A/N: This story was originally inspired by the hilarious fic written by grindylowe, called "The Lecture".

J.K. created, I played. Hope you enjoy the ride!

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The Perfect Birthday Gift

Chapter 1: Tears in her eyes

She had no idea as to when or how it had started; this yearning, impossible passion, obsessive love. She'd spend the classes watching those long, slender fingers and his sensuous lips, daydreaming. Of course, this caused her to fall back, and eventually - detention. She didn't mind, though - how could she, when she was allowed to spend time alone with her love.

"He shall never find out," she thought to herself. She was certain that he would never have her, that if he knew, he most certainly would mock her, make her a laughingstock. Most nights, she went to sleep with thoughts naughty enough to make a grown man blush, let alone a schoolgirl. She'd whisper his name in the night, her chest heaving, fingers dancing on her breasts, between her legs. Yes, a schoolgirl she might be, but not an innocent one. She most definitely knew how to please herself.

"Hermione, did you get that homework done?" Harry asked. They were sitting in the Great Hall, having breakfast.

"Exactly which homework are you referring to?" Hermione answered absent-mindedly, sneaking glances towards the teachers' table. Oh, there he was, as gorgeous as ever. If only...

"The one Snape gave us. I cracked my brain half the night with it, prolly didn't do so well, since you weren't there to help," Harry said with an accusing tone. To his surprise, Hermione had retired early, leaving him and Ron in the common room with their books and parchments. Not at all like Hermione, Harry thought.

"Uh... um... Actually, I didn't finish it," she stammered.

"You... what!?" Both Harry and Ron were flabbergasted, staring her with mouths gaping. She, on the other hand, was turning crimson, lips trembling. She stood up and ran out, unable to stand the boys' gaze.

"Merlins beard, how in the world could I forget my homework?" Close to crying, she rushed into the dormitory, picking up her notes and rummaging through her trunk. She hadn't written down anything at all. Instead, she'd been doodling rather carelessly, she noticed, blushing. A heart, his initials inside it, and all this on the cover of her book. How could she do this? Furthermore, she had made some rather erotic sketches, but thank Merlin, they were safely inside the trunk. She resisted the urge to stay and flip through the sketches; instead she grabbed her notes and left for the class.

***

"Class, be seated," Professor Snape said while walking behind his desk. "Today, we will be taking a closer look on the most debated potions of all, the love potions. Whether or not they truly have an effect, and furthermore, is the effect desired. Brewing these potions is most complex, and sadly the ones of you who would need their help the most, are also the ones with the least potential in the area." He smirked sarcastically. "However, this is a mandatory course, so at least try and do the little you can." He seated himself.

"And now, I would like you to return your homework. One at a time, please, I will have a quick look at them now."

Hermione didn't know what to do. She had been a less good student lately, but so far, nothing like this had happened. It occurred to her, that she would most likely be spending the hours between classes and curfew in this dungeon - yet again. As her turn to return the non-existent homework came, she took a deep breath and walked down with trembling legs.

"Yes, Miss Granger? May I see your essay?"

"Sir... um... the thing is..." Hermione stammered.

"What is it? I would like to get this over with, so hand me the essay."

"Sir... Professor... I didn't finish it." Hermione was blushing fiercely.

Snape glared at her with a look of disbelief.

"And might I ask why, Miss Granger?" he then hissed.

Before Hermione could think of an explanation, Snape sighed, shook his head and declared:

"Whatever the reason, it still is a mere excuse, so I shall not need to hear it. Twenty points from Gryffindor!"

With this, he sent Hermione back to her seat, her eyes watering, all eyes on her. Luckily, Snape quickly moved on to the next subject, giving her time to collect herself. For the rest of the class, Hermione did her best to concentrate on her notes, and not the velvety voice, speaking of the effects on love potions.

Finally, the class was over, and Hermione quickly collected her things, more than ready to escape to the safety of the dormitory. Before she could reach the door, Snape called out to her: "Miss Granger, a word with you, please."

Hermione froze, then slowly turned around to face him.

"What is it, sir?"

"Please, close the door and take a seat. Closer, Miss Granger," he said, as Hermione tried to return to her desk.

"I think we need to talk, Miss Granger." Snape came round his desk, and sat - to her amazement - on top of it, very close to Hermione. Too close, since she felt his presence as an electric shock. She tried to catch her breath, and stared at her hands.

"I have recently noticed that you haven't been able to meet your usual standards, and quite frankly, it has caused some of the teachers to be alarmed. As for today, I would like to hear your explanation, if you have one. Why were you unable to finish your essay? I shouldn't think it was too demanding, not for you."

Hermione felt the redness cover her face. It was bad enough to forget homework, to be punished for it, but this, this unexpected... kindness on his part. It was just too much to bear. To her utter horror, she started sobbing, tears welling in her eyes, then running down her cheeks.

"I... I'm so sorry, Professor," she started, her voice strained with tears.

"Miss Granger... surely there is no reason to cry, is there?" Snape sounded worried, and the concern in his voice made her sob more. Unable to speak, she put her hands to her face, crying helplessly.

When she was able to control herself again, she realised that someone was stroking her hair. She lifted her head, and saw a paper tissue held out. Gratefully, she took it, and wiped her face.

"Miss Granger... I know I might not be the one you would talk to, but rest assured I am the one who shall never tell your secrets to anyone else. Now, is there something you would like to talk about? I sense that there is a bit more to this than one forgotten essay."

"Thank you, P-Professor. I... I don't think there is anything I need to talk about."

"Very well, then. I was going to give you detention, but since it has had no effect on you lately, I've decided against it. As a punishment, you shall write an essay on Eroto potion, five thousand words. Return it tomorrow, and remember I am being easy on you, since you obviously have something else on your mind at the moment. However, I won't tolerate this kind of slacking in the future, Miss Granger."

With this, Snape stood up, and helped Hermione up from her seat. His touch made her hand tingle, and again Hermione had to collect herself. She walked to the door, quite certain that she looked like a mess, and hoping that no one would see her on her way to the dormitory, when she heard him speak in a low voice:

"Miss Granger, one more thing. No young man is worth your tears, or your grades. Especially not someone like Mr Weasley."

She could hear the disgust in his voice, and wondered yet again what Ron had done to deserve his loathing.

"If only he knew," she thought, as she left the dungeon.

***

"Mione! C'mon, tell us! What did Snape want?"

As soon as she entered the common room, Ron was asking questions, obviously unable to recognize her agitation or the traces of tears on her face. Harry, on the other hand, looked slightly alarmed, while Ginny gave her a knowing look.

"Hey, are you all right?" Harry asked, rising from his chair and taking a few steps in her direction.

"I'm fine, it's nothing, I just got scolded for not returning my essay," she said, trying to make her voice sound normal.

Meanwhile, Ron had noticed her red and desperate eyes, and started raging: "What did Snape do to you? I swear I'll punch him, or break into his lab, if he's hurt you..."

Hermione didn't stay there; she just walked up the stairs, leaving Ron with his raving, Harry looking quite puzzled. Ginny, on the other hand, got up and followed Hermione upstairs.

"OK, Mione, tell me what happened."

Ginny sat beside Hermione on her bed, looking out of the window, so Hermione might pull herself together again. Hermione sighed.

"It's... it's nothing, really. Just had a bad day, I s'pose."

"Lately, it seems you've had more than a few bad days, as far as I've noticed. Look, if it's something that the dimwit of a brother of mine has done..."

"No, it's not Ron. He's been really sweet, honestly."

"I understand that you have something on your chest, and that you are not ready to talk about it. But know this: I am your friend, no matter what happens between you and my brother."

Ginny hugged Hermione and left. Hermione sat there, hugging her pillow, just breathing.

Finally she felt like herself again, and got up. She was starving, but decided against going to dinner; she didn't feel ready to face her friends, let alone Snape, just yet. Instead, she opened her trunk, took out some parchment, her quill and ink, and opened her book. It was time to do the assignment Snape had given her. But first she took out the sketches, and let herself dream a little. She had drawn quite a lot of pictures, but her favourite was the one where Snape was lying naked on a bed, holding her in his arms. She heaved a sigh, smiling at the impossible thought. As if he would ever want to touch her.

Suddenly she heard voices, steps from the stairs. Hastily she covered the sketches with the parchment. Some seventh-years came to the dormitory, chatting away cheerfully, and with a sigh, she got to work.

Eroto potion

By Hermione Granger

Eroto potion is considered to be one of the most complex potions in history. It was

originally used only by qualified Healers, and was developed by Macilla MacAvoy in 1475.

It was never meant to be used as an aphrodisiac, but since the patients reported

rather strange side effects, such as erections and very lively dreams, MacAvoy

soon made a fortune brewing and selling her product.

The main effects of this potion are sexual; arousal, in some cases climaxing with very

little or no stimulation, intense and lascivious dreams, to mention the most common ones.

However, in some cases consuming the potion can lead to unwelcome effects, such as

constant arousal, excessive swelling and insomnia. There is a non stop debate going on whether brewing and using this potion

should be forbidden all together, since it has lead to several divorces

over the years, but so far, it is under strict control and when made, needs a license from

the Ministry of Magic.

The ingredients needed to make Eroto potion are...

Hermione paused. She wondered if Professor Snape had ever brewed the potion in question, and with what consequences. Her cheeks turned red with the thought of Snape using it, giving it to an unsuspecting victim and then using her to his pleasure. She felt the need build inside her, desperate for a release. She didn't allow herself to have any, though, and with a sigh, she returned to the task at hand.

***

The next morning, Hermione woke up smiling. She had dreamed of Snape, and the dream lingered; she could still hear him speaking tender words to her. "If only it could be true," she thought to herself, yet knowing full well that it was not to be. Well, at least she had her dreams to comfort her, and sometimes, that was more than enough.

It was still quite early, and when she went downstairs to the common room, she found it empty. Her stomach gave a loud protest, and she decided to head to the great hall for breakfast. After all, she would have quite a lot of time to eat, and besides, she felt she still could use some time by herself. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate the company of others; it was the endless questions that annoyed her, especially since Ron had started to act all the more jealous this year. He seemed to think that in the absence of Viktor, Hermione was his girlfriend, and until recently she had had nothing against it.

The Great Hall was almost empty, with just a few students scattered here and there. The staff table was empty save one seat - Snape's. She was out of breath at the sight of him, suddenly not at all hungry, though just a moment ago she'd been famished. Unfortunately Snape had already seen her, so she couldn't turn on her heels and leave. Her eyes downcast, she sat at the table.

"How on earth am I going to eat anything while he's watching me?" She was panicking. It was getting worse every day, it seemed. She took a roll and some pumpkin juice, trying to act as normal as possible. All the time she felt his gaze on her, she unable to lift hers. "Why does he make me feel this way?" She thought desperately. She forced down her scant breakfast.

"Good morning, Miss Granger." Snape had, as usual, sneaked behind her quietly. She almost choked on her roll.

"G-good morning, Professor," she managed to stammer, her mouth uncomfortably full.

"How are you this morning? Better, I hope," he said.

"Yes, sir, thank you." She stared at her plate, his mere presence making her shiver.

"And I trust you have a little something for me, hmm?"

His voice was like velvet on her skin. The possible meanings of the question nearly made her gasp, how could he not realise what he was saying? A little something all right, like her yet untouched body, for instance. She nearly burst out laughing.

"Yes sir, I do," she gagged.

"Well, then I shall you see in class," Snape said, and left. She did notice him looking at her thoughtfully, and as she stood up and left, she could feel his eyes following her.

As Hermione entered the common room, she found her friends waiting for her.

"When did you get up?" Ron asked.

"Ah, dunno, really. An hour ago, maybe?" she replied cheerfully. Now was not the time to look like a beaten puppy, she decided.

"Ah... OK, then. Should we get some breakfast, then?" Ron was being very gentlemanly, in his own, clumsy way.

"Sorry, Ron, but I've already eaten." Ron gave her sad puppy eyes, but to no avail.

"C'mon, Ron, I'm starving," Harry said. The boys left, Ron muttering something about girls and their strangeness. Hermione climbed upstairs, and braced herself for the coming day.

***