Part the Ninth

I cannot tell you how much your incredible comments have affected me. I will never be able to thank you enough for the amazing words of support and encouragement. This is the penultimate chapter, and I want to tell you that this has been such a joy.

I want to thank stgulik, my beta, who is simply everything a writer needs to fly without wings or broom. Thank you, Jules. You are my Christmas Rose.

Hermione woke to Christmas sunlight streaming into the room. She stretched, wincing at the bright light and her protesting muscles. Severus had teased her that after the night's activities he would need to brew extra Pain Potion, not only for her but for his own benefit.

The room was cold, and she turned over to snuggle next to Severus, who simply radiated body heat. She opened her eyes to see if he was awake, and found the bed empty.

Hermione sat up in bed and held herself very still. She could sense the soft shimmer of her daughter's blooming magic, and her own signature. The deep thrum she had felt last night after Severus' magic rejuvenated itself was absent now. He was not in the house.

Dressing, Hermione thought of what this might mean. It was Christmas Day. Had he decided, now that his magic and his financial security had been restored, he was no longer beholden to stay? Had he, in his own insecure ramblings, decided she no longer needed him there, after last night? No, she could not believe it. She wouldn't believe it.

Hermione put the memories of last night aside. They had done things to and for one another that were so indecent her face burned when she remembered them. It had been so intense, so perfect. If he had bailed on her after that, she would hex his bollocks to Halifax if she ever saw him again!

Even as she warned herself not to think about it, the images of their lovemaking hurtled into the forefront of her mind, and she felt again the breathless, sense-stealing sensation of their bodies fused together. Severus had been a creature of sexual, burning intensity, and he'd possessed her with almost brutal hunger. She had reveled in every moment of it and begged for more. She shivered at the memory of their first real joining, after she had asked to experience 'everything' with him. She closed her eyes, remembering how he'd loomed over her, his eyes full of desire and sin, and crooned, "You truly are a goddess, my love. I am merely your humble acolyte."

She'd been helpless with lust, moaning, begging. He had teased and fondled and made her so slick and ready for him, and his first deep, plunging thrust had almost blinded her with pleasure. She had growled so loudly he'd thought he was hurting her. He had pulled away, uncertain, and she'd grabbed him, yanking him closer, moaning feverishly, "Oh, fucking hell, Severus, let go! I want you to pound into me, dammit!"

He'd given her a little crooked smile of surprise, then growled, "My pleasure," and proceeded to fuck her into the mattress, slamming into her as if he were being graded for his efforts. She recalled the soft hairs of his chest rasping against her nipples, the filthy, dark promises he had whispered in her ear as he danced against her skin. It had been wild, and glorious and not a little animalistic. Hermione felt a wave of pure longing wash over her, remembering the sound of his hips slapping against hers, and the delicious feeling of being totally overtaken by his passion. Severus looked like a satyr, dark and desirous, driving and driving and driving into her with such power she came over and over, crying out his name.

As he roared to his own climax, he'd cried out, "I love you!" as he shouted his orgasm into the room. Hermione had only just renewed the Muffliato charm on Rose's room, thank Merlin.

It had been decadent and adventurous and wondrous – and now he was gone.

She walked into his room. She opened his wardrobe. His clothes were gone. She looked into the chest of drawers. There was nothing left in the room except the faintest trace of his cologne. For a moment, Hermione felt physically ill. She sat down on his bed, trying to hold back her tears. Hearing the sounds of Rose playing downstairs, she took several deep breaths and composed herself. Rose was her daughter, her life, her first priority. It was time to tell Rose that Severus was gone.

Hermione thought about Rose and her open, loving nature, and her own hurt feelings soured into anger. Okay, he fucked you and left. You're a big girl – you can take rejection. But you've walked out on Rose. That's unforgivable, Mister. You may have just topped Tom Riddle in the All-Time-Bastards-Who've-Pissed-Me-Off List, Snape.

Hermione forced her anger away, because it was starting to feel too much like heartbreak again. She walked out of the room, closing the door softly behind her.

At the bottom of the stairs, Hermione forced a smile on her face, and greeted her daughter with a "Good morning, darling, Happy Christmas!"

Rose jumped up from the floor, where she'd been playing with her Father Christmas loot, and rushed to hug and rub noses. After wishing Hermione Happy Christmas, she looked around with a curious smile and asked, "Where's Severus, Mum? I haven't felt him in the house since I woke up."

She put her hands on her daughter's shoulders and took a deep, steadying breath. "Rose, he was gone when I woke up. I think he might have left, honey."

Rose's smile faded, and she grew still, "Left? As in, gone? For good?" Hermione nodded, not trusting her voice.

Still disbelieving, Rose shook her head with a little, uneasy smile. "No, he wouldn't do that, Mum. He lives here." She stated her words emphatically, as if saying them would make them true.

Hermione's throat tightened, and it became hard to speak. "Love, his things aren't in his room." The dawning horror in Rose's eyes was unbearable, and Hermione had to look away. "He didn't leave anything behind."

She watched in dismay as Rose's blue eyes filled with tears. "But-But why, Mum? Why would he leave us? I thought he was happy here!" She buried her head against her mother's shoulder. "How could he leave us without saying goodbye, Mum? Did you two have a fight?"

Hermione winced, wishing she'd waited until Rose was older before telling her of the night she and Ron had fought, and he'd walked out on her and Harry. It had fixated in Rose's mind that anytime two people argued, one of them bailed. It also brought to mind that she might have been pushing Severus too much. Perhaps she'd been so blinded by her feelings that she'd frightened him away with her neediness. There had been moments when she had taken over to make everything right for Severus. She'd made a point of telling him about wanting to change Ron and learning her lesson, but had she?

Severus was a man, a wizard. Now that his magic had been restored and was just as powerful as ever, he would want to make his own choices. Hadn't he said time and time again that he'd had enough of having to take what others had forced upon him? Did he see her as doing the same? Perhaps he'd had enough of her typical, bossy, I-know-what's-best-so-shut-up-and-do-what-I-say personality. If that were so, it wouldn't be the first time she'd pushed someone away. It would, however, be the most painful.

Hermione could feel the sobs threaten. Seeing Rose so upset was making it difficult to sound pragmatic. Perhaps she had pushed him once too often; still, he could have done them the courtesy of saying goodbye, instead of sneaking out on them. Hermione held her distressed daughter, fighting her own tears.

"No, sweetie. We didn't fight. I don't know why he's gone. Maybe he thought it would be easier on us if he was gone when we woke up." Coward.

"Well, he's wrong!" Rose sniffed. Her tears made Hermione's rush traitorously to the surface. "He lives here with us, Mum! I really liked him! He was smart, and he talked to me about Hogwarts and potions. He promised he was going to teach me all sorts of cool magical things." She buried her face in her mother's breast and sobbed. "He talked to me like I was someone he liked."

"Well, of course he liked you, precious. Who wouldn't like you, Rose darling?" Hermione soothed, rocking her bereft daughter. The anger that had raged within was blackening; curling back into a painful feeling of loss, and Hermione felt her own tears sliding down her face. Damn him! It was all well and good, telling herself that she was well rid of the mardy bum, but her heart wasn't buying it. She thought they had made a breakthrough. He had told her he loved her, for fuck's sake!

Hermione shook her head angrily, wiping her tears away. "Look at us, Rosie. It's Christmas, darling! We have pressies to open and you've got two whole days playing with your cousins at the Burrow." She was amazed how normal her voice sounded when her heart was breaking. He's not worth it, she said to herself. He's not worth spoiling my daughter's Christmas.

"But it's not the same, Mum," Rose said, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "The three of us here felt nice. It'll never be the same now."

Hermione felt as if her heart was going to snap. Her emotions see-sawed again, and the anger against Snape returned. I'll teach you to break my daughter's heart, you dick, she thought, fuming. Just you wait, Severus Snape. You can run, but you can't hide-

The Floo flared into life and the devil himself stepped through, looking harried and wild-eyed and not a little alarmed at being faced by two tear-stained, upset witches. "Has someone died?" he asked. Rose dashed toward him and leapt into his arms so quickly he almost fell backward. He uttered a short laugh. "Rose, we must have a discussion soon about your reckless enthusiasm. It's hideously Gryffindor." He enveloped the child in a tender embrace. "Happy Christmas, Rose."

She only held him tighter, and when she sobbed, "We thought you had left us forever! We thought you didn't love us anymore!" Severus looked as if she'd slapped him in the face. Stunned, he looked from the weeping child to her mother, who was staring at him with a mixture of hurt and anger so intense his eyes widened.

"Why on earth would you think that?" he said, his features twisted in confusion. "My note made it perfectly clear when to expect my return."

Hermione could practically hear her stomach hit the floor with a loud thud. Swallowing, she said, "What note?"

Carefully disengaging himself from Rose's choking embrace, Severus went to Hermione and clasped her face in his hands. They were freezing; he'd forgotten his gloves. "Happy Christmas, Hermione." His gentle words baffled her even more.

"Severus, what is going on?" Exasperated, Hermione placed her hands against his chest. His coat was covered in frost. "I woke up and you were gone, no word, nothing! What was I to think?"

He looked at her incredulously. "That I had just upped stakes and left? After everything that's happened?" His voice dropped almost to a whisper. "After last night?" He tilted his head. "I left a note for you in the kitchen – did you not see it?"

Hermione felt a flush creeping up her face. "Actually, I hadn't made it that far."

Severus flicked his wand through the air. "Accio note!" A short piece of parchment flew into his hand, and with an arched brow, he wordlessly passed it to Hermione.

Hermione,

S

Hermione turned to her daughter. Almost cringing, she said, "Sweetie, I need to have a talk with Severus. Why don't you go upstairs and get dressed? Uncle Harry will be here soon to take you to the Burrow."

"Okay," she replied, drying her tears. As Rose walked by Severus, she gave him another hug. "I knew you wouldn't just leave us," she said, confidentially, and left the adults alone in the room. For a moment Hermione could barely make herself look at him. When she did, he was giving her such a chiding look she felt like a moronic first year again.

"But your clothes were gone," she began. "I looked in your wardrobe and-"

"Did you look in yours?"

Hermione stilled, and closed her eyes. Oh. Yes. Now I-

"I moved all my clothes there this morning while you were sleeping off our night of glorious abandon. Or did you forget you demanded I move my things to your room?" His eyes narrowed, and he fixed her with a gimlet stare. "I understand you said it during the throes of passion, but it was one of the most significant moments of our relationship." He pursed his lips. "I think I'm going to take the high road and pretend your memory lapse was due to my overwhelming sexual prowess, and not early onset senility on your part."

Hermione slumped. "Oh, gods, I do remember, Severus." She gave him a sheepish smile. "And I meant every word, but-" She blew the air from her lips, feeling more like a fool with every passing second. "Well, I was a little overwhelmed by your sexual prowess."

"Now you're just digging the hole deeper." With a rueful chuckle, he pulled her closer. "I forgive you. It's hard to blame someone for being in a post-coital fog when one is responsible for it, but honestly, witch, you used to pay closer attention when you were celibate."

Cringing, Hermione looked down at the parchment again. "I'm so sorry," she said, in a small voice, tears threatening again. "I've been such an idiot."

"Indeed," the voice, while faintly chiding, still sounded wounded.

"And I hurt you. I've been a fool! I thought that maybe-"

"You thought, 'now that he has his magic back and the Ministry's returned his wallet, the greasy git doesn't think he needs me anymore'. Is that about the size of it?" When Hermione didn't answer, he sighed. "You didn't believe in me," he said sadly.

"I didn't believe in me," she said quietly, finally admitting the truth to herself. She risked a glance at him, and to her surprise and dawning hope, he was smiling and shaking his head.

He wound a wild curl around his long finger. In a tender voice, he asked, "Hermione, last night you asked me what I was afraid of. What are you afraid of?"

Hermione looked at him, and the air in the room seemed to grow still and warm. Entwining her hand with his, she whispered, "I'm – I'm afraid of being too bossy, of scaring you away."

Severus looked into her sweet intelligent face and for once, her assertive, no-nonsense demeanour was absent, and she looked as vulnerable as she did the night she met him in the Forest of Dean.

She took his hand in hers, and stroked it tenderly, tracing the blue veins that ran over the top. "I've fallen in love with you, Severus Snape. I want you to be here, but more than that, I want you to want to be here." She took a deep, bracing breath. "And if that's not what you want, I'll help you to do whatever it takes to make you happy. But now you've asked for the truth, I'm afraid you'll leave. And all I want is for you to stay. Now. For a very long time. Forever."

He sat down and ran a distracted hand through his messy hair. "I don't know what I find more surprising, Hermione: the fact that you jumped to the wrong conclusion or the fact that I'm not offended by it. There was a time when your reaction would have sent me coldly stalking away, seething in resentment over the slight. I would have scuttled back to my hovel, drank myself into a stupor and told myself I was well rid of such a mistrustful harpy, so lacking in faith."

He looked up at her, and shrugged. "But the fact of the matter is that I live with that harpy and her Gryffindor of a daughter, and I love them both more than reason dictates. The idea that anyone gives a fuck enough to miss me when they've mistakenly believe I've left them seems rather ironic, when you think that two months ago no bugger gave a toss whether I lived or died. And I'm not including you in that statement, Hermione; I'm not trying to replant that guilt."

Hermione sagged with relief, causing tears to threaten again. "So, you're not upset that I was mentally hexing your bollocks off?" she asked, trying on a smile for size.

He looked at her and rolled his eyes. "Only if you're still mentally hexing them." His dark eyes swept over her rapaciously. "Actually, I'd rather hoped that later, you'd do an encore of that thing you did with them last night. After the obligatory junk food and Muggle films, of course." He held out his hand, and when she joined him on the sofa he took her in his arms, nuzzling her with his unspeakable nose. "Hermione, not four hours ago I was being tied up, blindfolded, teased with feathers and seared into heaven. I seem to recall at one point you slid your very talented tongue around my arsehole until I was almost deranged. And that was just the preliminaries to the best blowjob I've ever received.

"I also vaguely remember screaming 'You belong to me, witch' and 'I love you' and 'I'm never going to let you out of my sight'." Wryly, he added, "Apparently those weren't nearly as memorable to you as 'Oh, fuck, what a sweet pussy'." At her shaking laugh, he smirked, pleased. "And unless you're telling me you're never going to do those degenerate things again, do you honestly think I'd be stupid enough to leave a woman who performs such deviant acts upon my person and demands I do the same in return?"

Hermione blushed to her hairline, and Severus kissed her, his smile softening his harsh features. "I would have thought that alone would convince you that I can't live without you." He looked at her with eyes that were full of emotion. "But you already knew that. I told you that last night."

"Before your magic-"

"Yes, having my magic and my finances restored was a miraculous thing, but who convinced the Wizengamot to rescind the sentence? Who believed in me when no one else did?" He held her head between his large hands. "Who saved me for no other reason than she just wanted me to have a chance at a normal, safe life?"

To her surprise, his eyes filled with tears. "How in Merlin's name could I not love you, Hermione Granger? How on earth could magic and money ever compare with you and Rose?"

They were holding one another tightly, and she could feel her relief, and she was crying and whispering her love for him and promising all sorts of new depravity as long as he would forgive her and stay with her and never stop loving her and -

"Shh, love. You're working yourself into a right state! It's alright. I'm going nowhere that doesn't involve me coming back here afterward." He pulled away and brushed the tears from her cheeks. "Now, with regards to that delicious litany of filth you've just promised, I say we have some breakfast before we open presents. I'll need sustenance if I'm to keep up with you. I'm not a young wizard anymore, you know."

Hermione laughed through her tears. "Anything you want. A full English, oatmeal, fruit-"

"All of the above," he answered with mock imperiousness. "And I want it fed to me from your lovely hands while you sing to me."

When she responded with a tremulous smile, Severus sobered. "I am sorry, Hermione. Truly. Had I any inkling that you wouldn't read my note, I would have told you before I left, but I was in a hurry to be gone and back before Rose left for the Burrow." He tipped her face up to his, and planted a gentle, sweet kiss on her lips. "Am I forgiven?"

Hermione's reply was to return his kiss, equally soft and promising.

"Good," he said, sighing against her. A quiet, comfortable moment passed between them. "If I'm perfectly honest, Hermione, I don't mind you being bossy. You're only bossy with those you really care about. And I don't mind you being needy. No one has ever needed me; not really. It's a pleasant feeling, being needed like this. I have a purpose and a future now, and that pleases me. Being the lonely, misunderstood Byronic figure is pants." He pressed his forehead to hers. "I love you, witch. I want to share my life with you and Rose. I'm not planning on going anywhere, so work on your trust issues and stop feeling so bloody insecure."

She pulled him as close as humanly possible. "We'll work on it together."

He looked at her solemnly. "A wise woman told me to not try. Just do."

She sighed happily, "Then I'll do it," and pulled him down to her lips.

"I knew it! I knew it!" Hermione and Severus jumped apart and looked guiltily over the sofa at the doorway, where Rose stood. She was beaming, and clapping her hands. "I knew you two would snog on Christmas!"

Dryly, Severus gave Hermione a long-suffering look. "I see the know-it-all gene runs in the family."

Rose ran into the room and hugged them so hard their heads knocked together. She kissed Severus' dark, Floo-mussed hair. "I don't care what you call me, Severus. I'd rather be a know-it-all than a know-nothing-at-all."

"It always worked well for your mother, Rose."

Suddenly Rose stilled and she looked at the two adults. Her eyes grew large, and with quiet excitement, she said, "Are you and Mum going to get married?"

Without answering, Severus pulled something small from his pocket and set it on the floor. "Engorgio!" he intoned, and it expanded into a huge box, brimming with beautifully-wrapped presents. One by one, he sent eight boxes floating toward Rose, who watched in fascination as they landed gracefully at her feet. There were the same number of presents left in the box, and Severus sent all but one of them under the tree. The last was a small case, no bigger than the palm of his hand. With quiet dignity, Severus solemnly placed it in Hermione's hand.

"I was going to mention this later, but since Rose has brought up the subject, I would like for you to open this gift, Hermione. Now that I think on it, it would be fitting for Rose to act as witness. If it suits, I would be honoured for you to keep it."

With shaking hands, Hermione opened the box to reveal a plain, white gold ring. It held a flawless diamond, surrounded by sapphires. "It was my grandmother's," Severus said quietly. "The Princes thought of Mother as an outcast, but my Nan always had time for me." He looked at Hermione with quiet pride. "She would have loved you and Rose."

He took the ring out of the box, and said, "Hermione Granger, I'm never going to run out on you. I'm never going to make you sorry you took me in, and I'm never going to regret one moment of being part of your life. I only want your happiness, and I hope you will allow me to contribute to it."

The ring seemed to leap onto her finger. She stared at it, awestruck.

Severus brought her hand to his lips, and asked, with a shaking voice, "Hermione, will you consent to be my wife?"

Hermione looked up at Severus and opened her mouth-

"Yes, yes she will! Say yes, Mum, say yes!" Rose was jumping up and down, her eyes full of happiness.

Hermione burst out laughing and threw her arms around Severus, kissing him soundly. "Is that a yes?" he growled between kisses.

"Of course, yes!" she laughed. Severus sighed with relief, pulling her to him.

Hermione and Rose were flanking Severus, inundating him with his presents, when the Floo opened and Harry stepped in. "Merry Christmas everyone!" He held his arms open for Rose, who flew into them with boundless joy. "Happy Christmas, Rosie! Heavens, you're getting too big for me to pick up and whirl around!" He smiled down at the little girl. "Did Father Christmas make it?" He looked at Hermione and Severus and winked. "He was a bit late getting over to Grimmauld Place, but he managed."

"Uncle Harry, Mum and Severus are getting married!" Harry's smile turned into a look of such stunned surprise that even Rose laughed at him. "This is the best Christmas EVER!"

"Well, that's – that's great news!" Harry bounded over and threw his arms around his friend. "I'm so glad for you both." He pulled away and faced Severus, who held himself stiffly, as if afraid Harry would challenge him. Instead, Harry held out his hand. "Congratulations, sir. I know Hermione will make you very happy."

Severus took his hand and nodded, ruefully hearing the silent addition: and you'd better make her happy or you'll answer to me, the Weasleys and Rose. "Thank you, Harry. I know it may be a bit of a shock to your family, but-"

"I don't care!" The adults turned toward a very determined-looking Rose. She returned their looks with the same protective obstinacy Harry had seen on Hermione's face a thousand times. "I think it's great, but if Grana or Poppy or anyone says anything bad about it, I'll tell them to suck it up!"

Severus looked at the young girl and tried not to laugh in the face of such indignant defiance. Not unkindly, he explained, "What your uncle means is that people who don't really like me very much may say unkind things about your mum marrying me. Your grandparents are accepting people, but the Wizarding world can be very cruel."

She took Severus' hand, her brow furrowing. "But you're a hero, Severus. Everyone knows you are. And my dad was a hero, and everybody liked him, so what's the difference?"

Severus cast Hermione a baleful look. "Well, your father was-"

"It doesn't matter! I'll bet he would be happy that Mum's marrying someone like him. People should be nice about you marrying Mum."

Severus looked down at the little girl, so like her father, so like her mother, and his chest swelled. "You honour me, Rose. Your father was a great hero." He turned to Hermione. "With this support, I find I'm not at all afraid of rejoining the Wizarding world." He cocked an eye toward the little girl. "With the Granger girls defending me?"

Harry grinned. "Rita Skeeter doesn't stand a chance." He sobered. "You know you'll always have my support. And yes, I will use my reputation shamelessly to ensure the rest of the Wizarding world gives it as well. It's the least I can do."

For a moment, they were all silent, before Rose piped up, "C'mon, Uncle Harry, let's go! I can't wait to tell everyone!"

"Harry, before you leave with Rose, I would like to present you with something, if I may." For the first time since he had returned from Diagon Alley, Severus looked a bit apprehensive. From within his cloak he withdrew a small present, elegantly wrapped like the rest, and enlarged it to the size of a box of chocolates.

Harry took the present, his expression friendly but puzzled. "Thank you, sir."

Severus made a dismissive gesture. "It's the least I can do."

Harry tore the paper open with one ripping motion. "Philistine," Hermione muttered.

"Anal," he countered, sticking his tongue out at his old friend. Hermione forced herself not to look at Severus. She could feel his eyes on her, and she knew if she looked into those black eyes, a giggling fit would ensue from which she would never recover, nor would she be able to explain.

Harry finished demolishing the elegant wrapping to reveal an ornate box. Opening it, his expression changed from wonder to delight. It gave Severus a quiet joy he thought he'd never associate with a Potter.

"What is it, Uncle Harry?" Rose piped.

Harry blinked and sniffed. "It's- it's a treasure chest, Rosie. Dozens of photos of my Mum." He pulled a few out and discovered several bits of parchment, tied with a black ribbon. "Are these letters?" he asked.

Severus nodded. "That box contains every photo and letter and souvenir I ever kept of your mother, Harry. It was in my vault at Gringotts. I would have given it to you sooner, had I access to it."

Harry looked up at Severus, his eyes shining. "This is a priceless gift. I don't know what to say." He looked hungrily over the trove of items in the box, and Severus realised it no longer hurt to see Lily's eyes in James Potter's face. Giving the box to Harry had been the right thing to do.

Harry was saying, "Are you sure you wish to part with the letters and other things? I mean, I'll treasure this forever, but..." he broke off, visibly moved.

"I am quite sure, Harry. Your mother was my first friend, and I cared for her dearly, but it's time these were given to her son, where they belong. If I had any doubts of it, the Patronus I cast last night put paid to them."

Harry nodded, blinking hard. "I'm sorry she never forgave you before she died." He looked pensive. "As I've gotten older, I've learned a great deal about true friendships, and while I don't know why she didn't, she should have. I truly want to believe she was just too immature to understand. But I think she would be proud of you."

Harry met his eyes, man to man. "You're free now, Severus. You owe nothing more to anyone, including my mum."

Severus nodded. "I know. I don't think I truly realised it until I came here." He looked at Hermione. "I want to think you are right about Lily. She was very special, and now that I understand the love of a good woman, I appreciate even more the sacrifice she made."

Packages were shrunk, coats were doffed, hugs and kisses were given, and in a whirl of Floo powder and Rose-flavoured energy, Hermione and Severus were alone at last. For a moment they simply held one another. The quiet of the little house was a bit bereft without Rose, but it was nevertheless comforting and familiar.

Finally, Hermione pulled away from her lover, and took his hands in hers. "We've still got presents to open."

He looked down his long nose at her, and purred salaciously, "Ah, yes. As it happens, I passed Madam Provocateur's Shoppe of Delights while on my rounds this morning. I found the most delightful little addition to your 'toy collection'." He took her hand and pressed it against his growing erection. "I should be happy to demonstrate its features for you."

Hermione looked up into his dark eyes and felt her body grow hot and damp at the intensity she saw therein. Huskily, she said, "First one up the stairs gets a special Christmas present."

He smirked. "I can out-Apparate you any day of the week."