23- The Next Morning... Ready For Breakfast?

Standard disclaimer goes here as usual.

Author's Note: The sugar warning continues, but at least this time, I think your teeth are safe. Cheers!- Nicole

Chapter 23- The Next Morning... Ready For Breakfast?

Hermione woke in the pre-dawn darkness to the feel of something hard and warm pressing against her arse. As her mind cleared and she remembered that she was curled up against Snape, she realized that that something was his cock, nestled against her, twitching. She glanced at the clock and saw that the alarm would be going off in about 25 minutes. Staying still, she listened to Snape's steady breathing, realizing that he was still asleep. He was still wrapped tightly around her, and she felt a tingle go through her every time his cock prodded her. Experimentally, she wriggled back against it. She stifled a gasp at the forceful jump it gave in response. Feeling her pulse speed up, she rocked back again. She froze as Snape inhaled deeply and flexed his hips forward in response.

Did I wake him?

She lay there, tense, until he settled again. Then, just as she was relaxing, he flexed again, grinding against her. The arm around her squeezed tighter as well, and he sighed. Every nerve in Hermione's body seemed to be super-charged, and she bit back a squeak at the surge of feeling that shot through her body. Just as she was wondering if she should go ahead and get up, since she knew she'd not fall asleep again after such an arousing wake up call, Snape stirred once more. He pressed his body closer to her and his hand slid down from her collarbone to cup a breast as his hips flexed. A rumbling growl bubbled up from deep within, and Hermione gasped in response.

Is he still asleep?

She turned her head toward him, trying to see, but it was too dark. His hand twitched spastically on her breast, and he rocked against her again. Hermione knew, by the throbbing in her clit, that her knickers were getting freshly dampened. Snape started moving more, squeezing and rocking, and Hermione heard the disjointed mumbling and moaning behind her.

Oh gods, is he dreaming?

She turned her head a bit more and whispered, "Severus?" There was no response except for continued grinding. A little louder, she repeated, "Severus?" Obviously it worked that time, as Snape suddenly froze, and she heard his sharp intake of breath. She could almost feel his rapid calculations, trying to remember where he was, and what he was doing. Abruptly, she felt him start to pull away, his hand flattening rigidly as he lifted it from her breast. She grabbed at him and pulled him back, whispering, "Severus, it's all right."

Snape woke at the sound of his name, but he had been in the midst of a particularly sensual dream involving a certain bushy-haired Gryffindor, and it took him several moments to recall his whereabouts and situation. His mind raced to clear the erotic images and regain his usual alertness. As soon as he realized that his hand was cupping a soft round breast, he snapped to attention. His awareness extended to the fact that he had been thrusting his erection against Hermione's arse, and he recoiled in embarrassment. It was one thing to get hard for her, but it was another entirely to use her like that for pleasure, especially after what had transpired before they had gone to bed! He stilled at her hands on his, and her words, but he kept his hips as far back from her as he could.

In a strained whisper, he said, "Hermione, I apologize. I... don't know what to say..." He trailed off in chagrin.

Hermione smiled in the darkness, glad he couldn't see her. Composing herself, she murmured, "It's all right. You don't have to apologize." Once again glad that he couldn't see her in the darkness, as she felt the flush staining her cheeks, she added, "I... was enjoying that."

Snape blinked. Hermione giggled. She could almost feel his incredulity. Saucily, she scooted backward, wriggling against him. Snape's eyes closed and he hissed. His cock bounced in response and Hermione hummed.

In a strangled rasp, Snape said, "Bloody hell, Hermione, don't do that!"

She chuckled low in her throat in response and repeated the gesture. Still gripping his hand, she placed it back over her breast, holding it there. Snape groaned into her neck. In a threatening purr, he said, "That's not fair, Hermione. We've had this conversation already..."

Hermione smirked in the dark and ground her arse back more. She reached back and slid her hand along his hip, splaying it against his arse, pulling him closer. She felt his sharp exhalation in response and stifled a wicked giggle. She was completely taken by surprise when he abruptly wrapped his leg over hers and pulled her leg straight, sliding his hand down her front, and yanking her nightgown up. She gasped as he covered her mound with his hand again, his voice icy as he murmured, his lips brushing her ear, "Have you forgotten so quickly? Do not push me."

Hermione swallowed nervously and nodded. Snape slowly released her and trailed his hand back up, but as he went, he grazed her skin, sliding under her nightgown until he reached her breast again, where he gently caressed her, palming the soft skin and feeling her nipple harden in response. He sucked on her earlobe, worrying it lightly between his teeth. Hermione moaned faintly, her senses buzzing. She squirmed to turn in his arms, and he lifted his body over her. His hand travelled to her other breast as he kissed her, his body pressing against hers. Hermione's hands slid around him, splaying across his back. She could still feel him hard against her hip, and his hand was teasingly light caressing her breast. She arched her back up to him, pressing her breast into his hand, and he responded by cupping her firmly, squeezing. Her nipple dragged across his palm, stiffening, and she sighed in pleasure into his mouth.

Suddenly, they heard a soft thud. Both froze. Hermione's eyes widened in horror as she recognized the sound of her parents' door shutting. Quite unnecessarily, Snape lifted a finger to his lips, frowning for her to stay quiet. They heard footsteps coming down the hall, stopping between their respective doors. With another display of his impressive speed, Snape rolled, grabbed his wand, spun around, pulled Hermione to her feet, wrapped his free arm around her, and Apparated them to her room, just as they heard Mr. Granger knocking on Hermione's door and softly calling, "Hermione?"

Hermione gasped as they stumbled in her room, Snape whipping away from her and backing against the wall behind her door as she leapt into her bed. The door opened slowly and Hermione sat up quickly, feigning having just been roused.

"Huh? Who's there?" she mumbled, trying to mask the petrified shaking of her voice.

The door opened farther and Mr. Granger popped his head in. "It's Dad, honey. I know it's early, but I'm meeting a friend for an early morning jog and some racquetball and I wasn't sure if I'd be back before you and your professor left for your tour. I didn't want my little girl to leave without me saying goodbye." He stepped into the room, wearing sweatpants and a windbreaker, smiling fondly at Hermione. Behind the door, Snape gestured frantically to Hermione to speak.

Hermione shook her head and said, "Oh, Dad! That's so sweet!" As she spoke, Snape cast a barely audible concealment charm, and Hermione watched him fade from view. She hastily stood and heaved a ragged sigh of relief as she hugged her father. He hugged her tightly until she squeaked in protest. Then, he released her and sat her on the edge of her bed, sitting with her. Hermione curled her legs up and pulled her covers over her lap. She hoped her father couldn't hear her pounding heartbeat.

"I'm really glad you got to come visit, even if it was for such a short time. We miss you, you know."

Hermione smiled. "I know, Dad. And I really appreciate all you did for me. The show was wonderful, and dinner was incredible, and I know the tour will be amazing..."

Mr. Granger patted her hand. "It was nothing. I'm just glad you enjoyed it. It was nice to meet your professor. You're right; he's quite the interesting fellow."

Hermione swallowed nervously. "He... uh, Professor Snape really enjoyed the show too. He said to thank you again."

"I'm sorry I won't see him again before you go. I think it'd be fun to show him around the Muggle world a bit more. He seemed quite intrigued when I showed him the computer and tried to explain how it worked. Asked all sorts of questions. He's a right smart one, isn't he? But, I guess he'd better be, if he's to teach you lot." Mr. Granger eyed Hermione with mock disdain before dissolving into a chuckle.

Hermione nodded, flicking her eyes toward the spot she had last seen Snape...had he left through the open door?...and said, "He's remarkably intelligent and even more clever. It's quite fascinating to be in his class, realizing how much he knows and how much he can teach me."

Heartily glad that he was concealed from view, Snape choked on the implications of Hermione's words, noticing that she was looking toward him, even though she couldn't see him.

Mr. Granger chucked Hermione under the chin and grinned. "I know my girl, and that's one thing about her, she's always bent on learning everything there is to know. You do us proud, Hermione."

Hermione looked down and smiled modestly. "Thanks, Dad."

"Your Mum will be up in about 45 minutes to go start breakfast. Oh, speaking of, did you two enjoy dessert when you came back last night?" Mr. Granger grinned indulgently at his daughter, knowing her rabid penchant for chocolate.

Hermione blinked, memories of the night before cascading over her. She was glad it was still fairly dim, so he couldn't see the colour burning into her cheeks. Swallowing carefully, she manufactured a smile and said brightly, "Yes! It was wonderful... Mum's so thoughtful to make my favourites."

Mr. Granger laughed. "You did leave some for the rest of us, right?" he added, teasingly.

Hermione grimaced and retorted, "Yes, I did! We each had a bowl. I'm not that bad, to pig out in front of my professor!" Hermione flicked her eyes toward the wall by her door again.

Well, apparently she wasn't exaggerating when she said she loved chocolate... Snape thought, amused. He felt his pulse slowing as he stayed plastered against the wall, invisible.

Mr. Granger's grin faded into a wistful smile and he sighed. "No, I don't suppose you would do that. You've much more poise than that. My little girl is growing up." He patted Hermione's hand. "I know it's silly of me to go on about it, but I was so looking forward to having my girl home for the holidays, for one last time before you go off into the world on your own. I know you've been gone, either at school or working for the Order, and we haven't had you back much the past six years, but once you finish school, you'll never be my little girl again." He cleared his throat and glanced around. "When I look at you, here, like this, it's like you're still ten years old and we had no idea you were a brilliant witch. But when I think about how elegant you looked last night, and how grown up you were, especially next to that imposing professor of yours... I realize that you're a woman grown..." He trailed off.

Hermione felt tears threatening and her lips were trembling even as she smiled at her father. She knelt forward and enveloped him in a tight hug.

Snape felt like an intruder. He knew he was witnessing something that he was no part of, and he felt decidedly uncomfortable. He didn't dare move, though. He found that he couldn't help but watch the pair, almost hungrily. The kind of bond between them was one he had never experienced. Part of him was even jealous. He had finally realized that he loved Hermione, and he knew that she had feelings for him as well. But to watch her so clearly showing her love for someone else...even if it was her father, for Merlin's sake...made him jealous. He wanted her love. He wanted to be the only one she loved. It was ridiculous, of course, but the possessive urge was there nonetheless.

"I'll always be your girl, Dad, no matter how old I am. But I'm glad you think I've grown up. I just hope other people recognize it as easily as you have." She cast a meaningful glance at the wall, hoping Snape was still there.

Mr. Granger chuckled. "I'm guessing some already have. You did say you dated Harry, didn't you? I daresay he noticed..."

Hermione's eyes widened and she thinned her lips. "Da-ad! I told you, it was a mistake. We're just friends!" She looked dismayed, and worried her hands together in her lap.

Mr. Granger covered her hands with his, stilling their nervous movements, and he chucked her under the chin again, lifting her chagrined face to his. With a properly contrite expression, he said, "About that... I'm sorry I embarrassed you in front of your professor. Your poor old Dad was just having some difficulty accepting the new, adult version of his daughter!" His expression sobered even more and he gripped Hermione's hands firmly. "I know we've never had much of a chance to talk with you about relationships, what with everything that's happened, but we hope you'll find someone who appreciates you for you. You deserve to be happy as much as the next person, so don't settle for anything less than what you want. If you say Harry wasn't that, then I believe you. You're smart enough to know your own heart. We can only hope that you'll end up as happy as we are." After a short pause, he smiled faintly and then gave her a mock-severe scowl. "Of course, if anyone ever breaks my girl's heart, he'll have me to answer to." Hermione giggled and Mr. Granger dissolved into a chuckle.

"Oh, Dad, you're incorrigible." Hermione playfully buffeted his arm. In the silence that followed, her smile faded into a thoughtful expression. Her father was staring at her hand in his, pensively. Haltingly, her eyes repeatedly flicking toward the wall, she said, "So... if I find someone who loves me... and I... love him... and I'm happy... happier than I've ever been... you'd be okay with it? No matter what?" She gazed at her father, owl-eyed.

He nodded reassuringly. "As long as you're happy, and you truly love each other, I couldn't wish anything better for you. We just want to see you happy, but we also don't want you to settle for less than you deserve, just to be with someone. Keep that in mind, Hermione. You're different than so many other people, even people in your world. Don't short-change yourself."

Hermione nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Thanks, Dad. I'm glad you came by. I would have been disappointed if I hadn't seen you before we left. Besides, who can object to being woken up to have all sorts of wonderful things said about them?" She grinned impishly and her father laughed.

"I was hoping you wouldn't be upset, being woken up so early." He sighed. "Well, I better get going. You two enjoy the tour, and owl us when you can. We'll see you for the performance over Easter. It's too bad I have to go; I was hoping to hear you sing a bit. Ah well..." He shrugged resignedly and quirked a grin at Hermione, then stood and straightened his jacket. "It was great to have you home. You take care of yourself, you hear?"

Hermione stood and hugged her father. "I will. Thanks for everything, Dad."

Mr. Granger hugged her tightly, as if loath to release her. He sighed and squeezed her once more.

Her voice muffled by her face being pressed into his windbreaker, Hermione murmured, "I love you, Daddy."

"I love you, kiddo." He released her and stepped toward the door. Hermione sank onto the bed. "Sorry there's not much time for you to get any more sleep. You may want to just get up and start getting ready, so the bathroom will be free when your professor wakes. Tell him it was nice to meet him, and thank him for bringing you to visit."

"I will. Bye."

Mr. Granger waved and quietly shut the door behind him as he exited. She heard his footsteps dying away as he descended the stairs. In the silence that followed, she sat rigidly, ears straining for any indication that Snape was still in her room. Several moments passed, and she hesitantly whispered, "Severus?"

Snape was still against the wall, trying to compose himself. He was unutterably moved by the deep love and respect between father and daughter, and he was almost afraid to believe what it seemed she had meant by her comments to her father. Did she feel the same way about him that he felt about her? Did she really mean it when she said she was the happiest she had ever been? He felt his chest and throat tighten in the now-familiar way it did around Hermione. Slowly, stealthily, he glided to her and caressed her hair. She started, but her expression melted into one of relief.

Hermione felt a phantom hand grazing her face, and invisible lips brushed hers before she heard a disembodied purr in her ear, saying, "I'm here."

The bed moved as he sat. Her eyes darted around the space beside her, trying to picture him. Suddenly, he shimmered into view, and she found herself gazing into his deep black eyes. Her breath caught at the bare emotion pouring out of them. Swallowing thickly, she stammered, "W-were you there... the whole time?"

Snape nodded slowly, never blinking. Hermione's gaze travelled over him, taking in his lean frame, the green satin perched low along his hipbones, his strong, capable fingers lightly splayed on her knee. She reached out and slid her hand lightly along his bare chest, over his ribs and back up to rest over his heart. Snape inhaled deeply, his lungs filling under her hand. Hermione felt the strong pulse and closed her eyes, trying to pace her heartbeat with his. She opened her eyes when she felt him grasp her hand and lift it from his chest. His eyes were heavy-lidded as he lifted her palm and placed a gentle kiss on it. Resolutely, he settled her hand in her lap and straightened.

Hermione stared at him, unable to speak, but her very soul screamed at him through the rapt eyes trained on his.

He stood, his lips thinned in regret. In a low murmur, he said, "Your father was right."

Hermione blinked, distracted. "About what?"

Snape smiled faintly. "About a great many things, but the most pressing one was that you should start getting ready for the morning. When you no longer need the bathroom, knock on my door. I shall see you at breakfast."

Hermione didn't want him to go. She wanted to continue where they left off before her father interrupted them. She wanted to tell him so many things. But all she said was, "Certainly."

Snape cast one last look of longing at her before he Disapparated back to his room. Hermione fell back into her bed, overcome with the roller coaster of emotions that had already made up her morning.

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

Hermione showered, washing the styling products from her hair. Her thoughts kept straying to her stolen moments with Snape. As she washed, she remembered the feel of his hands on her skin. Her shower was a bit longer than usual, as she lingered under the warm water, revelling in the sensations she excited, mimicking Snape's touch. Finally, frustrated and pruney, she finished her shower and dressed. Again grateful that she was a witch, she cast a drying spell on her hair. She courteously charmed away the steam and condensation before she exited and strode down the hall to knock on Snape's door.

"Professor? It's all yours."

From behind the closed door, she heard, "Thank you."

After a moment, in which she stood at his door, waiting for him to open it, she realized that he would not come out until she had left. Sighing, she crossed the hall to her room, shutting her door behind her. There was a pause, and then she heard the door open across the hall. Quietly, she opened her door and watched Snape sweeping down the hall to the bathroom, once again clad in his robe, carrying his travelling bag and the clothes that he had transfigured back into his original jumper and trousers. He disappeared into the bathroom and Hermione stepped out to listen for her mother.

Her mother had come out of her room while Hermione had been in the shower. Fortunately, Hermione had remembered to lift the Silencing Charm from her parents' door as she headed to the bathroom. Her mother had knocked on the door and told Hermione that she was going down to start breakfast. Hermione had called back through the door that she'd be down in about 20 minutes.

Hermione stood at the top of the stairs and heard the radio playing in the kitchen. The smell of coffee and toast was wafting through the house. She heard the sizzling sound of frying bacon and knew her mother was busy. Creeping down the hallway, she paused at the bathroom, hearing the shower going. The frustrated part of her kept urging her on, but the shy virgin part begged her to reconsider her rash idea.

Taking a deep breath against the pounding of her heart, she opened the door and stepped into the steamy bathroom. Almost instantly, Snape's face appeared from behind the shower curtain, eyes wide in shock. His hair was plastered down his face and water dripped from his nose as he hissed, "What the bloody hell are you doing in here?"

Hermione sagged against the door, her knees trembling. Chewing her lip, she stared at him blankly, unable to answer.

Snape's eyes narrowed in indignation. In an icy growl, he said, "Get out, now. I will not tolerate such a blatant disregard of the rules. You are treading a fine line, and I suggest you retreat behind it before you get us both in trouble!"

Hermione stood, frozen. They stared at each other, eyes locked. Snape realized that she seemed to be stuck, and cursed. His jaw clenched, he aimed the spray against the wall, yanked a towel from the bar and wrapped it around himself. Irritably jerking the shower curtain back, he stepped out of the tub and crossed to Hermione, glaring furiously at her. He gripped her upper arms and scowled into her petrified face. His hands left wet marks on her shirt and his hair dripped onto her chest.

"You just don't get it, do you? We. Can't. Do. This. Now. Think before you get any other crazy idea like this in your head! If you can't stop yourself from pulling these kinds of foolish stunts, you will cause everything to fall apart! Don't ruin this, Hermione." His expression seemed to crumple into one of pained entreaty. He continued, in a hiss, "Please, this is... good. We... can be good together. Don't cock things up by being rash!" He squeezed her arms and murmured, "This is worth waiting for. Trust me. If you meant what you said to your father, then get out and be patient."

Hermione nodded. Impulsively, she launched herself at Snape and wrapped herself around him in a tight bear hug. Snape made an exasperated noise in his throat and tried to disentangle himself. "Hermione, you're getting all wet!"

Hermione's inability to move disappeared and she started laughing in relief. Releasing Snape, she backed away, giggling up at him. "It's certainly not the first time!" She sputtered anew at the comical play of reactions across his face. Finally settling on haughty outrage, he backed away from her. The effect of his stern glare was compromised as his towel began to slip, and he had to frantically grab for it before he lost his dignity entirely. Hermione's giggles were cut short as she gasped at the near miss and blushed furiously. Wildly, she spun and flung herself out of the bathroom, before Snape could rip her apart with a few more well-placed words. Besides, her little jaunt brought her...almost...face to face with the knowledge that she just wasn't ready to cross that line, no matter how much she might think she wanted to.

She sped to her room and slammed the door behind her, panting. She sank into her vanity chair and gathered her things with shaky fingers, then packed everything and made her bed, shrinking her bag and pocketing it. Finally, she made her way downstairs, noting that the shower was off, but Snape was still in the bathroom.

She stepped into the kitchen to find her mother dishing up a plate of bacon and putting it on the table next to the toast and eggs. "Morning, dear!" Her mother bustled up to her and hugged her, kissing her cheek with a smile.

"Morning, Mum. Breakfast smells great." She sat at the table and began making her plate.

Mrs. Granger turned the radio off, poured some orange juice for Hermione, and said, "I do hope your professor likes bacon and eggs. And I hope he likes wheat toast. Does he take jam with his toast? I have strawberry preserves and orange marmalade. I made coffee. Does he drink coffee? I can always make tea if he'd prefer it." She fluttered around, arranging the dishes on the table and smoothing her apron.

Hermione stared at her mother. Mercy, is she nervous? She's acting like a schoolgirl with a crush! She snorted to herself. And I should know, since I was the one doing that not long ago! Trying to hold in her amazed grin, she answered faintly, "I'm sure everything is fine, Mum. Professor Snape loved your cooking. He even said to make sure he expressed his appreciation of dessert..."

At that, Mrs. Granger smiled smugly and sniffed. With a preening air, she smoothed her hands over her own unruly locks and said, "Well, I do enjoy making something tasty."

Hermione looked intently at her mother and realized that she was wearing makeup...and that early on a weekend! Feeling a pang of jealous suspicion, she sipped her juice, remaining silent.

Mrs. Granger glanced at the door to the kitchen and asked, "Is Severus up?"

Hermione choked on her juice. She didn't like hearing her mother calling him Severus, not when she was being all twitchy. Coughing a bit, she muttered tersely, "Yes. He was done with his shower when I came down. I'm sure he'll be here shortly."

Mrs. Granger simpered and shot to her feet. "Good. I hope he won't be long. I wouldn't want things to get cold."

Hermione smirked at her mother and said, "Mum, he's a wizard. He can just cast a warming spell on whatever he wants. As a matter of fact..." She pulled out her wand and cast a stasis charm on the food dishes, keeping them from cooling any more. Her mother blinked at her in surprise.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that."

Hermione snorted and took another bite of her breakfast. Mrs. Granger got up to make a cup of coffee and turned back to Hermione with a quizzical expression.

"Is there a particular reason all of your hairpins were on the counter?"

Hermione choked again. Shite! She made a show of clearing her throat and drinking more juice to give herself time to think. Hoping that she could lie convincingly enough, she said, "Oh, those. Well, I'm not used to having my hair up like that, and it made my head ache, so after we got back from the show, I took them out so I could relax while I had some dessert."

Mrs. Granger's face lit up eagerly. "And you said Severus liked it too?"

Before a decidedly disgruntled Hermione could answer, Snape swept into the kitchen, a politely inquisitive expression on his face. "What was it you wish to know if I liked?"

Mrs. Granger started and flushed. Hermione nearly gaped at her mother's juvenile behaviour. With a tinkling laugh, Mrs. Granger waved her hand airily toward the refrigerator and said, "Oh, I was just wondering if you liked dessert last night."

Snape shot Hermione a knowing glance before he smoothly answered, "Indeed I did, Dione. It was as delicious as your dinner. Generally, those who are skilled cooks can carry those skills over into potion making. If you were a witch, perhaps you would be a promising potions student."

Hermione narrowed her eyes. Now he seemed to be flirting with her mother! Mrs. Granger looked away modestly and batted her hand toward Snape. "Oh, stop. You're embarrassing me." She giggled girlishly and waved Snape to the table. Casting a coy glance at him, she asked Hermione, "Are all wizards this charming?" Then, she bolted upright, a look of surprise on her face. "Oh! Charming! How ironic!" She chuckled again as she turned to get the coffee pot.

Snape shot Hermione an amused glance and she glared back at him. His lips twitched. He began serving himself from the dishes on the table as Mrs. Granger brought him a steaming cup of coffee.

"Would you like cream, sugar?"

"No, thank you. I prefer my coffee black."

Mrs. Granger cast an appraising eye over his snug jumper and trim trousers and quipped, "Like your clothes, apparently."

Hermione snorted and hastily retreated behind a napkin, muttering, "Excuse me."

Snape cocked an eyebrow severely at Hermione as he said to her mother, "You are indeed correct, madam."

Mrs. Granger laid her hand on his arm. "Now, now, none of that nonsense. I'm Dione, remember? Not 'madam.'" Hermione bristled at her mother touching Snape and he stiffened, still unused to casual contact.

Flashing a conciliatory smile at Mrs. Granger, he said, "Of course, Dione. My apologies." She beamed at him and moved back to the counter. Hermione continued eating her breakfast, blackly eyeing her mother and Snape.

Snape began eating, and a slightly tense silence fell. Mrs. Granger kept bustling about the kitchen, and Snape started feeling uneasy around the fidgety woman. Eventually, she fluttered back to the table and asked brightly, "So, how was the play?"

Both Snape and Hermione swallowed hastily and answered.

"It was wonderful, Mum. Thanks so much."

"It was truly an amazing experience. You and your husband have my sincere gratitude."

Mrs. Granger beamed even more. "Oh, it was our pleasure. Speaking of, Severus, Geoff wanted me to thank you again for bringing Hermione for this visit. He's sorry he couldn't be here, but he had a previous commitment." Snape nodded gravely. Mrs. Granger continued, "I can't wait to come see your performance. I know it'll be spectacular."

Hermione and Snape exchanged glances. Hermione finally relaxed and cracked a smile. "No doubt it will be. Especially since everything can be magically enhanced."

Mrs. Granger's expression changed to one of perplexed inquiry. "What do you mean?"

"Well, the headmaster bewitched the Sorting Hat to cast it, those who can't sing have a spell cast on them to give them a good voice, and the sets and even what will be the theatre space will be magically transformed. And, from what we've been told, even the instruments will be bewitched to play, so we don't even need people to play them. I mean, with all that, how could it possibly be bad?"

Mrs. Granger's eyes widened. "So, not everyone in it can sing? But, you're not using the spell, are you?"

Snape interrupted. "Certainly not. Her talent is such that the headmaster believes we could win the competition on her merits alone. She has a true gift." He gazed soberly at Hermione.

Hermione fired right back, "So do you." She looked at her mother and added, "Professor Snape managed to keep it a secret that he has a wonderful singing voice, but it's no secret anymore." She smiled at Snape.

Mrs. Granger's anxious expression dissolved into one of delight. "Really? Oh, Hermione, do sing for me. Your father wanted to hear you sing, but there wasn't a good time for it before you had to go to the play. We haven't heard you sing in so long, dear. Please?"

Hermione looked between her mother and Snape in chagrin. Snape's eyes sparkled and he smiled faintly at her. Silkily, he added, "It couldn't hurt to practice, could it, Miss Granger?"

Hermione cut a glance at him and looked at her mother, who was clapping her hands and bouncing, beaming at her daughter. Resigned, Hermione pushed back from the table a bit and sat up. She cleared her throat and took a deep breath. Across from her, Snape too pushed back from the table, but he leant back in his chair, settling himself to listen, a faint smile hovering about his lips.

Thinking for a moment, Hermione decided to sing "Phantom of the Opera." Keeping her eyes cast down, she began, "In sleep he sang to me, in dreams he came. That voice which calls to me and speaks my name. And do I dream again? For now I find the Phantom of the Opera is here, inside my mind." She took another deep breath, having planned on only singing that snippet to appease her mother, but she was startled by Snape's voice belting from across the table.

"Sing once again with me, our strange duet. My power over you grows stronger yet. And though you turn from me, to glance behind, the Phantom of the Opera is there, inside your mind."

Mrs. Granger gasped and turned stunned eyes on Snape as Hermione's head whipped up to stare at him as well. His gaze was focused only on Hermione, and she responded to the lure of his seductive voice. She took her cue from him and sang her next verse. They continued the song together, hearing the music in their heads. Hermione perched forward on her chair as she got to the part where she began her vocal acrobatics. Her eyes closed at the deep velvet purr of Snape coaxing, "Sing... Sing, my Angel of Music... Sing for me!"

As her final piercing note died away, she sagged forward in her chair, momentarily dazed by the intensity of their impromptu performance. Mrs. Granger burst into enthusiastic applause, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"That was amazing! Truly amazing! Oh, now I see why your headmaster is so confident! Hermione, you were so beautiful! And Severus, she wasn't exaggerating either. You two were brilliant!"

Snape and Hermione exchanged sheepish glances as they demurred. Hermione took another sip of her juice, her eyes darting around, embarrassed at her mother's excessive reaction. Snape leant back in his chair, idly swirling the last of his coffee in his cup, staring distractedly into it. Mrs. Granger was gazing between them, her expression beatific.

Hermione glanced up to see her mother gazing at Snape with an almost adoring look on her face. She felt a flare of exasperated irritation. Snape, of course, was completely oblivious. Merlin help me! My own bloody mother has a fan-girl crush on Snape! "Oh, I've never met a hero before." And, "You're so enchanting. You're so charming." Blah blah blah. In her mind, Hermione viciously mimicked her mother in a shrill falsetto. She suddenly wanted to get out of there, and get Snape away from her mother before he did something else to sweep her off her feet. Hermione rolled her eyes and looked at the time.

"It's getting late. We should probably get going."

Snape snapped to attention and noticed Hermione's discomfited expression. Wondering what was wrong, he coolly looked at the clock and retorted, "Yes. We wouldn't want to be late when we are being offered such an opportunity." With his customary fluid grace, he stood, turning courteously to Mrs. Granger and inclining his head in gratitude. "Thank you again for your hospitality. I shall look forward to seeing you at the performance."

Hermione stood and tensely watched her mother and Snape. Mrs. Granger smiled and waved her hand about again, dismissively. "It was nothing! I'm so glad you enjoyed the play. And I hope you enjoyed your little stay at the 'Granger Bed and Breakfast.'" She winked at Snape and laughed again.

Snape cast a meaningful glance at Hermione and politely said, "Rest assured that I most certainly did. The cuisine was excellent, and I haven't slept so well in ages." His lips twitched as he smiled at Mrs. Granger.

Hermione's breath caught and she felt her heart pound. Hoping she wasn't flushing, she glanced warily at her mother. Mrs. Granger, however, was too enamoured of Snape to notice her daughter's reaction.

Hermione rolled her eyes and muttered, "I'll get the coats..."

Snape murmured, "Please do, Miss Granger," and gestured for Mrs. Granger to exit the kitchen before him. Fluttering again at his gallantry, she hurried through the door, as Snape grimaced in rueful bemusement, following her.

Hermione had already shrugged into her coat and was handing Snape his Muggle trench coat, which he had transfigured back and hung again in the foyer closet before he had gone to breakfast that morning. Snape took the coat from her and slipped into it, shaking his hair back from his face.

Looking expectantly at Hermione, he asked, "Ready?"

Hermione nodded vehemently and rolled her eyes toward her mother. Mrs. Granger jumped, restored to her senses after her glazed stare at Snape. She rushed at her daughter, enveloping her in a tight hug. "Take care of yourself, dear. Owl us as soon as you can. We love hearing from you. Don't forget to thank your headmaster for letting you visit. Tell your friends we said hello. Enjoy your tour. And be careful popping about, you hear?" She pulled back from Hermione and cast a stern eye on Snape. "Do be careful, Severus. We don't know what we'd do if anything happened to our girl." She melted into a smile.

Snape gazed at her solemnly and avowed, "Have no fear on that account. I would never let anything happen to your daughter."

Mrs. Granger pressed a hand on his arm and nodded. "Of course, we know that." She glanced at the time again and exclaimed, "Oh! You must get going! Hurry now..."

Snape lightly gripped Hermione's upper arm and looked inquiringly at her. She nodded and looked back at her mother. "Bye, Mum. Thanks for everything. I'll owl you and Dad about the tour when I get back."

Mrs. Granger darted in and kissed Hermione on the cheek. "Love you, dear!"

"Love you too, Mum. Bye." And with that, she glanced back up at Snape and he cast the concealment charm again. As soon as they were invisible, he Disapparated them back to the same place they had been the night before. He heard Hermione's ragged sigh of relief and felt her groping for him. She buried her face against his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning on him for comfort and reassurance. Snape draped his arms around her, waiting for her to compose herself. After several moments, she sighed again and lifted her head. Her whisper floated up to him. "Sorry about that."

Snape glanced around and, seeing no one, reversed the charm, gazing down at Hermione's face as she shimmered into view. Her expression was a grimace of aggrieved irritation. He furrowed his brow and asked, "About what?"

"About my mother! Gods, she was just so... so... she was like to drool all over you!" She scowled at him.

Snape stared at her blankly for a moment and slowly ventured, "I thought... you wanted your parents to like me."

Hermione huffed and pulled away, her hands on her hips. Favouring him with an indignant glare, she hissed, "Like you, yes. Crush on you and flirt with you, no!"

Snape's eyes widened in surprise. "Flirt with me?"

Hermione tilted her head in exasperation. "You really are oblivious, aren't you?" She relaxed visibly and shook her head. "Hmph, she was almost as bad as Mrs. Weasley was about Lockhart." She cut him a fierce glance and muttered, "I don't want my mother, of all people, to be swooning over you."

Snape looked down at the irate witch in front of him and laughed. Hermione's eyes goggled at him as the rich, resonant sound bubbled forth. Struggling to speak, he gasped, "You're... jealous!"

Hermione's eyes narrowed dangerously and she pursed her lips. In an icy tone, she ground out, "You think that's funny?"

Snape caught the warning and manfully composed himself, struggling to wipe the idiotic grin from his face. Snorting occasionally at the spasms that threatened, he said, "No. No. Not funny, exactly. Just... oh it's just wonderful!"

Hermione cocked an eyebrow at him and did a creditable impression of Snape as she drawled, "Oh?"

Snape closed the gap between them, his grin softening into a smile. He wrapped his arms around her and looked into her eyes, watching her irritation fade as he held her. Quietly, he murmured, "To think that you would get upset that someone else thought I was impressive, for whatever reason... That just... makes me feel appreciated and wanted. It's not something I'm used to, so forgive me any unusual reactions." He quirked one corner of his mouth up in a saucy smirk, and Hermione relaxed completely.

In a mock grumble, she said, "Honestly! She's married, and she has no business ogling you like that. You're mine." It slipped out before she thought about it. Snape stiffened and his smile dissolved. Suddenly afraid of his reaction, she cautiously lifted her eyes to meet his.

He gazed at her, his expression inscrutable. His body was completely rigid, tense. His black eyes seethed with emotions. Hermione swallowed nervously. "Er..."

Snape interrupted her stammer. In a voice barely above a whisper, he said, "What did you just say?"

Hermione's heart hammered in her chest and she chewed her lip. Her gaze faltering under his intense scrutiny, she mumbled, "Um, nothing..."

Snape's grip tightened on her spastically. Her eyes snapped back up to his. "Did you mean it?"

Hermione stared at him, owl-eyed. "What?"

In a savage rasp, he repeated, "Did you mean it?"

Hermione looked down. Her voice trembling, she confessed, "It was just... wishful thinking. I'm sorry."

She was completely stunned when Snape swooped down and pinned her with a devouring kiss. After nearly consuming her, he pulled away, leaving her breathless and staring at him. He pressed his forehead against hers and breathed, "Don't be sorry."

Hermione sighed in relief. Snape continued, "If that's what you want, you can have it." He smiled faintly at her. "I doubt I can refuse you much at this point."

Hermione smiled back and playfully retorted, "I'll keep that in mind."

Snape regained his equilibrium after her surprising comment and pulled back, eyeing her sternly. Raising one eyebrow, he drawled, "Planning on testing me?"

Hermione grinned impishly and twinkled at him. She lilted, "Perhaps," and twirled away from him, laughing. Snape followed her and they made their way to the theatre.