28- Preparations
Chapter 29 of 84
Good_WitchRehearsals continue, and preparations for the Secret Santa gift exchange begin. Just what will Snape and Hermione be giving each other?
ReviewedAuthor's Note: I'm really interested in your ideas on what it is Snape is making in this chapter... So post a review and tell me your ideas! LOL Hope you enjoy the continued journey... Thanks for reading! :)
Cheers, Nicole aka Good_Witch
Chapter 28- Preparations
Snape peered into his potions ingredients cabinet. It wasn't fair to call it a cabinet, really, considering that it was more of an armoire with drawers, many of which were set up with dividers like an apothecary's would be. One side of the huge fixture was a series of shelves and hooks, upon which various things were laid or hung, drying to the proper consistency and potency. Snape was standing inside the open doors, which were taller than even his lanky frame, methodically eyeing the pieces of bicorn horn in one of the drawers' compartments. Most potions that required bicorn horn needed it in a powdered state, and one could easily buy that at the apothecary. But Snape found that he preferred to powder his own, and pay the lower price for the whole horn, since he used so much in his research and in the preparations he made for Hogwarts.
But this time, he wasn't inspecting the horns for potions quality. He was looking for one that was smooth and lustrous, and of a deep rich colour. Finally, comparing a few pieces, he decided on one and carefully put the others away.
He strode over to his lab table and placed the horn on the surface, clamping it down tightly. Reaching for the sharp knife he needed, he measured how thick of a slice he wanted. Satisfied, with surgical precision borne of years of practice, he sliced off the disk, pleased with the shine that bespoke a smooth cut. After he put the rest of the horn back, he returned to his table, gazing thoughtfully at the disk. He picked through his tools and came up with a sharp pointed pick, much like the kind Muggle dentists use to clean between patients' teeth. Rooting around some more, he found another tool, which was a tiny, sharp V. Muttering a few charms to hold the disk in place and yet leave him free to work, he leant close, his nose almost touching the sliver of horn, and began to trace an image on the disk. A tiny curl of horn wound up from beneath the point.
His deep concentration was evident in the tense furrow of his brow and the thin line of his lips. His shoulders were tight, controlling the precise, finicky movements of his steady hand. After nearly an hour, he finally eased back, a thin sheen of perspiration on his face, even though the dungeon was fairly cool. He surveyed his progress grimly. Then, with a satisfied sigh, he placed the tool on the table and shook his hands loosely from the wrist, easing their cramp. Rolling his head on his neck, he stretched his arms over his head and leant back, sighing at the audible cracks along his spine.
Looking at the time, he realized that it was late, and he should get some grading done before his after-hours rounds. Standing gracefully, he cast one last scrutinizing look at the project on his table, smiling faintly before he strode out of his lab and into his office.
********* *****************
On her way to the owlery, Hermione glanced again at the notice board. "Friday December 5: block Dressing Room through the second Angel of Music. Actors required to attend: Harry, Ron, Neville, Millicent, Hermione, Professor Snape." Idly, she wondered how many people would show up, since very few were required. At least Ginny wasn't supposed to attend, so hopefully she wouldn't be there to scrutinize Hermione's relations with Snape!
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Friday's rehearsal was a small one, and most of the rest of the cast that was not needed didn't show, preferring to plan their Hogsmeade outing for the next day. Ginny was hanging around in the corridor, waiting with Hermione, Harry, Ron, and Neville for Dumbledore to finish transforming the Hall. Draco and Pansy were waiting several feet away with Millicent, showing Slytherin solidarity until it was time for the rehearsal to begin. Snape appeared at the end of the corridor, at the top of the dungeon stairs. As he approached the Great Hall, Dumbledore threw the doors open wide, gesturing for everyone to enter. Snape nodded approvingly at Draco and Pansy as they left their friend and passed Snape on their way to the dungeons.
Closing the doors behind him, Snape followed the group down to the stage. Hermione was muttering earnestly to Ginny, who was looking rather petulant. He was idly watching them, curious about their conversation, when he was startled by Dumbledore at his side.
"Severus," he said sharply. Snape whipped his head around, instantly attentive.
"Sir?" He schooled his expression into one of polite inquiry and spun his body to face the older man. Dumbledore was eyeing him sternly, and Snape felt a curl of apprehension in his gut.
"Didn't I tell you that when you are onstage, I want your hair back as it's to be for the Phantom? I'm disappointed that you have not followed my instructions." His brows drew together and he tilted his head forward, peering at Snape over his spectacles.
Snape felt relief flood his gut, washing away the apprehension. Tilting his head to one side, he slowly said, "Actually, sir, I recall you wanting my hair back whenever I wear my costume. As we are not wearing our costumes yet, I hadn't thought any more about it."
Dumbledore frowned. "Well, I can't very well see how the light will play on your face in the blocking if your hair is in it, now can I?" he huffed irritably.
Snape assumed a properly contrite expression and nodded to the headmaster, smoothly saying, "Of course not. How foolish of me not to think of that. I apologize. If I may go remedy the situation now..." He trailed off on an up note, and Dumbledore nodded.
"By all means." He nodded crisply to Snape and turned to the rest of the group, effectively dismissing the dark man.
Snape instantly spun to seek Hermione. Striding quickly to her, he interrupted her and Ginny in a heated conversation. "Miss Granger!" he barked. Both girls jumped, turning wide eyes on him. He noted the blush on Ginny's face deepening under his scrutiny and wondered what they had been talking about.
"Yes, Professor?" Hermione asked in a respectful tone.
"Come with me. The headmaster requires my hair to be styled as the Phantom's every time I am to be onstage. From now on, you will assist me in this before each rehearsal in which I appear." He glared down his nose at her.
"Yes, sir." Hermione ducked her head to hide her dancing eyes and nodded meekly. Snape jerked his head sharply at her and glared his dismissal at Ginny. The redhead scurried away, and Snape stalked up the aisle, with Hermione in his wake.
They made their way down to the dungeon in silence. Snape cast several sidelong glances at Hermione as they went, seeing colour rising along her throat to stain her cheeks, and watching her chewing her lip, a faint smile quirking her mouth. He, too, felt a sense of excitement, or anticipation, knowing they were about to be alone again in his quarters. He passed his wand over his door, dropping the wards, and opened it, gesturing for Hermione to enter. She glanced up at him shyly, smiling.
Once inside, Snape shut the door and leant against it. Hermione had stepped a few paces into the room, and stood there, her back to him, tension growing in the air.
Snape stared at her, devouring her with his eyes. Hermione stood still, her body trembling with the buzzing that Snape's gaze on her provoked. Finally, Snape moved behind her, his body heat crossing the short distance between them. Hermione closed her eyes and shivered as every hair on her arms stood on end, straining toward him. His presence enveloped her like a warm blanket, and she felt the pulsing in her centre that bespoke her desire for him.
Snape stood millimetres away from her, not touching her, but almost. His breath stirred her curls as he looked down at her. He could hear his heart beating fiercely in the silence, and wondered if she could as well. His breath was ragged as he fought for control to not catch her up in his arms and cart her off to his bed on the other side of the door. Mastering himself, he merely whispered, "Hermione..."
She sighed in response, leaning back, giving herself over to him. Her body came to rest against his, and his breath caught. He closed his eyes, and was surprised to feel her hands scrabbling for his. She gripped his hands and brought them around her, wrapping herself in his arms. A content smile hovered on her lips and she sighed again.
Snape's chin was resting on her head, and he lifted it, tilting his head forward, kissing her hair as he murmured, "I've missed you."
Hermione lifted one hand to caress his face above her head, and her voice shook as she said, "I love you."
Snape's chest tightened almost painfully and he held her tighter. The gentle kisses on her hair suddenly travelled down over her ear and along her throat with more urgency. Hermione leant her head to one side, giving him easier access, moaning in delight at the sensations.
Hermione pressed back against him and once again felt him hard against her. A thrill coursed through her, and she struggled to turn in his arms. Snape's kisses trailed over her jaw and up her cheek as she spun to face him. Once she was facing him, she snaked her arms up around his neck, her fingers sliding through his hair. Finally, Snape pulled back and locked gazes with her. Hermione's breath caught at the intensity in the inky depths of his eyes.
Eyes locked, excruciatingly slowly, they closed the space between them and their lips touched. As pent up as their passion was, their kiss was as sweet and tender as any unspoken declaration of love could be. Their souls spoke to one another through gentle caresses of tongues and lips.
After what seemed like hours, Snape pulled back and took a deep breath. With eyes filled with regret, he gently put Hermione from him, lightly running his fingertip across her lips.
"We've stolen enough time already. We need to do my hair and get back up there. Dumbledore was rather annoyed as it is that I hadn't remembered to have you do my hair. Come, let's get this done." He clasped her hand in his and urged her to the chair in front of the fireplace.
Dazedly, Hermione sat, blankly watching Snape retrieve the hair products. He sat on the ottoman in front of her. Hermione chewed her lip in frustration and tried to steady her breathing. Determinedly ignoring the heat flowing through her body, she reached out and began combing Snape's long black locks, smoothing the pomade through it. Snape's eyes were closed in pleasure.
Hermione finished quickly, knowing they had spent too much time locked in that heated embrace. Still, as she finished, she couldn't resist leaning forward and planting a soft kiss on the nape of his neck, below the point where the elastic held his hair in place. Snape shuddered and groaned at the tingle that travelled from that point straight to his cock. Doggedly pulling away, he turned and cupped Hermione's cheek in his hand, his expression apologetic.
Firmly, he murmured, "We have to go now. Next rehearsal, you'll be back again. But now, we must return."
Hermione rumbled her discontent but nodded. Snape stood and pulled her to her feet. He led her to the door, where he stopped and faced her again. In a velvet purr, he said, "I wanted to tell you, you've been very good at being discreet. Keep it up. Especially now. And remember... I love you."
Hermione beamed joyfully at him, pleased with the praise and basking in his love. He smiled warmly at her and jerked his head at the door. She instantly composed herself and nodded politely at him. His smile vanished and he opened the door, ushering her out.
They hurried back up to the Hall, and as they went, Snape blandly inquired, "What were you and Miss Weasley so intent about when I interrupted you?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and huffed. "She's not needed at this rehearsal, but she wants to be here anyway, simply because she still wants to get back together with Harry."
Snape's brows rose in surprise. "Back together?"
Hermione nodded. "Didn't you notice? They were together last year before the war ended. I would have thought it was obvious, especially with the way Ginny was completely taken with him. She has been to some degree since she was ten!"
Snape grimaced. In a deep voice, he muttered, "Why did I even ask? I don't want to know these things..."
Hermione giggled. She cut a glance at Snape and continued, "I was trying to convince her to leave. And not just for her sake, if you know what I mean..." She favoured him with a pointed look and he snorted.
Nodding solemnly, he averred, "I believe I do. It would be safer if she weren't at rehearsal."
Hermione sighed. "We'll see if she's still there, I guess." They arrived at the double doors, and Snape opened one, politely waving Hermione in ahead of him. Dumbledore was onstage with the others, having already blocked the beginning of the scene. Ginny was perched on a seat in the audience, gazing intently at Harry. As Hermione passed her, Ginny glanced at her, doing a double take at the sight of Snape a few paces behind her. Snape saw Ginny staring at him and glared coolly at her. She blinked and wrenched her gaze away, turning back to watch Harry again. Hermione joined the rest onstage, attentively pulling out her script and pencil.
When they reached the Magic Mirror scene, Snape quickly strode onto the stage, his script bewitched to float by him, and a Dicta-Quill poised above it. Even Hermione goggled at the impressive display of magical skill, as he serenely repeated the blocking, the Dicta-Quill recording it on the hovering script. He allowed a tiny smug smirk to quirk his lips at the amazed expressions on Ron's and Neville's faces.
Dumbledore simply chuckled and remarked on how convenient that must be. Once they reached the beginning of the Labyrinth Underground, Dumbledore stopped them and began again. As usual, they ran through the scenes twice more, walking and talking through them. Finally, when they were done, Dumbledore shooed them all into the house, extolling their virtues and reminding them to go straight to bed since they had the Hogsmeade visit to look forward to the next day.
Ginny hovered near Harry as they exited, brightly commenting on how well he was doing. Ron and Neville were comparing notes on their roles, and Millicent hastened away from all of the Gryffindors. Hermione followed the others a few paces behind, and Snape detained her at the doorway.
"Miss Granger." Hermione turned instantly to him. Snape eyed her sternly and drawled, "Every evening that we have a rehearsal, I shall collect you after dinner, and before rehearsal is to begin. You will then assist me with my hair. Is that clear?"
Hermione politely replied, "Certainly, sir. I'll be sure to be ready." Then, she flicked a glance around, and seeing nobody looking, winked saucily at Snape. His eyebrows shot up, and he narrowed his eyes at her warningly.
Inclining his head, he merely murmured, "Good night, Miss Granger." He swept past the rest of the students and down the corridor in a flurry of black cloth, leaving Hermione to watch him go, savouring the graceful billowing of his robes. Swallowing her grin, she hurried to catch up to the others.
Harry was scowling and muttering to Ginny as Hermione stepped beside them. Ginny was looking sympathetic.
"What's wrong, Harry?"
Harry grimaced and said, "I was just telling Ginny that I have no idea what to do for my Secret Santa..."
Hermione cut him off warningly, "You didn't say who you have, did you? Did he, Gin?"
Ginny shook her head as Harry huffed. "No! But like I said, it's a Slytherin, and I am at a complete loss. Do you two have any ideas?"
Ginny shrugged and said, "Well, there's always candy. You know Honeydukes has those sampler baskets."
Harry nodded restlessly. Hermione added, "Or, you can always find a nice quill, or some candles. If it's a girl, you could go with hair stuff, or perfume, or some baubles in Slytherin colours. There're loads of things, Harry. You'll come up with something." She patted his shoulder, and was taken aback by the flash in Ginny's eyes and the tightening of her lips.
Harry didn't notice. Ginny took the opportunity to lay her hand on Harry's arm and say, "Of course, like Ron said, you could always get stuff from Fred and George. They'd probably even do a discount for a friend." The possessive air with which she glared at Hermione made Hermione stifle a snort.
Hermione edged away from Harry, all too willing to let Ginny move in. Harry sighed and admitted, "Yeah, you're right. I wouldn't take a discount, though. They need to make money too. I'll see if I find anything tomorrow in Hogsmeade. Thanks, Ginny." He flashed her a lopsided grin, and she beamed at him. Hermione managed to stealthily hang back, allowing Ginny to keep walking with Harry. Hermione noticed that Ginny didn't release his arm until they reached the portrait hole.
Hanging back, Hermione smiled at Ron and Neville and asked, "So, have you figured out what you'll give your person for the gift exchange?" Neville nodded nervously and Ron grinned.
"Yeah, I reckon I have an idea. I'll be on the lookout tomorrow in Hogsmeade," Ron said cheerfully.
"I think I know what I want," Neville ventured. "That's a good idea to look tomorrow."
Hermione nodded as they clambered through the portrait hole. "Indeed. You know, I think we should all make sure that we get some time on our own tomorrow, since we're supposed to keep things secret from the rest of the cast too..."
Harry looked up, brows knitted. "Keep what secret?"
Ron looked over and said, "The gift exchange thing. 'Mione had a good idea about making sure we all get some time on our own tomorrow in Hogsmeade so we can get what we need without everyone else knowing."
"Oh. Yeah, I guess that would be a good idea." Harry relaxed visibly. He ran his hand through his hair and sighed. "Yeah, we should probably all split up so we can do our regular Christmas shopping too." He flashed a grin at them. "I don't want you lot to see what I'm getting you and spoil the surprise!"
Everyone chuckled. Hermione yawned and stretched. "Good night. I'm turning in. I have some things to figure out for my shopping list tomorrow. See you in the morning!" The rest murmured their good nights, and Hermione saw Ginny engaging Harry in a low conversation before she exited the common room. That girl wasn't kidding when she decided that she wanted to get Harry back! Hmph, more power to her. If she does, it'll keep both of them off my case, so I hope she succeeds!
Hermione sat down at her desk and penned another scroll to her parents.
"Dear Mum and Dad,
I really like Mum's idea of having copies of the photos made for me to give to my friends for Christmas. However, I don't know that I could find anyone in Hogsmeade here that could do it. Would one of you please forward me some contact information for some mail order photo shops? I haven't decided what size I want to get yet, or how many copies I want. If you could just send me the names and addresses of a few out of the phone book, I'd appreciate it. Thank you!
Love, Hermione"
She readied the scroll and put it in her bag, planning to take it to the owlery the next morning before she left for Hogsmeade. Distractedly, she prepared for bed, completing her now nightly ritual of kissing the picture of her and Snape, hugging and smelling the old nightgown, and sending a silent wish of "Good night, sweet dreams, and I love you" in the direction of the dungeons.
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Spirits were high at breakfast the next morning, with over half the student body chattering about the impending trip to Hogsmeade. Hermione and her friends were arranging how they would split up and for how long, so each of them would be guaranteed a chance to do their shopping in secret. Considering Hermione was involved, it was no surprise that there was a timetable being drawn up on some parchment between the toast and the pumpkin juice. Sputters of arguments sprang up periodically, as all of the Gryffindors on cast were involved in the negotiations. Finally, as the final result was agreed upon, the morning post flew in.
Hermione looked up in time to see a large grey owl arrowing toward her. It stopped on the table and extended a leg, allowing her to remove the scroll. As she was untying it, she saw it was from her parents, and she said, "Wait a moment, please. I have something for you to take directly back to the same place." The owl hooted its understanding and Hermione fished her letter out of her bag, attaching it to the owl's leg. She politely handed it a sausage, and tucked the postage into the sack on its chest. It fluttered its wings in acknowledgement and hopped away, winging back up and out again.
She opened the letter from her parents and saw that it was the recipe for the chocolate mousse. Smiling, she placed it in her bag, hoping she could find the right kind of chocolate at Honeydukes. Glancing up at the High Table, she saw Snape watching her through his hair, sipping his tea. She felt a pang of dismay that she had missed mixing her tea at the same time he had, but she had been busy with the shopping timetable, and hadn't noticed. Shrugging sheepishly, she prepared her cup.
Not long after, Dumbledore announced that those who were going to Hogsmeade should assemble in the courtyard to be checked off the list with Filch. The Hall looked like it was a roiling mass as students shot to their feet as one, eager to get outside. Snape followed the crush of bodies out the doors, barking reprimands at those who were running or pushing. Once outside, he stood, arms crossed over his chest, glaring stonily at the teenagers as Filch checked them off his list. When all were accounted for, they began their trek to town. Snape followed the chattering throng, eyes seeking a familiar bushy brown head.
"What is Snape doing here?" Harry mumbled irritably to his friends.
"Professor Snape..." Hermione chided.
Ron cut in, "Yeah, we know. Professor. Good question. He's not going to spy on us while were in town, is he?"
Ginny piped up, "Hope not."
Hermione heaved an exasperated sigh. "Perhaps he has shopping to do as well. He did have to draw a name too, you know."
Ron shuddered. "Yeah, and I hate to think what he might give as a present. It's bound to be something slimy and nasty."
Ginny glanced swiftly at Hermione, wondering if she'd blow up at Ron like she had with her. Hermione's eyes had narrowed and were sparking dangerously. Suddenly, she swung and smacked Ron solidly on the arm. He jumped and howled.
"Oi! What the bloody hell was that for?" He eyed her incredulously, rubbing at the sting on his bicep.
Hermione glared at him and growled, "Just shut up, Ron. You don't know what you're talking about."
Several yards behind them, Snape stifled a snort at the yelp the Weasley boy let out when Hermione walloped him. Merlin! Wonder what he did to deserve that. Besides being a general idiot, of course... Note to self: Do not antagonize Hermione. Seems she has a rather fierce swat...
Ginny just frowned thoughtfully. As Hermione simply tilted her chin up haughtily and kept walking, effectively ignoring the looks Ron and Harry were giving her, Ginny turned around and looked back at Snape.
Damn! Why is she looking back at me? That girl is far too clever. I guess I should go to Diagon Alley instead, so she can't possibly deduce what and whom I'm shopping for!
Once they exited Hogwarts' grounds, Snape paused. Grimly casting one last look at the woman he loved, blithely walking off with her friends, he Disapparated to Diagon Alley.
Snape gazed about at the milling crowd. Saturdays were always busy in Diagon Alley. He stepped into the walkway, interposing himself deftly between other shoppers. He let himself be carried along in the current until he came to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Gracefully stepping aside, he entered the shop, scanning the place for any sign of what he wanted. Even though he was taller than most people, he still couldn't see past several of the displays, and he sighed in resignation as a cheerful voice addressed him.
"Good morning! What can I help you with today?" He looked down to see a short witch in sky blue robes smiling up at him.
Clearing his throat, he glanced about stealthily. "Would you be so kind as to point me in the direction of your... ribbons, please?"
Madam Malkin blinked. Her smile faltered a moment before plastering itself back, albeit a little crookedly. "Ribbons... sir?"
Snape's eyes narrowed dangerously and he sucked in a deep breath. In a deadly quiet voice, he retorted, "Yes. Ribbons. Which way?"
She swallowed nervously and spun. "Oh, uh, that way. To the right. Just behind the display with the blinking spangled robes."
Snape inclined his head and murmured, "Thank you." Then, drawing himself up regally, he swept away, dramatically flapping his robes. Madam Malkin stared blankly after him for a moment before scurrying behind her counter near the front.
Snape stalked up to the shelves of ribbon and cast a wary eye at them. He really felt quite out of his element. But, he felt a surge of relief when he found what he was looking for. He examined the ribbon, testing the tensile strength, evaluating the nap, feeling the softness. Grunting in satisfaction, he gazed around, looking for the notions section. He ignored the startled look a young housewitch gave him as he stalked up to the wall, picking out an appropriate clasp. As he turned to head back to the front counter, he caught the apprehensive eye of the young witch. He nodded gravely to her in passing and she bobbed her head nervously at him, sighing with relief when the intimidating man in black was gone.
Snape approached the counter and proffered the items to Madam Malkin. She briskly took the ribbon spool from him and inquired, "How much would you like?"
Frowning thoughtfully, Snape said, "Ah... Well... I suppose... Two feet?"
Madam Malkin's brow furrowed in perplexity and she squinted at Snape. "Don't you know how much you need?"
Snape felt the heat rising to his face and shook his hair forward. "Just... make an even yard and be done with it."
She shook her head in wonder as she measured out the ribbon. Once she rolled up the piece, she picked up the other item, and her expression cleared into one of comprehension. "Oh! I see. You're making some sort of accessory or adornment, aren't you?"
Snape pinned her with an intense stare and she shrank back a bit. Hesitantly, she added, "It's just that you have ribbon and clasps, and that's usually what they're used for..."
Snape voiced a noncommittal, "Mmm." Madam Malkin tallied up the purchase and Snape paid her, declining her offer of a bag and pocketing his purchase. Grimly offering her a frosty bow, he spun on his heel to leave.
A slightly uncertain, "Thank you! Come again!" followed him out. Exhaling gustily, he mentally shook himself, shedding the uncomfortable experience before entering the throng again to make his way to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour.
He stepped into the parlour, instantly sticking out like a sore thumb against the light colours and cheerful décor. A fresh-faced young clerk stood at the counter. Snape sidled over and leant in secretively. The clerk stared at him, wary. In a quavery voice that broke somewhere in the middle of the sentence, he said, "How can I help you... sir?"
Snape drawled, "I would like to speak to Mr. Fortescue."
The youth's Adam's apple bobbed as he stammered, "He, uh, he's busy right now. Coming up with a new flavour, you know. Uh, I can help you."
Snape glared at him, aggrieved, and said, "I doubt that. Go get Mr. Fortescue. Tell him Severus Snape is here to see him."
Torn, the youth dithered. "I don't know..."
Snape leant over the counter a bit more and growled, "Now." The youth backed away hurriedly and scrambled to the door leading to the back room. Snape leant back from the counter and glanced around. Several patrons jerked their gazes from him as he caught their eyes. Rolling his eyes and snorting grimly to himself, he was pleased to see Florean Fortescue emerging from the back room, the youth trailing after him anxiously.
Pleasantly, he stepped up to the counter. "Ah! Severus. Long time, no see. How are things at Hogwarts?" He turned to the clerk and waved his hand airily at him. "Go on, do some work or something. I have business to attend." The youth hastily made himself scarce at the other side of the shop. "What would you be needing today?"
Snape nodded at the other man, answering politely, "Hogwarts is still standing, even with the usual crop of imbeciles blowing up cauldrons. Actually, I'm not here for my usual research materials. I have a favour to ask of you." He leant over the counter, turning his back to the patrons, who were surreptitiously eyeing them.
Florean's eyes gleamed with interest and he laid one finger along his nose, also turning his back on the curious onlookers. "Well, what favour would that be?"
In all seriousness, Snape said, "I need a recipe for chocolate mousse."
Florean's brows shot up in surprise. Mildly, he drawled, "I would never have guessed that one..." Snape rolled his eyes. All too casually, he added, "And just what would you be needing that for?"
Snape grimaced and sighed. "It's the latest freak of Dumbledore's. We have a secret holiday gift exchange, and we're supposed to make something. I know the person I have been assigned likes chocolate mousse, so I thought it'd be a good enough idea. I just need a good recipe." He flashed an ingratiating smile at Florean and added, "And what better person to ask than you, England's most accomplished purveyor of gastronomical delights?"
Florean visibly preened. "Well, since you put it that way..." He shot a smug smirk at Snape and sniffed. Straightening off the counter, he murmured, "Just a moment. I have just the thing..." He briskly strode into the back room again. Snape turned and rested his hip against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest and glaring at anyone who dared stare at him.
Several very quiet minutes later, Florean returned, bearing a parchment with his neat, clear writing on it. "Here you go! If you have any questions about the ingredients, let me know. I can tell you where best to get them if you like."
Snape took the parchment, scanned it quickly, and muttered, "No, that's not necessary." He knew he could get all of the ingredients through the kitchens at Hogwarts. "This is precisely what I needed, Florean. Thank you."
Florean shrugged. "Don't mention it..." Snape's head snapped up.
Flicking a glance around again, Snape murmured, "Actually, I would rather you not mention it either..." He affected a grimace at Florean's narrowed eyes. "Secret gift exchange and all that, you know..." The other man nodded understanding and winked broadly at Snape. Snape pocketed the parchment and nodded politely. Straightening formally, he said, "I appreciate your help, Mr. Fortescue. Good day." He spun on his heel and headed for the door.
"Any time, Professor. Ta!"
Snape exited and stood on the pavement for a moment. He looked back to see several faces plastered curiously against the windows. Sweeping a baleful glare over them, he snorted in morbid satisfaction at the haste with which they disappeared, leaving the glass smudged. He stepped off into an alcove between shops and Disapparated back to Hogwarts.
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Hermione eagerly stepped into the bookstore in Hogsmeade, glad that she was alone, thanks to the timetable. She made her way straight to the proprietor. The droopy little man with a permanently red nose smiled benignly at her.
"All right there? What can I do for you this time, lassie?"
Hermione smiled. "Well, I was wondering if you have a Muggle Liaison, you know, to get Muggle books."
The man blinked thoughtfully and said, "You know, I don't. Never had much call for it here. But I can put you in touch with Flourish and Blotts. I know they have one, being there in London and all."
Hermione almost bounced in excitement. "How soon can you do that? I'm looking for something for a Christmas gift."
The man chuckled and jerked his head toward a dusty office near the back. "You can use the Floo to call them right now, if you like. You've made Floo calls before, right?"
Hermione nodded. "That would be perfect! May I just go back there?"
"Sure thing, lassie. The powder's on the mantle. Let me know if they can help you."
"Certainly. Thank you!" Hermione hurried back to the office and turned the corner, seeing the fireplace to her right. She picked up a pinch of powder and knelt on the hearth. Tossing the powder in, she said, "Flourish and Blotts," and stuck her head into the green fire. After a moment's dizzying spin, she opened her eyes to see another office, very like the one she was in, only larger. She saw someone hunched over a desk, back to her. Tentatively, she said, "Hello?" The person jumped and whipped around.
"Oh! You startled me! Hang on a tick, who're you?" The dishevelled woman peered at Hermione over her spectacles.
"I'm calling from the bookstore in Hogsmeade. My name's Hermione Granger, and I'm hoping to speak to your Muggle Liaison, please."
The woman relaxed visibly and said, "Oh. Well, he's out right now. But I can take down what you're looking for and give it to him when he gets back."
Hermione smiled gratefully. "That would be wonderful, thank you!"
The woman rummaged through the stacks on her desk and finally came up with an order form and a quill. "All right then. Title?"
"The Phantom of the Opera."
"Author?"
"Gaston LeRoux."
"And do you have any specifics on edition or anything?"
"Yes. I'm looking for a hardback edition. Good condition. The older the better. It was written over 80 years ago, so that should give you an idea. Illustrated is preferable. And if there's an edition out there that's leather bound, I want it."
The woman glanced up at Hermione. "Don't ask for much, do you?"
Hermione shrugged and grimaced. "I don't know what's out there, but it can't hurt to be specific, can it?"
The other woman blinked. "You've got a point. Okay, I've got all that. Now, if he can't find the perfect edition, what do you want to sacrifice first?"
"Oh, I don't know. Can you just have him contact me when he finds anything? I can be reached at Hogwarts by owl post. And I have a Gringotts account, so I can arrange for payment when he finds what I want."
"Sounds good then." The woman finished jotting down notes and smiled politely at Hermione. "I'll have him contact you."
"Perfect! Thank you so much!" Hermione beamed at the woman and added, "Goodbye!" before she pulled her head out of the fireplace, closing her eyes once again at the whirling sensation. Carefully getting to her feet, she emerged into the store again and cheerfully approached the proprietor. "I reached them, and I placed an order to be handed over to their Muggle Liaison. Thank you so much for your help!"
He smiled again and said, "Eh, no worries. Anything to help a bonny lass like yourself." Hermione chuckled.
"You wouldn't happen to know where I might find picture frames in town, would you? I'm trying to do my holiday shopping today."
Again, he blinked thoughtfully. "Now, I'd say you could check in Dervish and Banges. They've got a lot of bits and baubles there."
"I'll try there next. You've been extremely helpful. Thanks again!" She beamed at him as she hastened to the exit. He waved serenely at her.
"Good day to you, lassie!"
Hermione burst out into the chill sunlight on light feet. She bustled on to Dervish and Banges, glad that the shop was nearby. If it hadn't been in the same area, she would have had to wait until the next stage of the timetable to go in. But, as it was, she went straight in and to the section with clocks and mirrors. Pleased that her instinct had been correct, and that picture frames were in the same section, categorized as "things that hang on walls," she looked over the array of frames.
There were several sizes and materials. The wood ones were nice, in varying shades, but her eye was caught by the metallic gleam to one side. There were several shelves of metal frames, some black, some grey, some silver, some bronze, and some gold.
One frame style struck her fancy. It was for 5X7 photos, and the metal was engraved with vinery and inlaid with gems. It was available in both silver and gold, and the sign on the shelf claimed that the gems could be altered to any colour the purchaser wanted. Hermione smiled as she saw one silver frame with green gems amongst the engraved leaves. Slytherin colours... Severus would prefer that, I'm sure. She picked up that one and pursed her lips in thought.
I want to give my friends pictures too, so I should probably get more. But they wouldn't want Slytherin colours! Peering through the selection, she picked up a gold frame with red gems and smiled. Perfect! Gryffindor colours for the rest... She grabbed a few gold frames along with the silver one and strode up to the counter to make her purchase.
Having arranged for the frames to be delivered to Hogwarts for her, so she wouldn't have to carry them around and chance anyone seeing them, she checked the time and noticed that it was almost time for a zone change based on the timetable.
Eventually, after several zone changes throughout the day, she made it to Honeydukes. Relieved to finally be there, she headed straight for the chocolate. The delicious aroma filled her nose as she pulled the recipe from her bag. Let's see... 3 ½ oz. milk chocolate, 3 ½ oz. semi-sweet chocolate... Okay, here they are. She looked at the blocks of chocolate in the display and glanced around to find someone to help her. A cheerful woman with rosy cheeks saw her seeking look and came over to her.
"What can I get for you?"
Hermione pointed to the two batches of chocolate and said, "I would like 3 ½ ounces of each of these, please."
The woman deftly broke off pieces and weighed them, wrapping each in thick white paper. "Anything else for you today?"
Hermione spent a few minutes meandering through the store and picking some of her favourites as well as some selection for her friends to add to the photos she'd give them. Bagging her purchase, the rosy woman beamed genially at Hermione as she paid and left. Hermione managed to stuff her Honeydukes sack into her bag before she met up with the rest of her mates for the trek home.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Phantom of Hogwarts
1533 Reviews | 7.33/10 Average
It's been so long since last I read Phantom of Hogwarts, and it was just as wonderful as I remembered! Thank you for writing this fic...however many years ago. :)
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Oh, wow! No matter how long ago it is that I finished PoH, It will always be in my top 5 achievements. LOL I'm so glad you feel that it has held up on re-reads. Thank you so much for making my night brighter! :)
Haa! Haaa! Haaa! Had to keep reading so I couldn't review since the proposal. Harry is a turd for telling Dumbledore to use Dobby to go after Hermione and Severus. I didn't expect Dumbledore or her parents to react with such intense nagativity. I expected some nay saying but not the heap of anger that was piled on top of them. Well, lets see if Minerva is here to hug him or hang him.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*huge grin* Glad to make you laugh! Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
O I just love the ring!!!!!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I covet that ring SO much. I'm glad you like it too. Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
What did Albus do while the rest of the cast enjoyed the party? I suppose he was entertaining the Ministry official? I felt a little bit bad for him. He did have fun directing the play. I wonder if he plans to teach next year's Art's class. Maybe he was having a long distant conversation with the other Headmasters. I doubt it, though. Things are going too well for Severus in a way. I'm waiting for the other shoe to fall when he and Hermione come out of the closet. I don't know why Hermione can't be bothered to see him once a week for a few minutes somehow. I couldn't stay away from my lover for two months while we lived in the same castle. I'd at least write him a little love note as often as I could. The girl is made of steel or ice. You would think she would realize they need to have some plan for what they are to do at the end of term. Will they be a couple at the graduation ceremony? Will they be one the next day? Will they both go to the house on Spinner's End or will she go home to her parents first? I don't think she realizes that he wanted her input so that she would love the house as their home. He's giving her a house. He's preparing her a home, them a home. She could at least tell him that she is happy to think he is working on their home and tell him if she plans to move in straight away or not. This hiatus in their relationship puzzles me. I suppose they can only have it all or nothing. Hermione isn't able to compartmentalize apparently.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
You're not the only one wondering when the other shoe will drop, especially after the close calls they've had already. *snerk* Your questions will be answered (some to a greater degree than others) all in due time, my dear. ;) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I have no worries over the employment with Fern issue. I like her though. My kind of woman. Born and raised only slightly less hippyish. We moved to Hawaii, but didn't live in a commune. I'm very glad Hermione likes the idea of the house being "theirs". I am surprised her dad didn't notice her mum gushing over Severus. But, I don't think my husband would notice now that I think about it. I could go out with my pants inside out and he wouldn't notice unless someone else said something about it. It's odd. He complements me when he thinks I looks pretty but wouldn't be able to save me from lipstick on my teeth or some other embarrassing thing. He reminds me a lot of Ron, come to think about it.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
LOL at your description of your husband. I hope reminding you of Ron is a good thing. ;P Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I'm surprised at Hermione's behavior and her giving up the opportunity to spend time with Severus. I suppose that the fact that neither seems to be obsessing about two missed opportunities to spend time together shows they are more confident in their relationship. I'm surprised that Severus would leave Hermione crying with her feelings hurt after the play. He was able to suppress his revolt of Voldemort. He needed to compartmentalize his being creeped out by Hermione's mother. I'm also surprised that so much time has gone by since they have communicated last. Hermione didn't even look at him during the performance. I realize he was sitting next the Minerva, but there must have been some opportunity to make eye contact if they had been looking for one. I'm happy Severus is so distracted by planing his new life. Other wise, I think his feelings would be hurt that she seemed to ignore him. It is the holidays and I would have thought that Hermione would be looking to spend time together even if it was just studying in her rooms while he read. I'm also glad that his neighborhood isn't the run down and empty sort of place it is usually described as. I have never thought of myself as super jealous but I guess I am. I don't know about having Severus in business with another witch. I know he wouldn't love anyone besides Hermione, but I wouldn't expect the other witch not to be attracted to him. Who wouldn't be. Well, his plans of leaving at then end of the year are out of the bag; it's kind of too bad. People are bound to connect his leaving with he and Hermione starting a relationship while he was still a Professor after such chemistry between them in the play. I expect some idiots to be that way even if they wait a little while to come out together. But there is no need to wait. They need to get married asap! I know I've already said this 3 other times. They have already promised to be together forever. At least half the people on the planet have their marriages arranged by their parents and they learn to live together without long periods of courting even if they are engaged as children. Not that I approve of child engagement, but I'm not against other cultures with arranged marriages. My life would have been happier if my parents and my husband's parents had been from the same social class. My parents tried to be friends with his but his were intimidated. His mother and sister also didn't like me. Severus and Hermione are going to have to deal with Hermione's mother though. It will become a problem between Hermione and her parents because her mom likes him too much! If they can get that under control, I don't think Hermione's parents will be unhappy about them becoming a couple.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
They have indeed become more confident as a couple, after the things they've already gone through. And they are now able to focus on other things besides the all-encompassing obsession with each other, such as setting up their future. :) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
OK. I would never perve and gush like that as a married woman. Thank gods, I am not Hermione's mum. I was getting worried. She is so embarrassing. Poor Severus! Hermione's dad must be very secure. He wasn't jealous at all even though Dion was making a spectacle of herself. Poor Hermione too! It's creepy and gross to have your mom perving about your lover let alone being so obvious about it in front of all of your peers. Did she really think he would give her a kiss? Yuck! I had a friend when I was a teen who's mom slept with her boyfriend and she caught them! I'm trying not to gag right now. I was already not feeling well, so that might be adding to it. Let's move on, shall we? Wonderful chapter BTW!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
ROFL!!! Sorry to make you all oogy. ;) Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
I do hope I wasn't that embarrassing as a mom! But then again...I did so enjoy embarrassing my teenagers. Maybe I'm getting payback but I do believe I am being over paid enormously. I count it as a down payment on all of the money, time and emotional energy they are still costing me as adults. They are higher maintenance now than they were as children! But how can you blame me? Who else's mother carried a knitted uterus, a muppet breast and a life size fake pelvis in her trunk? Did you know that if you take the pelvis, turn it over, turn it backwards and put it on your head you can say, "Look! I'm a Klingon!" I only resorted to such things when provoked, I swear! If they were rude to me and embarrassed me in front of their friends, well, what was I supposed to do? And I'm sure anyone's mum would give STD lectures to any teenagers that she could get into the back seat of her taxi. I did have some mercy. I declined the request to a teach sex ed module at their private school. Instead the teacher would send home questions and I would write her a note to be taken back the next day. One of my favorites was, "What is the vas deferens?" I also spent literally thousands of dollars on therapy for both of them. I even took out a mortgage on my house to afford it. It was a total waste of money and the bank ended up with the house. ! I wonder if Dion will be just as enamored with Severus after she finds out he is her daughter's soul mate and she is the love of his life? I would be so jealous! I seriously can't even imagine what is going to happen when those two come out. The only one I can count on is Ginny. Everyone else is a wild card as far as I can see at this point. I have no guesses about who will say what. Will Minerva still support Severus? I do hope so. I hope I am pleasantly surprised by everyone else as well. Maybe Albus will stun me and back them up after he comes to terms with the new Severus Snape. On with the show!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*cackling* I love it! Too funny, darlin. :D I have to say, I am so enjoying that you really can't tell what will happen, particularly with people's reactions. I would hate to be too transparent and predictable. ;P Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
Bless Minerva! I dare say she will be angry at first, but I do believe that when she realizes how much Hermione loves him she will come around. I'm so glad she came down to tell Severus she supports him in his quest for freedom and happiness. Severus is experiencing a whole new world in spite of megalomaniacs like Dumbledore and Voldemort. He is a very useful and powerful tool. It's no wonder they both wanted to control him. He is probably the most powerful wizard next to Dumbledore in Britain, maybe even the world. I do hope that Albus reconsiders his motives. If he persists in believing he owns Severus Snape, I would have to say he is a bad person for all of his twinkling on the outside. I know you said he was like a father that didn't want to let go of a son, but he needs to get over himself or he will lose said son. He probably isn't evil but he is controling, manipulative and has power issues. I know I already said this, but I think they really need to get married before they come out of the closet to shut down any scandle mongering. They aren't just every day people. They are war heros and have reputations to worry about that everyday people don't have to be concerned with. If they are married then no matter what people may accuse them of, they can't say that Severus didn't do the honorable thing by quiting his job and marrying the young woman. Some people like to believe the worst in others as a hobby. They are stupid and stupid people don't matter. I have an idea of where Severus could work!
They could start a second line of products that are serious.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Yeah, you summed Albus up quite nicely, indeed! Thank you for such a lovely review! :)
Tastefully kinky and erotic solutions to several itches, not the least, Severus' newly declared freedom from Albus Dumbledore. I am surprise on one hand that Albus could be so selfish and forcefully maintain his mastery over his ex spy. He seemed to truly be interested in Severus' happiness, but like some parents he can't cut the apron string. He also seems to forget that he wouldnt have needed to work so hard to keep Severus alive if he hadn't been constantly sending him into lif threating circumstances. Albus misstepped himself when he made Severus a possession. I can imagine Hermione having something to say to Dumbledore before they leave the castle for good. Albus is a bully even though he works on the side of the light. Power corrupts as they say. I can imagine Hermione telling Albus Dumbledore "exactly where the bear slept," explaining exactly how things are going to be from now on and letting him know what she is willing to do if he decides not to respect their relationship and autonomy or tries to stand in their way. I think the best thing to do is get married the night of the leaving feast in a small wedding that maybe her parents will be at and Ginny, Neville, Harry and Ron. Severus, with his wife, can turn in his resignation the next day. I know there are more opportunities out there for them and him in particular than the apothecary shop. In his new state of the art lab, he can mix specially requested potions for individuals and corporations. Hermione can help him with the research and inventing new potions. They could do some coloboration with the Twins and be a private contractor for the Ministry and St. Mungos. They can travel and do research while things calm down back at the school. I'm all for their kinky fun and planing for the future. Does Albus Dumbledore forget who Severus Snape is?
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Oh, I am looking forward to you reading further... ;D Albus may not have ever really understood who Severus is, but he'll learn, and fairly quickly too. Thank you so much for such a lovely review! :)
I started to write about this before, but didn't get to finish the review. I think. If this is a repeat just ignore me. I think that Hermione should let Severus know about her plans to stretch her hymen before they consummate their relationship. He is insecure and jealous by nature even if he is doing a spiffing job of changing. I can see a slow train wreck on the horizon that could ruin the most important night in their lives. If Hermione feels different to Severus he may wonder. And if he asks in a way that makes her offended that he would even think she would be with another person that would be a total boner breaker, if you'll forgive the use of the term. I hope she decides to write him a steamy letter telling him about her explorations with the candle. I could see 4 months either making the heart grow fonder, or just as easily the space between them making them more open to misunderstanding. They may become out of practice at communicating. I am surprised that Severus didn't let the apothecary owners know that he has not yet informed his current employer of his plans and that jealous would appreciate it if they would be discreet and not discuss this with anyone else. I wonder why he doesn't apply with St. Mungo's. Maybe he will.I wonder how Minerva is faring.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I think I can safely say, without being too spoilery, that Hermione's explorations don't end in tragedy and interminable angst. *shifty eyes* Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
My Word!!! That Colin did get what he deserved. But my, the drama! It was extremely... wonderful! The entire chapter was extremely wonderful!!! I love, love, loved it! I'm sorry for not reviewing lately but I felt it was building to something and wanted to keep going without stopping when I could. Also, I've been so tired because I've been getting home from work quite late this week, and I know that if I start a review I'll want it worth something and that takes time that would prevent me from being able to read. All day and evening at work I can't wait to get home and read a chapter or two before going to bed.Now, I am wondering about Albus. He isn't daft. He's at least as intelligent as Ginny Weasley. And while Ginny knows Hermione, Albus knows Severus. I do believe he isn't fooled but trusts Severus to be honorable until Hermione graduates. His trust isn't misplaced. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if this entire contest was all just a ruse for Severus' benefit. Although Severus is older than Hermione,his emotional growth has been stunted and I think Albus knows that.Hermione is exceptional and more mature than the boys her age. Someone as intelligent as Dumbledore must have seen that they would make the perfect couple. And he loves Severus like a son in this story, I think. Also he can't stop from meddling. It must be a little boring and anticlimactic for a strategist like Dumbledore without Voldemort around. This would be a big huge plan that would last the entire school year, take a lot of planning and time for Dumbledore to work on, he is obviously having fun and it gives these two time to fall in love! That is my theory at this point. I seldom read a long story that I become emotionally invested in without checking the ending to make sure it isn't sad. Actually, I don't think I can read a story without becoming emotionally invested so I can't bare sad endings. But you've said this has a happy ending so I'm glad to tell you that you have the honor of being the only author in forever that I haven't read the ending first. At least I don't think I have. ...If I have I don't remember it. I am getting so forgetful. It scares me. Seriously. I hope it's only stress. I have that in spades with adult children and their children living with me, sucking the life out of me and all my money too. None of them work. Well, enough of that. I read you to forget that crap! On with the story!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Whoops! I can't believe I missed this review earlier. Sorry! :( I can guarantee that this fic has a happy ending, so I am glad you are sticking around. :) Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
"All right Hermione, spill it! Just what's going on between you and Snape?" a stanza of intense and slightly alarming music is inserted here. What the Hell, Hermione. Just tell her. You have enough dirt on her to get her expelled if she says anything. She is usually a very reliable secret keeper. And as your friend she will he happy if you are. She may even be able to do you the occasional turn of favor and cover for you.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
LOL!!! I can hear exactly what you're describing. Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I love the letter!!! It's wonderful that Severus and Hermione are equally inexperienced in the matters of the heart. The letter is sweetly mushy, blooming with youthful enthusiasm and titillating; and it was received with simple joy, surprise, and equally exuberant arousal. His first love letter was a doozy! Wait until they have some experience writing naughty letters! I'm very happy for Harry and Ginny. I hope Harry loves Ginny as much as she deserves. I suppose it goes without saying that she is a much better match than Hermione.It was pretty amazing the effect Snape's fear had on him in preventing him from punishing Harry and Ginny on that table. I wouldn't have expected such a reaction once he'd registered it wasn't Hermione. I would have thought that he would have been delighted in the opportunity to embarrass and punish Harry Potter. He's fallen hard. Poor man. I hope having what he's been longing for can live up to his expectations and hopes fueled by all this anticipation. I guess letting the kids go shows that he isn't motivated by meanness really. He just didn't have anything better to think about before. Everyone hated him and he hated them before they could hate him so there! But now he can move on past puberty and past his hatred of his childhood enemies, James and Sirius. He's the only one of them still alive for, goodness sake! Put those childish things behind you, Severus, and live! Maybe you have already paid for this good karma and they have paid for their cruelty. Stop disliking Harry just because he's a Potter. It eats away at you like a cancer. Be free of it. Forgive like you have been forgiven and be healed. It will help your relationship with Hermione too. What could be better than helping your relationship with Hermione, hmmmm?
I also want to say that I have always loved the twins. The return letter was excellent. Fred and George should have never been separated any more than the paramount potion's master in the world would be caught without antivenin with a known deadly snake.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*pleased grin* Y'know, I really hope you continue to enjoy some of the stuff coming up, because it SO addresses things you've brought up here. *rubs hands together in anticipation* And I love that you enjoyed the twins' letter. I wanted to capture their voice, even if only for a short blurb. I lovelovelove your deliciously thoughtful reviews. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
I truly enjoy the way Severus has taken the plunge and isn't reluctant to tell Hermione that he loves her at least 3 times, I think, in the last few hours. I am extremely happy that they were able to retrieve their memories of each other so quickly. I have no doubt that Ginny will figure out there is something going on between these two. The only question is how soon? Well, and will she be supportive? I think she will. I think she will see that they match eachother. Twice in my life another person told me there was something between myself and male of the species while I was in denial about it, I guess. And didn't see it until a 3rd party told me straight up. Both said it was the way we looked at each other when we interacted and they were dubious about the fact that I was not aware of it because to them it was so obvious. I admit there was what I had considered some harmless flirting going on, but I told myself that is was all a lark. The first time, I had really pushed those feelings deep inside and I was truly flabbergasted when I was told that the young man was in love with me by a mutual friend. Once I had possession of that knowledge however, my own feelings came rushing up at me out of nowhere and floored me. It was kind of awful because I was in a long engagement to someone else that lived far away whom I only saw about once a month and had to share him with his family when he would come to see me. I was still in school and he was 7 years older than I was.Once the cat was out of the bag, I dreamed of that young man at least once a week then once a month for the next 13 years because we had unfinished business when we parted. All of my dreams were trying to resolve the issue and get closure. Finally I got fat enough that I would be too embarrassed if he ever saw me again and the dreams mostly stopped. But...I still think of him from time to time 35 years later. I enjoyed this chapter very much. Once again, you have done such a wonderful job of making the reader feel what our Hermione and Severus are experiencing.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*wriggles in happiness* I love that you are pleased about feeling what the characters are experiencing. I strive so much for plausibility and believability that it warms the cockles of my heart to get such lovely feedback. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
I certainly can't blame Dione for having a fan girl crush on Severus. What red blooded woman in her right mind wouldn't? Dude is totally hot! Hermione should be glad it gave her the opportunity to come to an understanding with her man that Severus belongs to her ...and he likes it! And don't we all wish we had a dad like Mr. Granger? It must be very difficult for some parents to send their children away to boarding school. However, it probably makes some other parents and young people appreciate one another in a way that would never happen if they had been in eachother's space all the time, struggling for who's in control and experiencing full blown teenage angst. Over all it has been an extremely satisfiying trip.
And now they don't have to worry about Severus having to meet Hermione's parents in the circumstance of, "Mom. Dad. This is my former Potion's Professor Severus Snape. I have some very exciting news for you. Severus and I are in love and plan to spend the rest of our lives together. We fell in love while playing oposite each other in the school play."
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Your reviews bring joy to my day. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
This was a sweet and fun chapter. I love that Severus has a sense of humor. When are they going to "do" it?! Or at least go to second base! This is going to be a long school year!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Oh, darlin, this is definitely gonna be a long school year... LOL Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I can't imagine what mischief I would have gotten into if I had the ability to silence my parents door. For some strange reason, ever since I was in 10 th grade, I would be out in the front whatever car with my boyfriend and I just knew my parents would never come out side to check on us or wonder what we could possibly be doing in the driveway for 5 hours with the windows fogged up. They locked the front door and went to bed. Only once did I forget my house key and had to wake my parents at 1 AM to get in. They really trusted me. Why? We never had intercourse but we did just about every thing else. I was the mother who came looking for you if you were a half hour late. I didn't trust my daughters because I knew I wasn't exactly Polly Anna when I was their age. I mostly just ended up knowing more than I wanted to about my kids personal lives. If your progeny don't stop themselves by choice, there isn't a lot you can do unless you keep them tied to you 24/7 with a rope around your waist. Only one daughter was boy crazy. Things had changed. I don't know what the definition of slut changed to but it didn't include girls that slept with their boyfriend from 8th grade up. I never needed to be on birth control until a month before my wedding. I made sure my little minx was on the pill because I didn't believe I could trust her and I was right. At least Hermione is an adult and Hermione or Severus must certainly know contraception spells. I'm feeling as frustrated as Hermione here. But he's right. And it won't hurt them to wait. I did and I'm still glad. But they've made a lot of head way in their relationship. Wouldn't it be better to just come clean to Dumbledore that they are in love with each other through no fault of their own, but that they promise to follow the school charter and will be very discrete and won't tell anyone else but him. Rather than finding ways to keep them apart, I inclined to think that Dumbledore would find ways to give them time together and would cover for them so that Minerva doesn't find out until after the school year is over.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bounces in glee* Oh, I love how invested you are, and how awesome your reviews are. Thank you so much, as always! :)
Absolutely lovely! The play was wonderful. All the flirting is building massive quantities of tension! I can imagine how they are feeling during desert. It's like being there. You expressed every movement, thought and feeling so exquisitely. In my springtime I remember a young man. We wanted each other but we couldn't go there. I was spoken for and had made my choice. I made the practical choice, but not my heart's choice. I was mature enough to know that the butterflies in your tummy don't last forever. We did things together pretending to be just friends The tension was painful and delightful at the same time. I'm still pretty sure I made the right decision.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Why, thank you! I'm so glad it came across so well (I try to describe exactly how I see things playing out in my head, so it's as detailed as I can make it, LOL). As for the tension, I was called the Queen of UST back in the day when I was writing this. *snerk* But, it'll all be resolved, I promise! ;) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
Poor Hermione. Her parents were very ebarrassing. But isn't that what parents are for? At least we know that when Hermone and Severus can finally come out of the closet, Dione will be on Hermione's side. She would totally understand what Hermione sees in Severus Snape. And Geoff is a nice man so I think he'll be OK. I couldn't write all the reviews I wanted because it wakes up dad. I wanted to ask you a question on a previous chapter. If Severus takes dreamless sleep and there is an emergency in Slytherin house, can he wake up to tend to the problem? I just want to say that the 4.5 stars on some of the chapters baffel me. I think they are all 5's. I have 20 more minutes before I have to go to bed so I must return to reading. Happy Sunday night.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*blush* Aww, you're so kind! Re: Dreamless Sleep, I have always thought of it like an over the counter sleep aid, which in my experience just keeps you groggier if you're woken up, but you can be, with proper interference. LOL I had SO MUCH FUN writing this chapter. :D As for writing reviews--I appreciate any and all, whether they're on all the chapters you wanted to review or not! Thank you as always for reviewing! :)
I've been excitedly reading the last 4 chapters and you have met and exceeded my hopes and expetations. I can't type more because the sound bothers my husband's sleep. Hugs and kisses. I Love It!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bounces* Yay! I'm so glad you've been enjoying it. Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
Do witches and wizards listen to the same holiday music as muggles? I hope Hermione doesn't regret forgetting to take the smut reading material that she had borrowed from Ginny out of her bra before the party.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I daresay there may be some old standards that may crossover. LOL Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
You have taken my breath away. How exciting and horrible to want someone one shouldn't and can't have. The play...such a brave young woman to make him kiss her. What will Severus do to punish himself and Hermione for this secret that has been exposed. Desire. Humiliation.
Hurry. Send him an owl, Hermione or a house elf with a note to let him know you reciprocate his feelings. Thank him for being such a gentleman and not pressing his advantage. Are you wise enough and mature enough to be proactive once again?
You aren't afraid of him. Can you imagine how he must be feeling and prevent the damage? It would be very hard not to be carried away with her own emotions and physical sensation and not to tarry hashing it out over and over in her mind before she finally realizes the danger. Will she see it immediately or think of it too late?
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
And you've just taken my breath away! *bounces* Oh, I love that you're enjoying this and are so invested in it so far. It brings me such joy. Thank you for such a lovely review! :)
I really enjoyed the interaction between Severus and Hermione when they got their costumes and Hermione did his hair. I am really glad he got to see her telling Harry off. I don't know how much longer they will be able to keep their hands off eachother. There is so much suppressed sexual tension that if when they actually kissed kiss they might combust. I'm actually looking forward to her detention. This was important bridge chapter. I wonder what else is going on in Dumbledore's head. He is no fool. I can't believe he doesn't see the sexual tension between these two, or at least the potential for it eventually. He does have a great deal of confidence in Severus. I believe he is sure Severus would never be inappropriate with a student,...but she's an adult. Is he tryig to fix them up or is he really just a mean manipulating old puffter that truly gets enjoyment out of making other people uncomfortable and embarrassed because he's Albus Dumbledore and he can? How do the "good guys" find an outlet for their control and power issues? They pick on others and prentend it's a joke. If Voldemort worked this hard at embarrassing Severus would we think he was just being evil or that it was just all in good fun and that he only teases people he cares for as a show of affection? I think not.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*huge grin* I daresay your questions about "good guy" Albus will be answered in due time. *snerk* Thank you again for such a lovely review! :)
Again, Wow! The scene with Severus' jealous rage was incredible. I'm happy that Hermione perceives all things in Severus Snape she told Harry. I really hope he thinks about what she said and heeds her warning, if not garner some sense of respect for the man. I felt a sense of satisfaction when she admitted that if Harry had been that angry his lack of control would have brought down half the castle. Harry won't be able to let this go as well as Hermione. He isn't as mature and...he isn't falling for someone else. This whole thing will prove very unpleasant for a while I suspect. I'm kind of sorry for Harry. How can he not help but be attracted to Hermione, but he hasn't got a tinker's chance in hell against Severus Snape? How long before Severus realizes Hermione broke it off with Harry? Will he at all admit to himself that it was because of him? No. I think not. How long before Harry realizes that next to Severus Snape's power, discipline, knowledge, experience, awesomeness and mojo, he's got a long way to go and he may as well move on? Well, I doubt he'll ever see Snape as sexually appealing, so no mojo epiphany expected. I wonder, how long it will take Hermione to get Severus to trust her? Which will take longer; Harry to realize he can't compete with Severus Snape for the girl or for Severus Snape to trust Hermione? I don't envy Hermione right now. But Severus Snape is worth it. Amazing chapter!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bursts out laughing* Mojo epiphany? LOVE IT! So glad you're enjoying; thanks so much for reviewing! :)