48- Fathers and Sons

A/N: I know this took a while, but it's REALLY long, so I hope you all forgive me! Special thanks to Ladyofthemasque, Beta extraordinaire, SnivellusSnape, katydid, and yutamiyu. Now, go forth and read! ;)

Chapter 48- Fathers and Sons

Hermione woke with a start, disoriented. Oh! What time is it? Blast! Dinner will be over soon... Jumping up, she straightened her clothes and vainly patted at her hair. Peeking quickly at her reflection, she grimaced at her puffy eyes and pale face. Ugh! Maybe Severus will have already gone by the time you get there, and he won't have to see you looking so dreadful.

Feeling a pang of envy that he could Apparate instantly to the Great Hall, while she still had to hurry down staircase after staircase, she bustled out of her room and through Gryffindor Tower, hastening downstairs.

Bursting into the Hall, she immediately noted that Snape was not there. Feeling both let down and relieved, she slid into a seat at the Gryffindor table, reaching for the serving plates and nodding in response to her mates who had greeted her.

Ginny frowned at her and said, "You okay?"

Hermione nodded, gesturing with her fork at her now-full mouth. Rolling her eyes toward Snape's usual seat, she looked meaningfully at Ginny, who blinked in comprehension.

Harry looked over and piped up, "You sure? You look kinda' under the weather."

Swallowing, Hermione gasped, "I'm fine! I was just a little tired and fell asleep. I can't believe I almost missed dinner."

Ginny wisely left well enough alone, knowing that the real reason Hermione's eyes were puffy was likely linked to whatever had been in that letter. But Harry persisted.

"You look like you've been crying...ow!" He cut a fierce glare at Ginny who had stomped his toe under the table and was staring at him in reproach.

Hermione, seeing an opportunity to distract Harry, said, "I may have teared up a bit earlier when I was reading. It was a very affecting love story." Harry blinked and bit back a grimace, obviously not fond of girlish romances. Suppressing a wicked grin, Hermione added, "I could tell you all about it..."

Harry's eyes widened in alarm and he hastily waved a hand at her. "No! No... that's all right. Really. No problem. I was just concerned, that's all. Glad you're okay." He ducked his head, running his hand over his hair.

Ginny smirked at his uncomfortable reaction and winked at Hermione. There was an awkward silence as Hermione continued with her meal. Eventually, Harry broached a new subject.

"So, looking forward to rehearsal? You've got your big song tomorrow night."

Hermione nodded gravely. "You know, that song is so sad. I hope I don't get all teary from it, too."

Harry's brow furrowed in comic dismay, and Ginny giggled. Patting his shoulder, she offered a solicitous, "It's okay, dear. I'll protect you from the weepy girl."

Harry scowled at her, and Hermione chuckled. "Anyway, I know you're not particularly looking forward to tomorrow night, but I will talk to Professor Snape before rehearsal, like I promised."

Harry's attention snapped to her, and he frowned. Tone dubious, he said, "I don't know why you think it'll do any good. You don't have to mess with it. Leave the git alone, so he'll leave you alone."

Hermione's jaw clenched. In a measured voice, she retorted, "I can't leave him alone and he can't leave me alone, Harry. We have to work together. He's not as horrid as you think. Not anymore. Besides, without his help, you would have had a much more difficult time finishing off Riddle."

Harry squinted at her, perplexed. "Riddle?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and said, "Voldemort!"

Tossing his head, Harry said, "Since when do you call him 'Riddle'?"

Hermione was taken aback by the question. Blinking, her mind raced. That's what Severus called him all through that letter. Oh my, this is awkward... Floundering for a response, she glanced at Ginny, who was also eyeing her quizzically. "I heard Dumbledore and Professor Snape call him that. I guess it's a way of denying him his self-styled importance." Feeling nervous sweat prickling her skin, she diverted the topic. "Anyway, that's not important. What's important is that Professor Snape has no reason to try to harm you, Harry. Honestly!"

Harry huffed, shaking his head slightly. "Sure. We'll see."

Eyes narrowing in pique, Hermione shot back a heated, "We will see, won't we?" Then, clearing her throat and composing herself, she continued loftily, "I daresay you'll be pleasantly surprised at just how professional and civil he can be."

Ginny jumped in with a soft, "It's true, Harry. Just wait."

Harry looked between the girls, struggling with his knee-jerk loathing of the man. Remembering Neville's assertions as well, he exhaled heavily and fixed a sceptical eye on them. "Fine. I'm reserving judgment until rehearsal. If he can treat me with respect, then we'll talk, okay?"

Both girls' faces lit up with approving smiles. Once again, Harry shook his head, clearly thinking they were daft. Casting a speculative glance at Ginny, he said, "So, what'll I get if I'm nice to the ol' Professor, eh?" He waggled his eyebrows and leered suggestively, at which Ginny burst out laughing and swatted his arm.

"Opportunist! Come on, you pervert, and I'll give you a preview." Smirking at Hermione's reaction of cradling her face in her hands, she stood, pulling an unresisting Harry with her. "See you later, 'Mione."

Hermione kept her eyes covered with one hand and waved resignedly at them with the other, making both teenagers snigger. Harry let Ginny drag him away, tossing an amused, "Bye, Hermione!" over his shoulder.

Hermione sighed in relief and finished her dinner in peace; she wondered how Snape was faring since he wasn't there for her to see, and was looking forward to the next evening with a mixed bag of anticipation.

******* **********

Friday saw Hermione heading to dinner as soon as it was available, consuming her meal with ill-disguised urgency. A few minutes after she had begun, Colin wandered over and took a seat opposite her. Acknowledging his presence with a perfunctory nod, she continued with her meal.

"Hi, Hermione. You're here early tonight. Excited about rehearsal?" He pasted on a bright smile.

Warily wondering if he was still trying to pursue her, Hermione replied cautiously, "I have some things to take care of after dinner and before rehearsal, so I have to hurry. Rehearsal should be fine as usual."

Colin nodded vigorously. "Oh, I'm sure! I know you'll be brilliant with your song tonight." His cheeks started going pink and he tacked on an airy, "Of course, you're brilliant with anything you do."

Hermione blinked and swallowed hard, feeling a knot of unease in her gut. Offering a wan smile that didn't reach her eyes, she said, "Thank you, Colin, but you're exaggerating. I just do my best."

Eyes wide, he retorted, "I know you do! It shows!" He paused, awkwardly toying with his food in the lengthening silence. Hermione determinedly ignored the Head Girl-urge to engage in some sort of conciliatory conversation with him, afraid of stirring up more trouble for herself.

Several minutes passed, and she finished eating, hoping that the food would settle in her tense stomach once she left Colin's disconcerting presence. He was morosely picking at his meal, eating little.

Clearing her throat and gathering her things, she pushed back from the table. Colin glanced up wistfully. Gamely trying for some semblance of normality, Hermione said, "Well, I'll see you later. Gotta' run."

Colin nodded and gazed at her, his expression forlorn. He managed a faint, "Right. See you."

Hermione hastened away from the table, eager to be free of him, and she didn't look back to see him staring after her.

Bollocks! He would try to do that when no one else is around. Honestly! Please don't ever let me endure such discomfort again! Ugh... Now to just drop off my things and get to Severus.

She bustled up to her room, blowing a quick kiss to a drowsing Crookshanks before leaving again. Hoping that none of the people she passed and exchanged greetings with would ask about her destination, she made her way down to the stairs to the dungeon, furtively glancing about to see if anyone noticed her descent so early in the evening. Working out a plausible excuse about needing clarification on her Potions homework, she smoothed her palms over her hips, wiping the nervous sweat from them.

Heaving a huge sigh of relief that she hadn't had a run-in with any Slytherins, she forced herself to walk instead of run to get to Snape's office. The door was closed when she arrived, and she hesitated a bare moment before knocking.

Snape was at his desk, brooding over an essay when he heard the knock, the remains of a sandwich going stale on a plate to one side. Brows drawing together in perplexity, he glanced at the time. It's not six yet; could that be Hermione? Swallowing back the agitated pulse of his heart in his throat, he snapped, "Enter."

Hermione opened the door and locked eyes with him as she stepped in. Her heart throbbed in an excess of emotion, but she forced herself to maintain her outward composure. "Professor."

Snape's expression was inscrutable as he said, "Miss Granger." After a beat he added, "Shut the door." When she did as she was bid, he stood, stepping around to the front of his desk. His voice soft, he said, "You're early."

Hermione stepped closer, still gazing up at him. "I couldn't wait any longer."

They stared for a long moment before he nodded sharply. "Come." He offered her his hand, and when she took it, Apparated them to his bedroom.

Hermione's eyes widened as she took in her surroundings. She gasped, glancing sharply at him in query.

He stepped back, hands up and palms out in a gesture of appeasement, shaking his head ruefully as he murmured, "No. Nothing like that. I merely wish to avoid the possibility of anyone inadvertently seeing you if they Floo-called. Of course, if you'd rather not discuss things here, we can go elsewhere."

Hermione exhaled slowly, extending a hand toward him in apology. "No! I was just surprised. It makes perfect sense. I'm fine." She looked up at his solemn face and grimaced. "Actually, I'm not fine."

Snape frowned, squinting at her in confusion. Everything she had felt when reading his letter came rushing back to her, and tears welled up, spilling over onto her cheeks as her lips trembled. At the sight of her tears, Snape's eyes widened in alarm and he stepped forward just as she threw herself at him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face against his chest, uttering a strangled, "Severus!"

Quickly enveloping her in his embrace, he caressed her hair and back, muttering reassuring nonsense and kissing the crown of her head. He could feel her shaking as she sobbed, and he was bewildered and dismayed at such an unexpected occurrence. Urgently, he whispered, "Shh, it's okay. Hermione, love, what's wrong? Tell me, please. What can I do?" and guided her to sit on the edge of his bed.

Hermione gulped back her sobs and sat. Pulling away from him enough to wipe her face, she sniffled and fumbled for her wand to Summon some facial tissues. Snape watched her compose herself, waiting for her explanation for her behaviour.

Finally, Hermione Vanished several soggy tissues and swallowed hard, facing Snape. His unease was apparent, and she impulsively reached up to cup his jaw in oblique apology. "I love you so much."

His eyes closed at her words, and he covered her hand with his, turning to plant a kiss on her palm. "And I, you. But what happened?"

Gazing solemnly at him, she whispered, "Your letter."

His face fell, and he pulled back a bit, letting her hand drop to her lap. His jaw clenched and he avoided her eye, simply uttering a flat, "Oh. That."

Reaching up again, she gripped his chin and guided him to look at her again. His eyes were flat and dull, closed off. Hoping her love was visible in her eyes, she pinned him under her intense gaze and murmured, "Thank you, Severus."

His lip twitched and he seemed to shrug in derision. "For what? Traumatizing you so much that you burst into tears even a day later? Oh yes, that's certainly something to be grateful for..."

She shook her head in exasperation and insisted, "Stop that! I am grateful that you would share so much with me. I'm glad I know more about what you've been through. I can appreciate you so much more now."

Snape snorted and looked away, body tense. Hermione leant back again and pursed her lips. Her tone was verging on stern as she said, "Severus!" He snapped his eyes to hers in surprise. Holding his gaze, she eyed him and challenged, "Do you not believe me?"

Snape's eyes went wide and his lips parted as he inhaled sharply. Closing his mouth again, he swallowed hard and finally nodded. His voice gravelly, he said, "Yes. I believe you."

Hermione smiled at him, and he caught his breath again at the way she lit up. Relaxing under her fond smile, he gave himself a minute shake, trying to dredge himself out of his funk. He reached over and squeezed her hand in mute apology and she caressed his fingers.

Chewing her lip, she ventured, "So, may I ask you something? Without you sinking back into that pit of despair? Because remember, I'm here now, and you shouldn't ever have to feel that way again."

His lips twitched in a faint semblance of a smile. Heaving a gusty sigh, he blinked and said, "Ask."

Hermione held his hand in a firm grip, her thumb stroking in little circles as she said, "You wrote something about owing a life debt to Harry's father. What happened?"

Snape searched her face for a long moment. His voice was low when he said, "Do you really want to know?" She squeezed his hand and nodded. He thinned his lips and murmured, "I'll show you."

Hermione's eyes went round as she comprehended his intent. Staring at him, stunned by his offer, she sat frozen as he stood and crossed to his wardrobe to retrieve his Pensieve. Basin cradled in his hands, he crossed back to the bed, standing on the other side of it and depositing the Pensieve on the centre of the bed. Hermione squirmed around and knelt facing it, gazing soberly up at him.

He closed his eyes and scowled as he lifted his wand to his temple, withdrawing the silvery strand of memory. When he dropped it into the basin, he opened his eyes again and gazed at Hermione, his expression grave. Folding his arms over his chest, he nodded pointedly to the swirling mist.

Hermione blinked, glancing down at the basin and then back up at him, uncertain. "Er, aren't you going to look with me?"

Snape's lip curled and he tossed his head, growling, "I've seen it more than I care to count. It is my memory, after all. No. I think you should experience it alone. So you can get a better feel for what I experienced."

A tremor of fear washed over her. Then, she steeled herself. It's just a memory; nothing can harm you. Leaning forward and supporting herself on her hands, she glanced up at him again. "All right, then. I'll look." He nodded again and she took a deep breath, bending closer to the eddying surface until she felt herself being drawn in, falling into the memory. She stifled a shriek as she dropped.

Glancing about wildly, she saw that she was in a corridor in Hogwarts, and she saw a lean boy with long greasy black hair peering intently out of a window. With a jolt of recognition, she realized it was Snape. His expression was as sour as she had often seen on adult Snape. He shuffled to one side and craned his neck as he stared outside. Curious, Hermione edged closer, trying not to feel disconcerted by encountering a Snape younger than she was. Glancing out the window, she could see what looked like a woman guiding a shrouded figure toward the Whomping Willow. She gasped as she realized what she was witnessing.

This is what Sirius and Lupin were talking about before Snape caught us all in the Shrieking Shack! That's Lupin going off to the Shack to transform, so it must be a full moon night... She looked up, seeing the sun dipping lower in the sky. She jumped when Snape suddenly moved. He had been almost unnaturally still, and when he had stepped back from the window, it had startled her. She watched his eyes narrow in calculation as he strode rapidly down the corridor and barrelled down the stairs. She took off at a jog, attempting to keep up.

When he shot down the next corridor and out a door, she raced after him, pausing only when she saw a young Sirius lounging near a tree outside. It was apparent that Snape hadn't seen him, as he was heading in the opposite direction, but she saw Sirius notice Snape, and she stopped short at the unsettling look of predatory glee on his face. He pushed away from the tree and bounded after Snape, calling out, "Oi! Snape!"

Snape stopped and whirled around, wand in hand. He eyed Sirius warily. Sirius merely regarded him with a smug smirk as he loped closer. Snape bit out, "What do you want, Black?"

Hermione edged around to a better vantage point for seeing them both. Sirius eyed Snape keenly. "It's getting darker. Where're you going?"

Snape flicked a glance at the Whomping Willow and then scowled at Sirius. "None of your business, Black."

Sirius stepped closer, idly twirling his wand through his fingers. "You haven't seen Peter, have you? He's supposed to be meeting me..."

Rolling his eyes, Snape scoffed, "Now why would you think I would have seen your bloody friend?"

Sirius cut a shrewd glance at him and murmured, "Because you're always watching us, Snape. Don't think it's not obvious." He snorted in amusement at the pink stain travelling up Snape's pale face.

Hermione wished she could do something to end such an uncomfortable confrontation, feeling totally helpless. Even she reacted with relief when Peter Pettigrew came jogging up to them, puffing heavily and sweating.

Snape's eyes flickered between the two Gryffindors, glittering in the fading light. Peter gasped, "Sorry... I was... late."

Sirius turned a benign smile on him and said, "No worries, mate. I was just passing the time with Snape here while I waited." Peter looked from Sirius to Snape, eyes round with apprehension and confusion. Sirius draped an arm over Peter's shoulders and guided him away, turning them to face away from the wary Snape.

Hermione hurried to get closer to them, barely hearing Sirius whisper to Peter, "Just shut up and play along, okay?" Peter nodded eagerly and Sirius spoke in a low voice, but one that was still audible to Snape where he stood, straining to overhear their conversation. "Lily and her friend are already under the Willow, waiting for me and James. Where is he?" Peter, afraid to say anything, merely stared at Sirius, breathless with anticipation, and shrugged. Sirius winked at Peter with the eye out of Snape's view and continued, "Listen, I know they won't wait forever, so we should split up and both go look for him. Just remember to tell him to use a long stick to press that knot on the trunk to get the branches to stop flailing."

Peter kept nodding, whispering back, "Right, tell James to press the knot on the trunk with a stick. Okay."

Sirius grinned and said, "Good man. Now, let's hope we find him soon. Lily said she was really looking forward to her blind date."

Hermione's jaw fell, aghast at Sirius' manipulation. She could see Snape listening hard, and she saw his eyes widen at the news that Lily was waiting and he could press the knot to get past the Willow. Knowing what she knew now about his youthful feelings for Harry's mother, she felt a throb of sympathy for him, being tricked by someone using those tender feelings as bait.

Sirius winked at Peter again and nodded. Straightening and turning to face Snape, who was still eyeing him darkly, Sirius said, "Well, ah... it's getting late, and you know we're not really supposed to be out after dark. So, you should probably get back to the castle too, Snape."

Snape bristled and spat, "Don't tell me what to do, Black."

Sirius looked back at Peter and jerked his head, indicating that the other boy should go. Peter scurried away. Sirius narrowed his eyes at Snape and murmured, "I don't have time right now to deal with your attitude, Snivellus. Just know that you'll get what you deserve one day. Soon." Then, with one last look of contempt, he took off, leaving Snape standing alone in the growing darkness.

Hermione watched Snape staring after Sirius, heart aching for him. He glanced around and finally looked at the Willow. Taking a deep breath, he tugged at his robes, smoothing them. He pocketed his wand and stealthily moved toward the tree. Peering around at the ground, he saw the branch lying where someone had dropped it after prodding the knot. Eyes darting around excitedly, lips widening in a faint smile, Snape picked up the branch and poked toward the knot, ducking to avoid the reach of the Willow's flailing branches. On the third try, he pressed it. The branches froze in place, and a fleeting expression of triumph graced his face.

Stepping closer, he withdrew his wand and muttered, "Lumos." The wand's light threw the opening in the tree roots into relief, deepening the shadow of it. Breathing faster, he crept forward, sliding into the hole. Once he was out of sight, Hermione glanced anxiously at the sky, seeing the moon, round and full. Remembered terror gripped her. She knew what Snape was sliding into, and she remembered how frightening Lupin had been when he had changed.

She was about to dive down after him, when she heard pounding footsteps approaching. Looking around into the expanding blankness, she thought, Everything is disappearing. It must be because this is Snape's memory, and he's moving further away from this point. How fascinating! She was relieved to see another boy come into view, one who looked startlingly like Harry. James!

James skidded to a stop, panting, looking panicked. He looked up at the moon and hissed, "Dammit, Padfoot!" before launching himself into the hole. Hermione dove after him, grateful that she couldn't be hurt by the descent.

Once he hit the ground, James yelled, "Snape!" He lit his wand and took off down the passageway. Hermione ran with him. She could hear him muttering what sounded like a litany, "Not yet, Moony. Please, not yet."

Looking ahead, Hermione saw the pinpoint of light at about the same moment James did. Again, James yelled, "Snape! Stop!"

In the distance, Hermione could see Snape's face under lit by his wand. He scowled back at James and spat, "Too late, Potter! You may as well go back."

James's eyes widened in fear as he saw Snape pushing up the panel that covered the opening into the Shrieking Shack. Arm outstretched, he raced ahead, voice almost strangled in terror as he said, "No! Snape! Don't go in!" Then, several things seemed to happen at once.

Hermione heard the menacing growl just as Snape whipped around to see the glistening jaws of a snarling werewolf peering under the panel. His face went sheet white and he seemed petrified with fear. James reached Snape and grabbed his robes, yanking him backward, bellowing, "Colloportus!" at the panel as it fell back down. There was a flash of light as the spell burst over the panel, making an odd squelching sound, sealing it. From behind it, they could all hear the snarling, snapping growls of the werewolf as he tried to scratch through it. Snape's wand was on the ground to one side, giving off a feeble light.

James dropped to his knees, panting. Shoving his glasses back on straight, he peered anxiously at Snape, who was sprawled on the dusty ground, obviously shaken. James reached for Snape's wand, offering it to him as he gasped, "You okay?"

Snape turned wide, shocked eyes on James and snatched his wand away, scuttling backwards like a crab. His expression was a mixture of terror and loathing as he voiced a harsh, "Get off me!"

James jerked back as if stung, taken aback by Snape's lashing out. Blinking, trying to marshal his scattered wits in the wake of so much panic, he lit his wand again and said, "Are you hurt?"

Snape's wand was vibrating with the force of his trembling. Hermione could see that his thin chest was rising and falling rapidly; he was almost hyperventilating in his shock. His voice verged on hysteria as he said, "Very funny, Potter! You and your friends nearly got me killed! Oh, Dumbledore will expel you for sure. You and your little gang!" Snape struggled to his feet, looking almost deranged.

Hermione stood to one side, hands over her mouth, tears trickling over her fingers, unable to look away.

James swallowed and attempted a reasonable tone. "Snape, listen! It was a mistake! Honest! Sirius really crossed a line this time. I told Peter so when he told me. And I'll tell Sirius the same thing when I find him." He paused at the hair-raising sound of howling and yelping from behind the panel. Glancing at Snape, who was staring, horrified, at the panel, he reached out to grip his arm. Snape jumped and batted his hand away. James backed up and said, "Let's just get out of here, okay?"

Snape pointed his wand at James again, edging around him in the tunnel. In a low rasp, he said, "You first. I don't want you behind me."

James nodded slowly. He stepped past Snape and began the trek back up the tunnel, Snape at his heels. Hermione stuck close to them, and she was surprised to be able to smell the acrid odour of fear-sweat wafting off Snape. When they got to the other end of the passage, James turned to Snape.

He spoke softly and with great care, as if he were trying to calm a skittish animal. "I'm really sorry this happened. It was all a mistake. Look, I'll go with you to Dumbledore to explain what happened..."

Snape cut him off. "Don't think you'll get out of this one, Potter. I daresay attempted murder is against school rules!"

James ducked his head, clearly trying to maintain his composure. He looked back up gravely. "Come on, Snape. I just saved your life. Let's be reasonable here. You owe me."

A look of pure disgust washed over Snape's face. His voice shook with barely concealed fury as he hissed, "Don't flatter yourself."

There was a long moment crackling with hostility, then James said quietly, "Have it your way. Let's go." He turned and climbed out of the tunnel, with Snape hot on his heels. Hermione followed, watching them trek up to the castle through the moonlit night. As they got farther away, Hermione felt the blankness encroaching, and she suddenly found herself whirling up through the mist and back onto Snape's bed.

When she re-oriented herself, kneeling beside the basin, she looked up, seeing Snape backed against his wardrobe, arms crossed tightly over his chest, expression closed and sullen. She felt her tears cooling on her cheeks in the dungeon air, and she sat back on her heels, wiping her face. Staring at Snape, she tried to find her voice, but couldn't think of anything to say. Mutely gazing at him in sympathy, she watched him grimly skulk over to the Pensieve and replace his memory. His jaw clenched and his brows drew together as his eyes closed.

Casting a fleeting glance at her again, he picked up the basin and replaced it in his wardrobe. When he closed the door, he placed his hands against the wood and braced himself, facing away from her. She could see the tightness in his shoulders, and his head bowed between his outstretched arms. His voice was strained and bleak as he said, "Satisfied?"

She suddenly let loose the breath she hadn't known she was holding. As it soughed out of her, she whispered, "Severus."

At his name, Snape's hands seemed to claw at the wardrobe door, clenching. He pushed back and let his hands fall to his sides as he spun, turning blazing eyes in a set, white face on her. Hermione's hand lifted toward him involuntarily. After staring at each other for a long moment, Hermione finally choked out, "I'm so sorry."

His eyes narrowed and he snorted. "Funny chaps, Potter and his gang, wouldn't you say?"

Hermione sucked in a breath and eyed him with reproach. "No! Of course not! That was awful."

Snape seemed to be sucked into reliving the anguish and he spat, "And of course you know what happened after that. That bloody berk had the bollocks to harass me even more, and no matter what I did, I couldn't stop them! Not all of them!"

Hermione scrambled off the bed and crossed to Snape where he was pacing feverishly. Gripping his arms, she peered up at him in confusion. "Severus, wait! What are you talking about?"

Snape pinned her with a harsh glare and growled, "Like you don't know. Surely Potter relished telling you all the humiliating details of what his heroic father and beloved godfather did to me just weeks later during our O.W.L.s!" He looked so angry that Hermione stepped away from him, afraid.

In a would-be rational voice, she said, "I don't know what you mean. What was Harry supposed to have told me?"

At her claim of ignorance, Snape stopped, rounding on her and glaring. His voice was a hoarse whisper as he goaded, "Surely you remember his tale when I refused to teach him Occlumency anymore! There's only so much I was willing to endure under Dumbledore's orders, and he crossed the line that night! Oh yes, I'll wager you all had a good laugh back in Gryffindor Tower, taking the piss out of the greasy git!"

Hermione began to get irritated with his ranting, especially since she was none the wiser to what he claimed she was supposed to know. Frowning, she planted her hands on her hips and forcefully said, "I said I have no idea what you're talking about! Harry said you figured he could carry on himself since you had taught him the basics, and that's why he wasn't studying Occlumency with you anymore. I tried to tell him he shouldn't stop the lessons until you were sure he'd got it all under control, but he just cut me off and told me to drop it. But, judging by your reaction right now, I'm guessing there was more to it. What happened?"

Snape's eyes widened, and he stared at her, dumbfounded. She could almost see the rapid calculations racing in his head. Holding his gaze, she waited.

Snape finally blinked. Then he blinked again, several times, rapidly. The rigidity in his frame drained away, and he seemed to deflate, confused astonishment writ plainly on his face.

Hermione didn't move or speak. She knew that he was wrestling with something huge, and she didn't want to interrupt whatever alteration was occurring.

Finally, Snape turned blank eyes on her again and faltered, "He didn't tell you?"

Tamping down the flare of annoyance, she slowly murmured, "Tell me what?"

Snape sank onto the edge of his bed, looking almost lost. "He... I caught him snooping in the Pensieve... prying into my most personal memories..."

Hermione's brows shot up. A jolt of anger at Harry flashed through her, quickly followed by a pang of pity for Snape having his privacy violated like that. Carefully, she perched beside him, gingerly laying a hand on his knee.

"No. He never said anything. And it's not like we didn't ask."

Snape's mouth worked like he had tasted something sour. His voice was low as he said, "After that night at the Shrieking Shack, Dumbledore swore me to secrecy to protect Lupin. I couldn't believe he didn't expel them for nearly getting me killed."

Hermione dared to interject, "But James saved you."

Snape snapped his gaze to hers, his black eyes crackling with fury. "Don't you think I know that?!"

She jerked away, startled by the vehemence in his retort. Warily, she stared at him, loath to say anything again.

He dropped his head to his hands, elbows propped on his knees, and raked his fingers through his hair. Hands clasped behind his neck, he stared unseeingly at the floor as he continued, "I know he saved me! It made me sick to owe him anything! And after I tried to convince Albus to expel them, they all determined they'd get me back. They had detention for the rest of the year, until it was time for our O.W.L.s."

She cringed at the derisive note in his voice. He ploughed on, his eyes locked on the images replaying in his head.

"After our Defence Against the Dark Arts exam, Potter set upon me, with Black and the others right along with him. Lily tried to get them to stop, and I lashed out at her in my humiliation, hurting her feelings and ruining whatever chance I may have had at remaining her friend." He sucked in a ragged breath. "I owed a life debt to one of the people I most despised, and my one chance to really pay it back disappeared in a flash of green light at the end of a maniac's wand."

Hermione waited in the heavy silence. Hesitantly, she moved closer to him and rested a hand on his shoulder, offering what comfort she could. Eventually, he turned to look at her, his eyes glassy, expression defeated.

Gently, she urged, "Harry is not his father. He was wrong to snoop into your private things, but he didn't betray them to us. I think he knows enough about what it's like to have a deprived childhood and hateful enemies to be able to identify with what you've suffered." Snape's brows furrowed and he blinked. "You may not have been able to pay back that debt to James Potter, but you've admirably fulfilled your vow to protect Harry and help him. I think you've more than paid back that debt to Harry, since James is gone." Snape sagged under her hand and she smoothed it in small circles, soothing him. Snape simply gazed at the floor, bewildered.

"Severus?" She reached up and tucked a lock of hair behind his ear, and he shuddered at her touch. Grasping at normality, in an attempt to free him from his misery, she squeezed his shoulder and said, "Why don't I start getting you ready for tonight, okay?" Rising from the bed, she crossed to the bathroom and retrieved the hair products, returning to crawl back on the bed and kneel behind him.

Snape allowed her to pull him straighter, and Hermione began brushing his hair. His eyes closed and he breathed deeply, trying to pull himself out of his torturous memories.

She smoothed the brush through his hair slowly, caressing him after each pass. After a long while, she could tell he had relaxed again, and she began applying the pomade. When she had finished, and his hair was secured in the elastic, she let her hands fall to his shoulders, and she leant forward to brush a soft kiss along the nape of his neck. He shivered, and his hands lifted to cover hers. He gripped them and murmured, "Thank you."

Hermione pressed her forehead against him and whispered, "I love you, Severus."

He leant forward out of her grasp, standing and facing her. Once again sitting back on her heels, she peered up at him. He couldn't quite meet her eyes, and he cleared his throat awkwardly before muttering, "I didn't mean to yell at you, Hermione. Can you forgive me?"

Hermione offered him a watery smile and whispered, "How many times do I have to tell you that I forgive you for whatever it is you think you need forgiveness for?" He jerked his head in acknowledgement and sniffed. There was a pregnant pause, and then Hermione added, "Not all sons become their fathers."

He snapped a perplexed gaze to hers. "I beg your pardon?"

Hermione patted the bed, and he slowly sank to the edge again, facing her. "Harry is not his father, no matter how much you think he takes after him. And you are not your father, no matter how much you may mimic his behaviour."

Snape's eyes widened so much that she saw a thin ring of white around the black centres, and his mouth opened in indignation. "Mimic? Are you mad? I would never treat my family like that!"

Hermione closed her eyes for a moment, marshalling her thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and met his accusing glare. "I'm sure you don't mean to..."

His eyes narrowed, and he reared back in anger, hissing, "How dare you accuse me of being like him?"

Chin jutting forward, she inhaled sharply and forged on. "That! That right there! You said yourself that when he was most furious, he didn't yell, but instead was deathly quiet. You do that yourself, Severus! And it's terrifying! I know."

He froze, and she wondered if she had actually gone too far. She could feel her heart pounding, and she waited for the next explosion.

It didn't come. His lips barely moved as he rasped, "Go on."

Gulping nervously, she stammered, "D-do you remember your first year speech?" At his slight nod, she continued, "You said, 'As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic.' I remember. Does that phrase not ring a bell?" At the answering silence, Hermione's voice faded even more and she said, "You wrote that your father didn't approve of 'foolish wand waving.'"

With that, Snape's eyes widened again, and his breath caught. She hurried on, watching his face change into an expression of stunned pain.

"You wrote that he was prone to yelling and belittling..." Her face crumpled in response to his, and she whispered urgently, "Don't you see? Not only should you stop harassing Harry because he's not his father, you should stop harassing him because you're not your father! You don't have to be that man. Harry has done nothing to you that deserves such intense loathing, and you don't have to be the one to constantly degrade and insult and threaten him!"

Snape cradled his head in his hands again, and Hermione wrapped her arm over his back and pressed her cheek against his shoulder. "I'm not saying you have to like him, or be his friend, but don't goad him or attack him at every turn! You two have more in common than you may want to admit, love, including the fact that I care about you." At that, he jerked upright, whirling to face her, eyes cutting through her in accusation.

Not wanting him to misconstrue her statement, she immediately cupped his face in her hands and gazed fiercely into his eyes, willing him to understand. "I love you, Severus. I'm in love with you. I don't ever want to be without you. But I love Harry. He is a dear, dear friend, and I don't want to lose him either. You know it's going to be hard enough when we go public, dearest. Can't you see that if you two called a truce, it might be just that little bit easier later?" She searched his face earnestly.

Snape gazed at her, obviously assimilating the deluge of information he had just encountered. Finally, he swallowed, closing his eyes for a moment. Covering one of her hands with his, he opened his eyes again and held her gaze as he lifted her palm from his cheek to plant a soft kiss on it. His voice was low and gravelly as he said, "I can make no promises... but I can make an effort."

Crying out in jubilant relief, Hermione leapt forward, enveloping him in her embrace and fervently whispering, "Thank you, thank you, thank you..."

Snape hesitated before wrapping his arms around her in return, but when he did, she crooned in encouragement. Relieved by her response, he tightened his embrace, eventually gripping her so tightly that she squeaked in protest. Releasing her only slightly, he buried his face in the curve of her neck, cushioning it in her hair. Her hands stroked lovingly up and down his back, and she kept pressing tiny kisses on his shoulder and neck.

Mindful of how long they had been in his rooms, Hermione squeezed him and whispered, "What time is it?"

Snape glanced up at the clock and murmured, "We've about ten minutes before rehearsal starts. Good call." He pulled back from her embrace and looked at her. His lips twisted as he smoothed her wild hair back from her face, where it had stuck to her tear tracks. Rising, and pulling her to her feet, he gently wiped her cheeks with the backs of his fingers. "Come. Let's get you presentable. We mustn't incite questions from the others with you having such a bedraggled appearance."

Hermione huffed at him in pique, but she stepped past him to the bathroom, knowing she must look a fright after crying so much. In front of his mirror, she desperately tried to tame her flyaway locks, and she washed her face in cold water, gasping at the shock of it.

When she straightened again, icy water dripping from her nose and chin, she was startled to see Snape's reflection. He was standing right behind her, and he met her eyes in the mirror. His expression was pensive as he murmured, "Are you all right?"

Hermione nodded slowly, hearing the plops of water droplets hitting the sink. Snape politely handed her a flannel. Her expression solemn, she took it and retorted, "Are you?"

Snape snorted. His lips thinned, and he looked away, but then he locked eyes with her again and said, "Not exactly. But I'm beginning to think I will be. Eventually." His lips quirked at the end of his statement, and he caressed her hair.

Hermione smiled faintly at him, from beneath the damp cloth. She was therefore surprised to see him frown at her. "What?"

His voice was wistful as he said, "You look tired. I do hope you haven't been losing sleep over any of this."

Hermione shrugged ruefully and drawled, "No more than usual."

He tilted his head at her in reprimand, and said, "What time have you been getting to bed, young lady?"

Hermione gripped the sink basin and glared at him. "I'm fine."

Grunting in a noncommittal fashion, he said, "You must get your rest. We need you for this performance, Hermione. How late do you stay up?"

Lifting her chin defiantly, she said, "I generally try to get to bed before midnight, but sometimes that doesn't happen. I spend a lot of time on my assignments, you know." She ignored his rolling of the eyes. "And N.E.W.T.s are coming up, so I have to be prepared."

Snape grasped her shoulders and spun her to face him, enunciating, "How. Late?"

She looked down and muttered, "Sometimes I'm up till two, two-thirty. It's okay! I can handle it."

He thinned his lips in disapproval and growled, "You don't have a Time Turner this year, Hermione. Please, don't stress yourself like that. You're brilliant, and you know it. You don't need to stay up so late revising all the time."

Hermione seemed to both preen and sulk at the same time, and Snape felt himself starting to smile at her demeanour. Lifting her chin with one finger, he pinned her with his gaze and said, "Hermione?"

His expression was one of expectation, and she mentally railed at his request. Sounding like a petulant child, she said, "What?"

Warmth crept back into his eyes along with his regained equilibrium. Softly, he said, "Promise me that you'll get to bed earlier tonight and get the rest you deserve?"

Her eyes darted around, and then she cocked an eyebrow at him and said, "I can make no promises, but I can make an effort." His brows shot up in surprise to hear his own words flung back at him like that, but he nodded slowly.

"Fair enough. It's a deal."

She nodded, and his fingers slid up her chin to cup her jaw, holding her still as he ducked down to seal the bargain with a kiss. When he pulled back, his gaze was loving and regretful as he said, "Come, let's get upstairs."

Taking her hand, he guided her into the sitting room and over to fetch his mask from the table near the door. Once again tucking her hand in the crook of his elbow, he courteously looked at her and inquired, "Ready?"

She nodded, and they Apparated into the corridor in front of the Great Hall, startling the group of students who were waiting there. As soon as they appeared, Hermione slid her hand from Snape's arm, and he dropped his hand to his side, straightening formally. Hermione stepped forward to join the other Gryffindors and Snape faded back from the group, waiting for the doors to open.

Ginny flicked a glance between Snape, Hermione, and Harry, hoping Snape had decided to be civil to Harry. Her keen eyes saw the evidence of tears on Hermione's face, and even Snape looked like he had been rather harrowed. Tension coiled in her gut as she watched Harry cut a sulky glance at Snape.

Fortunately, the doors opened, and they all began trooping into the Hall. On her way, Ginny cast a furtive glance at Snape, managing to catch his eye. He gazed inscrutably at her for a fleeting moment before rolling his eyes and huffing, inclining his head in the slightest of exasperated nods. She knew her relief was apparent when he blinked at her and snorted. She glanced around, seeing no one watching, and flashed Snape a grateful smile before hurrying down the aisle.

Snape herded the students into the Hall, bringing up the rear and closing the doors behind him. He paused a moment and leant against them, mentally trying to prepare himself for rehearsal, determined to hold back the instinctive venom that welled up any time he dealt with Harry.

Dumbledore was casting spells on the students, and those in the scene ascended the stage, waiting for him to place the sets and tell them where to go. Snape strode slowly down the aisle, noting that Harry and Ginny were sitting in the audience, whispering to each other. As he watched, she leant in and dropped a light kiss on his cheek before she darted up to join the others. Ron and Neville edged past Harry to take seats beyond him, and they all settled in to watch the scene.

As Dumbledore began shifting the sets, Neville squirmed in his seat, turning to peer over his shoulder and seeing Snape standing behind them. He blanched at the sight, and Snape gazed down his nose at the nervous boy. But then, Neville seemed to give himself a shake, and he looked back up at Snape, politely nodding and murmuring, "Evening, Professor."

Snape blinked in astonishment that the boy had spoken. Usually, Neville was one to shy away from him as much as possible, always looking positively terrified at the mere sight of Snape. Taken aback by such an extraordinary occurrence, Snape simply inclined his head and retorted, "Longbottom."

Ron and Harry both turned in their seats at the sound of Snape's voice, and they stared, wide-eyed, between their mate and their teacher.

Snape saw the consternation and amazement in their faces, and he stifled a pang of amusement. Flicking a glance at the stage and seeing Hermione, he remembered his vow to make an effort. Inhaling deeply, he turned his gaze back to the other Gryffindor boys and offered a grave, "Weasley."

Ron's eyes seemed about to fall out of his head, and he choked out a creditable, "Sir."

Snape then let his gaze rest on Harry, and he fought to control the swirling emotions that accompanied his perusal of the boy. The part of him that was determined to be fair piped up and reminded him that Harry had not told the others what he had seen. He had actually obeyed Snape's injunction. Focusing on that, Snape held back the sneer that was almost always ready to curl his lip any time he encountered the boy. Determined to be irreproachable, he murmured, "Potter," nodding faintly.

Harry stared at him, green eyes glittering with confusion and incredulity. Snape forced himself to hold his gaze, without devolving to hostility. The moment seemed to stretch eternally, until finally Harry blinked several times, almost stuttering as he attempted to respond. Licking his lips, he cleared his throat and uttered a low, "Professor."

Snape exhaled, glad that attempt at civility was over, and promptly whirled, Disapparating. The boys all exchanged bewildered looks, unsure of how to interpret such a benign greeting from Snape.

Eventually, it was Neville who broke the silence. "Well, that was interesting..." Ron and Harry both made inarticulate noises of agreement. Letting out a rather nervous chuckle, Neville continued, "So, Harry, think maybe the girls are on to something after all?"

Harry frowned, casting a sceptical glance at Neville, but his eyes were clouded in thought. He sank down in the seat, growling, "We'll see."

Neville decided not to push the issue, and instead relaxed into his seat, marvelling at the fact that he had instigated an interaction with Snape, and it hadn't resulted in insults! A little spark of pride warmed his chest, and he gazed up at the stage with a faint smile.

Onstage, the actors were in their places for the rehearsal of Don Juan. As they began practicing, Dumbledore pulled a scrap of parchment from his robes and muttered to himself as he read it, waving his wand half-heartedly. When the scene proceeded to the point where Reyer left the piano, Dumbledore turned to the piano and murmured the spell he had just been practicing, making the piano play on its own.

Unfortunately, the cast wasn't quite ready for such an occurrence, and they all stopped, spinning to stare at the piano playing feverishly. Dumbledore flicked his wand, and the piano went silent. He gazed at them with raised eyebrows, clearly questioning what was wrong. A rumble of sheepish apologies rolled through the cast.

Favouring them all with a stern look, he gestured for them all to resume their places. Then, he enspelled the piano again, and they all reacted according to the script, reciting the chorus.

Dumbledore was busy shifting sets as they performed, beckoning for Hermione to edge away from the others as the rehearsal set faded away and the graveyard set moved in. Once the rest of the cast was offstage, he paused, gesturing to Hermione.

"I know this is going to be a very emotional song for everyone, and I know you can perform it brilliantly. So, what I'd like to do is have you just do whatever you feel is natural, and we'll make changes if we need to, all right?"

Hermione nodded, smiling faintly. "Certainly, sir." She returned to her previous spot and waited for Dumbledore's nod. Moving closer to the mausoleum, she lightly recited her lyrics. But once she reached the crypt, she dropped to the stage and began singing.

Snape was watching from Box Five again, and he was transfixed by the eerie beauty of her song. It built and swelled, and he felt as if his chest would burst. As she faded back to the quiet tone of loss, he realized it was almost his cue. Frantically shooting to his feet, he Apparated to the stage, hunkering down behind the crypt, pulse racing and breathing shallowly.

When she finished her line, he gripped the top of the crypt and pulled himself up, appearing above it from behind. Gently, coaxingly, he began his lines. Hermione gazed up at him slowly materializing on the crypt, and stared fixedly at him, rapt.

He crept forward, out of the shadows, hand outstretched. He could hear a furtive whispering coming from the house just beyond the edge of the apron, but he ignored it, looking only at Hermione, who had begun to rise, moving as one in a daze.

They were locked on one another, until the source of the whispers became clear. Harry stepped out from the wing, having been instructed to enter there by Dumbledore. Hiding behind a statue, Harry watched Hermione drawing closer to Snape where he reached toward her from atop the crypt.

Snape leant forward, gripping the pike impaled in the pile of skulls on the crypt for leverage, stretching his other hand toward Hermione, urging her to step closer. Hermione moved toward him, entranced.

Harry barked his lines, interrupting them. Hermione ignored him, and Snape kept murmuring his lines, beckoning to her. Harry darted forward, stopping by Hermione and desperately trying to gain her attention. He grasped her arm, but she stepped forward, out of his grip. Then Harry faced Snape and bellowed, "Let her go! For God's sake, let her go! Christine!"

Closing her eyes at his impassioned yell, Hermione shook her head and glanced up again at Snape, who was still reaching toward her. Clapping a hand over her mouth, she gasped, then spun, turning wide eyes on Harry. Barely audible, she stretched her hands toward Harry and said, "Raoul," hastening to him and throwing herself into his embrace.

As Harry wrapped his arms around her protectively, Snape snatched his hand back, pulling up as if he had been burned. Before he could proceed, Dumbledore suddenly barked, "Wait!"

All eyes turned to him, wrenched from the tense spectacle before them. Dumbledore hurried onto the stage, crossing to Snape. "Severus, that pike and skull are charged to shoot fireballs. The incantation is Inflamare. If you'd just cast it non-verbally, that'd be best." He beamed up at Snape, who merely nodded. Dumbledore shuffled offstage again, saying, "Very well, continue!"

Snape looked at Hermione and Harry. Harry was eyeing him warily, and Hermione hoped her warning wasn't too obvious to everyone else. Snape peered curiously at the pike, lifting it from the pile of skulls on the crypt. Frowning at it, he thought, Inflamare, and a ball of fire streaked out of the skull toward Harry.

Harry yelped and jumped back as the flames dashed onto the stage at his feet. Hermione gasped, and the rest of the cast reacted noisily. Snape was gaping, wide-eyed, at Harry. He saw the accusation and anger burning bright in his eyes, and he realized that Hermione's expression was just as hostile.

He was aghast. He hadn't meant to shoot at Harry. He hadn't meant to shoot at all! It seemed that the pike was quite sensitive. It had all been a mistake, and everyone was staring at him like he had done it on purpose. The hot-cold prickle of shame washed over him, and he shut his mouth. Swallowing hard, he rasped, "I do beg your pardon, Mr. Potter. That was completely unintentional. Are you all right?"

Another susurrus of shock whipped through the cast, this time at Snape's apology. Harry's brows shot up, and he stared at Snape as if the man had grown a second head. Snape stood frozen, actually looking chagrined and uncomfortable. Blinking, Harry glanced around, seeing identical expressions of astonishment on many faces. But he also saw Ginny and Hermione gazing intently at him, a flare of triumph in their eyes as they silently urged him to recognize that Snape was being civil.

He exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair and adjusting his glasses. Cautiously, he said, "I'm fine. Just startled me, that's all."

Snape actually bowed toward Harry in a gesture of apology. "I shall be more careful."

Harry eyed the man suspiciously, remembering that he had said those same words to Snape at the end of the last rehearsal, but there was no indication that Snape was being facetious. Suddenly, he felt a jab between his ribs. Hermione was poking him fiercely. Flashing her an annoyed look, he grudgingly muttered, "Thank you, sir." With that, he glared mutinously at Ginny, who was beaming at him, and shrugged away from Hermione in a fit of pique.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and said, "Why don't you all take a moment to write down your blocking so far. We'll pick back up in a minute." Everyone bent over their hastily opened scripts, scribbling. Once they had all tucked their scripts away again, Dumbledore nodded and said, "Action."

Hermione stepped back toward the crypt, and Harry tried to stop her. Snape resumed his hypnotic murmur. This time, when Harry yelled, and Hermione ran to him, Snape deliberately snatched up the pike, carefully aiming it in front of Harry's feet. Hermione was hidden behind Harry, curling in on herself.

At a thought, a fireball streaked from the pike to Harry, splattering on the stage before him. Harry glared up at Snape, but used it to stay in character. Snape immediately launched into the Phantom's taunting. Harry and Snape went back and forth, and after each of them spoke, Snape cast another fireball. Fortunately, they merely evaporated once they hit the stage, so no one was in danger unless hit with one directly.

Hermione cried, "Raoul, no," and Harry stepped closer to Snape. With each successive fireball, Snape landed them closer to him, as if pulling Harry forward with them. Harry was halfway to the crypt when Hermione spoke up again, pleading, "Raoul, don't."

Harry snapped a furious glance over his shoulder at her and hissed, "Stay back!" He turned back to Snape, advancing more, and Snape landed more fireballs at his feet. He was almost to the crypt when Snape reached the end of his goading lines. Hermione suddenly rushed forward and grabbed Harry's arm, desperately yanking him away, gasping, "Raoul! Come back..."

Snape had been leaning forward, bending toward Harry in anticipation. At Hermione's frantic move, he straightened, pointing the pike at them as she dragged Harry offstage, roaring, "Don't go!" Once they were out of sight, Snape dropped the pike to his side again and snarled, "So be it! Now let it be war upon you both!" With that, he slammed the pike back into the pile of skulls, and viciously thought, Inflamare! Flames shot from the pike and blanketed the stage as Snape plunged his hand into his robes, gripping his wand and casting Sollumaren. The stage was engulfed in a bright flash of light, and Snape Disapparated in the disorienting blaze.

There was a burst of noise among the cast, unprepared for such a dazzling display. Snape looked out from his position back in Box Five and saw everyone shielding their faces from the light, glancing about, searching for him. When Dumbledore waved his hands at the cast to quiet them and began searching for Snape as well, Snape Apparated back to the stage, expression inscrutable.

Dumbledore cast him an incredulous glance before breaking out into a grin. His voice was coloured with laughter as he drawled, "That was quite the impressive display, Severus. Someone's been paying attention to the stage directions..."

Snape felt relief wash over him. He had been steeling himself for a public reprimand at his reckless use of the pike and his spontaneous use of the Blaze of Light Charm. Apparently, Dumbledore was rather taken by his theatrics.

Harry and Hermione emerged from the wings, and Snape snuck a look at them. Harry's expression was pensive. Realizing that it would serve many purposes...staying in Hermione's good graces, covering his arse with Dumbledore and McGonagall, and keeping the other students guessing...Snape politely inclined his head toward Harry and said, "I trust you were not singed, Mr. Potter?"

Harry blinked at him and cast a disconcerted glance at the other students, but retorted, "No. I'm fine. Sir." Snape's lips twitched at the obvious afterthought of the "sir," but he didn't take him to task. Behind Harry, Hermione's eyes lit up with pleasure at their courteous interaction.

Below them, Dumbledore was making notes in his script. Waving his quill at them, he said, "Come now, mark your blocking! That was brilliant." They all quickly wrote their notes, and Dumbledore shooed them all out of the way so he could reset the stage. "All right, you know the drill. Let's go through it again. This time, see if we can make it without stopping." He didn't notice the aggrieved looks shot at him from the cast, since he had been the one stopping them!

Snape slunk off into the wing to await his cue, deciding he could simply enter the stage with the set piece as it rolled in. As cast members passed him, they nodded courteously, and he did the same. It amused him to see the perplexed looks with which some of the students gazed at him. Perhaps it could be entertaining to be nice for a change. They certainly don't seem to know what to do with themselves.

The scene progressed, and Snape felt much more at ease controlling the pike. A fleeting thought that Dumbledore should be very careful about who could get access to such a device crossed his mind, and the succeeding image of Draco and Harry using it against each other made him suppress a groan.

They ran through the scene a third time, with the music, and everyone sang. It was still haunting to listen to Hermione pouring out such sorrow in her song, but once everyone was involved with the music, things flowed quite well. After the final dazzling flash of light, Dumbledore called everyone out for notes.

Snape gravely approached Dumbledore and handed him the pike. In an undertone, he said, "Perhaps you should keep a close watch on this device. It seems that some might find it enticing, for entirely inappropriate reasons." At Dumbledore's curious look, Snape tilted his head toward Draco, who was glancing longingly at the pike, then shooting furtive calculating looks at the Gryffindors who were milling onstage.

Comprehension dawned, and Dumbledore took the pike from Snape, nodding ruefully. "Point taken. Thank you." Snape jerked his head and edged away. Clapping his hands for silence, Dumbledore announced, "Next Tuesday we'll be running through the Raoul/Giry scene from last time through the end of tonight's scenes. Don't forget to keep practicing what we've already done. It wouldn't do to end up back at square one when we do the full run-throughs of the Act." He cast a stern but pleasant look over the cast, and they smiled back.

Dumbledore tucked the pike under his arm, saying, "Very well then. Run along! Good night," then turned to the stage and began restoring things back to normal. Everyone trundled up the aisle, buzzing with conversations.

Harry was assailed on all sides by his mates. Ron, Neville, Ginny, and Hermione surrounded him as they exited the Hall.

Ginny slid her arm through his and squeezed. "See? That wasn't so awful, now was it?"

Ron nodded and gazed at him with a puzzled look. "Yeah, how odd was all that? Snape being decent? I would've thought he'd have enjoyed shooting fire at you."

Harry nodded, and Neville added, "I swear it looked like he was really sorry about that first one." He shook his head and snorted. "I gotta' say, Harry, I think he has changed."

Harry paused, glancing back at the tall figure in black still behind them. He looked at Hermione, who was eyeing him with visible hope, and rolled his eyes. Heaving a huge put-upon sigh, he rumbled, "Fine! So he wasn't a total prat. It's a start, I guess. But that doesn't mean he's my new best friend!" His lips twisted in a sneer, and Ron buffeted his arm.

Pretending to be offended, Ron said, "I reckon not! He's got to get past me, first."

They all laughed, and the boys jostled each other down the corridor. Hermione and Ginny exchanged joyful, relieved looks. Hermione piped up, "Hey, what am I? Don't I count, too?"

Harry smiled at her and said, "You know better than that." Then, his eyes narrowed and he gazed at her speculatively. "I guess you talking to him did make a difference." Hermione shrugged. Harry nodded at her and added, "Thanks."

Smiling softly, Hermione murmured, "It was nothing. Don't mention it."

Harry rolled his eyes and snorted. "No doubt! 'Don't mention it.' Sounds perfectly spiffing to me! Let's drop this whole ruddy subject and get to bed, eh?"

Climbing the stairs, they all mumbled in agreement, and Harry flung his arm around Ginny. Falling back to trail behind the others, Hermione glanced back at the corridor, seeing Snape watching her from afar. Daring to smile and ripple her fingers in a wave, she hoped he could tell how proud she was of his efforts. She turned back to the stairs, and when she glanced over her shoulder again, he was gone.

It didn't take long for them all to head off to their respective dorms once they arrived in Gryffindor Tower. Hermione secluded herself in her room, stroking Crookshanks and thinking about everything that had transpired that evening. Finally released from the excitement of the rehearsal, she felt her energy flagging.

I guess Severus was right. I am tired. I know I would usually spend some time studying before I settle in, but I'm positively drained from such a roller coaster of emotions! She went about changing for bed, yawning. Of course, I did promise Severus I would try to get to bed earlier. He made such an effort tonight; it's only fair that I do the same.

With that justification in her mind, she snuggled under her covers, burying her face in Snape's shirt and breathing deeply. Crookshanks joined her by her pillow, and she scrubbed him, lulled by his drowsy purr. Exhaling a long, slow, cleansing breath, she smiled in contentment and thought, Thank you, love. I know everything tonight was hard for you. But, it makes such a difference to me to know what you've been through and how much effort you put forth in trying to please me. I love you, Severus. Succumbing to sleep, her hand stilled on Crookshanks, but he didn't mind. He enjoyed the comforting weight of her touch, and he, too, drifted off.

Down in his quarters, Snape sat in front of his fireplace, staring into the flames. He was clad in his comfortable lounge wear, and his fingers covered his mouth where he had propped his chin on his hand. A long time passed, and the fire burned low. Eventually, his eyes closed in fatigue, and his head drooped forward.

Muscles going slack in sleep, his chin slid off his hand, and his head fell forward, startling him awake. He looked about, disoriented. Relaxing again, he glanced at the time. Inhaling sharply, he rose, stretching and yawning. Get to bed, you daft sod!

He looked at the time again and idly thought, I wonder if Hermione has gone to sleep yet. I know she said she stays up, but she looked so tired. Surely she kept her promise... He stopped, straightening as a rash idea took shape. Gazing furtively about his own sitting room, he swallowed, smoothing his robe and hair.

It is after two... With that, he disappeared.