17- Rehearsal and Acting

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Chapter 17- Rehearsal and Acting

It had been a late evening for some of the cast members; they had had trouble with their transfigurations, requiring both McGonagall and Dumbledore to stay and work with them individually until they succeeded at least once in their efforts. Nevertheless, spirits were high again at dinner Friday night, as they awaited the read-through of the second act.

Hermione had taken her cue from Snape and left her script in her room, knowing she didn't need it. The other Gryffindors had theirs, and some were thumbing through them as they chatted about their parts. Ron was regaling the other seventh-year boys with tales of his trials the night before, trying to get his transfiguration spells right. Hermione noted that Harry was looking much better, smiling and laughing with the others. She sighed in relief and smiled to herself, glad that he seemed to be getting over her.

She snuck a peek up at the High Table and thrilled to see Snape leaning languidly back in his chair, idly gazing about the Hall, his head leaning against his left hand. He knew she was looking at him and flicked a glance at her, lazily tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. Hermione's breath caught at the gesture, reminding her that she would be the one running her fingers through those long black locks. She hastily jerked her eyes away and hoped she wasn't flushing as much as she thought she might be.

Snape smirked to himself at her reaction. That little minx thinks she can tempt and tease me. Apparently she's susceptible to subtle... reminders as well. His amusement faded as he looked at the time and huffed in impatience. He wanted to get rehearsal started now. After the previous occasions of going through "Point of No Return" with Hermione, he felt he was prepared to withstand the sensations it evoked, but, perversely, he craved those same sensations. Besides, there was that part of his pride that still wanted to blow everyone away this time like he had the last time.

They thought they knew Severus Snape.

They had no idea who he truly was.

Except perhaps Dumbledore, and even he didn't know everything. Bemused at the notion, he pondered his new... relationship... with Hermione. It was a strange feeling, but he rather thought that he wanted to let her get to know the real Severus Snape.

Then again, there was that niggling uneasy suspicion that Severus Snape was no longer the man he used to be.

The Great Hall cleared, Dumbledore Summoned the circle of chairs, and the cast moved to take their seats. This time, however, Snape quickly strode to the circle and immediately took the seat directly opposite Hermione as soon as she sat. When Harry took a seat a few spaces away from Hermione, Snape smothered a satisfied smirk. Then, he scowled impatiently as Dumbledore went around the group casting Suaviloquentia on those who needed it.

Beaming impartially at everyone, Dumbledore took out his music box and script and settled into his chair. "Welcome again. I've been looking forward to tonight's rehearsal since everyone's wonderful performances last week. I hope you have all been practicing the second act as well!" There was a murmur of assurance throughout the group. "Excellent! In that case, let's begin..." He opened the box and the music began.

Snape sat back to wait for his cue. This week, Neville seemed to have more confidence as he bantered back and forth with Ron. As the rest of the cast chimed in with their parts as the chorus in "Masquerade," Snape closed his eyes to listen critically to the blending of voices. His eyes snapped open to zero in on Harry as he and Hermione sang their bit about the secret engagement. Harry kept his eyes on his script, but his cheeks were bright red and his body language spoke of an ill-concealed hurt. Hermione did her best to sing with professionalism, but Snape could see the guilty gleam in her eyes as she gazed at a spot near the ceiling while she sang. Satisfied once the tense exchange was over, and Harry had not exhibited any inclinations to try to get Hermione back, Snape relaxed and closed his eyes again, focusing on the quality of the singing.

Dumbledore will be pleased. It really does sound quite good. I daresay Hogwarts has a chance at winning this competition. Of course, I will do everything I can to make sure my performance will be as perfect as possible... He looked across the circle at Hermione and felt a surge of proud relief that he had such a talented actress opposite him. Playing off someone who was so gifted brought out the best in him as well.

Oh, all right... I know it's not completely acting at this point, since I want her like the Phantom wants Christine, but at least we should be very believable! He chuckled wryly to himself. And if anyone asks, we can always say, "Why, we're just amazing actors, aren't we?" That may be the only thing that keeps us from arousing suspicion. Then again, we'll have to be good actors out of the play, to pretend we still have such antipathy toward each other. Ah well, that will be the real test of our skills. He let his pensive gaze slide across each person in turn, wondering if any of them would be the type to suspect anything.

Dumbledore is the biggest worry. That man has an uncanny knack for knowing things. Bloody Potter may get in the way just by pining for Hermione... heavy-handed oaf! He may hang about, just to try his luck with her again... Snape felt a flash of fury, but it was quickly followed by a flood of warmth as he remembered Hermione's emphatic rejection of Harry, and her enthusiastic attraction to himself! His lips twitched with the effort of holding in a half-sheepish, half-smug grin.

His thoughts continued. Weasley is likely too stupid to see something right in front of his face, so I doubt he'll pose a problem. Hmmm, speaking of Weasleys... He cast a speculative look at the redheaded girl by Hermione. She's the one closest to Hermione right now. And she did see us at the notice board. That girl seems far too clever for a Weasley. Come to think of it, she's probably our biggest threat after Dumbledore. I must remember to caution Hermione about her. His ruminations stopped as the song came to its crescendo and his entrance.

He slid forward to perch on the edge of the chair and sat up straight. His voice oozing diabolical amusement, he sang, "Why so silent, good Messieurs?" Hermione looked up at him, her eyes dark with whirling emotions. Snape continued in his light tone. Then, his voice hardened with menace as he sang, "Remember, there are worse things than a shattered chandelier!" He locked eyes with Hermione and his face darkened with anger. His voice rough with rage, he roared, "Your chains are still mine, you will sing for me!"

Hermione flinched involuntarily away from him as he bellowed. Inwardly she was amazed at how powerful he was; so much so that even though she knew he was not really angry at her, she was still very afraid of him like that. It's just another example of how passionate he is. Everything is so pent-up and restrained that when he lets it out, it's like a blaze!

She ducked her head to hide the wicked smile that played across her lips. Just like last night, when he gave in to temptation. Gods, what a kiss! I thought I was going to melt right there! Mmm, I want to make him really crack... I wonder if I can get him to cave enough to just... take me! She felt herself blushing hotly at the thought...really, it was one that had crossed her mind with increasing frequency...and nervously glanced up at Dumbledore, remembering Snape's cautionary words.

Snape's gaze kept coming to rest on Hermione...well, she was directly across from him...and he noticed her reddened cheeks. Then, when she bit her lip and looked furtively up at Dumbledore, he wondered what was going on. Curious, he eyed her intently.

Hermione felt that familiar tingle and looked over to see Snape staring at her, eyes narrowed speculatively. She gasped and another rush of heat washed over her already flaming cheeks. Her stomach fluttered and she felt the heady warmth pooling in her knickers. Interestingly enough, that also seemed to be happening with increasing frequency. Hermione flicked a glance around the circle, seeing everyone's eyes on their scripts as Harry and McGonagall did the scene that was not included in the recording. Then, she looked purposefully back and Snape and lowered her guard, letting him see her feelings.

Snape was once again stunned by the vehemence of her arousal. It hit him like a hot gust of wind. Shaking his head, he blinked. His body had instantly responded, and he felt his cock swelling. Holding his breath for a moment to regain composure, he glared at Hermione severely, his reprimand plain in his expression. Hermione shrank in on herself, chagrined. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself for concentration on the task at hand and shot Snape a properly contrite look from under her lashes. Mollified for the moment, Snape quirked an eyebrow at her before forcing himself to look away.

The second "Notes" scene began, and Snape was both amused and pleased to hear Pansy trying to speak with an Italian accent. Apparently, Draco had been working with her, but she was nowhere near as proficient as he was. I really should have been the one to try to work with her, seeing as she is in my House, but Draco seems to be succeeding admirably, and it's so much easier to deal with that boy when he has things to occupy him and keep him from concocting mischief. I must remember to compliment him on his progress, just to keep him appeased...

As the scene came to the point where Christine and Raoul enter, and Carlotta makes a snide comment, Snape smirked, watching the venom between the actors come through in their roles. Hermione in particular was able to flash haughty, angry glances at Pansy and Draco, glaring at them heatedly, since she didn't have to follow in a script. Snape straightened again as McGonagall started reading the Phantom's note. His voice dripped with mocking derision as he glibly recited the insults. Then he kept his voice light but put forth an undercurrent of warning as he spoke about Christine. Hermione glanced up at him, her eyes sparkling with appreciation of the subtleties in his performance. Snape sat back with a smug, conspiratorial expression as Harry burst in with his plan.

Dumbledore took the moment when McGonagall finished her line, "but we have seen him kill," to stop the practice and organize the multiple run-throughs for each person. Finally, after each person had gone through it, Dumbledore had them all sing at once. He repeated that a few times until it was perfectly timed. As they repeated it one last time, Hermione chimed in at the end with, "If you don't stop I'll go mad!" Then, the Hall quieted completely as she continued, her voice tremulous with unease. Several people around the circle looked up in appreciation of her voice, smiling faintly.

Harry sang his coaxing lines softly, and Hermione edged forward on her seat to sit up straight as she sang her lines, her pain at being caught in such a trap clear in her expressive voice. Snape gazed at her in wonder along with many of the rest of the cast, completely enamoured by the pathos in her song. His chest tightened instinctively in response to the pain she evinced, and he was hit with the urge to comfort her. Blinking rapidly at the lightning-quick reaction, Snape breathed deeply and reminded himself, She's acting. Control yourself.

Snape shot a look at Harry as he heard the boy bellowing, "the disaster will be yours!" Harry was glaring at Snape, scowling. Snape's lip curled in a malicious sneer and his eyes narrowed, boring into the boy. They held each other's gaze until Harry finally blinked and shifted away, sullenly. Snape quirked an eyebrow in triumph before he sank back into his chair, arms crossed loosely across his chest.

The rehearsal scene for "Don Juan Triumphant" began, and Snape rolled his eyes at Pansy's spot-on performance of the sour, self-centred Carlotta. Dumbledore repeated the scene a few times to orchestrate the timing of the background chatter along with the written lines. Then, it was finished, and Hermione continued through her introduction to the next song as the others faded out.

Snape inched back in his seat, crossing his arms tighter, knowing how haunting Hermione would be as she sang "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again." He glanced around the circle and saw faces everywhere transfixed on Hermione as she sang the poignant song. He felt like he could burst with pride, and gripped his arms against his ribs even more. The music and her voice swelled and ebbed, buoying them along on the current of emotion. As she faded away on her last word, Dumbledore shut the music box, overcome.

Wiping at the tears that drowned the characteristic twinkle of his eyes, Dumbledore sniffed and said, "My dear Miss Granger, that was simply astounding. I knew you were talented, but that was beyond all expectations! I apologize for stopping, but I just couldn't help it..." He turned a soft, indulgent gaze on the group and was met with many awed expressions and murmurs of agreement. Hermione blushed and looked at her hands in her lap, worrying them together.

In a voice barely above a whisper, she stammered, "Th-Thank you, sir."

Fishing a great spotted handkerchief from somewhere within his robes, Dumbledore blew his nose with a loud honking sound, effectively ending the awe-struck atmosphere. Titters and grins rippled over the assembled cast and Dumbledore turned to Snape, politely inquiring, "Severus, are you ready?"

Snape inclined his head respectfully and replied, "Certainly, sir."

Dumbledore opened the music box again and Snape gazed across the circle to Hermione, his tone gentle and enticing as he sang, "Wandering child, so lost, so helpless, yearning for my guidance."

Hermione lifted bewildered eyes to Snape as she answered. Snape's gaze smouldered as he dropped his voice to the hypnotic lure again. But, he was distracted from enveloping Hermione in his presence by Harry coming in with Raoul's lines. Brow creasing in irritation, Snape flicked a glance at Harry before focusing on Hermione again. When he and Hermione finally finished the line, "yet your/ the soul obeys!" Dumbledore stopped the music, indicating that he wanted to do each person's part singly before melding the voices again.

The tension in the Hall grew as they finished the practice and began singing together. Snape chanted, "I am your Angel of Music... Come to me: Angel of Music..."

Harry cried, "Angel of Darkness! Cease this torment!" Snape flicked a quick narrow-eyed glance of anger at Harry before gazing more intently, more determinedly at Hermione as he continued his lure. Hermione looked between Snape and Harry, anxiety growing as the scene progressed. When Harry said the lines that finally cause Christine to break from her trance, Hermione flashed an agonized, imploring look at Snape. Then she whimpered Raoul's name.

Harry looked at Hermione, his face a mixture of wistfulness and petulance. Snape tensed. The fury behind his lines as he taunted Raoul was more real than anyone had the right to know, except Hermione. Harry shot a look at Snape when he heard the mocking jeers. He scowled fiercely at Snape in between looking at his script for his lines.

Finally, looking uncomfortable indeed, Hermione begged, "Raoul! Come back...."

Snape's eyes widened and his nostrils flared in rage as he roared, "Don't go!" Then, his expression settled into a grim one of dire foreboding as he continued, "So be it. Now let it be war upon you both!" There was a beat and then Dumbledore closed the music box.

Even Dumbledore seemed loath to interrupt the crackling tension. Hesitantly clearing his throat, he said, "Let's move on to the next scene..." All of the boys except Draco turned their attention to the script for the scene that was not in the recording. Snape gazed coldly at each of them in turn as the scene progressed, eerily lilting his lines to taunt them. When he finished, Dumbledore nodded and opened the music box again, moving on to "Don Juan Triumphant."

Snape was sliding his gaze along the group when he felt the tingle on his cheek. He looked out of the corner of his eye to see Hermione staring at him, an anticipatory gleam in her eyes. Swiftly, like a snake striking, he snapped his head around to give her a stern warning glance. She jerked, blinking owlishly at him, taken aback. Almost imperceptibly, he shook his head. Just as minutely, Hermione nodded back, defeated.

As the scene continued, Snape looked around the circle more, noting the flushing cheeks and uneasy shifting of several of the students as they realized that their professor and peer would be performing the erotically charged scene. Some exchanged disconcerted glances and flicked embarrassed looks at Snape and pitying looks at Hermione. Snape's lips thinned. Just as I thought. Well, won't this be even more awkward than last week... He gratefully remembered that at least this week, he didn't have to deal with the torment of his unbidden feelings for Hermione and the misery that they were supposedly unrequited. He flashed a dark warning glance at Hermione, and was satisfied to see her drawing herself up confidently: back straight, chin up, expression determined, and attitude lofty.

Hermione was steeling herself for the onslaught of immature reactions that were already trickling in from her classmates. She was not ignorant of the pitying glances they cast at her. But she refused to bow to their irrational perception of Snape and the dynamics of the scene.

Draco was appropriately pompous and caddish as he sang his last line and laughed. Hermione chimed in with her sweet words and voice. Then, as Dean croaked, "Master," Snape responded in a hushed voice, "Passarino, go away for the trap is set and waits for its prey."

Snape stoically ignored the antsy shifting and rumblings around him as he began "Point of No Return." He simply gazed at Hermione. She took her cue from him and did the same, effectively shutting the others out of their connection. But, they both kept a firm hold on their physical responses to each other and the song. He worked his way through the verses, letting his voice savour the words as he had before, but hiding his raging desire and fiery lust behind a façade of calm composure. Even so, his heart rate increased and sweat prickled his skin under the pressure. As soon as he finished his lines and Hermione began hers, he doggedly recited a mantra in his head, Maintain control. Show nothing. Now is when you need to act. Act like you feel nothing. Maintain control. Show nothing...

Hermione recognized the firm grip Snape had on himself by the rigid tension in his lean frame. She had seen the same thing the night before in his quarters when she had pushed him beyond resistance. Now, however, that was something that they couldn't do, or even allow a hint to show. She had been marvelling at his strength of discipline and admiring him for it while he sang, and now she knew she had to match him. She knew that she couldn't completely match him, because she couldn't control the nervous flushing of her cheeks. Inwardly she felt a flash of envy that he managed to stay so cool and pale under duress. Still, she gathered strength from her connection with Snape, locking her gaze with his, and sang her verses with as much emotion as she dared.

Snape could see the struggle for control and discipline within Hermione. He wanted so much to show his approval for her success in mastering her outward reactions as she sang. All he could do was keep eye contact with her, hoping she could read his approval and pride in his eyes, even though he didn't dare make it obvious.

They both sang the final verse. Then, as it ended and the music changed, Snape clenched his jaw, fighting to keep his feelings for Hermione from coming out as he sang "All I Ask of You."

Where Snape's voice had been velvety and seductive and full of sultry, forbidden promise during "Point of No Return," in "All I Ask of You," it was fragile and tender and wistfully hopeful. Hermione felt a thrill cascade over her at the contrast between the sensually dominant man and the tentative, heartsick boy who was daring to bare his soul for the first time in the song. Her heart pounded as she thought about how Snape had been so like the Phantom when he finally let his guard down to her Tuesday night. Again, she felt a pang of remorse for the way she would have to behave toward Snape in the play, since she felt quite the opposite.

Hermione closed her eyes for a moment at the ensuing pandemonium. As soon as it began, she sensed everyone's attention diverting from her and Snape and she opened her eyes to give him an apologetic look before taking a deep breath and steeling herself to be hateful. Snape understood and inclined his head a fraction as he did the same.

Snape once again belted out his lines as he began "Down Once More." He held the last note forcefully before viciously singing, "Why, you ask, was I bound and chained in this cold and dismal place? Not for any mortal sin, but the wickedness of my abhorrent face!" Then he continued, letting the anguish of his existence out as he sang, "Hounded out by everyone! Met with hatred everywhere! No kind word from anyone! No compassion anywhere! Christine, Christine... Why? Why?" He glared at Hermione blackly. Hermione set her lips and narrowed her eyes back at him. Around her, the chorus sang and Harry and McGonagall recited their lines. Then, the music changed.

Hermione drew herself up in righteous wrath as she spit, "Have you gorged yourself at last in your lust for blood? Am I now to be prey to your lust for flesh?"

Snape's voice and manner were so cold that some of the girls shivered as he retorted, "That fate which condemns me to wallow in blood has also denied me the joys of the flesh. This face...the infection, which poisons our love..." Then, his voice deepened into a morose brooding for, "This face, which earned a mother's fear and loathing. A mask, my first, unfeeling scrap of clothing." Hermione nearly quailed at the chilling, dangerous spark that kindled in his eyes as he ground out, "Pity comes too late...turn around and face your fate: an eternity of this before your eyes!"

She tilted her chin in a defiant show of bravery and replied, "This haunted face holds no horror for me now. It's in your soul that the true distortion lies." In her peripheral vision, she could see the rapt attention of several cast members, entranced by the battle of wills between her and Snape. There was a very tense pause, during which the whole Hall seemed to hold its breath. Then, Snape's face changed to one of almost manic glee.

His voice was thick with sadistic satisfaction as he sang, "Wait! I think, my dear, we have a guest!" Harry felt uncomfortable with the disturbing expression Snape turned on him, his eyes practically gleaming with malice. Snape continued, a feral grin on his face, "Sir, this is indeed, an unparalleled delight! I had rather hoped that you would come. And now, my wish comes true...you have truly made my night!"

Harry was glad to look down at his script, away from Snape's sinister glare, as he sang, "Free her! Do what you like, only free her! Have you no pity?"

Snape mocked him with, "Your lover makes a passionate plea."

Hermione jumped in. "Please, Raoul, it's useless..."

Harry, blushing furiously, kept his eyes on the page as he forced out, "I love her! Does that mean nothing? I love her! Show some compassion..."

Snape cut him off with a furious snarl. "The world showed no compassion to me!" Around him, students were transfixed by the terrifying realism behind Snape's performance. The fleeting thought that perhaps Snape felt that way crossed a few minds, but it was dashed from them by new, even more frightening displays as the scene continued.

Harry pleaded, "Christine, Christine. Let me see her..."

Snape was all untrustworthy accommodation as he said, "Be my guest, sir." A polite smile graced his face as he continued, "Monsieur, I bid you welcome. Did you think that I would harm her? Why should I make her pay, for the sins which are yours?" His pleasant expression morphed into a chilling one of insanity as he gleefully taunted Harry. "Order your fine horses now! Raise up your hand to the level of your eyes! Nothing can save you now, except perhaps Christine..."

Harry felt goose flesh rising along his arms and the hairs on the back of his neck standing up at the image of Snape looking so deranged, especially as it was directed at him! He swallowed thickly as he remembered the fear that had seized him the night Snape had caught him and Hermione in the corridor. Power had exuded from the man, and it was flowing off him like an aura now. Harry realized that in the play he would be almost suspended in a noose, and fervently hoped Snape wouldn't be the one in control of it!

Snape directed his attention to Hermione, his whole being radiating threatening power. "Start a new life with me. Buy his freedom with your love. Refuse me and you send your lover to his death. This is your choice. This is the point of no return!" By the time he had reached the end of his line, Snape was breathing heavily with emotion and exertion. Something about the role just sucked him in and possessed him beyond reason. His eyes were wild as he locked gazes with Hermione.

Hermione tried to give him as reassuring a look as possible without giving anything away to the others as she forced herself to sing, "The tears I might have shed for your dark fate grow cold and turn to tears of hate!"

Harry came in with his next lines and both Hermione and Snape jumped in to sing their overlapping parts. Dumbledore was so engrossed in their performance that he didn't even stop them to make each one do their part singly before blending. It was a mark of their talent and skill that they managed to interweave perfectly the first time through.

There was a break in the mingling of voices as Snape sang, dangerously, "So do you end your days with me? Or do you send him to his grave?"

Harry scowled fiercely at Snape as he shouted, "Why make her lie to you to save me?" Then, the three of them launched into the next bout of overlapping lines. The Hall was rife with tension as everyone watched and listened in rapt fascination.

Hermione's voice trailed singly as she finished, "you deceived me...I gave my mind blindly..."

Snape's voice held all the venomous hatred in the world as he spat, "You try my patience...make your choice!" Everyone sat, with bated breath, as Hermione gazed directly into Snape's eyes and set her jaw.

Resolutely, she infused all the sympathy she could into her voice as she sang, "Pitiful creature of darkness. What kind of life have you known? God give me courage to show you, you are not alone!" All through the group, wide-eyed stares were ricocheting between Snape and Hermione, with varying expressions of wonder, awe, apprehension, revulsion, and perplexity, as everyone thought about the fact that their Head Girl and their Potions Master would be kissing at that moment in the play. The music swelled and both Hermione and Snape were vibrating with pent-up tension as they stared at each other. Snape's scowl faded and his eyes widened. The fleeting expression of awe disappeared, to be replaced by one of agonized realization and defeat.

When the music changed, it was as if the Hall sighed, as the collective breath of virtually the entire cast was released at once. Both Snape and Hermione visibly relaxed from their fever pitch. There was a flurry of activity around the circle as people hurried to find their place to sing the chorus.

As the chorus sang, Snape chimed in with his lines, his voice dull and lifeless until he begged Raoul and Christine to leave so they wouldn't be found. Then it was wretched with misery. Finally, as he screamed his final entreaty, shudders rippled over the assembled group, his voice like a knife on raw nerves. The music wound down and Snape seemed to wilt into his chair, sagging back against it. His eyes were dull and his face paler than normal. Hermione felt her heart beating wildly as she fought the urge to rush to him and hold him.

The light, tinny sound of the music box in the recording began. Snape seemed to be staring into space, his eyes not focusing on anything within the group. A melancholy, rueful expression crossed his face as he softly sang, "Masquerade... Paper faces on parade... Masquerade... Hide your face so the world will never find you..." His eyes closed and his brow furrowed. His head tilted forward and long black locks tumbled over his cheeks as he almost whimpered, "Christine, I love you."

Hermione swallowed against the tightness of her throat as she watched him. She struggled to sing, "Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime... Say the word and I will follow you..." Wrenching her gaze from Snape's crushed form, she glanced at Harry, to see him staring at Snape in awed consternation.

Harry mumbled, "Share each day with me..."

Hermione joined in with, "each night..." and they both sang, "each morning." Hermione looked away from Harry and back at Snape, to see him open his eyes and sweep his gaze over her on its way up.

Snape leant back in his chair and tilted his head back, gazing toward the enchanted ceiling. His whole being radiated resigned sadness, but with an undercurrent of martyred satisfaction as his voice resounded through the hushed Hall, singing, "You alone can make my song take flight...it's over now, the music of the night." As he finished the last note, his eyes closed again and he swallowed convulsively.

Hermione looked around the circle, seeing all eyes fixed on Snape. The music finally played out and Dumbledore shut the music box. The silence that followed was full of emotion. Slowly, all around, students started to shake off the thrall of the impassioned performance. Snape was still leaning back in his chair, gazing at the ceiling.

Hermione watched his Adam's apple bob multiple times as he kept swallowing. His chest rose and fell like a bellows winding down. Hermione was distracted from her study of Snape by the sound of sniffling and throat clearing. Several of the girls were wiping their eyes and noses and Dumbledore once again honked into that spotted handkerchief. A couple of boys were savagely coughing, muttering about things caught in their throats as they knuckled their eyes sheepishly.

Finally, Dumbledore broke the tableau by standing and deliberately applauding. McGonagall was the first to join him, followed by a wave of other cast members. Hermione rose slowly, clapping fiercely as she watched Snape, like to burst with pride. He blinked rapidly and finally tilted his head back to level, his gaze sliding across Hermione. She noticed that his eyes were glassy and felt a lump come to her throat again. By this point, the whole group was on their feet and looking at Snape. The Slytherins were beaming haughtily at the others with pride for their Head of House. Hermione felt herself smiling, and Dumbledore twinkled brightly at the Potions Master.

Snape was overwhelmed. He blinked around the group, owl-eyed with astonishment. Why are they applauding me? I didn't do anything extraordinary. Wanting to slink away from the attention, Snape tamped down the nervous heat that he could feel rising to his face. Uneasily, he straightened and stood in one fluid, graceful movement. Glancing around the circle at the varied expressions of awe, incredulity, appreciation, and pride, he schooled his face into one of humble gratitude and offered a courtly bow, hoping that would be enough to end the display.

Fortunately, it was. Dumbledore cried, "Spectacular! Simply amazing! Oh, I am so pleased with everyone. You have all done wonderfully, and I look forward to our next rehearsal! Until then, good night, and be sure to check the notice board!" The applause died away and the group broke up into small clumps of buzzing conversations.

Snape stood uncomfortably, seeing the students whispering furtively as they shot goggle-eyed glances back at him. He nonchalantly smoothed his robes, flicking imaginary specks from them. He felt Hermione looking at him and swept a glance over the Hall, noting that she was gazing at him thoughtfully, with a small smile hovering about her lips. He also noticed that the Weasley girl was right behind her, gazing speculatively between him and Hermione. He kept his gaze moving away from Hermione, both hoping that Hermione wouldn't give Ginny any cause for suspicion and wishing he could warn her that Ginny was right there. Cursing to himself, he settled his face into its customary sour expression and began to walk toward the doorway. He both hoped Hermione wouldn't follow him and wished she could.

Hermione was startled from her reverie by Ginny's voice near her shoulder. "Crazy, huh? Who knew?"

Hermione spun and raised her eyebrows in surprised confusion. "Knew what?"

Ginny nodded in Snape's direction and pursed her lips. "That Snape could do that! Crazy, huh?" She tilted her head to one side and quirked one corner of her mouth up.

Hermione glanced at the retreating form of her Potions Master and blinked. Rallying her acting skills, she flashed a look of incredulous surprise at Ginny and grimaced. "I know! Honestly, it's amazing, isn't it? Last week and now tonight... You're right. Who knew, indeed?" Hermione ignored the voice inside her that cried out, I know, I know! I know how passionate he can be! I've seen the emotions he keeps buried!

Ginny shrugged and rolled her eyes, smiling. Jerking her head in the direction of the doorway, she turned and started out, Hermione in her wake. Looking over her shoulder at Harry and Ron with the other Gryffindor boys, she leant toward Hermione and whispered sympathetically, "Guess some of that was kinda' awkward, huh?"

Hermione glanced back as well and realized what Ginny was talking about. Grateful to change the subject from Snape, Hermione nodded. "Yes. Very much so. Did you hear Harry when he had to sing, 'I love her!'? I just wanted to crawl into a hole and die!" She sighed. "I hope things'll get better as time goes by."

Snape had exited the Hall and started down the corridor, his senses strained for any indication that Hermione had come out too. He reached the stairs to the dungeon and paused, glancing back at the students who were making their way down the corridor in pairs or small groups. Hermione was not one of them. He turned and descended the stairs, pausing again when he was out of sight of the corridor. Backing against the wall in the shadows, he settled himself to wait until he could see Hermione on her way up to the Tower.

Hermione and Ginny were walking along the corridor. As they passed the spot where Snape had caught Harry and Hermione together, Hermione shuddered. Ginny noticed and looked at her friend quizzically. "What's wrong?"

Hermione jerked her head at the dark alcove and murmured, "That's where Snape caught us." Involuntarily, she quickened her pace. Ginny gazed wide-eyed at the spot before hurrying to catch up with Hermione.

Snape heard the footsteps and voices in the corridor at the top of the stairs. He held his breath, listening hard. Suddenly, he saw bushy brown hair and his chest tightened. He heard rapid footsteps and a shining red head joined her. Ginny's voice floated down to him.

"So you and Harry really are over? Are you sure you won't change your mind and give him another chance?"

Snape froze. Even his heart seemed to stop beating for a moment. A trickle of icy dread threaded through his centre.

Above him, Hermione paused and turned to the other girl. She looked around before replying. Snape felt his heart start beating again at the finality in her tone.

"I will not change my mind! Ginny, it's like if you were to try to date Ron..."

"Eww!"

"Exactly! Did he put you up to this?" Even Snape knew that the warning tone in her voice boded no good to whomever incited it.

There was a strained silence. Finally, Ginny sighed in defeat. "No, not exactly. Ron wanted me to ask you since he was afraid to. He just wanted to be absolutely sure so he could talk Harry out of trying again. He understands. He says it was weird for you two, so he gets the idea."

Hermione snorted. Snape felt a flash of jealous anger that Hermione had done anything with that Weasley boy.

"Yeah, all it took was one kiss for us to figure it out. I wish it had been as fast with Harry, so we could have avoided all this horrid tension!"

Snape's anger subsided a little at the revelation that it was just one kiss, but he still wanted to have her only for himself. He gazed up at the back of her head, her long curly hair darting every which way. He was struck with the desire to bury his face in her hair.

Suddenly, Hermione felt a tingle on the nape of her neck. She suppressed a shiver. Her brain started processing the event with previously acquired information and realized that Snape must be around. Her body seemed to come alive and buzzed with the energy that attuned to Snape.

Realizing the opportunity she had at hand, Hermione smiled to herself and said firmly, "Harry is one of my dearest friends. But that's all. Besides, he's still a boy. And I think I'd much rather find a man..." She quirked one eyebrow at Ginny, who grinned back, giggling.

Snape felt a surge wash over him at her words and the implications contained therein. He swallowed back a groan as his cock sprang to life.

Hermione glanced toward the Great Hall. Quietly, she muttered, "Look, here come the boys. Let's go. Race you to the common room?" She glanced challengingly at Ginny.

Ginny smirked in response and said, "Deal. Ready? One, two, three, go!" She immediately pelted off up the stairs.

Snape was gazing up at Hermione and was completely stunned when, as soon as Ginny took off, Hermione whirled, swept the dungeon stairs with a dazzling smile and blew a kiss to the air before spinning and racing off after her friend, giggling.

How did she know I was here? Snape reeled. He heard the boys approaching and flew swiftly down to his quarters, still trying to figure out how Hermione had known he was watching.