67- Of Victory and Triumphs

Standard Disclaimer goes here. I promise I'll put them back when I'm done playing with them.

Author's Note: It's been a long time coming to get this far, and I offer my sincerest gratitude to all of you who have stuck with me for so long. I appreciate your support more than I can express. As always, Ladyofthemasque is my beta par excellence, helping me whenever I ask, regardless of how buried she may be in her own profitable ventures. *hugs Lotm* I hope the chapters to come won't take as long as this did. We'll see if Real Life will let me get on with it at a better pace now. Of course, don't forget to check out my Livejournal: http://pern-dragon.livejournal.com/ to see what's keeping me busy! Hope you all have a Joyous ChristmaHanuKwanzaakkuh Yulestice and a fantastic New Year! :)

Chapter 67- Of Victory and Triumphs

The cast members rose late the next morning, having indulged in a well-deserved rest after such a demanding performance. Thus it was that very few were in the Great Hall at breakfast the next morning to see an eagle owl swoop down to land by Dumbledore's plate. It was bearing a missive from the Ministry, and McGonagall and Snape, on either side of the headmaster, both eyed it with suppressed excitement and trepidation. Dumbledore calmly offered the owl a piece of bacon in thanks before opening the envelope sealed with the Ministry emblem.

Tension grew, with Snape and McGonagall staring at Dumbledore's eyes as they roved across the page, hoping to guess the message from his reaction. When he reached the end and folded it closed again, his face still impassive, McGonagall couldn't stand the suspense any longer and released the breath she had been holding in a sharp burst.

"Well, Albus, what does it say? Who won?"

Dumbledore maddeningly paused to take a sip of his pumpkin juice before shrugging lightly and saying, "I don't know who won, Minerva. It didn't say."

Snape rolled his eyes at the older man's deliberate obtuseness and clenched his teeth, but before he could make an acid remark, McGonagall retorted, "Then what did it say? Don't play games with me, you bloody berk!"

Dumbledore's brows rose and he turned to cast a reproving eye at McGonagall, whose cheeks were now scarlet as she glared at him. Snape suppressed an amused snort, not wishing to distract them from their glaring match.

Affecting icy dignity, Dumbledore said, "Name-calling is beneath you, Minerva. Besides, it only said for us to expect a Ministry official to arrive at dinner to announce the winner."

McGonagall cleared her throat and settled in her seat again, managing to look sheepish even though her eyes were still sparking with annoyance. "Thank you for telling us. I shall make sure the Gryffindors know to be at dinner." Peering past Dumbledore, she nodded at Snape and added, "I assume you'll tell your House?"

Snape averted his eyes and ducked his head, still fighting the urge to snigger at McGonagall's outburst. "Of course."

With that, McGonagall folded her napkin over her plate and stood, patently done with her breakfast. Cutting one last aggrieved look at Dumbledore, she said, "Good day," and left. Snape, not particularly thrilled to be left alone with Dumbledore, hastily shot to his feet as well, pretending he hadn't seen Albus as he turned to get Snape's attention. Spinning away from the headmaster, he Disapparated.

****** *******

Later that morning, the Gryffindors were lounging in the common room when they were surprised to see their Head of House clambering through the portrait hole.

Neville shot straight up in his seat where he had been nestled with Parvati on a low couch. Parvati struggled to right herself after falling into the space Neville had just occupied as he said, "Professor McGonagall! What are you doing here? I mean... Not that you're not welcome... That is... Uh, hi."

McGonagall nodded at Neville, a faint smile quirking her lips at his flaming cheeks and Parvati's sheepish expression. Elsewhere, at tables or on squashy armchairs, other Gryffindors stifled giggles at the pair's embarrassment.

Eyes dancing, Hermione looked up from her table covered with books and parchment and said, "Good morning, Professor."

Smoothing her robes, McGonagall gazed about the room and said, "Good morning. As you lot weren't at breakfast earlier, I have a very important message for you." She paused, making sure every eye was on her, then said, "Professor Dumbledore received a message from the Ministry today stating that a Ministry official will be joining us at dinner tonight, when I assume we will be told who won the competition." She paused again, sniffing haughtily before adding in an undertone, "As if there's any question. Hogwarts was by far the best of the bunch."

The Gryffindors exchanged amused grins. Ron, at the chessboard with Harry and Ginny, piped up, "We'll be sure to be there, and on our best behaviour, of course, Professor." He slanted a gamin grin at her and she smiled back.

"Indeed, Mr. Weasley. Very well then. I shall see you all this evening at dinner, and then we'll all adjourn to the lounge to celebrate our win." Nodding, she spun and climbed back through the portrait hole, leaving them to their anticipation.

******* *********

That evening, the Great Hall still had the High Table at one end, but the long House tables were disposed of in favour of the large pentagon they had used before. Ron and Seamus were pleased that they could so easily sit with Susan and Luna, and the cast exchanged nods and gestures of greeting as they got settled, all wondering how long it would be before the Ministry would arrive.

Several of the other professors were still seated at the High Table, having remained at school over the holiday to prepare for the final term. McGonagall, Snape, and Trelawney were all there, and they all seemed to be staring at their food more than eating it. After a short while, the cast began to focus on the meal instead of maintaining an attitude of tense anticipation. Everyone had been there for at least half an hour before Dumbledore finally walked in, escorting the Ministry official.

A hush fell over the Hall as they mounted the dais, stopping in front of the High Table and turning to look over those seated at the pentagonal table. Every gaze was trained on them, and Dumbledore took the silence as his opportunity to introduce the man beside him.

"Good evening, everyone. If I may have your attention... Thank you. I would like you to meet Mr. Allery Tilworth, Chief Liaison in the new Department of the Arts, on behalf of the Senior Undersecretary for the Department of International Magic Relations and the Junior Minister for Magic/Muggle Relations."

The man bowed gravely, then cleared his throat. "Thank you, Headmaster. It is my great honour and sincere pleasure to join you this evening..."

Down at the tables, Ron was growling under his breath, interrupting the man's speech. "I don't bloody well care about your feelings, you wanker, I want to know who won!" Susan and Hermione, on either side of him, whipped around and swatted his arms, shushing him furiously. Startled by the doubled onslaught, he barely managed to stifle a yelp, rubbing his biceps and glaring at them in mutiny. They turned their attention back to the man, just in time to see him withdraw a very official-looking scroll from his robes.

Breaking the ostentatious Ministry seal on the scroll, the man unrolled the parchment and cleared his throat again. "The Ministry of Magic, in conjunction with..."

This time it was Harry who was muttering, "Please let us win... Please let it be us... Please let it be Hogwarts..." while the official droned on through the litany of important affiliations. Ron was too caught up in the tension to even grumble about the fact that no one was hitting Harry.

"...that the winner of the Inaugural Tri-Wizard Musical Competition is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Congratulations!"

His congratulations were drowned out by the immediate uproar as the student cast members shot to their feet, cheering madly as they jumped up and down, hugging each other and clapping wildly. The teachers at the High Table applauded as well, but McGonagall was as jubilant as the students, and she whooped and waved her hands in the air as she did a sort of victory dance at her place, nearly knocking her chair down. Trelawney was beaming at everyone, declaiming that she had known all along that Hogwarts would win, but she didn't want to spoil the surprise for everyone. And Snape...

He was still seated, but his face and posture were so transformed that he looked positively uplifted. His back was straight, his shoulders were back as his chest pushed forward in pride, and he shook his hair out of his face, content to let his satisfaction and joy practically radiate from his smug smile.

When the initial tumult subsided, the cast turned to see the professors at the High Table gazing joyfully at them. Dashing tears from their eyes, the students looked as if they were about to rush the dais, but the Ministry official shook the scroll slightly and cleared his throat, indicating he wasn't finished.

With great effort, the students contained their excitement, and the man continued. "As was stipulated at the beginning of this endeavour, Hogwarts shall win the 5000 Galleon purse to use in creating the new Fine Arts Department and curriculum, and you will receive your trophy. However, the Ministry has deemed it only fitting that we present it to you with all due ceremony at your Leaving Feast. Once again, we would like to congratulate you on your success, and we look forward to joining you at the end of term to celebrate your triumph again."

He rolled up the scroll and tucked it back within his robes as the students darted forward to drag their professors out from behind the High Table. Delighted laughter rang through the Hall, and the official smiled indulgently at the high-spirited group as he shook Dumbledore's hand.

Trelawney, McGonagall, and Snape were being bodily brought forward, and Harry called to Dumbledore, "Sir! Is the lounge available yet?"

Dumbledore chuckled and waved at them to go on, and the professors were buoyed along the tide of excited teenagers out of the Hall and into the nearby lounge for the cast party.

Lavender and Parvati, with Neville at Parvati's elbow, each gripped one of Trelawney's hands as they led her to the room, chattering breathlessly like magpies. Colin, Dean, Ron, with Susan at his side, and Harry all bracketed McGonagall. Snape's hands were clasped in Hermione's and Ginny's, as they had reached him before the Slytherins had, but Draco, Pansy, and Millicent flanked him much like an honour guard would. The rest of the cast was cavorting and laughing as they went, gambolling like puppies in their enthusiasm.

When they entered the lounge, they were pleased to see it was much less formally decorated than the Christmas party had been. A table set with refreshments was off to one side, an impromptu bar with tall stools wasn't far from it, and comfy chairs and sofas were clumped all over, providing many choices for gathering. There was still cleared space between the table, bar, and lounge area, and when music began playing, it was obvious that it was there for dancing.

Most of the group went straight for the refreshment table, as their appetites had revived with the announcement of their win. Lining up along the edges, there was a general commotion as people reached and stretched and grabbed treats.

Snape, still speechless with the exultant joy that seemed ready to burst from him, stared bemusedly as Ginny dropped his hand long enough to thrust a plate in it, immediately stacking sweets and cakes and biscuits. She paused long enough to sample a bit of sticky chocolate cake, and, mouth full, she rolled her eyes in exaggerated pleasure before swallowing a bit and saying thickly, "Mmm, you know what would be fantastic? Some of that chocolate mousse you two made at Christmas!"

Snape and Hermione locked eyes, surprised. Then, a slow smile spread their lips and their eyes danced with mirth. Ginny, looking up and seeing their identical expressions, swallowed again as her eyes went wide. Without another glance at Ginny, Snape pressed the plate into her hand and offered his arm to Hermione.

"Miss Granger, I'll wager we can get the ingredients in the kitchens now if you'd like to grant Miss Weasley's request."

Hermione smirked and wrapped her hand around his elbow, saying, "I daresay you're correct, sir. I think it's a wonderful idea. Yes, let's."

Stepping as one toward McGonagall on their way out of the lounge, Snape nodded and said, "Miss Granger and I are heading to the kitchens to prepare chocolate mousse for the cast to enjoy. We'll not be very long."

McGonagall, still riding the high of victory, beamed at them and said, "What a lovely idea. I look forward to it."

Exchanging a look, Snape inclined his head, and they Disapparated.

Appearing in the corridor just outside the entrance to the kitchens, they exchanged another look of affection before Snape tickled the pear and led Hermione into the kitchens.

He was about to direct her to an appropriate cooking station, but she interrupted his rising arm and said, "I know. I've been here before."

Blinking at her in surprise, he said, "What? When? Students aren't supposed to be down here."

Beaming playfully up at him as she continued their trek to the stove, she murmured, "Well, I don't exactly have a kitchen in my room, so I crept down here and Dobby helped me find everything I needed to make your mousse." They paused before the counter and stove, and Hermione tilted her head thoughtfully. "Speaking of, which should we make? Your recipe or mine?"

But Snape was not to be distracted from her misbehaviour and frowned at her. Hermione peered up at him in confusion and he said, "Well, well, such a rule breaker you are, Miss Granger."

Hermione's brows shot up and it was a mere moment before she flicked a glance around, and, seeing no house-elves watching, stepped forward to brush a hand over his groin, hidden by his voluminous robes. As his eyes snapped open and he sucked in a startled breath, she murmured, "Did we ever decide who was Pot and who was Kettle, Severus?" Gazing up at him with a meaningful look, she backed away and crossed her arms, her point made.

Snape, looking around furtively, was relieved to see that they were being ignored by the house-elves who were busy cleaning up after dinner. Fixing Hermione with a fierce glare of reprimand, he simply growled, "Touché, Miss Granger." Then, clearing his throat, he said more loudly, "Why don't we make both? We'll surely have enough for everyone that way."

Hermione nodded, then turned to gather the utensils she needed. Snape spun, searching for a house-elf to assist them. Remembering which one had helped him at Christmas, he called, "Tandy?"

Across the room they heard a faint squeak, followed almost immediately by the pop of the house-elf appearing in front of them. Offering a deep curtsey, Tandy said, "Yes, Professor Snape, sir? What can Tandy be doing to help?"

Snape said, "Tandy, do you remember everything you brought me at Christmas to make that chocolate mousse?" Tandy nodded vigorously. "Excellent. Can you bring me everything again here? Now?" Again, the elf nodded, and made to immediately disappear, but Snape held out a hand, stopping her. "Wait! Miss Granger will need some things too. Would you assist her as well, please?"

Tandy, eyes wide at the doubled importance of her task, turned her attention to Hermione, who was smiling gently at the elf. Hermione leant down and listed her requirements, and the elf promptly bobbed her head and disappeared. Hermione straightened again and smiled in challenge at Snape.

"I daresay we'll be in each other's way if we both use this stove. Why don't you use the one on the other side?" She pointed to the second stove across from her, it and its corresponding counter and sink backed against the one they were standing at, forming an island.

Snape narrowed his eyes at her obvious attempt at competing with him in such a frivolous task and snorted. "Very well then. We'll see whose they like more." He flicked his head upward, indicating the rest of the cast as he circled around to the other station, eyeing Hermione from across the island.

Tandy appeared, quickly handing over their ingredients, and, with their thanks, disappeared again. Brown eyes locked with black as they stared at each other in challenge, calculating smirks spreading their lips. Then, in unspoken accord, they broke their gaze and went to work in a flurry of activity.

Both of them cast surreptitious glances at the other as they worked, comparing progress and admiring their efficiency. Snape smirked when he saw Hermione sneak a bit of chocolate to savour as she worked, a satisfied smile curving her lips as it melted on her tongue.

Later, when they were both hovering over their stoves, anxiously watching their concoctions, they managed to lock eyes again. Hermione felt the tingle of his gaze washing over her again, and she shivered faintly. Snape froze, a warmth welling up from his belly to his chest at the thought of the two of them in his kitchen, working so companionably together. The desire to have her with him in his home...their home...burned hot.

Finally wrenching away from their connection, they both peered into their pots, checking that all was well. It didn't take much longer for them to complete their dishes and clean up after themselves...Snape knew Hermione well enough to know better than to suggest they leave it for the house-elves.

Pausing to sample both treats, they shared a reminiscent smile before heading back up to the cast party.

When they entered again, music was playing, but no one was dancing. A few people sat apart from the rest, but the majority of the cast was involved in a game that seemed to involve a lot of flailing on the part of one person and even more shrieking and shouting on the part of the rest of the group. Snape and Hermione stared in wonder at the spectacle as they crossed to add their bowls to the array of refreshments.

Eyeing them askance, Snape whispered, "What on earth are they doing?"

Hermione watched for a long moment, then laughed. "Ah! It looks like some sort of charades game, but I see they have a timer and cards involved. I think it's a competition."

They sidled up to the raucous group, curious. Upon further inspection, they could tell that it was boys against girls, and each team member had to pick a card from the stack and, using only gestures, somehow manage to get their team to guess the word. They kept going until the timer ran out, and then got points from each card. A member from the opposing team kept track of whether or not the others guessed right and kept score.

The boys' team included Harry, Ron, Neville, Colin, Seamus, Dean, Terry, and Justin. The girls' team consisted of Ginny, Susan, Parvati, Lavender, Luna, Hannah, Millicent, and McGonagall. Draco and Pansy were off to one side, casting disdainful glances at their House-mate involved in such foolery. Trelawney was at a table, engrossed in the tea leaves in the bottom of her teacup.

As they approached, Ginny looked up and crowed, "Hermione! Come on, you have to join us!"

Seamus piped up, "Oh no you don't! That would make the teams uneven, and that's not fair!"

Ginny scowled at Seamus, then her face bloomed with a huge winning smile. "No problem! Professor Snape can join your team, right, Professor?"

Snape's brows shot up, and he blinked owlishly at the vivacious redhead. Off to the side, Draco and Pansy glared at her, affronted on Snape's behalf. The rest of the boys were taken aback as well, but Ron finally broke the silence by saying, "Well, it would be only fair, seeing as how you lot have Professor McGonagall." He turned to Snape and shrugged. "What do you say, sir?"

Snape blinked again, gazing at the boys' team. In his peripheral vision, he could see Hermione smirking. Taking in the array of faces before him, he was pleasantly surprised to see that most of them were open and welcoming, and the rest were neutral. Even Neville was nodding at him. Feeling a trickle of warmth squirming through him again, he licked his lips and said, "I daresay that would be only fair."

Draco and Pansy gaped at him, astonished at his capitulation, but Millicent smiled up at her Head of House. Really, it was only due to McGonagall's prodding that she had joined in... well, that and the fact that the other Slytherins were always treating her like a fifth wheel. Sometimes it was nice to feel like she fit in. And having Snape join as well...that just made it even more acceptable. Draco and Pansy wouldn't dare say anything about it now.

Ginny beamed at Hermione and Snape. "Brilliant! You can go at the end of the queue and see how it works. Come on, it's Terry's turn now."

Hermione joined the group of girls and Snape was gratified to see Justin hauling a chair over for his teacher to sit in. Nodding his thanks, he sat back to watch Terry drawing a card just as Luna turned the hourglass over. As the boys started shouting guesses in response to Terry's frantic movements, the girls kept laughing. Finally, when Dean managed to guess correctly, Terry pointed at him and lunged for the next card. Snape was too bemused by the energetic byplay to actually contribute during Terry's turn, and when Hannah went up to take her turn, Harry leant back and cast a wry eye at Snape.

"Uh, sir, if you're going to be on our team, you are allowed to participate, you know." He flashed a smile to indicate he was teasing and nodded before turning his attention to Hannah's actions. Snape bit back a retort and turned to watch the girls' team. Hermione was screaming with the rest of them, her face alight with fun.

When Justin went up next, Snape actually joined in the guessing, garnering approving glances from his teammates and several of their opponents. After several more turns, it was Hermione's. Snape couldn't completely suppress the smile that crept over his face as he watched her flailing and grimacing, cheeks pink and eyes dancing with laughter all the while.

That smile vanished as she took her seat and the rest of the boys spun to look at him and Ron declared, "Right then, it's your turn, Professor."

Snape felt a surge of stage fright, but firmly squashed it, reflecting that they had just won a bloody musical theatre competition...charades wouldn't kill him! Swallowing hard, he rose, forcing his legs to calmly take him to the front where he just as calmly reached for a card, nodding coolly to Susan to turn the hourglass.

It was surreal. He focused in on the card and began gesturing, the tumult of male voices rising like a wave around him. Triumph seared through his veins, making him dizzy, when Harry shouted the correct answer. Snatching another card, he continued, brain and body working in tandem to lead his team to victory. After each correct guess, as he grabbed the next card, the boys cheered him on. Finally, just before the last grains of sand fell to the bottom of the hourglass, Dean guessed the last word, and when Susan announced that time was up, the whole group of boys shot to their feet, cheering.

Seamus, fists pumping high in the air, turned to the girls and crowed, "Yeah! That's right! Seven points, lassies. Take that!" Snape smirked in satisfaction at the realization that he had earned the most points in one turn so far that game, on either team. Heat flooded his cheeks from the frenetic movements, but the warmth of acceptance that continued to fill his being was what he noticed most.

Taking his seat again amidst the applause and encouragement from the boys, Snape wondered if this was what things could have been like if he had taken a different path when he was a student. Quietly grateful that he was at least getting the chance to experience it now, he put away his stand-offish demeanour in favour of enjoying the fun for once.

The queue started again, and after a few turns, Snape leant toward Terry and murmured, "How does one win this game after all?"

The girls were shouting guesses while Terry replied, "We decided before we started to go through the queue three times each. That way everything would be fair and even. You and Hermione came in during the first turn through the queue. When we're through, the team with the most points wins, of course."

Snape nodded, leaning back again. As they continued, he realized that most of the times he guessed something correctly were when someone else would yell a word, which would then set the gesturing teammate to pointing and waving his hands frantically, indicating that they were close. Snape would then offer a related term, which would end up being the right one. Amused at the notion of acting like a human thesaurus, he smirked to himself and thought, Looks like there are unexpected advantages to being such a bookworm.

After Hermione's second turn, it was his turn again. He stepped up with more confidence this time, and by the time he had finished six cards, the timer had run out and he realized that he was perspiring from the heat generated by so many people bellowing and his energetic attempts to demonstrate the words on his cards. Running his hands through his hair to push it back, away from his flushed face, he suddenly felt constricted in his layers of robes.

As he returned to his seat, he opened his thick, black teaching robes and shrugged out of them, one hand flicking his wand to send them to hang on a peg near the doorway and the other hand tugging at the collar of his shirt. Irritably tossing his head, flinging his hair out of his face once again, he sank into his chair. He turned his attention to the next girl who was supposed to be up, but found her staring at him in surprise.

Taken aback by her stunned regard, he glanced around only to find that she wasn't the only one eyeing him in wonder. Freezing, he wondered, What's wrong? Feeling more heat rising in his cheeks at the scrutiny, his gaze slid over Hermione's and he saw her eyes gleaming with moisture even as she beamed at him.

It was Ron who broke the awkward moment. Rubbing the back of his neck, he cleared his throat and said, "It is a bit hot in here, Professor. I vote we take a quick break for some cold drinks." The rest of the group blinked and looked at him, tearing their eyes away from Snape. Nodding and murmuring in agreement, several of them got up and crossed to the refreshment table to serve up icy punch.

Hermione remained where she was, and Ginny scooted closer to her, exchanging a knowing look with her before they both gazed at Snape again. Snape eyed them warily, suspicious of their smiles.

Ginny leant forward, resting her arms on the back of a chair before her, and tilted her head with a lopsided grin. "Good to see you getting comfortable, Professor. It's about time."

Snape blinked, realizing why everyone had reacted so strangely. Other than when he was in costume, none of the other students had ever seen him in anything other than his teaching robes. He felt exposed at the epiphany, but when he started to shrink back into his chair and cross his arms, both girls shook their heads, shooting warning looks at him as they tut-tutted.

Sucking in a deep breath, Snape forced himself to affect a pose of nonchalance, willing himself to relax back into simply having a good time. Both girls beamed at him again, and Ginny shot to her feet, saying, "I'll get you some punch, sir...help you cool off."

Ginny bounced over to the refreshment table and Snape and Hermione locked eyes, Hermione looking proud and happy, and Snape looking sheepish but resolute. Their attention was diverted by Ginny's crow of delight.

"Oi! This is divine! Whose is this?" Everyone who was crowded around the table looked over at Snape and Hermione, who were staring at Ginny, perplexed. Ginny picked up the bowl of mousse and waved it, her spoon still in her mouth.

Hermione's lips spread in a satisfied smirk and she said, "That's mine. The other one is Professor Snape's, just like at Christmas."

Ginny's eyes widened, and she dropped the bowl with comical haste in her attempt to get the other bowl. As soon as she had served up a spoonful from that one, her eyes fluttered closed and she sighed in decadent rapture.

Snape turned to Hermione, his smirk blooming as hers wilted. Ginny swallowed at length and said, "Wow... I had no idea two things could be different and yet be so delicious." The rest of the students around her sniggered, and Harry wedged himself between her and another body.

"Well then, budge over and share!" He grabbed her spoon and made to dish some mousse up onto his plate, but he was interrupted by McGonagall's loud cough.

"Potter! Use a fresh spoon, if you please." She levelled a prim glare at him and he grimaced in sheepish apology as he reached for a new spoon, allowing an indignant Ginny to swipe her spoon back.

More chuckling accompanied the now mass-sampling of both mousses, and as the students strolled back to their seats, they offered nods and words of approval to both Snape and Hermione about their sweets. Ginny came back, her hands full of cups and a plate balanced on her forearms.

"Here, sir, take one. You too, Hermione. I'd've brought plates too, but I only have two hands." She was backing away when she was stopped by a tap on the shoulder, preventing her from running into the person behind her. Ginny stepped to the side and spun, surprised to see Millicent behind her, balancing three plates herself.

Millicent nodded shyly at her Head of House and mumbled, "She's right. They're both good. Thought you might enjoy some before it all disappears." Then, flushing, she offered a plate to Snape, who took it with an approving nod, and then to Hermione, who blinked at the Slytherin in gratified surprise. The girl then took her seat again, focusing on her own plate.

Hermione said, "Thank you, Millicent." Millicent half-shrugged and ducked her head, only cracking a faint smile when Snape added his thanks.

Ginny sank into her seat again, heaving another luxurious sigh as she popped another spoonful into her mouth. "This is so good... Maybe you should become a chef, Professor...you know, when you leave us to fend for ourselves without you." At that, she cast a sulky glance at him.

Snape was caught off guard by her comment, his mouth full of Hermione's mousse. Unwilling to swallow hastily and deprive himself of fully enjoying the treat, he felt a flicker of relief when Harry spoke up.

"What are you going to do when term's over, sir? I mean, it's not every day that someone needs a spy to take down a Dark Lord."

Snape nearly choked on the remains of the mousse still in his throat. Before he could clear his airway to respond, Dean said, "Oh, I dunno...I reckon he'd be pretty smashing as an intelligence agent or in law enforcement." He turned to Snape and flashed his blinding white smile at him. "Of course, you could always join the Muggle ranks and really blow them away with your successful interrogation skills, you know, what with Legilimency and Veritaserum and all that."

There were several stifled chuckles as Snape cocked an eyebrow at Dean and finally managed to say, "And have the Department of Magical Law Enforcement hunting me down for a trip to Azkaban? No, thank you."

Dean's eyes widened and he grimaced as he realized the magnitude of his proposed breach of wizarding world secrecy. His tone was rueful as he said, "Ah, hadn't thought of that. Never mind!"

Snape snorted while the others sniggered again. He was about to sip some punch when Luna said, "So what will you do, Professor?"

Snape lifted his cup to his lips for a drink, readying a "none of your business" retort, but when he looked over the rim of his cup, he saw everyone watching him with obvious interest and, in some cases, faint concern. Blinking as he lowered his cup, he glanced at McGonagall, who was just as eagerly watching him.

In a leading tone, she said, "Indeed, Severus, you have made progress, haven't you?"

Taking a deep breath, fighting his decades-long practice of keeping things to himself, Snape said, "Yes, I have. I met with Miss Campbell yesterday after meeting with several of the contractors you recommended." He nodded in gratitude to her and paused, noting that all eyes were still on him. Clearing his throat, he continued, "I shall be starting my new job after term ends."

Millicent spoke up, blushing as she did so. "Will you still be making potions, sir?"

Snape's lips twitched as he said, "Yes. I'll be working with a new company as its Potions Master."

Ginny's brows rose and she said, "Oh! What company? If I need to buy some potions, I'd definitely feel safe about them if I know you brewed them, Professor."

Snape's expression softened as he ducked his head. "That's very kind of you, Miss Weasley, but it hasn't a name yet."

Ginny slumped in her chair again, crestfallen. "Oh. That's a shame." She sighed and continued in a brighter tone, "But you'll let us know when it does, won't you?"

Snape swallowed his surprise at the chorus of agreements and nods rippling through the group. "Perhaps." With that, he pointedly turned his attention to his refreshments, indicating that the time for sharing was over. The rest followed his lead, finishing their snacks.

Soon after, they returned to the game for the final round. Everyone increased their efforts, as the scores wavered back and forth between the teams. As they neared the end of the queue, the excitement had taken on a more determined note, and Pansy had even dragged Draco closer to watch the competition, torn between rooting for her friend or her Head of House.

The girls' team was barely ahead when Hermione took her turn, but she knew that she still had to do well to leave a large enough margin that Snape couldn't catch the boys up. By the time the hourglass ran out, she knew it was a matter of just how well Snape and the boys would do. It wasn't an easy margin to cover, but it wasn't impossible.

As Snape stepped up for his final turn, the boys all clapped and cheered him on, encouraging him, their smiling faces stiffening his resolve. The hourglass turned over and he grabbed the first card. The tumult of voices was louder than before, and time seemed to both rush and creep by. He wouldn't even spare a glance for the timer, blindly snatching a new card each time he heard the correct guess.

Finally, when the girls shrieked that time was up, he paused, gazing around for the cards he had dropped when his team had shouted the word. Hunkering down, he gathered them up and counted, announcing the total with a flare of triumph as he realized it was enough to win.

The boys went crazy, launching out of their seats and cheering, clapping each other on the back and roughhousing as boys do. That wasn't the unusual part. What was unusual was that Snape was in the thick of it, still hunkered down on one knee, being buffeted by the raucous teenagers around him who were grabbing his hand and pumping it in the air as they bellowed in celebration.

Cheeks flushed with heat from the excitement, Snape's smirk was really more of a grin, and he allowed himself to enjoy the sensation of being drowned in camaraderie, of once again being included. The notion that he truly was getting a chance to live the sort of youth he could have had, had he not squandered it, flitted through his mind, and a surge of warm gratitude welled up, flushing his cheeks even more.

When the boys' wild antics began to subside, and Snape could finally see through the throng to the girls' group, he was pleased to see that most of them were taking the defeat with good grace and congratulating the boys.

McGonagall even grinned at him and cocked an eyebrow as she said, "Well done, Severus." Then, as he stood, she stepped closer, gripping his arm and murmuring through the cacophony, "I must say, you've never looked younger and healthier, my dear. Even when you were younger! I think I finally know what you truly would have been like had you not been stuck playing the pawn of two masters. Again I say: well done."

The surge of warmth that accompanied the feeling of friendship she offered made Snape smile faintly, his gratitude glowing in his eyes. His whisper was quiet but sincere. "Thank you, Minerva. For everything."

The group had broken up into smaller clumps again, several of the students slipping onto the empty space to dance. Snape sank back into his chair and watched them, that faint smile staying put.

Hermione gazed at his peaceful expression and felt her chest tighten with love and longing. Oh, how I wish term were over and we could move directly to Spinner's End.

The rest of the party wound down with lots of laughing and fun. And for the first time in his life, Snape didn't leave the party early. He laughed at jokes and silly antics, indulged in the decadent refreshments with relish, and even joined in when some of the boys brought in more games, including Exploding Snap and wizard's chess.

If a few people glanced at him in surprise at how much he laughed when the cards exploded in Seamus's face, their startlement didn't last long. And, when he and Ron managed a fast-paced game of chess that resulted in a draw, his genuine compliment at Ron's skill took them aback, but only for a moment.

But, when he tugged his collar open and rolled his sleeves halfway up his forearms, it was a good thing he was immersed in the chess game, so he didn't see the curious peeks at the faded white outline of the Dark Mark. Hermione tamped down a twinge of jealousy at how fascinated some of the girls seemed, eyeing Snape with wonder and new-found appreciation of his approachable demeanour.

They had all been celebrating for hours, and it was quite late, well past curfew. Finally, when McGonagall jerked awake from a doze in a comfy chair, she shook herself and stood, declaring, "All right, you lot! It's well past your bedtimes. I daresay that we've enjoyed this gift quite enough. Gather your things and head to your dormitories."

All around, eyes snapped toward her, blinking at the realization that it was after midnight. The adrenaline rush had sustained them through their celebration, but as they realized how late it was, they felt fatigue dropping over them like a blanket.

Snape leant back from the chess board, where he and Ron were involved in a slower, more deliberate and crafty game than their first one. Glancing around, he was surprised to note that he hadn't even felt the passage of time, nor had he dwelt solely on Hermione. Somehow, he had managed to enjoy himself with her friends, on his own merits. He laced his fingers and stretched his arms forward, his joints popping even as he rolled his head in a circle and yawned.

Rubbing his eyes and raking his fingers through his hair, he frowned at the chessboard. "Mr. Weasley, clearly we'll not be able to finish this game tonight. A pity, really, as I'm pleased to face such a skilled opponent."

Ron grinned and rubbed the back of his neck. "Thank you, Professor. It is nice to face someone who can put up a fight." He cast a wry glance at the rest of his mates, some of whom heard him and grimaced at his complaint. Shrugging, he added, "Can't we finish the game later?"

Snape blinked at him, perplexed. "Later? When? How?"

Ron shrugged again, even more elaborately, and said, "I dunno... p'raps we could leave it set up in the library or something, and we could make our moves when we have time, leaving it for each other to check. Would Madam Pince allow that?"

Snape sat back, digesting the fact that Ron Weasley, Gryffindor cohort of his heart's desire and brother to his unlikeliest friend, Ginny, the best mate of his lately-reconciled former-thorn-in-his-side, was treating him like an equal and expressing a wish to continue association outside of the teacher-student or fellow-cast-member relationship. It was rather unnerving and yet he felt a yearning to agree. Looking into Ron's guileless blue eyes, he nodded slowly and said, "I believe I can convince her. I'll take this board with me in the meantime." He pointed his wand at the board, affixing the pieces to their current positions in stasis.

Ron nodded and stood. "I'll check tomorrow, then." Beckoning to Susan so they could leave together, he smiled at Snape again and said, "Good night, sir. Glad you joined us."

Snape inclined his head and murmured, "Good night," as they departed. He Summoned his robes and levitated the board, glancing about at the leaving students. Hermione was hovering behind Ginny as she and Harry picked up their things. Snape caught her eye and flashed a tender smile. She smiled wistfully back at him. "Good night, Miss Granger, Miss Weasley, Mr. Potter."

They all looked up and grinned affably, returning his greeting. Snape nodded and Disapparated, taking his robes and the chessboard with him.

*** ***

When the students on holiday returned, they were pleased to hear that Hogwarts had won the competition. The rest of the student body made a point of congratulating their House-mates, and those that also brought up how odd it was watching Snape and Hermione together onstage were surprised by the cast's almost immediate dismissal of their complaint. After the cast party, everyone on cast had not only got over the awkwardness of seeing their teacher and classmate together in their roles, but they felt a sort of bond with everyone else on cast, including Snape, which led them to defend him against their fellow students. If people still whispered about the whole situation, they did so away from anyone on cast, so as not to incite more of their righteous chastising.

Summer term got down to business, with those in their O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. years cracking the books with grim determination. If the cast members felt rather bereft without the excitement of the play and their rehearsals, they simply made a point to continue associating with each other when they could. Some people even commented on the fact that Millicent had greeted them in passing, a surprising occurrence from the introverted Slytherin.

Hermione missed the opportunities to spend time with Snape, and, after spending Potions class that week sneaking longing glances at him, decided to take the risk and send him a note.

Friday at breakfast, a post owl dropped to Snape's plate and delivered a small scroll. When Snape began to unroll it and saw that it was blank, he quickly closed it again and looked at Hermione. She was smiling faintly and nodding, indicating that she had sent it. A quirk of his lips was his acknowledgement, and he began mixing a cup of tea, pleased that she joined him again in their ritual.

A few minutes later, another owl swooped in, delivering an envelope to Snape. Brow furrowed in puzzlement, Snape opened it. It was from Fern Campbell. Darting a glance to the side and seeing Dumbledore's curiosity, Snape hastily shoved the envelope into his pocket with the scroll and stood. Deciding to not draw attention to the fact that he could still Apparate, lest Dumbledore end the spell allowing it, he strode off the dais and down the aisle by the Gryffindor table.

Pausing and greeting his former cast mates, he addressed Ron. "Mr. Weasley, I have arranged with Madam Pince to allow our game to reside in the library. It is on a table behind her desk, and she has agreed to keep an eye on it so no one but you or I may touch it. It is there now, and I have made my move. I shall check it again before the library closes tonight, so if you find the time, you may take your turn before then."

Ron's face lit up and he grinned. "Brilliant! I'll see to it this evening, Professor. Thank you."

Snape inclined his head and said, "You're welcome. Good day." He glanced at the rest of the cast at the table again and added, "To you all." His eyes met Hermione's for a brief moment, and she smiled gently before he spun and departed.

In his quarters, Snape debated which letter he should read first. Grimacing, he opened the one from Fern. This could be important for my future, and I may want to tell Hermione about it in response to her letter, too.

The letter was short, and the gist of it boiled down to the fact that Fern wanted Snape's help in coming up with a name for their business venture.

"And feel free to come up with more than just a name. I mean, a catch phrase and even some names for potions would be good, too. I know some of the potions already have names, but they can also have titles that indicate they're one of ours, if you catch my drift."

Snape's mind began racing in different directions, delving into his wellspring of potion knowledge to develop Fern's ideas. After a long moment of pondering, he shook himself and turned to Hermione's note. While he read, his lips spread into a tender smile at her loving words, but then, as he got toward the end, he frowned, clearly not liking what he saw.

"And now we come to the part I am loath to say and no doubt you're as loath to read... As much as I want to see you and spend time with you, there are only a few weeks left before N.E.W.T.s, and I must focus on them. I know you think I'm as ready as I'll ever be, but I know there are more things I need to do to prepare. And, since I know we're going to cause a scandal when we go public, I want to make doubly sure that my performance on my exams cannot be questioned!

This isn't easy for me either, dear heart, but I know it's best for both of us to just buckle down and grind out the rest of term without giving in to a lack of discipline and having you flit up here by night."

Snape huffed a disgruntled sigh, scowling balefully at the parchment, but when he looked around at his dining table littered with plans for Spinner's End's refurbishment and notes for the business plan, his face smoothed into an expression of resignation. All right. I understand. She's got a fair point. I'll have to send a letter back to let her know the message came through loud and clear.

He didn't start the reply though, as it was time for him to teach his first class, so he tucked her letter into his pocket after casting Celo on the writing.

***** *****

Snape spent the weekend brainstorming ideas for Fern. He had dispatched a note to Hermione that Friday night, agreeing to her period of abstention, and telling her about the latest project dropped into his lap.

"I have some ideas already, but I need to try a variety of things to make sure it's just right. Do you mind if I run them by you for feedback before I send them to Fern? I freely admit that I don't have a feminine perspective on these 'beauty products' Fern wants me to create. Therefore, your input is invaluable to me."

Hermione was therefore unsurprised that he was absent from meals in the Great Hall for most of the weekend. When she did see him, it was clear that his mind was elsewhere, furiously working on his new livelihood.

It wasn't until the following week's Wednesday Advanced Potions class that Hermione really heard from Snape again. He set the class to their task, then strode past her station, covertly placing a sealed envelope by her notes. Hermione quickly tucked it into her bag, curiosity piqued.

It wasn't until she had hurried into the girls' toilet after class and locked herself in a stall that she opened the letter. Her eyes widened at the script inside, as she was used to Snape's spidery scrawl or the Dicta-Quill's uniform printing.

"Vial and Vessel

Quality Quaffs and Topical Tinctures

Concocted for Your Convenience"

Her face lit up with a delighted smile. Oh, Severus, it's brilliant!

The rest of the very brief note said, "Well, what do you think? Too much? Not enough? Does it inspire confidence? Would you want to buy products from a company with this name? Looking forward to your owl, provided you can squeeze one in during your studies. As always... Yours."

Hermione grimaced at his snide comment about squeezing a response in for him and jotted a quick reply, quite as short as his missive.

"I think it's brilliant. As always. As long as Fern likes it, I think you're off to a grand start. I do hope your plans and preparations are as fruitful as my studying will be. I suppose we'll just have to see, come end of term. Less than two months now, dear heart. Keep up the good work and we'll really have something to look forward to when school is over. With love, forever."

Before heading to dinner that evening, she detoured to the Owlery and sent the letter, all but certain that he would receive it that night. When she finally left the Hall after dinner to return to her revising, she smirked in satisfaction that the owl had no doubt found Snape in his quarters or office since he hadn't come to dinner.

With the slightest wistful sigh, she thought, Perhaps it's better this way, so we can both focus on what's necessary and not get distracted by each other, even from across the Great Hall.

Little did she know that, while Snape was certainly immersed in his work, he was still finding himself distracted by Hermione, even when he was alone. Particularly since he read her comment, "Keep up the good work and we'll really have something to look forward to when school is over."

Ever since his startling epiphany during the performance when the Phantom was pressing a ring onto Christine's finger, Snape would repeatedly find himself going off on a tangent of doing the same with Hermione, as part of his future. And, as was his wont, the simple and generally accepted option curled his lip with disdain. If he were to take that step, it had to be... exceptional. Uncommon. Singular. Like Hermione and her love for him.

Thus it was that, in his jaunts into both the greater Wizarding community and the Muggle world to furnish Spinner's End, he expanded his target area to include jewellery shops. He had several books that included the associated meanings with different gems and such, and he was slowly working out exactly what he wanted to do. The trick was figuring it out and then finding exactly what he wanted.

Of course, he did have nearly two months before he could even think of taking such a step, so he could always have something made...as this time he surely didn't have the requisite skills to craft something for her instead.