63- Showtime!

Standard Disclaimer goes here.

A/N- It's been a long time coming again, and I apologize, but RL sure does know how to take over free time. *sigh* BUT, this chappie is a long one, so I hope you enjoy it. Thanks as always to Ladyofthemasque, and thanks again to Horserider! And of course, thank you to all you faithful readers who continue to offer support even though the delays. *hugs you all* :) Now, the show must go on!

Chapter 63- Showtime!

Upon arriving in Snape's quarters, Hermione rolled her eyes and dropped her forehead to his chest with a groan.

"What's wrong? Hermione, are you all right?"

Sagging against him, Hermione sighed and said, "It's my mum again! I swear she's enamoured of you, and that's just so..." She seemed to writhe, trying to come up with the right word. Finally, she sagged against him more and blurted, "...awkward."

Snape gave a faint snort, wrapping his arms around her in comfort. "Try to focus on the bright side: at least they like me, right?"

Pulling back and levelling a grim look at him, she pursed her lips and huffed. Then, stepping out of his embrace toward the bathroom, she cast a foreboding glance over her shoulder and said, "For now." With that, she disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Snape to frown after her in unease.

When she emerged, laden with the hair products, Snape was sitting in his armchair, twisted about, staring at her. "Just what did you mean by that?"

Rolling her eyes a second time, she took up residence behind him and firmly grasped the crown of his head, turning him to face forward again. As she began brushing his hair, she said, "I mean, I have no idea what they'll do once they see us kissing in the play. You know how others have reacted! They could get all parental, or worse, my mum could bloody well get jealous!"

Snape was silent, blinking as he absorbed her words. He was at a loss. Never had he been in such an odd situation, and he had no idea what to do. After a long moment, he was startled to hear Hermione muttering vehemently behind him.

"I've seen the way she looks at you. She fluttered around when we were in London, all nervous like a schoolgirl, and she's almost as bad now. Honestly! Just waving at you across the Hall... charging through to accost you like that... in front of everyone! For all I know, she'll just be more attracted to you after you perform..." She paused long enough to shudder. "And if my mother starts lusting after you..." Snape felt a particularly violent tug on his hair, but held his tongue. "I will not tell her how good a kisser you are!"

At that, Snape was torn between shuddering in sympathy and barking with laughter at Hermione's unexpected declaration. When she had subsided to what sounded like growls, smoothing the pomade through his hair, he eventually dared to say, "So... I'm a good kisser, eh?"

Hermione burst forth with an inarticulate exclamation of indignation, followed closely by her dropping the brush and circling around in front of him, her hands planted on her hips as she glared at him. He kept his expression one of inquiry, but mischief danced in his eyes. Shaking her head at his distracting manoeuvre, she decided to play along with his attempt to lighten the mood. Smirking at him, she lilted, "I'll concede that you have been in the past. But I daresay you'll have to remind me just so I can be sure."

Cracking a grin, Snape reached out and gripped her waist, tugging her into his lap, where he swooped in and snogged her thoroughly. After several minutes, during which his hand had crept up her leg and slid beneath her robes, he pulled back, locking heated eyes with hers.

In a throaty purr, he said, "I've missed you so. Let me come to you. You know we can be careful."

Hermione felt a surge of moisture in her knickers and sucked in a breath. "I-I want to..."

Pressing his advantage by slipping his hand further up her thigh to lightly graze her damp knickers, he urged, "Then say yes. I've behaved; I haven't bothered you. Surely that deserves some sort of reward?" He nipped along the cord of her neck as he spoke, sending chills over her body.

"It'll be easier to be covert once everyone has gone for the holiday. Perhaps you should wait until then." Her breath was becoming more uneven, and she was fighting the desire to squirm off his lap and tear his trousers open.

Grinding his erection against her, he murmured, "Why not have both? Haven't you missed me? Haven't you missed this?" One deft finger delved under the elastic of her knickers, slipping over her damp curls and curling in to slot between her swelling lips. Her ragged gasp as he circled her clit gave him his answer.

Eyes closing despite herself, Hermione was submerged under the intense sensations, all the stronger for having been denied. A low moan issued from her parted lips and she felt her legs opening further in invitation.

Giving in to the rush of lust, and carried along on the momentum of the moment, Snape cradled Hermione in his arms and shot to his feet, staggering to his bedroom, where he all but threw her onto his bed. Her surprised squeak turned into an encouraging moan when he made quick work of opening her robes, shoving her clothing out of the way, and pulling her knickers down her legs.

When he crawled alongside her, his hand sweeping up her thigh to cup her mound, Hermione curled forward, feverishly trying to make her way through his clothes to free his cock. A strangled groan from Snape increased her effort, and she ended up sitting up, shoving him onto his back and imitating his frenzied disrobing of her person.

His eyes were screwed shut as she pulled his erection from his trousers, but they snapped open again at the feel of her tongue swiping the moisture from the tip. A shocked, "Hermione!" made her pause.

Face flushed, eyes bright with lust, lips glistening, she gazed up at him, crouched over with her hand wrapped around the base of his cock. "What?"

The innocence of her query was belied by the positively sinful way she dipped her head and swirled her tongue around the flared tip.

Hands gripping the bedclothes, Snape panted and said, "That wasn't... my intention..."

Lips spreading in a wicked grin, she murmured, "I know, but you just inspired me." Then, she leant forward again and slid as much of his cock into her mouth as she could, keeping her hand wrapped around the lower half. As she slid back up, suckling, she stroked her hand up as well, and Snape's head slammed back onto the bed.

"Holy mother of Merlin... Yes... Just like that... Good gods, love... It's incredible..."

Hermione continued stroking and suckling, enjoying his reactions so much that a fresh surge of wetness trickled between her thighs. The unexpected intensity was enough that it didn't take him long to climax, and this time, when he warned her, she knew that the first spurt wasn't all of it, and she was ready for it.

Snape's drawn-out roar wavered with the convulsions coursing over his body. Hermione pulled back so just her lips were wrapped around the head of his cock, but kept stroking with her hand until the rhythmic pulses of liquid onto her tongue finished, leaving him to collapse back onto the bed, trying desperately to catch his breath.

Neatly slipping her pursed lips off the end, Hermione carefully released his shaft, idly flicking her wand toward his bathroom, wordlessly Summoning a towel. Turning to one side, she discreetly spat into the towel, drying her mouth and hands before dropping it to the floor beside his bed.

Snape lay there, panting, staring incredulously at her. Smug and serene, she smiled at him, then said, "I'm sorry; I interrupted you, didn't I?"

Her teasing smirk and goading comment lit a blaze of challenge in Snape's eyes, and he shoved up onto his elbows, reaching forward to tug Hermione down beside him. When she settled on her back, giggling, Snape rolled onto his knees, tucked himself into his trousers, and crept back down the bed, his hands smoothing along her legs again.

When he reached her drenched curls, he wasted no time in sinking one long finger into her, grinning at her moan and the way she arched her back and closed her eyes. Pressing up, he found the centre of pleasure within her, and she shuddered. Fluttering his finger against that spot, he leant down and traced his tongue between her pussy lips, lightly circling her clit. Her gasp and whimper spurred him to further action, pressing harder and suckling her flesh.

He could tell that she was cresting her peak quickly...which was all to the good, considering their situation...and he suckled firmly, purring against the engorged nub between his lips. Hermione's legs tried to clamp shut, and she curled forward, bucking in her orgasm. Her breathless shriek filled his ears, and the way she chanted his name as she came down from her climax made his chest tight with emotion.

Gently disengaging from her, Snape sucked his finger into his mouth, laving her juices from it. As Hermione blinked dazedly up at him, he grinned. "As fantastic as all that undeniably was, we have a performance for which to prepare, my love."

Nodding weakly, Hermione struggled to rise, scrabbling for her knickers. Before she put them on, she cast a quick cleansing spell on them, drying the fabric for comfort. Hurriedly putting themselves back in order, they exchanged sheepish yet delighted grins, then returned to the sitting room to finish Snape's hair.

A glance at the clock told them that their tumultuous liaison had taken less than fifteen minutes, from snog to satiation. Hermione deftly smoothed his hair where it had been mussed in their lusty romp, finishing the task quickly. While she worked, a faint bemused smile quirked her lips.

Her voice thoughtful, she said, "So, does that qualify as a 'quickie'?" At the tail of her query, she patted Snape's shoulders, indicating that she was done. Snape immediately twisted in the chair to regard her with raised brows.

He stared at her, incredulous. "What?"

Stepping around to drop into his lap again, she said, "Well, you know how people talk about having a 'quickie'... So, what we just did: does that qualify?"

Snape blinked. Slowly, he said, "I guess it's all relative." At her inquiring tilt of the head, he continued awkwardly, "I suppose that if one's usual experiences are of a longer duration, that may qualify, but if one is unfortunate enough to encounter only those whose stamina may be lacking, that may be longer than what they are used to." Averting his eyes sheepishly, he cleared his throat and said, "For the record, such rapid conclusions will not be my norm, I assure you."

Hermione's brows shot up as she realized he was worried she may have found him lacking. Darting forward to plant a reassuring kiss on his lips, she murmured, "Mmm, I look forward to your proof." Then, pulling back and sighing, she said, "But, we didn't dare spend too much time this time as it is, since," and she nodded toward the clock, "we are about to be running late for the show."

With that, she stood, tugging Snape up after her. Once again giving herself a quick once-over to make sure she was presentable, she tucked her hand in the crook of his arm, smiling up at him in affection and excitement. Snape gathered his mask and gazed into her upturned face, catching the contagious spark of anticipation. With a nod, they Disapparated.

They appeared in the corridor outside the lounge where the families were waiting just in time to see Professor McGonagall emerging with the cast in tow.

"Ah, Severus, Miss Granger, excellent. Come along now; it's time to prepare for the show." She nodded and gestured for them to follow.

Hermione removed her hand from Snape's arm and obediently inserted herself into the group at McGonagall's heels. Snape waited until they were all out before taking up the rear. Interested faces leant out of the lounge doorway, watching the cast entering the Hall, but no one was daring enough to actually step into the corridor and peek into the Hall through the open door.

Dumbledore was at the orchestra, doublechecking all of the instruments. As she passed him, McGonagall tilted her head toward the set pieces, and he nodded. She then did a quick survey to make sure that everything was as it should be. The students huddled about in nervous groups, muttering and whispering.

Snape hung back in the house as Dumbledore called for everyone who needed the singing spell to line up on the apron of the stage. The array of flushed, pale, and green-tinged faces that met their eyes was alarming to say the least.

"Mr. Weasley, are you all right?" The surprised concern in Dumbledore's voice drew everyone's attention. Susan stood next to him, gripping his hand tightly in an attempt at comfort.

Ron swallowed with difficulty and said, "Just... anxious. That's all, Professor." On both sides of him, others nodded and grimaced in agreement.

Hermione, knowing from past experience in Quidditch how poorly Ron could react to pressure, ascended the stage and said bracingly, "What is there to be nervous about? It's our families and friends out there tonight. They're going to be amazed and impressed no matter what...and we're quite amazing and impressive at this point anyhow, not to put too fine a point on it...so we should just enjoy ourselves!"

She looked at everyone, hoping to see them relaxing, but they all gazed at her with a mixture of incredulity and reproach. A quiver of dismay roiled in her stomach, suddenly afraid that they wouldn't rise to the challenge after all this hard work. The flutter of panic showed in her eyes as she spun, searching for Snape.

"Professor Snape?"

Snape strode down the aisle. "Yes, Miss Granger?"

Her gaze was imploring and her query held a touch of desperation as she said, "What was it exactly that you gave Harry at rehearsal after the rope mishap?"

Dumbledore averted his eyes in chagrin, and even Harry looked elsewhere, pretending he wasn't listening.

"A simple Calming Draught."

Hermione rounded on Harry. "It worked for you, didn't it, Harry? You felt better right away, right?"

Harry blinked, taken aback. "Uh, yeah, it was fine. Felt kind of detached from the world, but nothing bothered me anymore."

Whirling back to Dumbledore, she said, "If people are so worried that it's making them ill, couldn't Professor Snape get them some of that potion?"

Before Dumbledore could respond, Snape climbed onto the apron with the rest of them. His expression was inscrutable as he said, "Miss Granger, if you had listened to Mr. Potter's answer, you would have noted that he felt disconnected from the world. Considering the emotional aspect of performing, one should be 'bothered' enough to act accordingly. A Calming Draught would hamper one's acting ability, and that is not what is needed tonight."

Hermione's face fell, and her shoulders sagged in defeat. Snape surveyed the cast again, eyes narrowed.

"I must say that I am surprised that so many of you are held captive by nerves. I thought that we had covered this last time. Don't you remember? You will not be able to see the audience past the glare of the lights. And Miss Granger had a point: our audience tonight will be far from critical in any respect. Therefore, what has you so worried? If you feel nervous, channel that energy into your performance! This is merely the end of a journey, and an opportunity to get those jitters out before the performance that really counts is upon us."

He paused, watching the wheels turning in their heads as they exchanged thoughtful glances. Some seemed to stiffen their resolve after his words, but a few others were still crumbling.

Veering to take a completely different tack, he snorted in derision and his lip curled as he said, his voice more venomous than it had been in some months, "I knew it. I knew the vaunted 'Gryffindor bravery' was a lie." In the wake of his insult, gasps of shock ricocheted through the cast, and every Gryffindor there glared at him with blazing indignation.

Hermione stared at him, hurt, and Ginny eyed him with shrewd calculation. Harry scowled angrily, while Neville and Parvati clasped hands and straightened stiffly, glaring at Snape in high dudgeon. Ron and Colin, who were the shakiest of the remaining nervous students, went from wan to brick red in an instant, House pride pricking them into reacting.

Colin breathed a faint, "It's not a lie," while agitatedly rubbing his hands on his trousers to dry his clammy palms.

Sucking in a breath and shaking off Susan's grip, Ron resettled his shoulders and said, "We're not cowards!" He shoved his jaw out in defiance, holding Snape's disdainful gaze.

Eyes narrowing even more, and one corner of his mouth quirking up, Snape drawled, "Then prove it." After a beat of charged silence, he cocked one eyebrow up and smirked, crossing his arms as he watched realization dawning on face after face.

Ginny's brows shot up, and a faint, "Oh!" burst from her lips. Snape cut a glance at the redhead, and she was shaking her head in amazement, a tiny smile on her face. Hermione looked between them, and quickly followed Ginny's conclusion. Relief flooded her as she understood Snape's purposeful manipulation.

But it was Neville who startled the rest of the cast with his crow of, "You!" As they all turned to him, he continued, "You don't really mean that! You just said that to rile us up!"

Snape remained silent, but when accusing glares whipped back to him, he merely slid his gaze over the cast and raised his eyebrows, shrugging nonchalantly and letting his arms fall to his sides.

A chuckle from the wing wafted out over the astonished sighs and mutters. McGonagall stepped out and smirked at Snape. "Thank you, Severus, for reminding us all of whom and what we are. Very clever and cunning of you." Snape sketched a bow and flicked a self-satisfied glance over the students who were still marvelling at him and his tactics. As he backed away, she stood straight and said briskly, "Now, since your momentary lapse of confidence has passed, let's remember everything Professor Snape has so deftly manoeuvred us to see, and give the very best performance we can!"

Decided nods followed her rousing words, and everyone got into their first costumes as they finally accepted Suaviloquentia from the headmaster. Once Draco and Pansy had cast their glamours as well, Dumbledore said, "Everyone must stay backstage from now on, as I shall be opening the house to the audience. Be quiet, and await my return for the start of the show."

As everyone scurried into the wings, Dumbledore began closing the curtain. Snape, curious about how Dumbledore was going to handle all of the spells for the orchestra and set pieces, Apparated behind him in the house.

"Severus! You should be backstage."

"I shall in a moment. I just wanted to know if you were going to be in the house as usual to effect all of the set changes. It might distract the audience if they can see you doing everything."

Dumbledore smiled. "I shall be right here as usual, but I will not be visible. I wouldn't want to do anything that might take away from the audience's experience of this performance. I know it will be spectacular." The two men looked at each other for a long moment, Dumbledore's smile fading. Finally he said, "That was a clever way to manipulate them into getting past their nerves. Well done."

Snape gazed at him a beat longer, then said coolly, "I learned from the best." With that, he Disapparated backstage again, leaving Dumbledore to bear the sting of that barb.

Backstage, the tension was palpable, but at least people weren't falling apart like earlier. Snape wandered among the cast, pacing like a caged tiger, energy building within him as the opening moment drew closer. Although the cast was already quiet, they went completely silent and still when they heard Dumbledore opening the doors and welcoming the audience into the house. Their tableau was finally broken when Dumbledore himself appeared from the wing, ushered in by the rising buzz of conversation beyond the curtain.

With a flourish, he cast a Silencing Spell on the curtain, turning to face the cast with a huge smile.

"When I start the linked charms for the orchestra, they will run to completion, unless I have to stop them for any untoward reason. We've already done this several times over, so you should be fine. Just pay attention, and above all, have fun!"

He fished a pocket watch from within his robes and said, "We'll be starting in about fifteen minutes. I'll be out there, running the show as always, but you won't be able to see me." He didn't see Snape's mouth twisting at his comment. "I must say, everyone out there is eager to see you all. I have also placed mirrors in one of the rows to test them again before next week. Beyond them, your families are seated closest, and the rest of the student body is behind them. I'm so exceedingly proud of you all... But, I must run. Break a leg, everyone!"

With one final grin, he whirled and retreated to the wing, removing the Silencing Spell as he went. The cast exchanged looks, still seemingly rooted to the stage, until Snape stepped forward and murmured, "Places, everyone. Be ready."

Taking deep breaths, they scattered to their opening places, and Snape nodded slowly before Disapparating.

From his vantage point in Box Five, Snape peeked out at the animated audience talking and gazing about at the theatre. When the lights began to dim, a susurrus of shushing and hissed commands to be quiet rippled through the throng. Suddenly, the orchestra began playing, and a whoosh of surprised gasps swept over the audience.

A thrill raced over Snape, like liquid fire in his veins, as what felt like the culmination of his destiny was set into motion. The curtain opened, and the audience went silent just in time to hear the crack of the gavel as the lights onstage came up to reveal the auction scene.

The performance ran smoothly, full of energy and life. Snape noticed the difference between how it felt being onstage and not being able to see the audience and his unusual position of being able to pop about and see both the performance and the audience. His chest swelled with pride at the entranced faces in the house, and he thrilled to the sounds of their gasps, murmurs, and applause. Whenever he was in the wings, he could tell that the rest of the cast had forgotten all anxiety in the joyous high that came with a responsive audience.

When he Apparated under the trap door with Hermione, he couldn't stop himself from enveloping her in a bone-crushing embrace, stealing her breath with a consuming kiss. Struggling for air, Hermione pulled away enough to see the excitement lighting his black eyes, and she beamed back at him, silent, as words were unnecessary.

During Pansy's croaking scene, it delighted the cast to hear the audience's laughter cut short by Snape's malicious chuckles echoing through the space. Scores of wary faces turned up to see the chandelier shaking as Snape crowed, "Behold, she is singing to bring down the chandelier!" Then, when Pansy had rushed off, distraught, and the scene continued, with Snape flitting about and casting menacing shadows, the cast mentally steeled themselves for the audience's reaction to Terry's drop from the catwalks in the noose.

They were not disappointed.

Several shrieks of dismay and startled oaths sounded throughout the house when Terry dropped, swinging like a deadweight from the cable. It was a credit to him that he didn't react to them by changing expression, but it did give Neville something to address when he came out to control the situation. As the sets shifted to the roof, and the music and chaos quieted, the audience's rapt concentration was almost palpable.

Harry and Hermione filled the air with sweetness in their duet, only to be followed by Snape chilling the theatre with his despair. During the faint singing by Harry and Hermione from the wings, after Snape had crumbled onstage under the Phantom's loss, furtive sniffling was audible in the house, proving just how moving his performance was.

Then, as his rage grew, and he rode the statue back up to the proscenium, the sets changed again, placing Hermione on the apron, where, when Snape shouted, "Go!" the chandelier rocked ominously, flashing and tinkling as it came loose and plummeted at her feet. Not only did Hermione cringe and cover her face as it crashed and went dark, but more shrieks of alarm rang out in the house as people ducked and scrambled for their wands, in a vain attempt to protect themselves.

When the theatre was dark, and the music had come to a triumphant end, there was a split second of electric silence before the audience erupted into applause. The applause crescendoed, buoyed along by the cheers and whistles that went with it. As the house lights came up, allowing the audience their intermission, the cast was huddling in ecstatic groups in the wings, beaming, hugging, and clapping each other on the back. Dumbledore suddenly appeared, having reversed his concealment charm, and cast another Silencing Spell on the curtain, muting the conversational buzz from the house.

"Splendid! Everything is perfectly wonderful! I can see the audience's faces, and they're all so moved by your spectacular performances. Well done, and keep it up for Act Two!" Shining eyes and wide smiles answered him. Nodding happily, he said, "Not much longer now until the Entre-Acte begins, so I'll just get back out there..." With that, he lifted the Silencing Spell and disappeared again.

Everyone changed into their Masquerade costumes, some displaying their jittery excitement more than others...bouncing on the balls of their feet, shaking their hands from the wrist, going through the dance steps, pacing, or rolling their heads on their necks and exhaling forcefully as they shook every limb and stretched every joint to release their tension.

The music began, and eventually, the lights dimmed again. Ron and Neville flashed grins and thumbs-up signs at the rest of the cast before heading onstage to start Act Two.

Even from his vantage point on the stage in the midst of the Masquerade scene, Snape heard the audience's collective gasp when he appeared out of thin air, resplendent in the Red Death costume. There was a smattering of applause when he disappeared again, complete with the puff of smoke.

He took up residence again in Box Five as he waited through the second "Notes" scene and Harry's daring plan, followed by the rehearsal for "Don Juan," for Hermione to sing her solo. When she began, his chest tightened in pride and love, and he watched, satisfied, as people in the audience wiped away tears and applied handkerchiefs and tissues to their noses in response to the haunting emotion in her voice. At the end, he Apparated to the crypt, creeping up from behind it and singing in the most gentle, coaxing manner possible.

The scene's tension grew instantly when Harry arrived, and the audience gasped as one when Snape began shooting fireballs from the pike. Then, after Snape's enraged bellow, and blanketing the stage with fire from the pike, he cast Sollumaren and Disapparated to the sounds of startled exclamations in the audience.

In the scene that followed, when Snape popped about, voicing his taunts, he could see the audience's heads whipping about, looking for him. The sound of scores of people jumping in surprise at Seamus firing the gun was followed by hushed murmurs.

Finally, they were to the "Don Juan" scene, and Snape felt his gut roiling with anticipation of "Point of No Return." Apparating into the curtained bed, he exchanged pleased glances with Draco, who was smirking in satisfaction at how well the performance was going. Then, at Dean's urging, he slipped out of the bed and sidled up behind Hermione at the table, feeling the charged connection between them.

As he began singing to Hermione, luring her deeper into the sensual decadence of the Point of No Return, he could tell that a silence more profound than had yet governed the theatre had fallen over the audience. That silence swelled with the growing passion between himself and Hermione, and the growing tension in those watching it.

Their movements and intonations were sultry and seductive, and Snape felt tingles chasing through him every time he was in contact with Hermione. As the song ended, he dropped to one knee and fished the ring from his pocket, his voice changing to hopeful and winsome as he began his version of "All I Ask of You."

He was not prepared for the force with which the idea struck him...he, too, wanted the woman he loved to stay with him always. Therefore, shouldn't he, Snape, also be approaching her, Hermione, with a proposal? Wasn't that the way things were usually done?

So stunned was he by the thought that he very nearly froze, autopilot being the only thing keeping him going. Hermione pushed his mask off, and he stared up at her for a beat longer than normal before coming to his senses and shooting to his feet, where he snatched her to him and Disapparated.

As Ginny's scream rang through the theatre, and chaos reigned onstage, Snape and Hermione appeared under it, beneath the trap door. Hermione was gazing at Snape with concern.

"Severus? Are you all right?" Even though the cacophony above them would surely mask any sound, she whispered, mainly from uncertainty.

Snape's mind was reeling, and he stared at her mutely. Ruthlessly shoving his unsettling thoughts further back in his head, he doggedly refocused on the performance, knowing it was more important at the moment. Blinking and shaking his head, he uttered a clipped, "I'm fine," before glancing up and hissing, "Let's go." With that, he Apparated them to the boat, releasing her to sit down as he poled it onstage after McGonagall and Harry disappeared amid the shifting sets.

When they exited into the opposite wing, Hermione squinted up at him, still perplexed at his minute flash of what she could only interpret as nerves. He was intently watching the mist fill the stage before Harry dropped into the trapdoor, and he looked to be back to normal as far as his concentration went, but she knew something had happened, and she was going to get to the bottom of it before the Ministry performance.

The sets changed to the Phantom's Lair, and they entered again, Snape roughly manhandling her against the portcullis after her display of defiance. There was a spate of shocked gasps in the audience at the blatant sensuality in the way Snape pressed his body against Hermione's on the portcullis and caressed her before she turned her face away from him.

Then, when Hermione approached him, gently touching his face as she sang, "This haunted face holds no horror for me now," it seemed as if the whole theatre were holding its breath. And, when she continued, sliding her hand to his chest and pushing him back in contempt as she sang, "It's in your soul that the true distortion lies," the audience nearly sucked all of the air out of the space as they gasped in shock at her audacity.

It was in the charged moment after that crushing insult that Harry emerged from the trapdoor, causing Snape's expression to morph from icy fury to almost manic, calculating glee. As the scene progressed, and Snape caught Harry in the noose, tugging him to his toes as he taunted him, a few quickly stifled shrieks sounded in the house, giving Snape a jolt of pride in their acting.

They were really riding the momentum now, and the three of them interwove their parts seamlessly, coming to the point where Hermione trailed behind them, singing, "I gave my mind blindly."

In the blazing silence, Snape's voice grated harshly as he retorted, "You try my patience. Make your choice!"

Eyes locked with Snape, Hermione crossed to him, slowly and deliberately, singing, "Pitiful creature of darkness... What kind of life have you known? God give me courage to show you you are not alone..." Laying one hand on his chest, she slid it up behind his neck and pulled his head down toward her. Then, lifting her other hand to his face, she closed in and kissed him.

In the swell of music, Snape's hands splayed to either side in shock, trembling as he finally wrapped her in his embrace and pulled her close, only to jerk in astonishment as she deepened the kiss. He released her as if burned, his hands once again going rigid. Gingerly pulling away, his tense posture gave way to a slump of defeat.

During that blinding succession of reactions, the audience, too, gave voice to their own. When Hermione first kissed Snape, a smattering of shocked cries punctuated the music. Then, when she deepened the kiss, a rush of gasps and choked coughs rippled through the house.

Snape gripped Hermione's hands and removed them from his person, gently putting her away from him. Then, as the music changed, and the pursuing mob began their chorus from the wings, he staggered over to Harry, snapping his fingers to release the noose from its mooring.

Harry dropped to his knees, struggling to remove the noose, and Hermione rushed to him, gazing wonderingly up at Snape as he lurched past them to grip the back of the throne, saying, "Take her...forget me...forget all of this... Leave me alone...forget all you've seen..." Then, he spun on them, gesturing wildly. "Go now...don't let them find you!"

When Harry and Hermione got shakily to their feet, Snape sank into the throne, waving his hand at the portcullis, making it rise. "Take the boat...leave me here...go now, don't wait..." His voice was low with despair as he said, "Just take her and go...before it's too late..." Lifting mournful eyes to them, he saw they were rooted to the spot, staring at him in disbelief.

In a flare of frustration, he flailed at them, growling, "Go..." Then, as they finally broke free of their paralysis, he couldn't contain himself any longer, and he nearly chased them out, flinging himself against the portcullis and wailing, "Go now...go now and leave me!" Once they were out of sight, he stumbled back downstage, his hands gripping his hair as he collapsed to the floor, destroyed.

The music wound down, leaving only the sound of the music box as it began to play. Snape's head whipped up, and he scrabbled toward it, picking up his mask from where it lay beside the music box. On his knees, bowed inward, rocking back and forth, his faint voice was that of a broken man as he sang, "Masquerade... Paper faces on parade... Masquerade... Hide your face, so the world will never find you..."

During his pathetic plaint, Hermione slunk back in, watching with horrified, sad eyes. Snape felt her presence and twisted, his ravaged face lighting up with vain hope. Nearly throwing himself across the stage toward her, he coaxed, "Christine, I love you..."

Hermione, shaking her head, took the ring from her finger and gently pressed it into his hand, her hand quickly rising to cover her trembling lips before turning and hurrying out, leaving Snape there to sag to the stage in rejection. Slipping the ring onto his finger and clenching his fist, he cringed at Harry and Hermione singing as they guided the boat away. In a petulant jerk, he waved at the portcullis, bringing it back down.

Surging to his feet, he dragged himself to the portcullis, falling against it and gripping the bars in agony, the personification of unrequited love. Watching the retreating boat, his impassioned plea rang through the space in defiance of the utter devastation of the Phantom's soul. "You alone can make my song take flight...it's over now, the music of the night..."

The final bars of music crescendoed, and he looked up at the people climbing down the portcullis. Launching himself back to his throne, he snatched up his cloak, covering himself with it as he dropped into the seat. Ginny approached the throne, signalling Snape with the tiny gasp that would be inaudible to anyone else over the music, and Snape Disapparated just as Ginny whipped the cloak from the throne, revealing the empty seat.

Snape peered out from Box Five, watching Ginny holding up the mask, reflecting light throughout the theatre, and he swept a glance over the house, noting the almost dazed looks on people's faces. His chest swelled again with pride, and he swallowed hard, trying to regain his composure before joining the rest of the cast for curtain call.

The last note faded away, and the lights went down, plunging the theatre into darkness. Dumbledore closed the curtain in the stunned silence that roared in every frozen cast member's ears. Finally, a deafening burst of applause exploded in the house, giving the cast impetus to move again, and they all took deep breaths of relief and pride in their accomplishments.

Snape Apparated into the wing, deftly Summoning his mask from the stage before Dumbledore shifted everything out of sight and opened the curtain for their bows.

Bringing up the lights and opening the curtain with a whoosh, Dumbledore reversed his concealment charm, beaming at the cast as they came out and took their bows to the accompaniment of tumultuous applause and cheers.

Several people in the audience had stood when their family member or friend on cast had come out for curtain call, but when Harry jogged out to take his bow, almost the entire audience shot to their feet. Harry's grin looked as if it might split his cheeks as he nodded his thanks. As he retreated to one side, he gestured for Hermione to come out, and a fresh wave of raucous applause swept the house as she appeared.

Hermione was flushed with pleasure at such a positive reaction from the audience, and the clapping, smiling faces swam in front of her as she vainly tried to blink away her tears of joy. Stepping back after her deep curtsey, she couldn't help but chuckle aloud at the audience's cries of surprise when Snape, once again in his Phantom tuxedo and mask, Apparated into the centre space between her and Harry, wordlessly casting the smoke spell as he arrived.

He stepped through the whirling cloud and paused for a moment on the apron, gazing out at the sea of faces staring up at him. Their boisterous applause faltered for a fleeting moment at his dramatic appearance, but, when he so regally strode downstage to survey the audience, every person who hadn't already taken to their feet shot up from their seats, redoubling their efforts to express their appreciation.

For a moment, Snape felt a surreal juxtaposition of his nightmare from over five months before with the current euphoria. The gobsmacked expressions on the majority of faces in the house served to highlight just how novel this experience of being accepted and appreciated was for him. The jeering, mocking faces of his nightmare faded beneath the tide of thunderous clapping.

It truly felt like his deliverance.

Finally emerging from his reverie, he stepped back to join the cast for their final bow. Before they could join hands, Snape caught Hermione's eye and flicked a glance at the now-visible Dumbledore. She blinked in surprise, then nodded. As one, they stepped forward, making the rest of the cast pause in confusion, as they gestured toward their Director, directing the applause toward him. It took only a beat before the rest of the cast caught on and joined in, cheering their headmaster.

Dumbledore's startled look at Snape's initiative swiftly changed to one of both pride and humility, and he bowed deeply, mouthing, "Thank you all," to the cast.

Snape took Hermione's hand, and they backed up into the line, joining hands with the rest of the cast and taking their final bow. Then, as the curtain started to close and the cast began to file into the wings, Snape wrapped his arms around Hermione from behind and Disapparated with her, leaving a spate of shocked gasps in their wake.

Carefully setting her on her feet in Box Five, he pressed his lips to her ear, barely shushing her delighted giggles. She could feel his grin against her skin as they watched the audience looking around frantically, trying to see where they had gone.

The curtain was closed, and the house lights were fully up. Dumbledore spared a glance at the audience, making sure they were all making their way out of the theatre, then slipped behind the curtain to address the cast.

When they saw Dumbledore mounting the stage, Snape and Hermione Apparated to the far back corner of the wing, exchanging proud smiles before charging forward to join the rest of the cast in their exuberance.

Students and staff alike were beaming and laughing, hugging and shaking hands, dashing tears from their eyes as they congratulated each other on the magnificent success of their performance. As Hermione and Snape approached, Hermione was enveloped in a Gryffindor group hug, and McGonagall gripped Snape's arm, dragging him into a fierce embrace.

Sniffling hugely, Ginny extricated herself from the Gryffindor tangle, leading it to break up into smaller clumps. As she and Harry staggered back, they caught sight of McGonagall releasing a sheepishly grinning Snape who was slipping his mask off his de-glamoured face. Ginny let out a celebratory whoop, drawing everyone's attention, and she flashed a beatific grin at Snape, announcing, "Three cheers for our Phantom! Three cheers for Professor Snape!"

Snape froze, the mask dangling from one finger, goose flesh racing over his skin at the unexpected, almost completely foreign sensation of belonging that washed over him at Ginny's declaration.

Harry shot a surprised yet approving glance at Ginny before turning a pleased smile on Snape and joining her to lead the cheers. Hermione's voice rang jubilantly in the space as she wiped tears from her cheeks. Neville and Ron, arms around each other's shoulders and their girlfriends' hands in theirs, beamed at each other and joined in, lifting Susan's and Parvati's hands as they punched the air with every yell.

Every face was turned toward Snape as they expressed their appreciation. Snape realized that he was past being able to control his reactions, and was slightly surprised to find that he didn't care. He knew his cheeks were flushed with triumph and gratitude, and his lips spread in a genuine smile that he couldn't have wiped away if he had tried.

McGonagall had released Snape to join in the cheering, her normally prim demeanour fractured by the contagious exhilaration of their performance. Flicking a glance at her, and seeing the warm pride in her eyes, Snape bowed deeply to the cast in thanks.

His usually silky voice was rough with emotion as he said, "My humblest gratitude... I truly could not have become the Phantom without all of you." With that, he cast a meaningful glance at Hermione, then straightened again, sweeping the rest of the cast with a proud gaze. "Well done...everyone."

Harry piped up, "We'll win that trophy yet!" More cheering followed his words, and people resumed their congratulatory conversations, leaving Harry to step toward Snape, a sheepish, lopsided grin on his face. Snape blinked at him, too overwhelmed to deduce what he was on about.

Proffering his hand, Harry tilted his head and cut a glance up at Snape, shoving his other hand into his pocket as he said, "Thanks for everything, Professor." Snape stared at Harry's hand in amazement, momentarily at a loss for words. Mechanically extending his hand to grip Harry's, his gaze travelled up to meet Harry's eyes, noting that they were looking at him with almost shy approval, devoid of any shadow of the hatred of six long years. Harry's voice was low as he said, "And I do mean everything. From all of us." Cocking a wry smirk at him and rubbing his throat with his other hand, he added, "I owe you one."

Snape's hand tightened reflexively on Harry's steady grip. Swallowing hard, he tried to slow the frantic beat of his heart. The noise of the rest of the cast faded to a dull roar, and something deep within him seemed to snap, flooding him with a curious warmth. Blinking several times, he sucked in a cleansing breath and murmured, "No. We're even." Green eyes stared into black for several beats, until they both blinked, finally dropping their hands and falling back, shaking off the intensity of the moment.

Glancing about in bewilderment, Snape met Hermione's eyes, wet with fresh tears at witnessing Harry's initiative. Ginny had flung herself at Harry, hugging him tight and peppering his face with kisses, so ecstatic was she at seeing him and Snape laying aside their differences.

Dumbledore was starting to clear the stage, waving at the cast to leave so he could finish restoring the Hall. "Go on, run along and see your guests before they have to leave us. Professor McGonagall and I will be along to escort them to their Floo or Apparition departures. Hurry, now!"

Laughing with excitement, students bounded down the stairs and up through the house, bursting through the doors as though shot from a cannon. Snape followed them at a slower pace, still trying to assimilate the extraordinary peace that had fallen between himself and Harry.

In the corridor, and in the guests' lounge, groups of family and friends happily drew their charges into their ranks. The hubbub echoed off the stone walls, ebbing noticeably as Snape emerged from the doorway and students caught sight of him, still in his Phantom costume.

The sudden lull gave him pause, and he stared blankly at the crowd of faces goggling at him, his fingers gripping the mask tightly, leaving his knuckles white. Inhaling deeply, he forced himself to move, taking measured strides through the throng, nodding civilly at parents as he passed them. A hushed buzz grew behind him as students and families discussed the play in general, and Snape's stunning performance in particular.

Even those students who were on their way up and down the stairs at the end of the corridor, being herded by prefects, stopped to gaze at him in awe. It was enough to make him consider Disapparating from the spot, but he kept a firm grip on his flight response, determined to behave as if he were used to such scrutiny.

Jaw throbbing as he clenched his teeth at the attention, he stopped short when he was all but accosted by the Grangers.

Mrs. Granger clasped his arm and gazed up at him, still looking rather dazed, and Hermione stepped behind her mother's shoulder, casting a look at Snape that was both warning and understanding. Mr. Granger hung back a pace, refraining from interfering with his wife's manhandling of Snape.

"Severus! What an amazing performance!" She whipped a glance back at Hermione, her eyes wide. "You...Hermione...all of you..."

Snape cut a furtive glance at the many faces watching them with interest and quickly murmured, "Thank you, of course. The cast has worked very hard for a long time to this end. I'm pleased that you enjoyed it."

Sucking in a gasp, she continued, "Enjoyed it? Why, it was...it was...I can't even describe it! And you..."

Uncomfortable with being the centre of the scene Mrs. Granger was making, Snape cut in desperately, "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, how are you to return home this evening?"

Mrs. Granger blinked, taken aback by the abrupt change of subject. Looking appealingly at her husband, she said, "Geoff? What are the arrangements?"

Mr. Granger glanced around at the milling crowd, noting that it had thinned of most of the student body now that they had gone back to their dormitories, and checked his watch. "I believe we are scheduled to Floo back to the house from Professor McGonagall's office. I know she was going to be in charge of returning all of us Muggles back home." He flashed a grin and shrugged.

Extrapolating from what was said, Snape ventured, "Then Dumbledore was to escort the wizarding families out to the Apparition point outside the grounds for their return, I suppose." He looked around, seeing the Weasleys grouped near the lounge, fussing around Ron, Ginny, and Harry. Lifting a finger, he said, "Excuse me for one moment..."

Swiftly stepping through the clumps of chattering people, he approached the Weasleys. Stopping at the edge of their group, he said, "I beg your pardon, Arthur..."

Mr. Weasley looked up in surprise, then beamed at Snape. "Well done, Severus! I say, you were all magnificent!"

Snape inclined his head in thanks, but said, "Yes, the cast did quite well indeed, but I needed to ask you..."

Mr. Weasley cut in, "Certainly! What do you need?"

"How are you to return home tonight?"

Mrs. Weasley spoke up before her husband could answer. "Oh, Dumbledore is taking the lot of us down to the gates. I believe the Muggle families are all going to Floo home with Minerva."

Snape sketched a bow and said, "Thank you, Molly. Have a safe trip. Good night." With that, he spun and strode back to the Grangers.

As soon as he reached them, Mrs. Granger grabbed his arm again, gazing up at him, rapt. Snape cleared his throat nervously, catching Hermione's eye and reading the exasperation there. McGonagall and Dumbledore appeared in the corridor, and Snape directed Mrs. Granger's attention their way.

Raising his hands, Dumbledore announced, "Those of you who have arranged to return home by Floo, please go with Professor McGonagall to her office. If you will be Apparating home, please follow me to the gates. You students are welcome to accompany your guests until their departures."

The crowd began splitting up, filing past Snape and the Grangers in either direction. Mrs. Granger made a moue of petulance, then said, "Severus, won't you join us until we have to leave? I simply must impress upon you how deeply moved I was by your performance." The hand that wasn't clasped around his arm splayed just under her throat.

Snape flicked a harassed glance at Hermione, who looked ready to bury her face in her hands in mortification. In an effort to get them gone as quickly as possible, Snape suggested, "Miss Granger, your parents have never experienced Apparition, have they?"

Hermione snapped to attention and retorted, "No, of course not. We're not allowed to do magic outside of term."

Brows rising, Snape attempted an ingratiating tone and said, "Well, I doubt Dumbledore and McGonagall will care, seeing as how they have so much to keep up with right now..." Flashing a challenging smile at the Grangers, he said, "Would you like to Apparate home? Miss Granger and I could take you home quite quickly, and it's much cleaner than using the Floo."

Mrs. Granger's eyes lit up, and she released Snape's arm enough to clap her hands like a child in excitement. Beaming at her husband, she said, "Oh, that sounds so interesting! What do you say, Geoff?"

Mr. Granger, seeing how much his wife wanted to try it, grinned indulgently and said, "If it's not too much trouble, Severus. We wouldn't want to tire you after such a demanding performance."

Snape shook his head, frowning in demurral. "No, I'm fine, really. If you like, I can Apparate all of us to the gates, then, once we go through them, Miss Granger and I can Apparate you home."

Mrs. Granger looked torn, and she chewed her bottom lip, making Snape blink and flick a glance at Hermione in recognition of the mannerism. Finally, she threaded her hand through his elbow again and said, "Can't we walk down with the others, and you can take us home once we get to the gates? I'd hate to cut short our time here. It's all so fascinating." She gazed about, then settled back to staring at him, enraptured.

Snape, writhing inwardly, affected a magnanimous pose and gestured for them to follow the group already out the castle doors. Mr. Granger smiled fondly at Hermione and offered her his arm, and they led Snape and Mrs. Granger out.

Hermione resisted turning around to look back at her mother and Snape. Still, she slowed her pace until she could tell they weren't far behind them. She really didn't want her mother to be alone with Snape, hanging all over him, on a moonlit walk through the grounds!

Snape, for his part, kept his eyes trained on the back of Hermione's head, stoically enduring Mrs. Granger's fawning. Once they had exited the castle and begun trekking over the lawn toward the gates, Mrs. Granger had launched into a breathless recital of everything she had found so amazing in the play. While he managed to tune some of it out, especially when she was nattering on about all the things they effected with magic versus technology like the Muggle version, he couldn't ignore the gushing tone she adopted whenever she waxed enthusiastic about him in particular. He was rather glad it was dark, and that the uncomfortable flush on his cheeks couldn't be seen.

Hermione, walking a few paces ahead with her father, was torn between straining to hear her mother's chatter and thinking about how she and Snape would ever be able to come clean about their relationship.

After a while, her father murmured, "You're awful quiet. What's on your mind?"

Hermione looked up, abashed. Pretending carelessness, she said, "Oh, nothing."

Mr. Granger squeezed her arm in his and clucked his tongue. "Now, now, don't lie to your old dad. Something's clearly got your brain burning. So, out with it."

Hermione grimaced sheepishly and sighed. "Just... trying to come down off the rush, that's all."

Nodding sagely, Mr. Granger said, "Ah... you're worried about the performance. You shouldn't be. It was wonderful. But, you should already know that." He turned to catch her eye, then said in a lower voice, "What's got your knickers in a twist? You may not've been home much recently, but I still know when my girl's upset."

Hermione gazed up into her father's face full of love, pride, and concern. Blinking, she said in a small voice, "What did you think of the show?"

Mr. Granger beamed at her and released her arm to wrap his arm around her shoulders, hugging her as they walked. "You were beautiful. I couldn't be prouder of you, Hermione."

Warmed by her father's praise, she felt a bit bolder and said, "Thanks, Dad. But, I mean, you weren't upset by anything? I mean... you heard people. You saw their reactions. I know the rest of the students think I'm some sort of freak..."

Mr. Granger frowned and said, "Freak? Why? You performed brilliantly! I'm sure Hogwarts will win that competition."

Hermione tossed her head in a flare of impatience. "It's just... they're all so worked up about Professor Snape." Then, in a tiny voice, she added, "And me."

Mr. Granger sucked in a breath of understanding. "Ah, I get it. The kiss. They're giving you grief about it."

Hermione gazed up at her father imploringly. "And you don't think they should?"

Mr. Granger squeezed her shoulders again and sighed. "You're a grown woman now, Hermione. I realized that when you were home in November. You're almost finished with school. It's a play. You were cast, and you played your part well. Very well. While I can see that it may be disconcerting to watch you kissing your professor, I understand that it's acting, and they should, too."

Relief flooded Hermione that at least she didn't have to worry about her father getting all "parental" on her. Ahead of them, she could see Dumbledore leading the other families through the gates. After a few beats, individuals and couples began disappearing, leaving a few student cast members to start their return up the lawn to the castle.

When the Patils had gone, Parvati hung around, waiting for Neville to finish his goodbye to his Gran. The older woman hugged him, beaming proudly as she released him. Hermione saw her beckon to Parvati, who obediently scurried forward. Neville's Gran clasped Parvati's hand and smiled as she spoke to her. Parvati ducked her head, abashed, then cut a glance at Neville, who was also looking sheepish. When the older woman grabbed Neville's hand, too, and placed Parvati's hand in his, Hermione stifled a chuckle, understanding why they looked so uncomfortable. A moment later, Neville's Gran Disapparated, leaving the pair of them to exchange shy smiles as they strolled along the path toward the castle.

Hermione smiled and nodded at them as they passed, and they murmured greetings to her and her father. Then, a couple of beats later, Hermione heard Neville say to Snape, "Well done, Professor. Good night."

At that, she couldn't resist twisting about to see Snape nod courteously at the smiling couple, a faint smile on his lips as he intoned, "Likewise, Mr. Longbottom, Miss Patil. Good evening to you as well."

Hermione's mother was beaming again, at Snape and the students, and Hermione suppressed an exasperated sigh as she faced forward again. They had reached the gates, and Dumbledore was hovering just outside them.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Granger. I thought you were to be Flooing back tonight...?" He eyed them with a puzzled expression.

Hermione tilted her head and said, "Professor Snape thought it might be a novel experience to Apparate my parents back home. They've never been taken on a Side-Along Apparition, you know." Hermione smiled winningly at the headmaster, and he inclined his head in understanding.

"Well, that was quite gracious of him, I must say." Hermione caught the strained note underlying his words. "I'm sure it's only right to return the favour of your generosity, setting him and Miss Granger up with the tickets and tour. I do hope you enjoyed the results of their reconnaissance."

Mr. Granger chuckled. "Indeed we did, sir. I believe my wife is still in transports over it." He cocked one eyebrow up as he turned to look back at Snape escorting Mrs. Granger. She was still prating on about the performance, and Snape wore an expression of martyrdom. Hermione bit her lip to stop a smile from surfacing, and she caught Snape's eye, giving him a look of mingled understanding and commiseration.

Snape and Mrs. Granger joined the other three outside the gates, and Dumbledore said, "Good evening, Mrs. Granger. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the play." She drew breath to launch into a gushing appraisal, but he forestalled her with a raised hand. "I do beg your pardon, but as Professor Snape and Miss Granger are here to escort you home, I must return to the castle. There is much to do before next week's Ministry performance."

Mrs. Granger's mouth closed with a snap, and she blinked. "Of course. Thank you so much for allowing us to come and experience Hogwarts. It was wonderful!"

Dumbledore clasped her hand and bowed, then shook Mr. Granger's hand, too. "I trust we shall see you next week as well?"

Mr. Granger nodded. "Count on it! Well, good night, Professor. Good job with the show."

Bowing again, Dumbledore said, "Thank you. Good night." Then, he nodded to Hermione and turned to Snape. "Severus, I'll leave you to lock up and escort Miss Granger safely back to the castle."

Snape nodded gravely and said, "Of course, sir."

Dumbledore began his trek back up the lawn, humming music from the show as he went.

Snape turned to the others. "Miss Granger, do you feel quite secure about taking another on Side-Along Apparition? Or shall I take your parents?"

Hermione straightened confidently. "I'm perfectly sanguine about my skills, Professor. Shall we go now? Do you remember the location?"

Snape nodded. "I suggest we Apparate to just in front of the hearth, so we needn't worry about being seen by Muggles outside. Why don't you and your father go first, and be sure to step away quickly, then I'll follow presently with your mother?"

Hermione nodded sharply. "Certainly, sir." She looked at her father and said, "Okay, Dad, don't let go of me, no matter what." With that, she flashed a challenging grin at his dubious expression.

Flicking a glance at Snape, who was as composed as ever, Mr. Granger took a deep breath and said, "All right. I guess it's time to really see how you lot have it. Go on then, Hermione. I'm ready."

Wrapping her arm with his, Hermione twined their fingers and gripped tight, then said, "Now," Disapparating.

Snape and Mrs. Granger were left alone in the chill moonlight. Snape was mentally counting beats in his head, giving them time to arrive and vacate the space, but he was distracted by Mrs. Granger's fingers grazing his cheek. Jerking back as if stung, he stared at her, eyes wide in consternation. Barely managing to not stammer, he said, "Mrs. Granger?"

She gazed up at him and said, "It's Dione. Remember, Severus?"

Snape blinked at her, panic freezing his tongue. Cold sweat prickled his scalp as she leant closer to him confidingly.

Her voice was low and breathy as she said, "You were truly spectacular, Severus. I could almost feel your passion..."

Snape tried to swallow and nearly choked.

"I can't blame everyone for being so astounded. I mean, just watching that kiss...I could almost feel it!"

Snape fleetingly wondered if she could hear the frenzied racing of his pulse.

Her eyes narrowed a bit in faux-petulance as she said, "Honestly, I found myself imagining I was Hermione up there! You have that gift, Severus. You drew me into the scene so much that I felt like I was experiencing it myself. But, alas, she was the one involved in such an earth-shattering kiss, not me." With that, she sighed and cast a half-coy glance at him.

Snape was staring at her in horror, completely at a loss for how to handle the situation. Without Hermione there to offer adroit guidance in handling her parents, he was bewildered, and terrified to do anything that could alienate or upset them, given that he would soon be staking his claim on their daughter.

After a pregnant pause, during which Mrs. Granger gazed at him as if entranced, Snape struggled to grind out, "We must Apparate now." She nodded slowly, and he said, "Remain calm, and do not let go of my arm." He realized the irony of his statement, considering she had been virtually attached to him like a lamprey since before they had left the Entrance Hall. Looking away, he closed his eyes in an attempt to gather his scattered wits, concentrating on the Granger's fireplace.

A moment later, they appeared on the carpet, Mrs. Granger gripping his arm in a death grip as she staggered, voicing a startled, "O-o-o-oh!"

Mr. Granger sprang forward to support his wife, deftly manoeuvring her to sit on the nearby armchair. His voice was solicitous as he said, "I know. It takes a moment to get over the disorientation. I think perhaps we Muggles aren't quite cut out for such a method of transportation."

Hermione, in the meantime, was staring at Snape in growing alarm. They had taken longer than expected, even accounting for the unanticipated reaction of her father to Apparition, and Snape looked quite harassed and perturbed.

Mrs. Granger was sitting in the chair, blinking and taking deep breaths, trying to regain her equilibrium. Her husband was perched on the chair arm, his arm draped over her shoulders and his hand caressing her soothingly. He glanced up at Snape and grimaced. "I had no idea what that would be like, but I daresay once was enough for me. Thank you for the opportunity, of course."

Snape nodded and faintly replied, "Not at all."

Hermione, concerned about Snape, stepped toward him and gripped his arm. "It's getting late, Professor. We should go. You need to lock the school gates for Professor Dumbledore."

Snape nodded, still looking rather shell-shocked, and said, "You're right, indeed, Miss Granger. I do hope you'll get put to rights quickly, Mrs. Granger. Mr. Granger. I look forward to seeing you next week for the Ministry performance."

Mr. Granger nodded. "We'll be fine. But I daresay we'll be using the Floo for both legs of our trip next time."

Mrs. Granger passed a hand over her face and rubbed her temple. "Definitely... Good night, Hermione, dear, Severus. Run along now. We'll see you next week."

Hermione eagerly followed her mother's order. "Right, Mum. Well, good night. Love you."

"Love you too, dear," chorused her parents. As they spoke, she looked at Snape, who blinked rapidly and nodded, indicating that he would Apparate them back. They disappeared, only to show up in the clearing right outside the gates.