Chapter Fifteen: The Order of Merlin Awards

(i) The characters and world of Harry Potter are the property of J.K. Rowling. I make no money from this.

(ii) Thank you for the kind reviews. Please, please do continue to let me know what you think of the story.

(iii) A big hug of gratitude to my beautiful beta, Queen_of_Stars.

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When Hermione returned from her day out smelling of sunshine and laughter, she was met by a confused Harry. Thankfully, the Weasleys had all left, even Ginny, so the two friends had the house to themselves. Over a tall, cool glass of Kreacher's lemonade, Hermione told Harry all about her day with the Slytherins. Harry was surprised, to say the least, but he could see that his friend was happy. However, he did question her over what he had observed the night before.

"Harry," said Hermione. "Promise me you won't get upset?"

Harry looked perturbed, but nodded.

Hermione continued. "While you've been coming to terms with the end of Voldemort and the war, events have changed a number of people. Ron, Ginny and Molly have been touched by Dark magic. We all have, actually."

Harry looked like he would deny this, but then, unhappily, he nodded. "Kingsley was telling me I needed to learn to control my magic, that my aura has changed, and that it is a normal progression."

"Normal, yes," said Hermione, "but still a shock to the system, especially if you are not willing to accept that it has happened and if you lack the control needed."

"So, what are you saying?" demanded Harry in concern.

"Well," said Hermione, tentatively, "Ginny, Ron and Molly are jealous of me for various reasons. They've accused me of sleeping with you and Ron while on the run, of being promiscuous and a 'scarlet woman'." Hermione tried to laugh, but it came out more like a choked sob.

"What?" exclaimed Harry in shock. "When did they do this?"

"They did it at the last Order meeting. Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall and Kingsley heard. That's why they had the special meeting afterwards with the Weasleys in the kitchen while we were in the library speaking with the others." She sighed. "The problem is that they aren't willing to accept that their behaviour has been altered, that they are displaying irrational feelings of resentment, envy, anger etc."

"Is that why you broke up with Ron?" Harry asked next.

"Yes," said Hermione with another sigh. "He called me a tart, Harry, and then he expected me to sleep with him, just because I kissed him once in the heat of battle. That's ridiculous. I've never slept with anybody. When it happens, I want to be sure; I want it to be special and with someone I love and trust. Ron's not that person, not now."

"And Ron, he said this? In front of his mother and everyone else?" clarified Harry.

"Yes," said Hermione gently. "You were speaking to Kingsley, and you didn't hear them attack me. Both Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape did. Professor Snape was amazing. He cut both Ginny and Ron into tiny little pieces for speaking of me that way." Then, she sighed again. "At the ball, when Ron left me to go snog Lav-Lav, Narcissa came to my rescue. She saw that I was upset, that I had no one to be with, and she took me to Professor Snape and her family. She's promised me that she means me no harm, and, Harry..." Here Hermione looked intently at him. "...I believe her. They want to change, and they are using me to show the world that, but I feel they really are genuine. We had such a good time today." She smiled again as she remembered the banter and the intelligent, relaxed conversation.

"Anyway," said Hermione, getting back on track, "last night, when I was being ostracised and gossiped about, Professor Snape took me under his wing. Cissy changed the seating plan around so that I could sit next to him, and he basically watched over me. He's pretending to play court to me to save him from the gold-diggers who want to be seen with a hero, and in return, I'm being redeemed from being branded as a promiscuous tart who has been jilted by Ron because I'm not good enough for the Weasleys."

Harry had listened to Hermione's explanation with growing anger. Finally, when she came to a stop, he stated in a cold tone of voice, "Hermione, nothing happened. We were too worried about trying to survive to even think of sex. What nonsense is this?"

"I know that, Harry," started Hermione, gently laying her hand on his arm, "but think about how it sounds on paper. A lone female, Muggle-born, with strange modern ideas about female emancipation, going off with two handsome..." here Hermione grinned, to make her explanation less harsh. "...hormonal boys, living in a tent away from all decent society, running for their lives; we could have done anything, experimented with anything. It's my word against Ron and his mother. Ginny is furious with me because she thinks I'm trying to take you away from her, so her not looking at me or speaking to me is being taken as a sure sign that I've tried to come between the two of you. People noticed last night when none of the Weasleys spent time with me, asked me to dance or paid any attention to me at all. Molly, Ginny and Ron were really angry with me when you refused to speak to people that first week after the battle and clung to me; they thought I was trying to keep you to myself."

Harry spluttered. "But that's preposterous! I was tired; I was resting. I told everyone that I was too tired to speak to people. You're the sister I never had. I told Ron that when the Horcrux lied to him."

Hermione nodded before looking at him with curiosity. "You never did tell me exactly what the Horcrux said. Anyway, we'll come back to that later. For now, though, like I was saying, Professor Snape said the Dark always feeds on hidden fears and insecurities, so if the Horcrux had picked on Ron's jealousy before, it is perfectly logical for the Dark to pick up on his feelings of jealousy and resentment again."

Harry nodded. His face, however, registered both shock and anger. Hermione worried that Harry's inner Darkness was rising, too. She squeezed her friend's shoulder and said, "Harry, Ginny has wanted to be with you from the first. Please don't quarrel with your girlfriend and future family over me. They are the only family you have, and now that I've begun to come to terms with the fact that I may never be able to reverse the Memory Charm I placed upon my parents, I realise how important family is. Don't lose them over me; I'm not worth it."

Harry shook his head. "No," he said firmly. "You're worth everything. You're the one person who has always stuck by me, loved me, fought me, supported me and has done whatever you thought was right and necessary, even if it irritated me at the time. You've never let something slide because it was the easier option."

Hermione's emotions were overwhelmed. Hearing Harry's acknowledgement of her love and friendship was too much after the pain of losing the support of Ron and the Weasleys, whom she had always considered her second family. Tears poured down her cheeks. "I love you," she said, flinging her arms around her best friend.

Harry coloured before returning Hermione's embrace. Then, in a much more mature and practical tone, he said, "Now, tell me what I can do to help. It's not right that the Malfoys and Snape are bailing you out when I'm not doing anything. I suppose the fact that I spent all of last night with Ginny and didn't dance with you at all made the gossips talk even more."

Hermione nodded. "Yes, Harry," she said gently. "They just assumed that now that you were back in civilised society, you didn't want anything to do with the tart. Ginny is a pureblood, and she has not had her reputation besmirched."

Harry nodded grimly. "Well, the Ministry is holding the Order of Merlin Award Ceremonies on the thirtieth. That will give us a chance to put a firm stop to any ridiculous rumours. We'll give the press another show, shall we?" he asked with a grin.

Hermione laughed in delight. "Oh, Harry," she said with a grin. "Yes, let's put on another show. I'll ask Cissy to help me shop for an appropriate dress, and we'll cause a proper buzz." Hermione knew that the Award Ceremony was bound to be an even bigger event than the Ministry Ball, since the world's media was being invited to broadcast live transmissions of the speeches and proceedings.

The week seemed to fly by. Now that Harry had a purpose, both to help redeem Hermione's reputation and learn to control his magic, he was much more cheerful and happy. He was out the door early morning, preparing for his Auror Entrance exams and training with Kingsley's handpicked aide, Williamson. Kingsley, as temporary Minster for Magic, had decreed that he was removing some of the criteria needed for admission into the extremely difficult Auror Training Programme. It made sense, really, because the Auror Office was the hardest hit during the days of Voldemort's reign, with many experienced fighters lost. Ron and Neville had been encouraged by Kingsley and McGonagall to take part in the training, too, and Hermione realised that this was the Order's way of ensuring that the three boys who had had the most contact with Voldermort's soul fragments learnt to control their exposure to the Dark Arts.

Meanwhile, Hermione read everything she could get her hands on in the Black Library and went on a number of shopping expeditions with her new friend, Cissy.

Narcissa had been delighted to receive Hermione's owl on Monday, thanking her for the lovely day out and asking her if she would help her find a suitable dress for the Award Ceremony. Smirking broadly, she showed the missive to Lucius over their mid-morning coffee. "A little bit of kindness and the girl is already repaying our investment of time and effort," stated Narcissa. "I shall, of course, take her to all of the major couturiers in London; perhaps even a trip to Paris would not go amiss. I shall help her with her hair and take her out to lunch, and by the end of the week, when the Award Ceremony is held, our reputations will be restored. If I am seen by the matrons of society to be helping the young girl in her formal presentation into Wizarding Society, no one can doubt our commitment and position in the new order."

Lucius smirked in response and said, "Quite." Then, in a more thoughtful tone, he said, "May I suggest lending her some of the Malfoy jewels for the occasion? My dear, that will be something that the old biddies will immediately recognise. She did not wear any suitable jewellery to the Ball, which I'm sure people would have noticed. If she now appears wearing something from our vault, which can only be a personal loan, a gesture which is only made between very close friends and family, it is sure to confuse people and make them rethink their understanding of how closely we worked with certain members of the Order."

Narcissa tittered. "Excellent, my love," she said with a smile. "I do like the girl, though, and having never had a daughter to dress up and guide, this is going to be a delightful experience for me on a more personal note, too. Astoria is charming, and I was very impressed with her yesterday, but she is too well brought up. Her taste is already excellent, and she really doesn't need my guidance in the same way that Hermione does."

Lucius nodded. He knew how broken-hearted Narcissa had been over their inability to have more than one child. Narcissa was made for motherhood, thought Lucius fondly. If Hermione is to be her surrogate daughter, well then, I'm sure we can do no better. She is intelligent, good-natured and, other than for the misfortunate of her Muggle parentage, a lovely young woman.

True to Narcissa's plan, the two women spent most of Monday afternoon discussing colours and styles over tea at Serendipity. Having already been to the exclusive club before, Hermione was not as surprised by the invitation or venue. Narcissa insisted that knowing what one wanted was essential before embarking on a major shopping expedition. They had a delightful time. They gossiped and giggled, and Hermione, who had never really partaken of such activities before, found to her surprise that she enjoyed it. Perhaps it was because Narcissa was so much older, perhaps it was because Hermione felt comfortable with the intelligence and wit of the conversation...whatever the reason, their almost military-like strategising of suitable apparel was extremely amusing and interesting. They had arrived, after careful deliberation, at the conclusion that Hermione was a 'Deep with a Warm undertone' to her colour palette. Hermione, who had never thought of colour classifications or even heard of the Colour Me Beautiful concept, was pleased to realise that if she stuck to her choice of colours, she would always look charming.

The next day saw the two witches visit the first of a number of couturiers. Now that they had a clear idea of what hues to select, which Hermione was pleased to note she'd generally got right instinctively, the shopping went much more quickly.

Cissy insisted that Hermione not try on anything that made her feel uncomfortable. "If you are uncomfortable with the dress, no matter how good it looks on you," advised the older woman, 'it will show on your face and thus ruin your appearance."

The first boutique proved to be totally unsuitable. The dresses were too glitzy and daring, almost costume-like, in Hermione's opinion. She could easily picture Ginny in some of the dresses, even, oddly enough, Luna, but not herself. The second held dresses that were more pleasing, having elegant, understated designs. But when Hermione saw the prices of some of the dresses she was admiring, she nearly dropped her hand in horror. "Cissy," she whispered urgently, "I can't possibly afford any of these dresses."

Narcissa smiled. "Don't worry, my dear," said the older woman. "Once we find something that we both think is fabulous, I shall handle the payment."

"No," said Hermione vehemently. Then, seeing the raised eyebrows of the shop assistant, she said more quietly, "Cissy, you've been so kind. I couldn't take advantage of you."

"Nonsense," said Narcissa briskly. "The cost of the dress is nothing. I have enjoyed our planning and strategising. I have no daughter, and I've never had the opportunity to experience the joy of helping a young woman find a suitable ball-gown. Let me enjoy myself. Besides, if you feel that I am gaining nothing but pleasure, I can assure you that being seen in your company is helping Malfoy Industries as we speak. People are observing our every move; our place in society guarantees the way in which Malfoy business ventures perform."

Hermione blushed. Such calculated discussions of value and usefulness were not undertaken in Gryffindor circles. In truth, it was not even generally considered.

Narcissa patted Hermione's hand gently. "Is there anything you like? Why don't you go try it on, and we shall see how you look, hmm...?"

"I'm not really sure," said Hermione. "I want to look mature, but not like I've tried too hard."

Narcissa smiled. "In that case, shall I suggest you try on this rust-coloured gown? The colour suits your complexion, and it brings out your eyes beautifully." Then, walking over to the many display racks, she pulled out in quick succession dresses in olive green, apricot and amber. "Then, try these on," she said, "and in the meantime, I shall find a few more. We've got plenty of time; you may as well learn how colour compliments your appearance."

While Hermione was trying on the beautiful dress in rich rust silk, Narcissa found three others: one in golden brown satin, another in cream lace and a rather unusual dress in turquoise chiffon with an exotic border of bronze beading.

The rest of the morning and afternoon were spent trying on and modelling the dresses to the very attentive Narcissa. Hermione was asked to walk, bend and sit so that she was assured that she could move easily in all of the dresses. They finally decided that the rust dress was a must. The colour was perfect, the cut classic with its rounded neckline, but daringly cut low in the back, which showed off Hermione's form and figure without making her look at all unladylike. It had an almost princess-like over-skirt in matching chiffon with a gentle train at the back. If the colour had been different,Hermione thought, the gown could have been a bridal dress, so pretty was the design.

However, Narcissa also adored the more Grecian-styled apricot robe. It was in the softest of chiffon with one shoulder bared while the other had a mass of cloth held together with a golden clasp. The waist was gently gathered, and it made Hermione look both innocent and seductive at the same time. "We must get this, too," insisted Narcissa. "There are sure to be more parties and balls, and you must have some proper things to wear."

Hermione could not refuse. It was obvious that Cissy was deriving immense satisfaction in choosing dresses for her. Smiling brightly at the older woman, she said, "I agree. It is really beautiful. I'm really grateful, Cissy. Thank you."

Narcissa smirked back and said, "Perhaps one more?"

Hermione giggled. "Cissy, you're incorrigible. How can I refuse? Everything you've made me try on has been utterly perfect, though I do think that Lucius will complain when he finds out how much you've been spending on me."

Narcissa smiled a saucy little smile. "Shall I tell you a little secret?" she asked with a quick glance to make sure she was overheard by the very attentive shop assistant. "Lucius noticed that you had not worn any jewels to the Ball and suggested that once we found you the right dress, I help you choose something suitable from the Malfoy jewellery collection."

"Really," gasped Hermione. "Lucius said that?"

"He did," replied Narcissa with a smile. "So please be assured, my dear, that he will not mind me helping you find a suitable wardrobe." Then, more briskly, she said, "What do you think of the lace gown? I adore the delicate beadwork, and I think it is extremely flattering."

Hermione blushed. "I've never worn anything like that," she said softly. The dress was the most daring yet. It was strapless, with beadwork circling the bottom of the dress before rising up to end cupping her bosom in gentle twirls.

"Well, it is your decision," said Narcissa, "but if you want to appear virginal, yet thoroughly mature and sensual, then that dress is perfect. The cut and the colour bring out your complexion, your eyes and your hair; it even maximises your cleavage."

Hermione blushed, and then giggled. "Yes," she said in agreement. "We'll take it. I just hope I have the confidence to wear it out."

"Well," said Narcissa with a smile. "You could always wear it to an intimate dinner party if you don't want to wear it out in public. In fact, since I've been toying with the idea of having a soiree for Draco's birthday, you could wear the dress then. It is ideal and will give you the confidence to begin wearing more provocative dresses in a secure environment."

The dresses selected, the next day was spent poring over Malfoy jewels at Gringotts. To go with the rust silk, Narcissa insisted that she wear the Malfoys' ruby and diamond ensemble set in delicate, goblin-made gold. There was a tiara, fabulously long, chandelier earrings and an almost cuff-like bangle that glittered and dazzled on Hermione's wrist. Dress and jewels decided upon, the next outing was to buy shoes. Hermione had never really been shopping with someone like Cissy. Hermione had always seen it as a chore, but to Narcissa Malfoy, it was a fine art.

Hermione, who had always done all of her magical shopping at Madam Malkin's or Gladrags, was now introduced to Antonio's, where she was encouraged to buy, in Hermione's mind at least, a silly number of shoes. First, there was a pair of golden Grecian-style sandals, then a pair of high russet heels with diamante detailing, then another pair of smart golden stilettos with charms worked in that allowed the wearer to walk on the heels in absolute comfort. Next, Narcissa insisted she buy her first ever pair of wizarding walking-boots, made for durability, comfort and protection from a number of magical spells and hexes. They were of dragon-hide, naturally, in a smart grey-green.

Thinking they were done, Hermione was surprised when Narcissa also insisted she buy a few pairs of cloth-covered court-shoes.

"You must have these, as well," said Narcissa. "They will be perfect for all our lunches and outings during the day. Now that you are part of good wizarding society, you must always be well turned out. Nothing ruins a smart look like a pair of bad shoes. You can be dressed in the oldest of robes or even your Muggle clothes, but if you are well-heeled, your look will still be well-groomed and appropriate."

Thus, Hermione was handed shoes in charcoal, stone, cream, light navy, golden-brown, coffee-brown and true red by the smirking Antonio. Narcissa Malfoy was one of his best customers, and he knew her methods perfectly. Hermione was stunned. She could not understand Cissy's munificence, but she had come to realise that her new friend had a generous and open heart, and that once someone had been included into the Malfoy circle, the sky was, indeed, the limit.

Friday, their shopping done, Narcissa insisted that Hermione accompany her to a day of sheer, decadent relaxation at a Parisian Spa. "The nymphs run the place," explained Narcissa, "with the help of a bevy of brilliant witches. They'll do our hair, wrap us in exotic balms and perfumes and make us feel like goddesses of the Nile. I've not been in a while, but I am looking forward to the experience."

The spa visit, which Hermione had not even indulged in even in the Muggle world, was the most magical event yet. First, she was wrapped in seaweed that was perfumed like the spices of Arabia; then she was massaged so that her skin glowed and felt as soft as rose petals. Hermione blushed when she realised that the wrap had also removed all the hair from her body. When Narcissa realised what had surprised the young woman, she whispered provocatively, "Wizards seem to prefer the completely nude look."

Hermione was starting to take Narcissa's teasing in stride. She realised that the Slytherin sense of humour was much darker and more suggestive than what she was used to. Pretending sangfroid she did not quite feel, she whispered in return, 'How soon before it grows back? I don't want stubble."

Narcissa laughed in amusement. She was finding Hermione perfectly delightful. "Oh, my dear," she said still smilingly, "this won't come back for at least six months."

On the day of the Award Ceremonies, Harry announced that he had spoken to the Weasleys and indicated to them that they would all meet at the Ministry Ballroom. "I want to be seen coming in with you," said Harry in explanation. "Ginny was disgruntled, but I said there was no need for her to Floo from place to place, getting soot on her dress. That seemed to make sense, and Molly agreed."

The Award Ceremony had drawn a crowd even larger than the previous Ministry Ball. Almost all of the Ministers for Magic from Europe, Asia and Africa were present, as was the Muggle Prime Minister of Britain. He and his little group of aides stood in awe, their mouths open in amazement at the decorations and grandeur of the magically enhanced and enlarged Ministry Ballroom. The ceiling was like the night sky, glittering with stars and filled with the light of the full moon; the backdrop had been charmed to appear to be a rose filled grove with wood-nymphs and fairies providing music and light for the intimately placed round tables and fully stocked bar.

Kingsley opened the proceedings with a short and jovial speech before allowing the Muggle Prime Minister to address the gathering. His speech touched upon the bravery of British citizens in always fighting for the right and the good. Then, an old wizard, who turned out to be the Head of the Druidic Order of Merlin, began calling out the names of the award winners. Harry and Severus were given First Class Awards to much public acclaim and applause. Hermione, Ron, Neville, Luna, Ginny, Hagrid, Minerva, Arthur, Molly, Kingsley and others were then given Second Class Awards. Remus, Tonks, Mad-Eye, Fred, Colin Creevey and a number of others were then given posthumous Second Class Awards which their families collected with bittersweet pride. After these Awards were handed out, the rest of the DA and the Order of the Phoenix were called up to receive their Order of Merlin, Third Class Awards.

Ron, who had been placed just after Hermione in the list of award winners, complained loudly, "That's not right. I should have been given a First Class Award, too. Didn't I go on the run with Harry, and didn't I also kill a part of Voldemort's soul?"

Hermione said irritably, "That is nothing compared to the twenty years Professor Snape dedicated for the greater good. Harry, of course, is the Saviour of the wizarding world. He has to get a First Class Award."

Ron stared at Hermione and asked in wonder, 'Blimey, Hermione, don't you care about the money that goes with it?"

This should not really have surprised Hermione, but it did, and she looked at him closely, as if for the first time, trying to comprehend his mercenary bent.

Once the Awards had been presented, the band began to play. Harry and Severus were invited by the Head of the Druidic Order of Merlin to open the dancing. Harry, of course, turned around and offered his arm to a beaming Ginny, as was expected. Tonight, she had worn a striking, slinky dress in dark navy blue, which was completely covered in sequins that caught the light and made her dazzle.

Severus, who was also supposed to open the dancing, extended his arm, and Hermione, with a smile, laid her hand in his. This was almost too much for the youngest Weasley, if his red face was any indication.

In truth, Ron had thought that Hermione would pine for him; he had not expected her to be courted so obviously by the Slimy Git.

Hermione did not notice, for she was too busy staring at Severus, who looked particularly dashing in his black silk robes tinged with delicate and subtle thread-work on the cuffs and lapels in bright emerald green and silver. They made a striking couple, he the dashing, dark hero, and she, the so-called brains of the Golden Trio with a scandalous past, if stories were to be believed, dressed in her fabulously elegant ball-gown and Malfoy jewels.

Severus smirked at the youngest Weasley male and pulled Hermione closer into his embrace, his thumb gently caressing the exposed skin of her back. He had decided that he would test the waters with the delectable Miss Granger and find out if she was a suitable candidate for seduction and marriage. He still did not think that he would find love, but he had decided that he would try for friendship and possibly passion. Miss Granger had proved herself to be intelligent, loyal and strong enough to cope with trials and tribulations. He knew he could find no one more appropriately suited to putting up with his temperament and personality. She had, after all, been his student for six years and knew him well, and she had still done her utmost to clear his name. Besides, Severus admitted to himself, he found her unexpectedly attractive and her company more than pleasing. Having danced with Hermione before, Severus knew she would be able to follow his lead without difficulty. Twirling her expertly around the floor, smirking to their audience all the while, Severus said, "You look stunning tonight. The Malfoy jewels are, of course, the perfect touch."

Hermione dipped her head graciously and said with a smile, "Cissy said Lucius suggested I wear them."

"Oh," said Severus softly, his mouth pressed intimately close to her ear, "well then, I must congratulate you on winning the heart of not one, but both the Malfoys. If you've been loaned the jewels, they are indeed serious about taking you under their wing."

Hermione felt a thrill run through her as his voice caressed her ear. She realised he was toying with her, performing for their audience, but the music, the atmosphere, and Professor Snape's attentions were making her head spin and her heart beat particularly fast within her breast. Hearing his compliment delivered in that slightly sardonic, yet utterly smoky and seductive voice of his made her realise she was definitely playing with fire. Blushing furiously at the thoughts racing through her head, she raised her face boldly to look at him. "They are being enormously kind," she said at last. "I can hardly believe that they are the same people who hated me and my kind for so long."

"Not hated," said Severus thoughtfully, his fingers continuing to stroke the petal soft skin of her back, "more resented, feared. However, they have learned their lesson well, and they will abide by the new order. Although..." And here he smirked broadly before tightening his grip on her even further. "...they will do their best to influence you to help bring back some of the forgotten traditions of the magical world."

Hermione smiled up at him. She realised he was teasing her, testing her. "I promised to do all I can, remember?" she said gently. "I won't go back on my word. Besides, I've always loved history and tradition. I don't see why the magical world can't have both, a healthy respect for the past whilst embracing the advances of the modern Muggle world."

Severus chuckled. "Miss Granger, I think you will have to start a revolution if you are going to convince the people in the Ministry and the Wizengamot that the magical world can cope with both." Smirking again, he said, "I suppose if anyone can, it will be you."

"Why, Professor," said Hermione with a surprisingly Snapish smirk, "I didn't think you believed in me so ardently." She then did something she'd wanted to do since the dance began; she gently let her fingers slide into his hair and caress the back of his neck. Hermione knew she was playing a dangerous game, but if he could touch her, then surely she could touch him. Besides, reasoned Hermione, she could always say if questioned that she did it for the benefit of the watching press.

"My dear Miss Granger," said Severus with a look of a predator grazing his features, "I believe in you in such ardent fashion that I am likely to make a fool of myself in public." At Hermione's expression of curiosity, Severus rather deliberately ground his pelvis against hers as he twirled her around once more so that she felt his hardened flesh through the many layers of cloth that separated them.

Hermione gasped in surprise. She had realised, of course, that he was flirting with her, but she had thought it was all a jest, a ploy. She had not in her wildest imaginings thought that he, the epitome of control, was actually attracted to her. She had thought that she was the only one feeling the effects of his proximity, his touch and his presence. To feel absolute proof of his arousal was startling. She did not know how to respond.

Severus could clearly see the surprise on Hermione's face. But as he gazed at her intently, he realised that she was not repulsed. Her reactions were those of an innocent, but he quickly grasped, an equally aroused and interested innocent. Smirking inwardly at his success in planting the seed of seduction, he lowered his face to her ear once more. "Never fear, Miss Granger," said Severus seductively. "I won't take you until you are ready for the plucking. I have infinite patience; after all, it is an inherent requirement for a successful Potions master." As Hermione blushed furiously once more, Severus chuckled and buried his sensitive nose in her hair. She smelt of night blooming jasmine and honey, and he couldn't get enough of her fragrance.

Once the opening dance was completed, other couples joined them on the floor. Severus continued to dance the second dance with her, holding her closely, possessively. He let himself enjoy the sensations of a willing woman in his arms, knowing that it had been many years since he had been able to enjoy such simple pleasures. At the end of the second dance, he bowed low and kissed her hand in a courtly gesture before moving to lead Hermione towards the edge of the dance floor where a number of members of the press stood waiting to take countless photographs and sound bites. There, Harry smiled brightly at the returning couple and offered his arm to Hermione. "Dance with me, please?" he asked fairly loudly with a broad grin.

Hermione smiled brightly at Harry's obvious move, for they had agreed to give the press a bit of a show. "How could I refuse my hero of a brother," she said just as loudly before taking his hand and moving onto the dance floor.

Seeing Miss Granger dance with Potter made Severus feel an unexpected twinge of resentment. How dare he, was the rather irrational thought that ran through his mind, even as he acknowledged that he had clearly heard her refer to Potter as her brother. Feeling slightly foolish, he made his way towards the Malfoys who were observing the dancing with interest.

"I see Potter has realised the error of his ways," was Lucius' opening remark.

Before Severus could respond, however, Narcissa stepped in. "Hermione told me," said Narcissa, "that she had explained the situation to Potter. He's agreed to put on a bit of a show for the media in an effort to quell the rumours."

"Really?" enquired Severus. He knew he was being overly sensitive, but he did not like the idea that Miss Granger was being rescued by Potter. That's my job, he thought irrationally before laughing at his own streak of possessiveness.

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A/N: Love it or hate it, please let me know what you think.