The Heiress

Chapter 12

Author's note: Please thank my beta, distempered, as she is holding me at gunpoint whilst I update this story. Yes, I'm lazy. Also, if a bit of humor strikes your fancy, follow the link in my user info to my live journal and check out the story she and I have been playing with. It's called "The Final Battle". The final battle, being a battle of the bands, with many, MANY special guest stars from various sectors of classic and contemporary literature. We think it's hilarious, as should you. You know you want it.

Severus gave an audible gasp that was exaggerated by the extreme degree of intoxication that his foggy brain was currently under.

"Oh hell," he muttered.

"Was it that bad?" Hermione asked, fearfully. He quickly shook his head.

"No…gods no…" He refilled his beverage, overcompensating a bit, causing the amber liquid to slosh over the edge ever so slightly.

"You've made a mess," she commented mournfully. In another brazen act of intoxication, she leaned over his desk, still in his lap, and snaked her delicate pink tongue out to catch the small puddles of liquor that rested peacefully on its smooth surface.

Severus shot out of his chair quick as lightening, leaving her no time to react, and causing her to clip her jaw on the edge of the desk before falling to the floor in a graceless heap.

He gasped once more, and dropped to his knees to awkwardly assist Hermione to her feet. His legs buckled unsteadily under him, and he fell to the floor taking her along with him, her second fall broken by his body.

His eyes widened slightly at the feeling of her resting on top of him. His surprise increased greatly with the realization that she was snoring peacefully…and loudly. She had fallen asleep.

"Hermione…"

"Hmm?" Ah, so she wasn't entirely on her way to Slumberland just yet, was she?

"Are you quite comfortable, pet?"

"Exceedingly." She moved up slightly, and nuzzled her face against the curve of his neck. Gods, he was only a man! And a piss drunk one at that…

"Hermione, if you should like to keep your carnal treasure intact, I would advise that you do not persist with…that."

She moaned into his ear, and he gave a sharp intake of breath.

"Who said anything about me being a virgin, Severus?" The simple inquiry enraged Severus for some strange reason, and his hands moved on their own accord to grip her upper arms ruthlessly.

"Pardon?" Hermione gave him a lilting giggle.

"I'm just kidding Sev'res. I'm saving it for marriage…" She pressed her mouth against his in a searing kiss, parting his lips to insinuate her clever tongue. He groaned, and moved his hands to cup her bottom, lifting his hips to grind himself against her pelvis. Her sweet whimper was very nearly his undoing.

"No, no, no…you have to marry me first, Professor…"

"Yes of course…anything."

"You'll marry me?"

"Yes, my love…angel. My torment…Hermione, if you don't remove your hand from…there, I won't last until our marriage." She giggled in response, and stood up drunkenly, adjusting her clothing.

"You silly boy." He gave a growl, and she shrieked, making a run for the door. He went after her, blocking her exit.

"Pay the toll," he demanded silkily. She giggled once more, and dutifully pressed up against him, rose to her tip-toes, and kissed him. Mouth still against her, he grabbed her bottom, and switched positions so she was pressed against the door, legs wrapped around his waist.

"No, no, darling…" Hermione whispered. He groaned in frustration and set her down.

"Minx."

"Bad, bad man."

"I have to leave."

"Let me walk you home."

"Alright."

"Hermione?"

"Hmmm?"

"Can I kiss you?"

"I'll allow it."

They walked hand in hand to her home, ten minutes later. They were both disheveled, and he thought her swollen lip and open blouse were quite appealing. Neither were in the frame of mind to comprehend what they had just done.

"Will I be a good mum to Justine?"

"Absolutely."

"Will I be a good wife?"

"That remains to be seen."

"Do you love me?"

"I might."

Hermione giggled, and swayed against him.

"You're very drunk, Miss Granger."

"I could say the same thing about you."

"Ah, but I'm not a stupid drunk."

Hermione paused, and glared daggers at him.

"I am not stupid!"

Severus stared at her incredulously.

"Did I say that?"

"Yes you did, you drunken arse!"

"There's no need for name calling…"

"Bastard, slimy git…drunk!"

"Tramp!"

His cheek burned sharply as Hermione slapped him soundly.

Suddenly, Harry and Ron were running out of the house, across the lawn, towards the feuding lovers.

"The suitors have bolted," Harry explained breathlessly.

"And that would only mean that you've gotten engaged, only I don't know who you could've…" Ron's voice trailed off as he looked from Hermione to Severus, eyes wide in horror.

"Bloody hell."

Just like that, Hermione realized what she had done. "Shit!" she exclaimed.

Comprehension dawned on Severus. "Fuck!"

Harry was the last to jump on the understanding boat. "Oh. Gods. No."

Hermione started to tear up. "I'm…I'm engaged to Snape?"

Ron could only nod.

"Well…I break it off!"

"As do I," Severus chimed in angrily. Ron sighed.

"Professor, you know as well as I do, that that's not possible. An engagement is as permanent as marriage."

"This is completely unacceptable. We were both, and still are, exceedingly drunk."

"Doesn't matter."

Hermione gave a choked sob, covered her mouth, and ran to the house in tears, intent on locking herself into her room.

Severus watched her, and a new surge of anger coursed through him.

"Console Miss Granger as best as you can. I understand how disgusted she must be. Who wouldn't flee in terror?" He stalked back to his home angrily.

Ron and Harry looked at each other, shook to the very marrow over what has just occurred.

"Bloody hell," Ron repeated. They returned to the house in silence, neither of them knowing what else to say about the matter. It seemed that Ron had expressed it perfectly in two words, and no more were needed.

End of chapter.