62- Home Stretch
Chapter 66 of 84
Good_WitchColin does something good for once; Snape fits in; Parvati stakes her claim; the school gets ready for the performance; families arrive and stir things up; and enthusiastic parents get to embarrass their children, as usual.
ReviewedStandard 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, Headmaster
Notice to all cast members: Rehearsal will begin an hour earlier than usual Tuesday night. Be on time.
-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.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Phantom of Hogwarts
1533 Reviews | 7.33/10 Average
It's been so long since last I read Phantom of Hogwarts, and it was just as wonderful as I remembered! Thank you for writing this fic...however many years ago. :)
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Oh, wow! No matter how long ago it is that I finished PoH, It will always be in my top 5 achievements. LOL I'm so glad you feel that it has held up on re-reads. Thank you so much for making my night brighter! :)
Haa! Haaa! Haaa! Had to keep reading so I couldn't review since the proposal. Harry is a turd for telling Dumbledore to use Dobby to go after Hermione and Severus. I didn't expect Dumbledore or her parents to react with such intense nagativity. I expected some nay saying but not the heap of anger that was piled on top of them. Well, lets see if Minerva is here to hug him or hang him.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*huge grin* Glad to make you laugh! Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
O I just love the ring!!!!!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I covet that ring SO much. I'm glad you like it too. Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
What did Albus do while the rest of the cast enjoyed the party? I suppose he was entertaining the Ministry official? I felt a little bit bad for him. He did have fun directing the play. I wonder if he plans to teach next year's Art's class. Maybe he was having a long distant conversation with the other Headmasters. I doubt it, though. Things are going too well for Severus in a way. I'm waiting for the other shoe to fall when he and Hermione come out of the closet. I don't know why Hermione can't be bothered to see him once a week for a few minutes somehow. I couldn't stay away from my lover for two months while we lived in the same castle. I'd at least write him a little love note as often as I could. The girl is made of steel or ice. You would think she would realize they need to have some plan for what they are to do at the end of term. Will they be a couple at the graduation ceremony? Will they be one the next day? Will they both go to the house on Spinner's End or will she go home to her parents first? I don't think she realizes that he wanted her input so that she would love the house as their home. He's giving her a house. He's preparing her a home, them a home. She could at least tell him that she is happy to think he is working on their home and tell him if she plans to move in straight away or not. This hiatus in their relationship puzzles me. I suppose they can only have it all or nothing. Hermione isn't able to compartmentalize apparently.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
You're not the only one wondering when the other shoe will drop, especially after the close calls they've had already. *snerk* Your questions will be answered (some to a greater degree than others) all in due time, my dear. ;) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I have no worries over the employment with Fern issue. I like her though. My kind of woman. Born and raised only slightly less hippyish. We moved to Hawaii, but didn't live in a commune. I'm very glad Hermione likes the idea of the house being "theirs". I am surprised her dad didn't notice her mum gushing over Severus. But, I don't think my husband would notice now that I think about it. I could go out with my pants inside out and he wouldn't notice unless someone else said something about it. It's odd. He complements me when he thinks I looks pretty but wouldn't be able to save me from lipstick on my teeth or some other embarrassing thing. He reminds me a lot of Ron, come to think about it.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
LOL at your description of your husband. I hope reminding you of Ron is a good thing. ;P Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I'm surprised at Hermione's behavior and her giving up the opportunity to spend time with Severus. I suppose that the fact that neither seems to be obsessing about two missed opportunities to spend time together shows they are more confident in their relationship. I'm surprised that Severus would leave Hermione crying with her feelings hurt after the play. He was able to suppress his revolt of Voldemort. He needed to compartmentalize his being creeped out by Hermione's mother. I'm also surprised that so much time has gone by since they have communicated last. Hermione didn't even look at him during the performance. I realize he was sitting next the Minerva, but there must have been some opportunity to make eye contact if they had been looking for one. I'm happy Severus is so distracted by planing his new life. Other wise, I think his feelings would be hurt that she seemed to ignore him. It is the holidays and I would have thought that Hermione would be looking to spend time together even if it was just studying in her rooms while he read. I'm also glad that his neighborhood isn't the run down and empty sort of place it is usually described as. I have never thought of myself as super jealous but I guess I am. I don't know about having Severus in business with another witch. I know he wouldn't love anyone besides Hermione, but I wouldn't expect the other witch not to be attracted to him. Who wouldn't be. Well, his plans of leaving at then end of the year are out of the bag; it's kind of too bad. People are bound to connect his leaving with he and Hermione starting a relationship while he was still a Professor after such chemistry between them in the play. I expect some idiots to be that way even if they wait a little while to come out together. But there is no need to wait. They need to get married asap! I know I've already said this 3 other times. They have already promised to be together forever. At least half the people on the planet have their marriages arranged by their parents and they learn to live together without long periods of courting even if they are engaged as children. Not that I approve of child engagement, but I'm not against other cultures with arranged marriages. My life would have been happier if my parents and my husband's parents had been from the same social class. My parents tried to be friends with his but his were intimidated. His mother and sister also didn't like me. Severus and Hermione are going to have to deal with Hermione's mother though. It will become a problem between Hermione and her parents because her mom likes him too much! If they can get that under control, I don't think Hermione's parents will be unhappy about them becoming a couple.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
They have indeed become more confident as a couple, after the things they've already gone through. And they are now able to focus on other things besides the all-encompassing obsession with each other, such as setting up their future. :) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
OK. I would never perve and gush like that as a married woman. Thank gods, I am not Hermione's mum. I was getting worried. She is so embarrassing. Poor Severus! Hermione's dad must be very secure. He wasn't jealous at all even though Dion was making a spectacle of herself. Poor Hermione too! It's creepy and gross to have your mom perving about your lover let alone being so obvious about it in front of all of your peers. Did she really think he would give her a kiss? Yuck! I had a friend when I was a teen who's mom slept with her boyfriend and she caught them! I'm trying not to gag right now. I was already not feeling well, so that might be adding to it. Let's move on, shall we? Wonderful chapter BTW!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
ROFL!!! Sorry to make you all oogy. ;) Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
I do hope I wasn't that embarrassing as a mom! But then again...I did so enjoy embarrassing my teenagers. Maybe I'm getting payback but I do believe I am being over paid enormously. I count it as a down payment on all of the money, time and emotional energy they are still costing me as adults. They are higher maintenance now than they were as children! But how can you blame me? Who else's mother carried a knitted uterus, a muppet breast and a life size fake pelvis in her trunk? Did you know that if you take the pelvis, turn it over, turn it backwards and put it on your head you can say, "Look! I'm a Klingon!" I only resorted to such things when provoked, I swear! If they were rude to me and embarrassed me in front of their friends, well, what was I supposed to do? And I'm sure anyone's mum would give STD lectures to any teenagers that she could get into the back seat of her taxi. I did have some mercy. I declined the request to a teach sex ed module at their private school. Instead the teacher would send home questions and I would write her a note to be taken back the next day. One of my favorites was, "What is the vas deferens?" I also spent literally thousands of dollars on therapy for both of them. I even took out a mortgage on my house to afford it. It was a total waste of money and the bank ended up with the house. ! I wonder if Dion will be just as enamored with Severus after she finds out he is her daughter's soul mate and she is the love of his life? I would be so jealous! I seriously can't even imagine what is going to happen when those two come out. The only one I can count on is Ginny. Everyone else is a wild card as far as I can see at this point. I have no guesses about who will say what. Will Minerva still support Severus? I do hope so. I hope I am pleasantly surprised by everyone else as well. Maybe Albus will stun me and back them up after he comes to terms with the new Severus Snape. On with the show!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*cackling* I love it! Too funny, darlin. :D I have to say, I am so enjoying that you really can't tell what will happen, particularly with people's reactions. I would hate to be too transparent and predictable. ;P Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
Bless Minerva! I dare say she will be angry at first, but I do believe that when she realizes how much Hermione loves him she will come around. I'm so glad she came down to tell Severus she supports him in his quest for freedom and happiness. Severus is experiencing a whole new world in spite of megalomaniacs like Dumbledore and Voldemort. He is a very useful and powerful tool. It's no wonder they both wanted to control him. He is probably the most powerful wizard next to Dumbledore in Britain, maybe even the world. I do hope that Albus reconsiders his motives. If he persists in believing he owns Severus Snape, I would have to say he is a bad person for all of his twinkling on the outside. I know you said he was like a father that didn't want to let go of a son, but he needs to get over himself or he will lose said son. He probably isn't evil but he is controling, manipulative and has power issues. I know I already said this, but I think they really need to get married before they come out of the closet to shut down any scandle mongering. They aren't just every day people. They are war heros and have reputations to worry about that everyday people don't have to be concerned with. If they are married then no matter what people may accuse them of, they can't say that Severus didn't do the honorable thing by quiting his job and marrying the young woman. Some people like to believe the worst in others as a hobby. They are stupid and stupid people don't matter. I have an idea of where Severus could work!
They could start a second line of products that are serious.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Yeah, you summed Albus up quite nicely, indeed! Thank you for such a lovely review! :)
Tastefully kinky and erotic solutions to several itches, not the least, Severus' newly declared freedom from Albus Dumbledore. I am surprise on one hand that Albus could be so selfish and forcefully maintain his mastery over his ex spy. He seemed to truly be interested in Severus' happiness, but like some parents he can't cut the apron string. He also seems to forget that he wouldnt have needed to work so hard to keep Severus alive if he hadn't been constantly sending him into lif threating circumstances. Albus misstepped himself when he made Severus a possession. I can imagine Hermione having something to say to Dumbledore before they leave the castle for good. Albus is a bully even though he works on the side of the light. Power corrupts as they say. I can imagine Hermione telling Albus Dumbledore "exactly where the bear slept," explaining exactly how things are going to be from now on and letting him know what she is willing to do if he decides not to respect their relationship and autonomy or tries to stand in their way. I think the best thing to do is get married the night of the leaving feast in a small wedding that maybe her parents will be at and Ginny, Neville, Harry and Ron. Severus, with his wife, can turn in his resignation the next day. I know there are more opportunities out there for them and him in particular than the apothecary shop. In his new state of the art lab, he can mix specially requested potions for individuals and corporations. Hermione can help him with the research and inventing new potions. They could do some coloboration with the Twins and be a private contractor for the Ministry and St. Mungos. They can travel and do research while things calm down back at the school. I'm all for their kinky fun and planing for the future. Does Albus Dumbledore forget who Severus Snape is?
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Oh, I am looking forward to you reading further... ;D Albus may not have ever really understood who Severus is, but he'll learn, and fairly quickly too. Thank you so much for such a lovely review! :)
I started to write about this before, but didn't get to finish the review. I think. If this is a repeat just ignore me. I think that Hermione should let Severus know about her plans to stretch her hymen before they consummate their relationship. He is insecure and jealous by nature even if he is doing a spiffing job of changing. I can see a slow train wreck on the horizon that could ruin the most important night in their lives. If Hermione feels different to Severus he may wonder. And if he asks in a way that makes her offended that he would even think she would be with another person that would be a total boner breaker, if you'll forgive the use of the term. I hope she decides to write him a steamy letter telling him about her explorations with the candle. I could see 4 months either making the heart grow fonder, or just as easily the space between them making them more open to misunderstanding. They may become out of practice at communicating. I am surprised that Severus didn't let the apothecary owners know that he has not yet informed his current employer of his plans and that jealous would appreciate it if they would be discreet and not discuss this with anyone else. I wonder why he doesn't apply with St. Mungo's. Maybe he will.I wonder how Minerva is faring.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I think I can safely say, without being too spoilery, that Hermione's explorations don't end in tragedy and interminable angst. *shifty eyes* Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
My Word!!! That Colin did get what he deserved. But my, the drama! It was extremely... wonderful! The entire chapter was extremely wonderful!!! I love, love, loved it! I'm sorry for not reviewing lately but I felt it was building to something and wanted to keep going without stopping when I could. Also, I've been so tired because I've been getting home from work quite late this week, and I know that if I start a review I'll want it worth something and that takes time that would prevent me from being able to read. All day and evening at work I can't wait to get home and read a chapter or two before going to bed.Now, I am wondering about Albus. He isn't daft. He's at least as intelligent as Ginny Weasley. And while Ginny knows Hermione, Albus knows Severus. I do believe he isn't fooled but trusts Severus to be honorable until Hermione graduates. His trust isn't misplaced. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if this entire contest was all just a ruse for Severus' benefit. Although Severus is older than Hermione,his emotional growth has been stunted and I think Albus knows that.Hermione is exceptional and more mature than the boys her age. Someone as intelligent as Dumbledore must have seen that they would make the perfect couple. And he loves Severus like a son in this story, I think. Also he can't stop from meddling. It must be a little boring and anticlimactic for a strategist like Dumbledore without Voldemort around. This would be a big huge plan that would last the entire school year, take a lot of planning and time for Dumbledore to work on, he is obviously having fun and it gives these two time to fall in love! That is my theory at this point. I seldom read a long story that I become emotionally invested in without checking the ending to make sure it isn't sad. Actually, I don't think I can read a story without becoming emotionally invested so I can't bare sad endings. But you've said this has a happy ending so I'm glad to tell you that you have the honor of being the only author in forever that I haven't read the ending first. At least I don't think I have. ...If I have I don't remember it. I am getting so forgetful. It scares me. Seriously. I hope it's only stress. I have that in spades with adult children and their children living with me, sucking the life out of me and all my money too. None of them work. Well, enough of that. I read you to forget that crap! On with the story!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Whoops! I can't believe I missed this review earlier. Sorry! :( I can guarantee that this fic has a happy ending, so I am glad you are sticking around. :) Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
"All right Hermione, spill it! Just what's going on between you and Snape?" a stanza of intense and slightly alarming music is inserted here. What the Hell, Hermione. Just tell her. You have enough dirt on her to get her expelled if she says anything. She is usually a very reliable secret keeper. And as your friend she will he happy if you are. She may even be able to do you the occasional turn of favor and cover for you.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
LOL!!! I can hear exactly what you're describing. Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I love the letter!!! It's wonderful that Severus and Hermione are equally inexperienced in the matters of the heart. The letter is sweetly mushy, blooming with youthful enthusiasm and titillating; and it was received with simple joy, surprise, and equally exuberant arousal. His first love letter was a doozy! Wait until they have some experience writing naughty letters! I'm very happy for Harry and Ginny. I hope Harry loves Ginny as much as she deserves. I suppose it goes without saying that she is a much better match than Hermione.It was pretty amazing the effect Snape's fear had on him in preventing him from punishing Harry and Ginny on that table. I wouldn't have expected such a reaction once he'd registered it wasn't Hermione. I would have thought that he would have been delighted in the opportunity to embarrass and punish Harry Potter. He's fallen hard. Poor man. I hope having what he's been longing for can live up to his expectations and hopes fueled by all this anticipation. I guess letting the kids go shows that he isn't motivated by meanness really. He just didn't have anything better to think about before. Everyone hated him and he hated them before they could hate him so there! But now he can move on past puberty and past his hatred of his childhood enemies, James and Sirius. He's the only one of them still alive for, goodness sake! Put those childish things behind you, Severus, and live! Maybe you have already paid for this good karma and they have paid for their cruelty. Stop disliking Harry just because he's a Potter. It eats away at you like a cancer. Be free of it. Forgive like you have been forgiven and be healed. It will help your relationship with Hermione too. What could be better than helping your relationship with Hermione, hmmmm?
I also want to say that I have always loved the twins. The return letter was excellent. Fred and George should have never been separated any more than the paramount potion's master in the world would be caught without antivenin with a known deadly snake.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*pleased grin* Y'know, I really hope you continue to enjoy some of the stuff coming up, because it SO addresses things you've brought up here. *rubs hands together in anticipation* And I love that you enjoyed the twins' letter. I wanted to capture their voice, even if only for a short blurb. I lovelovelove your deliciously thoughtful reviews. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
I truly enjoy the way Severus has taken the plunge and isn't reluctant to tell Hermione that he loves her at least 3 times, I think, in the last few hours. I am extremely happy that they were able to retrieve their memories of each other so quickly. I have no doubt that Ginny will figure out there is something going on between these two. The only question is how soon? Well, and will she be supportive? I think she will. I think she will see that they match eachother. Twice in my life another person told me there was something between myself and male of the species while I was in denial about it, I guess. And didn't see it until a 3rd party told me straight up. Both said it was the way we looked at each other when we interacted and they were dubious about the fact that I was not aware of it because to them it was so obvious. I admit there was what I had considered some harmless flirting going on, but I told myself that is was all a lark. The first time, I had really pushed those feelings deep inside and I was truly flabbergasted when I was told that the young man was in love with me by a mutual friend. Once I had possession of that knowledge however, my own feelings came rushing up at me out of nowhere and floored me. It was kind of awful because I was in a long engagement to someone else that lived far away whom I only saw about once a month and had to share him with his family when he would come to see me. I was still in school and he was 7 years older than I was.Once the cat was out of the bag, I dreamed of that young man at least once a week then once a month for the next 13 years because we had unfinished business when we parted. All of my dreams were trying to resolve the issue and get closure. Finally I got fat enough that I would be too embarrassed if he ever saw me again and the dreams mostly stopped. But...I still think of him from time to time 35 years later. I enjoyed this chapter very much. Once again, you have done such a wonderful job of making the reader feel what our Hermione and Severus are experiencing.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*wriggles in happiness* I love that you are pleased about feeling what the characters are experiencing. I strive so much for plausibility and believability that it warms the cockles of my heart to get such lovely feedback. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
I certainly can't blame Dione for having a fan girl crush on Severus. What red blooded woman in her right mind wouldn't? Dude is totally hot! Hermione should be glad it gave her the opportunity to come to an understanding with her man that Severus belongs to her ...and he likes it! And don't we all wish we had a dad like Mr. Granger? It must be very difficult for some parents to send their children away to boarding school. However, it probably makes some other parents and young people appreciate one another in a way that would never happen if they had been in eachother's space all the time, struggling for who's in control and experiencing full blown teenage angst. Over all it has been an extremely satisfiying trip.
And now they don't have to worry about Severus having to meet Hermione's parents in the circumstance of, "Mom. Dad. This is my former Potion's Professor Severus Snape. I have some very exciting news for you. Severus and I are in love and plan to spend the rest of our lives together. We fell in love while playing oposite each other in the school play."
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Your reviews bring joy to my day. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
This was a sweet and fun chapter. I love that Severus has a sense of humor. When are they going to "do" it?! Or at least go to second base! This is going to be a long school year!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Oh, darlin, this is definitely gonna be a long school year... LOL Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I can't imagine what mischief I would have gotten into if I had the ability to silence my parents door. For some strange reason, ever since I was in 10 th grade, I would be out in the front whatever car with my boyfriend and I just knew my parents would never come out side to check on us or wonder what we could possibly be doing in the driveway for 5 hours with the windows fogged up. They locked the front door and went to bed. Only once did I forget my house key and had to wake my parents at 1 AM to get in. They really trusted me. Why? We never had intercourse but we did just about every thing else. I was the mother who came looking for you if you were a half hour late. I didn't trust my daughters because I knew I wasn't exactly Polly Anna when I was their age. I mostly just ended up knowing more than I wanted to about my kids personal lives. If your progeny don't stop themselves by choice, there isn't a lot you can do unless you keep them tied to you 24/7 with a rope around your waist. Only one daughter was boy crazy. Things had changed. I don't know what the definition of slut changed to but it didn't include girls that slept with their boyfriend from 8th grade up. I never needed to be on birth control until a month before my wedding. I made sure my little minx was on the pill because I didn't believe I could trust her and I was right. At least Hermione is an adult and Hermione or Severus must certainly know contraception spells. I'm feeling as frustrated as Hermione here. But he's right. And it won't hurt them to wait. I did and I'm still glad. But they've made a lot of head way in their relationship. Wouldn't it be better to just come clean to Dumbledore that they are in love with each other through no fault of their own, but that they promise to follow the school charter and will be very discrete and won't tell anyone else but him. Rather than finding ways to keep them apart, I inclined to think that Dumbledore would find ways to give them time together and would cover for them so that Minerva doesn't find out until after the school year is over.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bounces in glee* Oh, I love how invested you are, and how awesome your reviews are. Thank you so much, as always! :)
Absolutely lovely! The play was wonderful. All the flirting is building massive quantities of tension! I can imagine how they are feeling during desert. It's like being there. You expressed every movement, thought and feeling so exquisitely. In my springtime I remember a young man. We wanted each other but we couldn't go there. I was spoken for and had made my choice. I made the practical choice, but not my heart's choice. I was mature enough to know that the butterflies in your tummy don't last forever. We did things together pretending to be just friends The tension was painful and delightful at the same time. I'm still pretty sure I made the right decision.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Why, thank you! I'm so glad it came across so well (I try to describe exactly how I see things playing out in my head, so it's as detailed as I can make it, LOL). As for the tension, I was called the Queen of UST back in the day when I was writing this. *snerk* But, it'll all be resolved, I promise! ;) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
Poor Hermione. Her parents were very ebarrassing. But isn't that what parents are for? At least we know that when Hermone and Severus can finally come out of the closet, Dione will be on Hermione's side. She would totally understand what Hermione sees in Severus Snape. And Geoff is a nice man so I think he'll be OK. I couldn't write all the reviews I wanted because it wakes up dad. I wanted to ask you a question on a previous chapter. If Severus takes dreamless sleep and there is an emergency in Slytherin house, can he wake up to tend to the problem? I just want to say that the 4.5 stars on some of the chapters baffel me. I think they are all 5's. I have 20 more minutes before I have to go to bed so I must return to reading. Happy Sunday night.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*blush* Aww, you're so kind! Re: Dreamless Sleep, I have always thought of it like an over the counter sleep aid, which in my experience just keeps you groggier if you're woken up, but you can be, with proper interference. LOL I had SO MUCH FUN writing this chapter. :D As for writing reviews--I appreciate any and all, whether they're on all the chapters you wanted to review or not! Thank you as always for reviewing! :)
I've been excitedly reading the last 4 chapters and you have met and exceeded my hopes and expetations. I can't type more because the sound bothers my husband's sleep. Hugs and kisses. I Love It!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bounces* Yay! I'm so glad you've been enjoying it. Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
Do witches and wizards listen to the same holiday music as muggles? I hope Hermione doesn't regret forgetting to take the smut reading material that she had borrowed from Ginny out of her bra before the party.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I daresay there may be some old standards that may crossover. LOL Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
You have taken my breath away. How exciting and horrible to want someone one shouldn't and can't have. The play...such a brave young woman to make him kiss her. What will Severus do to punish himself and Hermione for this secret that has been exposed. Desire. Humiliation.
Hurry. Send him an owl, Hermione or a house elf with a note to let him know you reciprocate his feelings. Thank him for being such a gentleman and not pressing his advantage. Are you wise enough and mature enough to be proactive once again?
You aren't afraid of him. Can you imagine how he must be feeling and prevent the damage? It would be very hard not to be carried away with her own emotions and physical sensation and not to tarry hashing it out over and over in her mind before she finally realizes the danger. Will she see it immediately or think of it too late?
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
And you've just taken my breath away! *bounces* Oh, I love that you're enjoying this and are so invested in it so far. It brings me such joy. Thank you for such a lovely review! :)
I really enjoyed the interaction between Severus and Hermione when they got their costumes and Hermione did his hair. I am really glad he got to see her telling Harry off. I don't know how much longer they will be able to keep their hands off eachother. There is so much suppressed sexual tension that if when they actually kissed kiss they might combust. I'm actually looking forward to her detention. This was important bridge chapter. I wonder what else is going on in Dumbledore's head. He is no fool. I can't believe he doesn't see the sexual tension between these two, or at least the potential for it eventually. He does have a great deal of confidence in Severus. I believe he is sure Severus would never be inappropriate with a student,...but she's an adult. Is he tryig to fix them up or is he really just a mean manipulating old puffter that truly gets enjoyment out of making other people uncomfortable and embarrassed because he's Albus Dumbledore and he can? How do the "good guys" find an outlet for their control and power issues? They pick on others and prentend it's a joke. If Voldemort worked this hard at embarrassing Severus would we think he was just being evil or that it was just all in good fun and that he only teases people he cares for as a show of affection? I think not.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*huge grin* I daresay your questions about "good guy" Albus will be answered in due time. *snerk* Thank you again for such a lovely review! :)
Again, Wow! The scene with Severus' jealous rage was incredible. I'm happy that Hermione perceives all things in Severus Snape she told Harry. I really hope he thinks about what she said and heeds her warning, if not garner some sense of respect for the man. I felt a sense of satisfaction when she admitted that if Harry had been that angry his lack of control would have brought down half the castle. Harry won't be able to let this go as well as Hermione. He isn't as mature and...he isn't falling for someone else. This whole thing will prove very unpleasant for a while I suspect. I'm kind of sorry for Harry. How can he not help but be attracted to Hermione, but he hasn't got a tinker's chance in hell against Severus Snape? How long before Severus realizes Hermione broke it off with Harry? Will he at all admit to himself that it was because of him? No. I think not. How long before Harry realizes that next to Severus Snape's power, discipline, knowledge, experience, awesomeness and mojo, he's got a long way to go and he may as well move on? Well, I doubt he'll ever see Snape as sexually appealing, so no mojo epiphany expected. I wonder, how long it will take Hermione to get Severus to trust her? Which will take longer; Harry to realize he can't compete with Severus Snape for the girl or for Severus Snape to trust Hermione? I don't envy Hermione right now. But Severus Snape is worth it. Amazing chapter!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bursts out laughing* Mojo epiphany? LOVE IT! So glad you're enjoying; thanks so much for reviewing! :)