66- Bravi, Bravi, Bravissimi...

Standard Disclaimer goes here. I'm just playing with toys that aren't mine, but I'll treat them well, I promise!

Author's Note: Well, if you've peeked at my LJ at all in the past few months, you saw the posts involving my continued preparation for Snapefest and Portus 2008, in DFW. Well... It. Was. EPIC! LOL I had the best vacation ever, and I'm so happy to have met so many lovely people in the fandom and renewed/strengthened ties with those I already had met. My LJ has links to pics from the con and all that fabulousness. And, it also details my wonky work scheduling and plans for fall term. So, you can see just how Real Life has been treating me as I strive to finish this behemoth. Profound gratitude to Ladyofthemasque and Horserider for their help, as always. And thank you to all you lovely folk who are still sticking around and supporting me writing this fic! *ginormous glomping hugs for everyone* Here we are coming to the goal set up back in chapter one: the Ministry performance. Celebrate with me, won't you? :)

Chapter 66- Bravi, Bravi, Bravissimi...

Hermione Apparated into a side alley near the Three Broomsticks. Peering out into the thoroughfare, she heaved a wistful sigh that her idyll with Snape was over again. There were no Hogwarts students visible on the street, so she ducked into the pub, glancing about. Upon her first cursory examination, she didn’t see any of her classmates. Just as she was about to turn around and head back out, she saw movement in a dim corner and she paused, noticing a flash of Gryffindor scarlet. A smile spread her lips as she realized it was Neville and Parvati, seated close together, their heads bent as they paused between lingering kisses to gaze into each other’s eyes.

I see that’s progressing rather nicely! She grinned as she exited the pub, glad that she wasn’t the only one enjoying the bliss of romance.

Heading to Hogwarts, she passed a few students meandering back, taking their time. Waving back at them, brandishing the programme and beaming in response to their greetings, she quickened her pace, then, realizing she needn’t make the trek back, stopped and Disapparated back to the clearing just outside the school gates.

It was there that she startled Ron and Susan where they were leaning against one stone pillar, looking nearly as inseparable as he and Lavender had the year before, although he had clearly improved in technique and skill by now. Blushing hotly at her sheepish apology, they mumbled greetings as she sidled past them and hurried up the slope.

Hermione couldn’t help sniggering at the evidence that spring was definitely in the air!

Once inside, Hermione went straight to Dumbledore’s office, relieved that the gargoyle’s password hadn’t been changed without her knowledge since the last time she had gone up.

Dumbledore stood to greet her as she entered. “Miss Granger, how lovely to see you. And you have something for me, yes?”

Hermione grinned and proffered the programme. “Here you are, sir. I’m sure it’s all fairly self-explanatory once you read it. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the Ministry representative’s faces when they see everything we have that the other schools didn’t.”

Dumbledore chuckled. “Indeed, Miss Granger. I daresay it’s all but a foregone conclusion that we will win the competition—the posters and bio board and programmes are just icing on the cake.” Hermione nodded, beaming. “Thank you for your repeated help in this matter, my dear. Now, run along and get some rest before tomorrow’s big performance.”

Nodding in acquiescence, Hermione retorted, “You too, sir,” before ducking back out onto the spiral staircase leading down to the gargoyle.

**** ****

That evening, the cast members were waffling back and forth between contented relaxation in the wake of their Hogsmeade holiday and excited anticipation over the next day’s performance. It was later that night that a house-elf appeared in each House to distribute the newly-printed programmes to each cast member. Gryffindor’s common room was suddenly alive with a hubbub of pleased reactions.

The poster photo was on the cover, and inside, after the listing of the scenes and songs, the cast list began, complete with the photos from the bio board alongside each short blurb about the actors. Following that, there was a declaration of thanks to all who had helped in the venture, including Flitwick and, to Hermione’s surprise, the Grangers.

Hermione gazed at Snape’s photo, missing him again. Considering that Dumbledore was the one who must have written the blurbs about everyone, she wondered at the information included in his description.

“The Phantom, played by Severus Snape. Professor Snape, long time Potions Master par excellence at Hogwarts, gives his debut performance onstage, making good use of the acting skills honed while working for the Order of the Phoenix inside enemy lines during the war with the Dark Lord. His dedication to the cast and its success has led them to this outstanding performance. Hogwarts will be sad to see him end his tenure at the end of term, and wishes him the best in his future endeavours.”

Staring at the words in consternation, Hermione thought, Is that some sort of subtle way of apologizing for what he did to Severus? Praise him in print and out his resignation with purported wishes of goodwill? Why can’t the old man just admit he was wrong and say he’s sorry?

Glancing up at the others admiring the programmes, Hermione quietly sidled away to her room without them noticing. As she prepared for bed, she thought, Oh, how I wish I could just sit those two down and make them work this out! Stubborn men…

**** ****

Friday seemed to alternately zoom past and creep by, depending on how each cast member was feeling at the moment about the impending performance. Unlike the parents’ night dress rehearsal, those coming to the performance were not joining the cast for dinner beforehand, so the Hall was rather empty of people, yet filled with the palpable charge of anticipation from the cast members sitting at the long tables pretending to eat.

Nerves made everyone’s stomachs fluttery, and while a few managed to eat a little bit, very little food was actually ingested at the early dinner. Perhaps that was all to the good, as it meant there would be less for anyone to possibly take sick from if they got too nervous.

When Dumbledore stood to shoo them out and transform the Hall, they all but bolted, racing past the bio board and into the room set aside for them, which was separate from the lounge the Ministry and other audience members would be using. Judicious peeks into the corridor showed McGonagall escorting Ministry officials to the lounge, and family members who had come to the dress rehearsal making their way to the room again on their own.

At one point, they were startled by Dobby suddenly appearing in the room, his proud smile so wide that it looked as if his head were about to split in half horizontally. Harry strode over to him and said, “Hey, Dobby, what’s got you so excited?”

Dobby thrust out his thin chest and said, “Headmaster has given Dobby a very important job! Dobby is to hand out the programmes to everyone as they enter the Great Hall. Dobby gets to help!”

Harry grinned and clapped the elf on the shoulder. “That’s great, Dobby. It’s very important that all of the Ministry folk see those programmes. Good for you.”

Dobby heaved a rapturous sigh and bobbed his head. “Dobby must go make sure everything is ready, Harry Potter, sir.” With another jerky bow, he disappeared.

It was when Neville started running through his costume charms again that Snape Apparated into the room, making those nearest him jump in surprise. Nodding at them in acknowledgement, he immediately crossed to Hermione and said, “Miss Granger, it’s time to get ready.”

Hermione jumped to her feet and briskly retorted, “Yes, sir.” Gripping Snape’s proffered arm, she flicked a glance of farewell toward her friends as Snape Disapparated.

In Snape’s quarters, once she had retrieved the hair products and taken her place behind Snape, Hermione began brushing his hair and said, “So, have you read the programme yet?”

He shook his head. “Why?”

Hermione bit her lip and said, “I thought it was interesting. Perhaps you should read it now, rather than waiting till closer to show time.”

Eyes narrowed, Snape turned to look at her, then summoned a house-elf. When the elf appeared, he said, “Bring me a copy of the programme for tonight’s performance.” The elf bowed and quickly disappeared, only to reappear almost immediately, brandishing the programme. Snape inclined his head graciously. “Thank you.” With a nod, the elf disappeared again, leaving Snape to scowl at the item in question.

His tone suspicious, he said, “Just what am I looking for?”

Hermione continued smoothing the pomade. “Read the bios.”

Opening to the cast list and the accompanying paragraphs and photos, he read the blurb by his picture. Hermione felt his sharp intake of breath and the sudden tension in his shoulders as he held it for a long moment before letting it burst from him.

Whirling to glare accusingly at Hermione, Snape snarled, “Who wrote this?”

Hermione gazed at him coolly and said, “I’m not certain, but I think it must have been Dumbledore.” After a beat, she added, “Perhaps you should ask him.”

Snape glared at her balefully. “How dare he write about my private life?”

Hermione sighed and said, “The only thing in there that isn’t public knowledge yet is that you’re leaving, although some people, my parents and House-mates included, already know that. Look at what he did say—all very salutary, and he’s even expressing regret that you’re leaving. Don’t you think this might be his way of apologizing for what he did?”

Snape spun away from her, slamming back into the chair as he stared heatedly at the paragraph. “If we have to ask, it’s not good enough.” At the sound of Hermione’s aggrieved sigh, he added, “After what he did, I deserve a real apology. Not some subtle-possibly-maybe-that’s-what-it’s-meant-to-be-attempt. He would have to do something monumental and beyond question to even try to regain my trust.”

Hermione heard the implacable bite in his voice and gave up. Having come to know him so well by now, she realized that there was no swaying him from his position. I guess I should just be glad that he and Harry managed a truce, and quit while I’m ahead.

Not bothering to reply again, she returned to her task of doing his hair. He stewed, and the rest of their time in his quarters was quite silent. Finally, as she finished, she patted his shoulders and said, “Ready.”

He shoved to his feet, still scowling. When he turned to look at Hermione, she said, “Severus, you shouldn’t be brooding like this. The final performance is upon us, and you need to concentrate on it alone. Worry about Dumbledore later, all right?”

Snape snorted, but inclined his head in a sharp acknowledgement. Proffering his arm, he muttered, “Shall we?” Hermione slipped her hand through the crook of his arm and they Disapparated.

Arriving in the room where the rest of the cast was, they both couldn’t help but smirk at the tangible excitement around them. Only a moment after they appeared, Dumbledore poked his head in the door and announced, “Come along, everyone! The guests have arrived, and we must get ready in the theatre.” Beaming at them, he retreated, throwing the door open wide for them to pour out after him.

As they passed the guest lounge, they heard the murmur of conversation, which made them exchange nervous glances and quicken their pace. The Hall was already transformed, and they hurried into the wings, rubbing sweaty palms on their robes.

“I shall retrieve our guests momentarily, so keep quiet. It’s not long till curtain...” With an encouraging grin, Dumbledore disappeared, leaving the cast to quietly cast their first costume spells, preparing for the opening scene.

Hermione was still standing near Snape when Luna meandered up to him, holding the programme. Thus it was that she heard the girl’s dreamy voice murmuring, “Professor Snape, it says here that you’ll be leaving us. Is that true?”

Snape, blinking at her, taken aback, cleared his throat before whispering, “Well, yes, it is. Why?”

She made a moue of disappointment and said, “That’s just a shame. I was hoping to have you for Advanced Potions next year. I thought that must be the year we would finally address the uses of nargles for ingredients. I was rather let down that it wasn’t already in our textbook. Ah well, I do hope the headmaster will find another teacher of your calibre, sir.” With that, she flashed him a lopsided smile before wandering away. Snape stared after her, completely gobsmacked.

Hermione fought to suppress a giggle at his blank look of surprise, but she was pleased that dear old Luna had served a dual purpose: dredging him from his sulk over the headmaster’s revelation and reminding him that he was appreciated and would be missed.

Out in the house, the sound of the audience entering drew everyone’s attention. The cast froze, then, after a beat, seemed to take a deep breath as one. After a few moments, Ginny turned to Snape and nodded toward the house, tilting her head and casting a meaningful look at him.

Snape, snorting and nodding, Apparated to Box Five to peek out at the crowd. Ministry officials filled the best seats in the front centre rows, just behind the row of mirrors. Snape could tell that the mirrors weren’t activated yet. Gazing out over the audience, he saw the Grangers. Instantly, he drew back, even though he was hidden in the shadows of the Box and there was no way they could see him. An uncomfortable clench in his gut reminded him of the debacle with Mrs. Granger, but then he comforted himself that the issue was resolved, according to Hermione. Taking one last look around, he noticed that Dumbledore was activating the mirror connection, and he could see both Madame Maxime and Headmaster Bosek with their students within the mirrors. He Apparated back into the wing and beckoned for everyone to come closer.

Ginny and Hermione had been waiting for his return, and they led the rush toward him. Waving his wand at the curtain, he cast Silencio on it before murmuring, “The mirrors are connected, and the Ministry is there. I saw your parents as well, Miss Granger.” He nodded to her, and she nodded back. “It’s almost time. The headmaster will be dousing the lights and opening the curtain soon, so get ready.”

Every face showed complete attention, and the determined nods and flashed smiles in response to his statement gave him a fleeting tingle of warmth that these people, who had avoided, reviled, and feared him so recently and for so long, were united with him in purpose and spirit. A faint smile quirked his lips as he retreated to Box Five to await his cue.

Dumbledore appeared backstage, gesturing broadly that he was about to begin, beaming at them before disappearing under a concealment charm. A beat later, the curtain opened, and with the crack of the gavel echoing through the theatre, the performance began.

If the excitement about performing had been high the previous week, it was still no match for the fierce exhilaration evidenced in the faces of the cast. The first time they had performed for an audience, they were nervous and unsure of the effectiveness of their acting. But after the resounding success of that show, and knowing what they were up against with the other schools, they knew they had done well, and they were prepared to show it to the Ministry.

From his vantage point in Box Five, Snape could see the attentive faces of the Ministry officials, gazing in wonder at the chandelier as it floated from the stage to hover far above them. Some women were clearly enraptured, their hands clasped at their chins in a beatific attitude. That boded all to the good, as far as he was concerned.

After the scenery dropped and Pansy flounced offstage in a snit, Draco trailed after her, and his contemptuous comment over his shoulder of “Amateurs” set the audience laughing. Snape smirked in satisfaction and Apparated to the wing where Pansy was hanging on Draco’s arm, beaming at him as he grinned at the audience’s reaction. They caught sight of Snape and froze for a moment, their expressions faltering until they saw Snape’s answering grin and nod of approval. Then they beamed at him, and when Snape ducked down to Draco’s ear and whispered, “Three points each to Slytherin. Well done,” they exchanged a triumphant glance and nodded back, mouthing their thanks.

By then, Hermione was about to sing, and he quickly Apparated back to Box Five to watch her. She was radiant, and his chest tightened with pride and love for the young woman who had crept into his heart. At the end of her song, the audience erupted into stormy applause, and he made note of the Ministry officials’ amazed expressions. There was one who stopped clapping long enough to scribble notes on a small scroll, eyes darting between the parchment and the stage, clearly more interested in the performance than in writing. Again, Snape took that as a good sign.

It was almost time for the mirror scene, and he wished he didn’t have to leave to perform, so he could stay and watch the audience for the entirety of the play, but he knew he had to go. He Apparated behind the mirror on the stage just as Harry bounded off, listening to the music changing and swelling with his impending arrival. Just like before, what felt like molten fire raced over him, singing through his veins, bolstering the vibrant tones that surfaced and burst forth as he began his song.

Energy flowed through him; when the mirror vanished, so he could reach out and take Hermione’s hand through the smoke and light, the charge jolted between them, making their connection sizzle. Their eyes met, and in the darkness of the wing as the set changed, they exchanged smiles of joy and love. By the time they reached the lair, their personal connection had amped up their onstage connection, and they were absolutely riveting. Even the cast members in the wings were once again watching in awe.

Ginny, gazing at the pair and feeling a touch of envy at the intensity of their relationship, wondered if she and Harry, as much as she loved him, would ever have the same kind of fiery, passionate, soul-deep link she could see in Snape and Hermione that was so beautifully expressed during “Music of the Night.”

Onstage, the mannequin lunged through the mirror, and Hermione collapsed, falling into Snape’s cradling embrace. The solicitous tenderness as he carried her to the boat and gently released her made lumps climb in the throats of several of the watching women.

As the scene changed, the audience burst into applause, sending a triumphant smile to spread every cast member’s lips. Then, when Hermione crept over to Snape at the organ and snatched the mask away, those smiles vanished at Snape’s roar of fury as he spun around and launched himself after Hermione’s retreating form.

The startled tension almost hummed in the house as his rage turned to despair in “Stranger Than You Dreamt It.” Real tears sparkled on Hermione’s cheeks, making the fear even more immediate to those watching. When Snape and Hermione exited into the wing, they Apparated into the space under the trap door, ready to emerge among Buquet and the dancers. In the dim light, Snape searched her face as he gently wiped the tears away, his touch apologetic. The twinge of remorse eased when he felt her smile and heard her faint whisper, “I’m fine, dearest. You’re amazing.”

She gazed up at him with a tender smile and nodded encouragingly. He inclined his head in return before opening the trap door and leading her up and offstage, keeping her firmly wrapped in his caped embrace. In the wing, he bent his head to murmur in her ear.

“Would you like to watch the next scene? We could go up to Box Five.”

Hermione’s eyes widened and lit up like a child’s on Christmas morning. Then, she bit her lip, clearly denying herself the treat. Brow furrowing, her eyes darted between his and the stage, dithering.

Snape leant close again and said, “It’s a long enough scene that you can watch and I’ll have you back in plenty of time for the next one.”

Hermione sucked in a breath and held it for a moment in indecision. Then, letting it explode from her, she swallowed and set her lips, whispering, “Yes, let’s.”

Snape suppressed a grin and firmed his grip, Disapparating. He made sure they were well back from the seats, securely draped in shadows. Onstage, Neville was finishing his first part in “Notes” and Ron burst into the scene. Glancing at Hermione, Snape saw her beaming, her hands clasped in delight as she watched her friends’ engaging performance.

Pleased to have been able to offer her this little treat, Snape merely sat back and watched, his eyes travelling between the show and her rapt face. Then, as the scene was about to reach its culmination, he squeezed her arm, getting her attention. She blinked at him, nodding as she prepared herself for the Apparition.

Tucked into a corner of the wing, Snape released Hermione and cast Sonorus, saying, “So, it is to be war between us! If these demands are not met, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur!”

The final note in response held perfectly onstage, and Snape ended the spell, smirking in pride when the audience burst into applause once again as the sets shifted for the next scene.

The audience murmured with amusement as the Il Muto scene began, but later, when Pansy croaked and Snape let loose with diabolical laughter, the chandelier rocked and jingled, causing a wave of audible unease in the audience members seated under it. The resulting tension remained even after Pansy left the stage in tears and the ballet began. Snape meticulously flitted about to cast menacing shadows, speeding up with the music. When Terry had secured himself to the cable and dropped from the catwalk like a stone, Snape held his breath for a beat, listening to the shrieks from the house as well as the screams from the ballet girls onstage. Chaos ensued, and Snape Apparated again to Box Five to watch the pandemonium until the scene shifted to the roof for Harry and Hermione to do “All I Ask of You.”

Remembering how immersed he had felt in rehearsals when he had actually remained hidden behind the statue during the scene, he crouched down and Apparated to his hiding spot, allowing himself to be drawn into the Phantom’s betrayed anguish.

It worked.

By the time Harry and Hermione departed, and Snape emerged from behind the statue, the contrast between the sweetness and light of “All I Ask of You” and Snape’s destroyed incredulity sent the audience into a spate of shocked gasps.

Hermione, watching from the wing, had to consciously keep control of herself and the gut-wrenching fear that swept over her as she saw Snape collapsing to the stage like he had in her room after Dumbledore had betrayed him. To see him, limbs loose and voice weak, sagging like a marionette whose strings had been snapped, cut through her like a knife.

Then, when she and Harry sang their portion from the wing, and she watched Snape writhing in despair, wracked with pain and growing rage, she braced herself for the blazing fury that was surfacing as he climbed the statue and rode it to the proscenium while the set changed. Taking her place onstage to the accompaniment of his maniacal laughter, she furtively sucked in a deep breath as the chandelier plummeted toward her in response to Snape’s echoing bellow.

More shrieks sounded in the house as the chandelier crashed, plunging the theatre into darkness. A deafening beat of silence ended the tumult of music and shattering crystal, followed by enthusiastic applause as the lights in the house began to rise.

In the wings, the cast exchanged excited glances, grins of triumph on their faces. Snape once again Apparated to Box Five to watch the Ministry officials. The one scribbling notes was writing feverishly, while a few others hovered over him and seemed to be making points to record. Their stunned expressions made Snape smirk in satisfaction, as did the grim expressions on the faces of both Headmaster Bosek and Madame Maxime within the mirrors. The officials clustered about the scribe were flipping through the programmes and gesturing toward the corridor, where the bio board stood by the doors. Emphatic nods and animated gestures gave Snape a thrill that Hogwarts had managed to impress the Ministry already, and they still had the rest of the show to go. Gripping his hands into tight fists to stay outwardly calm, be Apparated back to the wing, where he quickly beckoned to the cast members who were visible nearby.

Hermione, Ginny, Harry, Neville, Parvati, Terry, Luna, and Seamus hurried over to him. Snape’s eyes were glowing with exultation as he said, “The Ministry looks overwhelmed indeed, and they’re quite excited about the board outside and the programmes.” He paused to nod to Hermione, one corner of his lips quirking up smugly as he added, “Oh, and Bosek and Maxime seem rather sullen as well.” A faint snort surfaced, and his eyes gleamed now with mischief, making the students goggle at him. “No doubt they’ve realized they don’t stand a chance against what we’ve brought to the table. Hogwarts will win this competition… provided no one messes up in the second act.” One eyebrow cocked up in challenge, and the cast blinked at each other, stiffening their resolve.

Harry locked a determined gaze with Snape and nodded slowly. “We’ll not let you down, Professor.”

Snape twitched, not expecting such a personal response from Harry, even though they had laid down arms. Eyes widening in bewilderment, Snape murmured, “Me? This isn’t about me…”

At that, the assembled students voiced snorts of disdain and exchanged wry looks. Ginny favoured Snape with a gaze of mixed exasperation and amusement. Harry crossed his arms and tilted his head to eye Snape with a lopsided smirk. Neville and Parvati chuckled to each other, Parvati hanging on Neville’s arm, then Neville cleared his throat.

Affecting nonchalance, Neville peered around and said, “All due respect, Professor, but who else brought us up to this level? We’ve already told you, sir, we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you. Even the programme says so.”

Luna nodded vaguely. “Yes, I read that.”

Snape drew back, taken aback by the murmurs of agreement rippling through the group. Catching Hermione’s gaze, he saw her eyes dancing with suppressed joy at how the others were giving him so much credit. He stared at them mutely, unable to formulate a response, and they flashed more amused grins at him before they dispersed to spread the news he had brought.

Hermione lingered long enough to flash an impish grin at him, winking at his befuddlement. She followed the others to share the good news, and Snape simply stood there, contrasting cascades of hot and cold washing over him as he tried to come to terms with the growing acceptance he was experiencing. Soon, Dumbledore appeared, gesturing for the cast to get ready, as the music was about to begin for the second act.

Everyone hastened to cast their spells for the Masquerade, and Snape came back to himself with a jolt, following suit and focusing on the performance again.

When the curtain opened, revealing the opulent masquerade set, pleased cries rose from the audience, ushering in the cast’s song. Riding on the high of confidence, everyone danced and sang flawlessly, building to Snape’s appearance, vivid in crimson, dominating the spectacle as the smoke from his Apparition cleared.

Gasps from the audience whooshed up when Snape yanked the chain from Hermione’s neck and disappeared again in a burst of smoke. He resumed his place in Box Five to watch again until his next part. Secreting himself more securely in the shadows, he cast Sonorus to recite his portion of the second “Notes” scene.

His throat tightened at the misery in Hermione’s voice when she began begging not to be the Phantom’s bait. Ye gods, she’s talented. He marvelled anew, even after she ran offstage and the scene progressed to the Don Juan rehearsal. Watching the rehearsal morph into the set for “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” he felt a surge of anticipation, knowing just how magnificent she was in that song.

Her voice blended perfectly with the sorrowful music, and he had to tear his eyes away from her to see the rapt faces in the audience. Pride swelled within him again, and he decided to Apparate to his spot behind the tomb now and just listen, rather than be mesmerized by listening and watching and have to drag himself away for his cue.

Hiding behind the tomb, he closed his eyes and let her voice envelop him, creating the need to lure her nearer. Buoyed by that sensation, he climbed atop the tomb to the sound of applause at the end of her song and sang his coaxing lines as gently and winningly as possible. Peering down at Hermione, he locked gazes with her, her eyes wide and enraptured, sending a jolt of power through him as he continued to coax her closer.

Thus it was that when Harry appeared and broke their entranced connection, Snape’s flare of irritation lent even more realism to his taunts as he shot fireballs at Harry from the pike. Faintly, he heard more gasps and startled cries in the house, but they were nothing like the shocked oaths and screams that burst forth in reaction to his final outraged roar, complete with the blanket of fire and the blaze of light as he Disapparated.

He peeked out from Box Five as the next scene progressed, seeing the audience shaking off the thrall of the previous scene. Popping about to different spots, he taunted the actors onstage, grinning smugly when the audience jumped in shock at Seamus firing the gun. Then, he refocused, knowing that they were almost to “The Point of No Return.”

Apparating within the curtained bed, he spared a nod for Draco before concentrating on Dean’s voice giving him his cue. Then, joining Hermione onstage, he let himself go, drowning in the seductive call of “The Point of No Return.”

The sensual charge arcing between Snape and Hermione quickened pulses and made mouths go dry throughout the theatre. Breathing became more erratic and shallow as the power of their sexual energy sucked everyone else into its web. The arousal and passion built until everyone seemed to freeze at the end of their song, as the realization that the Phantom had Christine in his clutches filtered over the rest of those watching.

The contrast was therefore even more striking when Snape launched into his wistful rendition of “All I Ask of You,” pressing the ring onto Hermione’s finger before she pushed his mask over his head, sending the theatre into a rash of stunned and horrified shrieks at his deformed face. Gripping Hermione in a fierce embrace, he Disapparated, leaving the rest of the cast to erupt in chaos.

Under the stage, he couldn’t help himself, and he backed Hermione against the wall, kissing her savagely, pressing his growing erection against her belly. She gasped, a faint moan bubbling up with her exhalation. Above them, the scene was ending, and Snape backed away, keeping a tight hold on her arm to Apparate them to the boat for the transition scene.

As he poled the boat across the stage, he noticed Hermione’s eyes were glassier than usual as she wrestled with her instant, visceral reaction to his physical domination moments before. It was fortunate that they had time hidden in the wing during the scene with Raoul and Mme. Giry to get a grip on their arousal before emerging onstage again for their tense exchange in the Phantom’s lair.

The crackling silence between them when Hermione pushed Snape away singing, “It’s in your soul that the true distortion lies,” weighed heavily on everyone in the house, seeming to loom over them until Harry climbed up from within the trap door and broke their tableau.

Even as Snape pretended accommodation, inviting Harry into the lair, the edge in his voice boded no good for the Phantom’s rival. Thus it was that, while the audience was surprised by the Punjab lasso capturing Harry, it somehow managed to help them relax from their anticipatory tension, wondering what horrifying thing the Phantom would do next.

That momentary relaxation didn’t last long, as the blending voices of the love triangle built to a fever pitch, culminating in Hermione’s pleading voice saying, “I gave my mind blindly.”

Another beat of electric silence followed, drawing out the anticipation, in which Snape’s harsh growl of, “You try my patience—make your choice!” grated on frayed nerves.

Tears once again shining on her cheeks, Hermione took measured steps across the stage toward Snape, her voice soft with pity as she locked eyes with him, singing, “Pitiful creature of darkness… What kind of life have you known…? God give me courage to show you you are not alone…”

Snape’s heart was thundering in his chest as she drew closer. His breathing went shallow and heat washed over him, including suspicious moisture prickling at his eyelids. But before he could do anything about it, Hermione was there, reaching up to guide his lips to hers as she pressed her body along his and kissed him deeply.

The roaring in his ears was made up of his own blood pounding through his veins, astonished gasps in the audience, and the rising swell of music around them. For a fleeting moment, he froze in uncertainty, then all but collapsed into embracing her… only to realize he couldn’t take what she was offering. His hands snapped away from her, shaking with effort and devastation as he pulled away from her lingering kiss.

Turning dazed eyes on Harry suspended in the noose, Snape staggered over and snapped his fingers to release it from its mooring. Hermione rushed to Harry’s side as he dropped to his knees, and Snape lurched back to the throne, dropping into it in an ungainly sprawl as the rest of the cast sang their parts offstage in pursuit of the Phantom.

Snape’s voice was ragged as he shooed Harry and Hermione away, throwing himself against the portcullis as he cried, “Go now and leave me!” Hands gripping the bars, shoulders heaving as he hung his head in an agony of despair, his breathing echoed in the theatre like painful, wracking sobs.

Wrenching himself away from the portcullis, he flung himself downstage again, collapsing with his hands tearing at his hair, cradling his head as he tried to deny what had just happened. When the music box began to play, he whipped around, crawling to it by the throne and picking up the mask lying beside it. Voice brittle and mocking, he rocked back and forth on his knees, in a parody of comfort as he sang.

Hermione crept back onstage, and Snape’s head snapped toward her, his hideous face lighting up with hope as he croaked, “Christine, I love you…”

Grimacing, Hermione shook her head and gently put the ring in Snape’s hand, curling his fingers around it before whirling and hurrying offstage again, leaving Snape to wilt in rejection. As Harry and Hermione appeared behind the portcullis, poling the boat away, reprising “All I Ask of You,” Snape heaved to his feet and stumbled to the bars, plastering himself against them in a perfect image of a broken heart.

His voice filled the theatre with its final, defiant attempt at its former vibrancy, even as his utter devastation tugged every heartstring as he sang, “You alone can make my song take flight—it’s over now, the music of the night…”

Glancing up at the descending mob, he threw himself back to the throne, covering himself with the cloak. Ginny crawled under the portcullis and darted to the throne, yanking the cloak away, only to see the seat empty but for the mask. She picked it up, gazing at it in wonder as she reflected the last beam of light around the theatre before all went dark and the music ended.

What sounded like one huge sigh from hundreds of throats swept through the house, ushering in a rising tide of applause.

The lights came back up and the curtain opened for the curtain call. In the house, scores of people were already on their feet, clapping wildly. As the cast streamed out to take their bows, more people stood, cheering. The cast beamed in supreme satisfaction, confident that they had delivered a performance to rival any other.

The applause crescendoed as Harry emerged onstage, only to surge again when Hermione followed. But, the stunned faltering when Snape Apparated to centre stage, immediately followed by a veritable roar of renewed enthusiasm, made every cast member grin even more. Dumbledore had ended his concealment charm and was off to one side in the house, gazing over his charges with pride.

After taking a full-cast bow, Snape and Hermione exchanged a glance and stepped forward to gesture to Dumbledore. The headmaster humbly inclined his head, pressing a hand to his chest in gratitude before gesturing back to the cast.

Before the cast could complete their curtain call, a Ministry official was scurrying up to the stage. The applause abated when he strode to the centre downstage, in front of the cast, to make his announcement.

“Once again, on behalf of the Ministry of Magic’s Department of International Magical Relations, I would like to offer my most sincere congratulations to Hogwarts for giving such a spectacular performance. We knew, when Beauxbatons opened the competition with their lovely performance, that we were in for a treat. Durmstrang certainly kept the ball rolling. Now that the final performance is complete, we would like to thank all of you, from each competing school, for exceeding all expectations and proving that wizardkind can indeed compete with Muggles in the field of fine arts. Now that all of our judges have experienced such amazing responses to the challenge set forth in the competition, we shall convene to decide the winner. However, let me reiterate that everyone who participated in these ventures is a winner in our eyes, and you should all be proud of yourselves, as we are all quite proud of you. Now, we shall be announcing the winner—“

He was cut off by a loud cough from another official who was jogging up to join him onstage. The other man nodded apologetically at the curious audience and cast, then leant forward and cupped his hand around his mouth as he whispered urgently in the surprised man’s ear. Blinking rapidly, his brows rising, the first official drew back and glanced out at the rest of the judges before nodding slowly at the man who had rushed up to him.

“Very well then… It seems that we shall be announcing the winner much sooner than originally thought. Expect to hear from the Ministry some time tomorrow.” His voice betrayed his wonder at such a quick turnaround, but he shook it off and forged ahead in his task. The other man furtively scampered back to his seat as the audience murmured in surprise at the announcement.

Onstage, the cast exchanged excited looks of anticipation. All along the line, they squeezed each other’s hands in congratulations as they waited for the Ministry man to finish so they could take their final bow and disperse.

Clearing his throat, the official went on, “As I was saying, this Tri-wizard competition has turned out better than we could have imagined, and we would like to thank you for your dedication and hard work. Well done, all of you.” He spun to bow to the cast, leading the renewed applause as he descended the stage.

With that, the cast bowed once more and then split to file into the wings. Snape stepped closer to Hermione, wrapped one arm around her from behind, and Disapparated. The audience uttered startled cries, turning to gaze about the theatre in search of them.

In Box Five, Snape and Hermione peered out at the Ministry officials, who finally stopped clapping and gathered about the note-taker, talking over each other in excitement, all trying to get him to write their impressions down first. While he waved his hand at them and scribbled feverishly, Snape directed Hermione’s gaze to the mirrors, where the other schools were still visible.

Dumbledore approached the mirrors, addressing Bosek and Maxime before making ready to end the connection. Madame Maxime’s expression was one of frosty hauteur, and Headmaster Bosek was noticeably scowling. Behind them, their students could be seen either glaring glumly at the now empty stage in a clear sulk or babbling animatedly with their mates, apparently as impressed with the performance as the rest of the audience.

Hermione bit her lips to suppress the euphoric giggle that wanted to escape, seeing the disgruntled looks on several faces. Spinning to beam giddily at Snape, she let loose her delighted chuckle.

Snape locked eyes with her, overcome with love at her infectious smile and candid joy. Rashly, he darted forward and pinned her with a kiss.

Taken aback, Hermione fell backwards, even deeper into the shadows, her hands lifting to cup his face as she responded eagerly after a fleeting moment’s hesitation.

Their kiss was long and deep, and they had to consciously drag themselves back to reality when they heard the buzz of conversations fading as the audience left the house. Breaking apart and blinking dazedly at each other, they realized their mistake. Quickly smoothing hair and wiping faces, they straightened their clothes and then Snape Apparated them to the wing.

As soon as they appeared, McGonagall crowed, “There you are! Where have you been? We’ve been waiting for you.”

Snape manufactured a smirk and said, “We popped up to Box Five. From there we could see the Ministry’s reactions and the mirrors…”

By now, the rest of the cast had surged over, curious. Hermione picked up the end of his statement and continued before he could. “Madame Maxime and Headmaster Bosek both looked rather upset. Some of the students did too, but not all of them.” Her grin widened and she shrugged.

Their news seemed to set off a storm of speculation in the group. At least it served to take the focus off why they had been gone so long. Dumbledore finally joined the throng, grinning at everyone as he clapped shoulders or shook hands in warm approval.

“I daresay it’s a good sign that they’ll be announcing their decision earlier than they had planned. Don’t you think?” His eyes twinkled merrily as he surveyed the cast. Laughter rippled through the group. He clasped his hands and squared his shoulders, clearly gearing up for an announcement. All eyes turned to him as he let the suspense draw out.

Finally, taking a deep breath, he chuckled and said, “As a matter of fact, I am so pleased with the outcome already that I think you all deserve a celebration. Therefore, tomorrow evening, I would like to provide you with a cast party, where we shall no doubt be celebrating our win as well as our success.”

A rash of surprised exclamations was followed quickly by cheers. Dumbledore chuckled again as the cast jumped up and down and hugged each other in exuberance.

“We shall have a cast party, just like at Christmas, only this time much more informal and relaxed. It will be in the room you occupied tonight before the show. You have all worked so hard and for so long together toward this monumental success, and you deserve one last chance to appreciate each other and celebrate before we all go back to the daily grind of final term.”

Colin spoke up. “Thank you, sir. I know I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Murmurs of agreement followed his statement. “You’re quite welcome, indeed. Now, why don’t those of you who have guests again run along and see to them. Gather their accolades as well, for you so richly deserve them. And good night!” He inclined his head and beamed at them, hands spreading in a gesture of dismissal.

They began to break into clumps, and Harry, Ginny, Ron, Susan, Neville, and Parvati all turned to Hermione where she was still standing near Snape. The three couples were all joined, either holding hands, or with arms around shoulders or waists, giving Hermione a pang of envy that they could be so careless with their affection.

Ginny tilted her head, peering up at Snape and said, “So, Professor, you’ll be joining us tomorrow night, won’t you?”

Hermione blinked in surprise at Ginny’s query, then turned to look at Snape as well, hoping he’d say yes.

Snape was unprepared for such a question, and his startlement showed in the way his smug smirk melted away and his eyes went round. Brow furrowing as he formulated a response, he was further taken aback when the rest of the Gryffindors facing him all seemed to speak up at once.

Parvati’s “Yes, do,” blended with Neville’s “Can’t do without our lead,” which overlapped Ron’s “’S’only fair,” and Harry’s “Come on then, Professor.”

Heat surged up to tighten his throat and stain his cheeks with a faint flush. Swallowing furtively, he murmured, glancing at Hermione’s sparkling eyes, “Wouldn’t miss it…”

The smiles of approval and retorts of “Excellent” and “Brilliant” made his lips quirk in a genuine smile, and he nodded as they turned to leave, bidding him good night as they went.

Hermione flashed him a look of adoration before saying, “I’m sure my parents are waiting outside. I know they’d like to see you again, Professor. Would you care to join me?”

Snape blinked, tamping down the flare of unease that he’d be subject to a fawning Mrs. Granger again, then inclined his head courteously and said, “It would be polite to greet them, after all they have done to assist our production. Very well then, Miss Granger, lead the way.”

They trekked through the house into the corridor, suppressing smug grins as they passed several Ministry officials still exclaiming over the bio board. Near the doorway to the guest lounge, the Grangers were waiting, leaning casually against the wall as they watched the excited gaggle of witches and wizards.

Their smiles of greeting bathed Hermione and Snape in warmth, and they both stepped forward to envelop their daughter in a congratulatory embrace, nearly eclipsing her from view. Snape paused, afraid he, too, would be accosted.

“You were so lovely, dear,” averred Mrs. Granger, hugging Hermione tightly.

Mr. Granger added, “It was even better than last time, which is a difficult feat indeed!” beaming down at his blushing daughter.

Hermione grinned at them as she backed away from their hug, murmuring, “Good enough to win?” Mischief danced in her eyes as they all turned to look at the buzzing Ministry group. All three of them dissolved into laughter, confident in the success of the performance.

As their gazes slid from the officials, they noticed Snape standing quietly to one side. Mr. Granger broke away from his familial embrace and stepped forward, hand outstretched as he said, “Well done again, Severus. You lot quite surpassed yourselves. Congratulations.”

Snape nodded modestly as he gripped the shorter man’s hand. “Thank you. We’re all fairly pleased with the performance, and I daresay we’ve given the Ministry something to remember.” A smirk quirked Snape’s lips and Mr. Granger chuckled as they dropped hands.

Turning to gaze at his wife and daughter, Mr. Granger was taken aback at the way mother clung to daughter, pink-cheeked and timid. Snape, however, rather thought he understood Mrs. Granger’s discomfort, and gamely went out on the proverbial limb.

Attempting a pleasant smile, he inclined his head toward her and said, “So good of you to come support Hogwarts again. I’m pleased you enjoyed it… Dione.”

Mrs. Granger flushed even more, but rose to the occasion, even though she remained where she was, practically attached to Hermione like a lamprey. “You were all wonderful, like Geoff said, even better than last time. I’m sure you’ll win.” Nodding graciously at Snape, she then ducked her head and flicked an apprehensive glance at Hermione.

Hermione, feeling guilty about how awkward her mother felt, squeezed her waist in approval and beamed at her, gratitude glowing in her eyes.

Mrs. Granger relaxed, her smile becoming more natural as she returned her daughter’s squeeze. Mr. Granger rubbed the back of his neck and glanced between his family and Snape, exhaling a long breath and hoping the uncomfortable moment was over. Clapping his hands together, he brightly said, “Well then, I daresay we should head home, don’t you think, dear?”

Mrs. Granger looked up, clearly much more composed, and said, “Of course.” Then, grimacing at Hermione, she said, “I don’t think we’ll have you Apparate us home this time. It’s much too hard on us poor Muggle folk.”

The Grangers all laughed, and even Snape allowed a small smile to surface, mainly in relief at the impossibility of a repeat performance on Mrs. Granger’s part. “In that case, I shall bid you good evening.” Offering a short bow, he murmured, “Geoff. Dione. Miss Granger,” nodding at them in turn.

Hermione smiled back, her relief evident to his knowing eyes; she took her parents’ hands to lead them up to McGonagall’s office to Floo home. “Good night, Professor. See you at the party tomorrow.”

Snape blinked again at the notion of him socializing at the cast party, then simply voiced a faint snort as he Disapparated to his quarters.

Hermione’s keen ears caught that snort, and she smirked as she strode down the corridor, parents in tow. As they climbed the several flights of stairs, she digested how much her mother had taken her complaint to heart. She obviously didn’t want to embarrass Hermione or upset her, and she was clearly not a threat to her relationship with Snape—at least, not as a rival.

When they arrived at McGonagall’s office, Hermione stopped outside the door and tugged on her mother’s hand, gaining her attention. Mrs. Granger eyed her quizzically. “Is something wrong, dear?”

Hermione hoped that her mother’s love and regard for her feelings would extend to accepting the news of Snape and her only daughter as a couple. Grateful for what her mother had already displayed tonight, Hermione hugged her and murmured, “Thanks, Mum. About Professor Snape.”

Mrs. Granger squirmed awkwardly, still embarrassed by what Hermione had told her, but patted her shoulder and said, “I love you, Hermione.” It was all that needed to be said.

Smiling gently at each other as they separated, both women put the incident behind them. Mr. Granger beamed at his womenfolk, arms around their shoulders as he guided them to enter the office.

Mr. and Mrs. Granger exchanged pleasantries with McGonagall while they waited for their turn to use the Floo. Tossing the powder in, Hermione’s father stated, “The Granger home.” Then, as they stepped into the green flames, both parents called to Hermione, “Good night, dear. Love you!”

Hermione retorted, “Love you too!” before nodding to McGonagall and retreating to Gryffindor Tower, feeling quite peaceful with the world.