16- Trouble, Transfiguration, and Treats

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Chapter 16- Trouble, Transfiguration, and Treats

Hermione made her way down to the Potions classroom earlier than usual the next morning, hoping to have a chance to speak to Snape about the previous evening's revelations. She was disappointed that he didn't show up until after everyone was already seated and ready for class to begin. She snapped around when she heard him burst into the classroom, his usual combination of imposing black cloth and sour expression. He stalked up to the dais and spun around, bathing them with his scowl. He skimmed right over Hermione, causing her to gaze at him blankly, taken aback by his utter disregard.

Snape knew he had to talk to Hermione, but he also knew that he had to be as discreet as possible about it. He had fallen asleep pondering the implications of his confrontation with Hermione the night before, and he realized that they were in a very precarious position. If anyone saw him speaking to her before class, it might arouse suspicion, so he purposefully avoided the classroom until time for the lesson to begin.

Determined to behave as normal, he slammed into the room irritably, and made sure that he didn't pay Hermione any particular notice. Even so, he could feel himself reacting to her presence. His senses strained toward her like a magnetic pull. Once he barked the instructions and took his seat, he glanced up through his hair to see the students assiduously copying directions from the board...all except Hermione. She was simply staring at him, confounded. Inwardly seething, Damn it! She's supposed to be so bloody brilliant, you'd think she'd catch on to the fact that we can't very well go parading around as Hogwarts' newest couple! Snape gritted his teeth and huffed.

Closing his eyes momentarily, hoping she'd figure it out, he raised his head and glared at Hermione, snapping, "Miss Granger! You may be our resident Know-It-All, but you will still follow instructions in my classroom! Begin your assignment immediately." His stomach clenched at the surprised hurt in her eyes, but he forced himself to maintain eye contact until she obediently bent to her parchment, looking like she had just seen him smack a baby.

Snape was genuinely irritated as he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. For Merlin's sake, I have no idea how to treat a woman! And it's not any easier for me when said woman is one I can't even publicly acknowledge! Gods, we've just complicated things even more, haven't we? He snorted to himself, rolling his eyes at the absurdity of the whole situation.

Hermione was crushed by Snape's hostile attitude. She thought that he'd be different somehow, like he had been the evening before. She was hoping to see the warmth in his eyes and maybe even a smile for her, not a sneer, coupled with an insult! She copied the instructions and began her potion, still brooding.

The period wore on, silent but for the sounds of quills on parchment and bubbling brews. Snape frowned as he graded essays, periodically sweeping the room with his gaze, checking the students' progress. With every pass, he felt his eyes want to linger over Hermione, and he dragged himself away from her. He could tell from her body language that she was upset, and he knew for sure that he was the cause of it this time. It made him uncomfortable, and that annoyed him! Actually caring about how someone else feels and thinks was a new sensation for him, and he didn't care for the lack of control that came with it. It never suited him to have his life in someone else's hands.

Bloody hell! It's not like she's Voldemort. Why are you so damned antsy? She's not an insane megalomaniac! He shook his head. No, she's an overly bright, inexperienced young woman, who can ruin your reputation and destroy your position with one single careless word or action. Really, old chap, nothing to worry about! He suppressed a groan and cradled his head in his hands, sighing as he ran his hands through his hair to sit up in his chair. As he sat back, the sensation of his hair tugging at his scalp evoked tender memories of Hermione's hands caressing him. His chest tightened and he dared a glance at her.

Hermione felt a tingle and looked up to see Snape eyeing her. She gazed back, mournfully. His face was devoid of expression. They locked eyes for a moment, and she wondered if he would try to read her again. Just in case, she made sure she placed her hurt at the fore. Suddenly, Snape flicked a glance around the room, scowling. He bored his gaze into her and growled, "Miss Granger, you seem to think that daydreaming and wasting time are part of the instructions. Five points from Gryffindor for inattention." He steeled himself for the blaze of incredulous indignation and hurt that poured off Hermione. As her mouth opened to retort, he barked, "See me after class, Miss Granger." She shut her mouth with a snap and glared hotly at him. He raised his eyebrow and glowered at her until she resumed her work.

He could feel the sweat prickling his skin. Good gods, man, you spent decades as a spy, and you get nervous keeping up appearances with a girl in a classroom? Oh, how the mighty have fallen...

As the period drew to a close, students began clearing their work stations and bringing their samples to Snape's desk. Hermione angrily bottled her sample and marched up to his desk, chin held at a haughty angle, glaring icily at him. She placed it on his desk firmly and remained there, challenging him to look at her. Snape clenched his jaw and slid his eyes up to hers without raising his head. They locked gazes again, Hermione defiantly staring at him. On the verge of losing all patience with her uncharacteristic obtuseness, Snape carefully set his quill down and drummed his fingers on the desk. He arched an eyebrow at Hermione and hissed, "I said to see me after class, Miss Granger. Take your seat at once."

Hermione's eyes narrowed and she whirled to stride back to her chair, where she primly sat, back straight and dignified and head up. She laced her fingers together and sat with her hands on her desk, waiting for the period to end. She was virtually vibrating with pent-up anger.

Finally, Snape stood, dismissing the class. As the rest of the students filed out, he strode around to lean against the front of his desk, arms crossed over his chest. He glared at the departing students until they were all gone, then he waved his wand at the door, locking it and casting a Silencing Charm. He turned his attention to the angry young witch in the seat below him.

Hermione was brashly glaring at him, obviously in a temper. Snape shook his head and sighed deeply. He favoured her with an aggrieved expression as he quietly said, "You know, for being the brightest student at Hogwarts in recent memory, you really can be quite dense."

Hermione's brows rose to her hairline and her eyes goggled at his remark. Gathering her faculties for a properly indignant rejoinder, she opened her mouth and blinked. But before she could utter a sound, Snape held up his hand and closed his eyes in a pained expression, muttering, "Hermione..."

Hermione's mouth snapped shut at his use of her name. Her anger receded slightly, to be replaced by confusion. She gazed up at Snape, not sure what to say anymore.

Snape opened his eyes and contemplated her for a moment. Ruefully, he finally spoke. "Really... what did you expect me to do? Sweep into class and declare you exempt from the rest of your studies because you're willing to kiss me?" He let his voice highlight the absurdity of it all. Despite himself, he felt himself soften at the shocked dismay apparent in Hermione's face.

Hermione blinked rapidly as her whole being shifted gears. Suddenly she realized what he meant; and she realized she was wrong to have been so hurt and angry at him. Flushing in embarrassment, she looked down at her clasped hands, absently worrying them. She chewed her lip in thought, putting everything together. Looking up at Snape through her lashes, she mumbled, "I-I'm sorry. You're right. I didn't think."

Snape relaxed against the desk a bit more. Relieved that she seemed to be catching on, he eyed her pointedly and drawled, "Now, will you use your formidable focus and listen to me?" Hermione nodded sheepishly, chastened.

"As much as we managed to... come to an understanding... last night, you have to recognize that neither of us are in a position to do anything about it." His stomach fluttered at her instant moue of protest. He pressed on, "You may be an adult, but you are still my student. And, as your teacher, I have to follow the rules of conduct." He paused, letting the full weight of his words sink in.

Hermione felt like crying. She knew everything he said was true, but she just hadn't paid it any attention. Caught up in the heady rush of emotion, she had let all sorts of fantastically romantic ideas run rampant. Now, she was crashing back down to earth with a bruising speed. She gazed up at Snape, pouting.

Snape could read her crushed feelings easily enough. Softly, he continued, "Hermione... I can't express to you what you have done to me... for me. I haven't... felt like this since I was younger than you are now. This is all completely new territory for me. I daresay I'll cock things up somehow, but at least give me the chance to do so on my own merits and not due to simple circumstance." He rolled his eyes sardonically and shrugged, hands out to his sides, before letting them drop to rest against the edge of the desk.

Hermione felt a little flutter of joy at his confession, followed by a flash of outraged protest at his self-deprecation. She bounced up out of her seat and rushed forward with an earnest expression. "Don't! Don't say things like that. I admit it, I was wrong to get angry with you. There's no reason to say you'll mess things up!" Then, she paused, looking down and worrying her hands again. She took a deep breath and looked back up shyly. "And... I haven't felt like this before either, so we're both in new territory. Can't we explore it together?"

Snape felt his throat tighten in response. His brow furrowed as he said, "I... would like that very much. But, that doesn't change the position that we're in. We have the entire rest of the school year to go before we can take that chance. And, let's be realistic... you may decide by then that this is all just a fleeting folly, and you will be glad to be rid of such a sour old man as I am." Hermione's eyes widened and she gasped, shaking her head vehemently. Snape held his hand up to stop her. "Enough. It may happen. You don't know how you'll feel later. We are bound by the Hogwarts code of conduct to remain in a scholarly relationship. I cannot abuse the trust that the headmaster has placed in me." He firmly looked at Hermione, determined, but also almost pleading with his eyes for her understanding. Wearily, he added, "And I'm afraid I may have already done so by allowing... that night to happen."

Hermione was in a welter of dismay and desperation. "But, that was my fault! I'm the one who suggested it, and I'm the one who... got carried away. It's not your fault!"

Snape gave her a small smile. "Oh, certainly. Of course, I am not the one in a position of authority. I am not the one who should have quashed the idea from the start. I am not the one who should have stopped you when you crossed the line from pretend to reality. I am not the one who had an entirely inappropriate reaction to a student in my charge. No, you're right. It's completely your fault." He gazed at her wryly.

Hermione pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes at his sarcasm, but then she relaxed and sighed in defeat. "Oh, fine, then." Unhappy, she sagged back against her desk.

Snape felt like he was melting, looking at her so sad. Tenderly, he reached his right hand out and tipped her face up with his finger under her chin. Hermione shivered at his touch and felt enveloped in his intense gaze. In a deep murmur, he said, "You see why everything has to continue as it was? We cannot take the chance of letting anyone figure out how we feel. It would cost you your reputation and likely my job. Please..." At that, he cupped her face in his hand. "Please, don't be hurt if I am hateful to you. Know that I don't mean it. Can you do that... Hermione?"

Hermione felt like she was drifting in the endless black pools of his eyes. Half-mesmerized, she nodded, whispering, "I'll try, Professor."

Snape grimaced. Then, looking calculatingly at Hermione, he purred, "Can you do something else for me, Hermione?"

Hermione shuddered again at his voice, breathing, "Anything for you, Professor."

Snape straightened off the desk, closing in on Hermione, his hand still moulded against her cheek. He leant down to her right ear and murmured, "Just once, now, before you leave... call me Severus."

Hermione felt her legs going weak. She could feel the warm breath against her ear as he spoke, and his low purr was extraordinarily seductive. At his words, her breath caught and her eyes closed as she felt a tingle wash over her. Involuntarily, she reached up and covered his hand with hers, pressing it tighter against her skin, and slid her other hand around his neck, tangling her fingers in the hair at the base of his skull. Holding his head by hers, she turned her face to breathe in his ear as she nearly moaned, "Anything for you... Severus." She felt him stiffen in her grasp and a low growl issued from deep within him. After a beat, he slowly straightened and withdrew her hands from his person. Resolutely, he placed her hands at her sides and backed away.

Hermione's pulse was racing, and she felt flushed and light-headed. She wanted nothing more than to throw herself into his arms and snog him into next week. She leant against her desk, trembling.

Snape, even though he had been the one to request it, was totally unprepared for the effect of hearing Hermione say his given name. His cock immediately sprang to life, and he had to fight his mad desire to push her onto her desk and ravish her. Railing against everything his sense of honour and duty required, he forced himself to disengage from her, backing away from temptation.

Breathing deeply to regain his composure, he doggedly retreated behind his desk again, gingerly sitting, trying not to hurt himself by pinching his throbbing erection. With a last look of regret, he waved his wand at the door, removing the Silencing Charm and unlocking it. Resignedly, he looked at Hermione and said, "Go. You must hurry to your next lesson. My students will be arriving shortly as well. Remember what I've said..." His voice deepened into a harsh, forbidding tone as a couple of students entered. "I will not excuse your tardiness to your next teacher, Miss Granger, so I suggest you leave now!"

Hermione, vainly trying to gather her scattered wits, hastened to pack up her things, blushing and flustered. As she was about to turn to go, she said, "Goodbye, Professor. I shall see you at the rehearsal tomorrow evening. Until then, good day to you."

Snape huffed irritably, flicking his fingers at her in dismissal. He managed to imbue a wealth of exasperated disgust in his tone as he responded, "Indeed."

Hermione spun and ran from the classroom, trying to clamp down on her swirling emotions.

Snape waited until she was gone, and her echoing footsteps died away, and then he abruptly rose and disappeared into his office, leaning his forehead against the closed door. He breathed deeply and swallowed several times to ease the tightness in his throat and chest, before he cast a cooling spell on himself, to deflate his erection. Finally composed, but still feeling like quite the martyr, he returned to the classroom for his next class.

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

Snape lingered at his seat at the High Table as the Great Hall cleared after dinner Thursday night, leaving just those who were in the cast. From his vantage point, he could surreptitiously watch Hermione through his hair as she chattered blithely with her friends. He fought down an indulgent smile that tried to surface. Really, it wouldn't do to send half the cast to the Hospital Wing in shock at the sight!

Dumbledore waved his wand to clear the tables and benches from the Hall and Summon the chairs again. McGonagall spoke to him in a hurried aside before hastening out of the staff door. Trelawney had just floated into the room, and was beaming at her fans. Snape rolled his eyes and felt even more resistant to joining the rest of the group.

Hermione was standing with the rest of the Gryffindors. She was laughing at Ron's and Neville's exaggerated worries about learning their spells. Ginny punched Ron in the arm in mock-severity and then patted Neville on the back kindly. Harry was standing in the group, just on the opposite side of it from Hermione. He, too, was smiling faintly at the other boys' clowning. After a flurry of remarks from the other Gryffindors and a flutter of chuckles, Harry leant in closer to Neville and commented in a stage whisper, "Hey, at least it's not Potions!" Neville blanched comically and the rest of the group broke up in laughter, except for Hermione.

Involuntarily, she glanced up to Snape. He had heard the comment and saw a perfect opportunity to play his usual part. Standing swiftly and swooping silently down from the dais, he appeared behind the group, unnoticed by anyone except Hermione. He glanced at her with a smirk before schooling his expression into icy disdain.

"For once, surprisingly, Mr. Potter, you are correct. It is indeed fortunate that there will be no need for you to do potions. Otherwise, I fear the whole cast would blow up like one of Mr. Longbottom's cauldrons. Of course, he is not the only one who should feel so relieved." Here he pointedly cast a scathing glare at the Gryffindors, including Hermione, who, in spite of their talk the day before, still felt rather cross at his insulting remarks.

Snape noticed the angry gleam in Hermione's eyes and was satisfied. Good. That is as it should be. Certainly nothing to suspect here... He raised one eyebrow and scowled at the group before spinning on his heel and striding off.

Several pairs of hostile eyes followed his departure. Once he was out of earshot, mutters of "Git," "Prat," "Black Bat," and "Bloody Bastard" were heard all through the assembled Gryffindors. Hermione turned to Neville with a sympathetic expression and said, "Well! That was certainly uncalled for. Don't worry Neville, you'll be fine. Both Dumbledore and McGonagall are here to help us." She smiled encouragingly at him and patted his shoulder.

Hermione was stunned to hear Harry pipe up, "Yeah, Neville, she's right. It'll all work out. Don't pay any attention to that bloody git. He's probably just annoyed that we managed to get out of his class and he doesn't get as much chance to ream us anymore." Harry buffeted Neville's other shoulder and gave him a lopsided smile. Then his eyes travelled up to see Hermione's surprised stare and his smile faded. But, he didn't look away immediately.

In the space of a second, Hermione gazed her apology at him and he looked his hurt forgiveness back at her. After that quick exchange, both of their faces softened and they looked away, abashed. Hermione felt the tense place inside her that housed her shame at what had happened with Harry start to ease.

As the students started milling about to take a seat, Hermione lightly touched Harry's arm to get his attention. When he looked around at her, his green eyes darkened with pain, but he managed to say, "Yeah?"

Hermione shot him a grateful smile and simply murmured, "Thanks." Harry darted his gaze around the room and stuffed his hands in his pockets.

Flushing slightly, he ducked his head and mumbled, "Uh, sure." Then he hastened to take a seat a few spaces away. Hermione accepted the small measure of success and sat. When she took her seat, she felt a tingle on her cheek and turned to see Snape staring at her.

She gasped at the intensity in his gaze. It crackled with jealousy and apprehension. Glancing quickly at Harry again, Hermione turned a wide-eyed stare of innocence and reassurance back to Snape. Snape flicked a glance at Harry and humphed. Resettling his crossed arms more loosely over his chest, he schooled his expression into one of cold indifference.

Hermione smothered a smile at his little show of jealousy followed by nonchalance. She felt a surge of joy that he would even get jealous, as well as exasperation that he would do so over Harry, of all people! Really, after what had happened, both with Harry and with Snape, he should know that she would never do anything with Harry. Honestly, hadn't she made her feelings clear enough? She peered at Snape through her lashes, willing him to look at her.

Snape felt Hermione's eyes boring into him. He knew he should resist looking, but then again, it might be more suspicious for someone to see her staring at him for a long time rather than the two of them exchanging a short glance. Yes, that's right! It would definitely look worse if he didn't glance at her in response to her stare. That being decided, Snape turned a carefully blank expression toward Hermione.

He felt like he had been hit with a tidal wave of warmth as she flashed him a dazzling blaze of affection before wrenching herself away from him again. Dazed, Snape sat, a rather gobsmacked expression on his face. After a moment, he gathered his scattered wits and immediately scowled, for the benefit of anyone who might have happened to look at him. But, underneath it, he wanted to grin like an idiot.

Dumbledore was absently looking over the assembled group, repeatedly glancing back to the staff door. Finally, McGonagall bustled back through, laden with a stack of parchment. She hurried to Dumbledore and handed half of the stack to him. The throng hushed as both of them started calling names to hand out the parchment.

When the students received their sheets, they eagerly perused them, some with more confidence than others. The parchments had the spells listed for each person's costume change, including both instructions on the wand work and the incantations. As Dumbledore came to the end of his stack, he called to Snape.

Snape stood languidly and crossed to Dumbledore, taking his parchment. He was giving it a cursory glance when Dumbledore spoke up. "You know, Severus, I just realized that I left your mask, hat, and cape in my office. Would you be good enough to fetch them? I should rather stay here to help Minerva teach the students their spells."

Snape nodded politely. "Certainly, sir. Where shall I look?"

"Oh, I laid them by the Sorting Hat on the shelf. You know the one." He smiled at Snape.

Snape nodded again and turned to go, but Dumbledore stopped him. "Oh! I just remembered! I want you to do your hair again. Whenever you wear your costume, I want to see your hair pulled back for the Phantom too. You do still have the styling items, do you not?"

Snape swallowed and carefully said, "Of course, sir. They're in my quarters."

"Then would you go prepare before you return?"

Snape felt the chagrin flash across his face before he could stop it. Dumbledore chuckled and stepped closer to Snape. Eyes twinkling like mad, he leant in and, in a conspiratorial whisper, said, "I daresay you may need Miss Granger's help again, my boy. No worries! I'll take care of it." And with that, he turned away from Snape, who was all but reeling with keeping his emotions under wraps, and called to Hermione.

Hermione looked up from her silent practice of the wand work listed on her parchment and strode over to Dumbledore, noting that Snape was eyeing her intently. "Yes, Headmaster?"

Dumbledore laid a grandfatherly hand on her shoulder and whispered, "My dear, I would like you to accompany Professor Snape and help him with his hair again. Perhaps you can instruct him on how to style his hair himself this time, so we don't have to interrupt you again. He will be retrieving his costume items from my office and then I want his hair fixed before he returns. I do appreciate your help, dear."

Hermione suddenly understood why Snape had been looking at her so intently. She struggled to keep a politely calm expression when she wanted to grin and bounce with joy. Looking down briefly to hide her dancing eyes, she replied in a low voice, "Certainly, Headmaster. You know I'm always willing to do whatever it takes to help you."

Dumbledore squeezed her shoulder in approval and beamed at her. "Excellent! Now, you run along. When you return, you can join us in practicing your spells." He glanced at Snape, who was looking decidedly uncomfortable, and chuckled. "Severus, the password is the same as for the last staff meeting."

Snape nodded and spun on his heel, quickly striding out of the Hall. Hermione hurried to follow him, barely noticing the startled looks the other students cast at them.

Snape kept up his pace, and Hermione jogged behind him. However, after a few steps, she dropped back enough to watch the graceful billowing of his robes behind him, emphasizing the way he seemed to glide along the floor. When they reached the stairs, Snape paused and glanced back at Hermione. He was taken aback by the furtive smile hovering on her lips. Narrowing his eyes suspiciously, he curtly asked, "What?"

Hermione reached him at the foot of the stairs and cast mock-innocent eyes up at him. They were twinkling almost as much as Dumbledore's. In a sweet tone, she replied, "Nothing, sir." Snape's eyebrow rose. He could never trust Dumbledore when he twinkled like that and he doubted he could trust this little minx either! It must be a Gryffindor thing...

Not comfortable with her behind him after her little display, he gestured for her to lead the way up the stairs to Dumbledore's office. Swallowing a giggle, Hermione began her ascent. After a few steps, she heard Snape following. Struck with a wicked impulse, she began exaggerating the sway of her hips as she climbed, smirking to herself. Behind her, she heard a stifled gasp and curse.

Snape couldn't tear his eyes from her arse swaying in front of him. His body reacted instantly. His jaw clenched as he felt the throb in his groin. Damn her! Is she trying to kill me? Or just get me fired? Bloody little minx...

By sheer force of will, he managed to not say or do anything in response to her enticement. As they reached the gargoyle at Dumbledore's office, he took out his wand to cast a Silencing Charm, but Hermione stopped him.

"Professor, I already know the password. Dumbledore informs the Head Boy and Girl of every change in case we need to report to him."

Snape pursed his lips for a moment and then snidely gestured to the gargoyle. "In that case, Miss Granger, would you do the honours?" He looked down his nose at her.

Hermione primly schooled her expression and turned to the gargoyle. "Lemon tart." The gargoyle moved accordingly. She shot a triumphant glance at Snape. As the opening widened and Snape just stood staring at her, Hermione took the lead and stepped onto the spiral staircase.

Snape followed a few steps behind her, and muttered, "Tart, indeed."

Once in Dumbledore's office, Snape crossed immediately to the shelf and retrieved his mask, hat, and cloak. Silently he inclined his head toward the door, and Hermione exited. Once back in the hallway, Snape looked at Hermione, his gaze smouldering.

Hermione stared back up at him, feeling her pulse quicken. She swallowed nervously. In a deep murmur, Snape said, "Very well, Miss Granger, now you shall accompany me to my quarters." Even he felt the electric jolt between them at his words. Breathing deeply, he led the way back down the stairs. This time, he slowed his pace to allow Hermione to walk beside him. They were silent the whole way down.

Sneaking a look at her, Snape saw a blush creeping up Hermione's face, and noticed she was chewing her lip nervously. He felt rather agitated himself, and the tightness of his trousers didn't help. For mercy's sake, if only Dumbledore knew what he had just asked of us... Thank Merlin he doesn't know!

They passed the Potions classroom and walked several yards more. When they reached the door to Snape's quarters, he waved his wand and it opened. He bowed courteously for Hermione to enter. Wide-eyed, she stepped into the room. Snape followed her and shut the door behind him, allowing the wards to reset. Dropping his costume pieces on the catch-all table by the door, he leant against the door, watching her anxiously. He had never had a woman in his rooms, except for Minerva, and she didn't count.

Hermione was gazing about her, rapt. The room was dark but inviting with the fire in the hearth and the candles all around in sconces. Tapestries in Moorish designs were hung along the walls to fight off the dankness of the dungeon. The floor was covered in an array of thick rugs, including a particularly luxurious one of what looked to be varied shades of alpaca wool in front of the fireplace. Two comfortable armchairs were in front of the hearth, and each had an ottoman in front and a table beside it. She was surprised to see that they weren't in Slytherin colours, but instead were covered with a rich, dark brown velvet. The deep brown of the upholstery matched the gleaming wood of the tables, shelves, and cabinets throughout the room. To one side she saw the hutch that housed various liquor bottles and glasses. There was a small, intimate, dining set not far from it, and bookshelves of varying sizes and shapes were lined along the perimeter. She noticed a door to one side and two doors on the other.

Snape barely breathed as he watched her drink in her surroundings. Her eyes were sparkling and she smiled faintly as she gazed about her. He noted the intense hungry look she shot at the multitude of books along the walls. Then, tearing herself away from her immediate desire to rush to read the titles, she turned her head from side to side, looking curiously at the doors. Finally, she turned and gazed up at Snape. His throat tightened at the frank wonder and delight in her expression.

Clearing his throat savagely, he mumbled, "I left the items in my bathroom, through there." He jerked his head at one of the two doors to the side, then launched himself from the door and sped to said doorway. Feeling the heat rising in his cheeks, he cursed himself for getting worked up. As he flung the door open and stepped in, he glanced at his reflection, noting that he looked positively distressed. Rolling his eyes at himself, he snatched the cabinet open and retrieved the styling products. As he shut the cabinet door and spun to exit, he nearly ran over Hermione.

Yelping at suddenly being slammed into, Hermione bounced backward, flailing for balance. Snape instantly reacted and grabbed for her, succeeding in wrapping his arms around her. As soon as she was steady, they looked into each other's eyes, trying to fathom how best to react.

Snape felt his heart beating wildly at the warm solid feeling of her body against his, and was stunned by the fiery desire crackling in her eyes.

Hermione felt the flutter in her stomach go lower as she realized she was once again pressed up against Snape's hard cock. She watched the lust and affection war with the rising panic in his eyes. She held her breath, waiting for his cue to act.

With supreme effort, Snape relaxed his grip and backed away from Hermione. In a strained voice, he rasped, "I apologize, Miss Granger. Are you all right?"

Inwardly wailing in protest, Hermione merely nodded and whispered, "Yes, sir. Thank you." She nervously turned and stepped back into the sitting room. Worrying her hands, she took deep breaths to try to cool her flaming cheeks and dampen the ardour that continued to pool in a hot wet puddle in her knickers.

Snape straightened and cleared his throat again. Trying to regain his dignity, he stepped through the doorway. The tension in the room was almost buzzing aloud. Nervously trying to bridge the awkward silence, Hermione ventured, "So, what do the other doors lead to?"

Snape blinked at the unexpected question, on the verge of instantly retorting that it was none of her business, but stopped himself just in time. It's a simple question, and admit it, you hope she'll be here with you eventually. So, why not answer her? It's Hermione, not any of the other dunderheads!

Still in a gravelly tone, he answered, "Well, the one on the far wall is to my private lab, which continues on to my office, and through it to the classroom. This one is obviously to the bathroom, which, like the door beside us, opens up on the other side to my... bedroom." His voice trailed off. Hermione looked sharply up at him as he came to the word "bedroom." Her eyes fairly glowed with desire. Snape swallowed against his suddenly dry throat.

Once again gazing heatedly at each other, Snape gritted his teeth as he forced himself to look away from Hermione. He stepped past her toward the seats in front of the fire. Glancing regretfully over his shoulder at her, he muttered, "We had best get this done so we can return to the Great Hall. It wouldn't do to keep Dumbledore waiting." He beckoned to Hermione and dropped gracefully onto an ottoman in front of an armchair.

Hermione slowly walked over to him. He gravely handed her the items, and she gasped at the tingle that shot through her as their hands touched. She perched on the edge of the armchair and placed the items on the table beside her, gazing at the back of his dark head for a moment. She could see his shoulders were tense. Her fingers twitched with the desire to touch him and ease the tension out of his muscles. Breathing erratically, hands trembling, she gently tapped his shoulder. He jumped.

"What?" He didn't turn to look at her.

Faintly, she whispered, "Turn around."

Snape stiffened. Slowly shaking his head, he ground out, "That's not necessary..."

Hermione interrupted him, "Please. I want to try something different. Just turn around... Severus."

He couldn't have whipped around faster, so stunned was he by her uttering his name again. He stared at her in shock. Hermione stood and stepped closer toward him. He was forced to crane his neck to look up at her. Senses spinning wildly out of control, Snape vainly tried to redirect her. "We have to get back upstairs. Just finish this so we can go..."

Hermione simply gazed at him thoughtfully and lifted her hands to run through his hair. As soon as she touched him, he shuddered, his eyes closing involuntarily. In a faraway voice, she murmured, "I dreamt about this..." Snape snapped his eyes open again at her declaration, stunned again.

She gently slid her fingers through his long locks, lightly grazing along his scalp. Goose flesh rose along his neck and arms. He even felt his nipples tighten in response. He bit back a groan. Every muscle in his body was tense with suppressed need. Imploringly, he stared at Hermione. When she twined her fingers into the tresses at the base of his skull, he clenched his teeth, strangling what could have only come out as a whimper.

Hermione leant closer to him, unconsciously licking her lips. Snape saw it, and felt a surge in his groin. Desperately, he reached up and gripped her waist, to try to stop her, but she moaned in response and sighed, "Yes... Severus."

It was too much. His fingers tightened spasmodically on her waist and he ruthlessly pulled her to him, across his lap, as he swooped in and kissed her. It was harsh and demanding with pent-up passion. Hermione clenched her fingers in his hair and responded in kind.

She could feel the heat of his erection against her thigh and drowned in desire. Snape's hands were against her back, holding her tightly against him. His tongue plunged into her mouth, battling with hers for dominance. After a few moments of heated, probing kisses, Hermione moaned in delight. It was enough to jolt Snape back to his senses. Straightening away from her with a gasp, he lifted her from his lap. Shaking his head vehemently, he breathed harshly, fighting for composure.

Hermione was once again aghast at the sudden change in his mood. She goggled at him, dazed and dishevelled.

Snape swallowed, jaw tight and nostrils flaring as he huffed. Gazing at Hermione with a mixture of regret, desperation, passion, and frustration in his eyes, he resolutely rumbled, "Hermione... I shouldn't have done that. We shouldn't have done that. I thought you understood the position that we're in. We are risking too much going down that road. Please, we are here for a purpose. We have to return soon before Dumbledore gets suspicious! I shouldn't have allowed myself to lose control like that, but you really shouldn't tempt me like that either! Good gods, woman, you see what you do to me? I'm only a man...have mercy!" He closed his eyes and opened them again, brow furrowed in pained entreaty.

Hermione knew he was right, but she wanted so much more. When he touched her, she felt like she was on fire. Chewing her lip in sulky acquiescence, she stepped back, nodding slightly. "I'm sorry. I was just... overwhelmed with... being here, with you." She glanced at him through her lashes. "I'll be good now. I promise. Turn around and I'll get you fixed right up." She quirked one corner of her mouth up as she regarded him playfully.

Snape narrowed his eyes at her, frowning sternly at her attitude, but turned around on the ottoman. He was grateful when he felt her begin her ministrations in a proper, businesslike manner. He sighed in relief and pleasure at the sensations he felt under her capable fingers and let his eyes close in sensual relaxation as she worked.

Hermione felt both frustrated and slightly ashamed of herself. She was so aroused by him that she wanted nothing more than to mould herself to him and snog him forever, but she could also appreciate the undesirable position that they were in...especially Snape! Quickly smoothing his hair, she began slicking it back with the gel, caressing his head as she worked. Finally, when she finished and was securing it in the elastic, she covered the crown of his head with both hands, slowly drawing them back for one last smoothing gesture. As she tightened the elastic a bit more to be sure, she lightly dragged her fingers along the nape of his neck, revelling in the soft skin there. She heard his startled intake of breath and felt the stiffening in his frame. Firmly kneading his shoulders, she leant down and whispered in his ear, "All done now, sir."

Snape snapped his hands up and gripped hers, stopping their movements. Slowly, he turned to glare at her from under hooded lids. The warning was unspoken, but Hermione understood. Holding her with his intense gaze, he released her hands. She obediently removed them from his person and stepped back, having the grace to look abashed.

Snape stood in one fluid movement and spun to look down at her penitent form. In a firm but tender tone, he said, "Come, we must hurry." He swept past her and gathered his costume pieces, hearing her hurry after him. He opened the door and bowed her through it, making sure the wards were replaced behind him. Satisfied that all was secure, he shot an urgent glance at Hermione and led the way in haste. Hermione scrambled to keep up with him. Jogging up the stairs after her long-legged Potions Master, who took them two or three at a time, she felt flushed and a bit out of breath by the time they reached the corridor to the Great Hall. Snape continued his race down the corridor, leaving Hermione to barely make it to the door to witness everyone's reaction to his entrance.

The cast stood about in a large loose group of smaller clumps. McGonagall and Dumbledore were roving among them, overseeing the practice. There were several people in varying costumes, and others were obviously still trying to master the first spell on their list.

Hermione skidded to a stop as Snape stalked into the Hall. The hubbub died to a complete stunned silence as, one by one, the cast members noticed him. Eyes widened and mouths gaped in amazement. Snape's expression was one of icy disdain. He marched over to Dumbledore, who was beaming with delight, and presented his costume pieces.

Inclining his head, he drawled, "Headmaster, I have my costume, and...as is obvious...Miss Granger has helped me with my hair. Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?"

Dumbledore choked back a chuckle at the gobsmacked crowd and shook his head. "No, thank you, Severus. Here are your costume spells. Everyone must demonstrate mastery with them before leaving tonight's meeting." He handed Snape the parchment and Snape nodded.

Turning to face the staring crowd, Snape glowered blackly at them, satisfied when they jumped and looked away again. He glanced up to see Hermione taking her parchment from Dumbledore. She flicked him a subdued glance as she turned to practice.

Snape surveyed the room, scowling menacingly at anyone he caught looking at him. True to form, Neville and Ron were having trouble and McGonagall was patiently working with them. Somehow, Neville had managed to transfigure his suit, but he had ended up with the colours inverted, so his shirt was black and the coat and trousers were white. Ron kept transfiguring only half of his costume at a time, either trousers or coat, but not all of it at once. Snape snorted. Harry was in his costume, trying to help Ron while McGonagall demonstrated Neville's spell, changing his robe to his costume and back again.

His eyes goggled as he saw Trelawney in her ballet costume. Shutting his eyes firmly, he prayed that he could root that image out of his brain. Sighing, he looked at his Slytherins, making sure they weren't having trouble and embarrassing their House. Fortunately, Draco was doing fine and was pompously assisting the girls with their multiple changes. Eventually he came back to Hermione, who was methodically casting through her list. He watched as she read each spell silently, her lips moving carefully, and practiced the wand movement before combining them to properly cast the spell. As always, she succeeded instantly. He felt a surge of pride that she was so brilliant and fought down a smile.

Suddenly, Hermione looked up at him. She gazed at him softly for a moment before noticing that he wasn't in costume yet. Her brow furrowed in confusion and then she raised her eyebrow in imitation of him as she pointedly nodded at his parchment. Folding her arms in his pose, she regarded him sternly. Snape was caught between irritation that she would dare to behave like that to him and amusement that she would purposefully imitate him to scold him.

Glaring right back at her, he shook his parchment out and looked at it with exaggerated carelessness. He put on his mask, hat, and cloak and cast the spell, transfiguring his robes into the tuxedo. There was a gasp near him. He whipped around to see Ginny Weasley, in her ballet costume, staring at him. Her gasp had attracted more attention and soon there were mutterings and whisperings throughout the room as everyone turned to look at him. Rolling his eyes at the absurdity, he huffed and skipped down the page to his last costume. He cast the spell and immediately pulled up the hood, hiding from the prying eyes of the rest of the cast.

He waited until the rest of the cast went back to their own work before casting the spell for his Masquerade costume. He was seething at being completely shrouded in scarlet, and he wanted to leave as quickly as possible. But, when he cast the spell, it was McGonagall who exclaimed in appreciation.

"Oh, Severus! It looks marvellous!"

Snape frantically cast the spell to change back to his own robes, but not before the rest of the cast had once again goggled at him. Eyes narrowed in irritation, he snarled acidly at McGonagall, "Thank you so much, Minerva. You, of all people, should realize how much I loathe that colour."

McGonagall smirked at him, and gestured with the cane that was part of her costume as Mme. Giry. "Yes, well, it was indeed a rare treat to see you in anything besides black."

Snape grimaced at her and took off the mask, cloak, and hat, once again bundling them together. He stalked off toward Dumbledore. "Sir, would you like to keep these, or shall I take them with me? I have cast all of my costume spells, so I believe I shall return to my quarters."

Dumbledore looked up from helping Hannah Abbott with her Masquerade costume and nodded absently. "Oh, you take them, my boy. It's better for you to have them so you can bring them to any rehearsals that require them. Done already, you say? Of course, that's to be expected from you. Very well, good night, Severus."

Snape nodded graciously at Dumbledore and said, "As you say, Headmaster. Good night." He turned to exit, sweeping the room with another black glare. His eyes widened at the sight of Hermione in her corseted costume, his desire flaring back up at the luscious swell of her breasts and the low neckline. Steeling himself to leave, he stomped out of the Hall, ignoring the furtive whispers around him.

Hermione saw him leaving, and wished she could leave with him. She had almost cast her way through her long list of changes. Sighing at the futility of her wish, she resolutely practiced the last spell. When she was done, she changed back to her standard robes and rolled the parchment to put it in her pocket. She crossed to Dumbledore and said, "I'm finished, sir. May I be excused?"

He looked at her approvingly and said, "That was fast, Miss Granger! And you even had a late start after helping Professor Snape...thank you again, my dear, I'm so glad I can count on you."

Hermione smiled warmly at him and replied, "Of course, Headmaster. I thought about what you said, and I think it would just be easier if I were to fix Professor Snape's hair instead of him trying. It would be faster that way, since I know what I'm doing and can see it better. Take it from me," and she rolled her eyes, "it's hard to do your own hair when you can't see behind your head!" She smiled winningly, hoping he'd agree to let her continue styling Snape's hair for the show. It would give her at least a little time to be near him without suspicion.

Dumbledore chuckled as he tugged on a wayward curl. Winking at her, he leant in conspiratorially and said, "You're not only a brilliant witch and an accomplished singer, but you are a sensible and brave one as well. Spoken like a true Gryffindor! Don't worry, my dear, I'll manage to convince Professor Snape. I promise you won't have to worry about him on that account." He squeezed her hand sympathetically.

Hermione smiled bravely at him, holding in the elation she felt. "Thank you, sir. Good night."

"Good night, my dear."

Hermione spun on her heel and strode toward the doorway, wanting to skip and bounce with excitement.

Snape had returned to his quarters and put away his costume pieces, but he was struck with the desire to go back up to the Great Hall and check the progress of the students...okay, Hermione. Quickly, he made his way down the corridor and up the stairs. He was almost in sight of the upper corridor when he heard footsteps and humming. Stopping in mid-stride, he slunk back against the wall, concealing himself in the shadows. He had only a moment to wait before Hermione jauntily stepped onto the stairs up toward Gryffindor Tower. She was smiling and humming "The Phantom of the Opera" to herself.

Had she paid attention and looked down into the stairwell to the dungeons, she might have noticed a pair of enraptured eyes following her ascent before she disappeared out of sight.