From Colleagues to Confidants

August 10, 1998

Snape watched the teeming mass of people on Hogwarts' lawn, loath to leave the castle to join them for the celebration. He stood there, frowning, until he felt a hand slip into the crook of his elbow, and he turned his head to see Hermione smiling up at him.

"Ready?" She jerked her chin at the window.

Snape heaved a reluctant sigh but growled, "If I have to."

Hermione swatted his shoulder and said, "Severus Snape! You are a hero and you will go down there and accept the accolades you so richly deserve, do you hear me?"

Grimacing and making a show of plugging the ear closest to her, he muttered, "Loud and clear."

She squawked in indignation and glared at him, dragging him along. "Ha ha, very funny. Come on, smart-arse."

The day was a whirlwind of cheers and raucous laughter, bids for pictures and interviews, and hearty thanks and congratulations. Snape was overwhelmed and clung to Hermione in desperation, vehemently grateful for her tact and diplomacy in handling the non-stop throng of well-wishers.

Several hours later, they were sitting at one of a hundred small tables, taking a much-needed dinner break. Between Snape's infamous glare and Hermione's more gracious entreaties for some peace, they remained relatively unbothered. However, they were savouring the rich chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream, a relief in the heat of the August evening, when an older man approached and dropped into an empty chair beside them.

Snape's hackles instantly raised, and Hermione laid a repressive hand on his arm. "May we help you with something?"

The man surveyed Snape with a keen look and nodded. "You may not, dear girl, but Severus here may."

Eyes narrowed, Snape said, "What do you mean?"

The man proffered his hand and said, "I've been in hiding for years, completely secure under the Fidelius Charm. But now it's safe to come out again, thanks to you. The name is Lazarus. Lazarus Snape. And you're my great-nephew. I'd like to welcome you home to Snape Manor."

Hermione gasped beside him, eyes wide and mouth open. Her fingers spasmed, gripping his arm tighter.

Snape stared blankly at the older man, utterly gobsmacked. After a long beat of charged silence, he managed to rasp, "Snape Manor?"

Lazarus let loose a great belly laugh and said, "Quite so, dear boy. Back when You-Know-Who first started his rise to power, I put it under the Fidelius Charm. I wanted people to forget that it...and I, frankly...existed. I had seen the direction it was all going, and since the Snape line had traditionally been Slytherins, I feared being sucked into the whole Death Eater bollocks."

Snape looked dazed, but he finally said, "Snape Manor? How could there be a Snape Manor? My father was a Muggle."

Lazarus grinned and winked. "Not exactly. My brother, Titus had a son, Darius, who was a Squib. He, too, had a son, Tobias, your father, who was also a Squib. Didn't help that Titus and Darius married Muggles, I'm sure. Fortunately, Tobias married that Prince girl, and you were the result. Finally brought the magic back out in the Snape line, you did. It's a shame I never married. You're my only living wizard relative, Severus, and I want you to come home."

Snape was speechless, but he was also eyeing the older man with undisguised suspicion. Hermione stepped into the lengthening silence and said, "Why should we believe you?"

Lazarus chuckled and said, laying one finger alongside his nose, "I know all about you, Severus. Made it my business to keep up with your exploits, as it were. I figured you were on the right side, ever since the first trial where Dumbledore vouched for you. So I know that you know Legilimency, and you can verify that I'm telling you the truth right now if you really want to. Then again, I'm sure a Potions Master of your calibre would have access to Veritaserum as well. Whichever you think would be most effective, I'm happy to oblige you. Considering what you've done to help rid our world of You-Know-Who, I'm proud to come out of hiding and claim you as family, and you deserve access to all the luxuries Snape Manor has to offer its scion."

Snape's brow smoothed and he blinked rapidly, his tense posture relaxing as he was overwhelmed by the man's offers. Hermione watched his reaction and leant closer to whisper, "Well, which would you prefer? Shall I go fetch the Veritaserum for you?"

Snape shook his head, coming back to himself, and murmured, "No. I'll just take a peek on my own." Turning the full force of his intimidating glare on Lazarus, he said, "You consent to Legilimency?" Lazarus nodded and Snape growled, "Legilimens."

It only took a moment for Snape to rock back in his seat, eyes wide. Hermione squeezed his arm and he turned to her, stunned. His voice was barely a whisper as he said, "He's telling the truth. I saw Snape Manor."

Lazarus beamed. "It's all there for you, dear boy. Would you like to come home tonight?"

Hermione frowned and bit her lip, flicking a glance at Snape. He stared at the table for a moment, considering. Eventually, he said, "Not tonight. I'll be in touch. This is a lot to absorb."

Lazarus nodded and said, "Of course it is...thinking you're alone in the world and then finding out not only are you not alone, but you're heir to a rather significant fortune, which I have already granted you access to at Gringotts...it's enough to flummox anyone. I'll let you think about it, but I look forward to hearing from you, Severus." He shoved to his feet and slid a calling card across the table to lodge under Snape's fingers. "It was a pleasure meeting you both. Good night."

They stared after his retreating form, digesting the incredible news that had just dropped on them.

Before they could fully internalize it or talk about it, Dumbledore dropped into a chair at their table and said, "I didn't want to interrupt your conversation, but now that you're free, you need to know that the Ministry has decided that there will be an official gala event to celebrate the end of the war, and the ceremony will include distributing awards to all of us who have contributed to the victory. It's this Saturday, and...while this is still speculation, I'm fairly certain it's accurate...not only will there be Order of Merlin, First Class awards, there will be monetary compensation for 'hazardous duty.' It will be at the Ministry ballroom, and we will all be expected to be there in our finest attire. That leaves four days to make sure you have appropriate dress robes, you two. Keep that in mind! Now, I have to go spread the news. Enjoy the rest of the evening!"

He shot to his feet and hurried to another knot of Order members near the refreshments. Hermione and Snape exchanged dazed looks. After a beat, Snape planted his elbows on the table and dropped his head into his hands, scrubbing his face and raking his fingers through his hair. Hands clamped on the back of his neck, he heaved a deep sigh and rasped, "Did all of that really just happen?"

Hermione rubbed his back in reassurance and said, "It really did. Don't lose Lazarus' card. That's so exciting for you, Severus!"

He twisted to slant a sardonic glance at her and said, "I can't believe I may not have to go back to Spinner's End again if I don't want to." Then, he inhaled and sat up, letting his hands fall to the tabletop. "As for this Ministry event, I'm not particularly looking forward to that either."

Hermione snorted softly. "Don't you want your Order of Merlin?" He grimaced at her and she laughed. "Well, I think it'll be nice to get the recognition you deserve. Dumbledore had a point about the attire though. I will need to go shopping before Saturday!"

Snape groaned and closed his eyes. "Bloody hell..."

"What? I haven't had dress robes since fourth year, and I'm certainly not about to turn up at a Ministry event dressed like I was for the Yule Ball!"

Snape rolled his eyes at her, sighing, and said absently, "Why not? You looked smashing that night, if I remember correctly...you twirling around on Viktor's arm."

Hermione jerked in surprise, suddenly acutely aware that she was blushing and still had her hand on his back. "Uh... well... thanks." Clearing her throat, she gingerly moved her hand to the tabletop and said, "So, do you have dress robes?"

Snape snorted. "Basic enough. I've not been one to court fashion."

He twisted the word like it was an insult and Hermione chuckled, regaining her equilibrium. "Well now, a war hero, not to mention heir to the Snape family fortune, should definitely be dressed appropriately. It's about time you got to splurge on the finer things in life, Severus. Would you like to join me for shopping? I promise I won't let the shopkeepers manhandle you too much."

He turned to meet her teasing grin with a narrow-eyed smirk. "Fine. As long as you match me in flagrant extravagance."

Hermione laughed and nodded, offering her hand to shake. "Deal."

Snape took her hand and held it tight, not releasing her when she made to pull away. Snape's gaze had her pinned, and she sucked in a breath as he murmured, "I know from the Yule Ball that you can handle the dance floor. Hermione, would you be so kind as to protect me at the Gala as well by being my dance partner? I promise you that I will not tread on your toes."

That blush was creeping up again to heat her face, and Hermione swallowed, trying hard to maintain nonchalance as she said, "I doubt you'll need protection, Severus, but of course, I'll dance with you. What are friends for?"

Snape's lips spread in a genuine smile and he lifted her captive hand to drop a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Eyes glinting with a mixture of mischief and appreciation, he said, "Then I shall be in your debt, my lady."

Hermione offered a shaky smile and tugged her hand free, doing her best to ignore his warmth on her fingers and the quivery tingle that had raced from where he had kissed her straight to her core. Darting a glance around to see if anyone had noticed their byplay, she saw no one looking at them and gave herself a little shake. "So, uh, what time should we meet, and which shop do you want to start with?"

Snape's brow furrowed and he said, "I've never been to Twilfitt and Tattings, but I've heard Narcissa go on about it before. She claims that it's much more upscale than Madam Malkin's. Have you ever been?"

"No. It's always been Madam Malkin's or Gladrags for me. We can start there if you want. Tomorrow?"

"As you like. May as well get it out of the way."

"All right. How about 10:00? Plenty of time to have a lie-in and breakfast first. Just promise me one thing, Severus..."

He snapped around to stare at her, wary. "What's that?"

"That you won't buy anything black."

Her grin was both impish and legitimately pleading, and Snape tossed his head, huffing. "Fine. But I will not even try anything even remotely as garish as that Lockhart idiot."

Hermione burst out laughing at the ridiculous images that incited, and she decided to play along with his earlier words. "Oh, my lord is much more dignified than that. I wouldn't dream of besmirching your stature in such a manner. Besides, I have a reputation to uphold as well, and I wouldn't dare be seen with a dandy like him. I shall be dancing with the illustrious Severus Snape, you know."

Snape's lids drooped and one corner of his mouth quirked up. Eyeing her through his lashes, he purred, "Indeed, then he is a lucky man, my lady." Rising, he picked up Lazarus's card, eyeing it thoughtfully before turning to offer his arm to Hermione and saying, "May I have the privilege of escorting you home?"

Hermione thrilled to the courtly gesture and slipped her hand through his elbow, standing beside him. "I would be honoured, noble sir."

She ducked her head and held back a giggle, but grinned in response when she looked up to see Snape smiling at her in fond amusement.

Hermione added, "And you can help me unpack in my new flat!" Snape nodded amiably, and they trekked back to the castle in the waning summer sunlight, enjoying a companionable silence.

*****

The next morning, they found themselves nearly overwhelmed by the zealous staff at Twilfitt and Tattings, until Snape gathered his former persona about him like raiment and sternly ordered the attendants to cease their fluttering and leave them be. "Isn't it your job to find us appropriate robes? Well then, go on!"

In the lull that followed them scattering like roaches, Hermione and Snape exchanged harried looks and took steadying breaths. "Severus, would you be willing to help me decide what to buy? Having an opinion from someone I trust would be so much more useful than listening to the people who make their money off sales."

Snape inclined his head solemnly. "Of course. Would you be so kind as to do the same for me? As you can well imagine, I am rather out of my element."

Hermione smiled. "I'd love to. But you had better get used to this now, what with your inheritance and all."

Snape frowned. He barely had time to mutter, "We'll see..." before an attendant surged up to him, laden with dress robes in a multitude of styles and colours.

Hermione giggled at the way the attendant flinched when Snape sneered at the pastels and bright, primary colours. Hoping to stave off Snape losing what remained of his temper, she intervened with a gentle, "I should think that darker hues would better suit, perhaps some royal tones."

The attendant bobbed in agreement and dashed away again, leaving Snape to raise one eyebrow at her and drawl, "Royal tones?"

Affecting a demure curtsey, she lilted, "Certainly, my lord. The attire of such a noble man as you must fit in with the opulence of Snape Manor."

Snape rolled his eyes even as his lips quirked in a suppressed smile. "Still on about that, are you? Very well then, my lady. Ever your servant, I shall not rest until my attire meets with your approval, and yours dazzles enough to rival your own radiance."

Hermione blinked, taken aback by his language and how easily he slipped into the courtly role again. She was saved from having to reply by the attendant returning with a much more appropriate selection for Snape.

Snape slanted one last long-suffering glance at Hermione as he followed the attendant to the gentlemen's fitting rooms. While he was inside, Hermione's attendants arrived, racks of gowns and robes floating alongside them. She was perusing the selection, occasionally marking an item as one to take to her fitting room, and waiting for Snape to come out.

After several minutes, she paused in her task and called, "Severus, aren't you supposed to be showing me what you're trying so I can give you my opinion?"

Snape's voice rumbled from behind the door. "As soon as I find something that I would be willing to purchase, I'll show you as well."

Hermione heaved an exasperated sigh. "I know it's not a matter of fit...we're wizards. You're just not giving things a chance, are you?"

The silence that met her accusation gave her her answer, and she rolled her eyes. Finally, Snape muttered, "Are you sure I can't get anything black?"

At that, Hermione flung the gown she was holding back onto the rack and stormed over to the fitting rooms. "Severus Snape, make sure you're decent and step out here right now."

Snape's aggrieved sigh was loud in the stunned silence of the shop, the attendants staring at Hermione in awe. After a few moments of rustling, the door opened and Snape stepped out.

Hermione actually fell back a step, gobsmacked. Her breath caught in her throat and her heart seemed to stutter in her chest.

Snape straightened his robes, narrowed eyes flicking around at the stares, the mulish set of his jaw almost daring anyone to say anything.

Hermione found her voice, but it trembled as she said, "Good gods, Severus..."

Chin lifting as he steeled himself for mockery, he growled, "It's ridiculous, isn't it?"

The smattering of affronted gasps gave him pause, but it was Hermione's outraged squawk that drew his attention. "Of course not! Do you honestly not see how striking you are in that?"

Snape's prickly manner faltered, and he looked in the mirror. "Really?"

Hermione stepped closer and ran an admiring hand down his midnight blue lapel. "I had no idea how much difference a little colour could make." Eyes sparkling, she lifted a hand to smooth a lock of his hair, making him start at the shiver that ran over him, leaving goose flesh in its wake. "The shade brings out the blue-black highlights in your hair. And the silver threading and decorations makes your skin glow. Really, Severus, you're stunning!"

Snape's skin was glowing, all right, but it was from the flush washing over him in an uncomfortably hot flash. Hermione guided him to step closer to the mirror and stood behind him, raking her fingers through his hair to gather it at the nape of his neck. Heated sparks sizzled through him, leaving him dizzy.

"Look! If you tie your hair back like this...that's it. I had no idea. You are rather distractingly handsome, my lord." The last statement was for his ears only, as she stretched up to murmur in his ear, holding his gaze in the mirror.

He whispered, "Aren't you exaggerating..."

Hermione cut him off with a vehement shake of the head. "Not a bit of it. You wanted my opinion; you've got it. I would be honoured to be seen on the dance floor with you, Severus."

Snape swallowed. "Very well then. Why don't I change back and you can find something for yourself."

Hermione's appreciative gaze raked him from head to toe, and she said, "Oh, won't you keep it on until I find something? That way we can see how we look together."

Snape's gut squirmed when she said, "together." He cleared his throat and nodded. "Fine. Go on then. I'll wait."

Hermione flashed him a dazzling smile and went back to the rack, quickly pulling a few more to send into the ladies' fitting room. Snape eyed himself in the mirror again, copying Hermione's actions with his hair.

His attendant darted forward and said, "We have ribbons to match all of our fabric, sir. If you would like one to tie your hair back, I'd be happy to fetch it for you."

Snape cast a pensive glance toward where Hermione had disappeared, remembering the frankly hungry look in her eyes as she had whispered in his ear, and said, "Please do."

The attendant brought him a chair as well, and Snape sat, waiting for Hermione to determine what she would buy. Every few minutes, she would emerge from the fitting room, clad in concoctions of silk, lace, tulle, and velvet in every shade of the rainbow, peppered with spangles, crystals, beads, and jewels.

Snape was glad he was sitting down, as his knees got progressively weaker every time she paraded out in figure-hugging gowns that bared an infinitely varied amount of smooth skin. Hermione twirled and posed, beaming at Snape as she enjoyed the gorgeous creations. She had worked her way through the pastels and primary colours and was finally turning to the same royal tones that had been offered to Snape.

Hermione stepped out of the fitting room again, and Snape shot to his feet; the urge to rush over and pull her into his embrace was intense.

The gown's bodice was midnight blue velvet, rising as a halter above the deep v-neck, casting delicious shadows on her exposed cleavage, and continuing up to create a stiff collar that curved outward just below her earlobes. An inverted vee from the bottom of the neckline sloping down over her hips began the shimmering drape of silk that ended with a hint of a train at her heels. As she spun, he saw the plunging open back, hugging her curves and revealing the line of her spine. Glittering strings of crystals and silver beads hung from the back of the collar to fan out and join the edge of the bodice. More crystals and silver beads lined the border between the fitted velvet and the flowing silk, girding her torso and culminating in a starburst at the front of the bodice.

Hermione stepped in front of the mirror and lifted her riotous curls, twisting them up in a messy chignon, emphasizing the slim column of her neck framed by the rigid collar. The effect was dramatic and the smouldering desire in Snape's gut flared, making him want to trail kisses down her naked back.

Snape stepped up behind her, his wide eyes never leaving her reflection, and Hermione met his gaze with a delighted smile. "Oh, look! Our colours go together." Snape's tongue flicked out to wet his lips and she froze at the frisson of attraction that swept over her. Letting her hair fall and dropping her hands to her sides, she said in a low voice, "What do you think, Severus?"

He cleared his throat and swallowed hard, his hands fluttering upward, wanting to touch her. Seizing on the idea, he inclined his head in a bow and offered his arm, murmuring, "My lady, if it would please you that I keep these robes, say the word and I shall do so immediately. And if you would be willing to grace my presence in such an exquisite gown, I would be in your debt, as your beauty would encompass me and make my appearance bearable." He deftly lifted her hand to slip it into the crook of his elbow. "It would be an honour to escort you to the Gala, my lady."

Hermione's pulse sped up, and a becoming flush stained her cheeks. "That would please me, indeed, my lord."

They locked eyes in the mirror, until Hermione squeezed his arm and blinked. Snape backed away, grateful that the robes hid how tight his trousers were.

Whirling, Hermione said, "I need to find accessories to complete the look. Why don't you go buy that handsome outfit, and I'll join you once I've found my accessories?"

Snape nodded, and Hermione disappeared into the fitting room again. He changed back into his regular clothes and gathered the robes and matching ribbon to take to the register. When he reached the counter, he saw Hermione following her attendant to a section further away, and he turned his attention to the clerk. "I would like to purchase these."

"Certainly, sir."

When the clerk said the total amount, Snape froze, astonished at how much it cost. He had always been frugal, and had never spent so much on clothing before in his life. "Charge it to my Gringotts account."

The clerk nodded pleasantly, and Snape leant against the counter, looking for Hermione. A few moments later, she appeared, a basket on her arm and the gown floating along behind her.

"Did you find what you wanted?"

She beamed. "I even found things I didn't know I wanted until I saw them!" Her laughter made him quirk a faint smile, and she continued, "I can't wait to see what everyone else will be wearing too."

The clerk handed Snape his new robes, wrapped securely, and Hermione set her basket on the counter. "Will this be all, Miss?"

"Yes, I should think so."

Snape watched in bemusement as the clerk rang up not only the sumptuous gown, but shoes, gloves, hair accessories, jewellery, and even some delicate stockings and lingerie...a jolt of shocked arousal heated his face and he jerked his gaze elsewhere, trying in vain to not picture Hermione in nothing but the lingerie and stockings.

When the clerk announced her total, Snape's mouth opened in amazement. "That's nearly twice what mine was!"

Hermione flashed him a lopsided grin and retorted, "Well, you did say I had to match you in flagrant extravagance. You don't have to match me, however."

Snape just stared, almost appalled at the exorbitant costs of their finery. "Narcissa had a point, I guess."

Hermione snorted and signed the charge slip for her Gringotts account. "I'm just glad we're expecting that 'hazardous duty' pay..." The clerk wrapped up her purchase and handed it to her, and Hermione spun to smile up at Snape. "I guess we're done! I honestly had no idea it would be this easy. Then again, if money is no object, I daresay one finds one's path much easier." She slipped her hand around his elbow and led him out into the summer sunshine. Once they were out of earshot, she murmured, "I'm so glad your path will finally be easier for you, Severus, now that you've got the manor and your inheritance."

Snape paused, turning to gaze solemnly at her. "I don't know what to expect, really. It's so alien. I mean, I've been around Lucius and Narcissa often enough to have an idea, but when it's supposed to be yours, it's different! Will you come with me whenever I go? I daresay I could use the moral support."

Hermione's lips spread in a fond smile, and she wrapped both hands around his arm, leaning closer. "I am flattered and delighted to accept your invitation, my lord."

Snape's anxiety ebbed at the conspiratorial lilt of her voice as she invoked their shared tease. He purred, "My lady is gracious, indeed," before lifting her hand to drop a gentle kiss to her knuckles again.

Hermione blushed and averted her eyes, and they walked on, arm in arm, both anticipating the Gala, but for markedly different reasons.

*****

Saturday afternoon, Hermione indulged in pampering unlike any she had allowed before. After spending a deliciously long time in a hot bath spiked with essential oils, she: anointed her skin with scented lotion; successfully attempted a mani/pedi with pewter nail varnish...even though her fingernails would be hidden by the long gloves; wrestled and tamed her hair into an updo, twisting it in a chignon with crystal and jewel hairpins but letting the curls spill over in a cascade from the crown of her head; bedecked her ears and throat with matching jewellery; and used make-up to subtly enhance her eyes and lips.

Then she was left with getting dressed, and she bit her lip in a mischievous grin as she slipped on the midnight blue satin suspender belt and smoky stockings, followed by a matching lace thong. The daringly low plunge of both the front and back of the dress negated the use of a bra, but the structure of the velvet bodice was sturdy enough that Hermione felt comfortable. She beamed at her reflection as she shimmied into the dress, rolling her shoulders to settle the glittering strands spanning her back. Finally, she buckled the sleek heels and stood, pulling on the above-the-elbow gloves and smoothing the drape of the silk over her hips. The height from her heels left the slight train of her gown barely hovering above the floor, and Hermione laughed aloud. "Severus won't tower over me quite so much now!"

The Gala opened at 7:00, providing dinner as well as entertainment and ceremony. Hermione had agreed to meet Snape at Hogwarts, as he hadn't yet moved into either Spinner's End or Snape Manor. There was still almost half an hour before the Gala opened, but Hermione couldn't wait any longer. She cast a charm to protect herself from the soot, stepped into the green flames in the hearth of her tiny sitting room, and Flooed to Snape's quarters.

Spinning out onto the hearth, she didn't see him anywhere, so she called, "Severus, I'm here! Are you ready?"

A muffled cry of surprise came from the vicinity of his bedroom, and he yelled, "I'll be right out!"

"All right!"

A few moments later, Snape emerged from his bedroom, tugging on his cuffs, his expression anxious until he saw Hermione, at which point he stopped dead in his tracks and gaped at her, eyes going wide in amazement.

Hermione beamed and bobbed a curtsey, "Do I meet with your satisfaction, my lord?"

Snape sucked in a ragged breath and shot across the room to join her, eyes dark with attraction. Lifting her hand, he murmured, "My lady is resplendent beyond description," before pressing a kiss to her knuckles again, but this time, it wasn't fleeting. His lips caressed her hand, his breath ghosting warm through the fabric of her glove as his gaze held hers.

A wave of heat crashed over her, pausing to roil her gut and weaken her knees. She gasped, trying to keep her senses, and breathed, "My lord is too kind."

Snape lifted his head and released her hand, his lips spreading in a languorous smile. "I can see that I will be hard pressed to keep your company for my dance card tonight, Hermione."

Hermione blushed and voiced a non-committal noise. "I said I'd dance with you, Severus; you needn't worry."

Snape deliberately closed his eyes and fell back a step, swallowing back his roaring desire for the woman before him. "I'm not worried about that...I believed you when you said that's what friends are for. However, I refuse to monopolize your time when you can finally have a chance to frolic and enjoy yourself. I'm sure there will be scores of young men there tonight who would jump at the chance to dance with you."

A faint frown quirked her brow but disappeared in a flash. "I'm sure Harry and Ron will dance with me, for friendship's sake, but they'll no doubt be besieged by others wanting their attention."

Snape turned away, his expression closed again. "I daresay that would look better than being ostracized..."

"What do you mean? Who do you think will be ostracized?"

He cut an aggrieved glare at her. "Really, Hermione? You're not stupid."

She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes dangerously. "Oh, honestly! If you're implying that you'll be ostracized, then you are stupid!"

One brow rose and he faced her, his gaze frosty. "Ever the optimist! Is that a Gryffindor trait or just yours?"

Hermione heaved a sigh and rolled her eyes. Voice weary, she said, "Oh, for... Enough with the House politics! Fine. If you're so worried about having a miserable time tonight, why don't you do something about it, O Master of Potions?"

Grimacing in confusion, Snape snapped, "Like what?"

Brows rising in lofty challenge, she retorted, "Oh, I don't know; how about a little liquid courage? Surely you have something that can ease your mind and boost your mood." He stared at her, taken aback. Suddenly desperate that he actually have a good time for once, she sweetened the deal. "Pick something, and I'll take it too. Isn't it time we finally get to enjoy ourselves?"

Her wistful expression sparked a warmth in Snape's chest. Duly considering, he strode through the room to the far door, entering his potions lab. After a few minutes of silence, he returned with a dusty bottle. "Elixir to Induce Euphoria. I already added the peppermint, to counteract any side-effects." He paused, staring soberly at her. "Were you serious?"

Hermione crossed to him and wrapped her hand around his and the bottle. "Yes. It isn't habit-forming, and it doesn't react poorly to alcohol, so why not? We deserve some fun, Severus."

He met her bold gaze, nodded slowly, and opened the bottle. Never breaking eye contact, he tossed back a dose, then another...enough to last him well into the night. Wiping his lips with the back of his hand, he proffered the bottle to her.

Hermione lifted her chin and copied his actions, grinning cheekily at him as she handed the bottle back. "There. Now we're bound to have fun! And look, it's nearly time. Are you ready to go, my lord?"

Feeling the euphoria starting to curl through his veins, Snape grinned back, bowed, and said, "Indeed, my lady."

As one, they cast the charm to protect themselves from soot and Flooed to the Ministry, Hermione taking his arm once they arrived. Exchanging saucy looks, they chuckled as they made their way to the Ballroom.