34- Found Out!

Author's Note: A thousand apologies for the excruciating delay in getting this chapter up! RL exploded on me... :( As always, check out my livejournal for info and update notices. It's listed in my profile. Thanks to Ladyofthemasque, SnivellusSnape, and Laela for pre-reading and feedback. And thanks to everyone who has reviewed and popped by my LJ! You guys make me very happy. :)

*luff*

Nicole

Chapter 34- Found Out!

It was as if the world had turned upside down. Hermione felt herself falling back against her door, grateful that the thick wood helped keep her upright as her mind spun in shock. Her vision blurred around the edges until the only thing she could see was Ginny, her bright brown eyes narrowed calculatingly at Hermione.

An icy tingle swept over her body, stealing her breath. She could hear her own voice shrieking inside her head, telling her to make something up, dammit! Desperately, she sucked in a gasping breath and blinked rapidly, trying to regain control of her senses. Her voice sounded like it was coming from far away as she said, "What on earth are you talking about?"

Ginny pursed her lips in exasperation and advanced on Hermione. She dropped her arms and her hands rested on her hips. Boring her eyes into Hermione's, her voice low, Ginny retorted, "You know bloody well what I'm talking about. I saw the way you were looking at him downstairs. Don't think I don't know that look." Hermione simply stared at her, unable to speak. Ginny tossed her head impatiently. "Merlin's beard, Hermione! It's obvious you have a crush on Snape!" She shuddered and grimaced. "Snape! Really... how?"

Hermione struggled to breathe, fighting to slow the panicked racing of her heart. She felt the colour draining from her face, and briefly wondered if she was going to faint. Then, the violent roiling of her stomach stole her attention from her circulatory system, and she swallowed convulsively to keep from retching in her horror.

Her voice shaky, she tried again. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I do not have a crush on Professor Snape." Well, that part was true at least, she didn't have a crush on him; she was fathoms deep in love with him. Very different from a crush!

Ginny raised her eyebrows sceptically and sucked through her teeth. Deadpan, she said, "Uh-huh. Yeah. Right. Sure, 'Mione, I believe you. 'Cause you totally look like you're telling the truth right now. Thank the gods you don't play poker, 'cause you have a ruddy lousy poker face." She rolled her eyes at Hermione.

Warily, Hermione ventured, "What in the world makes you think I have a crush on Professor Snape?" Her mind was racing. Find out what she knows, and counter it!

Ginny shot her an incredulous look before spinning and flinging her hands to the sides. She whirled around again and pinned Hermione with an adamant glare. Ticking off points on her fingers, she recited, "One, you were all googly-eyed looking at him earlier. Two, you get all riled up any time anyone says anything bad about him. I mean, think about it! How many rows did you get into with us when you came back from your folks'? Three, you keep telling us that he's nice, and not a git like we know he is. Tonight, you kept talking to him, even though you don't have to. And you know what I really want to know?" She planted her hands on her hips again and squinted at Hermione, head cocked. "What in the world was that cherry stem all about? First, you two get each other's names, and then you make the same thing, and you give him cherries? I don't get it."

Hermione's legs were getting weaker every second. Horrified despair washed over her, and she sagged against the door, slowly sliding to the floor in a heap. At Ginny's last point, she buried her face in her hands and stifled a sob.

Ginny gazed at her, perplexed, for a moment before warily sitting on the bed. Her voice strained, she murmured, "Hermione? You're really freaking me out. What the hell is going on?"

Hermione choked on her tears and vainly tried to compose herself. She shook her head, wishing it were all a bad dream and she'd wake up any moment. The tense silence stretched on, Hermione frantically trying to figure out what to say, and Ginny waiting for an explanation. Finally, Ginny couldn't take it anymore and growled, "Are you going to talk to me, or do I need to go get Harry and Ron?"

Hermione's eyes flew wide open in abject terror at the thought. An agonized "NO!" wrenched from her, her hand outstretched in a pleading gesture.

Ginny scowled at her. "Then talk."

Hermione bowed her head. Taking a deep breath, she whispered, "Ginny, are you my friend?"

Ginny cocked a quizzical eyebrow. "Of course. Why?"

Hermione looked wearily up at her. "Fine. I'll tell you. But you have to promise to keep it to yourself."

Ginny's face cleared a bit and she shrugged. "Sure. Go on..."

Hermione leant her head back against the door and closed her eyes. Her brow creased in a pained expression as she ground out, "I'm in love with him."

She opened her eyes at Ginny's inarticulate sound of disgusted disbelief. Ginny was staring at her, grimacing. "What?"

Hermione levelled her gaze at the other girl, repeating, "I'm in love with him."

Ginny shook her head in denial. "That's just crazy. Have you gone mad? It's Snape, for gods' sakes!

Even in her despair, Hermione shot an icy glare at the younger girl. Her voice steely, she ground out, "I'll remind you to keep your petty opinions to yourself."

Ginny's brows shot up and her eyes widened. In an incredulous whisper, she said, "Bugger me! You're really serious!"

Hermione merely gazed at her, not dignifying that statement with a response. Ginny seemed to wilt a bit in bewilderment. Grimacing in confusion at Hermione, she murmured, "When on earth did this happen?"

Hermione wiped her face, frowning at the makeup smeared on her hand; undoubtedly it was all over her face too. In a low voice, she said, "Last month. Right around the time all hell broke loose with Harry."

Colour drained from Ginny's face. She was breathing shallowly in astonishment, seemingly unable to respond.

Hermione's face crumpled again and she whispered, "Now you know why I could never be with Harry. I didn't feel that way about him. I was already falling for Severus." Her eyes snapped back to the stunned redhead when she heard a strangled gasp.

"Who?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and sighed. "Professor Snape. His name is Severus. You know that."

Ginny's mouth began working, like she was sucking on something bitter. "I can't believe I'm hearing this..."

Hotly, Hermione spat, "You're the one who said to talk! I'll shut up any time now, but you have to keep this all a secret! I can't risk getting expelled or Severus losing his job!"

Ginny blinked rapidly. Her voice tight, she said, "Hang on a tick. Why would you get expelled? Or him sacked? You said you were in love with him. You didn't say anything had happened." Her voice trailed off at the guilty lowering of Hermione's eyes, and the sight of Hermione worrying her hands together agitatedly. Her eyes even wider with morbid fascination, Ginny sucked in a long breath and breathed, "Merlin's beard! Something has happened! Oh gods, is that why you wanted to borrow my stash?" Her lips twisted in a grimace as she gazed imploringly at Hermione to deny it. When Hermione simply bit her lip and blushed, tilting her chin up defiantly, Ginny closed her eyes in defeat, slumping forward and cradling her head in her hands.

Hermione's heart was hammering in her chest. She was terrified that everything would fall apart. Hesitantly, she ventured, "Ginny?" There was a long beat of tense silence, broken by Ginny's faint muttering. It sounded suspiciously like, "Get image of sex with Snape out of head... Get image of sex with Snape out of head!" Hermione continued, "Ginny, please. Just listen, okay?"

Resignedly, Ginny raised her head and looked cautiously at Hermione. "I just don't get it. I mean, he's such a prat to all of us. How could you ever even like him?"

Hermione shook her head minutely. In a deliberate voice, she stated, "He's not really a prat. He just gets annoyed easily. And, he's had to keep up his façade for so long that it's hard to just shed it all at once now that Voldemort's gone."

Hermione tilted her head and eyed Ginny speculatively. "Remember how you kept mentioning how he's changed recently?" Ginny nodded slowly. "Well, he has. He's finally free from Voldemort, and spying, and all that dangerous stuff. His Dark Mark has even faded." She paused when Ginny blinked in surprise. "Hmm, you didn't know that, did you? I did. I've known it since the Final Battle. He finally has a chance to make a life for himself, and to be happy. Think about that. He hasn't had a chance to just be happy for, oh gods, decades!"

Ginny stared owlishly at Hermione's fervour.

"Do you remember when you saw us at the notice board?" Ginny nodded once again. "Do you remember how awful he looked that day?" She sighed at Ginny's scowl of thought. "And you wanted to know why I was smiling when you walked up on us..." Ginny blinked again, refocusing on Hermione.

"The whole reason what happened with Harry even happened is because I had got so confused in detention with Professor Snape the night before. I thought I was going to have to do something horrible for detention, and instead, he just had me help him practice for the play. It's when he's the Phantom that I feel so connected to him. He really lets himself go that way. You know what I mean; you've said it yourself."

Dazedly, Ginny murmured, "He is really intense when he performs..."

Hermione nodded vigorously, warming to her tale. "Exactly! Well, that night, we were practicing, and we came to the kiss. Ginny, if you could have seen how bitter he looked when he told me he was sorry I had to 'suffer' through it... It broke my heart! I was already attracted to him, so I... I..." She paused, looking down and flushing. "I told him we should practice the kiss too, like adults. Like professionals..." She looked back up and saw Ginny's shocked, and slightly impressed, expression. Squaring her shoulders, she levelled her gaze at the redhead again and continued, "It was... amazing." Her breath soughed out of her in a sigh of remembered pleasure, her face relaxing into a beatific smile.

Ginny rasped, "He kissed you?"

Blinking rapidly to come back to her senses, Hermione shook her head. "No. I kissed him. And then he kissed back. I was in heaven. But when it became obvious that he had feelings as well..." She trailed off, looking away sheepishly. Clearing her throat and ignoring the heat suffusing her cheeks, she said, "He threw me out. I was devastated. I didn't know what to think. And when I ran back to my room in tears, I fell over Harry and... well, you know the rest."

There was a beat of complete silence. Hermione forged on. "Severus was torturing himself about the whole incident in detention, and he thought I was so upset because of him. That's why he looked so awful, and that's why I was so happy at the moment you found us, because we had come to an understanding, and he knew I didn't regret it."

Ginny's voice was shaky and weak as she muttered, "This is all so... so... bizarre! I just can't see him being nice..."

Hermione narrowed her eyes and drawled, "He lied to Dumbledore for me the night of the costume fittings. That's why I didn't get in trouble. He said he had detained me, when it was really Harry's fault I was late." She lifted her eyebrows briefly in triumph as Ginny's look of surprise. "Exactly. I'm sure you'll be nothing but surprised at how nice he's been." Despite herself, Hermione smiled tenderly. Ginny shook herself, marshalling her faculties.

"You said you kissed him. But he threw you out." Hermione nodded. Ginny squinted at the Head Girl. "Has he done anything since then? Like, has he made any advances toward you?"

Hermione chewed her lip and flushed again. "Um, a few. Most of the time, I've been the one doing the advancing..."

Ginny drew herself up stiffly. "If he's taken advantage of you, the headmaster needs to know! He can't be allowed to do that to a student!"

Hermione sprang forward, incensed. "Shut up! He did no such thing! How dare you imply that he took advantage of me, that he's so vile! He's honourable, and trustworthy, and he won't be with me until I leave Hogwarts anyway! Don't think I haven't tried otherwise..."

Ginny actually reeled back on the bed, catching herself before she fell. The import of Hermione's angry words sank in, and the colour drained from Ginny's face. Barely audible, she whispered, "You what?"

Hermione's eyes widened as she realized what she had said. They stared at each other, practically petrified. Ginny retreated into officiousness. "Sweet Circe, he's got you bewitched. That's it, I'm going to Dumbledore. This is all too wrong..." Ginny sat forward and started to rise. She stopped short and squeaked as she lifted her eyes to see Hermione's wand trained at her throat, Hermione's blazing eyes locked on her.

Hermione was fighting the trembling of her hands as she levelled her wand at Ginny. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, making everything feel almost surreal. Ginny's shocked eyes locked with hers.

In a deadly quiet tone, Hermione bit out, "You will do no such thing. You are my friend, Ginny, but I love Severus, and I will not allow you to harm him. Now, you have two choices: sit back down and come to your senses, let me explain everything, and swear to keep it a secret, or persist in your misguided attempt to snitch to Dumbledore and I will Obliviate you. Don't make me do it."

Ginny swallowed convulsively in the heavy silence that followed. She weighed her options, noting the frighteningly manic gleam in Hermione's eyes.

Bloody hell! She's really ready to Obliviate me! I can't believe this is happening! There's no way I could reach my wand before she did it, either... In a shaky whisper, Ginny said, "'Mione, would you really hex me? I'm your friend..."

Hermione resolutely gazed back at the younger girl. Her voice was low, but there was a hint of steel under it, mixed with regret. "Yes. In a heartbeat. I can't let you hare off and blow things for us, especially since you're unfairly biased against Severus. There are just some things that aren't negotiable, Ginny. It's like when Ron told me he was worried about you and Harry being together, since he knew that if anything bad ever happened, he'd have to come down on your side, because you're his sister. And he said it would kill him to do that since he loves Harry too.

"You're my friend, Ginny. I love you dearly. But Severus fills a place in my soul that I didn't know was empty until he crept into it. I've never felt as happy as I do with him. I cannot allow you to jeopardize that..." Her wand hand steadied as she spoke, and her posture stiffened in confidence, but her eyes softened, mutely begging Ginny to understand.

The silence following her impassioned speech rang in their ears. Finally, after what seemed like ages, Ginny sank back onto the bed. Hermione stepped back, but kept her wand trained on the girl. Ginny shook her head and lifted a trembling hand to rub her eyes. She gazed sombrely at Hermione and murmured, "Okay. I won't say anything. I swear."

Hermione's shoulders sagged a bit, and she dropped her arm. She grimaced in agonized indecision. "How do I know you mean it? What if you change your mind?" Her wand hand snuck back up.

Ginny lifted both hands, palms out. Eyes wide, she earnestly said, "I swear on Harry's life. You know how I feel about him. Honest, 'Mione. If you're so serious that you'd actually Obliviate me, I think it's best that I trust you." She paused and looked warily at Hermione's wand. Locking eyes with Hermione again, she repeated, "I promise." Hermione lowered her hand and Ginny heaved a sigh of relief. Blinking rapidly, she ran a hand through her hair and glanced back up at Hermione. "So, you said you'd explain..." She tilted her head in inquiry.

Hermione nodded and staggered back against the door again, trembling in the wake of her adrenaline rush. In a weary voice, she said, "What do you want to know?"

Ginny glanced wildly around and flung her hands out to the sides, voicing an inarticulate gargle. Glaring at Hermione, she drawled, "Everything!"

Hermione snorted softly. "Could you be a bit more specific?" She slid down the door again and leant her head against it, closing her eyes and rubbing her temples.

Bewildered yet fascinated, Ginny queried, "You said you're in love with him. Does he feel the same way?" Hermione nodded, smiling in spite of her fatigue. Ginny marvelled at how Hermione seemed to light up. Ginny breathed, "How can you be sure?"

Hermione's eyes seemed to gaze tenderly at something invisible to Ginny as she murmured, "He told me. And he shows me. When we're together, he shows me a side of him that we students don't get to see. But, he's said it. I think that was the most glorious moment of my life so far..." She trailed off, reliving that moment in the alley.

Ginny blinked. It would take a bit of work to get used to this paradigm shift, but she had to admit to herself that Hermione seemed almost transformed, glowing with love when she talked about Snape. Wow... If she's really this happy, maybe he isn't such a git after all. Clearing her throat, she tentatively asked, "So, he's good to you?"

Hermione's beatific smile changed to a smirk and she purred, "Oh, he's very good to me..." Then, she realized what she had said and voiced a startled, "Oh!" as she blushed, clapping a hand over her mouth and blinking at the embarrassed redhead.

Ginny fought the heat that coloured her cheeks, but to no avail. Still, she couldn't help but ask, "When?"

Hermione chewed her lip and looked sheepishly at the floor. "Well, I kissed him in detention, then he kissed me when I went to his quarters to fix his hair for rehearsal, and then there was intermission at the play..." She licked her lips unconsciously.

Ginny's eyes goggled. "Merlin's beard! That's right! He stayed over at your house after the show! Just what happened there, Hermione? I'd wager there's a lot to tell about that..." Ginny's curiosity was piqued, and she was interested in spite of her qualms about Snape.

Hermione tossed her head and tilted her chin up defiantly. "So there is." She narrowed her eyes at her friend's obvious interest. One corner of her mouth quirking up, she murmured, "Tell me; what do you think of what he's wearing tonight?"

Ginny frowned in thought, sitting back. She recalled the image that had so shocked her earlier, of Snape framed in the doorway to the Great Hall, stunning in that opera coat and artful ponytail. Ruefully, she admitted, "He really didn't look like Snape!"

Hermione chuckled and nodded. "That's what he wore to the play. We both decided to wear what we wore to the play, to surprise each other tonight. See what I mean about how he shows me he loves me?"

Ginny's brows rose in surprise, but she nodded thoughtfully. "But, how did he tell you? What happened for him to say such a thing?"

Hermione idly caressed her wand as she spoke. "We were both trying to tease each other at the play, trying to gain the upper hand. Then, when we got back home, my folks were in bed and we adjourned to the kitchen to have a bit of a snack before turning in. Well, everything we said to Dumbledore was true. My mum made chocolate mousse, and we each had some. Hers had whipped cream and cherries on top." At this point, Ginny interrupted eagerly.

"Yes! What is that all about?"

Hermione flushed again at the memory. "I was trying to tease him again, and I... ate one of the cherries... provocatively. It seemed to have the desired effect, but I decided to push it a little, and I popped the stem in my mouth and tied it in a knot with my tongue, just to torment him. His expression was priceless! But, when I offered him a cherry, he suddenly stopped staring at me like he would pounce on me right there and laughed. I was quite taken aback, and when I asked 'what,' he just leant toward me and purred...oh gods, I love that voice!...'Do you realize you just offered me your cherry?'" She paused for effect, noting Ginny's shocked gasp. "Well, I was mortified, but things got better after that. So, we went upstairs, and he went to bed. So did I." She paused again, recognizing the disappointment in the sudden sag of the younger girl's shoulders.

Ginny retorted, "Oh. So, that explains the cherry stem..."

Hermione waited until the silence after Ginny's statement became charged, then dropped her bomb. "But then I snuck into his room."

Ginny's eyes flew open again, and she regarded Hermione with a mixture of wonder and admiration. Rapt, she breathed, "What did he do?"

"Remember that little display with Professor McGonagall when we were practicing our costume spells?" Ginny nodded quickly. Ruefully, Hermione continued, "You were right about him. I snuck in, and as soon as he woke up and realized someone was in his room, he blasted me with a really hard Expelliarmus, and I hit my head on the door. It was quite a nasty bump, until he healed it for me..."

Ginny's mouth hung open. "You're lucky he didn't hex you! Or worse!"

Hermione shrugged. "I know. But, after that, we got a chance to be together..."

Ginny gasped again, leaning forward. Brow furrowed, she whispered, "I thought you said he wouldn't..."

Hermione cut her off with a quick shake of the head. "He won't. We were... lying together in the bed, and I wanted to... or so I thought. He told me he couldn't be with me like that until I wasn't a student any longer. But I pushed the issue, and he... he showed me how not ready I was anyway." She grimaced, then her expression cleared, and she smiled again. "But, he let me stay with him. I can't tell you how perfect it felt to fall asleep with his arms wrapped around me..."

Ginny gazed at Hermione speculatively. It was obvious to her just how deeply Hermione felt for Snape. It virtually exuded from every pore. Her eyes narrowed as she pondered that last revelation. Finally, she huffed and grumbled, "No fair... You get to spend the night with him..."

Hermione laughed at the unexpected envy in Ginny's voice. Then, she sobered. "But, now we're back here, and we have to keep our feelings a secret until school is over. You at least get to be with Harry otherwise..."

Ginny shrugged acknowledgement. "Yeah, but we have to sneak around to get any privacy." At that, Hermione shot up straight and clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide. Ginny blinked at her in surprise. "What?"

Hermione's hand slipped down, and she whispered, "You have to stop doing that!"

Ginny rolled her eyes. "C'mon, 'Mione, you know we're careful..."

Hermione shook her head vehemently. "No! You don't understand! You two nearly got expelled!"

Ginny scowled. "What are you talking about?"

Hermione eyed her severely and hissed, "Severus caught you! He was going to drag you both to the headmaster, but he decided not to, as a favour to me. Granted, I didn't know about it until after the fact, but still!"

Ginny's eyes had widened as Hermione spoke. Colour drained from her face, but she gulped and said, "I don't believe it. I doubt Snape could ever pass up a chance to get Harry in trouble. Maybe he was making it up..."

Hermione squinted angrily at Ginny. "He wouldn't lie to me! Anyway, I saw it myself!"

"What?"

"Severus has a Pensieve too, and he showed me the whole thing when I didn't believe him either!"

Ginny swallowed convulsively again. Her breathing went shallow and she fidgeted nervously. Faintly, she rasped, "It's not possible."

Hermione pinned Ginny with an aggrieved glare and muttered, "Trust me. Severus and I had a row over it. I rather agree with him: we all owe him for his 'charitable impulse.'"

Ginny buried her face in her hands. Her whisper was shaky as she said, "How much did you see?"

Hermione thinned her lips in embarrassment. "Fortunately, you were under the Cloak. But, like I told you when you were on the couch, that doesn't stop sound..." She glanced up at her miserably mortified friend and took pity on her. Gently, she added, "But, when you got ready to leave, it was obvious how much Harry cares for you. I'm glad you're back together..."

Ginny nodded dejectedly. "Thanks, but I still can't believe I owe Snape." She flicked an apologetic glance at Hermione. "I have to say, 'Mione, I really don't know how I'm ever to face the man again, after everything I've learnt tonight..." She quirked one corner of her mouth up in an attempt at lightheartedness. Hermione smiled faintly in return.

"Best to act as if you didn't know anything, since it's all a secret anyway. Of course, I can always Obliviate you..." She tilted her head sheepishly and grimaced at Ginny in an attempt to show her apology for the threat earlier.

Ginny rolled her eyes at her and shook herself. Wrinkling her nose, she rumbled, "Don't think it's not tempting..." Both girls let out a short bark of strained laughter, then sighed.

After a few beats, Hermione ventured, "I suppose we should get back to the party. People might get worried..."

Ginny shot a shrewd glance at Hermione and drawled, "No doubt. And I certainly wouldn't want to have Snape coming after me, ready to hex me for dragging you away from him." She held Hermione's exasperated glare. "That reminds me... You should really keep an eye on Colin. I think he's Snape's next target, after kissing you under the mistletoe."

Hermione heaved a sigh and covered her face with her hands. "I know! He gets jealous so easily..."

Suddenly Ginny's eyes lit up with mischief. "Like with Neal?"

Hermione peeked through her fingers and snorted. "Yes. Exactly like with Neal." She dropped her hands to her lap. Softly, she said, "You know, it was right after that whole incident that he told me he had fallen in love with me..." She sat, pensive, while Ginny watched her, still trying to assimilate all of the evening's startling revelations. Looking up, Hermione added, "He also told me to watch out for you. You were our biggest threat of exposure."

Ginny blinked, taken aback. "Really? He said to watch out for me?"

Hermione nodded. "Said you were far too clever..."

Ginny's mouth dropped into an "o" of astonishment at the compliment. Then, cheeks colouring in spite of herself, she flashed an impish grin at Hermione and said, "Well, he was right..."

Hermione rolled her eyes and shot to her feet, huffing noisily. Ginny giggled. Hermione paused and pinned Ginny with an intense, calculating gaze. Ginny stopped laughing abruptly.

As if to herself, Hermione murmured, "I need to let Severus know that you've found us out, but that you've been sworn to secrecy..." She glanced around the room and then made a beeline for her bureau, snatching open a drawer and pulling out her bottle of Disappearing Ink. Crossing to her desk, she slid a piece of parchment in front of her and dashed off a note explaining the situation. Ginny watched curiously. Pointing her wand at the parchment, she said, "Celo," and the writing vanished. Ginny gasped.

"You got that from Fred and George!"

Hermione spun on her and said, "So I did. Keep that to yourself as well, if you please." She smirked and added, "It seemed the logical thing to do if I wanted to be able to write him."

Ginny eyed her with outright admiration. Grinning in appreciation, she murmured, "Very nice!" Then, her eyes glinting with more rabid curiosity, she queried, "So, has he been a part of your copious mail deliveries?"

Hermione nodded, smiling secretively. "Yes, and I hand my letters in with my homework."

Ginny laughed out loud at that. Eyes twinkling saucily, she asked, "Did he send you a letter for Christmas?"

Hermione paused, her eyes softening again, making Ginny stare at her in awe of the transformation. Tenderly, she answered, "No, but he did include a note with my gift."

Frowning, Ginny asked, "The mousse?"

Hermione shook her head and whispered, "No. This." She caressed the choker at her throat lovingly. Ginny scowled in confusion. "This isn't my mum's. Severus gave it to me. Here..." She rummaged in the drawer again and pulled out the bit of parchment. Opening it, she handed it to Ginny and muttered, "Aperio." The note appeared, and a dazed Ginny read it, completely overwhelmed by the glimpse into her professor's unexpectedly tender side.

She raised awed eyes to Hermione, breathing, "Wow..."

Hermione felt as if her chest would burst with pride and love for Snape. Gently, she took the note back, vanishing the writing and placing it back in the bureau. Then, she briskly handed Ginny the note she had just written. "Here. I've still got the Invisibility Cloak. Use it and go back to the Great Hall. Give this to Severus, and cast Aperio on it as soon as he opens it. Then, follow him to meet me. After that, you can go back to the Hall and get Harry, and you two can use my room until 1:00, no later!" She shot a warning look at the younger girl, who nodded vigorously in response. "I'll set the wards so they'll recognize you. Now, come on."

Ginny stood hastily and said, "Wait!"

Turning impatiently to her, Hermione asked, "For what?"

"Your face."

"What?"

"Your face. Your makeup is all messed up from crying. You can't go anywhere looking like that."

Hermione crossed to her mirror and grimaced. "Oh, bugger me!"

Ginny stepped up behind her and patted her shoulder. "No worries. I can fix you up in a tick. Hold still. I've been practicing with glamour spells." She pointed her wand at Hermione and muttered a few incantations. Hermione felt the tingle of magic on her skin and looked at her reflection to see her looking as good as new.

She smiled gratefully at her friend and murmured, "Thanks, Gin. Come on. We've been gone for a while now." She turned and started for the door, but she was stopped by Ginny enveloping her in a tight hug. An interrogative squeak was squeezed out of her.

Ginny hugged her tightly and whispered, "Hey, I'm sorry about everything I said earlier. I promise again, I won't tell anyone about you and Snape. I'm glad you told me, and if you want to talk about him, I'll listen. I mean, I had no idea he could be so... different, and... I'm glad you're happy."

Hermione felt a surge of gratitude and squeezed back. "Thanks, Ginny. That means a lot to me. Listen, I'm sorry I threatened you. I'm glad you understand now. And I might need someone to talk to, so I'll keep that in mind. You're a great friend."

They released each other, smiling. Hermione grabbed the Invisibility Cloak and gestured for Ginny to exit. She reset her wards and they trekked back down to the corridor outside the Great Hall.

"Here, use this, and give that note to Severus. Remember, it's Aperio. I'm going to the meeting point now. I'll be waiting, so try not to be too long, okay?"

Ginny nodded, took the note, and flung the Cloak around her, disappearing. Hermione nodded sharply and set off down the stairs to the dungeons.

Ginny entered the Hall, seeing Harry engaged in conversation with Seamus and Dean. She looked around and saw Snape sitting off to one side, his black eyes darting between the frolicking students and the doorway. For one terrifying moment, she thought he could see her, but then his gaze flicked away again and she regained her ability to move. She stealthily snuck through the Hall, edging behind the tables on her way to Snape. Her pulse and breathing sped up in anxiety. A few paces away from him, she paused, taking a moment to gaze at him unobserved, still trying to accept all the incredible things she had learnt from Hermione.

Snape was leaning languidly back in his seat, but his impatience was belied by the agitated tapping of his fingers on the table beside him. His eyes constantly roamed the room, returning repeatedly to the doorway. Ginny squinted as she looked at him, taking in his unusual attire and hairstyle, remembering how dramatically his looks had changed when he had actually been laughing earlier. Of course, now he was scowling forbiddingly at the students, back to his customary expression.

She thought back to the note he had included with the choker he had carved for Hermione. Her stomach clenched and she felt colour rising to her cheeks at the passion in his words. I would never have thought Snape could be so... human. But, just look at him now. He even looks as different as he's been acting. And that laugh! She closed her eyes at the shiver that rippled over her. Hermione's right about his voice, though... She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath, sidling closer to Snape.

Smoothly, she slipped the scroll from under the Cloak and flicked it into his lap. Instantly, he shot up straight in his chair, snatching the scroll almost before it finished landing. Ginny jumped at the incredible speed of his reflexes. Damn! He's quick!

She jumped again as he whipped his head around, shooting his piercing gaze right through her, then she exhaled gustily as he jerked his eyes from her again, secure that he couldn't see her under the Cloak. He narrowed his eyes as he gingerly unrolled the scroll, surreptitiously glancing around as he did so. As soon as it was opened, he peered down at it, frowning at the blank page. Ginny pointed her wand at it and whispered, "Aperio." Hermione's writing appeared and Snape stifled a sharp inhalation, his brows rising in surprise. Hastily covering it with his arm, he lifted his head a fraction and scanned the room. Ginny blinked at how inconspicuous the movement was, impressed by his ability to contain his shock and not draw attention. Now I see how he must have managed all those years as a spy...

Snape smoothly resettled his legs, sliding back behind the table so it shielded the letter in his lap. Affecting boredom, he leant his forehead in his hand, blocking his eyes. Blast! Wish I hadn't tied my hair back. It's always useful hiding my face. He glanced down at the parchment, scanning it quickly. Again, he suppressed his shock at the message it contained.

"Severus,

Ginny brought this to you. She's nearby under the Invisibility Cloak. She figured it out and knows everything. But, she's sworn to secrecy, so please don't hex her. I'll explain everything. Just come meet me in the passageway we used to enter the castle when we returned from London. Bring Ginny, but don't let her be seen. Don't forget to Vanish this after you've read it. I know I shouldn't have to remind you, of all people, but I thought you might like to know that I'm thinking like a Slytherin, dearest. Please, make haste, my love. It's dreadfully important.

Your Hermione"

Ginny saw his shoulders tense as he read. He quickly reached the end of the note and covered it with his hand as he scanned the room again, affecting a yawn and a weary stretch, swiftly casting his hand about and running into the Cloak that covered Ginny before she could move away. She gasped as he grasped the material, and he thinned his lips in acknowledgement. As he stood, he hissed, "In the corridor. Now!"

Ginny backed away, tugging the fabric from his grip. She hurried back through the maze of tables and stepped outside the Hall, plastering herself against the wall by the doorway.

Snape felt the material slip from his fingers and strained his ears to hear her light footsteps as Ginny departed. Quietly, he whispered the spell to Vanish the note crumpled in his hand. As it disappeared, he stretched his fingers, satisfied. He strode over to the gift table and picked up his mousse. Casually, he crossed the dance floor toward the doorway. Dumbledore called to him, causing him to pause and turn to the older man.

"Yes, Headmaster?" He schooled his expression into a politely attentive one, ill-concealing his irritation at the interruption. But, at least that was in character for him anyway.

"Leaving so soon?"

Snape inclined his head gracefully and cocked an eyebrow at the students. "I shall return, sir. However, I wish to properly store my gift, as well as check the corridors for those students who have already disappeared. We seem to be missing some cast members, and there are other students still here for the holiday. Indulge my desire to perform my duties. It sha'n't take long."

Dumbledore nodded jovially, his blue eyes twinkling as always. "Very well then. Do hurry, Severus. There are other professors still here to keep an eye on the rest of our charges. Besides, I have a smashing idea for when everyone returns." He chuckled at the long-suffering grimace on Snape's face.

Dryly, Snape retorted, "Oh, how I look forward to that..." Then, nodding sharply to the headmaster, he spun on his heel and strode out the door, absently shrinking his gift and placing it in his pocket.

As soon as Snape appeared, Ginny hissed, "Pssst!" Snape stopped abruptly and turned his head to where she was hidden. His expression was stern as he growled, "Follow me." He jerked his head toward the stairs and set off at a rapid pace. Ginny scrambled to catch up. Behind him, Ginny stared at his graceful stride, noticing for the first time how lithe his tall frame was. Shaking her head to rid herself of the disconcerting notion, she fought the colour rising in her cheeks, glad to be hidden from view.

Once they were halfway down the stairs to the dungeon, Snape paused and cast a hooded glance over his shoulder. "Remove that ridiculous Cloak," he barked.

Ginny swallowed nervously and lifted it over her head, sheepishly winding it in her hands. In a low mumble, she said, "Yes, sir." She tried not to quail under his intensely piercing gaze.

Standing with one foot on one step and the other two steps above it, Snape crossed his arms and drew up to glare imposingly down his nose at the wary redhead. Ginny felt awkward and worried the edge of the Cloak in her hands.

"So," he began, darkly, "you've figured it out." Ginny merely nodded. Snape leant closer to her, towering forbiddingly. "I'm certain that Hermione has imparted to you the... sensitive nature of our situation."

"Yes, sir." Ginny swallowed against her dry throat.

Narrowing his eyes at her, he snarled, "Why should I not Obliviate you right now? Why should we trust you to keep our secret?"

Ginny shuddered at the menace in his tone. "B-because Hermione already threatened to do that, sir. Like I told her, if she's that serious...to be willing to do that to her friend...then I have to trust her. She... she told me how much she loves you..." Her voice faded into a whisper as she trailed off.

Snape's brows rose a fraction and he leant back. He regarded her thoughtfully for a moment. A sneer curled his lips and he spoke. "Very well then. But I have something to share with you which you might find interesting." His voice lowered to an almost silky purr, and Ginny shivered again. "If I think you're even toying with the idea of betraying us, I shall go to the headmaster and enlighten him about a certain... tryst in which you and Potter... indulged after curfew. I have a very good memory, Miss Weasley, and it would be in your best interests if I did not have to use it."

Ginny blinked at him owlishly. She could feel the spots of heat on her cheeks. Voice shaking with mortification, she stammered, "Y-yes, sir. Hermione already told me. Th-thank you for... keeping that to yourself, sir."

Snape leant back more, once again peering down his nose at her. He sniffed and resettled his arms more loosely across his chest. Sliding his eyes to one side, he cleared his throat and muttered, "Yes... well... consider it a one-time thing, Miss Weasley." He thinned his lips and pinned her with another dark gaze for several beats of loud silence. "It seems that it might be to our mutual benefit to reach... an agreement of sorts, Miss Weasley."

Frowning in confusion, Ginny queried, "Sir?"

Snape rolled his eyes and sighed. "And here I thought you were clever... Miss Weasley, you and I both have possession of rather... damaging information. In exchange for your silence, I will offer mine."

Ginny's brows shot up and she voiced a soft, "Oh!"

Snape flung his hands to the sides and let them slap to his thighs as he huffed irritably, tossing his head. "'Oh!' she says!" Hands clenched into fists at his sides, he growled, "Do. You. Understand? Miss Weasley."

Ginny could feel his anger exhaling from him. Hastily, she gasped, "Yes! I understand!" Snape visibly relaxed from his domineering posture, but his scowl remained. Ginny's mind was racing. She tried to reconcile the man before her with the one whose passionate words she had read not an hour before. Does he really mean it? Can he really be so tender? Her misgivings rose up all at once and made her reckless. Her brown eyes flashed with a protective light as she narrowed them on Snape.

Snape watched the quick-fire play of emotions on her face, only to be taken aback by the righteous expression that surfaced. He blinked in surprise.

Ginny seemed to stiffen as she stared at him brazenly. Her chin tilted up, and her voice was clear and strong as she said, "I require one condition, sir."

Snape's eyes widened with incredulity. How dare she? Rage boiled up within him. In a deadly whisper, he hissed, "Just who do you think you are, to make demands of me?"

Ginny gazed back at him defiantly, refusing to back down. Determined, she ground out, "Do you really mean it?"

Snape closed his eyes for a moment, trying to fathom what in blazes the imbecilic girl was talking about. Still seething with fury, he snapped, "What?"

"Do you really love her? I have to be sure you're not playing games with her. Because, if you are, all bets are off. Our 'agreement' is null and void." She levelled blazing eyes at him.

Snape stared at her in astonishment. Unbidden, an admirable comparison to Molly Weasley rose up in his mind. Apparently, her daughter could be just as formidable when provoked to protect those she loved. Despite himself, in response to her query, his love for Hermione surged forward and drowned the anger suffusing him. He gazed mutely at the girl, in shock. The tense silence seemed to stretch on for an eternity.

Finally, Snape took a deep breath and levelled a serious gaze at Ginny. Gravely, he murmured, "Yes." It was all he said, but the sincerity rang in his tone. He held Ginny's eyes frankly until she relaxed from her aggressive posture.

It did odd things to her stomach, seeing the clear admission in Snape's black eyes. Ginny felt abashed at her audacity and was first to break away from his gaze. Breathing shallowly in the wake of her adrenaline rush, she cleared her throat and sheepishly mumbled, "Good."

Snape simply stood there, completely still, watching her. Ginny began to fidget under his scrutiny. Eventually, his sombre tones drawled, "Are we in agreement then, Miss Weasley?"

Ginny glanced up at him, flushing, and hastily retorted, "Yes, sir."

There was another beat of silence before Snape tilted his head toward the dungeons and said, "Come along then. Hurry."

He sped down the stairs, Ginny racing after him. They turned down the dungeon corridor and hastened down it. Suddenly, peeking past Snape's shoulder, Ginny saw Hermione waiting tensely by a door. Her face lit up when she saw them. Pushing forward, Ginny glanced up at Snape, slightly embarrassed by the softening of his face and the release of the tension in his shoulders as he gazed longingly at Hermione. Ginny shrank back again, trying not to blush.

They all arrived at the door, and Snape immediately began a complex incantation to get through the wards and open it. As soon as it was unlocked, he opened it and shooed the girls inside, eyes darting furtively about for any observers. Shutting the door behind them, he turned to look at Hermione, and she beamed up at him in the light from the torches that had sprung to life near them.

"Thank Merlin you're here. What took so long?" She crept closer to him and insinuated her hand into his larger one, gazing up at him, rapt.

Snape fought the survival urge to snatch his hand away, reasoning that since Ginny knew, there was no reason why he shouldn't touch Hermione. Still, he was rather reserved in his response to her. Briefly squeezing her hand, he slid his eyes toward Ginny and murmured, "Miss Weasley and I had a... short discussion."

Hermione glanced blankly at Ginny and Ginny shrugged in agreement. Hermione turned back to Snape apprehensively and asked, "Do you think anyone else suspects?"

Snape ran his hand over his hair and sighed. "I don't think so. Dumbledore did stop me as I was leaving. I told him I was going to put the mousse away and check on you missing students. He said to hurry back, as he apparently has a 'smashing idea.'" He pinched the bridge of his nose and heaved an aggrieved sigh. Hermione made a moue of sympathy and caressed his arm. Ginny watched, owl-eyed. It was still amazing to see the easy affection Hermione displayed for the dark man before her.

"Then I sha'n't take long. It's very simple, Severus: Ginny figured it out, and I told her everything." She paused, cringing at the startled and horrified look Snape turned on her. "Well, not everything, but enough." She glanced at Ginny, who cautiously nodded at Snape. "She knows about the mousse, and the trip to London, and the letters, and the choker." Hermione could see Snape's jaw line throbbing as he ground his teeth in embarrassment. Gently, she reached up and smoothed the tense muscle. "It's okay, really..."

Ginny looked away, feeling like an intruder. Snape snapped his gaze to her, noting her discomfort. Inwardly writhing, he reached up and covered Hermione's hand with his, pressing it to his face, before turning and kissing her palm. She inhaled sharply, smiling at him.

Ginny was studying the torch sconce as if it held the answer to the universe, determinedly ignoring the byplay between Snape and Hermione. Therefore, she started when Hermione sharply called her name. Wheeling, she stammered, "Wha- huh?"

Hermione was standing close to Snape, her arm around his waist. Snape stood stiffly and glared at the redhead, his arm protectively draped over Hermione's shoulders. Hermione extended a hand and said, "Hand me the Cloak. I'll give it back to Harry tomorrow. You should get back to the Hall soon, before Harry asks too many questions."

Ginny thrust the wadded-up Cloak at her, nodding. "Right. Um, see you later then."

Snape cleared his throat. "Miss Weasley, it could be troublesome if you were seen returning to the Hall. Allow me to assist you with that problem." Smoothly, he pointed his wand at Ginny, and she froze, eyes wide.

"Wh-what are you going to do?" Her voice trembled.

Snape rolled his eyes, heaving an exasperated sigh. "Miss Weasley, we have an agreement." He favoured her with a meaningful glare. "I shall cast a concealment charm on you for your trip upstairs. When you reach the Hall, simply end the charm."

Ginny gulped in relief. "Oh. Thank you, sir." She smiled wanly. Hermione stifled a chuckle at the other girl's obvious consternation.

Snape muttered the charm and Ginny blurred, then vanished. From the ether, they heard an impressed, "Brilliant!" Snape smirked and Hermione grinned at him. Briskly, Snape opened the door and peered out. "It's clear. Good evening, Miss Weasley. We'll see you back upstairs."

Ginny's voice sounded near them. "Right then. See you later, Hermione... Professor. Thanks." They listened to her steps as she exited, and Snape shut the door firmly behind her. He turned back to Hermione with a long exhalation, only to find her wrapping herself around him.

"I love you, Severus..." She pressed her cheek against his chest and hugged him tight. Gratified, he enveloped her in a fervent embrace.

"And I, you." He kissed her hair before pulling away from her and tipping her chin up to look her in the face. He narrowed his eyes at her and rumbled, "Now, just what did you tell Miss Weasley? How... detailed were you?"

Hermione grimaced and flushed. "I told her we were in love. And, I told her you let me stay with you when we were in London. But," she hastily added, "I made sure she knew that you haven't taken advantage of me..." She glanced coyly up at him through her lashes, making his breath catch. "No matter how much I've tried otherwise..." She slid her hands up his chest and around his neck, pressing herself against him. Snape growled in his throat and gripped her tight.

A low, delighted laugh bubbled out of her and she stretched up to kiss him. He dipped his head to catch her lips with his, glorying in her sweetness. Involuntarily, he twisted with her to trap her between him and the door, his hands sweeping along her sides to pull her hips against him.

Hermione felt his desire growing between them and moaned into his kiss. Revelling in the fabulous tingle chasing through her centre, she rocked her hips against him, feeling his strangled gasp. He pulled away from her and rested his forehead against hers.

"Gods, I've missed you. You are so beautiful tonight. I wished nothing else but to be with you. But, we've not been careful enough as it is. If Miss Weasley noticed, others may as well. We have to come up with another way to be in contact. It's far too dangerous to try using owl post anymore. All it takes is one person with too much suspicion to draw conclusions that could destroy us." Snape caressed her hair as he spoke.

Hermione clutched his shoulders and pressed kisses along his throat and jaw while she retorted, "I know. You're right, as always. It's just so hard. I couldn't believe it when I saw you enter the Hall. You look so devastatingly sexy in that ensemble. And then to find that you had made chocolate mousse for me! Just how am I supposed to keep my composure when you keep springing surprises on me?" She pulled back to give him a mock-stern glare, only to find him grinning charmingly down at her.

His cheeks had warmed with colour, and his voice was almost shy as he said, "So you really liked it?"

Hermione gazed up at him, nearly overwhelmed by a surge of love. In answer, she practically pounced on him with a devouring kiss. Snape's eyes flew open wide and his surprised grunt was swallowed by her lips. Staggering back under her onslaught, he fell against the wall and started sliding down it, dragging her with him. Hermione ended up curled in a heap across his lap, snogging Snape feverishly.

Her hands gripped his coat, keeping him from pulling away. As they settled on the ground, Snape ran one hand down her back to cup her arse, adjusting her weight in his lap. She squealed in response and wriggled against him. His hand tensed spastically on her arse and he groaned at the sensation of her pressing against his confined erection.

Hermione felt the hard heat along her thigh and gasped as her knickers suddenly became even more soaked. She sucked on his lower lip, dragging her teeth along it as she pulled away, smirking at his feral growl. Locking eyes with him, she moved off his lap enough to face him, hiking her skirt higher, the slit splaying over her right thigh as she resettled herself on his lap, straddling him.

Snape's pulse increased painfully at the blatant lust in her eyes as she sank down onto him. Almost panting in his struggle to not ravage her, he allowed his hands to slide up her stockinged thighs until they passed over the points where they clipped to the suspender belt. His breath caught when he felt her smooth skin, warm and soft under his fingers. The sound emanating from Hermione's throat was a cross between a sigh and a purr. Her eyes closed in delight and she rocked against him.

Snape's hands savagely slid up her thighs, gripping her arse and pulling her tight against him. The sensation of her rocking along his hard length was torturously exquisite. Hermione descended on him again, her mouth hot and demanding on his. He slowly caressed her, the realization that he felt no knickers under his fingers nearly strangling him with desire. Feverishly, he explored further, finally coming in contact with the thin scrap of fabric that furnished the back of her thong. The image of her in a thong and suspender belt and stockings flooded his brain, and his eyes rolled back.

Hermione was practically quivering with bliss at the feel of his strong hands travelling further and further under her skirt. The heat of his cock between them was almost unbearable, and she idly wondered if she would soak through her completely decorative lace thong. Her body felt like it was on fire, and she couldn't get enough of moulding herself against him.

The passageway echoed with the sounds of their laboured breathing. Hermione began grinding on his lap, eliciting a low groan from Snape. Snape, however, was distracted by something digging painfully into his hip as she moved. Finally breaking their kiss, he slipped his hands down her legs and gripped them firmly, hissing, "Stop..."

Hermione blinked to clear the fog of lust from her mind and stilled. "What?"

Scowling in irritation, he regretfully pushed her off his lap, shoving his hand in his pocket to remove the offending object. Hermione was frowning in impatience and confusion. Withdrawing his hand, he opened it to see the shrunken bowl of mousse in his palm. Snape's harsh curse echoed in the darkness beyond them. Passing his other hand over his face, he fought to regain his composure. Glancing at Hermione, he saw her staring at him, puzzled.

Huffing harshly, he cleared his throat and muttered, "I told Dumbledore I was going to put this away properly. Bollocks, Hermione, we have to get back up there!" He closed his eyes at her look of angry defiance. She stretched toward him, laying her hand on his chest.

"No! I don't want to leave you again..." Her voice was almost a wail of exasperation. Snape took a deep breath and clenched his jaw.

"Ye gods, I don't want to either! We've been gone far too long as it is. You'll have to return by yourself first, at any rate, and I'll show up after a suitable interval. There mustn't be any indication that we were together." He closed his hands into fists, willing himself under control.

Sullenly, Hermione remarked, "At least I have the Cloak to get back upstairs without being seen, so you don't have to worry about that."

Snape flashed her a grateful look, reaching up and caressing her hair. "Indeed. Now, you must go." He gazed into her eyes, cupping her face in his palm. One eyebrow quirked up at the sudden wicked gleam that surfaced as she locked eyes with him.

A slow, devious smile spread across her face, and she purred, "I do have the Cloak, don't I?"

Snape's eyes narrowed warily. "What?"

Hermione leant closer to him, sliding her hand down his chest as she said, "Let me come to you. Tonight. I have the Cloak. No one will know. We can be together again, just like in London..." At that, she deliberately slid her hand over the waist of his trousers, coming to rest against the visible bulge.

Snape's eyes widened in shock at her bold move, but as her hand covered his straining cock, he gasped. Then, when she squeezed lightly, his head fell back against the wall and all of the breath in his lungs seemed to escape in one huge explosion. His eyes closed, but he could see lights swimming against his eyelids. His mind was reeling at the incredible sensations. Reason warred with need. It wasn't until he felt the hot tickle of her breath on his ear as she whispered, "Please, Severus," that he managed to open his eyes again, turning to find himself drowning in the swirling love and lust in her brown eyes.

There's only so much a man can bear. Heart beating wildly, he struggled to breathe again. Finally sucking oxygen into his starving body, he rasped, "Yes."

The blaze of promise and exultation in Hermione's gaze was reward enough. With another brazen squeeze, she stroked his length through his trousers, eliciting a strangled groan. Darting forward to pin him with a passionate kiss, she pledged her love to him with her lips before drawing back and edging away.

She picked up the Cloak from where she had carelessly dropped it and scrambled to her feet. Dashing to the door, she turned a meaningful look on Snape. "I'll see you back upstairs in a bit. Then... I'll see you tonight, my love."

Snape sat sprawled against the wall, staring dazedly up at Hermione. He was so astonished that he couldn't formulate a logical response. Nodding mutely at her, he marvelled at her initiative.

Hermione flashed him a beatific smile before opening the door and peering out. Seeing no one, she looked over her shoulder at Snape and blew him a kiss before slipping past the door and shutting it. Snape remained where he was, stunned. "Bloody hell... She'll be the death of me yet."