Wherefore Art Thou?

Wherefore Art Thou?

Summary: The fifth anniversary of Voldemort’s defeat and Hermione was still alone. Where was her Prince Charming?

Written for the grangersnape100 Dance floor conversations challenge.

Disclaimer: The characters, settings, etc. of the Harry Potter series are not mine; they belong to J.K. Rowling and Co. I promise to return them when I am through. Well, most of them anyway.

Wherefore Art Thou?

Hermione hummed softly, one foot tapping to the music that was playing. She watched as Harry gently spun a pregnant Ginny around the dance floor. Ron drifted by, the flavor of the month clinging to him worse than Devil’s Snare. They shared a quick smile before he and his ‘date’ swirled by, thankful they’d been able to save their friendship when they’d given up on being each other’s ‘true love.’

Severus was off to the side by himself; even Minerva was dancing with Kingsley. The fifth anniversary of Voldemort’s defeat and she was still alone. Where was her Prince Charming?

“Not dancing, Granger?”

Hermione smiled. “It’s not as if I have a string of suitors lined up for the opportunity to dance with me, besides, Severus, I don’t see you out there.”

“Hmm, now why would that be?”

“What, why no one is asking me or why you’re not dancing?” she asked with a laugh.

“Oh, I know why no one wants to dance with me. I can’t figure out why no one is asking you.” She looked lovely in gold robes that hugged her curves. Truth be told, he really didn’t know why no one was asking the witch.

“All right, there are those that don’t want to dance with a know-it-all. And those that do want to dance with me as a war hero, are not worth dancing with.” Hermione’s eyes sparkled as she lay down the gauntlet. “And your excuse would be?”

“I suppose I could say the same.” Severus burst out laughing at the look she shot him. “I have no desire to dance with those that want to dance with me because I survived, was a spy, was a Death Eater, I belong to the Order of the Phoenix, or for…a variety of other reasons.”

His love for Lily and Potter’s lack of restraint with his memories came to mind as several of those other reasons.

“We never would’ve won the war without you.”

Severus waved Hermione’s comment away. “And there are those that think I should be rotting in Azkaban. Besides, I don’t dance.”

“You don’t know how to dance?”

“I said I don’t dance, not that I didn’t know how. There’s a difference.”

“It seems we are of the same ilk.”

“So it seems.”

“So, would you still say no if I asked you to dance?”

That was the real question, wasn’t it?

Hermione offered her hand to the wizard. The last few years had been good to him. Rest, good food, and not answering to a psychotic megalomaniac or a manipulative Machiavellian wizard had done him a world of good. “Dance with me, Severus?”

The band played the opening strains of a waltz. He really had no reason to refuse Granger. She knew and accepted him, as he was, faults and all. They had formed a friendship over the last few years, first working together on her research and then exchanging letters and such. Severus bowed. “It would be my pleasure, Hermione.”

Taking her hand in his, he placed his other hand on her waist and drew Hermione to him. With a nod, he pulled her closer. A gentle turn and they swirled onto the dance floor.

They moved as one, Severus’ natural grace guiding them around the floor. Hermione closed her eyes and breathed deeply. He smelled wonderful, like wind and herbs and something definitely masculine.

Severus smiled. “I did take a shower today. Hard as it may be to believe, I do shower daily. I have even been known to take an occasional bath.”

“Oh, I believe it. You smell…divine.”

“Thank you, as do you. Your own blend of shampoo and perfume?”

“Yes, how did you know?”

“I can almost make out the ingredients, the scent is fresh, light, an obvious lack of chemicals, and it compliments your own unique scent.”

Hermione’s eyes widened. “Thank you, Severus, was that a compliment?”

“No.”

“No?”

“No. Did you see yesterday’s article on fragmenting herb stems in the current issue of Potions Monthly? I was going to owl it to you if you were absent tonight. I thought it might be of interest to you considering your current research.”

And they were off.

“Wow, who knew the git could dance?” Ron shook his head as he watched Hermione and Severus.

“What could she see in him?”

Harry and Ron exchanged a look. “Well, he’s more than a bit anti-social, into academics and books, and has the need to know everything. Oh, and believes he’s always right.”

Harry nodded. “Yep, a perfect fit.”

“If they don’t kill each other. Though he did survive both Dumbledore and Voldemort, I suppose it was good training for Hermione.” Ginny said with a laugh.

“Are they a couple?” asked Ron’s almost-girlfriend.

“Just look at the two of them.”

Lost in conversation, neither noticed those who had stopped to watch the pair dance. Hermione rarely danced at any function. Severus never danced. Full stop. Ever. So the sight of the unlikely couple dancing and enjoying themselves was a rare sight, indeed.

“Would you care for a glass of wine? We can talk on the balcony.”

“Why don’t we go back to my place? I think I’ve got a split of champagne.”

“Your place? Because…?”

Hermione smiled. “Just…because.”

“I see.” And he did. “Shall we?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

And without a backwards glance, they disappeared into the night.

A/N: A bit of fluff before bed.