classes on proper practice and participating in our dungeon. If you continue to interact with our community, you will undoubtedly take a class from me. I hope you are able to put that mind of yours to good use.”

Hermione bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement. While they had a complicated past with each other, they weren't here to reminisce, and she could respect that he wanted to treat her as a fellow peer instead of a former student. It was at that moment, that their waitress appeared at their table to take their food orders, interrupting the tension in the air. There was a brief silence after the server left before Severus picked up where he left off.

“Tell me, if you will, how you ended up here.” He stated, more than asked. “I would assume this is new to you.” Hermione’s cheeks flushed a little bit at his assumption about her. Although she supposed this was a rather personal meeting, she was not expecting to answer questions like that from a former professor when she agreed to come. That being said, these were people she would hopefully create connections with and potentially...play with. Regarding his question, surely, she was brave enough to share with the class. If she couldn't talk comfortably about it or set a boundary regarding it, maybe she wasn't ready to be here. She internally braced herself, and focus on the fact that he hadn’t been her teacher in over five years. She was an adult now, and they'd both had plenty of time to grow as individuals. She decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, assuming he wasn't going to be the brusque man for her past. Now that the war was over and he was free, maybe he had changed?

“Well,” she started, not quite looking at him. “I suppose where most people start--with fantasies.” Taking a controlled breath, she continued. “I knew of kink, of course, but had no idea there were entire communities of people dedicated to it, nor did I know how to explore it. I’ve been doing a lot of reading--” a dark chortle from across the table, “--and Mazie just so happened to look over my shoulder the other day and invited me.” Mazie hummed in agreement to her right.

“She was reading The New Bottoming Book at work, thinking she was being sneaky,” she laughed. A few chuckles echoed around the table. Hermione was a touch embarrassed, but everyone at the table seemed unbothered. Their knowing smiles indicated that they had been there once themselves.

“If you’re looking for more reading material, we keep a suggested book list at the dungeon.” Severus offered. Hermione is surprised to find him offering help without any scathing remarks following it. That was new.

The next few minutes were filled by lighthearted banter, brief interactions with the waitress, and the scraping of utensils on plates. The energy felt comfortable, something Hermione felt grateful for. She had so many worries the night before that she wouldn’t fit in with these people and she would have to give up on her desires entirely. The distraction of food allowed her to observe those around her without being obvious, which she appreciated. She noticed that Severus no longer wore his intimidating robes from her school days and was instead wearing something closer to a muggle suit and turtleneck in all black. It really suited him. It had the same austere appearance, but it sat on his frame better. Next to him, Janine wore what Hermione could only describe as hippy clothes. Loose, colorful, relaxed. An odd sight for a person who ran a BDSM dungeon, she thought. Jared, the blonde, was fit and his clothes only emphasized it. He wasn’t a very large man, but he obviously took care of his body. Rhea emanated control in her face and clothes. She wore mostly black and red, clearly wearing some sort of leather harness as part of her outfit. Hermione wondered where she would fit into this crowd. Would she be brave enough to wear leather like that in public? Or a collar? She felt a small shiver run down her neck. One day, she thought, she would find someone who would make her feel proud to display such obedience in public, someone who made her crave the commitment that came with a collar. She thought that she would likely want something dainty, some kind of metal collar that could be disguised as regular daytime jewelry. So caught up in her reverie, she almost didn’t hear Severus speak to her.

“Ms. Granger, if you’re willing to talk more about yourself and your specific interests, we can help you educate yourself further and ensure you attend classes that meet your needs.” he offered. “That is, of course, if you are wanting to pursue this direction.”

“I do,” she answered quickly. “Want to pursue this, that is.”

He appeared to have a look of approval on his face. “Do you know what type of role you wish to fulfill? Or are there certain tools or kinks that interest you?” How he felt so comfortable asking her these questions despite having been her teacher struck Hermione as odd. She definitely felt odd being asked them. Although, if he had been doing this for as long as he said, it made sense that he would be able to speak freely about it.

“Ah, well…” she cleared her throat and looked down at her plate to avoid his gaze. She quickly glanced over at Mazie, who was in an involved conversation with Jared and Rhea. Another glance to her side showed Janine listening to her interaction with Severus quietly. “I... It’s probably clear that I’m most interested in bottoming.” Severus gestured with his hand as if to say, ‘I knew that, continue’. She took a deep breath. “Impact play,” she forced out. “I want to learn about impact play.” looking up to meet Severus’ eyes, she was almost shocked to see a glint in his eyes and the hint of a smile on his lips.

“Then you and I, Ms. Granger, are about to become very familiar.” Severus leaned back in his chair. Hermione’s eyebrows lifted, as if to say excuse me, what?

“I teach most of the impact play classes at our dungeon. It is my specialty.” He said it with such confidence and surety that it sent a spark down her spine.

“Oh?” Hermione breathed out.

“Oh.” He repeated with a quiet, amused laugh, pulling a muggle pen out of his pocket and grabbing an unused napkin. He started scribbling dates on the napkin.

“I’m writing down for you a list of classes this month and my information. I can acquire the proper schedule for you later. If you want to attend any of them, owl me and we’ll arrange for you to come early so that I am able to show you the dungeon. It utilizes a membership system, although you can pay for individual classes if that doesn’t interest you.”

Severus pushed the napkin over to her across the table. The titles of each class stood out to her:

Easy Impact: Beginner’s Safety Guide to Impact Play

 

The Flogger

 

Impact: Obedience & Discipline

 

Aftercare Basics

 

Subspace & Domspace

 

Demonstration:

Severus Snape & Felicity Warbeck

 

“Demonstration?” Hermione asked quietly, not looking up from the napkin. Severus shifted in his seat.

“Yes, I usually do at least one demonstration a month. It’s an opportunity for you to see what you learn in action. For this month, I’ll be spanking and caning Felicity.” Hermione’s mouth went dry almost instantly. A cane. An object she had fantasized about many times, imagined she was being punished with it, making her best guess as to what it felt like and what kind of marks or bruises it might leave.

“Hermione?” Mazie asked, holding back a laugh. “You alright there?” Hermione shook out her reverie, eyes wide.

“What? I’m fine, what do you mean?” It was Janine who answered,

“Dear, you look rather flustered.”

Hermione groaned and buried her face in her arms, mortified. Luckily, she was saved by the waitress bringing their bills. Thankfully, everyone was distracted by it, saving her from having to explain herself.

Hermione was one of the last to stand from the table, everyone grouping together to say their final goodbyes. The next munch was scheduled to be in two weeks. Hermione planned to be there, determined to take hold of the opportunity before her.

Chapter 2: First Correspondence

Notes:

This one is a quick transitionary chapter, they'll be longer in the future. Kudos & Comments are appreciated!

Mr. Severus Snape,

Thank you for all the information and help you offered me. I’d like to attend a class of yours--the beginner’s class on impact play. If you could send me more information such as the location and any relevant fees, I’d appreciate it. If your offer to show me around the dungeon still stands, I’d be very interested in that as well.

Thanks again,

Hermione Granger

 

Severus expected nothing less from Ms. Granger than a perfectly proper note regarding BDSM practices. The arrival of her letter was so in line with the person she had been in school it almost garnered a laugh. Her propensity to proper rhetoric and titles, as well as her desperate need for validation and approval, meant she would likely be a fantastic submissive. She was too much of a perfectionist to be anything else. No, Ms. Granger was not a brat. She would certainly be the good girl type. Severus’ eyes glanced down at the parchment once more before reaching for a fresh parchment of his own and a quill.

 

Ms. Granger

It pleases me to hear you would like to attend my class. I previously forgot to mention that my co-owner, Janine, is offering a class this month that might also pique your interest. I will enclose a class calendar with this letter for your perusal. The class in question is about submission, something I imagine you’ll have great interest in. It would be a good opportunity for you to learn about the types of submissive roles, subspace, and your own boundaries.

As far as meeting me before the class goes, I will also send my business card which has the address of the dungeon written on it. For future reference, its official name is Ensnare. I will wait for you outside the front doors at 6:30pm if that is acceptable to you.

Severus Snape

 

Sending the letter off with his owl, Severus grabbed his coat from its hook and headed out the door.

Chapter 3: The Classroom

Hermione had absolutely no idea what was appropriate to wear when visiting a BDSM dungeon. Jeans and a long sleeve with a casual robe thrown over top was good enough, right? It was going to have to be, seeing as she needed to leave in the next five minutes. Running a hand through her hair, Hermione sighed and grabbed her bag, pulling out the perfectly crisp business card from within.

Severus Snape

Professional Dominant & BDSM Educator

Ensnare

17 Cornelia Street

London

How skilled must a person be to be a Professional Dominant? Hermione rather thought you would need to dedicate years upon years to earn such a title for yourself. Just how young had Severus been when he made his foray into the world of kink? Committing the address to memory, Hermione stepped out of her apartment.

 

~~~

 

When her former professor entered her field of vision, she was once again faced with the bizarre image of Severus Snape in muggle clothing. Having spent so many years seeing the man in layered robes, to see him in perfectly tailored slacks, a crisp black button-up, and a casual robe was odd. Not that it was a bad thing, he looked great, Hermione admitted. Without the constant stress of spying during Voldemort’s regime, he almost seemed to age backwards, and he definitely took care of himself. There was the subtle hint of sinewy muscle in the way his clothes settled against his arms. He looked up and met her eyes before she could even say hello.

“Ms. Granger, welcome.” he spoke, reaching for the handle of a dark door.

While the evening light dimmed the street, it was clear that the exterior of this dungeon betrayed nothing about what lay within. There was no obnoxious logo, just a simple sign that said Ensnare above the door.

Hermione brought her eyes back to the man in front of her. “Good day, Severus, thank you for agreeing to meet with me.” he nodded in acquiescence and opened the door, indicating that she should enter first.

She walked into a lovely lobby with a desk and secretary. There were a multitude of tropical house plants that contrasted nicely to the pale cream walls and almost black hardwood floor. Light came in through two windows on either side of the entrance. The secretary at the front desk smiled at them before turning back to the book she had been reading when they walked in.

“Our secretary is Winona. She manages all membership fees and payments. You will pay for all classes and events through her.” Severus’ voice rumbled behind her.

Winona was best described as ethereal. She was short and had soft rolls and curves that reminded Hermione of Greek statues. The woman had curly ginger hair which had all sorts of trinkets and flowers threaded through it. Her neck bore a delicate gold choker with a large O-ring at the center, and she seemed to be wearing something made of light flowy material that left her stomach exposed. Hermione was struck with the thought that she wanted to be like her, so effortlessly stunning.

Severus walked over to an archway to Winona’s right, obviously wanting to begin the tour. Hermione scurried after him, falling into step behind him. She was first led into a large open room with a dais in the middle of it, likely twenty feet in diameter. The lighting was low, but there was a soft spotlight in the middle of the dais from the ceiling. A multitude of comfortable looking chairs, lounges, and couches were settled around it. This was clearly a place for audiences to watch.

“This,” Severus began, “is where I will be doing my demonstration with Felicity this month. We call this room the theatre. It is also used for those with voyeuristic tendencies to put themselves on display. It is used often.” There were a few people relaxing in the cozy chairs and chatting with one another, drinks in hand. Severus gestured behind her and opposite to the dais. There was a small bar set into the wall with a couple stools. “While we do serve drinks here, none of it is alcoholic as that would violate our policies regarding consent. We serve a variety of virgin drinks and aperitifs. After certain types of play, your blood sugar may drop, hence the bar.”

Hermione nodded in response, taking in the atmosphere of the room. She felt like she could stay there forever. The colors were muted and warm, and soft jazz music played in the background. “It’s lovely.” she commented. Severus hummed in response, then led her to an extra wide hallway with doors along each side.

“These are private rooms for the use of our members. You may take the occasional class in them, but we do have a room specific for education.” He pushed open the first door on the left, which had a metal placard with the words ‘The Mauve Room’ engraved in it. The walls of the room were a soft muted purple color, and the walls had a variety of instruments hanging from it. At first glance, Hermione saw feathers, candles and lighters, blindfolds, silk ties, and a few things she didn’t recognize. He proceeded to lead her through all of the rooms for a quick look.

The Navy Room seemed to be catered towards worship. Hermione thought it was probably used by those who liked to be used as a slave to the whims of a dominant. There was even a throne. She had the brief thought of being used as a footstool at the end of it.

The Red Room looked more like a torture room than anything else she could imagine. A Saint Andrew’s cross, shackles, chains…

The Green Room appeared to be made for those with a love for leather. Not only were there many tools made of leather, but she even saw a leather puppy mask on a display.

The Peach Room, however, was her favorite. Just walking into it made her thighs clench together for a brief moment, and she was unable to stop the hitch in her breath. Severus turned slightly towards her; a knowing eyebrow raised. The room was one of the larger ones in the hallway, and the walls were a very soft peach tone. Hanging from hooks were an exciting variety of paddles, floggers, canes, cuffs, ties, and a couple groupings of silk ropes. In one corner was a velvet chaise lounge, and a matching couch against the opposite wall. Settled on top of a plush cream rug near the middle of the room was a wooden contraption Hermione had never seen before.

“Severus? What’s that?” she asked, gesturing towards the odd furniture. He smirked.

“A spanking bench,” he answered, walking up to it and placing one hand on it, running it up and down the varnished wood. “The ring attached to the bottom can be used to hold one in place while they endure their punishment, and the height is adjustable.”

“That’s...a thing?” she blurted out, immediately feeling embarrassed.

“Yes, Ms. Granger, that’s a ‘thing’ as you so eloquently put it.”

Hermione ducked her head away from his gaze and walked around the room, stopping in front of the implements on the wall.

“May I touch any of these?” she looked back at him for his approval.

“Absolutely, go right ahead.” With his permission, Hermione reached up towards an acrylic cane that had caught her eye. She weighed it in her hand for a moment before gripping the handle and lightly smacking it against her other palm. A soft laugh echoed from behind her.

“You’re going to have to do it a little harder than that if you want to get a feel for it.” her ex-professor spoke, taking the cane from her hands. “Ideally, you’d try it on a fattier area, such as the thigh, but seeing as you are wearing pants…Hold out your arms, palm up.” Hermione blinked, surprised for a moment, but obeyed silently. “May I?” Severus looked into her eyes, clearly asking for permission to hit her with the cane.

“Yes, Severus.” she replied, fighting the build in urge to call him sir. She had called him that for seven years which made it a hard habit to break. Severus snapped a practice swing into the air beside them before taking a focused breath and smacking the fleshiest part of her for arms with the cane. It wasn’t a hard swing, but it was firm enough to sting. Hermione gasped, staring at her arms, not even noticing Severus cleaning the cane with a scourgify and returning it to its place on the wall. The sting on her flesh was pleasant and warm, and as it faded she was already wishing for a second stroke.

“I...Thank you.” she spoke, unsure of what was appropriate in that circumstance.

“My pleasure.” Severus raised an eyebrow at her suddenly flushed cheeks. My pleasure? “Now, come.” he beckoned, leaving the room. Did he have to speak like that? Hermione thought, hurrying after him.

Severus led her through a door at the end of the hall. It opened up into another large space like the theater. There were many peg boards, shelves, and dressers, which Hermione presumed were to hold toys and tools for teaching classes. The walls were off-white and the floor was pale wood. Unlike the theater, there wasn’t a dais, but there was very clearly a front and back end of the room, similar to a regular classroom. Hermione watched silently as Severus walked towards a peg board near the front of the room that held only paddles. He removed a few of them in different sizes, some with holes and some solid wood, and placed them on a simple desk at the head of the rom.

“We have five more minutes until the others arrive. I suggest you either see Winona now or after class regarding fees and membership.” he finally spoke, sitting in a plush armchair in one corner, resting the ankle of one foot over the opposite knee. Hermione found a seat front and center and sat down. “I’ll wait,” she responded. He nodded in response.

When the class started, there were eight total pupils, an even mix of men and women. As soon as the last one sat, Severus waved his hand towards the door, slamming it shut. Hermione was brought back to her school days, remembering how her former professor was always so dramatic regarding his classes.

“Lovely to see you all here. As I’ve already seen all of your faces before, I will skip the introductions. I will be educating you on paddles today, with a brief introduction to floggers, canes, and whips.” He began casually pacing the front of the classroom as he continued. “We will be using magically altered paddles to help you acquire a feel for the right amount of force needed.” Grabbing a paddle off of the desk, he demonstrated by swinging it swiftly through the air. He held the face of the paddle towards them, showing that a red number 5 had appeared on the wood.

“The numbers indicate force on a scale of one through ten. I’d like most of you to reach a consistent four by the end of this lesson.”

Hermione left the class an hour later in a daze.

Chapter 4: The Show

Hermione rushed into work, dropping her bag on the floor and dropping into her desk, a hot coffee placed in the corner. On the opposite end of the small room, Mazie turned around in her chair.

“Hermione Granger, late to work? Never thought I’d see the day!” she teased, flipping her chin length brown hair away from her face. It fell back, curling around her jaw softly. Hermione huffed.

“You needn’t remind me, I’m very much aware.” she drawled, a touch irritated at herself. Lateness was not a habit of hers, nor would it ever be. She prided herself on her timeliness and she couldn’t even say she was late for any good reason. She hadn’t been able to fall asleep very easily the night before, her mind stuck replaying the evening.

“Oh come on, what’s crawled up your ass and died?” It was moments like these that Mazie sounded distinctly like her American self. Hermione breathed deeply, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart. She had sprinted towards her office the moment she burst through the floo in the Ministry Auditorium.

“I went to Janine’s class last night.” Hermione countered, trying to deflect from her tardiness. Mazie lit up, standing up to pull her chair up to Hermione’s desk before sitting down again.

“Tell me more! How was it? Which class was it?” she grabbed Hermione’s paper coffee cup and took a sip like it was her own. “Eugh, you put so much cream in it!” she shuddered lightly.

Hermione rolled her eyes and started sorting through her paperwork for the day, glancing at her desktop planner. “Well, it was wonderful. Janine is a joy to be around, she’s very young at heart.” Mazie smiled.

“Yeah, she’s a treat. She likes to claim that it’s bossing grown men around that keeps her young, of course.” she chortled and leaned back in her chair. “Have you gone to any others?” Hermione failed to respond for a moment, writing a memo and sending it out the door with a quick swipe of her wand.

“I went to Severus’ class on impact play a while back. Actually, I’ve taken all his classes this month except for the demonstration this Friday. I’ve only been to one of Janine’s, though.” Hermione replied. “Speaking of which, did you want to go together?” Mazie grinned, heading back to her own desk.

“Oh definitely, wouldn’t miss it. He’s great. Creates a real atmosphere, you know?”

Hermione felt something like anticipation curl in her gut. She couldn’t wait.

~~~

It felt like Friday night took weeks to arrive instead of mere days. After leaving work, Hermione rushed to shower, dress, and eat dinner. Mazie was going to meet her outside Ensnare at 6:45 since the show started at seven.

Hermione tousled her hair into effortless looking curls with a touch of product, checking her outfit in the mirror. It wasn’t anything fancy, just a short turtleneck dress and some ankle boots. She threw on her robe before running out the door.

When Hermione and Mazie entered the theatre room it was dark save for the spotlight in the center of the room. She could make out a rather large group of people sitting in a variety of seating options, all chatting softly while they waited. Mazie leaned into Hermione’s ear to tell her she’d grab a couple drinks and join her in a minute. Hermione nodded and went to find a seat. She ended up finding a small loveseat to the front left of the dais and looked around curiously. She couldn’t distinguish too many faces, but she saw a diversity of forms, some of them even kneeing at the feet of others. Something about being around so many people who expressed themselves so freely took the tension out of her shoulders. Her anxiety eased a touch, and moments later Mazie was dropping into the other side of the loveseat.

“Nice find! I got us Shirley Temples,” she said as she handed Hermione a lightly bubbling drink. Hermione smile at her as a thank you. “The show should start in about 5 minutes.”

Over the next couple minutes, a few dark clad individuals tested the lighting and sound as well as hooks and other apparatus attached to the ceiling and platform. Soon, the light dimmed to a cozy warm glow, and quiet music played, a spanking bench on the right and low stool on the left.

Two figures walked onto the low stage. One of them was clearly Severus with his tall and dark form, the other must be Felicity Warbeck. She had light hair that appeared blonde in the dim lighting and a lithe figure with hints of lean muscle. Her form was covered only by a simple, flowing white sundress. The audience quietly, allowing Severus’ soft whisper to reach her ears.

“Felicity, safe words?” His hand brushed her hair behind her ears as he looked at her with what seemed like platonic care. There was no real heat or arousal in his gaze, but affection. Felicity smiled and met his eyes. “Red, yellow, green.” she responded just as quietly. Severus nodded. Louder this time, he spoke so that those watching could hear clearly.

“I’m going to start with twenty soft hits, then ten hard hits. After that we’ll bruise you with my cane.”

Hermione’s breath was taken away with the gentleness in his tone. She’d never heard him be so...caring? He obviously had some sort of history with this woman, to speak to her with such tenderness. The scene before her also addressed her own questions about the beginning of a scene. Could it really be so simply communicated and still be pleasant? His voice made her think that she would welcome that level of transparency instead of trying to read minds. Snapping out of her reverie, Hermione looked back up to see Severus sitting on the short wooden stool, Felicity laid over his lap. The height of the stool forced Severus’ long legs out straight in front of him but allowed her to place her knees and elbows on the floor. It looked more comfortable than the positions Hermione had imagined on her own. It was at this point that Hermione’s realized Felicity wasn’t wearing anything underneath her dress. The bare skin of her folds caught Hermione’s eye. She was lovely.

The sharp catch of his palm on Felicity’s flesh echoed through the room. It wasn’t a hard hit, but it was crisp and expertly placed. Hermione watched, fascinated, as the woman’s soft flesh jiggled after each hit. She could hear soft counting from the stage, four, five, six...

Before she knew it, Severus started placing harder smacks—the kind that made the woman in his lap tense and jerk. Her arse and thighs were starting to redden, and soft whimpers filled the room in between the loud smacks. Hermione’s heart was beating noticeably in her chest. This was what she wanted, this undivided attention to impact play. She realized with a jerk, that she wanted him to do that to her.

With Felicity’s final count, Severus stopped and began to caress her with his hands, moving them up and down her back to her thighs, paying special attention to the red flush of her cheeks. He suddenly gave her a quick smack on the top of her thigh. “Up.” he commanded. The woman pushed herself up and walked over to the spanking bench, leaning over it with familiarity. The way the bench was positioned, her arse was facing the audience. Severus took a dark wooden cane with a leather handle from a stagehand and approached Felicity. He flipped her dress back up so that she was exposed from the waist down. The quiet music in the background filled the pause, until Severus swung the cane, a sharp snap! echoing through the room. The woman on the bench twitched and gasped, a curse slipping through her lips. Hermione swore she saw a smirk on Severus’ face.

The next barrage of hits was rapid and brutal, leaving dark marks immediately. Hermione’s mouth went dry. This, she wanted this. She wanted him to cane her like that. Hermione wanted those bruises and marks on her flesh, feeling it every single time that she sat down for days. Her thighs instinctually squeezed together to relieve some of the pressure at her core. She wouldn’t forget this.

Sooner than she would have liked, the show was over, and Severus was carrying Felicity out of the room, presumably for aftercare. Hermione turned toward Mazie, who was looking at her with a grin.

“You loved that didn’t you!” she accused. “You should have seen your face when he pulled out that cane! Thought you were gonna cream yourself!” Mazie laughed loudly. Hermione flushed bright red.

“Mazie! Shut it!” she chastised, grabbing her drink to take a large sip. A shadow fell over them, and Hermione looked up to meet eyes with the blonde man from her first munch, Jared. “Jared! How are you!” Hermione scooted closer to Mazie to give Jared a place to sit. He grinned at her and sat on the arm of the couch.

“Good to see you two! Just wanted to make sure you guys knew that our next munch is next Saturday, did you get the owl?” Mazie and Hermione nodded in unison.

“Yeah, definitely, got it yesterday, thanks.” Mazie responded cheerily. Hermione smiled in agreement. “Are you here with your boy toy?” Hermione glanced between the two, boy toy?

Jared laughed light heartedly, “Yeah, he’s grabbing me a drink. Anyway, I’ll see you guys next week, see ya!” he hopped off the couch and towards the bar to meet up with a smaller man with short dark hair.

The lights in the room started to lighten up, though they were still relatively dark. People had got up to chat, and Hermione saw that Severus had re-entered the room and was talking with Janine and a few others. With a sigh, she turned back to Mazie.

“You know the drill, Mazie, I’m heading back home. I have to get up early as usual.” Mazie jokingly rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, yeah, you and your weird early morning workout routine. Gotcha. See you Monday.” Hermione smiled and gave her a quick hug before heading for the door. She missed dark appraising eyes following her as she went.

Chapter 5: The Inquiry

The next munch had gone just as well as the first, with a few new faces and introductions. Hermione had sat next to Severus this time and asked him for more details on his caning technique. He calmly answered her questions as they ate, and they discussed a few books. Rhea had brought along one of her submissives who was quiet and polite, leaning affectionately against Rhea's shoulder.

“It’s incredibly easy to do real damage with a cane,” Severus had explained. “They don’t need an abundance of force to satisfy.”

When she asked about his preferred tools, his eyes sparked. “While I rather appreciate floggers and canes, nothing has quite the same effect as a bare hand on flesh.” His voice had been low and smooth. It sent a shudder down Hermione’s spine.

The next week she attended another of Janine’s classes about Dominance after work and met up with Harry and Ron on the weekend for brunch. Harry had just been promoted, and Ron had been helping Ginny make some renovations at Grimmauld Place.

She continued to read about kink and thought long and hard about what she wanted out of the BDSM world. She knew she wanted someone to dominant her who also cared about her well-being. She wanted someone who was precise and educated, someone who didn’t fumble around with an implement. She wasn’t keen on anyone who didn’t take it seriously. How could anyone joke around about something that contained such inherent risk? Hermione couldn’t have a partner who didn’t take her safety seriously.

It was after much deliberation that she sent a letter.

 

Mr. Severus Snape,

After taking your classes and Janine’s classes on submission and negotiation, I have some questions that I believe you are in a unique position to answer. Is there any chance I could meet up with you for coffee this week?

Sincerely,

Hermione Granger

 

Ms. Granger

I will gladly meet up with you. I am available on Tuesday at noon, is that amenable to you? Might I suggest The Bewitched Brew Cafe?

Severus Snape

 

Mr. Severus Snape,

That is acceptable, I will see you Tuesday.

Many thanks,

Hermione Granger

 

Hermione had given much thought to many things over the past two months, she had come to a rather startling conclusion on one thing in particular. She wanted Severus to mentor her, to help her unravel what she wanted. There just wasn’t anyone else who knew that she was a part of this world that she could trust. She hadn’t told Harry or Ron and honestly was not planning on it anytime soon. They only saw each other a couple times a month, since the two men had both started their own families, so it wasn’t too hard to hide. Although, it might get complicated if Hermione started dating someone seriously and her two best friends asked where they met. It wasn’t a conversation she was keen on having.

Having seen Severus teach and show his skill had convinced her rather quickly that she didn’t want to just stumble through her first attempts at kink, she wanted to learn from someone who would help her excel in it. The perfectionist in her didn’t want to learn through failure after failure. She didn’t want to risk someone she didn’t know triggering parts of her she couldn’t easily explain. Severus Snape met very her criteria in that he could understand. If she responded badly to a scene, he would have a better grasp on it than someone who hadn’t participated in the war to the same extent that she had. It was this that sealed the deal for her. She was going to ask him to dominate her in her first scene.

 

~~~

 

Hermione rushed from her office to meet Severus at the cafe, brushing off her coworkers in the process. Once outside, she found an apparition point and spun. She landed a block away from the cafe and walked briskly towards her location. When she arrived, Severus was waiting in the outdoor seating area, coffee in hand. Hermione gave him a quick smile and chucked her bag onto the chair beside him.

“I’ll be back in a moment,” she explained, hurrying inside to order a latte. She tapped her foot impatiently as she worked her way through the long lunch rush line. Minutes later, hazelnut latte in hand, Hermione plopped herself into her chair, placing her purse back in her lap. Severus raised an eyebrow at her.

“In a rush?” He seemed to comment more than ask. Hermione shook her head.

“No, no, we have plenty of time, I was just worried I would be late. I’d rather not waste any of your time.” she replied, taking a sip of her coffee and sighing. Severus hummed.

“I hope you don’t mind me being rather to the point,” he began. “You seemed to have specific questions for me.” Hermione internally groaned. She really should have written a list of her questions in precise order to help her. Now she wasn’t sure where to begin. How does one proposition their ex-professor to engage in kink? That’s right, one didn’t.

“Yes, it’s...I suppose I should explain a few things first, to provide context for my questions.” Severus nodded, indicating she should continue and that he was listening. Hermione leaned back into her chair, forcibly relaxing her shoulders. Pulling out her wand, she cast a quick muffliato around them, earning an eyebrow raise from her coffee partner.

“You obviously know that I’m new to the scene. I’ve had these...particular interests since I was a teen, but later, because of the war, I felt like I wasn’t allowed to want them.” She looked up, noting that her coffee companion’s brow had furrowed slightly. “And so it took me a while to become comfortable with it all, and I’ve never actually tried any of it with anyone. I have had limited partners in the last few years, and there was never the level of trust required to...indulge.” Hermione paused for a sip of coffee, gathering her thoughts. She had hoped it would be a little easier to get the words out, knowing that he would likely understand her dilemma to some degree, but it wasn’t. She took a breath and braced herself.

“I was tortured, during the war.” she said without emotion, catching the smallest jolt of her former professor's body out of the corner of her eye. “I’m afraid of how that experience might affect my ability to enjoy kink. I’m hesitant to actually try it, not because I don’t want to but because I’m afraid of something triggering those memories. I’m sure you can understand that.”

There was a pregnant pause between them. Severus seemed to be contemplating something deep in his coffee cup. “Ms. Granger,” he finally spoke. “Unless you want to surrender the information willingly, I won’t ask for the details of what happened to you,” he shifted uncomfortably. “However, it would be wise to either avoid related stimuli altogether, or only explore it with someone who has knowledge of the event.” Hermione smiled sadly.

“There was a knife involved. Thankfully I am not interested in knife play.” Hermione glanced around them for a moment. “...They nearly gave me to Greyback.” Her voice twisted darkly at the end of her sentence. When she looked up to gather Severus’ reaction to her admission, she was surprised to see genuine concern in his eyes. He had changed so much from the cruel and cold man from her school days. She still wasn’t used to seeing him with anything but a blank or angry disposition and seeing the care in his eyes made her heart skip.

“I think, given the circumstance, you would be smart to avoid consensual non-consent scenes. Do you believe that would be an issue for you?” he asked. Hermione took a large gulp of coffee and shook her head.

“No, I think what I really need is the impact play and a softer dynamic. Something that’s more about the mutual benefit of those involved than pure sadomasochism.” Across from her, Severus leaned back, crossing an ankle over his knee.

“Do you believe yourself to be ready to attempt a scene, since you already appear to know what you desire?” Hermione’s hand tensed around her coffee cup. Her body language suddenly appeared nervous, which in turn made Severus feel equally nervous despite his calm exterior. It struck him as odd for her to get anxious this late into a rather intimate conversation. What else could there possibly be? And what was it she wanted to know?

“That’s actually what I wanted to ask you about,” Hermione admitted, taking a deep breath for courage. “I understand if you’re not interested, but I wanted to ask if you would be willing to personally mentor me.”

Severus’ eyebrows nearly rose to his hairline, and he sat in shocked silence for a minute. “May I ask you some follow up questions?” he finally replied, stunned.

“Yes, please.”

“What is your concept of me mentoring you? What do you believe that to involve? Why are you asking me?” Hermione felt like she was at least adequately prepared to answer this question, as she had spent hours mulling over how to convince the man.

“I have given a lot of thought about what kind of man would make me feel safe and who would understood enough to help me, and you are the clear answer.” Of course he was, he had watched over her and her friends for years in school, and he knew the ins and outs of the war. Not only that but he had been in the BDSM community for many years. There was no one more equipped than him to help her explore kink in a way that wouldn’t be triggering.

“You know how the war was, you would be able to help me avoid those triggers because you’ve probably had to avoid certain things as well. You are a man with expertise in something I want to learn, and I only want to learn from the best. You are safe to me in this regard." Severus finished his coffee, and looked nowhere in particular, eyes glossed over in obvious thought.

“And…I guess what I’m really asking is if you will platonically do a scene, or lots of scenes, with me, for as long as we both want. I want to learn through experience.”

The silence that followed was filled with the rush of summer wind and chattering voices from inside the cafe. Hermione waited patiently for him to throw her out on her arse and deny her, but he didn’t seem angry, only thoughtful. His response was accompanied by his hand threading through his hair, an oddly normal behavior she’d never seen him do.

“Ms. Granger,” he said quietly. “The opportunity you have presented to me is not one to be taken lightly, and I believe it requires some contemplation on my part. I will give you my promise that I will consider your offer and make you aware of my decision as soon as I make it.” Hermione sighed in relief, her eyelids closing for a brief second.

“Thank you, Severus, I appreciate that you would take time to mull it over and weigh the options.” She smiled softly, meeting his eyes. To her surprise, his lips turned up slightly around the edges, the hint of a smile back at her.

 

~~~

 

I took him two weeks to decide. The offer of her submission was not something he took lightly, and therefore he wanted to be completely sure of his decision. He knew what he wanted a few days in, but forced himself to wait, spending many of his evenings staring at the ceiling in deep thought. She was young, but that wasn’t an issue for him with previous partners. She was inexperienced, but his job was to teach individuals like her anyway. He would be teaching her regardless. This offer of a more...intimate setting made his skin tingle. She was his former student. This one, of course, was one of the bigger issues at hand. Although, he couldn’t truly say it was a problem for him due to the fact she already knew what he did and seemed unphased by it. Would it be uncomfortable for him to interact with her, even in a platonic context? No, he supposed he would be fine. It wasn’t like she was unattractive to him. He found her entirely lovely, actually.

He liked his women petite, and he liked women who took care of their bodies. Fitness was important to him. At the very least, he appreciated a woman who was flexible. It showed a capacity for dedication and long-term goal setting that appealed to his desires. She did fit this description. It was clear she did some form of exercise with the muscle tone in her calves and arms. He wondered if she ran, or if she did some type of weightlifting. He supposed he would find out when they set up their contract. One of his former playmates had created a clause that she would get caned--her least favorite form of impact--if she failed to complete her yoga routine each morning. He didn’t think this would be an issue with Hermione.

Severus wondered if Hermione would ever ask for their arrangement to breach platonic contact. It was clear that certain types of play turned her on, would she be tempted to partake in forbidden fruit? He thought, perhaps, there should be a clause stating that if at any time she wished to initiate sexual contact, he would be open to exploring it. It wasn’t untrue that he would welcome it.

Severus stretched out in his armchair before pushing to his feet and to a desk at the other end of his small study and library. In one of the drawers was a rather long collection of parchments. Next, he pulled out a small parchment and quill, writing a note:

 

Ms. Granger,

I have decided to accept your offer. Enclosed is a copy of my usual contract with some additions. Please look it over so that we may discuss it when we next see each other. The last few pages are a list of my personal hard limits and non-negotiables, as well as activities I will participate in and those that I may do upon negotiation. Please note any additional clauses included, as they are not there carelessly.

I would like to discuss this with you privately, and in person. I would suggest either my home or yours. Please let me know which is more appealing to you. If you are able, I would prefer this Saturday at 7pm.

Severus Snape

 

~~~

 

Hermione’s heart skipped when she took the folder from the owl at her window. Her name was inscribed upon it in spikey lettering that she knew well. She rushed to her couch, gathering a quill, parchment, and the coffee she had made a few minutes prior.
Opening the folder, Hermione found a large collection of parchments bound together. On top was Severus’ note, which she read with apprehension. Seeing his acceptance, she grinned to herself and started glancing through the packet. Most of the first half was an extensive list of kinks and their definitions.

She was stuck between shock that he agreed to do it, and joy at the good news. Honestly, she was surprised she was even brave enough to ask him. Her heart fluttered as the idea of what she had got herself into settled. She was going to let her former professor do any number of things to her and her body. He was probably going to spank her, and discipline her, and mentor her, and whatever all this meant. Promising to herself that she would read the entire contract thoroughly later, she skipped to the end, curious to see what his limits and clauses were. It felt like forbidden knowledge to know what he did and didn’t like. It was deeply intimate for her to be reading it, especially in his handwriting.

 

Safe Words:

Red-Complete stop of all activity, continue to aftercare.

Yellow-Slow down, change direction, and/or check in/

Green-Keep going, continued consent.

 

Acceptable Titles & Honorifics:

Sir

Daddy

 

Hermione’s eyes widened, Daddy? She had heard of that before, and was potentially even interested, but Severus Snape being called Daddy? Shite.

 

Hard Limits:

Medical Play (Needles, Blood, etc)

Knife Play

C & B Torture

Electrical Play

Edge Play

 

Next were a list of negotiable acts, which was large. She skimmed over it. After that was a long list of activities he was interested in doing.

 

Discipline

Impact Play

Leather

Choking

Collaring

Pet Play

Edging

Orgasm Denial or Delay

Praise

Exhibitionism

Shibari

Bondage/restraints

 

The list was more extensive, containing even mundane things such as vaginal fingering and fellatio, but she only glanced over those. Finally, Hermione ended at the last page which was titled:

 

Additional Clauses:

If at any point, the other party desires this arrangement to breach platonic barriers and enter into a sexual arrangement, I am interested and willing to explore it.

Signed: Severus Snape

Signed:

 

He had signed it. Did he want her in that way? She noted that there was another line for a second signature. She contemplated what signing it meant. Would he enter this arrangement with her if she didn’t? She didn’t think he would deny her based on that. Perhaps this was more of an option. Either way, the clause excited her more than she thought it would, and she signed it.

The second clause was a statement regarding ending the contract at any point and the protocol involved, so she signed it as well. The next clause was essentially stating that limits and negotiations could be fluid and ever changing and should therefore be a continual conversation throughout their arrangement.

Finally, there was a place for them to sign that the document had been read and discussed, and that signing that section would begin their relationship. He hadn’t signed it. Hermione assumed he must be waiting until they had met up in person to fully discuss the contract.

After reading the entire thing from start to finish, Hermione took her quill and began to fill out the section left blank for her. She copied his safe words as she also wanted to use the stoplight system.

 

Safe Words:

Red-Complete stop of all activity, continue to aftercare.

Yellow-Slow down, change direction, and/or check in.

Green-Keep going, continued consent.

 

Pausing for a moment, she scribbled in:

 

3 Taps-Stop and check-in

 

Acceptable Titles & Honorifics:

 

Hermione paused. This part felt vulnerable. There were things she would love to be called that felt too private to tell someone else. On the other hand, she would never get the opportunity to be called them if she didn’t tell him. She sighed, and wrote:

Princess

Baby Girl

Pet

Kitten

 

Did Good Girl count? She wasn’t sure, so she wrote it just in case.

 

Good Girl.

 

Hard Limits:

Anal Fisting

Vaginal Fisting

Medical Play

Knife Play

 

She noted more that came to mind and moved on.

 

Negotiable:

Age Play

Anal Sex

Voyeurism

Exhibitionism

Humiliation

 

She continued to fill out the form, moving onto the part where she marked all acceptable kinks.

 

Impact Play

Discipline

Anal Fingering

Collaring

Pet Play

Dirty Talk

Gags

Roleplay

 

An item on the list made her eyes widen, and she paused.

Forced Orgasm

 

It was followed by:

Forced Masturbation

 

Her cheeks flushed. Now that wasn’t something she had thought of before. It went on the Negotiable list.

After another hour, she had read every single word on the parchments and had filled them in to the best of her ability. Last but not least, she responded to Severus’ message that she would like to meet him at his home if he was comfortable. Her home was small, and she didn’t much like entertaining others, so she had very little furniture for guests. While Hermione didn’t enjoy the thought of imposing upon him, she disliked the thought of him being uncomfortable in her home even more.

That night when she settled into bed, she imagined what he might do to her, and how soon it would begin.

Chapter 6: Hands

Hermione arrived at the small, dark house five minutes early and walked up the short drive. Even in the light of the setting sun, the garden appeared well groomed, with many planter boxes full of various herbs and flowers. Hermione supposed she shouldn’t be surprised that he knew his way around plants, seeing as he was a potions master. She approached the front door and knocked politely. She didn’t wait long before the door opened to her former professor, dressed in all black casual wear.

“Ms. Granger, please come in.” he said, widening the door to make way for her. He closed the door behind her quietly. “Shoes off.” Without a thought, she obeyed and slipped her shoes off of her feet, leaving her barefoot, and followed him into a cozy little library. There were two plush armchairs and a desk, the rest of the room full of books. Severus gestured towards one of the armchairs and sat in the other. A wooden side table was placed between them with a quill and inkpot. Hermione reached into her bag and pulled out the folder she had received in the mail earlier that week, placing it on the table.

“Thank you for letting me into your home, Severus, I appreciate it.” she finally spoke with a smile. He met her eyes and nodded kindly.

“Of course, and thank you for the opportunity you have presented to me. Tell me, do you have any more questions about this contract?” They had sent one or two letters back and forth before this meeting, him answering any particular concerns she had, leaving her feeling rather confident in the paperwork she presented. Hermione shook her head.

“No, I feel good about it.” she confirmed.

“Good.” he replied, picking up the papers and flipping to the pages she had filled out. “We are going to verbally confirm all limits, safe words, and concerns now.”

The next hour was excruciating and exciting. They discussed safety protocol, aftercare, scene etiquette, and more. Him speaking her desires out loud was potentially the most embarrassing thing that had happened to her in the last few years. Growing up, no one had ever spoken to her about what was normal and what to expect when it came to her sexually. To hear a man who used to teach her in school casually speak of it was jarring.

“You have listed Voyeurism and Exhibitionism as negotiable. Please elaborate on your interest there.” Severus looked up from the papers to meet her eyes. She blushed. She knew why he needed to ask these questions, but it made her squirm in more ways than one.

“I... uh...Well I think it might be nice to be sort of...on display?” she squeaked out, getting a smirk in return. “And voyeurism... I don’t know, I’m open to watching other people, but I like the idea of someone seeing me when they shouldn’t more.” Oh yes, she did. Her fantasies frequently featured some person, stranger or otherwise, walking in on her in a compromising situation and taking advantage. The more taboo the better.

“If it appeals to you, I would gladly display you in front of others, as it appeals to me. Do you wish to be humiliated?”

Did she wish to be humiliated? She could confidently say no one had ever asked her that before, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have an answer ready.

“Yes? I think I might.” Severus raised an eyebrow.

“Interesting.” and then he moved on, like the entire thing was completely normal. “You wish to be punished,” he stated in the following silence, “why, and in what way?”

“I want to be spanked, with toys or otherwise. Though I don’t know if that would be a punishment for me,” she admitted sheepishly. Just the idea of spanking made her abdomen clench. “I... The pain might be therapeutic for me as well.”

“Hermione,” her eyes shot up to meet his gaze, taken aback by his use of her first name. “Have you ever been spanked before?” her mouth went dry and she shook her head. “Your words, please.” How could he say stuff like that and just expect her to speak like everything was fine?

“No, I haven’t been spanked before.” He shifted in his seat slightly and placed the papers back onto the side table, steepling his finger in his lap.

“One last thing to discuss. Honorifics. I have read what you wrote, and you have read mine as well. It appears we are rather compatible as far as pet names go. Do you have a specific preference on what to be called and what you would like to call me?” Hermione wanted to shrink into her seat. This was the part she felt least comfortable with. She felt ashamed about the things she dreamed about calling him or the other men that had been in her life. She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling off kilter. He seemed to notice her concern, and he reached across to place his hand on her knee in reassurance.

“Listen to me, I am in no place to judge you for your desires. I will respect you regardless of what you want from me. Would you prefer I went first?” Hermione sagged in relief and nodded.

“Yes, please.” Severus took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

“I like many of the titles you wrote down. It would please me to call you Pet or Princess, or any of the things you listed.” he leaned back, crossing an ankle over his knee. “Now, please, tell me.”

Hermione told herself she just had to be brave for a moment, and once she told him, she didn’t have to be brave anymore. All it would take is a few seconds to spill her guts, then she could relax. She closed her eyes and breathed for a moment before facing him.

“I would like to call you sir, but I saw you put ‘daddy’ on your list and I am interested in one day trying that as well.” She let out a huge breath, immediately feeling relieved. Severus smiled at her, actually smiled.

“See, that wasn’t too bad.” he said, then continued. “I would be very pleased with either, though sir is much more appropriate in public, so please use my titles with discretion. That should be all for now, and we can continue to discuss topics as they come up.” Severus flipped to the last page and signed the final line, then turned it towards her and handed her the quill expectantly. Hermione signed quickly and looked over at him, a clear what now? written on her face.

“If you are amenable, I would like to start now. Are you well hydrated and fed?” Hermione’s heart jumped in excitement, the hair on her arms standing up.

“Yes, sir, I ate and drank before I arrived, and I have a water bottle in my bag.” He nodded in approval and stood, holding his hand out to her, which she took.

“Bring your bag. We will be going to my bedroom, and I will give you your first spanking followed by some aftercare. What’s your color?” Hermione grabbed her bag and followed him through the house to a dark and warm bedroom with a large four poster bed.

“Green.” she responded.

“Green, what?” Hermione nearly jumped out of her skin.

“Green, sir.” Severus smiled at her in approval. He sat on the edge of the bed at an angle and looked up at her.

“Good girl,” Hermione almost forgot how to breathe. “Take off your pants and bend over my lap.”

Hermione felt like she was on fire. The flash of desire that went through her was heady and intense. One of her many fantasies was about to come true, shite. She paused for a moment, nervous, before following his command. As she removed her pants, she was struck with how odd it was to be taking off her clothes in front of Severus Snape, and she thanked herself for wearing one of her nicer pairs of cotton underwear. It might have been odd of her to wear lacy panties to a platonic arrangement, but she didn’t want him to see one of her boring white pairs. These were a soft lavender color that she thought fit her body nicely.

Severus found himself admiring her body quietly, silently pleased that she had chosen him. Her legs were lovely and shapely. It was clear she took care of her body and grooming. He watched as she shyly walked to him and laid her body over his knees, her torso across the bed and the tops of his thighs, her perky behind perched just where he need it. He placed his hands on her body gently, feeling the softness of her skin, and pushing her shirt up to her mid back. He ran his hands along the skin of her low back until he felt her body relax, a soft sigh falling from her lips.

“I am going to begin softly, to warm you up. I will check in with you as needed and you will tell me if it is too hard or if you want more, do you understand, pet?” The woman beneath his hands took a moment to respond, her body shuddering at his words.

“Yes, sir.” Pleased, he began massaging the plush skin of her arse.

“You will not hold back any of your reactions, so that I can ascertain how you are doing.” It was a command, not a request.

“Yes, sir.”

With that, Severus began with soft little swats along the lovely space between the tops of her thighs of the bottom of her cheeks. Hermione was quiet, only squirming slightly as he carefully warmed her skin, waiting for a soft pink flush to form.

“You must start gently, so that the blood comes to the surface of the skin. This will protect your body from harder hits, do you understand, pet?”

“Yes, sir, I understand.” She was trying so hard to be good and was succeeding. He shouldn’t be surprised she would put so much effort into remembering his title.

“I’m going to give you twenty swats--ten medium ones, then ten more hard ones. You will count after each hit. You will not forget my title as you do so.” Before she could get out a meek “yes, sir” he smacked her harder, her body jolting in shock.

“One, sir!” she choked out. Severus smirked. He continued to lay even swats across her cheeks and thighs, watching in pleasure as she squirmed the entire time. She did not, however, mess up her counting once, not until he gave her an especially hard one.

“Ow!” she cried, her legs kicking on reflex, her muscles tensing. He landed another hard hit with a growl.

“You forgot something, pet.” Hermione pressed her ass higher into the air, an action that nearly made him moan.

“Eleven, sir!” she corrected, her body urging him to continue. Who was he to deny her? He confirmed that her color was green, then laid into her with another crisp smack! He kept it up until they hit twenty, reveling in the way she twitched and cried out after every smack. When he stopped, the palm of his hand tingled, but he forced himself to ignore it, gently rubbing his hand against her flesh.

“Good girl,” he cooed. “How do you feel?” Severus was certain that she was absolutely fine. He could, after all, see the large damp patch on her panties, and felt the way she kept clenching her thighs together.

Hermione was utterly brilliant. She felt like she was buzzing with warmth. She was relaxed, but heavily aroused. It hadn’t taken much to get her to that point, and she could practically feel her heartbeat between her legs, making her shift uncomfortably.

“I feel good, sir.” she responded after a quiet moment, pushing into the bed to sit up. Severus allowed it, and pulled her to straddle his lap, leaning back so he could see her face.

“I’m going to hold you for a few minutes, then we’re going to get you a drink of water. After that I’ll rub some lotion into your skin. How does that sound, Princess?” Her heart fluttered at the pet name, and she cuddled into him.

“Yes, sir, that sounds nice.” Hermione mumbled into his neck, drowsy and calm.

~~~

Severus kept her warm until she fully came back to herself. Honestly, Hermione thought she might have fallen asleep for a few minutes, cuddled in his arms. When she finally came to, he offered her water and a small snack. He kept touching her back with soft strokes as she ate.

“I expect that you will owl me your work schedule so that we can make arrangements. I also want you to owl me or send me a patronus when you need anything.” Hermione hummed around her food. “I don’t want you to feel rushed at any point. If you’d like to stay the night, you are welcome to.” Hermione swallowed.

“Thank you, sir.” He brushed her hair back and tucked it behind her ear.

“You did well tonight. I believe this will be a very compatible endeavor.” Hermione smiled at him.

“Thank you for agreeing. It was exactly what I wanted, I’m excited to try more. I had no idea you could be like this but I’m grateful to get to see it.” Severus hummed and laid back against his pillows. He reached into the drawer of his side table and pulled out a jar of salve.

“Come here,” he said, indicating to his lap. Hermione nodded and laid herself over his lap so that her arse was easily accessible. Severus uncorked the jar and warmed the salve in his hands before rubbing it into her soft cheeks and thighs. His hands rubbed in soothing circles with a perfect amount of pressure. Hermione was soon a puddle under his hands. She whimpered softly when he pulled his hands away to set the salve back in its drawer. He tapped her thigh, “Get up, let’s get you dressed.” She obliged, and soon she was sleepily pulling up her pants.

“Do you think I could come by every Sunday at the least?” Hermione asked as gathered her things. “Seven o’clock every Sunday?” Severus nodded in agreement.

“That is acceptable. Do not be late. I want you to owl me tomorrow morning and tell me how you are doing.” Hermione smiled softly.

“Yes, sir.”

“Goodnight, pet."

Chapter 7: The Cane

The light of a golden sunset poured through Severus’ office, illuminating his desk in a lovely warm glow. He sat back in his chair, a large packet of papers in his hand—Hermione’s checklist. He had been ruminating over the evening for half an hour now, repeating the scene back in his head. Hermione had been perfectly behaved, which was exactly what he expected from her. Her obedience was deeply appealing to him, but he wondered what it would take to break it. What would have to happen for her to require discipline? He would have to get creative in order to make opportunities for punishment.

Placing the papers into a drawer in the desk, he sighed and stood, heading for his bedroom, then the bathroom for a hot shower.

How long would it last? Would he only get to hold her soft skin a handful of times or was it a matter of months or years? He hoped she would allow him access to her for a long time. He’d never had someone quite like her. He had mentored submissives and dominants before, it was part of his job, but he’d never personally had someone who fit into his particular fantasies the way she did. They were more compatible in their kinks than he would have expected. He wanted to hold onto it for as long as he could.

Severus wondered if Hermione was romantically involved with anyone, someone who would be alright with her being touched by another man. Unlikely. She would have tried to involve a current partner by this point. No, she must be single. It was for the best, anyway.

Hot water streamed down his face and body, pulling a relaxed sigh out of him. The image of Hermione’s backside across his thighs was stuck in his mind. Merlin, he loved seeing a thoroughly spanked arse, and hers was so perfectly shaped to his tastes. His cock twitched in interest--It had been in a fluctuating state of arousal since Hermione had first appeared that evening. Severus thought once more of the soaked state of Hermione’s panties after her spanking and gave in to his body for the first time that night, a relieved sigh echoing on the tiled shower walls.

 

~~~

 

Hermione nearly forgot. As she walked into her shared office before Mazie, the sight of her stationary on her desk was a staunch reminder of what she had committed to--She needed to write a letter. Quickly setting down her things, she began to write:

 

Mr. Severus Snape

 

Was that even appropriate anymore? He’d seen her arse. She started over:

 

Sir,

Thank you again for last night. I’m eagerly anticipating more.

You requested a report on my well-being last night. I’m feeling perfect. I have no marks, tenderness, or pain. I do feel utterly exhilarated, however. Any chance I can convince you to spank me again before Sunday?

 

Hermione paused. How should she sign? Hermione Granger? Pet? Yours? Before she could decide, a small hand landed on her shoulder. “Oh, what’s that you’re writing?” came Mazie’s cheerful voice. Hermione jumped, turning to glare at her friend.

“Mazie! Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s rude to read over someone’s shoulder?” Mazie just rolled her eyes light-heartedly, waving her off with a hand.

“Oh shush, no need to be so uptight about it!” Hermione huffed and quickly wrote:

 

Yours,

Hermione

 

Before she could second guess herself, she folded up the letter and wrote ‘Severus’ on it. Mazie had wandered back to her desk. Hermione was tempted to tell her, to whisper that she had been with Severus last night and that she would be with him over and over again...But no, it was too early. She would need to ask Severus what he thought about being public with their arrangement. She wasn’t entirely sure if she wanted to keep it their little secret, or if she would feel freedom in letting her peers in the community know. Until then, she had a letter to send.

It was at the Ministry owlery that she ran into Harry, dressed in his red Auror robes as per usual. He embraced her with a smile. “Hermione, what are you doing up here, hmm?” She smiled back, leaving the embrace but leaving a hand on Harry’s arm.

“Oh, nothing to worry about, just a letter I forgot to send before I got to work today. I’ve got to get back to the office, though, running a bit behind at the moment.” Hermione headed back towards her office.

“See ya!” Harry called after her.

Hermione’s insides were turning. What if her friends found out that he was letting their ex-professor spank her on the weekends? Oh God, she thought, I’d hide forever in embarrassment.

It was at lunch time when an owl came pecking at her office window with Severus’ response.

 

Pet,

Awfully eager, aren’t you? I find myself in a good mood, perhaps if you make a convincing case, I will agree to put you over my knee again sooner. Of course, I mean for you to beg for me to do so. Appease me and I’ll gladly meet you at Ensnare on Thursday evening.

Severus

 

Still on her lunch break, Hermione quickly found some parchment and penned a reply.

 

Sir,

Please meet with me on Thursday and I’ll show you how well I can beg. Would you rather I ask on my knees, pleading with you to leave marks that’ll last until Sunday? If I ask nicely, will you use that lovely acrylic cane on me? Would you please make me such a mess that I forget how to count the hits?

Your Pet

 

Hermione tried not to think too hard about how sexual the whole interaction sounded. Maybe one day, she thought. The letter was sent off with the owl, and she received his response before her work day was out. It was a simple note:

 

Pet,

Acceptable. I expect you to be in the Peach Room when I arrive at seven.

Severus

 

~~~

Hermione arrived at Ensnare early, lingering at reception in order to pay her membership fees, before heading to the bar for glass of water. Severus was going to spank her again tonight and she was thrilled. She wondered if he would try something new on her, if he would hold her the way he had last time. Checking the time, she finished her glass and headed toward the Peach Room, leaving her bag in the corner and sitting on the soft couch.

It wasn’t long before the door slowly opened, Severus walking in wearing fitted slacks and a dark button up. He looked good. Hermione sat up straight and smiled.

“Hello, sir.” she greeted. Severus nodded at her and walked until he stood in front of her. She sat in anticipation, waiting for him to speak. He didn’t say anything for a long time, instead reaching his hand out to push back her hair. His eyes trailed down her body, noting that she was wearing a skirt. Perfect.

“I’m going to use the cane on you today, Princess.” Hermione’s eyes widened in excitement. He hummed. “Tell me, do you want me to bruise that luscious little ass of yours?” Hermione flushed, feeling suddenly warm.

“Yes, sir.” Severus smirked at her.

“Beg me for it.” Her mouth went dry, her mind completely blank.

“I--” He tutted at her.

“No. On your knees. I believe you promised me something, and I intend to cash in.” He gave her a long, knowing look and backed up a few steps. “Go on.” Hermione swallowed thickly and slowly slid to her knees, sitting back on her heels. Severus’ hand moved to tilt her chin up to look at him, a patient look on his face, waiting. Hermione cleared her throat.

“Sir, please, I want you to hit me with the cane until I bruise.”

“Oh, Princess, you can do better than that.” A wave of embarrassment washed over her. He was right, she could do better than that. It was a weak attempt; it couldn’t even constitute as begging at this point. He wanted to see her desperate for it, not just politely asking for it. The perfectionist in her knew she wouldn’t be satisfied until she begged for it properly. She paused before trying again, looking into his eyes and leaning forward to grab at his trousers.

“Please, sir, I need you to punish me with the cane! I can’t stop thinking about it, I want it so badly!” She begged with a whine in her voice. This seemed to please him.

“Hmm, I’m not entirely convinced you need it that badly...Are you sure?” He was clearly goading her to keep going. She nodded eagerly.

“Yes, sir, I’m sure. I...I...”

“What’s that, Princess?”

Hermione took a deep breath, then whispered, “I’m ruining all my panties thinking about it.” She nervously met his eyes, worried she might have over stepped their bounds. Severus’ smirk widened, and then he was lowering down to crouch in front of her, still significantly taller than her. He lightly held her chin in between his fingers.

“That’s very naughty of you, Princess, perhaps you don’t deserve my attentions tonight.” At the thought of being denied her spanking, Hermione quickly responded.

“No, sir! I’ve been a good girl, I promise!” This clearly pleased him. He held out his hand, which she took, and pulled her to her feet. He jerked his head towards the spanking bench.

“Lay yourself across the bench.” His voice was low and commanding when he said it.

“Yes, sir.” Hermione hurried over to lay across the bench as she had scene Felicity do when Severus had caned her up on the dais in the theatre. Severus soon joined her, adjusting the bench and then pulling out silk ties, wrapping them around her wrists and tying them to the metal hoops attached to the bottom of the bench. He didn’t do the same to her ankles.

“Let’s play a little game,” Severus spoke, flipping the bottom of her skirt up, tucking it into her waistband. His hands wandered over her soft, exposed flesh, noting that the woman below him had chosen to wear an innocent looking pair of panties this time—a silky white with tiny lace around the edges. There was nothing scandalous about them, but they looked lovely on her. He traced his fingers under the edge of the lace ever so slightly, garnering a soft gasp from Hermione. “You are going to keep those lovely legs of yours down, no matter how hard I cane you. Each time you kick your legs, I will add additional punishment. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir, I understand.” She responded, arousal starting to flood her body. Severus could already see her skin flushing in places. He pushed her shirt up until it was just beneath her breasts, wanting to see if the blush travelled her torso. Hermione wondered if he knew how wonderful the touch of his hands felt on her heated skin. They were strong and sure, by far the most competent and confident hands she’d been under. Severus began to heat her skin with soft swats all over.

“Do you know how stunning you look after a spanking?” He asked, though Hermione didn’t respond, sensing that it was more of a monologue than a real question. She sighed, relaxing into the painless strokes. “Your arse was the most gorgeous shade of pink last time. You took it so well.” She really didn’t know if she would be able to maintain a purely platonic relationship with him if he was going to make it a habit to talk to her like that. “Start counting, Princess.” he commanded, immediately following it up with mid-level strike.

“One, sir.” smack!

“Two, sir.” smack!

“Three, sir.” smack!

She continued counting until he stopped at fifteen, suddenly laying his front across her back, his lips next to her ear, whispering, “If you soaked your panties just thinking about this, I wonder how drenched they’ll be when I’m done with you, hmm?” Severus was distinctly aware that this, perhaps, was crossing the line of their agreement a little, but the childish part of him argued that Hermione had said it first. He reveled in the feeling of her small body beneath his, enjoying the way her back arched when he spoke to her. Hermione had heard him loud and clear and had felt an intense shock of arousal shoot through her. She squeezed her thighs together, realizing then that this position mean that she could feel him. Yes, there was definitely something there to be felt. She shuddered, a soft moan escaping her before she could stop it.

“Please...” she whimpered. Suddenly, his body had left hers, a hard smack hitting her upper thigh. Her eyes widened in surprised, and she jumped, her legs kicking up before she could remember to stop them. Severus tutted at her.

“That will be an extra hit with the cane, Miss Granger.” His tone belied his disappointment, causing Hermione to squirm in discomfort. She didn’t like the feeling that went through her. Was it shame? She was supposed to be good! She wasn’t supposed to break the rules when they were so simple!

“I’m so sorry, sir, I’ll do better next time, I swear!” She cried. He hummed in response and walked over to grab the acrylic cane she’d been thinking about for weeks off of the wall, testing it with a sharp crack! On his palm.

“See that you do. We’ll start with eight. I’ll add an extra hit for each time you kick or forget to count, so be vigilant.” He advised. Before she could even respond, the cane was whistling through the air and hit her where her thighs intersected with her arse, immediately leaving a red mark that pleased Severus greatly. She had instantly tensed her legs to stop them from kicking. After a short delay during which she tried to catch her breath, Hermione managed to count.

“One, sir.” The pain had been incredibly sharp and intense. It was like nothing else she’d ever felt before, and it send a rush of adrenaline through her. It had hurt, badly, but she knew immediately that she wanted more. Severus seemed keen on torturing her through anticipation, as the second hit still hadn’t fallen. No, instead he was admiring the appealing picture in front of him. He was enjoying himself already, he couldn’t wait to see what color her arse would be when he was done. The cane sliced through the air again. The buildup meant that Hermione wasn’t able to prepare, and her right leg kicked up halfway. “Two, sir!” she cried out, her breath heavy. He wasn’t going easy on her at all, it was the most delicious and intensely painful experience, but it took her breath away. This time, he didn’t wait, immediately following up with the next hit. He didn’t say anything about her legs kicking, but she wasn’t stupid enough to think he hadn’t noticed. At this point she would be getting nine strikes. “Three, sir!”

Before he reached eight, her legs had kicked one more time. Hermione swore she had to be red and purple at this point, with how sharp the cane felt. He paused to run his hand over her over-sensitized skin. Hermione hissed loudly at the touch. It was tender and abused. Perfect.

“You have earned yourself three more, Pet. You do not need to count and may kick if you need to.” Severus gave her the next swats rapidly, one after the other. It completely winded her, and she tensed, completely silent in her shock. He cleaned the cane with a wandless scourgify and placed the cane back on the wall. While she recovered, he untied her wrists, letting her just lay on the spanking bench. He pulled a salve out of a drawer and uncorked it, warming it in his palms. As he did so his eyes caught something utterly delicious---Hermione’s silken panties had a large dark patch right in his view. He breathed in deeply, closing his eyes for a moment. He needed to control himself before he did something he shouldn’t.

He placed his warm hands on her backside, gingerly rubbing in the salve.

“Are you alright, Hermione?” he asked, noting that she had hardly moved. An incoherent mumble was all he received back.

“Louder.” he said, the thumbs of his hands tracing the underside of her arse, circling dangerously close to the wet edge of her panties. Hermione arched her back instinctually at the touch with a gentle sigh.

“I’m good, sir.” she said, clearer this time, pushing herself up when it became clear Severus was done massaging her lower half. He led her back over to the couch, pulling her to straddle his lap. If he was honest with himself, Severus would admit that he wanted, even for a moment, to feel that moist heat against his cock, which was fully erect in his trousers. He pretended he couldn’t feel her warmth on him as he held her. Hermione pretended she didn’t notice the hard budge brushing against her.

I’m doomed, Hermione thought.

Chapter 8: Giving In

Hermione was able to control herself for four months. Four months of weekly encounters with a few extra spankings thrown in. It took enormous effort for her to deny her urges when his every touch set her skin on fire. On multiple occasions she came very close to giving in and begging for him, but she forced herself to wait until she could go home and take care of it herself. It was the most pleasurable torture she had ever been put through.

Her self-control had slipped one Sunday night at Severus’ house. He had commanded her to strip down to her bra and panties and used rope to tie her on her back to all four posts of his large bed and had been flogging various parts of her body with a soft leather flogger for the better part of an hour, occasionally using his hand to slap her thighs. She had been completely and entirely turned on by the twenty-minute mark when he had climbed over her body, leaning in close to say, “I could do this to you all night and you would enjoy every single moment, wouldn’t you? Such a good and obedient girl.”

Being able to see him while he pulled whimpers of pleasure and occasionally pain out of her did something to her that she couldn’t explain. It didn’t help that she could easily see that the scene was affecting him as well. Over the past two months she had caught many glimpses of what appeared to be a rather large bulge in his trousers. Just seeing the evidence of his arousal made her core clench. She was so wet that she could feel her juices on the tops of her thighs. He had been saying all sort of arousing things to her that night, such as, “You look so lovely, spread out on my bed for me,” and had been touching her thighs, arms, and stomach with his bare hands, caressing her skin whenever he caught the fancy.

It was at the hour mark that he tossed the flogger to the side and crawled over her once more, trailing his hand up her collarbone and up the column of her throat, his other hand on the mattress beside her head.

“Oh, my sweet pet, you’ve done so well, look at how flustered you are...” he said languidly, sending shivers down her spine. “The things I could do to you, tied up like this...”

Hermione’s entire body shook when he leaned down and nibbled at her earlobe, and she let out a loud and needly moan, her entire body tense with throbbing heat. Severus trembled as he kissed down her neck, intoxicated by the salty and sweet taste of her skin. He inhaled sharply when he felt Hermione buck her hips up towards him.

“Please!” she mewled loudly, pulling against her restraints. “Please, sir, please!” Hermione trailed off into incoherent babbling as Severus trailed a hand down her bare flank to grip her hip and pull it against himself, pressing himself into her without any thought of the consequences. Feeling Hermione shake and whimper beneath him made all sensible thought leave his mind. He wanted her, he wanted her badly. His eyes flickered up to see Hermione’s flushed cheeks and lips, her hair a tousled mess beneath her. She opened her eyes to meet his with a sudden clarity in her gaze.

“Take off the restraints, Severus.” she said quietly, her chest rising and falling rapidly, heady desire written in her expression. Taken aback, Severus quickly waved his hand to magically release the rope, worried that something was wrong.

“Is everythi---” Hermione cut him off, pulling him to her body the moment the ropes vanished, slamming her lips to his in a desperate but short kiss.

“Please fuck me, sir.” Severus stared at her in shock for a moment.

“Hermione, are you sure? We need to talk about this--” She pulled at the collar of his shirt.

“We can talk about it later; I want you now. I need you.” When he hesitated again, she gave him a pleading look.

“Please, sir, I’m so wet, I need it so badly!” Severus could never deny her when she begged so prettily.

“Fine, but we will be discussing this later.” he said sternly, only to dive in to taste her sweet lips, wanting to devour every inch of her skin. Hermione moaned against his lips, sliding her hands into his hair and opening her mouth to invite his tongue to play with hers. He felt her wrap her legs around him, pushing up her hips to grind against his erection. Hermione pulled back from the kiss with a gasp and started messing with the buttons on his shirt, her hands shaking. Severus pulled her hands away and quickly unbuttoned his shirt, throwing it to the side. Hermione was already pulling off her bra, tossing it to join the pile of clothes on the floor.

“Fuck, Princess,” he growled, immediately leaning down to take one of her pink nipples between his lips, sucking hard. Her hands shot up to hold his head in place, her chest arching up towards him, letting out a breathless moan. He lingered there, alternating between suction and gentle nibbles.

Pulling off of her, Severus pulled her panties down her legs and dropped them to the ground, pushing her legs apart so he could see her newly exposed, glistening lips. She was pink and swollen, wetness coating every inch. Severus laid on his stomach in front of her, wrapping his hands around her hips, and dove in to lap at her juices, eliciting a loud squeak of surprise and pleasure from Hermione. She was sweet and slightly salty, perfect. Trailing his tongue up to her clit, he pulled it into his mouth and sucked on it.

“Sir!” Hermione cried out, her head falling back as she pushed herself into his face, thighs squeezing around his ears. Severus thought he wouldn’t mind if she choked him out with those thighs. He began sucking at her rhythmically, paying attention to her reactions to find the perfect pressure. Once he had her rocking against his face steadily while she whined and whimpered, he teased around her entrance with his fingers, sliding in one, then two fingers and curling them up again and again as he continued to pleasure her clit. He could feel her clenching around his fingers, and it made his cock ache. He soon found the perfect angle to press his fingers into her and pressed harder into the spot.

“Oh god, oh fuck!” Hermione cried out loudly, her body starting to pulse and shudder with pleasure. “Oh!” suddenly, Severus could feel her pulsing around his fingers, clenching and releasing quickly as she jerked and trembled. It sent fire through his veins, and he lapped at her hungrily during her aftershocks.

Sitting back onto his haunches, Severus gingerly pulled out his fingers and licked them clean, wiping his face on the back of his hand. When Hermione came down from her high, she saw him, swollen lips and wet face, and thought that there couldn’t be anything more attractive in the world at that moment. She twisted so that she could pull herself up onto her knees before crawling towards him and tugging at the button and zipper on his trousers. He looked down at her, interested, his pupils dark with animalistic desire. He reached out to hold her face in his hand, rubbing a thumb across her cheek.

“Sir?” Hermione asked softly. Severus hummed in response. “Will you please fuck me now?” she bit her bottom lip slightly, looking up at him hopefully. There was only one thing to say, really.

“Of course, Princess. You’ve been such a good girl tonight; you deserve whatever you want.” he said, leaning in to brush their lips together, Hermione’s breath hitching. Seconds later, Severus was standing beside the bed, pulling down his remaining clothes.

“Get on your hands and knees, Pet.” he rasped, tugging a few times at his cock. Hermione paused; she couldn’t take her eyes off of him. His cock was the prettiest one she’d had the pleasure of seeing. It was long, perfectly thick, and was sticking out of a closely trimmed thatch of dark curls. Hermione’s mouth went dry, uncaring that she was obviously staring, as it was completely erect and swollen.

“I don’t like to repeat myself, Pet.” Severus growled, making Hermione jump. She got into position; legs spread wide near the end of the bed.

“I’m sorry, sir, you just have such a lovely cock.” she said coyly. Severus chortled, coming up behind her to run a hand along her sides before settling on her hips, not sure how to respond to such a comment.

“Are you on the potion?” He asked.

“Yes, sir.” Severus hummed in approval, lining himself up with her entrance.

“Color?”

“Green, sir.”

Severus met no resistance as he pushed into her, just the most delicious wet heat. He groaned loudly, bottoming out. Hermione was keening in pleasure, pushing back against him. “Oh fuuuck!” After a brief pause, Severus began thrusting in and out, slowly at first, then harder. She rocked forward with the force of each stroke as he glided against her sensitive flesh. Dropping down to her elbows, Hermione began to meet his thrusts. “Please, sir, faster!” she cried, every thrust filling her with all-consuming jolts of heat. The sound of slapping skin mixed in the air with their moans, both of them knowing they wouldn’t last very long.

“Fuck, Princess, you should see how gorgeous you look from here, taking my cock so well...” Severus gasped out, snapping his hips in quick thrusts. Hermione shuddered, wanting to hear him say more, wanting to hear his sounds of pleasure. She clenched around him, pulling a loud, raspy moan from his lips. Severus was already close, having been hard for ages at this point, Merlin, she felt so good! He reached around to finger at her swollen clit, rubbing little circles. She rolled her hips in response, moaning various expletives.

“Don’t stop, don’t stop!” she begged, gasping with each stroke. Severus certainly didn’t plan on it, as he pounded away into her, desire shooting through him every time she tightened around him, massaging his prick.

“Come on, sweet girl, come around my cock!” he cursed, feeling his orgasm starting to creep up on him. He pressed a little harder against her clit, feeling drunk on her body, ecstasy flooding him. It was as his orgasm began to peak, that he felt the same rhythmic squeezing on his cock that he’d had around his fingers earlier.

“Oh fuck! Oh fuck! Oh fuck!” she mewled, her moans increasing in pitch and becoming raspier as she jerked around him in a frenzy. Severus moaned, his cock pulsing inside of her.

Both of them were panting in the aftermath, Severus leaning his forehead against her back for a moment to catch his breath before he pulled out to lay next to her on the bed, pulling her into his arms. It was Severus who spoke first.

“We are going to talk about this, Pet.” He said, trying to sound stern, but it came out too breathless for Hermione to take him seriously. She smiled up at him, a glint in her eyes.

“Yes, sir.” Severus rolled his eyes, sitting up and pulling her up with him.

“Come, we’ll talk in the shower. We both smell.” He helped her off the bed and into the bathroom. Hermione used the toilet while he started up the shower, making sure it was a comfortable temperature. She followed him through the large glass door to the shower, sighing as the hot water fell around her. Severus handed her the soap and she got to cleaning herself while he lathered his hair.

“Generally,” Severus drawled, “We would have agreed to this by reviewing the contract. We will have to revisit it soon and make necessary adjustments.” Hermione just hummed in agreement, rinsing herself off, then gently pushing Severus into the stream of water.

“I’ll do whatever we need to as long as you’ll do that to me again,” she said, then, “sir.” This garnered a genuine laugh out of Severus. He reached for her and kissed her languidly, sucking gently on her bottom lip.

“Stay the night, Hermione.” he mumbled, pressing his cheek to hers. She closed her eyes and smiled, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“Okay.”

Chapter 9: To Behave

Hermione woke up at five, the same time that she did every morning. Sleeping over at Severus’ house wasn’t going to change her body’s habits. She quietly snuck out of the bed to use the restroom. Her hair was an absolute mess, and she needed to go home to fix it as well as get new clothes for work that day. She splashed her face with water, patting it dry. Back in the bedroom, she rummaged through her things to find a hair tie, pulling her hair up into a messy bun of curls. She thought about putting on clothes but decided against it. Severus had started to stir, stretching across the bed towards her. “Are you leaving?” he asked sleepily. Hermione shook her head.

“No, I’m just used to getting up early.” she crawled back into the bed and into his warm arms, and he rested his chin on the top of her head.

“Good, we should adjust our contract over breakfast. Do you need to leave for work today?” Hermione hooked a leg over Severus’ hip and hummed.

“Yes, not till nine, though. I’ll need to leave a bit earlier than that to get ready.” Instead of responding, he squeezed her tightly then released her, rolling off the bed to stand. He used the bathroom and dressed himself in some sleep pants and a muggle shirt. Rummaging through his drawers, he picked out a cotton t-shirt and a pair of black boxer briefs and tossed them to Hermione. She smiled at him and put on the clothes, grateful to have something to wear that wasn’t soiled. She followed him down to the kitchen and sat down at the island.

“Accio contract,” Severus waved his hand and seconds later, the thick bundle of papers flew into his hands. He placed it on the counter next to her and began to make a simple breakfast, porridge, a bit of fruit, and eggs. While he cooked, he spoke to her. “For the most part, we just need to redefine the parameters that already exist by noting if all or only specific acts can have a sexual component. You might, for example, want all punishments to be done in a non-sexual context with implements only.” At her nod of understanding, he continued. “If you allow it, I could instead have the option to edge you for hours, denying you orgasm, instead of caning you.” Severus smirked at her when her eyes widened at the idea.

“Oh.” She managed to say, at a loss. He chuckled, a raspy quality to it in the early morning. He figured she might like the idea, and he's pleased to see that he was right.

“Oh, indeed.” Severus placed porridge and fruit in front of her with utensils before he began making the eggs. Hermione pulled the contract closer to flip through its pages to her own section and began to eat.

“I would say that I’m happy for all of it to have a sexual overtone, though we’ll need to explore that as we go, since I haven’t tried quite a few things in any context.” She decided. “Severus?”

“Yes?” He sat down, plates of eggs in hand, and began to eat his own breakfast.

“Do you think it’s about time we make it clear to our mutual friends that we’re play partners?” Severus gave her a look she couldn’t decipher. Was there a purpose to telling them, or did she simply not like keeping it a secret? Was this her asking to make their current dynamic something more?

“Are you asking me to collar you?” He asks, sounding cautious. Hermione paused, then shook her head.

“No, I just think that I’d like to be more public about it around them...You could take me to events and munches as your submissive.” Severus nodded his understanding. She wanted to enjoy the perks of being taken, so to speak.

“If that’s what you’d like, I am amiable to the idea. Perhaps we can tell a few of them at the next munch.”

”Um,” Hermione started, not meeting his eye. “About collaring, though...” Severus’ interest was piqued. He waited patiently for her to figure out what she wanted to say while his mind considered what she might have to say on the topic. “I think that, if one day you decide you’d like to...like to keep me, I think I would be proud to be collared by you.” She faces away from him, clearly worried what he might think of such a declaration. Truly, Severus was touched, and although he wouldn’t say it, he already knew that he wanted to keep her. It was simply too early to make romantic declarations such as that, however. Instead of saying any of those things, he took her hand and squeezed it. She turned to look at him, trying to gauge his reaction.

“I’d be honored to collar you one day.” Hermione sagged in relief and smiled softly at him. It wasn’t a promise or a guarantee, but they were on the same page, which was enough for now. A part of her had expected him to dislike the idea and turn her away, even though the Severus she knew now was not prone to such things anymore.

They wandered back to the bedroom, slipping under the warm covers. Severus dropped the contract onto his side table and pulled her into his side. She felt warm and soft in his arms, which he finds comforting. He doesn't often get to enjoy the simple comfort of cuddling someone, and she fits into his arms particularly well. He would keep her there all morning if she'd let him.

“When you asked me to dominate you for the first time,” he began thoughtfully, “you said you were concerned about your experiences during the war conflicting with your desires. I haven’t noticed any issues thus far. How are you feeling about it?” Hermione sighed and draped a leg over his hip. She had been thinking about it on and off, lately. She'd felt anxious and worried that something would happen, but so far she'd felt so safe with Severus that it hadn't really come up.

“Good, no issues so far. I think that the more complicated or intense activities are what we will need to be concerned about. Everything has felt so far removed from those events so far, but I don’t trust that it won’t come up at some point.” Severus hummed.

“I don’t think you’re quite ready for anything quite like that, at this point, so imagine it will be a while before we need to be concerned by it. However, we should still be cautious.” He shifted so that they were both on their sides, facing each other, a strangely playful look suddenly on his face. “Now, Pet, how do you feel about a new game until I see you next Sunday?” Hermione hesitated, not sure she liked the tone his voice had taken. This would probably not end well for her.

“A game, sir?” she asked meekly. He nodded.

“My proposition is simple—if you touch yourself this week before I see you next, I’ll cane you until you can’t sit straight in a chair. If you behave, I’ll let you warm my cock all night and give you as many orgasms as you want.”

The blood in Hermione’s body rushed south, a sudden throbbing between her legs. Why hadn’t she opened up their arrangement to sex before?

“And if I lie to you? How will you know?” she challenged, giving him a defiant look. He laughed at her.

“Don’t be impertinent, it would eat you alive if you were a bad girl and didn’t tell me.” How did he know her so well, already?

“I’ll remind you that this game extends until Sunday, not until I see you on Friday at the munch.” Hermione nodded. It was simple enough, surely it couldn’t be that difficult to refrain from masturbation? “Do agree to these terms?” She could do it, she was sure of herself.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good, and Pet?”

“Yes, sir?”

“It starts now.” Severus suddenly rolled on top of her and pulled her earlobe into his mouth, scraping his teeth along the sensitive skin and kissing the space beneath it, sending a shiver throughout her body. She pushed lightly against his chest.

“Sir? You’re not going to...? Are you...?” Hermione struggled to put what she meant into words. He smirked. He enjoyed seeing her flustered like this.

“Yes, Pet, I fully intend to work you into a frenzy, then send you off for the rest of the week a tight ball of sexual tension.” Hermione’s eyes widened.

“Sir! But--!” Severus' eyes darkened and he grabbed her by the jaw, forcing her to look into his eyes, which looked displeased.

“Did you think I would offer such a challenge and make it easy? I thought you knew better than that. What’s your color, Pet?” Hermione paused; did she want to let him edge her body like this? A wash of heat ran over her. Yes, yes she did.

“Green, sir.” She said sheepishly.

“Good. Now be a good girl and lay back for me.” Hermione did as he asked, relaxing into his touch. She trusted him, and she knew he was doing this for both of their benefit and pleasure in the long run.

He started by gently tracing her body with his hands, building up a slow anticipation for what was to come. He helped her remove her borrowed clothes and rested his still-clothed body over her, his pelvis lined up with hers. Leaning down, he began to suckle at her breasts, tugging and pulling at her nipples. It was this that allowed Hermione to fully relax into his touch, sighing softly. He played with her chest leisurely. Eventually, his right hand trailed up her throat and jaw, pushing gently against her lips with two fingers.

“Suck.” Severus commanded. She immediately obeyed, looking him in the eye as she pulled his fingers past her lips, wrapping her tongue around and in between them, and lathering them in her saliva. His pupils were dilated, desire burning in his gaze. He slowly pulled his fingers back, reaching down to circle her clit with them. He didn’t rush it, just intentionally built pressure and speed, frustrating her with his patience. She tried bucking into his hands, trying to get the friction she craved. She wondered if she could goad him into giving her what she wanted. She was feeling especially defiant that morning. Instead of some witty backtalk like she was hoping for, what came out was--

“Hurry up, sir!” It was an annoyed pout more than anything, and it certainly caught his attention. He glowered at her, pulling his hand away from her mound.

“Excuse me, Pet? Would you like to repeat that?” His voice was low and warning. A cold chill ran down Hermione’s spine. The regret she felt was immediate. She tried to backtrack.

“Nothing, sir!” she squeaked out, her voice trembling with an odd excitement. Severus was not convinced. He leaned in close to her face, gripping her jaw.

“No, I don’t believe that was it, Pet. Tell me what you said.” He growled. He stared directly into her eyes, waiting. Hermione’s heart was beating so fast she could feel it in her ears, a thrill rushing through her that was simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating.

“I said...I said, ‘hurry up, sir’.” she responded quietly, trying to avoid his eyes. Before Hermione could process what was happening, he had pulled away and flipped her over onto her stomach, straddling her legs. He landed a hard smack! Across her backside, the sound echoing the room.

“I’ve never known you to be a recalcitrant little brat.” Severus snarled, landing a barrage of hits across her arse and thighs. Hermione cried out, squirming beneath him. It hurt. Her skin tingled and stung, making her tense up, but she also felt aroused and excited by it in equal measure. He shifted off of her legs, kneeling to at her side to grab her hips and pull them up into the air, forcing her onto her knees with her chest still pressed against the mattress. He shoved her legs apart and began to spank her again, giving her no respite between hits. Hermione wasn’t able to hold in the plethora of gasps and cries that escaped her with each smack.

Then Severus did something she didn’t expect. A softer hit landed between her legs, right across her clit and the surrounding skin. The strangled gasp that left her was obscene. He did it again, sending the most delicious spark of pleasure from her clit to her belly button. She clenched, trying to squeeze her legs together, but Severus forced them out again, starting to land blows against her rapidly, pressure building steadily inside her.

“Oh fuck!” She squealed, feeling her orgasm starting to build. She was shaking, barely able to stop her hips from collapsing back onto the bed. It was mere moments before she thought she would peak that his hands left her entirely, cutting off her climax. She whined loudly.

“Sir! Please!” Severus’ hand returned to her, gliding up and down her inner thigh.

“Oh no, Pet, I don’t think you deserve to come after bratting me like that.” He said, tutting. “No, if that’s how you’re going to be, you’ll have to work very hard to earn those orgasms on Sunday...” His hand trailed up her thigh again but didn’t descend. Instead, two fingers circled her soaking wet entrance, plunging in and curling against her g-spot. Hermione’s knees shook as he repeatedly stroked her, building up that deep ache once more. She moaned loudly, pushing back against his fingers wantonly. “Tell me, are you ready to apologize for being misbehaved and defiant?” Severus asked, speeding up his fingers as they thrust into her. Hermione choked on a moan, nodding her head vigorously.

“Yes, sir! I’m so sorry I’ll be good now!” she rasped out, still rocking against his hand. He pulled his fingers out of her, wiping them on his lounge pants. Hermione collapsed onto the mattress with a sob, quivering from head to toe. Severus slid his front over her back, kissing her neck and speaking hungrily into her ear.

“You can apologize by sucking my cock. How does that sound, hmm?” he purred. “Give me a color, Pet.” Hermione melted under his words. He didn’t need to ask; she would do it in a heartbeat. She hadn't seen much of his prick, but she knew that she wanted to find out what it tasted like, how it felt in her mouth.

“Green!” she blurted, “Green, sir.” He chortled at her enthusiasm and removed himself from her back, grabbing a pillow and sitting on the edge of the bed.

“When you’re ready, Pet.” He said softly, dropping the pillow to the floor between his spread legs. Hermione gingerly pushed herself up, slipping off of the bed to place her knees on the pillow. It was thoughtful of him, really, and she appreciated the care involved. He looked down at her patiently, reaching out a hand to caress her neck and jawline.

“Go on, show me how contrite you are,” Severus encouraged gently before leaning back on his arms. Hermione swallowed, gathering herself. Her hands lifted to trail up his thighs, gripping the edge of his pants and pulling them down slowly over his cock. It popped out past the fabric eagerly, flushed and erect. Hermione licked her lips, feeling breathless, and pulled his pants all the way down before tentatively wrapping her small hands around him. Severus let out of a puff of air above her, his eyes closing for a moment. She started to stroke him watching for his reactions. He was relaxed and looked content, but his body tensed when she twisted her hand around his head, tugging at the end. Leaning in, Hermione started to lick at his shaft around her hand as it moved, laving him in her saliva. Severus moaned softly, his eyes watching her carefully as he outstretched a hand to brush back stray hairs from her face. It was gentle and affectionate, making Hermione feel more comfortable. She licked him from base to tip, stopping at his frenulum to tease it with her tongue. This garnered a pleased gasp from the man.

“Keep going, Pet,” he breathed. Hermione finally took the tip into her mouth, still teasing the same spot with her tongue and she sucked hard on his head. She loved how soft the spongey tip felt in her mouth, moaning around it and shifting so that she could create some friction between her own legs. She could taste the salty bite of his precum as she started to move her mouth up and down his shaft, adding extra suction whenever she came back to the head and covering the rest with her hand. They fell into a rhythm, Hermione sucking and twisting her hand around him while he rolled his hips ever so slightly in tandem. After a few minutes, she sped up her attentions, increasing the friction. This clearly did the trick for him as he started to groan loudly, his muscles tensing up.

“Oh Merlin...” he gasped, his head dropping back. “Fuck, I’m close, Pet,” Desire pulsed at Hermione’s core, a gush of wetness between her legs. “Swallow it.” he commanded, and moments later, Hermione felt his warm, salty fluid on her tongue. She breathed through her nose carefully while she gulped him down, sucking through each pulse of his cock. Hermione pulled off of him with a soft pop. Once Severus caught his breath, he smiled down at her, leaning forward to press a kiss to her cheek.

“Did you swallow it all?” He asked silkily. “Show me.” Hermione shivered, opening her mouth wide. He smirked, gently pushing her mouth closed again by her chin. “Not a drop wasted, what a good girl...” The way he said it was sinful; Hermione whimpered in response. Severus stood over her, pulling his pants back up, and holding out a hand to help her stand. She took it, her knees wobbling. “Bend over the bed, sweet girl, and spread.” She did as he asked, spreading her legs. Was he going to fuck her? Was she going to be allowed to orgasm after all? Instead, he leaned down at eye level with her pussy, moaning quietly to himself when he saw her juices messily spread across her lips and thighs. “Hold yourself open for me.” he commanded. Hermione felt a flicker of embarrassment, but did as he asked, reaching back to pull herself open for him. Unable to see him, she gasped in shock when he leaned forward and lapped at her, licking at her generously.

He cleaned up her outer lips and thighs with his tongue, then pulled away. “Absolutely lovely.” he murmured to himself, helping her to her feet again and pulling her in for a sloppy kiss. A part of Hermione wanted to protest, but she gave into the side of her that found the mixed taste of their fluids thrilling.

Later, when it was time for her to leave, he would give her a slow, sensual kiss, pressing their bodies together, and say,

“Behave.”

A firm reminder of what she could not do.

Chapter 10: The Subtle Shift

Summary:

Thank for for all the kudos and lovely comments! The comments are what make me want to keep writing, so if you have the time to leave one, I'd really appreciate it!

I imagine this chapter went a direction you might not expect, and that's because it wrote itself despite my original ideas for it. I think I prefer this version, though.

Hermione had underestimated him. As if his little game wasn’t bad enough, he had started sending her solicitous letters throughout the week, trying to break her resolve.

Dear Pet,

I do hope you didn’t forget about our game. I for one, have not forgotten the way you trembled beneath my touch yesterday, and have been replaying it in my mind all morning.

Severus

 

Miss Granger,

I do hope you’re not breaking any rules, I could use a lovely submissive on my lap this weekend, and it would be a shame to have to tie you to the spanking bench instead.

Severus

 

On Wednesday, she received a missive from Harry:

Hermione,

Dinner with me and Ginny on Friday?

Harry

 

Knowing that she was expected to be at the munch with Severus that evening, she sent him her declination:

Harry,

I already have other plans. I’d love to another time.

Hermione

 

Harry had responded with an unbothered note, telling her that he’d let her know the next time he fancied going to dinner with a friend. It was during her lunch break that she received another owl from Severus, it read:

Kitten,

I’ve been looking over our contract and have been thinking about all the things we haven’t tried...

Sunday perhaps, if you can behave.

Severus

 

Despite it being on her list of honorifics, he had never called her Kitten before. She read over the word in the letter again, considering it. It was nice, she decided, and wondered what he wanted to try, if he had deliberately chosen that pet name.

Thursday’s letter read:

Princess,

Maybe you should give in and touch yourself, I know I certainly have. I do love seeing cane marks across your flushed skin.

Severus

 

Hermione huffed, shoving the parchment into her purse. Generally speaking, she was holding up just fine, as work made a wonderful distraction. It was when she was home alone at night that she started to think about it too much, when her mind began to remember the previous weekend and how she had begged him to fuck her. Everything had changed so suddenly, but she couldn’t find it in herself to be unhappy about it. It was a change she had been craving for a while, unsure whether or not he would welcome her sexuality. She had thought often about the clause in their contract that he had signed before sending it to her, one that she had signed as well--

If at any point, the other party desires this arrangement to breach platonic barriers and enter into a sexual arrangement, I am interested and willing to explore it.

Signed: Severus Snape

She knew that the clause made it abundantly clear that he would, indeed, be interested, but she had ruminated over her doubts for weeks. It was never meant to be a sexual partnership, just a mentorship. She didn’t regret it for a single moment, and hoped that he felt the same. Besides, at this point, it was just two people enjoying each other and exploring kink. It didn’t have to be more than that, and if she ever desired, it could be less than that. There were no obligations, just a contract that could begin and end whether they pleased. Maybe she would always be his submissive, maybe one day she’d be more than that. She felt confident in one thing—that they would discuss it when it happened. He’d been strict about communication thus far, and that was unlikely to change.

She considered the thought many times that she should fail at the game to defy him and see what he would do to her. She liked the cane enough, but would he deny her another week if she didn’t behave? That was enough to make her want to succeed, the hanging threat of two weeks of abstinence.

That didn’t mean she didn’t tempt fate, of course. It didn’t mean that she didn’t wake up most mornings, having dreamed about his hands on her, her thighs squeezing together under the blankets. It didn’t mean that she didn’t find herself rubbing against her own heel when she sat on her couch with one leg crossed in front of her.

No, she had definitely skirted the edge of what was acceptable. She wasn’t entirely sure that he wouldn’t see her actions as a violation of the rules. She supposed she would find out on Sunday, a nervousness buzzing beneath her skin.

 

~~~

 

When Hermione arrived home on Friday night, she received another small note from him.

My Dearest Pet,

We discussed informing the others of our involvement at the munch tonight. Unless you have objections, I am still planning on it.

And as for our game, you’re doing so well. It would be a shame if you slipped up this late.

Severus

 

She smiled at the way he addressed her—My Dearest Pet. Why, it bordered on romance, she thought. Tossing the parchment to the kitchen table, she wandered into her bedroom to get dressed. She pulled on a pair of sheer black tights under a sweater dress, throwing on a pair of boots and her robes on her way out the door.

She apparated to the restaurant—a midclass wizarding eatery that Severus had chosen. She could see why it would appeal to him. It was dark and cozy with warm lighting and booths. The hostess led her to their table, Janine and Severus had already arrived and were chatting quietly. Severus looked up as she arrived, a hint of a smile.

“Hermione, good to see you.” Janine spoke. Hermione slid into the large, rounded booth next to Severus, pressing her thigh against his in greeting. “I haven’t seen you in class for a minute, how are you doing?” Hermione shrugged.

“I’ve been doing some more personal research.” she proffered, not wanting to explain that Severus counted as personal research before the others arrived. They chatted idly while the others showed up—Mazie, then Rhea and the same girl that had come with her last time, lastly Jared showed up with his ‘boy toy’ who was actually a dark-haired man who appeared to be in his late twenties named Cal.

Food and drink were ordered, and general greetings were exchanged.

“I have a small announcement.” Severus spoke during a lull. Glancing at Hermione, he continued. “Hermione became my submissive some time ago.” It was simple and to the point, as she expected. Mazie, who was seated to her left, gaped at her.

“Hermione! Why didn’t you tell me!” She said, scandalized, but her tone indicated that she wasn’t truly upset. Hermione huffed.

“It felt too early to say anything. Now it’s more established, we feel comfortable saying so.” she responded, hoping her tablemates wouldn’t start asking awkward questions. For the most part, they didn’t. She got a simple congratulations from Rhea and Jared’s side of the table. Janine was a bit more excitable, however.

“Oh, Severus it’s been forever since you had a submissive of your own! No wonder she hasn’t been at my classes, you’re like a two-in-one package deal!” she tittered. Hermione could tell she was about to say more, but a familiar voice interrupted her.

“Hermione?” Hermione glanced up at the same time as the rest of the table to see Harry standing, little James Potter held on his hip. She stared at him, speechless for a moment, then glanced at Severus. Oh God.

“Harry! Hi! Um, are you here for dinner too?” She asked awkwardly, recalling that Harry had tried to invite her dinner. He had clearly decided to go with Ginny anyway, and it was Hermione’s luck that he chose the same restaurant. He smiled at her, clearly not upset.

“So, these are your other plans?” Glancing at Severus, he paused. “Professor, good to see you.” Nodding at Mazie he repeated the sentiment. Severus was tense, his hand on her thigh gripping a touch too hard.

“Potter.” he nodded in greeting. Hermione felt that Harry couldn’t possibly be ignorant to the uncomfortable air around them as her companions recognized that they had no explanation as to why they were with her that Harry should be privy to.

“So, are these other friends of yours?” Harry asked politely. Janine coughed, trying to hide a laugh, and responded quickly,

“Yes, similar hobbies.” Severus glared at her, while Mazie stifled a chuckle to her left. Harry’s eyes narrowed a touch, as though he understood that he was missing something important, but he couldn’t figure out what.

“Harry,” Hermione said, desperate for him to make himself sparse, but not wanting to be rude. “Is Ginny here with you? She’s probably wondering where you’ve been.” This seemed to get through the man’s usually thick head, and he nodded.

“Right, she probably is. I’ll talk to you later, Hermione.” He said quickly, walking away. Hermione let out a breath she didn’t know she had been holding.

“Dear God.” she groaned, leaning into Severus’ side, his hand relaxing on her thigh. Mazie nudged her with her shoulder.

“How’re you gonna explain that when he asks you later why you were out to dinner with Severus Snape and a bunch of strangers, hmm?” she snorted. Hermione shook her head.

“I have no idea, but I will not enjoy a single moment of trying to explain this.” she sighed.

The rest of the dinner went well, despite the awkward interruption. They discussed potential events that Janine was brainstorming.

“I really think I’d like to find a way to invite more new people into the dungeon,” she said. “Get them through the door with a unique event to get them curious.” Hermione agreed.

“Do you want it to be true to what we practice? Perhaps a shibari demonstration?” she suggested. Janine grinned, something glinting in her eyes.

“Well, Severus is much better at shibari than me, maybe you two could do it?” she suggested, elbowing Severus suggestively. Rhea, who was usually rather quiet piped in.

“She could wear a blindfold or mask to hide her identity, since we don’t have a trusting relationship with those attending the event. We have to remember that she’s still a bit of a celebrity.” Hermione relaxed a bit at the suggestion. Severus met her eyes, an eyebrow quirked as if to ask well? She pursed her lips.

“I’ll think about it.” Although she thought the idea was appealing, she wanted to consider it more fully before committing. She didn’t have any issues with Severus tying up anyone else, he didn’t belong to her, after all, but she liked the idea of being publicly seen as his, even if her identity was protected.

“It would be prudent to make a non-disclosure spell of sorts be a requirement for entry.” Severus said, relaxing back into the booth. “It might dissuade some, but it could also be a selling point—the exclusivity of what they might see.” Sounds of agreement sounded from the table. Janine made some notes on an unused napkin.

“Perfect, I’ll create a general plan and we’ll go over it at the next munch. Rhea, I would be interested in you doing something as well, if you can think of something appropriate for the occasion.” Rhea nodded.

“I’ll figure something out.”

Twenty minutes later, they had wrapped up and were heading towards the door, Severus leading Hermione with his hand on her low back. After saying their goodbyes to the others, Severus had pulled her to the side of the building, shadowed in darkness. He pulled her close, closing the gap between them with a kiss. Hermione melted, sighing in delight.

“Pet?”

“Yes, sir?”

“How is our little game coming along? Tell me everything.” Hermione felt a twinge of nervousness, worried he would think she had broken the rules, but determined to tell him the truth anyway.

“I don’t think I’ve messed up, but... I keep waking up, rubbing against things. Does that count?” She asked quietly. He paused, just holding her.

“No, I don’t believe it does.” he finally replied, nipping at her neck.

“Take me to your home, let me make one last attempt at tempting you.” he commanded, pulling back to look her in the eyes. Hermione bit the inside of her lip, nervous.

“Sir, my place, I haven’t cleaned recently, it’s...” she trailed off.

“Is that the only reason you would say no?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then take me to your home, I do not care.” Hermione nodded and held tightly onto him to side-along apparate him. They disappeared with a pop.

Hermione would live in ignorance for a small while, not knowing that green eyes had followed them as they left the restaurant, Severus’ hand on her back.

 

~~~

 

Hermione lived in rather nice two-bedroom apartment. She kept it clean and organized, and Severus could not see what she had meant by insinuating that it wasn’t fit for guests. She led him to her bedroom, pulling off her dress and shoes.

“Leave the tights.” Severus said, removing his jacket and pulling her onto the bed with him so that she straddled his lap while he sat up against the pillows. Rain started to patter against the windows, and Hermione reached across to turn on the lamp on her side table for a small amount of light. Severus had already splayed his hands around her hips and stomach, leaning in to kiss at the skin of her collarbone and chest. Hermione leaned into him, completely relaxed.

“Straddle my thigh,” he told her, helping her move to straddle only one of his thighs, his knee bent, which made her rest against his chest and gave her better leverage. He leaned down to capture her lips in a languid kiss, sucking gently at her lips. He parted only to give her a simple command:

“Grind against me. If you orgasm, you’ll be getting the cane on Sunday.” Hermione’s eyebrows rose. Oh. He pulled her back into a kiss, and she began to roll her hips, creating a lovely friction against her clit even through her remaining clothes. His hands trailed softly over her back, lightly scratching with his nails. They slid beneath her tights, curling around her and pushing her hips against his thigh with more force. Hermione let out a soft gasp, grabbing onto his shoulders as he continued to manually rock her hips into himself. Pressure started to build, not enough for a climax, but enough to give her that heady, dizzy feeling of arousal.

Without warning, he held her tight and rolled them over, shifting back so he could roll her tights down her legs, panties going with them. Hermione reached back to undo her bra and tossed it to the side, reaching out to him when he settled between her legs. She sighed against his lips and threaded her fingers through his hair.

“Hermione,” he whispered. “Remember the rules.”

“Yes,” she breathed out.

Severus unzipped his trousers, pulling himself out from the fabric and lined himself up to her, pushing in slowly. He continued that way, deep and slow, her legs wrapped around his waist.

She hadn’t meant to, of course, but over time the torturous buildup of internal pressure and the indirect friction against her clit had her falling over the edge in the loveliest way.

Severus had waited until he had finished to tell her that she’d lost. Despite it, she felt in that singular moment that it didn’t matter that she would be getting caned that weekend—she already had what she wanted.

It was only after he left that she realized that he had never called her any of the usual pet names, that he hadn’t used any sort of impact play, nothing. He had simply made love to her, and she had no idea what to make of it.

Chapter 11: Interlude

Summary:

Thank you for all the wonderful comments, please keep it up!

Severus Snape walked into St. Mungo’s Hospital with a familiarity one might not expect. He took to a newer section of the hospital that had been added onto the ground floor some years before. It had a comfortable, but small, lobby and a single receptionist. The woman at the desk smiled at him.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Snape.” she chirped, making a note on a busy looking sheet of parchment. “Dr. Schwartz will be with you in just a moment.” Severus didn’t bother responding and sat down to wait. He pretended to ignore the wizard who left the only other door in the room, knowing it would be followed by--

“Severus, good to see, you, come in.”

Dr. Schwartz was a tall and willowy individual. Her hair was always pulled back, but it was still long, hitting her mid back. She wore simple clothes, trousers and jumpers, usually, and a plain healer’s robe. She was a muggleborn witch who used her knowledge of muggle practices to inform and create her own.

Severus followed her into her office, sitting down in his usual spot which was a rather lumpy, but comfortable couch. He crossed his legs and placed his hands in his lap, waiting.

“How are you doing today, Severus?” She asked as she settled into her own chair, grabbing a clipboard with his file and a muggle ballpoint pen. Severus hated this part—the pleasantries.

“I am well.”

“Last time you were here, you were telling me that you were mentoring a former student of yours, correct? How is that going?” Dr. Schwartz was always quick to the point, knowing that Severus was a succinct man. She had learned very early in their acquaintance, back when he was healing from a rather nasty snake bite, to not mince her words with him.

“It’s going extremely well.” he admitted. “Too good.” he could see her lips quirk.

“You expect it to end rather terribly.” She commented.

“I hope it does not.”

“Have you developed feelings for her, then?”

“There is...Something there.” Dr. Schwartz knew the man’s mind well enough to know that ‘something there’ was definitely code for ‘I absolutely have developed feelings and it terrifies me’. She smiled.

“How wonderful for you,” She never had to pry much, he would tell her what she needed to know.

“We’re practically an item, just without the romantic label.” Severus’ eyebrows furrowed. “It was not what I expected when it began, but now it seems rather obvious in foresight.”

“You didn’t think you would find connection with a woman twenty years your junior.”

“Of course not!” He huffed, looking defense. “In fact, that’s exactly why it will most definitely end badly.”

“Well, if you were to ask my opinion, which of course you aren’t, I think you should go for it.”

“Go for it.” He repeated, mocking. “She only gets to see the tailored part of myself that treats her like a perfect little princess. If I were to ‘go for it’, like you said, she wouldn't see me anymore!” Dr. Schwartz raised an eyebrow. It was a movement that made Severus feel like a small child, but only when it came from her.

“Severus, if she was your student, before, then she knows exactly how nasty you can be, and is choosing to be with you anyway. Does that mean nothing to you?” Severus deflated, not meeting her eyes.

“She knows those parts of my life more than most.” he admitted. “But I... don’t know what to make of it all.”

“Look, Severus, you don’t have to declare your undying love for the woman, just ask her to dinner.” Dr. Schwartz advised. “And for fuck’s sake, don’t do something ridiculous like sabotaging it or making assumptions about what she wants.”

This was why Severus had finally given in and accepted her as his therapist after the war. She had refused to be perfectly patient with him, often calling him out on his bad thought patterns and behavior. In doing so, she had gained his respect.

“Fine, but don’t be surprised when you see me in the papers for being a romantic war hero again.” He griped.

 

~~~

 

Sunday night had gone as expected—A caning session that left her sore for the next few days, the skin of her backside various shades of pink, purple, and yellow. It hadn’t devolved into anything sexual, just punishment and aftercare. That didn’t mean that the constant reminder of her sore arse didn’t devolve into any sexual thoughts, though.

Tuesday, while she sat in her office alone eating lunch, Harry knocked on the door. Hermione felt immediately nervous, wondering if she would have to explain her weird behavior from the week before. He grabbed Mazie’s chair and pulled it up to Hermione’s desk to sit with her.

“How are you doing?” He asked politely. Hermione smiled, but it wasn’t very convincing.

“Good, you?”

“I’m alright.” he responded, seeming to gather his thoughts for a moment. “I... Hermione when you left the restaurant last week, Snape’s hand was on your back.” Straight for the jugular, Hermione thought.

“Uh, yes?” was what she managed to say in response.

“I don’t want to pry into your private life, but I thought you would have told me you were seeing Severus Snape of all people.” He said, sounding like he was trying not to be irritated. Hermione tensed.

“Harry, it’s more complicated than that, we’re not a couple, we’re just...we’re something, I don’t know.” she stumbled over her words, not sure how she could possibly explain what her and Severus were to her best friend.

“How?” He asked, exasperated. “How are you sort of seeing him?” Hermione didn’t know what to say, maybe something really close to the truth was the way to go.

“Harry, in order to explain it I would have to tell you some extremely personal details about my life that I’m just not ready for.” she admitted, hoping the honestly would make him back off. It seemed to work, his irritated expression softening.

“Hermione, I want to know when big things happen in your life. I want to know when you’re dating someone. Please don’t keep something like this from me again. You don’t have to tell me all the details, but it really would have been nice to know that there was something going on between you two.” Hermione sighed and gave him a weak smile.

“Alright, but you have to let me do things on my terms. It’s Severus’ life, too, and he deserves his privacy.” Harry nodded, acquiescent.

“That’s something we can both agree on.”

He spent the rest of lunch with her, catching up. She hadn’t seen him nearly as much since she’d started going to Ensnare, and he was distracted by his new family. He caught her up on what Ron had been up to, and how things were going in the Auror department as well. After he left, she sagged with relief. She had got away with avoiding the topic this time, but if he saw anything else unusual, he was bound to become a one-man inquisition again.

A couple hours later, Mazie and Hermione received a knock at their office door. Two in one day was plenty by Hermione’s standards.

“Come in!” Mazie called out. Hermione glanced up as the door opened, only to see--

“Severus?" she was completely baffled. “What are you doing here?” she asked, standing from her chair. Mazie blinked in shock.

“You know what, I think I’m gonna step out for a minute to use the loo.” she said, hurrying from the room. Severus waited for her to leave before approaching Hermione.

“Good afternoon,” he said, looking, if Hermione dared say, nervous. He leaned in to peck her cheek.

“Hi, what are you doing here?” she asked again, wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning against him. His arms settled around her shoulders, chin on top of her head. “Is this going to be another game, sir?”

“No,” Severus responded. “I was in town already, so I stopped in instead of sending an owl.” Hermione hummed in response, stepping back from the hug and waiting for him to explain further. He paused, trying to build up the nerve to ask such a simple question.

“Would you like to go to dinner with me tonight?” Hermione’s eyebrows jumped.

“Oh!” Was he asking her on a date? It sounded like a date. She smiled up at him.

“Sir?”

“Yes, pet.”

“Are you asking me on a date?” her eyes twinkled. Severus paused, feeling vulnerable but not wanting to show it. Dr. Schwartz’ voice echoed in his head, “and for fuck’s sake, don’t do something ridiculous like sabotaging it.”

“Yes. Will you come?” Internally, he was flinching, waiting for rejection, hating how awkward he felt. Hermione beamed.

“I’d love to.” She was leaning up give him a quick kiss when Mazie burst through the door.

“Thank God, you’re both decent.” She said dramatically, falling into her chair. “I thought I’d have to use a blacklight on the office when I got back.”

Chapter 12: The Fireside

Summary:

This one was fun to write, once it got rolling. Hope you enjoy!

The crackle of the hearth made the soundtrack of her night along with the sliding of rope on skin and Severus’ low, silky voice. The soft fibers of his living room rug rubbed against her side as he kneeled next to her, meticulously frog tying her leg with a series of column ties.

Her mind wandered to their date earlier in the night. He had taken her to a lovely restaurant just outside of Hogsmeade. It was small but served fine dining and a wide selection of wine. He had bought them each a glass of wine that Hermione didn’t dare guess the price of and ordered a 4-course meal. Hermione had, frankly, been stunned at his choice. She’d never been on such a fancy first date in her life.

“Roll over, Pet.” Severus’ voice cut through her thoughts despite its reverent quality. He helped her move to rest on her opposite side and found the bight on a new grouping of rope. He began to wrap at the ankle, copying the ladder of knots that contained her other leg. Hermione relaxed into his touch, closing her eyes, feeling a deep sense of peace.

She wondered what had prompted him to ask her to dinner. She had been wondering about Severus a lot, lately. Why was he so different to the man she used to know? Why did he open a dungeon with Janine? Did he want her the way she wanted him? There was no denying that there was something there. Hermione couldn’t define it, or conceptualize it at all, really, but she could feel the longing, the chemistry, the tension. She wished she had more insight into his inner world.

“How do you feel? Any tightness or numbness?” Severus’ voice broke through again, having finished tying both legs. Hermione yawned.

“Completely and utterly relaxed.” He chuckled quietly and tested the rope in a few places, slipping two fingers between it and her skin. He hadn’t tied any other part of her body, so Hermione’s hands and arms were still free to move. She shifted, using her arms as a pillow.

“Sir?”

“Pet.” He leaned back against the bottom half of his couch, crossing his legs at the ankles.

“How did you meet Janine? You’re close enough to run a business together, there must be a strong bond there.” His pursed his lips, not expecting such a question. He considered which truth was the most accurate, and if he actually wanted to tell her anything about it.

“My Mind Healer suggested her to me.” What? Hermione gave him a confused and surprised look.

“You have a Mind Healer?” she asked, astonished. That explained the change in his demeanor, she thought.

“If I didn’t have a Mind Healer, I’d be a downright lonely bastard right now instead of tying you in front of my fireplace, Hermione.” Severus raised a slightly irritated eyebrow, feeling thrown off balance by her reaction. “My Mind Healer knew about my propensity for BDSM and thought it would be a potential way for me to connect and heal. She suggested I meet with a professional Dominatrix for some sessions.” Hermione gaped.

“You and Janine?” Hermione was stupefied by this revelation.

“It was never sexual.” Severus clarified. “But we care deeply for each other’s wellbeing.” He leaned over to start untying her, not wanting to keep her tied up for long.

“And Ensnare? How did that happen?”

“Albus left me a rather large inheritance in his will, and I refused to teach at Hogwarts after the war. I needed a job, and I had years of experience with BDSM, even before Janine. I combined my skills with my money and asked Janine to handle the creative and design aspects while I dealt with the financials.” He finished unraveling one leg and rolled her over to reach the other one. Severus massaged her legs gently to increase the blood flow there.

“Honestly, it’s amazing the papers haven’t reported on it, you’d think Severus Snape being the CEO of a BDSM Dungeon would become front page news.” Hermione commented, wiggling her toes. He sighed.

“I own it under a pseudonym, but I don’t expect the silence in the papers to last for much longer. Janine wants to advertise an event in The Daily Prophet.”

“The one she talked about at the last munch?”

“Yes. She’s beginning to solidify her plans. Have you had enough time to consider her proposition?”

Had she? She hadn’t given it too much thought, if she was honest with herself, but she found the idea intriguing. She had a few concerns about it, however. “I don’t know if I’ll be comfortable in front of a crowd like that, identity protected or not. Maybe it’s time we venture into exhibitionism, test it out first so that I can decide.” Severus nodded, leaning back against the couch again and gesturing for her to come to him with two fingers. She crawled over, straddling his lap. His hands slid up her sides, pushing up the hem of her jumper to hold her bare waist. Hermione had removed most of her clothes for the rope, left in her panties and turtleneck. She had put her hair up in a banana clip for their date, but he pulled it out of her hair, now, letting it fall.

“I do enjoy the idea of putting you on display for others.” Severus murmured, nuzzling her neck. “Letting them want you, knowing they can never have you.” He kissed her jaw. “Knowing that you are mine.” Hermione shivered, leaning into him. She wanted to be his, desperately. Wanted him to know that she wanted it. She pulled back, holding his face in both of her hands and brushing a kiss against the edge of his lips, whispered--

“Yours.”

Internally, Severus didn’t know whether to celebrate or panic. He chose option three: think about it later.

She was sucking on his bottom lip, pressing her chest to his. Severus returned the kiss, opening his mouth to hers, occasionally nibbling. Hermione broke the kiss to pull her turtleneck jumper over her head, her underthings following swiftly.

Severus thought she looked like a goddess, backlit by the firelight. He pulled his shirt over his head and laid her back against the soft rug in front of the fire, spreading his body over top of hers. When Hermione moved to wrap her arms around his neck, he intercepted it and instead pushed her wrists to the ground above her head, holding them in place with one hand. Her cheeks were flushed, lips swollen. Absolutely lovely. Entirely his.

Putting pressure on her wrists, he commanded, “Don’t move.” Severus let go and leaned down to pull one of her nipples into his mouth, sucking hard. Hermione squirmed but managed to keep her hands pinned to the ground. Pulling gently with his teeth, he cupped her other breast in his hand, rolling his thumb over the nipple. He switched between breasts, licking and sucking, pulling little sighs out of the woman beneath him, her eyes closing as her face took on a peaceful expression.

Having lulled her into a state of relaxation, he found his way down to her mound. She rested her legs on his shoulders as he began to swipe his tongue over her folds. Brushing his hand down her thigh, he slid a finger into her entrance without resistance. She keened, her hips lifting and legs tightening around him.

Severus let her rock against his face and hand for a while, enjoying having her writhe around him. Eventually he stopped her and pulled away, wiping his face on the back of his hand.

“Stay here.” Hermione blinked up at him, hand still high above her head, completely perplexed.

“Sir?” He only held up a finger in response as if to say wait and walked towards his bedroom. When he returned, it was with a curved glass object in one hand. Hermione’s eyes widened. He grabbed a throw pillow off of the couch and lifted her lower half to place it under her hips.

“Sir, what is--” he cut her off with a stern look.

“Patience is a virtue, Pet.”

Hermione caught a better look at the toy—it was clear glass and curved in a hook-like shape with a bulbous end. Severus kneeled by her and encouraged her to lift up her legs, letting them both rest on left shoulder. He placed the toy at her entrance and slowly slid it in, plenty of moisture allowing it in without resistance. At first, she didn’t feel much, but then Severus began rocking the toy back and forth, and a jolt of pleasure ran through her like electricity.

“Fuck!” She cried out, her toes curling. The toy had hit her g-spot perfectly and was doing so repeatedly. Severus smirked, wrapping an arm around her legs to help keep them in place. He set a steady pace that put her on the edge immediately

“Oh, oh fuck oh fuck!” Her voice cracked, body tensing.

“You’ve done so well, keeping those hand above your head, Pet,” Severus cooed, then his voice darkened. “Put them down and play with yourself.” Hermione thought she might combust, her mind so hazy that it took her a moment to even recognize that he had spoken to her.

“Y-yes, sir!” she breathed out, bringing a hand down to rub at her clit, Severus loosening his hold on her legs so that she could reach.

“Good girl.” Focused on the task at hand, he began to rock the toy just fast enough that she didn’t have time to recover from each wave of pleasure. He watched, feeling drunk on the vision of her in ecstasy as her whole body tensed and released over and over again.

Hermione felt light-headed, a tight ball of pressure building low in her belly. Her hips lifted and dropped steadily, thighs squeezing as she chased the feeling, her fingers rubbing desperately against herself. She was almost speechless, the shudders of pleasure rushing over her too immense to vocalize. Only the occasional high-pitched gasp was able to escape, but she shook.

Severus was content to wait all night if he needed to, but Hermione reached her peak quickly and suddenly, a loud sob filling the air as her entire body trembled, hips still rocking. She continued to shake against him as she rode the waves of her orgasm, muscles twitching, chest heaving. Severus greatly enjoyed listening to her wanton cries and breathless moans as if it were his own personal symphony.

Hermione eventually stopped quivering and laid there, staring at the ceiling as if in shock, breathing loudly. Severus chuckled softly to himself, running a hand up and down her legs in a soothing gesture, and waited for her to come back to herself. Oh, how he loved to see a witch try to come back to Earth after a particularly intense orgasm.

Slowly shifting back onto her elbows, Hermione brought her legs down and moved to sit up. It was as her pelvis rocked forward into a seated position that she felt an unexpected wet patch beneath her. Her eyes widened. “Severus, did I..?” Moving to investigate, she saw a huge wet spot on his nice rug and gasped.

“Oh my god! I’m so sorry!” She finally made eye contact with Severus. He was leaning back, looking incredibly smug, glass toy in hand.

“Oh, no, don’t apologize, Pet, it’s better for it.” Hermione gaped at him. Did she not see how pleased he was about this turn of events?

“What?”

Severus moved to stand, holding a hand out towards her. As she took it and got to her feet, knees trembling, he said, “The rug, it’s much improved now.” Hermione couldn’t believe the words coming out of his mouth, but laughed anyway, dissolving into giggles. Severus pulled her body close and started leading her to the bathroom.

“Come, I want to look at you while I touch myself in the shower.” he said with a chuckle.

“Severus!”

Chapter 13: To Be Seen

Mr. Fontaine owned a small shop in wizarding London with simple signage that read Fontaine’s: Custom Jewelry & Gemstones. He managed the store by himself, taking consults and filling the slow afternoons in the workshop at the back end of the shop.

It was half past ten on Wednesday morning when a tall and dark man entered his shop, the bell chiming behind him.

“Welcome, how may I help you, sir?” Mr. Fontaine greeted politely from the front counter, having just finished chewing his breakfast. The man approached.

“Morning, I’m looking to have a custom choker made.” The man slid a piece of parchment with a sketch towards him. The drawing was of a thin, feminine chain with an equally thin hoop centered on the front. Mr. Fontaine pulled out a parchment and quill to make a few notes.

“Metal?”

“20 Karat Gold.” High quality, but good for consistent wear. He reached into a drawer and pulled out a few sample chains, laying them on the counter.

“Do any of these sizes appeal to you?” The dark man paused for a moment, considering the options. He picked one up and looked at it closer. It was the most delicate of the choices, exceedingly thin, but a personal favorite of the maker.

“This one.” Mr. Fontaine nodded, making a few more notes. The man spoke up again, “The center ring needs to be three quarters of an inch in diameter. I would like the ring to be the clasp, if possible.”

Mr. Fontaine grabbed a new piece of parchment and wrote a series of words and numbers, circling a number on the bottom. “Your estimate. I can have it finished within two weeks.” The man agreed and they fleshed out the rest of the details and financial paperwork. It was as the man walked away, robes flourishing behind him, that he felt like he must recognize the man from somewhere. Unable to place it, he distracted himself with his work.

 

~~~

 

“I’d like to get a commitment from you and Hermione soon,” Janine said from the doorway of his office at Ensnare. “Has she decided?” Severus sighed and leaned back in his chair, rubbing a hand over his face.

“She says she needs to try exhibitionism first. I agree that her first time being observed participating in kink should not be at a large event. How long does she have to work it out?” Janine paused in thought.

“Well, I’d like to know by next week sometime. I’m happy to be an audience if she needs one.”

“I’ll need to talk to her about it. Perhaps we can invite Rhea, Jared, and Mazie to a private showing in the theatre. I can do a lower-level suspension tie on her while they watch.” He seemed to lose himself in his thoughts for a moment before grabbing a new piece of parchment. “Let me owl her, I’ll get back to you by tomorrow at the latest.” Janine smiled.

“Sounds like a plan.” Severus was writing furiously on his parchment, practically ignoring her. “I’m heading out for the day. Winona has been sketching some ideas for event flyers, stop by and see them on your way out, will you?” Severus made an affirmative noise and waved her off, focused on his writing.

 

Dearest Pet,

Janine would like an answer from you by next week. While this pushes your exploration a touch faster than I’d like, I do believe I have an acceptable compromise. May I stop by your apartment after work? I’d like to discuss this in person.

Severus

 

He received her response before his work day was out.

 

Dear Severus,

I’ll be home by 5, come by whenever you’re able.

Yours,

Hermione

 

~~~

 

“I wondered how you felt about giving a private show to some of those you already know in the community.” Severus spoke from his spot on her couch, sipping the cup of tea she had brought him. Hermione was in the kitchen quickly eating her dinner. “Janine, Jared, Rhea, Mazie. I’d tie you up and take you down.” Hermione hummed around a bit of food, quickly swallowing.

“Nude?” She asked. Severus shook his head.

“No, even for the event Janine wants you to cover your chest and lower half. You’d likely end up wearing something simple that doesn’t distract from the practice.” Hermione walked over and plopped down on the couch next to him, placing a cup on the coffee table.

“Will you organize this little showing? I don’t want to worry about it all week, I’d rather just show up.” Severus put down his tea and pulled her into his side, sliding a hand into her curly hair.

“If that’s what you’d like, Pet.”

“It is.” She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. “Will you be staying? I could use some company.”

“If you want me to stay, I will.” Hermione rolled her eyes.

“I do, want, Severus, but what do you want?” What a loaded question, Severus thought. What did he want? He wanted to see her every day, feeling her lips against his own. He wanted to be buried inside of her as much as possible. He wanted to wake up with her legs tangled in between his own, her cold toes against his calves. He wanted her to call him sir, and Severus, and everything in between if it meant she was calling for him. What did he want?

“Hermione, I want you. If you’ll have me, I’ll be here.” He said, a little stern in his delivery, almost like what he really wanted to say was, “You’ve got to be stupid if you think I don’t crave you constantly and want to be here.”

Hermione thought it was potentially the most romantic thing he’d ever said to her. She pulled him closer and smiled. “Stay.”

 

~~~

 

When Hermione walked into her office the next morning, she was immediately smothered by Mazie waving around some bunch of paper, speaking complete gibberish. Hermione pushed her away, trying to clear her head.

“Mazie, what has got into you? I can’t understand a word you’re saying!” Mazie huffed and shoved the bundle of paper into Hermione’s hands, making it clear that it was a newspaper—The Daily Prophet. Hermione straightened it out to read the front page of the Society section, her eyes widening. The photograph took up a large portion of the page, showing two figures in a small, rounded booth. The man, clearly Severus, reached over to the woman next to him, definitely Hermione, and cupped her jaw, leaning in to press a kiss against her throat. The moving photo repeated, once again showing the tender moment. Whoever had taken the photo must have sat close to them, as it was clear as day. There was no mistaking it, or claiming it wasn’t her and Severus. Her eyes reluctantly read the title:

FORMER DEATHEATER CHARMS WAR HEROINE?

Dear readers, one of our reporters was out for dinner when she caught the most salacious story! Hermione Granger, Order of Merlin First Class and War Heroine was seen having dinner Tuesday night with her former professor and reformed Deatheater, Severus Snape! Our insider claims they couldn’t keep their hands off of each other and that they were clearly romantically involved. The photo they captured confirms their claims.

Hermione groaned, throwing the newspaper onto her desk. “Lovely.” Mazie, who had been waiting patiently, piped up.

“Well, it was going to come out eventually, but at least they got a good picture! You should cut it out and keep it!” Hermione glanced back at the photograph. It was rather charming. With a reluctant sigh, she took out her wand and carefully cut the picture out with a charm, tossing the rest of it back at Mazie.

“I managed to stay out of the papers for the longest time!” she huffed, sliding the photo into her office drawer. “Severus is going to hate this.”

 

~~~

 

Severus did, indeed, hate this.

Winona had silently tossed him the paper when he walked in the front door, a knowing look on her face.

He hated that Hermione’s reputation could get dragged through the mud by being associated with him. She was listed as a War Heroine; he was listed as a Former Deatheater.

Having his private business publicly displayed made him want to hermit himself away and never show his face again. He didn’t need the photographic reminder that he was so much older than her, nor the written one that he used to be her teacher and associated himself with the worst types of people.

Before he had met Dr. Schwartz, he might have decided that Hermione had no good reason to be around him and cruelly broken it off to protect them both. He knew that such action would grant him one of those patronizing eyebrow raises from the woman, so he did something she’d be happy with instead. He took a moment in his office to gather himself before tossing the paper in the trash bin.

It didn’t matter that some strangers may or may not think him unworthy of her. Hermione had clearly chosen him on some level, and that had to be enough. It had to matter that she willingly spent time with him over and over again. Her actions had to mean something, otherwise he might start making assumptions about what she wanted from him, and Dr. Schwartz would rip him a new one if he let his insecurities cloud his judgement.

Pulling open one of his desk drawers, he pulled out an oblong box and glanced inside. Maybe it was time to try something new.

 

~~~

 

Dr. Schwartz was laughing over her breakfast, having just received The Daily Prophet. “Don’t be surprised when you see me in the papers for being a romantic war hero again.” She said to herself, mocking Severus’ low voice. She was, of course, very happy for him. The woman in the photo looked at him with such sincere affection, something Severus had not received much of in his life.

She would kick his ass if he messed it up.

Chapter 14: Reverence

Summary:

I'm excited to hear what you guys think of this chapter! Love all your comments so far.

Hermione had looked up at the sound of a throat clearing and internally groaned. Harry and Ron stood in the doorway of her office in their Auror robes. Mazie glanced up and immediately went back to work, pretending they weren’t there.

“Hey Harry, Ron.” Hermione said, turning in her chair to face them. “What’s up?” She knew full well what was up.

“Snape? Really?” Ron asked, exasperated. “C’mon ‘Mione!” Hermione’s face hardened, her body tense.

“I don’t recall asking for your opinion, Ron.” She said coldly.

“I think what Ron is trying to say,” Harry interrupted. “Is when were you going to tell him that you were dating Snape?” Ron nodded.

“Yes, that.”

Hermione gritted her teeth. “As I recently told Harry, it’s not just my business to share. You were going to find out when we felt like having you find out. Harry only knew because he saw something he shouldn’t have.” She understood, to an extent. Of course they wanted to know who she was seeing, they were her friends, but a huge part of her wanted to keep Severus to herself. While the idea of being publicly his was appealing, they weren’t official enough for such declarations. She didn’t even know what they were, if she were honest. It didn’t make sense to tell people that she was dating Severus when she didn’t even know what to call it.

“But honestly, how are you with him of all people? He’s old!” Ron said, baffled. Hermione glared.

“The age of the men that I spend my time with is not your business.” She responded curtly. Harry sighed and grabbed Ron’s arm.

“Sorry about this, Hermione. Maybe we can talk later.” Hermione forced a smile.

“Thanks.” He pushed Ron out of the room and peaked his head around the door. “I thought you looked pretty happy in that photo, so he must be doing something right.”

He was, Hermione thought. She just didn’t know how she could possibly explain what Severus did for her to them. A part of her wanted them to know, feeling the strain her secret was having on their relationship.

Harry and Ron were gone when Mazie piped up, “I got an invite from Severus, I’ll be there on Sunday.” she said casually. Hermione closed her eyes and sighed, trying to relax.

“Thanks, Mazie, I’m glad to hear it, honestly.”

“Do you wanna go shopping after work? We can find you something nice to wear.” Hermione paused, considering it. She smiled.

“You know what? I’d like that.” Mazie grinned.

“Don’t tell Severus, just turn up on Sunday with it.” She said with a playful tone. Hermione laughed, imagining his shock.

“You’ve got a deal.”

 

~~~

 

Hermione was grateful that Mazie had brought her shopping, when Sunday came around. She felt confident in her new lingerie, and thought it would help her feel more comfortable about what she was going to do that night. She had slid a simple dress over her purchases, and packed a few things into a small duffle bag, including an emerald green, knee-length, silk bathrobe to wear as a cover. Severus had told her to show up half an hour early and meet him in the theatre while he set everything up. He had closed the club for the night, placing a discreet sign on the door. Hermione walked past the lobby and into the theatre room, seeing Janine and Severus talking while they did a safety check on the hooks and rings attached to the ceiling above the lit-up dais. He was wearing black trousers and a button up shirt. It was simple, but Hermione thought he looked incredibly handsome. They turned at the sound of her footsteps.

“Hermione,” Severus said, approaching her. He placed a hand on her shoulder and began to direct her to sit with him on one of the couches in the room. “We’ve got a few things to discuss before we begin.” Hermione smiled and pecked his cheek in greeting.

“Of course, go ahead.” she said, leaning into him.

“How are you feeling about the use of honorifics tonight?” Hermione shrugged.

“The usual is fine, I don’t have a preference.” He nodded.

“I’m going to suspend you tonight. I know we haven’t done any fully suspended ties before, do you trust me to execute it?” Hermione nodded.

“Yes.”

“Do you have any questions for me?” Hermione thought for a moment then shook her head.

“No, but I would like music in the background, did you have any planned?”

“Yes, we’ll have music. Now, Janine is going to finish setting up, and I want some time alone with you before we begin. Come.” Severus helped her up and led her to the Mauve Room. She pulled her bag over her shoulder and followed. He had rarely brought her into this room, as she had a preference for the Peach Room or his bedroom over all else. The Mauve Room was dedicated to sensory play.

Severus led her to stand in front of a large mirror in one corner of the room, then moved to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Hermione leaned back against him and dropped her bag to the floor, staring at the picture they made.

“What’s this about, sir?” she asked, comfortable but a tad confused. He leaned in to nibble her ear lobe, his hands roaming her torso.

“I want you to see what everyone else will tonight.” He replied, his left hand pushing up the hem of her dress. Hermione’s eyes followed the movement up her thigh. “A reminder, of sorts,” Hermione wasn’t entirely sure she understood, but when he went to unzip the back of her dress, she allowed it to slide off of her and onto the floor, revealing the lacy underthings she had bought earlier in the week. Seeing the look of surprise in Severus’ face, she smiled.

“Do you like them?” She wore a matching set in rose gold, the bra a lacy and delicate balconette, slightly transparent, and the bottoms much the same. It brought out the warmth in her skin and looked utterly lovely on her. Severus groaned quietly, burying his face in the crook between her shoulder and neck.

“You look delectable, Pet.” he said, pressing himself against her backside. “I’m tempted to cancel and keep you in this room for the rest of the night.” Hermione hummed happily.

“Now tell me what this is all about?” she said, gesturing to the mirror. Severus trailed his fingers down her arms, causing little goosebumps in their wake, then pulled her wrists together and raised them up to wrap around his neck. Hermione leaned back into his chest, leaving her hands where he’d left them. Severus splayed his hands on her waist.

“Look at yourself.” He said, one of his hands shifting up to cup her breast, the other moving to cross over her body and wrap around the base of her throat. Hermione’s eyes widened. It was one thing to experience the sensation of him touching her, but seeing it was another thing entirely. The hand at her throat, resting without pressure, felt less like choking and more like ownership. Glancing up to meet Severus’ eyes in the mirror, she saw desire etched into his face. He wanted her, as she was now, the version of her in the mirror. The hand at her breast slid down to brush under the edge of her panties, teasing.

“Are you prepared for others to see you looking just like this? For them to look at you with desire, envy, lust?” Severus asked, his voice low and melodious. Hermione looked herself up and down in the mirror, noting the parts of her body she didn’t like as well as the parts she did, trying to see herself with fresh eyes.

She saw the way her hips dipped in and out, the softness of her upper arms and thighs, the hints of muscle throughout her form, and the jut of her hip bones. She looked at it all and smiled. If Severus wanted her just like this, then so did she. If Severus wanted her this way, then surely other people would to. He had impeccable taste, after all.

“Yes,” she breathed.

Severus released her and stepped in front of her.

“Yes, what?” He said, raising an eyebrow. His hand trailed over the front her throat again, landing at her jaw and jerking it up so that she had no choice but to look him in the eye. Hermione’s breath hitched.

“Yes, sir.” She corrected. Severus leaned in, their lips brushing.

“Good girl.” He purred, pressing his lips to hers in a searing kiss. He pulled her closer with a hand on her low back. Hermione moaned softly against his lips.

The kiss was shorter than she would have liked, as Severus pulled back with a sigh. “It’s almost time.” Hermione nodded and walked over to her bag, pulling out the green bathrobe and pulling in on, tying the sash loosely.

“Remember that you can safe word at any time, regardless of our audience.” Severus said, grabbing her duffle bag and tossing it over his shoulder. Hermione smiled.

“Yes, sir.” He kissed the top of her head and lead her out of the room.

“You’ll do well, Pet.” Hermione felt calm and ready. He believed in her, and she believed him.

 

~~~

 

Being on top of the round, lit up stage was just as daunting as Hermione thought it might be. While the stage lights made it hard to see those around her, she could see her acquaintances seated comfortably. Mazie waved excitedly from the darkness. Hermione smiled and gave her a tiny wave back.

To one side of the dais was a rack with a myriad of ropes, hanging over a rod by their bights. Above their head was a secured ceiling hook, circular and trisected like a curved peace symbol, a few ropes hanging from it as well.

Severus had chosen jazz music and played softly in the background. Hermione took a deep breath and decided to focus on it if she ever started thinking too much. Hermione stood patiently to the side of the dais while Severus made a few last-minute adjustments. Once he was satisfied, he signaled for her to approach him with two fingers. She moved to stand in front of him and tilted up her chin to look at him.

“What’s your color, Pet?” he asked quietly. Hermione smiled reassuringly.

“Green, sir.” Severus hummed in approval before reaching down to loosen the tie on her robe and pushing it off her shoulders to the floor. Hermione held her breath, not sure what she was anticipating. She glanced over to her audience of three—Jared, Mazie, and Janine—and forced herself to exhale. Severus brought her attention back to him as he evened out the ends of a rope, ready to begin.

“Ready, Pet?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Hands behind your back.” He commanded. When she obeyed, he walked around her to adjust her arms and check in that she wasn’t straining. Then, he began to tie.

It was a patient process, one that had Hermione drifting into her own world. Once he finished with her chest, he grabbed more rope and slid down to his knees in front of her. That got her attention. He smirked up at her and ran his hands up her bare thighs, squeezing lightly. Wrapping a rope around her lower thighs, he began to tie her legs together all the way up to her hips.

By the time he had finished, she was lifted off the ground, her toes only a couple inches from the flour, and leaning back in a gentle backbend that hinged at her hips. Hermione had long forgotten about their audience, and had closed her eyes, trusting the ropes to hold her.

She could see why people did this—She felt deeply relaxed from the dual sensation of weightlessness and pressure. She was so deep in her tranquility that she almost didn’t hear Severus’ voice near her ear.

“You look stunning, Pet, wrapped in my ropes, in my dungeon...All mine.” Hermione shivered as his words washed over her.

“All yours, sir.” she whispered.

It was in that moment she understood her own desires much better than before. When negotiating their contract for the first time, Severus had asked her to elaborate on her thoughts about exhibitionism. Back then she had told him that the idea of being on display was appealing to her, though she hadn’t been sure why it intrigued her. Now she knew—She didn’t want to be on display, she wanted to be seen as his. It was ownership. She wanted to be seen as belonging to someone in a way which was undeniable. If someone saw her engaging in this way with Severus, it was obvious that they were each other’s. This was what she craved.

She wanted her peers to know she belonged to Severus Snape. She wanted to be seen under his skilled hands, knowing that such a tactile and knowledgeable man could have any woman as his submissive, but he had chosen her.

A warm feeling spread through her chest, a sense of deep affection that consumed her. Hermione suddenly wanted down from the ropes, not because something was wrong, but because something was so right that she wanted to consume him.

She wondered if he had been reading her mind when he began to, unprompted, lower her to the ground and release her binds. He took his time, but it was still a quick process. Severus picked up her robe from the floor and helped her place her arms in it, tying it for her around the front. Bending down at the waist, he lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the room. Hermione waved to her friends with a smile. Mazie called across the room.

“Good job, Hermione!” It filled Hermione with more of the warm feeling. It felt so good to have a friend who saw this part of her and cheered it on, instead of showing up to her office to question her about her choices. The feeling felt an awful lot like home.

When Severus finished giving her some basic aftercare in the Mauve Room, she straddled his lap and pushed her hands into his hair, trying to communicate the way she felt with her kiss. He kissed her back, his arms wrapping around her tightly. When they finally pulled away to breathe, she leaned her forehead against his and tried her best to vocalize her thoughts.

“Let me be yours, Severus.” She started, her thumbs at his temples. “Let me belong to you, unequivocally, perpetually. Let me have you exclusively.” she waited for him to respond with bated breath. He seemed to stop moving for a long moment.

“Yes,” he breathed out, his voice desperate and full of emotion, “yes.”

It was minutes later that he apparated them to his home, practically dragging Hermione to the bedroom and undressing them both. Severus settled himself between her legs and pulled her into a passionate kiss. She hooked her legs around his waist and felt him pressed again her warm flesh. Severus moaned, kissing the base of her neck before leaning back in order to guide himself into her heat.

“Severus,” Hermione gasped, reaching out for him. He let her embrace him, his arms slipping underneath her to hold her body against himself as he rocked in and out of her. She pulled him in for another kiss, rolling her hips to create more friction.

Panting, they pulled back, their eyes meeting. The tenderness she saw in his eyes was mirrored in her own—unyielding desire and longing paired with deep affection.

Later, when she peaked, pulling him with her, she would be struck with the thought that it felt different this time. It was reverent.

Chapter 15: Ownership

Summary:

We venture into new territory today! Hope you enjoy, and please let me know what you think in the comments!

Content Warning: A very mild take on Pet Play.

“Hermione says she’ll do it.” Janine looked up from her desk with a smile.

“Perfect, tell her thank you for me.” she responded. Severus nodded, then left the room, heading back to his office and grabbing his things. As he made to leave through the front door, Winona stopped him.

“Severus, real quick, I need you to look at something for me.” He stopped and approached her desk.

“Yes?” she pushed a mock-up of the event flyer towards him. It was colored with indigos, ceruleans, and pinks and boasted their shibari suspension demonstration, opportunities for personal experiences (Severus assumed this must be Rhea’s contribution, offering her services as a professional Dominatrix), food and drink, and live music. Overall, it looked good; it just needed a few tweaks. He noticed the date on it was in two weeks.

“It’s good, will she be able to pull everything together in two weeks?” Severus said, looking back up to Winona. She nodded.

“Yeah, she’s already got most of it lined up, actually. Even has an interview with the Daily Prophet to promote it.”

“Good, thank you, Winona.” he gave her back the flyer and headed out for the day. He had an appointment with a jeweler to keep.

 

~~~

Later in the week, Severus sat in Dr. Schwartz office.

“So, you two are official, then?”

“There hasn’t been talk of ‘being an item’, per se, but she said ‘let me belong to you, unequivocally, perpetually. Let me have you exclusively.’”

The words had been burned into his mind from the moment she spoke them. With how often he had been repeating it in his mind, it was no surprise that he had memorized the phrase. Dr. Schwartz hummed.

“And what did you say to that?” Severus gave her an incredulous look.

“I said yes, of course.” like it was obvious that no man would say no to such a declaration. She smiled at him, humorous.

“And you don’t see how that would make you two an official couple?” Severus rolled his eyes and leaned back into the couch.

“I do.” He said, trying not to insert a ‘but’. He continued speaking in an attempt to move the conversation away from his insecurity, “I purchased her a collar.” Dr. Schwartz eyebrows shot to her hairline.

“Really?” she asked, clearly intrigued.

“20 karat gold chain, custom-made.” She stared at him, disbelief. After a moment she composed herself and responded.

“Severus, you’re telling me you had a custom collar made by a jeweler for this woman and you somehow think it might not be a serious relationship?” Severus opened his mouth to speak, then closed it, silent.

“I have my doubts regarding how long she will want me, but I’m making an effort to listen to your advice and not jump to assumptions.” he finally said, not looking at her. “I am trying to believe her when she makes it clear that she wants me.”

“Good, Severus.” Dr. Schwartz said, placing her clipboard on her desk and leaning forward in her chair, a glint in her eyes. “Now, when were you going to tell me that she is Hermione Granger?”

 

~~~

 

"I wanted to ask you about something,” Hermione said from her place next to him on his couch.

“Yes?”

“When we negotiated our contract, you listed ‘Daddy’ as an honorific.” Ah, straight to the point, Severus thought. “And I never would have seen you as the type. I suppose I’m just wondering where that came from for you?” Severus let out a soft laugh.

“It’s a remnant from a previous play partner,” he began to explain. “She was looking for a disciplinarian style dynamic and enjoyed age play. It is an honorific I’d be open to using again, though I prefer ‘Sir’.” Hermione nodded, leaning into his side. He brushed a hand through her hair. “Are you asking because you’re interested in exploring it?”

“Not now, no. I think I’d like to try it at least once, but I think I’d actually like to explore Pet Play first.” she replied. Severus chuckled, and Hermione looked up at him, confused.

“What? Did I say something wrong?” He shook his head and moved to stand.

“Stay here, I’ll return shortly.” Baffled, Hermione stayed put, listening to him open a door and then what sounded like a drawer. When he returned, it was with an oblong box in his hands. He handed it to her and sat back down. “I had the same idea recently and purchased this for you. Open it.” Hermione hesitated, but gently pried off the lid of the box.

“Oh.” she gasped, staring at the contents of the box. It was a tail. More accurately, it was a stainless-steel plug with a fluffy reddish-brown tail attached to it. When she touched it, it was incredibly soft. Hermione looked back up at Severus, mouth dry. He smirked and reached over to cup her cheek.

“What are you thinking, Pet?” Pet. Hermione was speechless for a long moment, trying to organize her thoughts.

What she eventually managed was, “Yes.”

“We’ll need to negotiate a few things quickly, then we can begin.” He noted. Hermione blinked.

“Wait, right now?” Severus chuckled.

“No better time than the present.” Hermione wanted to but had a concern that couldn’t be ignored. It was, however, rather embarrassing. They had never crossed the threshold into anal play and so she wasn’t...prepared. Her cheeks flushed and she looked away from his prying eyes.

“I, um...I’m not, ready.” she gestured loosely to her lower half. Instead of calling it off, or making her feel uncomfortable for her admission, he stood and approached one of the many bookshelves in the room and plucked a small book from a low shelf. He sat back down and flipped through the book, landing on a page and placing it open on her lap.

“You are a witch, are you not?” Hermione gaped at the page in front of her. It was a voiding spell for her bowels. She glanced at the front cover and understood--It was a book filled with spells specifically for sex. “Take the book and the plug with you to the bathroom,” Severus said, not an ounce of discomfort in his tone. “There’s lubricant in the medicine cabinet. I want you to meet me back here wearing nothing but your new tail.” Despite her embarrassment, Hermione felt desire. She wanted to do it, and she was brave. She could do it. When she moved to stand, he stopped her.

“Before you do, may I call you Kitten?” he asked politely. It had been one of her honorifics in the contract, though he hadn’t seemed much inclined to use it until now. Feeling a bit out of her depth with all the new information, but definitely excited and interested, she agreed.

“Yes, sir.”

“Perfect. Now go, Pet, I’ll be waiting for you.”

Hermione thought she might die of embarrassment when she realized that he was in the other room, fully aware that she was performing a spell to clean herself. Did it stop her from wanting to try? No, but her cheeks and chest were going pink. Having performed the spell and feeling the oddest sensation rush through her lower half, Hermione rummaged through the cabinet to find the lube. She found it quickly and considered the plug. It wasn’t large or intimidating, which Hermione appreciated. She’d never done anal of any kind with her past partners and had only explored on her own once or twice. She felt confident that she would have no issues with the size of it. It was about as long as her ring finger and an inch wide at its thickest point. Coating it generously with lubricant, she propped up one leg and pressed it in, bearing down. It slid in easily, and Hermione sighed in relief. Washing her hands, she put everything away and, leaving the book on the counter, she left the room with the tail swishing between her legs. Its soft fibers felt lovely against the back of her thighs, and she found she already liked the sensation. She walked back into Severus’ living room, wringing her hands in front of her. He was still on the couch, his feet propped up on the coffee table, and was reading a book. He looked up upon hearing her footsteps. He gave her a small smile.

“Pet, you look lovely, come here.” he gestured to the empty spot on the couch next to him. Hermione obeyed and kneeled on the couch, facing him

“Yes, sir.” Severus reached into his pocket and pulled out a thin leather collar with a chain attached to the front. He must have left the room while she was in the bathroom, because there was no way he had just been carrying a leash around in his pockets. Hermione stared at it. Did she want it? Oh, absolutely. She imagined what she would look like, completely nude except for a soft tail and a leather and chain leash and collar. Fuck. She was already beginning to feel the blood rush to her lower half, warmth pulsing around the plug. Her mouth went dry. Severus was already wrapping the collar loosely around her throat and closing it.

“What do you think, my lovely little kitten?” he cooed, a finger slipping beneath the leather collar to test how tight it was. “Give me a color.” Hermione smiled.

“Green, sir.” He seemed pleased at her response.

“Good.” Then, without warning, he tugged hard on the chain, forcing her body to fall across his lap. Hermione gasped loudly, feeling the leather press tightly against the back of her neck for a quick moment, then found herself splayed across his lap with her arse in the air. Severus ran his hands across her back, stopping to stroke the tail. Unexpectedly, he pushed against the base of the plug, causing Hermione to jerk in his lap and gasp shakily.

“Sir!” She was already starting to feel the heady rush of arousal in her body before he did it, but the movement had her thighs clenching. Enjoying her reaction, he did it again, taking great pleasure in the way she squirmed in his lap. She looked delicious, laid across him like this. Seeing the soft tail stick out from between her cheeks already had his prick hardening in his trousers.

“Here’s what I want from you, Pet,” Severus began, flipping up her tail so that he could brush his fingers along her entrance. “You’re going to undo my trousers and lick at my cock on your knees like the pretty little kitten you are, understood?” Hermione grinned. She could do that.

“Yes, sir!” She replied happily, shifting off his lap and settling on her knees between his legs. She made quick work of the buttons and zipper on his trousers and pulled out his half-hard cock. Deciding that the best course of action was to imitate a cat as best as possible, she left her hands on the ground and leaned forward to place little licks along his shaft. Severus shifted forward slightly on the couch to give her better access. Hermione intentionally looked up to meet his eyes while she swiped her tongue around the tip, pulling a soft groan from him. As she continued to lap at him and coat him in her saliva, his cock hardened further. She could practically smell his arousal. By the time he had her stop, she could feel her own wetness between her thighs. Serving Severus in this way turned her on for reasons she couldn’t place, and the added sensation of the plug in her arse only made it better.

Pressing her hands into his thighs, Hermione pushed herself up to stand and allowed Severus to pull her down to straddle his lap. He kissed her, their tongues brushing. Severus reached down to press against her plug again, causing her to clench involuntarily.

“Please, sir...” she began, fulling intended to beg him to fuck her, but he interrupted her.

“Be a good pet,” he said, nipping at her earlobe. “And warm my cock for me while I read my book.” Hermione’s eyes widened. He had talked about doing this to her before—burying his cock in her and then torturing her with its presence without any relief. Unable to stop herself, she whimpered at the thought. He smirked, his eyes dark with desire, and helped her lower herself onto his hard prick. They both moaned as he settled deep inside of her. Hermione’s heart was beating quickly and she almost felt dizzy with arousal, hyperaware that two of her holes were filled and pulsing with need. She shifted, trying to find some friction or relief, but he stopped her, tutting.

“Now, now, be a good kitten and stay still.” Hermione tensed, trying to fight the urge to rock against him. Instead, she placed her hands on his chest and curled up against him, her nose nuzzling his neck. Severus accio’d his book and opened it to a bookmarked page, his arms wrapped around her.

Hermione had to try very hard not to move, and he didn’t make it easy on her. As she rested against his chest, he held his book in one hand and use the other one to touch her body, running his fingers along her spine. Every once in a while, he would stroke her tail or reach down to press the plug into her, causing her to keen and whine. Hermione started to notice that she was unintentionally squeezing around him, her muscles contracting and releasing against her will. Unable to stop it, she tried to calm her breathing and relax. It didn’t do any good, she couldn’t ignore the way he filled her so perfectly or the pressure and heat caused by the plug.

Without any warning, Severus started to press against the plug repeatedly, sending sparks of pleasure up her spine. Hermione moaned breathlessly, rocking back against him. She waited for him to tell her to stop, but he allowed it and continued to play with the toy, even pulling it out halfway before thrusting it back into her. Hermione was a whimpering mess, clenching at his shirt tightly.

“Sir!” she gasped out, her thighs tightening around his hips. His response was teasingly and low.

“Yes, Kitten? What do you need?” Severus thrust the plug in and out of her again, causing her to moan shakily.

“Please, fuck me, sir, please!” She begged wantonly, rolling her hips into him, feeling dizzy with arousal. He smirked and suddenly stopped all movement.

“No.” Hermione’s eyes jerked up to meet his in surprise.

“But, sir!” He glared at her in warning. Hermione’s mouth clamped shut. The last time he had given her that look, he had flipped her over and spanked her relentlessly.

“Surely I don’t hear you being ungrateful, Kitten.” He said, his voice husky, and tossed the book to the coffee table. “Now get up and turn around.” Hermione felt the emptiness deeply when she lifted off of him. She stood in front of him and turned around, letting out a squeak of surprise when he pulled her back into his lap again, her back against his chest. He spread her legs over his and maneuvered them so that he could slide himself back into her warm heat with ease. She was soaking wet.

While Severus maintained a cool and collected appearance, he was just as aroused as Hermione, fighting hard against the urge to thrust into her over and over again. He had barely read a word of the book; it was simply an illusion. Instead, he had been focusing on controlling himself and enjoying the way she pulsed around him. Letting her lay back against his chest, he began to pluck at her nipples, peppering kisses along the column of her throat around the leather collar on her neck.

With one hand, he tugged on the chain leash lightly, reminding her of its presence. Hermione moaned loudly and reached a hand down to rub at her clit, desperate for relief. Severus took pity on her and let her play for a while, taking his own pleasure in feeling her squeeze around his cock. When she started to mewl and cry, clearly close to her peak, he forced her off of him onto the couch and stood.

“On your knees.” he demanded. Once Hermione caught her bearings, she obeyed, kneeling away from him on the couch, arching her back, hoping. Severus flipped up her tail and thrust back into her heat. Instead of stilling, he continued to rock his hips against her, hitting her at the perfect angle.

“Oh, fuck!” Hermione cried out, pushing back against him, “Yes!” Severus moaned, giving into his lust, his thrusts frenzied and hard. His hands gripped her hips so tightly, Hermione thought she might bruise, but she was so caught up in her need that she couldn’t find it in herself to care. She reached down to rub her clit again, feeling a deep tension building, clenching down against Severus and the plug.

“Shite!” he hissed, blood rushing in his ears as he came, thrusting through his orgasm to pull her with him. Hermione sobbed, cresting and falling over and over again, her body twitching uncontrollably.

“Oh my god, oh my god!” she gasped out, the waves of pleasure waning, then picking up again, sending her through a second orgasm. Severus kept thrusting, despite having come down from his climax, determined to see her through to the end of it.

When she finally collapsed against the couch, breathing hard, he pulled out and summoned a cloth. He wiped her gently so that she wouldn’t spill their combined juices on the couch. He folded the cloth and ran a soothing hand down her low back, pausing only to tuck himself back into his trousers.

“Are you alright, Pet?” he asked gently. Hermione nodded, otherwise silent. Touching her tail, her said, “Bear down on this for me.” Hermione bit her lip, a bit embarrassed at the idea of him helping her remove the toy but did as he said. Severus pulled it out carefully and placed in in the cloth in his hands. “Can you stand?”

Hermione sighed and pushed herself off of the couch slowly, turning to face him. She looked tired, almost drunk. Severus removed the collar and lease, tossing it to the couch and pulling her close with one arm. “Alright?” she hummed.

“Yes, sir.”

Severus led her from the living room to the bathroom, cleaning and putting away the toy while she used the toilet. Silently, he filled the bath and helped her into it, washing her body with a washcloth and soap. He took care of her patiently, waiting for her to come back to herself. When he pulled her out of the tub and wrapped a towel around her, she smiled at him and leaned up to give him a peck on the lips. “Thank you, Severus,” she said tenderly, moving to hug him. He wrapped his arms around her body and rested his chin on her head.

“You did well, how do you feel?” She shrugged.

“Good, a bit like I’m floating.” he nodded and led her to the bedroom. She sat on the bed patiently while he found some clothes for her to sleep in. She stood and he helped her dress, then settled her under the covers. He summoned a glass of water for her and started undressing.

“Will you be alright while I take a quick shower?” he asked, tossing his clothes into a hamper. Hermione smiled and nodded at him.

“Yeah, I’ll be alright, enjoy your shower.”

Severus showered quickly, not wanting to leave her for long. When he returned to the bedroom to throw on some pants and a shirt, she was already fast asleep. He slipped into bed next to her and pulled her close. She shifted slightly but didn’t wake.

Severus thought of the jewelry box in his side table and wondered if it was time.

Chapter 16: To Belong

Summary:

Thanks to all my regular readers<3 Kudos & Comments are encouraged and welcome!

This is the chain used for the collar: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fc/0c/b3/fc0cb35a3c2197606abf1eb1b5998e31.jpg

Gawain Robards approached Harry’s desk, dropping a small file onto it. “Gonna give you and your team a smaller assignment, give you a break.” He grumbled. “Just a basic security job. Look this over and let me know if you’re willing to take it so I can make the arrangements.” he walked away, leaving Harry with the file. He reached over to slide it closer, flipping it open. There was a brightly colored flyer with a note attached to it. The note read:

Looking for basic security measures and requests the use of non-disclosure charms.

Requested by Janine Rivers

Ensnare

17 Cornelia Street

Putting the note to the side, Harry eyed the flyer.

…An evening to explore the more unusual parts of human sensuality...

...A live suspended shibari demonstration, multiple opportunities for personal experiences, food, drink, and live music...

**Non-disclosure charms will be in use to protect the identities of our patrons and staff.

 

Harry had no idea what he was looking at, and put the file back together, heading to Robard’s office.

“What is this?” he asked, lifting the file into view.

“You haven’t read the paper yet?” Robards shot back. “They’re a membership-based club that caters to some of the more unusual and deviant desires of their patrons. They did an interview in the Daily Prophet about it hoping to encourage attendance.” Harry gave him a look.

“Why are you giving me this of all assignments?” he asked, a grimace on his face. Robards sighed.

“Don’t you think it will make for an interesting night? Thought you might like the oddity of it all.” he responded. “Are you going to do it or not?” Harry shrugged.

“Fine, I’ll do it. I’ll go check out the place today.” Robards waved him off, returning to his own paperwork.

“Do what you’ve got to do, let me know if you need anything.”

Harry approached his desk and pulled his red Auror’s robes off the back of his chair and slid them on. He slipped the file into his briefcase and headed out.

 

~~~

 

“Janine? Sure, let me grab her.” said the secretary. Harry glanced around the tastefully decorated lobby and thought that perhaps it wouldn’t be as weird as he thought. It looked completely normal so far. A few minutes later, she returned with an older woman wearing tie-dye. Harry realized with a start that he recognized her. Wracking his brain, he finally landed on a night a few weeks before—when he had seen Hermione at dinner. This woman had claimed they had shared hobbies. She gave him a warm small and held out her hand for Harry to shake.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Janine.” he took her hand and gave a firm shake, trying not to think about what it might mean.

“Auror Potter. I’m here about your request for event security.” Her eyes opened in surprise, but she said nothing about it.

“Well then, let me show you around so you can get a better scope of the job.” She led him through an archway to the right, and led Harry into a large, cozy room with a rounded stage. A few individuals sat chatting on a couch, but it was mostly empty. It was the late afternoon, so Harry imagined most of their patrons wouldn’t show up until later.

“This is where the majority of the event will take place. We’ll need security at the front to monitor the non-disclosure charms, as well as general security in this room. She led him down a hallway of doors, showing him each room, stunning Harry to silence. He now understood what this place was, it was a kink club. He rubbed a hand over his face, Jesus Christ, he swore internally. Robards was right, it would make for an interesting night.

Janine led him into a blue room, explaining that they would be open for use, but that they only really needed security at the entrance of the hallway. Janine had just walked out of the door when Harry heard a voice he definitely recognized.

“Janine, there you are. I’m considering adding another spanking bench to the Peach Room and wanted your opinion on the design.” Harry stepped out from behind Janine, grimacing. Severus Snape stood in the hallway, a clipboard in hand. Looking up, the man’s eyebrows practically hit his hairline.

“Dammit, Janine, what is Potter doing here?” the man exclaimed the moment he caught sight of Harry. Janine cringed.

“The ministry assigned him to us for event security.”

Severus thought he might break something. He made eye contact with Harry and glowered. Harry stepped forward, wanting to fix the situation despite his discomfort. “Look, Snape, we can just pretend I saw nothing when I leave today.” Instead of making it better, Harry worried he made it worse when Severus gave Harry a withering look.

“No, Potter, we can’t. This is my club.” Harry’s eyebrows shot up. “You are going to stay here with Janine until I get back. We have something very important to discuss.” Snape stomped away, clearly angry. Janine paused in awkward silence.

“Would you care for a drink?” Harry rubbed his face and sighed.

“Yeah, sure.”

 

~~~

 

Doria S.: So, tell us more about Ensnare, what type of club is it?

Janine R.: We actually cater towards those of us who participate in the BDSM community.

Doria S.: Oh! Can you tell us more about that?

Janine R.: Sure, we had our start a few years ago. Places like Ensnare exist all over the world, but my co-owner and I had a hard time finding any near us and decided to start our own. The experience we’re promoting is an opportunity to check it out and see what we do.

Doria S.: and what can we expect to see?

Janine R.: Well, we have a wonderful pair who will be demonstrating the art of Shibari—A form of rope bondage that originated in Japan. We will also have a Professional Dominatrix providing our guests with short experiences with things like impact play, bondage, and more if they’re interested. If not, we will also have non-alcoholic cocktails, food, and a smooth jazz band.

Doria S.: Wow! That’s sounds like a very unique experience! Is there anything else you want our readers to know?

Janine R.: We recognize that privacy is a large concern, so we will be implementing a non-disclosure charm to ensure the identities our of patrons, staff, and guest are protected. This does mean, however, that if you’re curious, you won’t hear about it through word of mouth. You’ll only get the chance see what happens if you attend!

“Hermione, look!” Mazie’s voice cut through her focus. Hermione looked up to see Mazie pointing at a crow patronus in the center of their office. Hermione stared, then sat up straight as it began to speak in Severus’ voice.

“Hermione, I need you to come to the club immediately. It’s urgent.” Hermione and Mazie locked eyes. They both spoke at the same time.

“I need to go--”

“I’ll let the boss man know you’re heading out early--”

Hermione grabbed her things and sprinted out of the room, “Thanks, Mazie!”

 

~~~

 

Severus waited impatiently in the lobby, driving Winona mad with his pacing.

“You know, pacing isn’t going to make her get here faster,” she drawled. Severus shot her a look. Just as he opened his mouth to retort, Hermione pushed through the front door.

“Severus! Is everything all right?” she panted, having run down the street from her apparition point. If it was possible to look relieved and full of dread at the same time, he did. He shook his head, frustrated, and led her into the theatre with a hand on her low back. Hermione’s brow furrowed.

“Severus, tell me what’s going o--,” she suddenly gasped, having seen Harry and Janine sitting at the bar. “Harry?!” she shrieked. She looked back and forth between Harry and Severus. Severus raised his hands in the air, as if to say don’t look at me, I didn’t do this. Her voice drew the other two’s attention, and Harry made eye contact with Hermione, a look of complete shock on his face.

Sensing that this might blow up very quickly, Janine stood between them. “Alright, let’s take this to my office.” When no one moved, she glared. “Now.” As she herded them towards her office, Harry and Hermione shared bewildered looks. Severus closed the door behind them and stood, his arms crossed.

“Hermione, Harry and his team has been assigned to us for event security.” Janine explained. Hermione groaned loudly.

“Oh, you have got to be kidding me!” Harry looked put out.

“Anyone want to explain to me what this has to do with Hermione?” he said, annoyed. Severus and Hermione shared a look, and Hermione sighed.

“Harry, this is why I told you I couldn’t explain how I reunited with Severus.” She began. “This is what brought us together. We’re performing at the event together.” Harry’s face contorted in discomfort.

“Thankfully,” Hermione continued in a sarcastic tone. “He’s just tying me up, so hopefully it won’t scar you too much.”

“I did not have ‘find out my friend hangs out at a BDSM dungeon’ on my to-do list today.” he said, moodily. Hermione rolled her eyes.

“And I didn’t have ‘find out my best friend is going to see me half naked and tied to the ceiling’ on mine!” she retorted. Severus snorted, and Janine looked on like she was waiting for them to enter a fist fight. Instead, the two friends just glared at each other until they both burst out laughing, unable to maintain seriousness in the face of absurdity any longer.

“Are we good?” Hermione asked, giving Harry a hopeful look. He grinned at her.

“Absolutely, but you’ve gotta let Ginny come to this thing, she’d love it.” he responded, light-hearted. Hermione gave him an odd look.

“Ginny? No way, are you serious?” Harry gave her a conspiratorial look and nodded.

“Oh, yeah, she’d be all over parts of this.” A brief pause. “But seriously, do you really let him tie you up?” he asked, pointed a thumb at Severus.

“Oh, she lets me do more than that.” Severus interjected with a smirk. Janine was amused but refused to intervene. Hermione looked horrified.

“Severus!”

Harry hacked, having choked on his own spit. Severus pulled Hermione close.

“Come home with me? I have something for you.” Hermione smiled.

“Only if you promise we can get take-out for dinner.”

“You have yourself a deal.” He kissed the top of her head. Janine cleared her throat.

“If that is all, I’ll escort you out, Mr. Potter.” Harry glanced over at Hermione and smiled.

“Right. I’ll see you later, Hermione.”

“Bye, Harry.” Severus and Hermione followed them out of Janine’s office, but Severus pulled her towards his own office, saying he just needed to grab his things and then they could apparate home. They said goodbye to Winona as they walked out the door, and were soon sitting in Severus’ kitchen with containers of food, having made a quick stop on their way.

“I cannot believe that they assigned us Harry for security, what are the chances?” Hermione shook her head, taking a bite of food. “Can you imagine if we didn’t know until he showed up the day of?” she continued around her food. “I think I would have thrown up.” Severus chuckled, and they discussed it more throughout their meal. Severus cleaned up after them, telling Hermione he’d meet her in the bedroom. She ended up sprawled across his bed, letting out the tension from the day with a heavy sigh. When Severus walked into the room, she rolled over onto her back. He sat down on the bed next to her and placed a hand on her stomach.

“I have something I need to give you.” he reminded her, “Sit up, please.” Hermione pushed herself up, confusion on her face while she tried to work out what it could possibly be. Severus cupped her cheek, leaning into to press his lips against hers softly. When he pulled back, he said, “It is not something I give to you lightly.” Reaching into the drawer of his side table, Severus pulled out a large, square jewelry box, placing it in Hermione’s hands. Her eyebrows furrowed, unsure of what was happening.

“Severus, what--” he cut her off.

“Please just open it.” Hermione looked between him and the box then carefully pried it open. She gasped, looking back up at him.

“Severus! You...Is this, is this a collar?” she asked, astonished. The box held the most beautiful piece of jewelry she’d ever seen. It was an incredibly delicate gold chain with a hoop in the center.

“It is your collar.” Severus corrected her, brushing her hair back from her face. “Do you understand?” Hermione bit her lip. She thought she did but wanted to be sure.

“Tell me.” she said. “I want to know exactly what this means to you.” Severus had thought about it for weeks. What did it mean for him to give her this collar?

“You told me that if I ever wanted to keep you, you would be honored to wear my collar.” He began, maintaining eye contact. “I already knew back then that I wanted keep you.” He took a deep breath.

“Let me belong to you, unequivocally, perpetually. Let me have you exclusively.” he repeated, hoping she understood the depth of his feelings. Hermione smiled back at him, her eyes full of emotion.

“Yes,” she responded. Severus relaxed immediately, pulling her in for another kiss. Hermione pulled away, handing him the jewelry box. “Put it on me, please.” Severus gently picked up the collar from the box and showed Hermione that the ring in the middle was also a sliding clasp.

“If you ever need to remove it for any reason, this is how.” Hermione lifted her hair off of her next and he slid the chain around it, carefully closing the clasp and letting it rest against her collarbone. It looked absolutely lovely on her, just like he imagined it would. She let her hair drop and reached up to cup Severus’ cheek.

“I’m all yours, Severus.” She said, a reverent quality to her voice. “You can keep me.” Reaching out to him, she pulled him to lay on the bed beside her, hooking a leg around his waist.

“Hermione?” she hummed, listening. “Promise me you’ll wear it, always.” When she looked into his eyes, Hermione realized that Severus was anxious. Did he think she was bluffing? She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

“Yes, Severus, always.”

Severus held her close that night, as though he thought she would run away at any given minute. A small part of him, the part that had been abandoned, used, and abused, waited for her to decide it was too much commitment and walk away—waited for her to decide she didn’t want to be associated with him. The bigger part of him acknowledged the many ways she proved that she wanted him and held her tighter anyway.

Chapter 17: Testament

Summary:

This chapter is my Valentine's Day gift to my readers. Enjoy!
As always, your comments are loved and appreciated.

Content Warning: Impact Play, Discipline

Mazie noticed the collar immediately. Hermione had barely stepped into their office when Mazie gasped, her eyes locked on to the thin chain which had glinted in the light from beneath her blouse.

“Hermione! Is that a collar?” Hermione smiled.

“Yes, do you want to see it?” Mazie nodded enthusiastically and soon enough they were both gushing over the beautiful piece of jewelry.

“I can’t believe he picked out something so nice, this must have cost so much money.” Hermione chuckled. She could believe it. Severus wasn’t the type to skimp on the things that mattered. All of his personal toys were high quality and custom made by craftsmen. He had a limited wardrobe, but it was all made of expensive fabrics. No, it did not surprise Hermione how nice her collar was, and she appreciated the thought that went into it. She could easily wear it as jewelry without the average person recognizing it for what it was.

“So does this mean you two are more than just a dominant and submissive? Because this is really fancy for two people who aren't an item.” she asked. Hermione nodded and Mazie grinned.

“Jared owes me five galleons. I knew it!” Hermione glared, crossing her arms.

“You did not make bets on my relationship with Severus.”

Mazie scoffed. “Of course I did!”

 

~~~

 

Hermione was in a mood, that afternoon. Wearing her collar made her move with a new confidence, almost a strut. When Severus owled to invite her over for the night, she accepted, and was riding a high for the rest of the workday. She was collared. She was wanted.

She apparated to Severus’ house and walked in without knocking, closing the door behind her and kicking off her shoes, leaving her bag by the front door. “Severus? I’m here.” she called out. His voice responded, informing her that he was in the office. When she opened the office door, he was sitting at his desk, working. He looked up when she entered and gave her a small smile. He leaned back in his chair and patted his thigh.

“Come, sit, I’ll be done in a moment.” Hermione settled onto his knee, peering at his work.

“What are you doing?” He had started signing papers, distracted.

“Just financial paperwork, Pet.” he drawled. Hermione was a little irked that he had invited her over and was half-ignoring her. She fidgeted with her nails, impatient.

“How much more do you need to finish?” Severus glanced over at her; an eyebrow quirked in annoyance.

“Patience, Pet.” was all he said in response. After a minute or two, Hermione started getting antsy, rocking back and forth on his knee. She jumped and squeaked when, without looking away from his work, Severus pinched her arse through her work skirt.

“Stay still.” Hermione did something she was not usually prone to—she pouted, crossing her arms across her chest and staring at the wall. Severus tried to maintain his composure, frustrated by her lack of patience. She was normally more placid than this, and he wondered what had gotten into her. She clearly wanted his attention, but he was unwilling to give it to her so easily if she was going to be childish about it. He felt that she would normally just ask for it instead of expecting him to figure it out.

When he finally finished his paperwork, he pushed it to the side and pulled her into his chest.

“I’m glad you came, Pet. Tell me about your day.” While her body relaxed into him, he could feel her mental resistance.

“It was fine.” Hermione grumbled. Severus raised an eyebrow. So, it would be like this today, then.

“Up.” He said, pressing against her backside to get her to stand. He led her to the kitchen and pulled out leftovers, reheating them and making them each a plate.

If it was possible to eat with an attitude, she pulled it off. Severus wondered how long this would go on, knowing that he would eventually give into her petulance. Due to past experiences, he knew that being polite and caring would push her buttons just the right way, so he brushed her hair out of her face and leaned in to kiss her temple.

“You look lovely today, Princess.” he commented. She huffed.

“Thank you.” Severus held in a laugh at her waspish tone. She was going to get the spanking of a lifetime later. He looked forward to it.

Once they finished eating with their dishes in the sink, he led her to the living room. He relit the fireplace and grabbed a book which contained moving photographs of shibari, sitting on the couch with it. He gestured to the floor beside his legs. “Why don’t you come kneel for me while I pick out a suspension tie for our little event next week?”

Hermione knew she was being petty but couldn’t seem to stop herself. She kneeled beside him without any of her usual grace. She refused to look in his direction and sat silently fuming. Here he was, about to ignore her again for minutes at a time. Why bother asking her to come if he wasn’t going to pay attention to her? Severus began flipping through the book, marking a few pages with his fingers. He held the book down in front of her.

“What do you think of this one?” She glanced at it, her hands crossed in her lap.

“It’s alright.” Severus hummed, flipping to another page.

“And this?”

“It’s fine.” Severus held in a smile. She was making it so easy for him. He looked through a few more pages, finding one he liked quite a bit and felt was doable.

“I believe this would be a good fit, what do you think?” Hermione glared at the page.

“Just pick one! I don’t care!” she snipped. The silence following was deafening, and Hermione seemed to realize her mistake. She had just given him a real reason to punish her. Severus slowly closed the book and stood, returning it to its shelf without reacting or saying a word to her. Hermione still felt irritable, but was frozen, waiting for the ball to drop. She saw his feet first, as they stopped right in front of her downcast gaze. She dared to look up, her eyes trailing up his form before they landed at his face, making proper eye contact for the first time that evening. His expression made her cheeks pale. He was giving her a stern, cold look, his displeasure evident.

“I thought you knew better than to sass me, Princess, but it appears you need a reminder.” his voice was low and dangerous, a clear threat hanging in the air between them. Hermione thought quickly, trying to redeem herself, knowing it was useless.

“No, sir, I--” he cut her off quickly.

“Not. Another. Word.” Hermione’s eyes widened with fear and... arousal? She gulped. That’s new.

“You are going to meet me in the bedroom.” Severus ordered. “And you will crawl.” Hermione bit her lip. “Am I understood?” her voice came out just above a whisper.

“Yes, sir.” She responded meekly.

“Tell me your color.” he demanded. Hermione paused. She was apprehensive. This was not territory they had explored much, as Hermione was not prone to bad behavior. But...She did want to explore it, and she knew she had been bratting him. If she called Red, he would stop immediately, and she did feel aroused at the idea of him punishing her. Knowing this, she replied.

“Green, sir.” With that taken care of, Severus kneeled down next to her and threaded his hands in her hair, close to the scalp. Tugging, he forced her forward so that she had to catch herself on her hands. Leaning close to her, he hissed. “Crawl.” Before she could blink, he had stood and was walking towards the bedroom. Fuck, Hermione cursed internally, forcing herself to follow him and hands and knees, crawling along the floor and up the stairs, feeling completely ridiculous despite the growing heat between her legs. She couldn’t put words to it, but something about the anticipation had her feeling dazed.

Severus stood in the doorway, watching her embarrass herself. He took a sick pleasure out of it, knowing that she was doing it simply because he told her to. She stopped at his feet, sitting back into a kneeling position. If she wasn’t wearing such a delicate collar, he would have grabbed her by its ring, but instead he tugged on her hair again.

“Up.” Hermione got to her feet clumsily, her eyes glued to the ground. “Strip.” he growled. Hermione felt self-conscious, despite Severus having seen her nude plenty of times before. This time it felt like he was trying to make her uneasy. She hurried to obey, quickly tossing off her clothes and letting them pile on the floor. Pressing his hand against her back, Severus encouraged her to walk forward. As soon as she stood in front of the end of the bed, he shoved her between the shoulder blades, pulling a gasp of surprise out of her as she fell over the end of the bed. Severus approached his wardrobe. Hermione knew that he kept most of his toys the lower compartments and dreaded to know what he would pull out from them. She dared to sneak a glance and nearly choked.

A spreader bar. A spreader bar and handcuffs. Severus pulled her arms past her head and closed the handcuffs around her wrists with a click. Reaching around the back of the bed, he pulled out an adjustable chain with a small carabiner on the end. He hooked the carabiner onto the chain between the two cuffs and let go, letting it tighten slightly. Grabbing a pillow, he walked around to the end of the bed and situated it under her hips, keeping them high. Her ankles were quickly enclosed in the cuffs attached to the spreader bar, keeping her feet spread about a meter apart. She felt completely vulnerable, unable to move like this. Sure, she could twist around, but the spreader bar inhibited her movement quite a bit.

“Such a petulant little brat.” Severus spat at her, reaching back into the wardrobe and pulling out a wooden paddle with holes carved out of it to allow it to cut through the air. He turned it around in his hands. “Surely, you didn’t think I’d let you get away with it?” Temporarily leaning it against the edge of the bed, he started with his hands, landing some easy swats across her upper thighs. Once he was satisfied with the color of her skin, he picked up the wooden paddle again. He adjusted his grip and swung.

Smack!

Hermione’s body jerked. “Ow!” she gasped. Severus smirked, starting in on a series of hits with the paddle, giving her very short pauses between each strike. Her legs fought against the spreader bar, trying to kick up. The paddle thudded against her skin, but the holes gave it an additional stinging sensation. It was heavy and shoved her forward each time it landed. Hermione hadn't been counting but thought he must have hit her with the paddle at least twenty times, possibly more, before he spoke again.

“I hope you’re prepared to beg for my forgiveness, Princess.” He said darkly, landing another hit. “Because nothing else will end this.” There was a pause where she heard him pull out another implement, but she didn’t see what it was.

Severus held in his hands a particularly brutal toy, a rattan cane. He knew from personal experience that it stung the most out of the canes that he owned. He couldn’t wait to use it on her.

Hermione’s whole body went taut when she heard the telltale swoosh! of a cane flying through the air.

“Fuck!” she shrieked, immediately feeling a hot stinging stripe across her arse. Her knees shook, her entire lower half straining.

“That doesn’t sound like begging to me.” Severus goaded with a smirk, lining up for the next hit. Hermione had barely caught her breath when it hit her again, just an inch below the previous strike. She cried out loudly, her eyes tearing up.

He gave her five more before she broke.

“Please, sir!” she sobbed, her voice catching “Please! No more!"

She was a mess--Her skin stung and she was overstimulated. Her body had gone limp, unable to keep fighting the punishment. Her eyes were foggy with tears her face was pink. Severus put down the cane. He wasn’t quite ready to let her off the hook, but he could tell she had reached her limit. He ran a hand up her back. He could feel her tremble under his touch.

“Are you ready to apologize?” The malicious tone was gone from his voice. She nodded vigorously.

“Yes, sir, I’m sorry! I’ll behave!” Severus squatted down to release her legs from the spreader bar, brushing his fingers up and down her calves.

“Thank you, Princess. You took your punishment well.” he responded, putting the spreader bar away and returning with the curved glass toy that had made her squirt all over his living room rug some weeks before. He placed the toy on the bed within reach and kneeled between her legs. “Now relax and enjoy.” While he had expected her to be aroused, he was unprepared for just how slick she would be. When he leaned down to lap at her juices, her thighs squeezed around him, Hermione gasping in surprise, her knees bending and toes curling. Severus tutted and spread her apart with his hands, pulling her clit into his mouth and sucking.

“Sir!” Hermione keened, pushing back against him. Severus felt his prick fully harden in his trousers, groaning lowly. He was in heaven, her juices spread across his face and tongue. Tasting her like this was his favorite thing to do to her. Severus reached for the glass toy he had grabbed before and slid it into her entrance, immediately rocking it back and forth. Hermione sobbed loudly in pleasure, and Severus could hear her struggling against her cuffs, the metal clanking loudly.

“Fuck!” she squealed, her hips rolling against his face desperately. With the hand that wasn’t managing the toy, he continued to hold her open, squeezing her tender skin. He pushed the toy against her harder, starting a steady rhythm that had her seeing stars. She began clenching and releasing her muscles around the toy, signaling to Severus that she was close. Even without it, he would have known by the way she had started crying and whimpering nonsensically. He kept up the same pace, feeling and hearing her climax build until her entire body shook.

“Oh! Oh Fuck!” she wailed. Severus felt a gush of liquid against his cheeks but didn’t stop. He saw her through the waves of her orgasm before gently pulling out the toy. He quickly summoned a small towel and wiped her fluids from his face before sliding it gingerly over her thighs. She breathed deeply, relaxing while he carefully cleaned her.

“Shite, Severus.” she said once she had caught her breath. “What the hell was that?” Severus chuckled, standing up and moving to remove the handcuffs and massage her wrists until he was happy with the blood flow.

“That,” he replied, “is what happens when you decide to test me.” Hermione laughed, rolling onto her back with a grin.

“I should do that more.”

Chapter 18: To Be Held

Summary:

This one is a bit shorter, but I hope you enjoy it all the same! Can't wait to see what you think of the end in the comments.

Hermione woke with Severus on Saturday morning. She had stayed the night after he spent the entire evening practicing shibari on her, trying to memorize the part of the design he could do without suspending her.

Hermione wrapped herself around Severus and pecked his cheek. “Good morning...” Severus grumbled and buried his face in her hair. “Wake up!” she all but sang, nuzzling him. “Come on!” Severus huffed and rolled off of her, pushing himself to a seat.

“Fine.” He conceded, voice rough from sleep. Hermione walked past him into the bathroom, starting the shower. Severus found his way into the shower while she was rinsing her hair. He wrapped his arms around her without a word and held her warm body to his.

“Let’s go to brunch today.” he grumbled. Hermione smiled, running her hands over his back.

“Sounds lovely,”

~~~

Severus took Hermione to a lovely café just down the road from Ensnare, buying them each a coffee and breakfast. He had explained his choice earlier in the morning, “I need to stop by the dungeon and thought we could practice the suspension while we’re there.” Hermione had happily agreed, knowing that the club didn’t open until noon. At the most, Janine and Winona might be there.

“Severus,” Hermione started, having just finished a bite of a scone. “I have a question for you about pet play.” Severus raised an eyebrow and took a sip of coffee.

“Yes?”

“Well, isn’t it pretty standard for the honorifics to be Pet and Master?” Severus nodded.

“It’s common.”

“Did you want me to call you Master instead of Sir?” Severus’ eyes immediately darkened, and he frowned.

“No, that’s completely off the table.” he said, his voice becoming stern. Hermione’s brow furrowed.

“Off the table?” Severus sighed, running a hand over his face.

“Hermione,” he started, his voice serious. “Do not ever call me that. I’m setting that as a hard limit.” Hermione didn’t have an issue with that, she preferred ‘sir’ anyway, but was curious about his reaction.

“Why is that?” Severus was not keen on talking about it but knew she would continue to ask if he didn’t satisfy her curiosity.

“Perhaps you should consider my not-so-distant past on this matter.” Hermione’s eyes widened, her body tensing.

“Oh! Severus, I should have realized, I’m so sorry.” she said, obviously alarmed at her lack of foresight. Severus waved hand dismissively.

“It’s fine. Let’s not talk about it anymore.” Hermione nodded, feeling humbled. Of course he wasn’t comfortable discussing it. Besides, he had set it as a limit, that was enough. She didn’t need to know more than that.

~~~

Jamison Turner had been working for the Daily Prophet as a field reporter for six months when he finally found his big break.

It had been entirely by accident that he had ended up at a café on Cornelia Street one Saturday morning and caught sight of Hermione Granger and Severus Snape having brunch. He had been searching for a story for the entirety of his time at the Prophet that would get him noticed and hopefully promoted. He knew that if he could catch them doing something as simple as a kiss, he could write a story. He pulled his camera from his bag and slid it around his neck, waiting.

He managed to snap a boring photo of them talking, but when they failed to do nothing of note, he trailed behind them as they left the shop. They walked down the street and stopped in front of a building. Jamison realized that he might not get another opportunity to photograph them and started snapping away from afar as Snape pulled out a ring of keys and unlocked the door, leading Granger into the building with a hand on her low back. He was able to get multiple clear shots with their faces. He watched the door close and waited for a moment before trying to look casual and walking towards it. He hadn’t recognized the building and wanted the name of the business in case he was able to make a story out of his seemingly boring photos. When he paused to read the lettering on the door, his eyes widened. He had seen that name in the papers just the week before. Ensnare.

He had his story.

~~~

Severus waved his wand broadly and a variety of lights came on in the theatre. He led her to a storeroom in a dark corner of the theatre that was full of racks of ropes in a large variety of colors. “I need to sign a few things that are upstairs in my office. Pull out a few racks for me and place them around the stage while I take care of it, Pet.” Hermione smiled and told him she would. He walked away quickly, and Hermione got to work pulling out the appropriate ropes and placing them where he asked. She waited patiently, sitting on the edge of the dais, for him. He wasn’t gone for long.

“Alright, Princess, let’s get started.”

Hermione pulled off her clothes so that she was just in her underthings and collar. He could do the tie around her clothes, but it would be more of a hassle.

“All ready, sir.”

By the time he had finished, Hermione swore he had been tying knots for an hour. She ended up in a gentle backwards bend, her legs staggered and bent. The angle of the tie kept her hips higher than her head. Her arms were left untied. Severus ran a hand along one of her biceps.

“I was thinking that you would pose your arms instead of tying them.” He gently maneuvered her arms so that one of them was up by her head and the other was laid across her chest, one hand on her sternum. Severus stepped back to admire her. She looked lovely. He circled the platform, checking all angles.

“Perfect.” He said softly to himself. Placing a hand on her stomach, he asked, “How long do you think you can stay here?” Hermione had felt her blood rush towards her head, but not to the point of pain or discomfort. Her body was held in such a way by the ropes that she felt completely comfortable.

“I’m not sure.” she responded. “Let’s find out.” Severus smiled, pleased.

“Let’s.” he checked for a two-finger width in a few spots before settling in one of the comfortable chairs in front of the stage. Bored with the silence, he decided to fill it.

“I’ve considered having you polish my boots, lately.”

“What?” Hermione asked, confused. Severus kicked his feet onto the arm of his chair, considering the leather boots he often wore underneath his trousers.

“Have you read much about leather in the BDSM world?” he asked.

“No.”

“Leather and BDSM are deeply entwined. As you may know, leather requires conditioning. I regularly condition my leather floggers, for example.” Severus explained, looking up at her again, appreciating the view. “It can be a sign of respect or worship for a submissive to shine their dominant’s boots.”

“And for you? What would it mean for you?” Hermione asked, staring at the ceiling.

“My preference would be for you to regularly shine them as well as learn to lace them. When possible, you would assist me by putting them on for me.” Hermione considered it, imagining what it would be like to knee down and slide his boots on, lacing them up. It seemed appealing, almost ritualistic.

“It’s a demonstration of care.” she commented. “If I did this for you, you would feel taken care of.” Severus paused. She was right, but he wasn’t used to her prying his inner thoughts out of his mind like his therapist. He could deny it, and she would still be right, or he could accept it and get what he wanted. A little peeved that vulnerability was the more sensible option, he spoke.

“Yes.” Hermione appreciated the admission. If shining his boots would meet his needs, she could do it. Besides, if she was going to participate in kink, it made sense that she’d have to learn to care for leather at some point.

“I’d love to,” she said, “polish your boots, that is.” Severus hummed, content.

“Would you like to learn tomorrow?” Ah, yes, tomorrow was their usual Sunday. While she normally ended up seeing him a few times a week, they always saw each other on Sundays.

“Sure. Can you take me down, now?” Severus stood and approached her, starting to loosen the rope.

“Do you feel any numbness?”

“No.”

He helped her dress once she was back on the ground again, checking her body for any signs of damage as he did. “How are you feeling? Do you think you can hang for that long next week?” Right, Janine’s event was the following Saturday. Hermione nodded.

“Definitely, the blood rush to my head was just starting to get a bit uncomfortable.”

“We’ll plan to do this same design, then.” Severus said, pleased that it had looked and functioned so well. Hermione leaned up to kiss him.

“I need to run some errands today and clean my apartment. I’ll see you tomorrow at the usual time.” Severus pulled her in for a quick hug.

“Wear clothes you aren’t particularly attached to in case you make a mess with the polish.” she agreed, and they said their goodbyes. Severus stayed at Ensnare, cleaning and putting the ropes away at his leisure.

He thought back to his last conversation with Dr. Schwartz. He had explained his reasonings for keeping Hermione’s identity secret, irked, before she began asking him about how he felt to be with someone romantically again.

“It feels good.”

“But?”

He hadn’t wanted to give a deep, thoughtful answer, but knew Schwartz wouldn’t let him get away with a surface level response to the question.

“How long will it be until she decides that she doesn’t want the commitment?” The unspoken words hung in the air: Until she decides that she doesn’t want me.

“Keep giving her opportunities to show that she wants it and I think she will surprise you.” The Mind Healer had responded. “She can only love you as much as you allow her to.” Loved. Severus had avoided thinking the word, not ready to face that reality.

“How do I give her those opportunities?” he had asked. Dr. Schwartz smiled, pleased with his question.

“You ask her to meet your needs.”

He had asked her to polish his boots.

She had said yes.

Chapter 19: Disclosure

Summary:

Big stuff happening in this one! I really loved the comments on the last chapter, so thank you <3 If there's something you want to see, your best bet is to let me know in the comments. I often take them into account when deciding what to write :)

Content Warning: a hint of properly executed breath play.

Hermione was filled with a sense of gratitude, come Sunday. The day before reminded her that she was being a very unique opportunity to get to know Severus the way she was. She was lucky that he hadn’t pushed her away and that had taken her under his wing and shown her a softer side of himself.

Severus had displayed a lot of vulnerability by being with her, and it didn’t go unnoticed. She was grateful for the man he had become and the dedication he put into being a better person. It probably felt like the easier route to fall into old habits and be a man of the past, but instead he went to therapy and created a business he could be proud of. He nurtured relationships with other people who didn’t use him and taught people to unlock their darkest selves. What more could she ask for?

Having given it much thought, Hermione had decided that she would be honored to care for his boots. It felt metaphorical, caring for his shoes. It was a way she could show him her dedication. He had collared her, and she would shine his boots.

Hermione showed up to his house Sunday evening in jeans and a black t-shirt, kicking her shoes off by the door. She found him sitting in the living room, sipping a mug of tea. There were a few items on the coffee table—a small metal container, two different stiff bristle brushes, a ceramic bowl of water and a cloth.

“Hello,” she said, propping herself on the arm of the chair next to him and leaning over to kiss his temple. He turned to kiss her lips.

“Hello, Pet.” he responded, placing his cup back on the table.

“Boot shining?” she prompted. Severus started rolling up his shirt sleeves. Hermione watched the motion with interested eyes. It wasn’t something she saw him do often, but when she did it was usually right before a spanking.

He glanced up at her. “Kneel.” she slid off the couch to her knees quickly. “Remove my boots.” Hermione shifted so that she was directly in front of him and hiked up the leg of his trousers, revealing a laced-up leather boot. He watched carefully as she loosened the laces and pulled the boot off of his foot. She did the same on the other side and looked to him for further instruction.

Severus slid off of the couch to kneel on the floor next to her, picking up one of the boots. Hermione was rather star-struck by his silhouette. He looked good on his knees. He seemed to catch her staring, raising an eyebrow in her direction. Hermione quickly moved to mirror him, grabbing the other boot. She could smell the distinct and pleasant scent of leather.

“Remove the laces.” Severus instructed, starting on the boot in his hands. Hermione set to work tugging out the laces, placing them on the coffee table when she finished. Severus then picked up one of the brushes, it was rectangular and fit in the palm of his hand nicely. “Slightly dampen the bristles. You need to use a minimal amount of water during this process.” He lightly dipped the tips of the bristles in the ceramic bowl and shook off the excess. He then began buffing the shoe with it.

“You will use this brush to remove any dirt or debris on the boot,” He continued, then he opened up the area where the laces had been. “Don’t neglect the space between the tongue and the eyelets, it gathers quite a bit of dirt.” he demonstrated how to get into the nooks and crannies of the shoe. Once he finished brushing the shoe, he handed the brush to her. Hermione copied him by dipping the brush and removing the excess and tried to mimic the same brushing motion Severus had done. “You can be a touch more aggressive with it.” he commented, watching her intently. She made sure to get every inch of leather until it looked just as clean as the boot that Severus held. The motion was oddly therapeutic, calming her mind. She put down the brush when he told her to stop.

Picking up the small metal container on the table, he opened it to reveal a polish. “I’ve been keeping it near the fire to keep it warm. The heat will allow it to work better.” He grabbed the smaller of the brushes and dipped it into the polish, starting to rub it into his boot in circular motions. “You will learn over time how much polish to use. For now, be more conservative,” he said while she watched him black the leather. It was a pleasure to watch his hands at work, pure muscle memory taking over from years of practice. When he finished, he handed the small brush to her. Once again, Hermione tried her best to mirror him under his watchful eye. Satisfied, he began to rub the excess off of his boot with a towel. When they both finished shining the pair of boots, he picked up the laces again.

“We’ll relace the boots and let them sit. You’ve done well.” Hermione glowed from his praise, glad she had made him proud. In silence, they both threaded laces into boots. Hermione was filled with a sense of peace. The activity had cleared her mind and she had been able to get some quality time with Severus in the meanwhile while the scent of leather and fire filled the air. She felt confident she could do it again and was even looking forward to it. This was a skill she would be happy to refine.

“How often do you need this done?” she asked, placing the boot to the side. Severus put his next to hers.

“I do it every week.” Having spent plenty of time around Severus, Hermione knew this meant “Will you?” so she pecked his cheek and smiled.

“I’ll do it every Sunday, then.” Severus felt a deep warmth in his chest at her declaration, a feeling he had tried his best to ignore. Here she was, a beautiful and intelligent woman committing more of her time and energy to him. She always seemed to be doing that--doing things that made his life better. He needed to return the favor, he thought, contemplating what she could possibly need that was going unspoken. Until he could figure it out, he decided to kiss her. Pulling her onto his lap, he pressed their lips together. He reached his hand up to loop a finger through the golden hoop resting against her collar bone and tugged gently. Hermione moaned against his lips, slipping her tongue to meet his. They kissed for a long while, enjoying the sensation of their lips gliding against each other while the fire crackled behind them. When they pulled away, Severus’ hand trailed up her throat and squeezed lightly.

“Green?” he asked. Hermione eyes widened a touch. He hadn’t ever choked her before, which honestly surprised Hermione. She had, however, thought about it many times. She’d been dying to try it.

“Green.” Keeping an eye on her, he pressed against her throat in two spots under her jaw, never pressing against the center of her neck. Hermione found she could still breathe, there was just a little resistance.

“I’m restricting the blood flow.” Severus explained. Internally, he was counting: three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine...Then released the pressure. Hermione felt odd, a pleasant fog had descended over her near the end, an unusually heady feeling. She took a deep breath, looking him in the eye.

“Again.” Severus smirked and added more pressure than before. She felt the haziness slip over her quicker this time. It almost feels like being drunk, she thought. He removed the pressure after a short time again.

“Now,” Severus drawled. “Imagine if I did that to you in the throes of pleasure.” Hermione’s cheeks flushed. Oh, she could imagine it. And she wanted it now. Feeling emboldened, she threaded a hand through his hair and pulled just enough that he would feel a stinging on his scalp.

“I don’t have to imagine, because you’re going to take me upstairs right now and show me.”

The look of shock on his face would entertain her thoughts for weeks. It was worth the brutal spanking he proceeded to give her for being insubordinate. Besides, she did get what she wanted. He had choked her through the swelling of her orgasm and let go the moment she peaked, leaving her gasping his name into the darkness of his bedroom.

~~~

Monday came with unfortunate news.

Hermione’s boss had intercepted her before she could even reach her office and suggested she take the rest of the day off, handing her the Daily Prophet with a sympathetic frown.

 

Snape & Granger Seen at Exclusive BDSM Club!

 

Holy fuck. There was a photograph of Severus unlocking the front door to Ensnare then leading Hermione in with a hand on her low back.

 

Reporter Turner was enjoying a leisurely morning around town when he caught sight of Severus Snape and Hermione Granger entering the kink club, Ensnare, together. (Seen above) The photo shows Snape pulling out a keyring and unlocking the front door of the business, leading us to question how he is involved in it. Does he work there? Does he know the owner? Why would he have keys to such a deviant place? And Hermione Granger with him? What could these two possibly be doing there together?

This comes not long after a recent Prophet article advertising an event to take place at the club this coming Saturday. What does it all mean? We are determined to find out, readers, and report to you as soon as possible. We are currently in the process of reaching out to Mr. Snape and Mrs. Granger for comments.

 

“Oh my god.” Hermione stared at the paper. Her boss put a hand on her shoulder and patted.

“For your own sake, go home today. You don’t need this lingering over you at work.” Hermione nodded in acceptance and rolled up the paper.

“Thank you, I’ll see you tomorrow.” she said, resigned to her fate. There was nothing to be done about it. She needed to see Severus. What could possibly be going on in his head right now?

~~~

The thoughts going through Severus’ head were not positive ones. Anxiety had crept into his mind and tangled itself around everything it could. When Hermione barged through his front door just past nine this morning, he had already been ruminating in his fears for an hour.

“Severus! Have you seen the paper?” She called through the house, concern laced in her tone.

“Yes.” he called back, not so loudly. He was in the kitchen when she found him, sitting at the counter.

“When my boss saw it, he asked me to go home for the day, I came straight here.” she said. This did not help Severus’ intrusive thoughts. She was going to lose her friends, her job, her life, because of him and his damned club. He curled in on himself, not looking at her. “Are you okay? Severus?”

When he finally looked at her, he looked tortured. “This is my fault.” he said. “Being associated with me is going to ruin your life.” Hermione stared at him in shock.

“Woah, woah, back up, Severus--” she started. He stood, starting to pace.

“No, you shouldn’t be seen with me, they’re going to drag you through the mud!” he interrupted, clearly distressed. “It might be a simple article now, but they’ll eventually start defaming you for it!” Hermione frowned, crossing her arms across her chest.

“Severus--”

“And besides, you should be with someone your own age who is socially acceptable and not some former Death Eater. I can’t be a good influence on you--”

“I swear to god--”

“--You’re so capable and incredible, you don’t need to saddle yourself with me--”

“What are you on about--”

“--and what if the ministry decides they can’t have an employee in the paper for such scandalous things, they’d--”

“Severus, shut up!” Hermione yelled, looking vicious. Severus stopped and stared at her, as if he didn’t realize she was really there until that moment. “If you would stop trying to assume what I want, need, or should do, I was going to tell you we should play into this bullshite.” she glared at him.

It reflected something Dr. Schwartz had said that ricocheted in his head on a regular basis:

“And for fuck’s sake, don’t do something ridiculous like sabotaging it or making assumptions about what she wants.”

“What?” He said, stunned. Hermione had never seen Severus look truly dumbfounded until that moment. She shook her head, irritated.

“Don’t you think more people will come to Janine’s event if they know they’ll get to see Hermione Granger and Severus Snape on stage, and that they’ll only find out what happens if they show up? Don’t you think this news story will bring more publicity to your business?” Hermione rushed the words out, making sure he couldn’t interrupt. “Yes, this sucks. It’s none of their business, but now that the world knows my sexual preferences and partner, we might as well milk it for what it’s worth!”

Severus was astounded. How did he end up with her again? This woman that offered to proudly display herself as his to their world in the face of conflict; This woman who transmuted an invasion of her privacy into an opportunity for success. Merlin, he loved her. Wait.

He loved her.

Every other thought left his mind except I love her. Severus stepped forward and grabbed Hermione, pulling her into a passionate kiss, one hand on the back of her head, holding her to him. She kissed him back, grabbing at his collar. He was filled with the indescribable need to tell her.

“Hermione,” he said between kisses.

“Hmm?”

“I love you.” She suddenly pulled back from him, looking into his eyes in shock.

“What? What did you just say?” It was more intimidating to say it with her eyes on him, but he forced himself to repeat himself anyway. He’d already thrown caution into the wind.

“I love you.”

“Yeah?” she said with a smile, her eyes looking glassy. He nodded. She kissed him again.

“Oh, Severus...I love you, too, but you can be such a little shite when you’re feeling insecure.” He glared at her.

“Very romantic, Hermione.” he said sarcastically. She grinned.

“You’re welcome.”

She loved him.

It was enough.

Chapter 20: Liberation

Summary:

Another day, another chapter. We're coming close to the end, my friends! You have a limited time to make suggestions for what you want to see before it's over. I think we're only a handful of chapters away from completion.

“Ron, don’t freak out.” Harry’s head peaked into Ron’s office. Ron looked up, perplexed.

“Don’t freak out? What are you on about, mate?” Harry walked through the door and closed it behind him, dropping a newspaper onto Ron’s desk. Ron looked at it, nonchalant until he processed the words on the page,

“Blimey, Harry! What is this?” Harry leaned against Ron’s desk.

“Right, about that, so I have some things to tell you...”

 

~~~

 

“So, Severus, now that you have declared your undying love for me,” Hermione began, her arms wrapped around his shoulders. “Would you like to come shopping with me?” Severus gave her a perplexed look.

“What does shopping have to do with any of this?” she grinned up at him.

“Well...I still need to find something to wear when you tie me up in front of a rather large audience and was hoping to go to this little shop that sells lingerie and certain...implements.” she wagged her eyebrows at him comically, riding the high of his confession and entirely too giddy for her own good. Severus groaned.

“You are ridiculous. Fine, I’ll take the day off as well and we can go. Let me just send Janine an owl.”

With everything taken care of, they headed for the door. It was as Severus leaned down to grab his shoes that Hermione stopped him. “Wait.” he looked up at her, confused. “Let me put your boots on for you.” a pause, then a hastily added, “Sir.” Severus smiled slightly and sat himself down on the staircase.

“Go right ahead, Pet.” Hermione grabbed his boots and kneeled in front of him, loosening the laces on both before sliding them onto each foot, pushing his trousers out of the way. Severus sat back, watching her with a pleased expression. Despite the story in the paper, it was turning out to be a very good day. Hermione was tightening the laces with care, making sure everything laid perfectly. When she finished, she pulled his trousers over the boots and smiled up at him. Severus slid his hand into her hair and tugged her forward slightly, leaning down to brush his lips against hers.

“So perfectly obedient,” he crooned. “You look so tempting, lacing up my boots.” Hermione let out a quiet whimper, trying to press her lips to his feebly. “I ought to let you take them off later before I bend you over my knee and spank you with my belt.”

“Promise?” Hermione whispered cheekily. Severus chuckled.

“I promise, Pet.” He pecked her lips before releasing his hold on her. She fell back clumsily and pushed herself to stand. Severus followed her lead out the door, feeling optimistic.

~~~

Hermione had taken him to a very classy muggle sex shop. It was also quite a bit bigger than she had implied. It was as if there were two different stores in one—One entirely dedicated to clothing and lingerie, the other a menagerie of toys, implements, and so on. Severus browsed the toys, which were displayed very nicely along the walls, while Hermione sorted through fabric.

He found he rather liked the selection. It went far beyond the basics; There were a multitude of different canes, floggers, paddles, and whips in one area. Not being a fan of whips himself—and also feeling as though it would be dangerous territory with Hermione—he paid little attention to them, instead considering some floggers with knots tied into the tails. It would be stingy and sharp, like little pinches across the skin. He could use one in his collection; Most of his floggers were leathers and had wide tails that left more of a thuddy feeling when used with force and a more sensual feeling otherwise. This one was made of very thin tails which would sting enough without the knots tied in them, but he liked the idea of the scattered bite it would give.

Moving on, he found vibrators, which gave him many ideas. There were not many options for clitoral toys in wizarding shops, so seeing the large array of toys here made him heavily consider buying one for Hermione.

“Severus? What do you think about this?” Hermione’s voice came from behind him. He turned around to see her holding a lovely emerald green set—a lace bralette and a thong. His eyes widened.

“Merlin, Hermione, that barely constitutes as a pair of panties.” He commented, surprised at her choice. She grinned.

“I know.”

“Do you want to show that much?”

“I mean, I was thinking at this point I should just ditch the mask and go with the I’m-Hermione-Granger-I-Look-Hot-and-I-Belong-to-Severus-Snape route.” Oh.

“Well, if you put it that way, it looks perfect. It will match your robe.”

“Yes, I thought so. What are you looking at?” Severus moved to the side, showing the collection of vibrators behind him. Hermione grinned.

“Thoughts?” he prompted.

“Oh, definitely a yes. Should we get one?” She picked one up and turned it on and off. Severus hummed.

“Some of them have suction, I thought we should buy one of those.” He grabbed one and turned it on, showing her. Her eyebrows shot up.

“Yes. That.” She said quickly. Severus laughed.

“Come look at this flogger with me.” He led her to the flogger he’d been eyeing a few minutes prior. “The knots in the tails will make it sting. It will feel like small pinches when they make contact.” It was all black except for the handle which was braided white and black leather. Hermione smirked.

“Please tell me you’re buying it.”

“As I find myself in a rather impulsive mood today, I think I will.” He pulled down the flogger, resting the rounded part where the tails met the handle in his hand to test it. Pleasantly surprised to find it well-balanced, he smoothed the tails in his hand before snapping it outwards into the air. He smirked. Perfect.

Hermione watched in awe. She sometimes forgot how precise and well-read he was about the tools of his trade. Watching him in action made her want to get into a bed with him as soon as possible. Severus did a few more test swings, creating an X shape in the air while he twirled it around with his wrist. Seemingly satisfied, he stopped.

“I’m buying it.” He declared, and Hermione beamed.

“And the vibrator?” she asked hopefully.

“Choose one, I’ll buy it for you.” Hermione kissed his cheek.

“Thank you, sir.” She had never seen him in such a generous mood, but she wasn’t about to bring it up and spoil it.

After comparing a few, Hermione finally settled on a simple and small suction-based vibrator. When she handed it to him, he held out his hand for more. “The lingerie as well, Pet.”

“Severus, you don’t--”

“If you fight me on this, I will simply claim that it is a business expense.” He cut her off, a sense of finality in his tone. Hermione caved and handed him the emerald green set. While he bought everything, she glanced around at a few other toys, thinking about how he might use them on her. Severus approached her, bags in hand.

“Come, Pet, let’s drop these off at home.” Home, he said like it was theirs. It practically was. Hermione only spent a couple night a week at her apartment these days. Maybe one day...Hermione hooked her arm in his.

“Yes, sir.”

When they arrived back at Severus’ house, they found an owl pecking at the window. Severus opened the window and removed the missive, reading silently for a moment. “It’s the Daily Prophet. They’re asking for a statement.” Hermione dropped their purchases on the kitchen counter and tugged on Severus’ elbow.

“Come, we can talk about it while I take off your boots.” She led him into the living room and kneeled at his feet, pulling up his trouser legs. She spoke while she undid the laces. “I think we should make a combined statement saying that we are in a happy relationship and will be part of the entertainment on Saturday.” Severus hummed in agreement. “Oh, and something saying we hope to see lots of people there and that we’re excited to be a part of something so unique.” She slid both boots from his feet and stood, walking them over to the front door and putting them down. “Now, go write that for us while I take our new things to the bedroom. I believe you made me a promise, and I intend to cash in.” Severus chuckled.

“You’ve been awfully demanding lately for a service submissive, Pet.” Hermione smiled, a playful look in her eye.

“And you’ve been awfully compliant to those demands for a dominant, sir.” she shot back, walking towards the kitchen. Severus shook his head at her antics and headed to his office.

Hermione brought their bags up to the bedroom and unpackaged everything with care, cleaning everything as she had seen Severus do. Muggle books claimed that you could not sanitize leather without damaging it, but Hermione was a witch and knew that there were perfectly safe spells to do so. Having placed the toys in the wardrobe, she found Severus’ underwear drawer and placed the new lingerie set inside. When Severus entered the room, having sent off a letter to the Prophet, he found Hermione stripping off her clothes casually.

“Oh good, everything taken care of, then?” she asked, dropping her bra to the floor. Severus looked her up and down for a moment before responding.

“Yes.” Hermione dropped her panties and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, hooking a leg over his hips. Severus grabbed her by the thighs, helping her hop up into his arms. She kissed him happily, nibbling on his bottom lip. Severus walked over to the edge of the bed and dropped her onto it, climbing over her body to kiss at her neck. Hermione sighed, content.

“I believe,” Severus said between kisses. “I promised you a spanking with my belt.”

“You did, sir.” He pulled off of her, standing in front of the bed and undid the buckle on his belt, sliding it through his beltloops. He folded it in half twice and sat down on the bed, just like he had done the first time he spanked her.

“Over my lap, Pet.” Hermione hurried over and laid across his thighs, pushing up her hips to show him how eager she was. “Good girls ask for what they need.” he prompted, running a hand along her soft skin.

Hermione cleared her throat. “Sir, will you please spank me with your belt?” she asked politely.

“With pleasure.”

Swat! Hermione jerked in his lap, gripping the bedsheets. Oh, she liked that. It was duller than some of the other implements he had used on her, but it the way it lingered had her craving more. She was going to enjoy this immensely. He maintained a steady rhythm of hits across her arse, leaving Hermione a happy puddle.

“Sir?” she spoke between hits, moaning as the next one landed.

“Yes, Pet?” Swat!

“May I please suck your cock?” she asked coyly. Severus chortled, unable to help himself.

“Make a convincing argument and I might just allow it.” he responded. Swat! Hermione wriggled in his lap.

“Please! I want to suck your cock until you come down my throat!” she begged, shameless. It was enough for Severus, who would have let her do it regardless. He helped her off his lap and quickly undressed before leaning back against the pillows, gesturing for her to come to him.

“Thank you, sir,” Hermione said demurely. She laid on her stomach in front of him and leaned in to lick at his head, stroking the rest with her hand. She looked up to meet his eyes as she swirled her tongue around it. He brushed her hair back from her face.

Hermione wrapped her lips around the tip, sucking lightly and running her tongue along his frenulum. He shuddered beneath her touch, a contented sigh leaving his lips. She stroked him, twisting her hand along his length while she continued to suck and lick, taking her time.

“Stop teasing,” Severus growled. Complying, Hermione leaned in to take him fully into her mouth, sliding her mouth up and down with hollowed cheeks. Engulfed in the wet heat of her mouth, he moaned, his head falling back against the pillows. Hermione first experimented with speed, wrapping her hand around him against to cover what her mouth couldn’t, and stroking up and down quickly. His hips rolled slightly, seeking more friction, so Hermione added more suction and pressure, sucking harder at the head.

“Yes,” he hissed. “Just like that, Pet.” Being the good girl that she was, Hermione obeyed the command and kept up the pace, her hand and mouth slick with saliva. She swallowed him down over and over, feeling her own excitement build as she saw him start to lose some of his control, trembling and moaning. Severus let her take him right to the edge before he gently pushed her head back and took control, wrapping his own hand around his prick and stroking it quickly.

“Open that pretty mouth of yours for me, Princess.” he purred, his grip tightening around himself. Hermione opened her mouth and slid out her tongue—the tip of his cock brushing against it with each stroke. Her lips were swollen, pink, and wet from her own saliva. She looked so wanton and used, and it sent him over the edge.

“Shite!” he cursed, watching his fluids land on her tongue and all around her lips. Hermione felt a heady rush of arousal through her body when she felt his salty warmth on her tongue and cheeks. He had never got it on her face before, but she wanted more. She swallowed before licking her lips clean and wiping a finger on her cheek and sucking it into her mouth. Severus spoke, drawing her attention.

“Always so lovely.” he crooned, reaching for her. She crawled up his body and straddled him. Severus nuzzled her neck and pulled her earlobe between his teeth. “Go get your new toy, Pet, and come back.” he whispered in her ear. Hermione lit up with excitement and hurried off of him to the wardrobe, pulling out the new vibrator. Severus patted the bed beside him. “Lay down next to me.” she did as he said and laid on her back next to him. He laid on his side and slid his hand up her chest, gently rolling and plucking at her nipples. “Go ahead.” Hermione spread her legs and turned on the vibrator on a low setting, placing it on her clit. She twitched, her eyes opening in surprise as a frisson of pleasure shot up her spine.

“Oh!” she moaned, not used to the unusual sensation of the toy. Severus smirked, leaning in to pull one of her nipples into his mouth, sucking, while continuing to play with the other one. The pulsing sensation of the toy made her clench and tremble. She turned it up and arched against it, feeling like she wouldn’t need much more to climax. Severus left her nipples and reached a hand down, sliding his fingers against her wet folds before pushing two fingers into her entrance and curling. Hermione keened, rolling her hips against his hand. Her toes curled and her back arched off the bed.

“Fuck!” she gasped. “More!” Severus continued to massage her g-spot while enjoying the show, his gaze stuck to her face while she gasped and squirmed. Hermione legs twisted and kicked at the mattress until she pressed her feet into it, using it as leverage to rock her hips against Severus’ fingers and the toy. He leaned forward to kiss the sensitive area of her neck that always sent shivers down her spine, making her mewl loudly.

“Sir!” she choked, her hips jerking wildly, her whole body taut as her orgasm ripped through her in rapturous waves. Severus didn’t stop curling his fingers against her until she went limp, panting loudly. Her cries had sounded like a siren’s song to his ears and the sight of her collapsed and flushed on his bed in just her collar sent a rush of lust through him. He kissed her jaw while she came down from her high.

“You are absolutely exquisite when you fall apart, Pet.” he spoke softly in adoration. She melted at his words, turning her head to kiss him.

“Again, Sir.” she responded, breathless. “Make me do it again.”

Who was he to deny her?

 

~~~

Snape & Granger Official Statement!

Dear Readers, after being seen entering the mysterious club, Ensnare, we reached out to Severus Snape and Hermione Granger for statements, and they responded! Read it below:

 

To whom it may concern,

It would be asinine to deny our presence at Ensnare in the face of photographic evidence, therefore I will not waste your time.

I, Severus Snape, and my partner Hermione Granger were at Ensnare on the day in question in order to practice for an event being held there this weekend at which we will be performing. I have practiced the art of Shibari for many years and will be demonstrating my skills at the request of Janine Rivers, an incredible woman with whom I co-own the club.

In light of this invasion of our privacy, Hermione and I would like to remind your readers that being given access to the entertainment and services that will be offered on Saturday is an exclusive opportunity, as there will not be any photography or recording allowed, and the use of non-disclosure charms will be monitored by Aurors on lend to us by the Ministry. We take what we do very seriously and do not want to risk the privacy of anyone who might be interested in attending. We hope that it will be a huge success and that many of you will come see what we have to offer.

As far as my connection to Hermione Granger, we are romantically involved, and she will be assisting me on Saturday evening.

Severus Snape & Hermione Granger

~~~

“Let me get this straight,” Ron said. “You want me to babysit so you and Ginny can go see our other best friend, Hermione, get tied up by Severus Snape, our old potions professor.” Harry cringed.

“Yes?”

“Ugh. Fine, mate, but you owe me one.” Ron shuddered. “And I don’t want to hear anything about it. Let me remain blissfully ignorant, please.” Harry grinned.

“You’ve got yourself a deal.”

“I’m gonna pretend this never happened, don’t remind me.”

Chapter 21: Adventus pt. 1

Summary:

Hey everyone, uploading this chapter early for you guys.
Here's the suspended bondage shown in this chapter: https://ravishedbeautyshibari.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/IMG_9521.jpg
Please let me know what you think in the comments below <3

Mazie nearly tackled Hermione to the ground when she walked into their office Tuesday morning. “Hermione!” she yelled, throwing her arms around her. “I saw the paper on Monday, are you alright?” Hermione laughed.

“Jeez, Mazie, I’m fine. I’m here, aren’t I?” Mazie let her go and Hermione brought her things to her desk. “Besides, did you see that we sent in a statement? Everything is going to be okay.” she said. Mazie shrugged.

“Sure, I did, but that must have sucked to see that in the news yesterday.”

“It did, but I’m no longer worried about it. I have work to catch up on.”

~~~

As Severus got ready for the day on Tuesday morning, he found something interesting.

Opening his underwear drawer, he had found Hermione’s lingerie lovingly placed inside of it. Seeing something of hers intermingled with his had given him an odd sense of longing that he struggled to place. She had left them here. He wondered if it was on purpose, or if she had placed them there for safekeeping but forgot to take them with her. He ran his fingers over the thin straps of the bralette, considering it all.

It was after he closed the drawer and wandered into the bathroom that he saw her shampoo and conditioner in the shower. She had brought it over the week before, claiming that his hair products didn’t work for her wild mane of hair. The weird feeling tightened in his chest once more and he tried to ignore it while he went about his daily ablutions.

He found a coat of hers on the hook by his door and stared at it in silence for a long moment.

When had she become so deeply entangled in him?

~~

The week passed by quickly. Hermione and Severus were both caught up at their respective jobs and didn’t see much of each other until Saturday afternoon when she arrived at his house with a duffel bag. He kissed her in greeting and they ate a late lunch together, knowing they had a busy day ahead of them.

“So, what do we have to do to prepare?” Hermione asked as they cleaned up. Severus leaned back against the counter.

“We’ll get dressed and head over to Ensnare. You’ll help me set up our stage and do a safety check. Potter will already be there with his security team. I’ll need to check in with Rhea at some point as well. The band will set up and soon after we will suspend you. I'd like a few minutes alone with you before then.” he listed off. Hermione smiled.

“What are you going to wear?” Severus smirked.

“Patience, Pet.”

Hermione followed him up to the bedroom with her duffel bag on her shoulder. They both stripped down, and Hermione pulled out her green lingerie from Severus’ underwear drawer. Severus looked over at her, seeing her adjust the thong on her hips and nearly deciding to abandon his responsibilities all together. She looked up and caught his eye, smirking.

“What do you think?” she turned to face him, giving him a full few of her body in just lace and her collar. He groaned, rubbing a hand over his face.

“I think I’m going to have an erection in front of a large group of people,” he complained, unusually crude. Hermione laughed and reached into her duffel bag, giving Severus an eyeful while she grabbed an emerald green dress from it. She already owned the dress and picked it because it matched everything else. She slid it on quickly. It was a simple silk slip dress that ended just below her knees. It showed off her delicate collarbone and neck, leaving her golden collar on display.

Severus had pulled on a pair of fitted black trousers and a charcoal grey button up, the sleeves folded to his elbows. He tucked it into his trousers and reached into his wardrobe, pulling out a pair of black leather suspenders. Hermione looked on in interest as he slipped them on. They weren’t just regular suspenders--they looped over and under his arms and across the top of his back, and they had a few metal hoops attaching the straps of leather. It accentuated his figure nicely.

Hermione left the room to pull up her hair in the bathroom. Severus always had her put up her hair when they did any shibari or rope bondage, and this was no exception. She tamed her thick curls into a large fishtail braid down her back and walked back into the bedroom. Severus had finished dressing and was sitting patiently on the edge of the bed. She twirled for him.

“So?” She asked. He stood and approached her, pulling her in by the waist.

“Stunning.” he murmured, leaning in to kiss her slowly.

They descended the stairs and Hermione grabbed Severus’ boots, leading him to sit on the stairs so that she could slip them onto his feet. Severus watched, thinking that he would never tire of seeing her on her knees, tying up his laces.

~~~

“Gin! We need to leave soon, are you almost ready?” Harry called up the staircase, donning his red Auror robes. A door closed upstairs, and Ginny came down the stairway moments later.

“Yeah, ready.” she smiled. “What are you going to let me get away with, tonight?” she teased, slipping on her shoes.

“You can try anything non-sexual in nature.” Harry responded, checking the time. “Come on, let’s go. You can chat with Hermione while I’m working.”

~~~

Hermione and Severus apparated and were almost immediately met with reporters. Severus wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Hermione supposed they couldn’t force them to leave, since the party didn't start for an hour or so and security was likely just arriving. Severus kept his eyes resolutely forward and walked quickly, Hermione rushing to keep up with his strides. Hermione heard the clicks of cameras and felt like she was back in the early days after the war again. They had been persistent in trying to get photos of anyone who had participated in the fight against Voldemort and Hermione had to get used to having her photo taken. It hadn’t calmed down for months.

It was when they reached the entrance to Ensnare that Hermione saw a familiar face with long blonde hair waiting with a quill and notepad.

“Hello, Hermione, do you have a moment for a statement?” Luna’s voice said dreamily, a content smile on her face. Hermione stopped, turning to Severus.

“Go ahead, I’ll see you inside.” he nodded his head and took her bag from her, disappearing through the door.

“Luna,” Hermione began, placing a hand on the woman's shoulder. “How are you? It’s been such a long time.”

“I’m well, thank you for asking. I was hoping you wouldn’t mind giving a quick statement for the Quibbler. Do you have a moment?”

“Sure,” Hermione smiled. “What would you like to know?”

“Is it true that you will be part of the entertainment for tonight?” Luna asked kindly. Hermione nodded.

“Severus will be demonstrating his skills at rope bondage with me as his model tonight.” Luna’s eyes lit up.

“Oh, how wonderful! Are you excited?”

“I am. I’m proud to be associated with such an incredible man and his business. Ensnare is a very unique establishment.”

“Thank you for your time, Hermione, have a lovely evening.” Luna waved her off with a smile.

When Hermione walked through the front door, there were a plethora of people setting up the theatre. Janine was speaking with Severus. Hermione started walking towards them when she was intercepted by a head of ginger hair.

“Hermione!”

“Ginny!” she hugged Hermione happily.

“It’s been ages since you came to dinner with us, it’s so good to see you!” Hermione laughed.

“I’ve been really busy, Ginny, tonight is evidence of that.” Ginny grinned.

“Speaking of which, will you show me around? Harry’s working.”

Hermione nearly jumped when a hand landed on the back of her neck. “I’ll need you back here in half an hour, go ahead.” Severus voice said behind her. Hermione turned to look and him and nodded.

“We’ll be in the rooms, then, thanks Severus.” she responded, leaning up to peck his lips before turning back to Ginny. “Come, this way.” Ginny followed her, giddy.

“I cannot believe you and Snape, how did that even happen?” Hermione led her to the Mauve Room and opened the door, letting Ginny walk in first.

“I met him through Mazie, actually.” Ginny turned, perplexed.

“Mazie? How?”

“Well, it turns out she is a member here as well, and she invited me to meet some people and Severus was there.” Hermione explained. “Anyway, this is the Mauve Room. It’s all about sensation play and sensory deprivation. It’s pretty straightforward.” Ginny approached some of the toys on the wall and nodded.

“Have you ever done anything in here?” Ginny asked, a mischievous look on her face. Hermione remembered the first time she had been tied in the theatre and recalled Severus bringing her into this room to see herself in the mirror.

“I have, once.” Hermione said, then turned back to the door. “Come on, there are more interesting rooms here.” Ginny followed her next into the Navy Room where they found Rhea adjusting some of the furniture. She was in a full getup made of leather and latex. She looked up as they entered, a questioning expression on her face..

“Ginny this is Rhea, Rhea this is my friend Ginny.” Rhea approached and held out a hand encased in a latex glove. Ginny shook it with a smile.

“Nice to meet you.” she said simply and politely, then turned to Hermione. “Is Severus here, then? I need to talk to him about a few things.” Hermione nodded.

“In the theatre doing a safety check.”

“Thanks.” She turned to Ginny once more. “Will you be staying for the evening?” Ginny nodded. “Good, come find me later. I bet that famous husband of yours wouldn’t mind you learning a few tricks. It’s always the rich and famous types.” she winked before leaving the room. Hermione laughed, turning to Ginny.

“Well, is she right?” Ginny looked a touch confused.

“To be honest, I’m not sure what she means.” This just made Hermione laugh more.

“She’s a professional Dominatrix and is offering her services tonight. I think she’s trying to tell you to dominate Harry.” Ginny’s eyebrows rose as she seemed to consider it.

“You know...I just might take her up on that.”

They ended with the Peach Room. Hermione smiled as she walked in. “This is the Peach Room. Impact Play.” Ginny looked at all the implements in awe.

“Wow. Done anything in this room?” Hermione laughed.

“Oh yes. Many things.” she replied with a smirk, eyeing the acrylic cane on the wall. Ginny picked up a paddle and twirled it in her hands. “If you want to learn, Severus teaches a class on paddles.” Her friend’s eyebrows shot up and she gaped at Hermione.

“What?” Hermione felt like she was perhaps giving away some dirty secret and leaned against the spanking bench in the middle of the room.

“Impact Play is his specialty.” She said, delighted. Ginny was shocked, but pulled herself together quickly.

“Does he spank you?” she asked salaciously, leaning close. Feeling bold, Hermione nodded.

“Often.” Ginny looked exhilarated by this knowledge, but when she went to speak, the door opened and Rhea stepped in.

“Hermione, Severus needs you.”

“Right, let’s go.” Hermione said, leading Ginny out of the room and back towards the theatre where Severus and Harry stood by the dais, talking while Severus checked the hooks and ceiling mounts. The two women walked up to the stage, catching their attention.

“There you are, Pet. I need you to pull out the black ropes for me.” Ginny and Harry both glanced at Hermione with wide eyes when they heard the pet name. Hermione ignored them.

“Yes sir.” she responded, heading into the store closet and pulling out all the racks of black rope, arranging them around the stage while Harry and Severus continued to discuss security measures.

“I want you just off stage, Potter, until we’re finished.” Severus said sternly, grabbing a few ropes and threading them through the necessary hoops for the tie. Hermione loved to watch him when he had rope in his hands. He always moved with such surety and confidence. “I don’t want there to be a single risk to Hermione while she’s suspended.” she closed the door to the closet after having brought out the last of the rope. Severus finished his set up and approached her.

“Go to the bar and get some food and water.” he told her. “Then meet me in my office. I already brought your bag up so you can change.” He looked back at Harry. “That’ll be all, Potter.”

Hermione, Harry, and Ginny all sat at the bar together while Hermione ate a small plate of food. Harry looked her, curious and teasing. “Pet?” Hermione groaned.

“Harry, I’m sure you don’t want to know.” Harry looked very much like he disagreed, and Ginny’s pleased expression didn't help. Hermione rolled her eyes at them.

“Does he call you that in bed?” Ginny asked quietly, wiggling her eyebrows.

“Ginny!” Hermione hissed, her cheeks flushing.

“She didn’t deny it.” Harry commented cheekily, taking a sip of his drink.

“You two are awful!” Hermione scolded them, finishing up her food and taking a large sip of water.

“She told me he spanks her.” Ginny told Harry, making Hermione nearly spit out her water.

“I swear to god, you two are going to kill me.” Ginny and Harry shared a look Hermione couldn’t interpret. Hermione stood. “I need to go. I’ll see you both after.” she headed upstairs to Severus’ office, trying not to let her nerves get to her. The band had started to set up while she had been eating and was playing music when she left. Guests would be swarming the doors any second now. Seeing her duffel bag on Severus’ desk, she walked over and unzipped it, pulling out her silk robe. She slipped out of the dress and folded it neatly on the desk and kicking off her shoes before putting on the robe and tying the sash. After their performance she would come back here and change into the dress again, joining the party below.

The door opened behind her, and Severus walked in. Hermione embraced him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“I’m nervous.” she admitted. The jitteriness in her chest had been building since they arrived, background noise that was becoming more obvious as time passed. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to or that something was wrong, but it was perhaps really sinking in for the first time that she would be in front of a huge amount of people. Sure, they wouldn’t all be solely focused on her, as there would be music, socializing, and drinks, but it still made her feel all too aware of herself. Severus pulled away so that he could sit in his chair and pull her onto his lap.

“Tell me.” he said softly, running a hand up and down her back, soothing.

“I can’t take it back. Once I’m up there, I’ll have been seen, even if I were to safe word and stop it. Not that I want to stop, that is. I want to do it, there’s just a lot going on in my mind right now.” she fumbled around her words, burying her face into his neck.

“Just keep your focus on me the entire time, love.” he told her, wrapping both arms around her and keeping her close. Hermione felt peace and warmth settle in her chest. Love, he had called her. She smiled to herself. “You will hardly be able to see them anyway. The lighting will keep them in the shadows.”

They sat holding each other for a long while in the quiet, finding their own bubble of peace, until Severus told her they needed to head downstairs.

As they left the room, Hermione could hear the loud chattering of voices and jazz music. Severus placed a hand on her low back and led her down the stairwell and into the crowds below. They were both impressed and shocked by how many people had shown up. It looked lively, with lots of socializing and lounging. Severus led her around the edges of the room until they were next to the dais which was lit up with multiple colored lights. Harry was standing there, in the shadows, and smiled at Hermione. “Good luck!” he said quietly. Hermione returned his smile and followed Severus just past him.

“I will go first. I’ll come get you when I’m ready. Give me a color, Pet.” Hermione nodded.

“Green, sir.”

“Good girl. Stay next to Potter until then.” He kissed the top of her head before walking onto the dais. Hermione stood next to Harry, watching carefully. Some of the noise in the room hushed when they noticed the man in the spotlight. Severus started to tie thick knots with the ropes he had placed earlier. Hermione would have expected him to do these ties beforehand, but now understood that it created anticipation and shortened the amount of time she would need to be on the stage. He set up the strong foundation needed to hold her weight with a calm disposition. He didn’t rush or even seem to notice the people sitting below him. Hermione was just as entranced as anyone else in the room, finding his skilled hands to be mesmerizing. Severus turned to look at her and crooked two fingers, signaling for her to approach.

Harry watched as Hermione walked onto the stage with her eyes locked on Snape. There was something about it that was reverential, but he couldn’t place it. They clearly had an intimate understanding of each other, a deep respect and familiarity.

Severus untied the sash on Hermione’s robe and slid it off of her, draping the robe over one of the racks and grabbing a length of rope, smoothing it in his hands. The room had become even quieter with Hermione’s presence, all eyes watching curiously.

He started by creating a simple harness across her chest and back, threading the rope over her with ease. It wasn’t long before he slid to his knees in front of her, creating a similar shape around her hips with extra rope to strengthen it. It was after creating these two anchoring points that he started to attach her to the hooks and ropes coming down from the ceiling. Once Hermione was hanging from a loose backbend, Severus had her bend one leg and began to wrap around her shin and thigh, keeping the leg in that position as he attached it upwards.

Severus tied the last knot and immediately started to check for a two-finger width in a few key places. Satisfied, he stepped back, and Hermione lifted her arms into position on her chest and above her head. “Color?” he whispered.

“Green.” she responded just as quietly.

The entire time Severus had been tying her, she had been focusing on his hands on her body and the music playing in the background. She tried her best to block out any sounds related to the other people in the room and found it wasn’t too difficult. The band was close by and drowned everything else out. Hermione relaxed into the pose and closed her eyes, letting the pressure from the ropes soothe her mind. She breathed deeply and focused on the sensations in her body, checking for discomfort, tingling, numbness, and finding nothing of concern.

Severus watched her, pleased, for what felt like ten or fifteen minutes, letting her hang and float under the gaze of others. The chatter had started back up again, guests staring and commenting about what they saw to each other.

Harry kept a keen eye out for any unusual movement, his instinct to keep his friend protected just as strong as it had always been.

Hermione didn’t signal that she was ready to come down, but Severus felt it had been plenty of time and returned to her, watching her eyes flutter open. She smiled at him and let him slowly and carefully undo knots and return her to the ground. He was quickly able to remove the remaining rope from her body and grabbed her robe, helping her slip into it and tying the sash for her. They walked out of the light together, Severus’ hand guiding her by her mid back. Harry gave her a thumbs up.

“You looked amazing, Hermione.” he complimented.

“Thank you.” she replied, her voice quiet. Severus nodded at Harry in thanks and led his partner back through the shadows of the room and into his office once more. Sitting back in his chair, he pulled her onto her lap like they were before, gently rocking.

“You did wonderfully, Pet.” he said softly, rubbing her back. “Tell me how you feel.” Hermione hummed and cuddled into his chest.

“Peaceful.” she eventually said. “I focused in on myself and my body and everything else just disappeared.” she spoke slowly, processing as she did. She looked up at him, pressing their foreheads together.

“I love you, Severus.”

“And I, you.”

They rested, waiting for Hermione to fully come back to earth. When she was finally ready, she pushed herself off of his lap gingerly and removed the robe again, reaching for her dress. Severus calmly watched her dress herself. As she went to put on her shoes, he stopped her.

“Don’t wear them.” he remarked. “If you’re amenable, I’d like you to kneel with me, and those shoes will not be conducive to such a position.” Hermione considered his proposition for a moment before agreeing. Everyone in the room had seen her nearly naked; They could handle her kneeling at Severus’ feet.

“Yes, sir.” Severus stood, walking with her to the door.

“You need water before anything else.” he told her, leading her to the bar and quickly acquiring her a drink. She drank it quickly, not realizing that she had been dehydrated.

“Hermione!” Mazie pushed her way through the crowd, running up to hug her friend. “You looked incredible!” Hermione grinned and hugged Mazie back.

“Thank you, I’m glad you’re here. Come sit with us?” Mazie agreed, and the three of them found a couch to sit on, Hermione slipping to her knees next to Severus. She rested her head against his knee comfortably, enjoying the music.

Not much later, Ginny found them and sat across from them in a comfortable chair.

“How does it feel?” she asked, referring to the suspension.

“It’s like floating, but with pressure.” was Hermione’s response. Severus got her attention by petting her hair.

“I am going to find you another drink, I’ll be right back.” She nodded, and he stood, leaving towards the bar.

As if waiting for Severus to leave, a man Hermione didn’t recognize approached, standing in front of her. “Such a pretty little thing,” he said, but it filled Hermione with dread. “I bet you would let anyone play with you, displaying yourself like that.” he sneered. Mazie was on it quickly.

“She’s taken, fuck off!” she said angrily. Hermione was about to open her mouth when Severus’ voice spoke, having just returned from the bar.

“I’m sure I didn’t hear you just insulting what’s mine.” he glared, his voice cold and threatening.

The stranger backed up a step. “Of course not! I was just telling her she’s pretty.” he backtracked, crossing his arms defensively. Severus raised a disbelieving eyebrow.

“Did you somehow miss the collar around her throat?” Severus sat back down, putting the drink in his hand on a small coffee table near Mazie. Looping a finger through the hoop in her collar, he tugged gently, making Hermione lean into him. “It’s quite rude to try to take what isn’t yours.” The man backed up further, looking sufficiently cowed.

“Hey, it’s nothing serious, I’ll go.”

“Grand. Please do.” Severus said sarcastically, watching the man as he hurried away. He turned to Hermione, releasing her. “Are you alright, Pet?” Hermione twisted her body so that she could rest her arms on his knees.

“Perfect, thank you.” Severus grabbed her by the jaw and pressed his lips to hers for a brief moment.

“Merlin, you two need a room.” Ginny interjected, pulling a laugh out of Mazie. Hermione grinned, turning back towards her friends.

“Yes, but for now you can just deal with it.” she shot back happily. “Ginny, weren’t you going to go find Rhea? I think she’s planning to be in either the Navy or the Red Room.” Ginny gulped down her drink and placed it on the table.

“Right you are, I better do that now before everyone else gets to her.” she winked and hurried off.

Harry stopped by for a brief moment sometime later. “Have you guys seen Gin? I haven’t seen her in a minute.” Hermione snorted.

“Don’t worry, Harry, she’s just with Rhea.”

“Isn’t that the one in the latex get-up?” Mazie chuckled.

“Mhmm, the very same.”

“Tread carefully, Potter,” Severus said, humor in his eyes. “Your wife is going to come home with a bullwhip.”

The shade of red that Harry’s cheeks went was telling.

Chapter 22: Adventus pt.2

Summary:

A shorter chapter this time, finishing out the big night.

I need your guys' help: Will you let me know in the comments if there's anything you want to see before I end it?
Do you want to see more of something already in the fic, or is there something I haven't written you'd really like to see?
This could mean particular types of scenes, kinks, or characters.

Thanks for all the incredible feedback you've left so far!

“This is a training paddle. We use them in our classes and seminars to teach consistency.” Rhea explained, swinging the paddle through the air, a number six showing up on the wood. “We usually ask people to aim for a four or five before trying to teach harder hits. “Go ahead, try it.” she turned it so the handle was facing Ginny. The redhead took it and swung into the air, landing a three. “See, not so bad, try again.” Ginny got a five on her third try.

“That’s kind of fun,” she admitted. “Won’t I seriously hurt him, though?” Rhea shook her head.

“With that amount of force? Not likely, but we usually suggest you warm up the skin starting with gentle hits. Once the skin is nice and pink, you’re good to go.” Ginny hummed, processing his new information.
“Tell me more about what you specifically do. You’re a Dominatrix?” Rhea sat down in the royal blue throne near the back of the room, inviting Ginny to sit on the chaise lounge with a wave of her hand.

“I have a lot of platonic clients.” Rhea started. “What I do is mostly about them giving up control. Like I said, a lot of the rich and famous business types. It’s not unreasonable to assume that someone who is always expected to be in control and on top of everything would like to have someone they can trust to relinquish control to. Sometimes it’s about punishment or degradation, sometimes they worship the ground I walk on. I have clients who want to pretend to be a puppy so that they can forget about all their real-world problems and just be pet and praised.” she shrugged. “I provide, they fund my lifestyle.”

Ginny chuckled. “What do you mean they worship you?” Rhea smiled.

“Have you ever had a full-grown man with all the power and money he could ever want beg to give it to you? To call you a goddess and kiss your boots? To beg you to even look at him in his unworthiness just so he can feel an ounce of pleasure?” she responded. “That is what I mean.” Ginny’s eyes widened.

“That is...That’s...”

“Exhilarating.”

“Tell me more.”

~~~

Later into the night, Janine pulled Winona from the front desk, replacing her. “Go have some fun,” she demanded. “And don’t come back until you’ve at least had something to eat.” Winona smiled, hopping out of her chair.

“Thanks, Hun, I’ll be back in a bit.” she replied sweetly, heading through the archway and into the crowd. Grabbing some food, she looked around, her eyes finally settling on Severus’ recognizable silhouette and went over to join him.

“Winona, what’s up!” Mazie scooted over so that Winona could squeeze into the couch between her and Severus. Winona sat down gracefully and placed her food and drink on the table.

“Janine is giving me a break, how did your performance go, Severus?” Hermione turned, resting her arms on Severus’ legs, and looked up at the beautiful woman.

“It went perfectly.” Severus responded, petting Hermione’s hair. “She looked ethereal.” Hermione blushed, pleased by the praise.

“Oh yeah, she was amazing.” Mazie interjected. Hermione shifted her gaze to her friend, noting with interest that she was eyeing up the curvaceous woman next to her. “It’s nice to see you away from the lobby and into the club, wanna go see what Rhea’s up to when you’re done eating?” Winona smiled.

“You don’t have to use her as an excuse if you want to get me into one of those rooms, Mazie. Just ask nicely.” Hermione’s eyes widened and her gaze flickered to Severus’. He looked amused, but unsurprised. Did he know about this?

Mazie looked flustered. “I wasn’t--I was just--” she blustered.

“Yes, I’ll go with you.” Mazie shut her mouth and nodded. Hermione chuckled quietly to herself, the sound getting drowned out by the music and chatter in the room.

“Pet.” came Severus’ voice from above her. Hermione met his eyes.

“Yes, sir?” He patted his lap.

“Come here.” She obeyed, getting to her feet and straddling his lap, wrapping her arms around his shoulders loosely. Severus gave her a small smile of approval as he slipped a finger through the hoop of her collar, pulling her to his lips. Hermione drowned out everything else, sliding her lips against his. She nearly jumped when she felt his hand under her dress, holding the back of her thigh just beneath her arse. She felt warm and aroused at his touch.

“Come on Winona, let’s go, they’re being gross.” Mazie said loudly, standing up from the couch. Hermione squeaked in embarrassment and pulled away from Severus, looking over to see Winona and Mazie already walking away. Before she even realized he was doing it, Severus had gripped her jaw and pulled her back to his lips, kissing her languidly. For a brief moment, Hermione was tense, aware again that they were in public, but soon relaxed into his embrace. The room was filled to the brim with people, no one would be paying attention. Moaning, Hermione brushed her tongue against his and ground her hips down.

“Sir,” she gasped, ending the kiss.

“Yes, Pet?” his voice was deep and sinful.

“Take me home,” she spoke into his ear. “Cuff me to the bed and fuck me.” Severus smirked.

“As you wish.”

~~~

“Did you have fun?” Harry asked, leading his wife through their front door. Ginny grinned up at him.

“Oh, definitely, you have no idea.” Harry gave her a slightly worried look.

“Should I be concerned for my safety?” she laughed, pulling him in for a quick kiss.

“Something like that.”

Chapter 23: Stillness

Summary:

Thanks for all the feedback and Kudos, everyone, you've made this process very enjoyable. <3
It's looking like one more chapter left, maybe two. That being said, the plan is to eventually write a series of one-shots for it. Some ideas I have are HarryxGinny scenes, a MaziexWinona scene, and some other bits between Severus and Hermione. That means if there was something you didn't get to see here, there is still a chance you'll see it in the one-shots.

Content Warning: Daddy Kink
Also, the tiniest hint of negotiated dubious consent. Blink and you'll miss it.

Hermione kneeled quietly by the fire, rubbing excess polish off of Severus’ boots. A record player spun, soft music filling the air. Severus had gone out to pick up dinner while she finished up her duties, leaving her kneeling peacefully on the living room rug. Hermione was content, having found a pleasing ritual in boot blacking. It was potentially the most relaxing part of her week.

The door opened and closed, revealing Severus with a bag of take-out. They met eyes and Hermione smiled, happy to see him. “I just need to do the laces and I’ll be done.” she said, moving to complete the task. Severus placed the bag of food on the table and sat down on the couch.

“I’ll never tire of seeing you polish those boots.” Severus commented, watching her attentively. Placing the boots to the side, finished, Hermione shifted to sit cross legged on the floor.

“I’d like to try something new.”

~~~

“I noticed something last week.”

“And what’s that?”

“Her things are scattered around my house.” Dr. Schwartz smiled.

“Are you happy about that?” Severus paused.

“Yes,” he responded. “I realized that I wanted to see more of her things intermingled with my own.”

“What did you feel when you realized that?” It had taken Severus awhile to decipher his thoughts and feelings, but he had landed on one word that encapsulated the experience.

“Longing.”

~~~

“Oh? Pray tell.”

“I... want to try calling you ‘daddy’.” Severus’ eyebrows rose and he smirked.

“Color me surprised.” He started pulling food out of the take-out bags. “Let’s discuss it over dinner.” Hermione joined him on the couch and they started to eat. “There’s a few routes you can take with it,” Severus began. “The soft, caregiver type...The disciplinarian...A combination of the two...” Hermione swallowed.

“You’ve already mixed those two in some ways during play,” she said. “But I think I’d like to try something gentler.”

“So, you would like me to tell you what a good little girl you are?” Yes, she definitely wanted that.

“Yes. Praise.” Severus chuckled.

“I can do that.”

~~~

“You told her you love her?”

“I admit it was a moment of weakness, but I can’t find it in myself to regret it.” Severus leaned back, crossing an ankle over his knee.

“She reciprocates, then.”

“Despite her better judgement, yes.”

“I would say with her better judgement, if you asked me, which of course you didn’t.” He rolled his eyes.

“Always inserting your opinion on my life, aren’t you?”

“Severus, you pay me to insert my opinion on your life.”

~~~

“Would you be interested in throwing in some degradation while we’re at it?” Hermione’s brow furrowed.

“How? Can you give me an example?” Finished eating, Severus pushed his food away and wrapped an arm around the backs of her shoulders. His other hand came up to hold her chin, his thumb brushing along her bottom lip.

“Open.” Hermione followed the command and Severus slid his thumb into her mouth, sliding it against her tongue and forcing her to keep her mouth open. “Such a good little slut for Daddy, aren’t you?” he murmured close to her ear, making her eyes widen in surprise as she felt a deep clenching between her legs. Severus smirked and removed his hand from her face, leaning back into the couch again. Hermione stared at him.

“Yes.” she whispered. “That.” Severus stood up, collecting the remnants of their dinner.

“How do you feel about forced orgasms? It’s on your checklist.”

“Are you suggesting you make me come over and over again even if I beg you to stop?”

“That’s precisely what I intend to do.”

“Let’s do it.”

“And if you say no? Beg me to stop?”

“I’ll use Yellow or Red if I mean it.”

“Good. Go upstairs and wait for me while I clean up. I want to see you kneeling by the bed when I arrive.” Hermione quickly obeyed and headed upstairs, her heart beating quickly in her chest. She was a touch nervous, but mostly excited. She wasn’t at all used to calling him anything but his name and Sir. As per her instructions, Hermione kneeled before the bed, her thoughts swirling with thoughts about what he might say or do... How he might touch her.

“Daddy.” she said to herself, testing the honorific on her tongue. It was a little odd, but she felt like she could get used to it. She listened to the noises of Severus around the house, straightening her spine when she heard him coming up the stairs, her heart beat picking up with anticipation. The door opened and shut. She saw his boots enter her field of vision.

“Always so obedient.” Severus commented, walking up to her and placing a hand on her head and trailing it around the curve of her face until he reached her chin, tilting it up so she looked at him. She smiled in return. He raised an eyebrow at her, disapproving of her lack of response.

“It’s polite to say thank you when you are paid a compliment, Princess.” he chastised. Quick to remedy her mistake, Hermione responded,

“Thank you, Daddy.” The word still felt foreign on her tongue, but she pushed through. Severus gave her a small smile.

“There you go. Good girl.” He removed his hand from her chin and sat on the edge of the bed next to her. “Come sit on my lap.” Hermione stood, placing her hands on his shoulders for balance as she straddled his thighs. “Lovely.” Severus pulled her down for a slow kiss, taking his time as he slid his lips against hers and occasionally nibbed on the soft flesh. Hermione relaxed into his kiss, letting out a soft sigh and melting into his lap. His hands slipped beneath her shirt, squeezing her waist.

“Here’s what I want from you.” Severus said, pulling back. “Strip down to your knickers and straddle my thigh.”

“Yes, Daddy.” she replied, getting off of his lap and pulling her shirt over her head and pulling down her trousers. Upon her return, she encased his thigh between hers, wrapping her arms around his neck. Severus ghosted his hands down her body from her shoulder blades to her low back, causing Hermione to shiver at the gentle touch.

“Good. Now, I want you to rub yourself against me.”

“Yes, sir.” He didn’t correct her, and she began rocking her hips into his thigh, burying her face into his neck. She felt a bit embarrassed, but the warmth and anticipation pooling low in her belly kept her moving, trying to find friction. So far he'd been straight forward and clear with his instructions, as he usually was. Knowing what was expected of her helped her to feel more comfortable in the unfamiliar scene.

“You would do anything Daddy asked of you, wouldn’t you, Princess?” Severus murmured in her ear, brushing back her hair. She nodded, knowing full well she would. “Use your words.” Hermione's cheeks flushed, as she always felt put on the spot when he asked her to speak or clearly state her desires. It wasn't a bad thing, not at all, but it was something that could be difficult at times.

“Yes, Daddy.” she responded.

“Good. Then, you won’t mind when I ask you to grind against me until your panties are soaked, will you?” Hermione could feel how hot her cheeks were at the suggestion.. He seemed so calm and collected and she felt like she was embarrassing herself, yet she could feel the dampening of her panties and couldn’t deny that some part of her liked it. She bucked her hips against him more aggressively as both of his hands reached up to tug gently at her nipples

“No, Daddy.” New shocks of pleasure shot through her body while he touched her chest, rolling and plucking at her nipples while she rode his thigh. She was starting to feel discomfort at the wetness building, feeling it spreading over her swollen skin due to it being trapped in fabric. She wriggled against him, her arousal building rather quickly.

“Daddy,” she managed to whisper, trying to get his attention.

“Yes?”

“I need to take off my panties.” Severus seemed amused by her meekness and raised an eyebrow at her.

“Oh? Why’s that, sweet girl?” he replied, pretending to be ignorant to her plight. Of course he was going to make her say it, she should have expected it. Hermione gathered her courage.

“They’re too wet, Daddy.”

“Stand up, let me see.” Hermione pulled back and stood in front of him, her thighs squeezing together. Severus slid her knickers down her legs and let her step out of them. Holding them up to display the large wet patch, he tutted.

“These are quite a mess, Princess, how naughty of you.” He tossed the fabric to the floor and reached up to slide a hand between her legs, feeling her juices on his hand. His fingers were shiny when he pulled away, and he quickly held them to her lips, watching her with a sadistic smile. “Clean up your mess.” he said sternly. Hermione’s eyes widened, and she opened her mouth almost instinctively, licking the fingers thoroughly until they were only covered in her spit. Severus removed his hand from her and stood, making her stumble backwards to accommodate him.

“Lay on the bed, Princess, on your back.” Quick to obey, she crawled onto the bed and twisted onto her back in the middle of it. Severus went to the drawer where he kept most of his toys and pulled out a few small bundles of rope. For the next few minutes, he tied her to all four corners of the bed with her legs and arms spread. Returning to the drawer, he brought out her vibrator and the curved glass toy that she was very familiar with. He placed them on the bed but didn’t touch them otherwise. Sitting next to her body, he ran a hand up her inner thighs, making her twitch. Stopping at her wet center, he slipped one, then two fingers into her easily and curled them against her in the way he knew she liked. On instinct, Hermione tried to lift her hips, but they barely moved because of her restraints. She whined, frustrated. The ache of her arousal was started to get uncomfortable, and she wanted more than just his fingers inside her at this point.

“Daddy!” she pleaded, trying to rock against his fingers. He chuckled at her feeble attempts, clearly amused by her plight.

“Good girls take what they are given graciously.” he commented. “What is it that you are being, hmm?” Leaning down, he took her clit between his lips and sucked, making her moan with need and tug against the restraints.

“Please!”

~~~

“How is everything else going?” Severus shrugged in response.

“We already have a huge new influx in applications for memberships. We made a large sum of money on the weekend. Overall, it was a success.”

“Good, how is Janine doing?”

“She’s elated, of course. We both expect to see a large crowd at our next munch.”

“Your life has really taken a great turn for the better lately.” Dr. Schwartz commented with a small smile. “I’m happy for you.” The phrase made Severus want to cringe, but he forced himself to be polite in his reply.

“Thank you. I am happy.”

~~~

It was after Severus brought her to orgasm three times in a variety of ways that he used the toys, perfectly hitting her g-spot while holding the vibrator against her swollen and overstimulated clit. Hermione’s knees shook, still struggling against the rope holding her in place. Severus wouldn’t be surprised if she had subtle marks on her ankles from how hard she was pulling.

“Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck!” she cried as peaked again, her body starting to shake.

“What a good girl,” Severus cooed. He loved every moment he got to watch her lose control and give into pleasure, and this was no exception.

After number six, he released her legs and slid a pillow under her hips. He undressed and knelt between her legs, hooking her knees over his shoulders and sliding into her easily. Hermione was so over sensitized she couldn’t tell if it was pleasurable or not, but she still chased it, meeting his thrusts.

“You’re such a good little slut, aren’t you?” he said, his voice low and sinful. If Hermione’s cheeks weren’t already flushed red, she might have blushed. “Tell me,” He moaned, delighting in the wet friction surrounding his cock. “Tell me what a whore you are.” He said it with such confidence and authority that she didn’t think twice about responding. Her brain was fuzzy with endorphins, and she could hardly feel embarrassed any longer.

“Yes!” she gasped out. “Yours! I’m your, your---” she cut off with an obscene cry, “Fuck!” She was trembling and shaking as he pounded into her, her body moving in a frenzy against his. How was she supposed to get out the words when she could hardly think straight?

“Are you Daddy’s slut?” he prompted again, breathing hard.

“Yes!” she blurted. “Yes!” Severus grabbed the vibrator again, pushing it into her hands. She got the obvious message and turned it on, holding it against herself and tensing as it met her heated flesh. “Oh shit!” Her body was shaking with tension, and Severus felt her squeeze around his prick, pulling a loud moan from his lips. Oh, it had definitely been worth it to work her up for so long.

“That’s it, Princess, keep it up,” he gasped, thrusting erratically.

“I can’t!” Hermione cried, “It’s too much!”

“Yes, you can, sweetheart,” Severus encouraged. He could feel his own orgasm approaching quickly, and he wanted to take her with him.

“I don’t--I don’t think--” she suddenly squealed, her whole body jerking around him. Her sweet cunt had started to clench and squeeze, pulling white hot pleasure from his body. He swore as he came, unable to help himself when she started to sob and shake, her orgasm ripping through her despite her earlier protests. Severus kept thrusting until she started to go limp, her muscles twitching.

Her eyes were wet and squeezed closed, her chest heaving in deep, gasping breaths. After a long moment, he gingerly pulled out and summoned a glass of water, drinking generously before moving to untie Hermione’s hands so she could have some as well. He helped her sit propped up against the pillows, an arm around her shoulders. Severus noticed that she had started to tremble, and he held her while she suddenly started crying. Considering the length and intensity of what they'd just done, he didn't find this response unusual. He'd seen women cry before after a scene, and he knew full well that it was a perfectly normal reaction. He job now was to soothe her and provide aftercare.

“You did so well, Pet,” Severus crooned, kissing her temple. “You took everything perfectly.” Hermione nodded and slowly drank more water, her shaking starting to subside. “Do you think you can handle a bath?” he asked in a soft voice, placing the cup of water back on the side table. She nodded again and reached for him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Severus held her close for a moment before reaching under her and pulling her up with him as he stood, her legs wrapped around his waist. He sat her on the toilet while he ran the water, pouring in salts and soaps to sooth her skin. When the bath was ready, he helped Hermione into it and kneeled by the tub with her.

“Did I go too far?” he asked. “I know you didn’t safe word, but I would rather be certain.” Hermione shook her head, scooping the bubbles from the soap into her hands and forming them into funny shapes.

“No, it was just really overwhelming,” she admitted quietly. “but I’m okay.” Severus relaxed a touch, feeling better for hearing it said out loud.

“And the honorifics, how do you feel about those?” Hermione lips twitched into a small smile, and she shrugged her shoulders.

“It was fun. I prefer calling you sir, though.”

“Noted.”

Severus sat with her by the bath until the water went cold, then helped her stand, wrapping her into a towel and pulling her into her arms. “I love you.” he mumbled into her hair. It was not something he said to her often, but he felt particularly affectionate towards her in that moment. She gave his waist a brief squeeze and responded so quietly he almost didn’t hear.

“Love you, too.”

It was getting quite late, so he took her back to bed, refreshing the sheets with his wand and tucking her in next to him. Hermione kissed him and snuggled close to his warm body.

“Thank you,” she said quietly before she fell asleep.

~~~

Severus left Dr. Schwartz’ office and walked out into the street. The sun was out, and the skies were clear. He paused for a moment, feeling the sunlight on his skin, and felt peace.

Chapter 24: Contracts

Summary:

A short and sweet ending, my friends. Thank you so much for coming along for the ride <3
As always, I love reading your comments, so thank you in advance if you leave one :)

The first munch after Severus and Hermione’s little performance was huge compared to their normal group. There was at least fifteen people sat together by pushing multiple tables together. It was a successful affair, with the most shocking moment of the evening being when Ginny walked in the door and sat herself right next to Mazie. Mazie had elbowed her teasingly and said, “Look at you! How fun!” Ginny had grinned and met Hermione’s surprised look, shrugging.

“Rhea must have made a rather strong impression on you,” Severus commented, sipping on a glass of red wine. “I regret that I now know far more about Potter than I would have liked.” Hermione laughed.

“It’s only fair, he saw me getting tied up practically naked.” she reminded him.

“If only we could all scar our friends for life so easily.” Mazie piped in as more people began to sit down. Hermione smiled, content.

The next few months were a blur of good memories. The dungeon began to make the most money it had ever seen, and Janine continued to plan successful events to draw in members. Hermione could never recall being so happy.

Then one day Severus showed up on her doorstep.

“Severus?” she opened the door for him and let him inside. He had an unusually determined look on his face. “You didn’t owl, is something wrong?”

“No.” he responded, leading her to the couch and sitting down. She stared at him, perplexed. “We need to adjust a certain contract of yours.” Hermione’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“What?”

“Your apartment contract.” he said as if it was obvious. “Terminate it. Come live with me.” Hermione gaped at him

“Huh?”

Severus tensed. “Move in with me,” he said, his voice tight. “Please.” His words finally caught up with her brain and she smiled, pulling him in for a kiss.

“My lease ends in two months, I’d be delighted to move in with you then, alright?” Severus seemed to relax slightly.

“Right.” Hermione laughed softly and hugged the man.

“You’re ridiculous, just stomping into my apartment and demanding I move out. I love you.” Severus had the sense of mind to look humbled.

“And I you.” he replied.

“Speaking of contracts,” she began, standing up from the couch. “We should review ours. I want to try something new.”