62- Home Stretch

Standard Disclaimer goes here.

A/N: Real life once again gobbles up my time to write. *sigh* As always, deepest gratitude to Ladyofthemasque for her mad beta skillz, yo. *snerk* Don't forget that you can check my LJ (http://pern-dragon.livejournal.com/) for what's up with me and see either how far I've gone with the next chapter or see what's keeping me from writing! LOL Thanks to all you lovely folk who read and review and write and offer support--you make me so happy. *hugs to the awesome readers*

Chapter 62- Home Stretch

Monday morning, students paused as they passed the notice board on their way into the Great Hall for breakfast. Most students were surprised, as the first notice was not just for the cast members, but for everyone.

Notice to all students: Tuesday evening, dinner will end an hour early, so please plan accordingly.

-A. Dumbledore, Director

Curiosity grew as the day wore on, with students wondering at the change of plans. That curiosity peaked Monday evening when McGonagall strode down the aisle along the Gryffindor table, pausing behind Colin Creevey. From her vantage point further down the table, Hermione peered surreptitiously at her Head of House as McGonagall leant down and whispered to Colin, whose eyes went wide at the professor's words. With an air of bewildered excitement, Colin gathered his things and stood, following McGonagall out of the Hall.

Hermione stared pensively after them, trying to deduce what might be going on, but came up empty. Flicking a glance up at Snape, she caught his eye, but he, too, was frowning in puzzlement. Despite her desire to steer clear of Colin as much as possible, she couldn't help but hope that he would be available in the common room that night so she could find out what was happening.

Sure enough, after dinner, when she and her friends all trooped up to the Tower, Colin was ensconced at a table with his camera and several wizarding photography books, including the one he had received at Christmas. His brother and a few others were grouped around him. His face was alight and he was talking rapidly, gesturing and turning pages with fevered intent.

Harry strode over and peered over one of the younger students' heads. "What're you up to?"

Colin looked up and grinned. "We're meeting early tomorrow so we can get photos for what McGonagall called a 'bio board.' And I get to take the pictures!" His chest puffed out with pride and his cheeks took on an even more hectic brilliance. "I'm brushing up on the best way to take portraits of everyone. They'll be developed and posted on a display outside the Hall before the shows."

A buzz of surprised conversation followed his explanation. Parvati piped up, "Are we going to be in costume or in regular robes?"

Colin frowned for a moment, then said, "I hadn't thought of that. I don't know. I guess we'll find out tomorrow night." His frown disappeared and the ecstatic grin came back.

Smiling indulgently at Colin's exuberance, Neville clapped him on the shoulder and said, "I'm sure you'll do a grand job, mate."

As Colin flushed and mumbled a sheepish, "Thanks," Parvati beamed at Neville, sidling away toward a cozy nook of armchairs and a side table. When she caught his eye, she tilted her head toward the chairs and smiled in invitation as she sank into one chair. Neville blinked and flushed, but shot a half-furtive, half-defiant glance around before taking measured steps to join her.

Lavender, who had been flipping through one of Colin's photo books and idly listening to his explanations, looked up to see Neville and Parvati, heads bent toward each other in low conversation. Her eyes narrowed and her lips thinned as she shut the book with a snap. Sucking in a deep breath, she called out a sharp, "Parvati!"

Parvati started and looked up. Neville turned to regard Lavender over his shoulder, his gaze a mixture of ready-to-flame anger and cool disdain.

Lavender scowled and snapped, "Come on, Parvati. Let's go."

Parvati's dusky cheeks darkened, and her eyes kindled with a rebellious light. In a tightly controlled voice, Parvati said, "Not now. I'm busy."

Lavender's brows rose in disbelief. She retorted with a shrill, "Excuse me?"

Neville deigned to turn in his chair, to give Lavender his full attention. "We're having a private conversation, Lavender, and we're not done yet. Please excuse us." He inclined his head in a courteous gesture of both deference and dismissal. Behind him, Parvati smirked in triumph.

Lavender drew back, taken aback by both Neville's firm self-confidence and Parvati's clear preference to be with him instead of her best friend. Mouth open, unable to reply, she stared at them, incredulous.

Her tone a trifle arch, Parvati said, "I'll see you later. Like I said, I'm busy." When Lavender kept staring at them, Parvati exhaled on a note of annoyance and gripped Neville's forearm, drawing his attention again. "Why don't we go for another walk?"

Neville's brows rose, but he nodded and smiled, rising almost instantly. Extending a hand to her, he ushered Parvati to her feet, keeping a hold on her hand once she was standing.

Parvati flicked another glance at the dumbfounded Lavender and added, "I quite enjoyed our last evening stroll." She tilted her head meaningfully and licked her lips, delighting in Neville's sharp intake of breath and the endearing blush that coloured his cheeks.

Manfully controlling his reaction to the knowledge that she was referring to the lingering kisses they had shared in a shadowed alcove off a dim hallway, he swallowed and tightened his grip on her hand, turning to Lavender as he led Parvati toward the portrait hole.

"Good evening to you, Lavender." Her mouth shut with a snap, and she glared at him. That quiescent indignation in his chest flared up at her expression and he rashly added, "Don't wait up," as he guided Parvati in her climb through the hole.

Both girls gasped, but whereas Lavender was gazing at Neville with a scandalized look, Parvati turned back to stare at him with astonished glee, her delighted laughter trailing away as they both disappeared into the corridor.

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

Tuesday evening, students hurried to finish their dinners before being shooed out early. Snape hastened down from the High Table to collect Hermione only about fifteen minutes before the early rehearsal was scheduled to begin. As soon as they were in the corridor, they Apparated to his quarters and rushed to fix his hair. There was only time for a fleeting embrace and kiss before they Apparated back up to the corridor outside the Great Hall, hurriedly backing out of the way as the rest of the student body poured out of the doorway. When they entered again, they saw that the cast had remained, and they all watched Colin entering with his camera setup.

Dumbledore Vanished the House tables and created a backdrop of sumptuous midnight blue velvet for the photos. Turning to the cast, he fished the original cast list from his robes and said, "Mr. Creevey will be taking portraits of you all for display before the shows. Now, as I call you up, I will tell you which costume to change into, and we will take several shots. After we finish the pictures, we'll have rehearsal. Any questions?"

Several people exchanged glances but shook their heads. Dumbledore nodded and called the first name, leaving the rest of the cast to wait their turns. McGonagall Summoned several of the smaller tables and chairs they had used at the Christmas party, gesturing for the cast to make themselves comfortable.

Neville smiled at his Head of House and thanked her, pulling out a chair and offering it to Parvati with a chivalrous air. She smiled and sat, beaming up at him until he sat by her. Lavender stalked away to another table and dropped into a chair, glaring at the pair. When Parvati scooted her chair closer to Neville's and rested her hand on his knee, Lavender huffed audibly and jerked back in her seat, arms crossed angrily and foot tapping in agitation. Hermione saw the girl's negative reaction and sidled over to sit by her.

"You look upset, Lavender. Are you okay? Want to talk about it?"

Lavender cut her eyes at Hermione but said, "I can't believe my best friend would choose some boy over me!"

Suppressing a sigh at the dramatics, Hermione murmured, "It doesn't have to be a competition. Parvati shouldn't have to choose one over the other, because you're both different things to her. Don't force her to choose, and you won't lose anything." Ignoring the wisp of hope that her friends wouldn't force her to choose between them and Snape when the time came, she continued.

"It's not fair to expect her to spend all of her time with you and never develop any other meaningful relationships. You two have been friends for almost seven years. But you've also grown up in that time. Neville's a great fellow, Lavender. You need to recognize that he's no longer the shy, forgetful, bumbling boy we used to know. He's quite a sensitive, loyal, thoughtful young man now, and if Parvati and Neville fancy each other, it shouldn't hurt you." She paused to gauge the effect of her words.

Lavender was still scowling petulantly, refusing to come out of her sulk. Hermione sensed that pushing more would only serve to make Lavender dig in her heels, contrary-wise, so she shrugged and stood, leaving her to stew. As she walked away, she saw Seamus sitting with Luna again, and Dean was sitting at the table near them, but clearly feeling awkward. When he saw Hermione, he lit up at the diversion and shot to his feet, sauntering over, his smile gleaming white against his dark skin.

"Hey, Hermione! Excited about the show finally getting here?"

"Of course. Did you arrange to send a mirror to your mum? Or are they coming here?"

Dean grinned and chuckled. "My folks are coming. But I'm sending a mirror to my grandmother. My mum is pretty chuffed about getting to come here and see all the magical stuff." They both laughed.

"I know what you mean. My parents are going to be here for both shows. And no one else in my family knows I'm a witch, so I didn't have to worry about anything else." She turned to gaze over the cast. "I wonder whose families will be coming."

Dean followed her gaze and saw Lavender staring daggers at an oblivious Neville. Brows rising in surprise, he said, "Hey, what's got Lavender's knickers in a twist?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and muttered, "She's annoyed that Parvati and Neville are hitting it off. Apparently, she thinks Parvati shouldn't throw her best friend over for a boy."

Dean couldn't help but cast a sardonic glance at his best mate where he sat with Luna, and his voice was thick with sarcasm as he said, "I think I might know a bit about where she's coming from..." Then, he shrugged exaggeratedly and added, "But, I'm over it. Maybe she just needs a little distraction..." With that, he flashed an impish grin at Hermione and swaggered over to Lavender's table, where he spun a chair around and straddled it, flopping down, crossing his arms atop the back, and resting his chin on them.

Hermione stifled a giggle at Lavender's expression of wary bewilderment and meandered over to a seat where she could watch Colin posing people and taking their pictures.

For some shots he used the tripod, and for others he moved around, getting different angles and distances. It was fascinating to see him work, as it suddenly made him appear older and more mature, his self-confidence in his skills shining through his habitual awkwardness and timidity.

Eventually, Dumbledore came to Hermione, and he spent some time having Colin take photos of her in different costumes and in varying poses. When he was finished with her, he called Snape over, his expression appearing, to Hermione's knowing eyes, slightly more strained and artificially cheerful.

For Snape's photos, he not only had Colin take pictures with the pre-set backdrop, but he Summoned a small set piece behind which Snape could hide, having him peer around it and blend with the shadows.

Hermione, who was enjoying the whole process, beamed as she politely suggested, "Professor Dumbledore? Perhaps a photo of the Phantom composing at his organ would be fitting?" At Dumbledore's thoughtful nod, she backed away again, smiling at the striking figure of Snape in costume at the organ.

When he was finished with the individual pictures, having taken some of himself at Dumbledore's direction, Colin piped up, "Sir, if you like, I can take a picture to create a poster to advertise the play. And I could get copies made for everyone involved."

Dumbledore's brows rose at the suggestion, and he smiled. "What a splendid idea, Mr. Creevey! Yes, why don't you do that. What did you have in mind?"

Colin pursed his lips and thought for a moment, his gaze skimming over the assembled cast. His brow furrowed as he spoke, once again seeming older than usual. "Well, sir, the whole story centres about this love triangle of Christine and the Phantom and Raoul, so I think a good poster would include the three of them."

Dumbledore nodded and beckoned the three actors to come forward. Placing them in front of the backdrop, he Summoned one of the candelabras from the Phantom's lair and placed it in the background. Then, gesturing grandly to Colin, he said, "I bow to your experience, Mr. Creevey. Place them as you see fit."

Colin nodded and set his lips in an expression of concentration. Waving his hand, he said, "Hermione, step up front here. Yes, that's right. Okay, Harry, you stand back there, just in front of the candles. Now, you look toward her, and Hermione, you face front." He nodded again as they followed his instructions. "Great. Now, Professor Snape..." He blinked rapidly as he glanced up to see Snape looming near him, shattering his concentration.

Clearing his throat, Colin continued, "Uh, just, um, step up here, by Hermione, please, Professor, sir..." Snape stood behind Hermione to one side and Colin stepped back to survey the scene. "Perfect. Well, almost..." Taking a deep breath and refocusing, he frowned thoughtfully and squinted. Crossing his arms and tilting his head, he grunted to himself.

"Got it. All right, sir, just move closer, please, and, uh, just, um, well, I guess... look possessive." The final phrase was blurted out and Colin flushed as he cringed, waiting for Snape to flay him with venom.

He wasn't the only one astonished when Snape smirked and chuckled darkly, shaking his head. Leaning around Hermione, he said, "Miss Granger, I shall be drawing from some of our blocking during Music of the Night, if you have no objections."

Hermione looked up at him, seeing his eyes glinting with amusement. She nodded politely. "Of course not, Professor." Composing her expression into one of professional indifference, she laughed inwardly as Snape wrapped his right hand around her waist and cupped her left shoulder in his other hand as he pressed his body against hers, leaning her back until her hair was tickling his face.

Colin stared, discomfited, then shook himself and made a concerted effort to return to his professional attitude. "That's great. Uh, Harry, just look this way, and you two face out toward us. Perfect." He stepped back to his camera and peered through the viewfinder, framing his shot. "Okay, just hold that for a moment." He snapped several pictures, moving and changing angles. Then, finally, he straightened and said, "All right, I'm done. You can go. Thank you." Finally turning to Dumbledore, he said, "I'll be able to put the writing on the poster once the picture is developed, and, if you approve, I can make copies of the finished product for everyone."

Dumbledore beamed at him and clapped the boy's shoulder. "Well done, Mr. Creevey; I thank you." Turning to the rest of the cast, he continued, "Very well then, if you would all please step into the corridor, I'll set up the Hall for rehearsal." He made shooing motions and the cast filed out to await his cue to re-enter.

In the corridor, Parvati sidled up to Colin, who was fussing with his equipment, and said quietly, "Say, Colin, I know you said you could make copies of the poster for everyone, but what about the photos that'll be on the display board?" She flicked a furtive glance around and saw Lavender scowling off to one side, and, while Neville was standing near Parvati, he was engaged in conversation with his mates. Flushing prettily, she murmured, "I mean, could you get me a copy of the portraits? Like, of someone not myself?" At that, she glanced again at Neville, and Colin cottoned on.

Smiling hugely, he said, "No worries, Parvati. I can get you a copy of Neville's portrait if you like." He stifled a snigger at her fleeting expression: a mixture of embarrassment and pleasure and triumph.

Trying to maintain a dignified manner, and trying to ignore the heat creeping over her cheeks, Parvati nodded and said, "Thank you. And... no need to spread this everywhere, okay?" She pinned him with a look of appeal and admonition, and he nodded, flashing her a conspiratorial smirk.

"Sure thing, Parvati."

Neville finished laughing at someone's comment and turned to see Colin and Parvati in hushed conversation. Stepping closer to her and tucking her hand in his, he half-smiled and said, "Hey, you two, what's going on?"

Both Parvati and Colin averted their eyes guiltily, giving Neville a pang of unease, and causing him to squeeze Parvati's hand tighter. His easygoing expression faltered, and he looked between them anxiously.

Parvati guessed his worry and said dismissively, "Just talking to Colin about the portraits." Then she flashed him a dazzling smile and squeezed his hand in return. "Come on, Neville; walk with me?" Tugging on his hand, she guided him away from Colin and the disapproving Lavender, stopping several paces down the corridor to lean against the wall in a shadowed alcove, where she drew him in for a stealthy kiss. His sharp gasp made her smile, and she backed away, saying, "I've never enjoyed walking with someone as much as I do with you."

Their low giggles trailed down the corridor to the waiting group, where most people ignored them.

Dumbledore called them in for rehearsal, and everyone entered the transformed Hall. As they all prepared for the opening of the first act, the excitement level palpably grew. It was down to the wire; after tonight, they would be performing in front of an audience!

Hermione was standing in the wing, watching people as they flitted about nervously, their eyes taking on the glassy stare of fear. Out loud, but to herself, she said, "They're all getting scared. There's no need for that! Oh, I wish they'd stop worrying."

Snape...who had Apparated up to the fly-rail above her, to be out of the way of the anxiously scrambling cast...heard her comment and remembered how he had been assailed with doubt the first time he had stood on the stage at Her Majesty's Theatre, looking out into the vast audience. Nodding to himself and firming his resolve, he Apparated onto the apron of the stage, down centre, drawing many people's attention.

Dumbledore squinted up at him and frowned from within the enchanted orchestra. "Is something amiss, Severus?"

Snape coolly shook his head and retorted, "Not exactly, Headmaster. I would like to speak to the cast for a moment, if that's acceptable to you."

Blinking in consternation, Dumbledore said, "Certainly, go right ahead."

Snape spun on his heel, blanketing the cast with his gaze. His voice rang through the space as he said, "If I may have your attention..." Every eye focused on him, and silence fell.

"It seems obvious that many of you are feeling quite nervous about performing, now that we're almost to the show nights. I understand the doubt and worry that can shatter the confidence of the best of us." He bit back a smile at the incredulous glances exchanged among students. His voice softened to almost a hypnotic, soothing tone as he continued.

"Come. Step out here, all of you. Stand here on the apron with me. Come along. Don't be shy...not by this point, at any rate." The final phrase came out twisted with sarcasm, which oddly enough served to comfort the students who were used to his snark.

When the cast had joined him on the stage, he turned to face front, gesturing for everyone to follow suit. "Look. Stand here and look out into the audience." The lights were already set for the performance, and everyone squinted against the glare.

After waiting a long moment for the question to form in the air around them, he said softly, "Now, what do you see?"

The silence in the Hall seemed to nearly creak with the gears turning in twenty minds. Eventually, someone spoke up.

His voice tentative, Neville said, "Uh, begging your pardon, sir, but I can't see anything."

Snape's smile was almost a smirk of satisfaction. "Why, Mr. Longbottom, how very astute of you. That is it exactly. You can't see anything." He paused to let the significance sink in, slowly spinning to look at the faces full of concentration and confusion.

Spreading his hands to each side, he drawled, "How can an audience be so worrisome, when you can't see them anyway?"

Comprehension broke over frowning countenances, lighting them up with relief. With a crow of delight, Ginny clapped her hands and laughed. "Brilliant! Come on, you lot; there's nothing to worry about. We can't see them, so it's like they're not even there!" She paused to beam at Snape, inclining her head in gratitude. "Thank you, Professor. That helps immensely."

Snape sketched a courtly bow, one corner of his lips quirked up, and caught Hermione's eye as he straightened back up. She was beaming at him fondly, clearly pleased that he had not only remembered her advice, but had chosen to share it with the cast so magnanimously.

The group broke up into smaller clumps, buzzing with bracing conversation, steadying their nerves as they returned to their places. Dumbledore peered up at Snape thoughtfully and said, "My thanks, Severus. That was just what they needed." Snape inclined his head in a stiff nod and Disapparated. With a sigh, Dumbledore returned to the instruments, readying their enchantment.

In the wings, people exchanged glances, their nerves at fever-pitch. The opening music began, and their final rehearsal by themselves was set into motion. The excitement enhanced their performances, showing off what they had truly accomplished over the previous months. Once the familiar routine of song and dialogue and blocking began, their anxiety was sublimated into determination and finesse.

When intermission arrived, the cast seemed to take a deep breath as one, blinking in awe and delight at the synergy that was manifesting itself through them. The euphoria they had induced inside themselves buoyed them into the second act, which virtually throbbed with emotion.

When the last strains of the finale faded, a veritable explosion rang through the Hall as every single cast member let loose with a raucous cheer, dancing and hugging and clapping each other on the back in celebration. Even Snape appeared in the midst of the hubbub, his lips stretched wide in a triumphant smile, nodding and murmuring praise to those who approached him with congratulations and thanks.

Ginny and Hermione both rushed him at the same time, each of them grasping a forearm and squeezing with glee. He eyed them with pleasure, chuckling at their effusive comments. Harry ambled up behind Ginny, also beaming, and shoved his hands in his pockets, glancing around awkwardly as he said, "That trophy is as good as ours, thanks to you, Professor."

Snape blinked at Harry, momentarily robbed of speech. Even though they had managed to call an unspoken truce, for Harry to be so up front with this proverbial olive branch still took him by surprise. Flicking a glance at the two girls still hanging on him, he cleared his throat and retorted, "While I appreciate the sentiment, Mr. Potter, this has clearly been a group effort." Then, pausing to smile at the people surrounding him, smiling at him, all accepting him into that group, he felt his chest tighten and said, "But I do believe you are correct in your assessment. Mr. Filch had better ready a spot in the Trophy Room once this cast performs next week."

The lull that had fallen at Harry's words to Snape, waiting for Snape's response, was broken again by hoots and cheers and applause. Snape glanced down at Hermione, only to see her gazing up at him, radiant in her joy. A swift flash of desire and longing for her swept through him, and he saw the answering gleam in her eyes before he wrenched his gaze away, gently prying himself from the girls' grips.

Dumbledore stood in the house, looking up at the ecstatic group, exceedingly proud...not only of their theatrical accomplishments, but of the way Snape had transformed into someone other than an irascible automaton. Harkening back to the ill-concealed anger and hurt he had seen in the younger man the previous summer, when Voldemort had been defeated and the celebrations pointedly had left him out, Dumbledore's heart swelled with satisfaction to see many of the same people who had excluded Snape almost literally embracing him as one of them. The thought made him happy, but also stung as it prodded the wound of his own estrangement with Snape.

Heaving a deep sigh of remorse and embarrassment, he shook himself from his melancholy thoughts and focused back on the scene at hand, saying, "Amazing! All of you were simply splendid! Now, before I send you on your way for some well-deserved rest, we must set up your curtain call." When several faces stared at him blankly, he clarified, "The order in which you take your bows." Nods and smiles blossomed around him again as he gestured for everyone to split up into the wings.

"Mr. Creevey, Mr. Finnigan, and Mr. Finch-Fletchley, you enter from stage right, and Mr. Thomas and Mr. Boot, you enter from stage left. You five shall meet in the middle and then face front, stepping forward to take your bows as one, then split up again to spread toward the side you came from." The boys followed his directions, and then Dumbledore continued, "Miss Abbott, Miss Brown, and Miss Bones, you three enter from stage right, and Miss Lovegood, Miss Patil, and Miss Bulstrode, you enter from stage left." The girls followed the boys' lead and performed curtseys instead of bows.

"Excellent. Now, Professor Trelawney, you come out from stage left, take your bow, and join the ladies to the left again." Trelawney floated out and gave a deep curtsey, earning an indulgent smile from Dumbledore. "Thank you, Sibyll. Now, Miss Weasley, you enter from stage right, then wait, and Professor McGonagall, you enter from stage left to join her in the middle, and then the two of you will step downstage to take your bows before both going to stage right." Ginny and McGonagall exchanged proud smiles as they met centre stage.

"Now, Mr. Malfoy, you enter from stage right, and Miss Parkinson, you enter from stage left. Mr. Malfoy, once you two meet in the middle, I want you to take Miss Parkinson's hand to escort her downstage, then I would like you to present our diva and allow her to take a bow before the two of you do so together and then move to stage left." Draco nodded gravely. As they emerged onstage, he made a show of following Dumbledore's instructions, his natural swagger and flair for arrogance lending itself to the task.

Dumbledore's lips twitched as he smiled. "Well done, Mr. Malfoy, thank you." Draco gazed about haughtily with a superior smirk. "Mr. Weasley, you shall enter from stage right, and Mr. Longbottom, you from stage left. Meet in the middle, come downstage, and take your bows, then split to either side." Ron and Neville bounded onto the stage, lopsided grins almost matching as they took their bows.

"Wonderful. Now, Mr. Potter, you shall enter from stage right by yourself, then end up on the same side. Miss Granger, you shall enter from stage left and step to the left after your bow." He paused while they did as they were told. "Now, that leaves a small space in the centre for our final cast member." Dumbledore looked up, about to call for Snape, but Snape beat him to it and Apparated into the very spot between Harry and Hermione, startling them all.

Lips quirked in a wicked smirk, Snape gave a courtly bow and straightened, saying, "I believe you were looking for me, Headmaster?" On both sides of him, sniggers and snorts met his mischievous demeanour.

Dumbledore shook his head slightly, then said, "Let's just say your flair for the dramatic has served you well in this case. That will do quite nicely, thank you." Rolling his eyes at Snape's self-satisfied expression, he said, "All right, once you've all taken your bows, you'll all spread across the apron in a line, join hands, and take a bow as one." He waited as they complied. "Perfect. Then, once you've paused a beat in appreciation for the audience's applause, you'll split down the centre and file out into the wings again as I close the curtain."

At his nod, the group broke apart, heading for the wings, but before she could take more than two steps, Hermione gasped in surprise as Snape grasped her from behind and Disapparated with her into the house, his eyes gleaming impishly. Dumbledore spun, seeing them a few rows behind him in the aisle, and narrowed his eyes. After her initial shock, Hermione was trying to suppress giggles at the implication that the Phantom managed to have the last word, spiriting Christine away even after the story was over.

Dumbledore murmured, "Are you all right, Miss Granger?"

Hermione tried vainly to compose herself, but her eyes shone brightly with merriment. "I'm perfectly fine, sir. A bit surprised, but otherwise, I think it's brilliantly funny."

Behind her, Snape crossed his arms and stood with a cocky air. Not wishing to antagonize the man further, Dumbledore conceded. "Very well then, Severus. Have it your way. Just don't frighten Miss Granger."

"Of course not." His chin tilted up in response, and Dumbledore turned back to the rest of the cast now emerging from the wings into the house.

Beaming at them all, Dumbledore clasped his hands and said, "Now, hurry on to get your rest, and don't let anything take this feeling away from you before Friday. Mr. Creevey, I shall meet with you tomorrow after classes about the portraits and posters. Good night!"

The cast broke up, still grinning and bouncing with satisfaction. As people passed Snape standing in the house, several flashed smiles at him, and a few murmured greetings and thanks again. The strange feeling of acceptance blanketed him once more, and he was warmer than was his usual wont as he returned their regards, nodding and replying to each one.

When her mates passed by, Hermione joined them, grinning joyfully as she bade him good night. McGonagall passed Snape and laid a proud hand on his arm as she murmured, "About time you got the recognition you deserve, Severus." Winking and smiling at him, she added, "Oh, and I hope to have some details for you soon. Particularly since you'll have access to the house come Friday."

Snape met her eyes, unable to wipe the pleased smile from his face. Inclining his head in gratitude, he said, "That would be wonderful, Minerva. Thank you."

McGonagall squeezed his arm briefly and strode briskly away, leaving him to gaze after Hermione's retreating form. The rush of longing ambushed him again, tightening both his chest and his trousers, and he Disapparated.

**** *****

During Potions class Wednesday, Snape watched Hermione with a mixture of yearning and disgruntlement. He had rashly Apparated to her bathroom the night before, only to have to pop out again when he heard her entering with someone else. He froze long enough to note that it was another female voice...not Ginny's...but disappeared before there was any chance that he could be discovered. The slight scare had been enough to keep him from returning that night, and he took the edge off his desire on his own.

He harboured the hope that they would somehow have an opportunity to meet again soon. Perhaps they could work something out over Easter break...

Both Dumbledore and Colin were absent from dinner that night until they managed to sneak in very close to the end of the meal. Colin bore the look of one exceedingly pleased with himself, his eyes bright and cheeks flushed. He shook his head at all inquiries, determined to shovel as much food into his mouth as possible in the few minutes left before it all disappeared.

When the tables were cleared, the few remaining students at the Gryffindor table followed him curiously out of the Hall, asking him about his meeting with the headmaster to create the poster they had heard about all day. Once they were all in the common room, more people peered at him with interest, eagerly awaiting seeing the rumoured posters.

"I got all the portraits developed, and the poster shots, and the headmaster and I worked out the text to put on the posters. Then, once they were finished, he said we should hurry up to dinner and he would finish making the copies of everything and sending them out. I'm really pleased. They turned out well!" His grin was triumphant as he beamed about the room.

Knowing they just had to wait, the students settled around the common room, working and studying and chatting. Hermione was seated at a large table with several books and scrolls spread in front of her. She had been seized with a frantic desire to work on her preparation for N.E.W.T.s, feeling that she had been rather lax in her study habits lately.

She was roused from her absorption in Arithmantic equations by the excited murmurs rippling through the common room. A house-elf had popped into existence in front of the notice board, carrying a poster larger than himself. Students crowded around the elf as he unfurled the large poster and stuck it on the board, waving his hands at the other notices to move them out of the way.

A susurrus of gasps swept through the group as they took in the images gazing out from the poster. Hermione, staring over her stack of books at the crowd, merely blinked like a deer in headlights at the stunned looks being turned her way. The rumble of anticipation was silenced by the shock of seeing Snape, Hermione, and Harry in their poses.

Feeling almost goaded to investigate, Hermione deliberately rose from her table and crossed to the gape-mouthed crowd. Ignoring the way they shrank from her approach in awe, she pushed through to see the poster. Immersed as she was in the play, she still was stopped in her tracks by the sheer magnificence of the image before her.

It was spectacular.

Across the top, it said, "The British Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry present The Phantom of the Opera." Below that on the left, it continued, "Directed by Albus Dumbledore, Starring Severus Snape, Hermione Granger, With Neville Longbottom, Ronald Weasley, Pansy Parkinson, Ginevra Weasley, Minerva McGonagall, Draco Malfoy, and Harry Potter as Raoul."

Along the bottom edge, it urged, "Abandon your defences and let the magic of the music take over." (A/N...See it here.)

Hermione gazed out of the picture, leaning back trustingly against Snape, who embraced her possessively yet tenderly. Harry stood in the background watching them, an anxious, longing expression on his face. Their demeanours made the page seem to throb with emotion, the entire image fraught with the tension of their relationships.

Hermione swallowed hard, staring at the picture Snape holding her. A rush of yearning made her stomach quaver, and she had to force herself to wrench her gaze away. Glancing around, she saw the students who were not on cast eyeing her with expressions ranging from confusion to disgust to astonishment. Her lips thinned with indignant anger. She should have been prepared for those reactions again. It had happened with the cast, so she should have expected it to happen with the rest of the school.

Lifting her chin regally, she turned to find Colin watching the whole scene, wide-eyed with trepidation. She stepped closer to him and said, "It's wonderful, Colin. You captured the essence of the play beautifully. I look forward to getting my own copy from the headmaster. Thank you." Nodding gravely, she returned to her seat, leaving the rest of the group to mutter and gossip to their hearts' content.

Deliberately keeping her attention on her work, she didn't notice the other cast members rolling their eyes and heaving exasperated sighs at the non-cast students who were making a big deal about Snape embracing Hermione. If she had, she quite likely would have been overcome with gratitude that she had gained some allies, at least where the venue of the play was concerned.

Parvati was across the common room, sitting with Neville, and when some of the other Gryffindors meandered away from the notice board, commenting about how creepy it was to see their professor wrapped around Hermione, she flamed into indignation and spoke up.

"Oh, give over. It's called acting, you know. If you can't deal with it, then don't bother coming to the performance. It's really quite romantic and tragic and beautiful, provided you're not so immature that you can't see past the actors to the play." She wrinkled her nose and grimaced in scathing disdain. Hermione had been so understanding and supportive the night before, when Parvati had gone with her to her room in search of a sympathetic ear to talk about Neville and Lavender and the whole tension between them.

Hermione had listened at length to the other girl's worries and hopes, and she had not only comforted her, but had given her advice on how to handle Lavender's jealousy and cement her growing relationship with Neville. It seemed the least she could do was support Hermione in return, and help stave off the hurtful reactions of the student body. Besides, Snape had proved himself to be more than just a snarky bastard who lived to terrorize teenagers.

Neville scowled reprovingly at the gossiping students and piped up on the tails of Parvati's comment. "Parvati's right. Just you wait. We're going to win this competition, and you'll all be thanking Professor Snape and Hermione for winning that prize for Hogwarts. It's thanks to them that we're all as good as we are."

The other students just goggled at Neville blankly. Parvati squeezed his thigh and drew his attention. "They'll just have to see it to believe it. Don't waste your breath." Cutting an exasperated glance at them, she squirmed closer to Neville and slipped her arm through his, nestling against his side as she twined fingers with him.

Neville's brows rose at her manoeuvre and he flicked a dismissive glance at the group that was now looking at him with disconcerted expressions. Drawing himself up proudly, he levelled a firm gaze at them and said, "Move along, then, you lot. Can't you tell when you're not wanted?" He ended with a smirk to show he was partly teasing, and the others stifled sniggers as they vacated the premises, leaving the pair to canoodle uninterrupted.

***** *****

As students passed by the notice board on their way to breakfast, they saw that not only was a copy of the poster that had been tacked up in their common rooms also on the board by the Great Hall, but there was a new notice as well.

Afternoon classes will be cancelled Friday. Dinner will be early again, and all students are invited to come to the final dress rehearsal Friday night, as the performance for the Ministry will be during Easter break. Plan for your holiday accordingly.

-A. Dumbledore, Headmaster

By Friday morning, the whole school was buzzing with anticipation of the performance that evening. Those teachers who still had classes that morning gave up on trying to actually teach, and instead allowed the students to play games, since it was nigh on impossible to focus on anything worthwhile in the face of such a momentous event followed by a holiday.

At lunch, a harried-looking McGonagall could be seen at the High Table going over the schedule of family arrivals with Dumbledore. At any given moment, if one were to look at a cast member, he or she would see expressions ranging from near-manic excitement and euphoria to green-about-the-gills, sweaty panic. Hermione kept shooting furtive glances up at Snape, envying him his pose of unconcern, even if she knew him well enough by now to pick up on the minute signs that he was anxious as well.

After lunch, Dumbledore opened an unused classroom near the Great Hall and transformed it into a comfortable lounge for the families to use while they waited for dinner and the performance. He then collected Colin and the two of them brought down the portraits of the cast members, carefully placing them on the broad rolling chalkboard Dumbledore had unearthed. Several students hung about in the corridors, watching, as the "bio board" was prepared.

The poster was placed prominently in the centre, with each cast member's portrait positioned around it, labelled with the actor's name and the characters they would be playing, balancing the whole display. The hubbub grew as more students saw the costumes their schoolmates and professors wore, their character personas lending an air of immediacy to the impending event.

McGonagall sent prefects to gather the cast members whose families were arriving, and throughout the afternoon, more and more people came trickling down the stairs from McGonagall's office toward the lounge. Of course, as they strode down the corridor, they invariably paused at the display to exclaim in delight at the portraits.

Hermione had a joyful reunion with her parents, leading them from McGonagall's office and offering them a tour of the castle before taking them down to the lounge with the other families. On her route through the castle, she laughingly met up with some of her mates doing the same thing.

Dean was heading up a small group of wide-eyed Muggle family members, accompanied, to Hermione's surprise, by Lavender. Lavender was patently enjoying explaining things to the awestruck people, as Dean looked on, beaming fondly. When Hermione and her folks were out of Lavender's range of vision, Hermione cocked her head and furrowed her brow at Dean, plainly asking what he was on about, having Lavender with him, and the boy merely flashed her an impish grin, winking and waggling his eyebrows. Hermione giggled, shaking her head at his ploy, but grateful all the same for the distraction he had provided, keeping Lavender from dogging Parvati and Neville.

By the time they wound down to the main corridor, heading to the lounge, everyone had arrived for the evening, and both the corridor and the lounge room were echoing with excited chatter. When she caught sight of the Weasleys, she couldn't help but smile at the way Mrs. Weasley was alternating between fawning on Ron, Ginny, and Harry, and haranguing Fred and George as they persisted in trying to get some of the other students to test their latest inventions.

Mr. Weasley saw Hermione and her parents and lit up, heading their way, hand outstretched in welcome. He vigorously shook her parents' hands as he said, "So lovely to see you again! Isn't this exciting? But of course, this is all probably old hat to you, isn't it? Ginny mentioned that Hermione was the one to go see the play again and provided Dumbledore with the view of the sets. I'm sure you've been to things like this before, haven't you?" He was cut off by Mrs. Weasley approaching and tugging his grip from Mr. Granger's hand.

"Arthur, do let the man relax!" She turned a cordial smile on them and said, "Nice to see you again." Then, turning to Hermione, she beamed and threw out her arms, crying, "And Hermione! You must be so excited!" Crushing the girl to her ample bosom, Mrs. Weasley continued, "Ginny's written how well you've all been doing, thanks to you. And I must say, your picture is so beautiful!" She released Hermione from her fierce hug and held her at arm's length, gazing fondly at her.

Behind their parents, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny were making faces at Hermione, mimicking their mother's effusive greeting. Harry hung back, his hand over his mouth to stifle his chuckles. Hermione bit back a laugh and simply smiled, saying, "Thank you Mrs. Weasley. I am excited. We all are; I'm sure."

With that, she pointedly looked over the older woman's shoulder at the younger Weasleys, noting that Ron had once again reverted to the stoic chalk-faced expression of a nervous stomach. Fred and George were smirking at him, hands stuffed into the pockets of their dragon leather jackets. Mrs. Weasley rounded on her offspring, scowling in exasperation at their antics. While she launched into a new scolding, Harry edged around the animated family and sidled up to Hermione and her parents.

Offering a lopsided grin, he said, "Afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Granger. Welcome to Hogwarts." He shook hands as well, albeit not as exuberantly as Mr. Weasley had.

Mrs. Granger gave Harry a brief hug, smiling as she said, "Thank you, Harry. It's good to see you again, and so interesting to see Hogwarts!"

Mr. Granger gazed around at all the adults in wizard robes and said, "It is sort of overwhelming, but I'm glad we got a chance to see it."

Harry laughed and nodded. "I think I know how you feel. Why don't you find a seat and relax until it's time for dinner?" He turned to Hermione. "Want to find a quieter spot?" Tilting his head toward some tables and chairs in the rear of the room, he rolled his eyes meaningfully at the noisy group still crowding the doorway.

Hermione snorted and nodded. "Yes, let's." As they wended their way through the furniture, Hermione added, "It won't be long till dinner, anyway." She caught her parents' eyes and explained, "We're having dinner early, because we need to transform the Great Hall and prepare for the play. So, you'll wait in here until it's time for the show to start.

"So, everyone will be able to have dinner with the students?" Mrs. Granger looked around appraisingly.

Harry spoke up. "Yeah. We're not going to have the long House tables as usual though. Dumbledore said we'll have the smaller tables like the ones we had at the Christmas party." He cast a glance back at the Weasleys, waving at Ginny when she blew him a kiss. With a sheepish shrug, he said, "I'm planning on sitting with Ginny and the Weasleys. They're the closest thing I have to family now anyhow."

Hermione nodded approval. "No problem, Harry."

Mrs. Granger blinked rapidly, as if suddenly struck by an idea. "So, might Severus be available to join us for dinner again?" She turned an eager face to Hermione, who could only stare back at her mother, dumbfounded. Harry's brows rose in surprise, and he looked between the two women, confused.

Brain working furiously to process the implications of her mother's question, Hermione forced herself to respond. "I don't know, Mum. Sometimes Professor Snape takes his meals in his quarters. I'm not sure if the headmaster will have the High Table or not, since we'll have smaller tables."

Harry squinted in recollection, saying, "That's right; you had Snape over to your house for dinner when he and Hermione went to see the play." Then, with a sceptical grimace, he added, "And you want to sit with him again?" Catching Hermione's kindling glare, he shook himself and held his hands up in surrender. "Hey, I know he's changed lately, but that was before he mellowed. I just can't imagine enjoying his company back then."

Hermione's hackles relaxed a bit at his concession, but she couldn't help but feel righteous satisfaction...tinged with unease...at her parents' instant protestations. Really, it was her mother's vehement reaction that made Hermione uncomfortable. If she was enamoured of Snape just from the one visit they had made to London, what in blazes would happen once she saw him perform as the Phantom? Would she swoon over him even more, or would she go ballistic over him snogging her daughter so intimately in the play?

Hermione desperately changed the subject to asking about the latest news from her parents' dental practice, nodding attentively as they answered, whiling away the short time until everyone was called for dinner. As they filed out into the corridor, Hermione writhed inwardly over what could happen if Snape came to the Hall for his meal.

The Hall was set up with the multitude of smaller round tables, and the long High Table was gone. The student body as a whole seemed to view this change as a sort of party, and the air was filled with the sounds of cheerful and festive conversation and laughter. Harry nodded and walked off to join the Weasleys at their table, leaving Hermione and her parents to select a table near the doors. Her parents rather felt that it would be a good vantage point from which to watch people enter, as they had never had a chance to be in any location with so many wizards there at once.

Near where the High Table usually stood, Dumbledore and McGonagall sat at a smaller table, deep in discussion. McGonagall was sorting through parchments and pointing things out occasionally, and Dumbledore nodded along, gesturing to the others in the Hall. Eventually, Trelawney floated in from the staff entrance and sat at their table, garnering a courteous nod from both professors before they went back to their conversation.

Hermione sat with her parents, pointing at people throughout the Hall, indicating who her professors were and what they taught, and showing which students were her House-mates and which were from the other Houses, since there was no clear distinction between them this time. She mentioned which students from other Houses were her friends, and offered little anecdotes about each person as she went, enjoying the avid fascination on her parents' faces as they learned more about what her life had been for the past seven years.

They exclaimed in delighted surprise at the way the food appeared on the tables, and Hermione took a moment to recount her S.P.E.W. days, wiser now about the true nature of the house-elves' enjoyment of their service to Hogwarts.

After making their way through their first selections, they noticed Snape entering from the staff entrance. Mrs. Granger jerked back in her seat, beaming as she attempted to wave across the room at him. Hermione pulled her mother's hand back down hastily, leaning forward with scarlet cheeks to hiss at her about how not cool that was.

Snape hadn't seen her aborted wave, as he had been scanning the Hall for the professors' seats. Realizing that there were no tables set aside for teachers as usual, he blinked in consternation at the thought of joining other professors where they sat intermixed with students and their families. He saw Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Trelawney at one table, but balked at having to suffer both Trelawney's flakiness and Dumbledore's awkward attempts to get back in Snape's good graces.

While he stood there deliberating, Mrs. Granger scoffed at Hermione's insistence that they leave Snape alone, shaking off her daughter's restraining grip and rising. Eyes wide with panic, Hermione appealed to her father for help, but he just laughed at his womenfolk, grinning in amusement as his wife pulled away from Hermione and bustled across the Hall to Snape.

Hermione could only watch in horror as her mother charged through the wilderness of tables, unwilling to chase after her and cause more of a scene. Glancing around the Hall, she saw a few people noticing her mother's approach, and she fought to remain composed, though she heartily wished that the floor would open and swallow her.

Snape blinked in surprise when he realized that the person crossing the Hall was headed for him, and that person was none other than Hermione's mother. Frozen in bewildered shock, he was rooted to the spot as she closed the gap, arms stretched forward as she beamed at him.

"Severus! It's so lovely to see you again! Won't you join us for dinner?"

She reached him, and it was only through years of drill at required courtesies that he responded to her, taking her hand and inclining his head in greeting. A swift glance around the Hall showed that they were indeed creating a spectacle. Not wishing to give anyone cause to take him to task for lack of politeness, he manufactured a smile and bowed, lifting Mrs. Granger's hand, but stopping short of saluting it with a kiss.

"Mrs. Granger, a pleasure as always." He was interrupted by a tinkling laugh and a scolding expression.

"Now, now, Severus, I thought we were past that. I'm just Di, remember?"

Snape offered a rueful grimace and then said, "My apologies... Dione."

Mrs. Granger pressed her free hand to her mouth and stifled a girlish giggle. "You remembered!"

With a wry twist to his lips, Snape released her hand and straightened, murmuring, "I'm not likely to forget that visit at all."

Mrs. Granger tilted her head and regarded him with a pleased grin. "We're over there." She pointed to the table where her husband and mortified daughter were watching. "You will come dine with us, won't you?"

Realizing that to refuse would only create more of a sensation, he graciously inclined his head and said, "Of course." Then, with a nod, he gestured for her to lead the way, but instead, she tucked her hand inside his elbow, smiling up at him. Gut twisting with unease at the intimacy, he merely cleared his throat and stared ahead, guiding them through the Hall to the Grangers' table. He desperately wanted to catch Hermione's eyes, but was also afraid to, knowing he would probably see hers sparking with anger.

When they neared the table, accompanied throughout by the susurrus of whispered speculation about them, he gratefully disengaged Mrs. Granger's hand from his arm, stepping forward to shake hands with Mr. Granger, who had stood as they approached.

"Good to see you again, Severus. We're quite enjoying our first glimpse of Hogwarts, and we're looking forward to the show."

"Indeed. Welcome to Hogwarts, both of you." He flicked a glance at Hermione, where she was still seated, and edged around the table, leaving empty chairs on both sides between the Grangers and himself. When they were all seated again, he focused on serving himself from the platters on the table, even though his gut was roiling nervously. A furtive look toward Hermione told him that she had stopped eating as well, her plate pushed away from her, half-filled.

Mrs. Granger resumed eating, but after a few bites, she piped up, "So, Severus, are you excited about the performance?"

Snape looked up and nodded cautiously. "I don't know that excited is the exact term for it, but I am looking forward to getting it over with."

Mrs. Granger made a moue of disbelief and waved her hand airily. "Oh, come now, it can't have been all bad! Certainly you've had some fun, eh?"

Snape swallowed forcefully, clamping down on his desire to lock knowing eyes with Hermione. Instead, he cleared his throat and murmured, "Some parts have been... enjoyable, but it has been an added stressor...one without which I could gladly have existed."

Hermione uttered a faint snort of agreement as she nodded. Mrs. Granger tilted her head and regarded them with a frown.

"Can you honestly say you won't take part in next year's production? I thought I understood that this competition will be ushering in a new curriculum from here on out..."

Snape's lips pursed for a moment, then he said, "I'll not be here next year, madam. This term marks the end of my tenure at Hogwarts."

Both Mr. and Mrs. Granger stared at him with expressions of surprise. Disconcerted, Mrs. Granger blurted, "But...what will you do?"

Snape thinned his lips in an unconscious gesture of reprimand, managing to make Mrs. Granger flush at her impertinence, but then he replied, "I shall be moving back to my childhood home, and I am exploring various avenues available to me."

Jumping in defensively, Hermione said, "Professor Snape remained in his position here until Voldemort was defeated. Now that Voldemort's gone, Professor Snape can finally do what he wants with his life."

An awkward silence fell, and they all returned to picking at their meals. Eventually, Mrs. Granger said, "Well, that's a shame. I'm sure everyone here will be sad to see you go."

At that, Snape lifted his gaze to hers, actually smirking in amusement. "Suffice to say, Dione, that your perceptions of my reputation and regard here are rather coloured by your limited encounters with me. My departure will be lamented by very few of those who will remain here."

Hermione quickly covered her mouth with her napkin, stifling her snort of laughter, vainly attempting to change it into a cough, but her dancing eyes gave her away. Snape slid a narrow-eyed glance at her and chuckled darkly.

Regaining her composure, Hermione turned an apologetic gaze to her mother and said, "I told you when you took our picture, mum, that Professor Snape had quite the reputation here. It's only been since the development of this production this year that Hogwarts has had a chance to see something other than the usual surly Potions Master." With that, she couldn't help but flick an impish smirk at Snape, who gave her a quelling look.

Still, Hermione continued, "You heard Harry earlier. He admitted that before the play, he couldn't imagine wanting to share Professor Snape's company, but he's admitted that," and she turned a meaningful expression on Snape, "you've mellowed, sir."

Snape affected an air of disinterest, while inwardly marvelling at the positive change in attitude Harry had come to display. Deep in his soul, he hoped that such a transformation would stand them in good stead when he and Hermione went public. If the Boy-Who-Lived-Twice were on their side, that would likely have quite an effect on public opinion.

In an effort to calm his nervous stomach, Snape poured himself a cup of tea, suppressing a smile as he reached for the honey and lemon. Hermione noticed and almost instantly copied his movements. At her parents' confused looks, she said, "Good for the throat," and focused back on her teacup as she sipped.

Silence reigned at their table, for even Mrs. Granger felt chastened enough after her last faux pas that she refrained from speaking.

Not long afterward, Dumbledore stood and announced, "Dinner will end in a few minutes. All students and families must vacate the Great Hall. Cast members, you and your guests may retire to the lounge we have set up, and I will call for you when we are ready to prepare for the performance. Everyone, the performance will begin promptly at 7:00, and you must all be in your seats before then. Prefects, I ask for your assistance in assuring that everyone is here before we start." He eyed the prefects, scattered throughout the tables, nodding in satisfaction at their acknowledgements. "After the show, Professor McGonagall and I will be happy to escort our guests in their departures. Thank you." He sat down amid a resurgence of conversation.

Hermione looked at Snape and said, "Sir, are we expected to be ready when the headmaster collects us from the lounge? I mean, should we attend to your hair before then, or wait until the cast has been called into the Hall again?"

Snape blinked. "Excellent question, Miss Granger. I think it would be wise for everyone to be ready for anything once we are in the Hall. Who knows what Dumbledore may have up his sleeve before we let the audience into the house? I daresay we should withdraw once everyone is gathering in the lounge."

Nodding firmly, Hermione said, "Certainly, sir." As platters began disappearing from the tables, Hermione turned to her parents and said, "I have to help Professor Snape prepare for the show. You two just wait in the lounge with the others. I'll see you after the performance."

People began dispersing, and Hermione and Snape stood, the Grangers a beat after them. The Weasleys were passing their table on the way to the door, and Hermione grabbed Ginny's arm.

Wheeling around, brows rising, Ginny queried, "What's up?"

Eyeing her intently, Hermione said, "Gin, could you take my folks with you to the lounge? I can't go right now; Professor Snape and I have to go do his hair."

Ginny glanced up at Snape, who was gazing at her warningly, and plastered a cheerfully accommodating expression on her face. "Sure thing!" She smiled winningly at the Grangers and said, "Come on, you're welcome to join us. Although I make no promises about how much my dad will badger you about Muggle devices."

Everyone laughed, and the Grangers followed Ginny after giving Hermione a quick hug. Snape and Hermione watched them go, then locked eyes. Without a word, Snape offered his arm, Hermione gripped it, and they Disapparated.