A Touch of Leather and Fire
The week unfolded with a newfound lightness. Hermione and Severus fell into an easy rhythm, their days filled with shared meals, whispered conversations, and stolen glances. The shadow of Roland seemed to fade, replaced by a burgeoning sense of hope and connection.
But Friday loomed, bringing with it a return to the outside world and its inherent dangers. The weekly meeting with the Muggle pharmacists was unavoidable, requiring Severus's expertise in the intricate chemical properties of their collaborative potions. This meant leaving Hermione alone for the first time, and, more daunting still, her first shift back at the bar since fleeing her flat a prospect that filled Severus with unease.
He tried to weasel out of the meeting, suggesting Draco or Lucius take his place, but their knowledge of the specific potion under discussion was limited. He then attempted to dissuade Hermione from returning to work, but she was adamant.
"I won't let him win," she declared, her voice firm. "I won't let him take away my job, my independence."
Severus knew better than to argue. He understood Hermione's need to reclaim her life, to defy the fear that Roland had instilled in her.
"Alright," he conceded, "but we'll take you. We'll make sure you get inside safely before we head to the meeting."
Hermione spent the next few hours preparing for her return to the bar. She styled her hair in a sophisticated half-updo, accentuating her features with a smoky eye and a bold red lip. When she emerged from her room, Severus's breath caught in his throat.
She was wearing a black leather midi dress that clung to her curves like a second skin, her long legs accentuated by black leather heels. The dress, daringly low-cut, revealed the swell of her breasts, the nipples straining against the fabric. It was a look that exuded confidence and sensuality, a stark contrast to the timid girl he had known at Hogwarts.
Lucius, ever the charmer, took Hermione's hand and brought it to his lips, bowing slightly. "You look ravishing this evening, Hermione," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye as he glanced at Severus.
Severus glared at his friend, a surge of possessiveness coursing through him. He would have words with Lucius later about inappropriate touching.
Hermione, oblivious to the silent exchange, smiled at the men, a playful glint in her eyes. She felt a surge of confidence, a newfound strength that stemmed from the support of these unlikely allies. Tonight, she would face her fears head-on. Tonight, she would reclaim her life.
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Severus, ever the vigilant protector, ensured Hermione arrived safely at the bar. As they pulled up to the entrance, he stepped out and opened her door, offering his hand with a gentlemanly flourish.
He couldn't help but admire her in that leather dress. It ignited a fire within him, a desire he desperately tried to suppress. He stood before her, holding her hands tenderly, his concern evident in his gaze.
"Hermione," he said, his voice low and earnest, "please make sure you check in with me periodically. Text me every half hour, if you can. And if anything happens, anything at all, call me immediately. I'll answer, no matter what."
Hermione, her confidence bolstered by his concern, reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, her voice a seductive purr. "I will make sure to text you and check in, Severus. Please don't worry. I'll be fine in there." She offered him a reassuring smile, but her heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
"I can't help but worry about you, Hermione," Severus admitted, his voice laced with a vulnerability she had rarely witnessed. "I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you." He cupped her face with one hand, his thumb gently stroking her cheek, while the other hand found its way to her waist, pulling her closer. Then, unable to resist any longer, he leaned down and captured her lips in a searing kiss.
Hermione moaned softly, her body responding to his touch with a fiery intensity. A wave of heat coursed through her, settling low in her belly. Severus, with a groan of regret, pulled back, his self-control barely holding.
She looked up at him, breathless and dazed. "That was incredible, Severus," she whispered, her voice husky with desire.
He gave her a boyish smirk, a rare sight that made her heart flutter. "We must resume that another time," he said, his voice low and husky. "Unfortunately, we both have work to attend to."
With a final reminder to check in with him, he watched her disappear into the bar. He waited until she was safely inside before joining Lucius and Draco in the car, his mind filled with the taste of her lips and the feel of her body against his.
As he drove towards their meeting, a sense of foreboding lingered. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen, something that would test their newfound bond and threaten the fragile peace they had found.
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Inside the car, Lucius and Draco exchanged knowing smirks, thoroughly enjoying Severus's flustered state. Lucius, ever the picture of composure, turned to his friend and, with a perfectly straight face, remarked, "Severus, my dear friend, I'm not sure that shade of red quite complements your complexion." He offered Severus a pristine white handkerchief, barely concealing his amusement.
Draco, unable to contain himself any longer, burst into quiet laughter. It was a rare treat to witness his godfather so thoroughly discombobulated.
Severus, his cheeks burning with embarrassment, frantically tried to wipe away the crimson stain. The lipstick, however, proved to be remarkably resilient. With a frustrated sigh, he finally resorted to magic, vanishing the offending mark with a flick of his wand. A pang of disappointment tugged at him as the last trace of Hermione's kiss disappeared. He would have gladly worn it as a badge of honor, a sweet reminder of her touch, if not for the upcoming meeting.
Lucius, his amusement subsiding, turned back to Severus with a sincere expression. "Severus," he said, his voice warm, "I'm truly glad you've finally found some happiness. You deserve it."
Severus, still flustered, grumbled in response. "Which reminds me, Lucius," he said, his voice laced with a playful threat, "please refrain from touching what. is. not. yours."
Draco, now laughing openly, chimed in, "Godfather, I'm happy for you as well. You and Granger are more alike than you think."
Their banter continued as they arrived at the meeting, the tension from earlier dissipating. Despite the underlying concern for Hermione's safety, a sense of camaraderie filled the car. The three men, once bound by the dark ties of war and circumstance, were now united by a shared affection for the brilliant witch who had captured their friend's heart.