31- Game On, a Row, and More Rehearsal

Standard Disclaimer goes here.

Author's Note: Check out my LJ here:

http://www.livejournal.com/users/pern_dragon/

to see any random updates I may post about what's going on with me and possibly even the fic. LOL

Nicole aka Good_Witch

Chapter 31- Game On, a Row, and More Rehearsal

Thursday morning, three owls dropped mail for Hermione on her breakfast. Ginny rolled her eyes at her friend, commenting, "You know, maybe we should all sit farther away from you to be spared splattering bits of breakfast!" as she gingerly picked bits of scrambled egg off her school robe.

Hermione grimaced and muttered, "Sorry. But, you may want to keep in mind that, until Christmas, I may be getting a lot of mail." She picked up the letters and began sorting them. One did not have a return address, and it was definitely not from the Muggle world, being on parchment instead of stationery. Puzzled, she examined it. It seemed fairly familiar, for all that it was unexpected. Then, it hit her: it reminded her of the letter she had received telling her she was accepted to Hogwarts. She glanced around surreptitiously and noticed that Snape was sitting languidly at the High Table, a faint smirk on his lips as he idly swirled his tea.

Hermione's eyes narrowed and she hurriedly gathered her mail and began stuffing it in her bag. Under cover of her bag, she hastily opened the mysterious letter. Peeking inside, she saw that the parchment was blank. Comprehension dawned and she bit back a grin. She composed herself and went back to her breakfast with a studiously blank expression. Inside, she was itching to go read her letter, wondering how Snape had reacted to her little venture. She forced herself to eat normally, and prepared her tea with honey and lemon, smiling a bit as she did so. She looked up at Snape over the rim of her cup as she drank, seeing him eyeing her through his hair, and thought she could detect a hint of excitement in his posture and demeanour. Finishing her breakfast, she stood and tossed a casual goodbye to her friends before sauntering toward the entrance to the Great Hall. She felt Snape's gaze on her the whole way.

She hurried to her first class and snuck into the empty classroom, as it was early yet. There, she pulled out her letter and tapped it with her wand, whispering, "Aperio." Instantly, writing filled the page. Her brow furrowed as she realized that the writing didn't look like Snape's penmanship. He must have used a Dicta-Quill instead, just like at rehearsal. She glanced over the neat, precise writing and returned to the top, to read.

"My dearest Hermione,

I do hope you have exhibited enough sense to keep this letter secured from prying eyes. Obviously, I have not written this by hand, as my script is far too recognizable, even from a distance. However, do not think me impersonal. I believe you'll find that this letter shall encompass many things, several of which will be quite personal..."

Hermione's breath caught at the implication of those words. She realized he was being cautious, and she felt relief mixing with a tingle of anticipation threading through her.

"I will admit that I was rather surprised at your artful manoeuvre in procuring such ink, and in the cunning way you provided me with it. What a shame I cannot award points to Gryffindor for your ingenuity."

She pursed her lips, able to hear his voice in her head, a silky sardonic drawl. Then, a smug smirk crossed her face as she realized he had just praised her, and without prodding or turning it into a subtle insult!

"As for the Weasley twins, I will admit to nothing other than that I am heartily relieved they are no longer here to plague me. As for the current resident Weasleys... well, I fervently try not to think about them as much as possible. The less I see of them, the better."

Hermione rolled her eyes in exasperation, shaking her head.

"Face it, love, your friends are irritants, just as you were before you grew up."

An inarticulate cry of indignation spewed from her. At the sound of her voice in the empty room, she cringed and looked around warily, afraid that someone might have heard her. No one was there yet, and she sighed in relief. Then, looking back at what she had just read, she again recognized not just what he had said, but what was implicit as well. A flash of triumphant joy swept over her as she thought, So, he finally admits that I've grown up! Smiling to herself, she continued.

"Just because they are your friends does not mean that I will simply ignore their immature behaviour and embrace them as my new companions. I doubt they'd care for me to do so either."

Hermione paused, frowning, as she tried to picture her friends and Snape enjoying each other's company. Her elation subsided a bit as she realized that it would be a hard road ahead, trying to get her friends to accept Snape.

"I must say that I am apprehensive about how your family and friends will react to you when we go public after school is over. Personally, I couldn't care less what they think of me, but I would not want to see you hurt by their likely unwelcome attitudes."

Hermione nodded ruefully. I know you don't care what people think of you, but I do! I hope my parents at least will be more receptive, since they like you already, my love. At any rate, I don't care how hard it is. I love you and I want to be with you no matter what... Thinning her lips in determination, she returned to the letter.

"I have already promised never to hurt you, Hermione, and I would like to add that I will always do whatever lies within my power to keep others from hurting you as well. Know now that I vow to address any wrongs done to you, and that includes any perpetrated by your fellow Gryffindors. Granted, I am well aware that you are capable of redress yourself...is the Weasley boy sporting a bruise after that nasty wallop you gave him? That was a sight I shall treasure, my dear."

Hermione laughed aloud again, sheepishly glancing around. Conflicting reactions were battling for purchase within her. Part of her was thrilling to his powerful protective urge, warmed by the formidable security he represented. But, another part of her was antagonized by the chauvinism inherent in such an attitude. She remembered his overt menace toward Neil at the theatre, and felt both irritated and valued. Not quite sure how to reconcile these opposing views, she shook her head and forged on, snorting at his comment about her smacking Ron.

"I am deeply grateful that neither of your cohorts chose to enter my class this year, and not just for the extremely selfish reason that I may have you all to myself."

Hermione smirked and thought, Well, you and I agree on that point, dearest. It's much nicer being able to concentrate without them there to distract me. Now I have only you to distract me in class! She reflected for a moment on his classroom persona and smiled indulgently at his dominating presence as she read on.

"That being said, I must say also that I am aware of Potter and the Weasley girl's... renewed attachment. They owe you a debt, Hermione. If it weren't for you, they would have found themselves before the headmaster in a heartbeat. Let's just say that it is a good thing for them that I do have that self-control you so admire. Without it, and without you to temper my actions, I would have had the perfect legitimate opportunity to rid myself of...how did you put it?...The-Boy-Who-Gets-On-My-Last-Nerve once and for all. You should all be grateful for my restraint. However, I cannot promise that I will exercise such restraint again, should I find them in another such... compromising position. Perhaps their Head Girl could keep a firm eye on them?"

Hermione nearly choked in surprise. What? She blinked rapidly, trying to decipher the veiled meaning behind his words. The letter was all but forgotten as she thought furiously. How could he have known? And why do they owe me a debt? What did they do that could have landed them with the headmaster? Icy dread trickled through her veins. Wait... "compromising position"? "Restraint"? "Self-control"? Bloody hell! Did he see them together? They did sneak out... Oh, gods, how mortifying! What can he mean? Severus Snape, you have some explaining to do! Trying to calm her nervously racing pulse, Hermione narrowed her eyes at Snape's deliberately cryptic statements and vowed to get to the bottom of things as soon as she had the chance. Solemnly, she thought, We shall have some things to talk about come Friday night... Her expression grim, she turned her attention back to the letter, noting the sound of students in the corridors.

"As for ways in which we can exchange letters, is there something wrong with owl post? Since you have so cleverly addressed the issue of anything being read inadvertently by someone else, I see no reason why we cannot avail ourselves of the normal delivery methods. I did notice you seem to be receiving mail quite regularly already, so my letters shouldn't stand out. As for letters to me, you may include them with your homework as you did this week, or you may use school owls as well. However, if you wait until after the morning deliveries, the owls can come directly to my office at any time in the afternoon or evening, avoiding any sort of public display in the Great Hall that might draw attention. As for conversing when you come to my quarters... Well, I can think of several things that might keep us from being able to talk normally while you're here."

Students began filing into the classroom, and Hermione glanced up, hiding the letter behind her bag. She had hurriedly scanned the paragraph about exchanging letters, not really registering his final comment until she caught sight of it again when she looked at the page to cast Celo on it. As the writing disappeared, and she stuffed the letter out of sight, the import of his words soaked in. Oh! Hermione's cheeks grew hot at the thought of what else could be occupying her mouth to keep her from talking. She absently responded to the greetings of her classmates, trying to ignore the tingle that spread to her knickers. Shifting furtively in her seat, she reconstructed her studious pose, all the while cursing Snape in her mind. Sneaky Slytherin! He would just go on about nothing out of the ordinary and then just toss in something like that!

Throughout the morning, Hermione found that her attention kept wandering back to her letter, trying to imagine what else he might have said. Several times, she had to sharply drag herself back to the lesson, firmly admonishing herself for being distracted. All the same, she was eager for her morning classes to be over, so she could have a moment to continue reading. Rushing to the library, she ensconced herself in an alcove and furtively opened the letter again.

"That reminds me, you impudent minx... You have some nerve to include such... intimate imaginings in a letter you gave me during class! And yet you claim you need tutelage in Slytherin ways..."

She snorted at his reprimand, admitting to herself that she had an inkling of what he must have gone through, considering how distracted she had been since she started reading.

"You want my help in learning the ways of the snake... There are many things I want to teach you, my love. If I have my way, we will be slithering against each other, our bodies hot and slick with sweat. I will have you undulating like the best serpent alive under the influence of my hands and tongue. You will hiss in rapture at the pleasure I incite within you..."

Hermione gasped and clapped a hand over her mouth, stifling her squeak of surprise. Her brows shot up and her eyes widened in shock. Dazed by the sudden turn of his writing, she blinked rapidly, envisioning his description. She kept her hand clamped over her mouth to suppress the moan that bubbled up in response. Heat was radiating from her face; no doubt she was red as a beet. She fought to steady her breathing and slow the pulsing that centred in her core, drenching her knickers again. She flicked a glance around, ensuring that no one was watching her, but the library was empty, as the students were at lunch. Steeling herself for what might come next, she looked back at the letter.

"Is anything amiss, my dear? You seem a tad feverish. Do you need a trip to the hospital wing? Remember, love, you started this little skirmish. You have no one but yourself to blame."

Hermione's jaw dropped in amazement. Oh! So that's what this is about? A competition? Why am I surprised? Hmmm, very well then. Game on, Professor... A calculating look on her face, Hermione read more.

"I have a confession to make to you as well. I, too, relive our liaison in the alley. I can still taste you on my tongue. I can still feel the firm texture of your nipples on my lips. My fingers...yes, those fingers you so crave...still feel the heat of your arousal bedewing those silky curls. You couldn't see me then, but you will. You'll see me licking your juices from my fingers, like you laved that infernal cherry. And your nectar is far more delicious than any chocolate mousse or whipped cream on any cherry ever could be."

Hermione struggled to swallow against a suddenly dry throat. Sweet Merlin... Forget it! I concede! Her breathing was erratic as she feverishly consumed Snape's words.

"I will devour you. I will immerse myself in your heat. I will revel in the evidence of your passion. I will taste every inch of your supple skin, learning the contours of your lithe body with my lips. I will reduce you to a trembling, gasping creature of lust. I will discover the hidden places that will make you burn with desire."

Hermione was startled by what sounded curiously like a whimper coming from her throat. She could feel his raw power exuding from the page. Casting back to her own letter, she realized a fundamental difference. Whereas she spoke in terms of what she wanted to do, which meant that it was possible that they might not happen, he spoke...quite firmly...of what he would do. There was no mistaking the earnest intent of his claims.

"You want to see my bedroom? You will. It will be the first place I take you when the year is over. Once you are free of this school, I will spirit you away to my bed, to show you all the things I plan to do to take you to your peak again and again."

Hermione closed her eyes, her head falling back weakly. Her breath was raspy as she panted for air. Somehow, the library seemed rather hot and stuffy. Incredulous, yet lured back to the letter, Hermione continued.

"I will carry you through the doorway and lay you on the bed. You'll feel the softness of the velvet under your fingertips as I divest you of your clothing. I will worship you as my own goddess of love, Dione's daughter. When I have offered proper reverence to you, I will join you between the satin sheets and claim you completely. At that time, you will become one with me in a way that you can never be again."

Hermione thought she could feel the sensations of velvet under her fingers already, so vivid was her vision of them together. Her body throbbed with desire for him. Soberly, she pondered the truth of his statement. She could only give her virginity once. Her stomach fluttered as she anticipated giving it to him.

"I want to possess you utterly. When I can join my body with yours, consummating our love in that most intimate manner, I want to meld us together in an unbreakable bond. I want you to be mine for the rest of our lives. I want to be yours."

She felt a burning, prickling in her eyes and started when her vision began to swim. Blinking, she gasped as the tears that had welled up fell onto the parchment. Quickly dabbing at the drops, hoping the ink wouldn't smear, she sniffed and took a deep breath to try to still the roiling sensation in her stomach. She thought about spending her life with Snape, and was dazed to find that it was an entirely appealing prospect. Her heart pounded frantically in her chest and she fought against the desire to run headlong to him and wrap herself in his strong embrace. Her lips trembling with a beatific smile, she focused back on the letter.

"You have healed my soul, Hermione. I have never been happy like this before. My whole life has been one of deceit and misery and deprivation, until now. You have given me life. Your love has changed me. I can only assume it will be for the better. I know I am pleased with the changes you have wrought within me. You have taken up residence as the one thing I value more than my own life. And the fact that that life is no longer in constant danger bodes well for our future, my love."

The reverent awe she felt was almost overwhelming. She closed her eyes for a long moment, shivering throughout her body. Her mind was spinning with one thought, I love you I love you I love you I love you... Swallowing thickly, she inhaled deeply through her nose and opened her eyes, reading once again.

"I think about you endlessly. Any time I can see you, I savour those glimpses, to add to my collection in my mind of you and your beauty. I look forward to Friday night's rehearsal as well. We must both maintain control of our senses. I hope we can quench our rising desire at least a small amount when you are in my quarters... take the edge off, perhaps."

A faint giggle bubbled up in her euphoria. She clapped her hand back over her mouth and shot a furtive glance around again. She was still alone, but she did notice that lunch was almost over. With renewed urgency, she continued reading.

"I look forward to the day when we can curl up together, basking in the glow of our spent passion, and sink into a sated sleep, secure in each other and our love. Until then, know that I fall asleep every night with your name on my lips and your face in my mind, whispering to the stones of my devotion.

"Your humble servant, Severus"

A long, contented sigh escaped her. Who knew he could be so poetic? Then again, I'm really not all that surprised, not with everything else he's shown he can do. He's just so enigmatic... Chewing her lip pensively, she glanced back down at the letter, noticing his postscript.

"p.s. Just to help you along with that picture in your mind... I only had that satin lounge wear because I was at your parents' house. I prefer to sleep au naturel. The satin sheets feel much more sensual that way..."

Her eyes flew wide open and she gasped. A particularly strong throb of desire coursed through her. That devil! Then, her eyes narrowed and her jaw set as she muttered "Celo" and stuffed the letter in her bag. Hastily, she jogged back to the Great Hall to grab a quick bite before her afternoon classes. As soon as she entered, her gaze zeroed in on Snape at the High Table.

Snape noticed Hermione's arrival, and he smirked to himself in satisfaction that she had shown up. He had begun to get nervous when she had missed most of the lunch period. He lifted one languid eyebrow and gazed at her from under his lashes. He saw her almost stumble as she caught his eye. Her chest rose with her sharp intake of breath, and her face and neck were deeply flushed. She pinned him with an intensely hungry look for a bare moment before hurrying to the Gryffindor table to scarf some food.

Snape inclined his head and peered at her through his hair. She had obviously read his letter, and it seemed to have had the desired effect, judging by her heated, flustered demeanour and the blazing passion in her eyes. Inordinately pleased with himself, he stood in one smooth movement and strolled out of the staff entrance to prepare for his afternoon classes. His step was almost cheerful as he contemplated their meeting Friday before rehearsal.

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

Hermione was sitting beside Ron, across from Harry and Ginny, at dinner Friday night. Ron had manfully put his squicked feelings aside and was graciously accepting...well, as gracious as Ron could get...of Harry and Ginny's relationship. Talk had turned to Christmas, and Hermione found herself involved in the conversation. She was therefore surprised when she saw a shadow enveloping her and felt a looming presence at her back. She quickly turned and looked up into Snape's face. All four of them fell quiet as Snape glowered coldly at them. His lip curled and his eyes narrowed so much when he looked at Harry and Ginny holding hands that they warily separated, feeling rather abashed. A minute shudder rippled over Snape's tall form as he screwed his eyes shut for a moment before peering down his nose at Hermione.

"Miss Granger," he began, in a harsh growl, "your assistance is required to prepare for rehearsal tonight. Follow me." He stepped back a pace, allowing Hermione to spin on the bench and rise.

She flashed a tight smile at her friends and murmured, "See you later." Then, she faced Snape and politely stated, "I'm ready, Professor."

Snape rolled his eyes before raking a black glare over the others. He spun on his heel and stalked out of the Great Hall, Hermione in his wake. They strode in silence through the corridor to the dungeon stairs. As they descended, Hermione kept glancing at Snape, noting that his scowl was firmly in place. It wasn't until they reached the door to his quarters that he looked at her and his expression softened a trifle. He waved his wand over his door and opened it, gesturing for Hermione to precede him. She ducked inside the door and turned to him as he followed her in and shut the door behind him, locking and warding it.

Snape slowly turned to Hermione, his face inscrutable. Her lips curved up in a faint smile and she gazed up at him, a welter of emotions whirling in her eyes. Snape felt his love for her surging up and he clamped down on his emotions, fighting the urge to envelop her in his embrace and snog her into eternity. A slight sigh escaped him, and the tension in his shoulders released as he simply said, "Hello, Hermione."

Hermione stepped closer to him, almost pressing herself against his body, and peered up into his face. Chewing her lip, she inhaled deeply and breathed, "Hi..."

Slowly, he leant toward her, watching her stretch up to meet him. Their lips locked in a soft, yet fervent kiss. After a long moment, they parted, and Snape rested his forehead against hers. His arms came up to wrap around her and she gripped his waist tightly. Sliding her forehead off his, she burrowed against him, pressing her cheek against his chest. Snape smiled to himself and rested his chin on her hair. Her voice was muffled by black robes when she spoke.

"I miss being close to you. You feel so good. So warm and strong..."

Snape hugged her tighter and she squeaked. He chuckled, a low, rumbling sound, deep in his chest, and murmured, "Hmm, you know, flattery will get you everywhere..."

Hermione giggled and sighed, "I love you." Then, she raised her head to look him in the eye again. A wicked smirk crossed her face and she drawled, "Flattery will get me everywhere? Really? Will it get me here?" And at that, she snaked her hands down from his waist and gripped his arse, squeezing. She laughed aloud at his shocked expression.

He pulled back and stared at her, incredulous. A cascade of reactions flowed over his face, and finally, a spark of mischief flared in his eyes. He grabbed her hands and held them to her sides as he leant down, his voice a silky growl in her ear, tickling her with his nose. "Such impertinence! Manhandling a teacher in such a fashion... Really, Miss Granger, you have shown a shocking amount of impudence in your recent homework. I must admit I am interested in what you thought about my response."

He smirked at her gasp, but was puzzled by her pensive expression when he pulled back to look at her. His smirk dissolved into a frown. Hermione's eyes were narrowed shrewdly on his, and he dropped her hands in confusion. Her hands instantly perched on her hips and she pursed her lips. He was bewildered by her bossy stance and intense stare. Darting his eyes about nervously, he uttered a flat, "What?"

In a low voice, Hermione said, "You've got some explaining to do." Snape's brows shot up. Barrelling on, Hermione queried, "What did you mean when you said you already knew about Harry and Ginny, and that they owe me a debt? Talk about cryptic! And you keep looking at them all weird. What happened?"

Snape backed away, his face set. This was not what he had expected for a reaction. Striding away to gather the hair products, he coldly snarled, "Your imbecile friends put themselves in a very precarious position. Had I chosen to, I could have had them both expelled, provided the headmaster didn't bend the rules as he is wont to do for that blasted boy."

He crossed to the ottoman and sat, flicking a dark glance over his shoulder to Hermione, who was staring after him, perplexed. He jerked the pomade at her and tilted his head at the chair, indicating that she should join him to do his hair. Hermione slowly walked across the room, brow creased in thought.

She took the products from him and began brushing his hair back. "They never said anything about you. What did they do?"

His voice thick with disgust, he spat, "I caught them engaging in carnal activities after curfew when I was on my patrol! They didn't say anything because they did not know I found them." As he spoke, Hermione's hand stilled, and he spun on the ottoman. She was staring at him, aghast, and looking a little sick.

"You... saw them having sex?"

Snape snorted impatiently. "Not exactly, but in so many words, I suppose so."

Hermione's brows climbed toward her hairline and she grimaced. "Not exactly? What does that mean?"

Huffing, Snape shot her an aggrieved look and ground out, "I heard them. When I entered the room, I saw... feet. They were under that damned Invisibility Cloak. Their... activity... was unmistakable. I considered dragging them before Dumbledore, but I decided against it. All of you should be grateful for my restraint."

Hermione stared, dumbfounded. Finally finding her voice, she rasped, "You... watched... my friends... having sex." She shook her head and shot him a reproachful look. He rolled his eyes.

"I did not 'watch' them! I couldn't see anything beneath that Cloak!"

She blinked rapidly. Her face screwed up in disgust, she squeaked, "Did you want to?"

At the end of his patience, Snape shot to his feet, eyes heavenward, his hands clenching at his sides. He paced away a few steps before he spun and faced Hermione, one hand running through his hair. Heaving a deep, irritated sigh, he glared at her and said, in a dangerously soft voice, "I will not even dignify that with an answer. You seem to be missing the point here. If this is the kind of response I will get, believe me, I will not succumb to any further charitable impulses."

After a beat, Hermione asked, "So, did you leave?"

Snape blinked. "What?"

"Did you leave? Once you had your 'charitable impulse'? Or did you just stay there and watch them shagging?" She gazed at him with disgust.

Snape's hands curled into trembling fists and his eyes closed as he fought to not yell at her for her obtuseness. Silently counting to ten, he took a deep breath and opened his eyes. Clenching his teeth, he looked at Hermione staring at him and spat, "Bollocks!" Then, he was struck with an idea. Pointing one long finger at Hermione, he murmured, "Don't move."

He briskly strode into his bedroom, returning after a brief moment with his Pensieve. He made a show of placing it on the table beside Hermione's chair and settled back on the ottoman. Hermione's eyes widened as she grasped his intent. He resolutely placed his wand to his temple and drew out the silvery strand of memory, placing it in the Pensieve, then prodded the surface with his wand, pulling it to the surface. His gaze was darkly challenging as he locked eyes with Hermione.

"Look for yourself. Then perhaps you'll understand."

Hermione shied away from the Pensieve, but Snape held her gaze, inexorably pointing to the images eddying on the surface. Hesitating, Hermione leant forward. Snape murmured, "Closer. Let it draw you in." She edged closer to the bowl and felt it enveloping her. Suddenly, she was within Snape's memory. A moment later, Snape joined her. He shot a grim glance at her and ordered, "Watch."

She saw him patrolling the halls, hearing the tell-tale sounds of lascivious behaviour. She was disconcerted by the sadistic smile that flitted across his face. A separate part of her was impressed when he cast the concealment charm, understanding how he was able to sneak up on people so well. The sequence of events was harder to follow, now that he was invisible too, but she could recognize the noises the two teenagers were making. Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

She saw the edge of the Cloak being lifted, revealing the top of Ginny's head, before it all disappeared again. She stood there, extremely uncomfortable, hearing their copulation reaching its peak. She folded her arms under her breasts and tightly gripped her ribcage, her eyes darting around the dim classroom, wishing she could leave Snape's memory. Finally, Ginny's head appeared, and Hermione was struck by the beatific look on her face.

She really does love him...

Then, Harry emerged and she watched their interactions. She was surprised by the tenderness Harry displayed, and was gratified that he had the sense to question her about needing contraception. Eventually, they disappeared under the Cloak again and she heard their steps fading from the room. She turned to Snape and saw his set expression. He nodded sharply and gripped her elbow, pulling them from the memory. When they found themselves back in the sitting room, Snape pinned her with an intense gaze and muttered, "Now do you understand?"

Hermione swallowed nervously and shook her head. Snape closed his eyes in pained acknowledgement. Looking at her again, with an almost weary expression, he sighed, "What do you still not understand?"

In a voice barely above a whisper, she said, "What made you stop? Why didn't you reveal them? I know you said you exercised considerable restraint, but I want to know why."

Snape's eyes were sad as he whispered haltingly, "I was... afraid... you were with him..."

Hermione gasped. Snape looked down uncomfortably. Unable to speak, she simply twined her fingers with his. He looked back up at her and added, "And when I knew it was Miss Weasley, I couldn't help but think that he would finally leave you alone. It struck me as the best possible way to keep both of them off our trail."

Hermione thought about the fact that she had thought the same thing, and her disgust drained away. Gently, she gestured for him to turn around again. His eyes were wistful before they dropped and he spun on the ottoman. His shoulders sagged dejectedly. Hermione began brushing his hair again. She smoothed the pomade through it in silence, securing his long locks into a thick tail at the base of his neck. When she was done, she rested her hands on his shoulders and felt him jerk at her touch. She persisted and slid her arms around him, resting her cheek against his back. He stiffened in her embrace.

Softly, she murmured, "I'm sorry, Severus. Please don't be angry with me. I do understand now."

The tension in his frame dissolved and he covered her hands with his. He pulled out of her embrace and turned again, searching her face for any more signs of disgust. It had cut him to the quick to see that in her eyes when she had looked at him. She curved one hand along his cheek and smiled softly, her eyes limpid with sympathy and chagrin.

His chest tightened and he gripped her hand, turning his face to press a fervent kiss into her palm. Hermione inhaled sharply at the sensation coursing through her. She leant forward and kissed him. The gentle expression of love quickly turned into a heated expression of passion. Snape reached forward and pulled her into his lap. She moaned at the hot lump against her hip. A low growl rumbled up from Snape's throat as he spun again on the ottoman, facing them toward the alpaca rug before the hearth. Hermione closed her eyes at the delicious tickling of his lips and nose nuzzling her ear and neck as he murmured, "I was quite taken with your vivid description of how you would like to experience this rug. You inspired my imagination."

Hermione groaned, her eyelids fluttering. Snape smirked against her neck and continued, "Now, I ask again, what did you think of my response?"

She whispered, "You're... diabolical..." She heard his deep chuckle in response.

His voice was velvety as he said, "You started it, my dear."

She opened her eyes and turned to pin him with a heated gaze as she muttered, "Oh, there are other things I'd like to start..."

Snape's brows rose in mock surprise, but his lips widened in a delighted smile. He ducked in and kissed her quickly, before pulling back and sighing, "That does indeed sound quite appealing, but we have other things to start soon. Namely, rehearsal." Hermione gasped and looked at the time in alarm.

"We've only a few minutes!" She jumped off his lap and chewed her lip in anxiety.

Snape sighed regretfully at the absence of her pliant warmth in his lap and stood. "I know. Come along then." He cast a sly glance at her and added, "We'll just have to continue our conversation another time."

Hermione licked her lips as she devoured him with her eyes. He extended his hand to her and she placed her hand in his. They crossed to his door, where he cupped her face in his hands and swooped down to kiss her thoroughly. Pulling back, he smirked at the dazed look in her eyes.

He gathered his Phantom mask from the table by the door. Dryly, he said, "Do try to compose yourself. We have to hurry."

He jumped when Hermione favoured him with a sharp crack on his arm, glaring pointedly at him. One eyebrow cocked, he looked down at her in surprise. Hermione sniffed and muttered, "Sneaky Slytherin..." Then, she tilted her chin up at a defiant angle and gestured for him to open the door. He opened the door and she swept regally past him, not even looking back.

He warded his door, rubbing against the sting on his arm. Guess that note to self didn't do much good, did it, mate? Snorting to himself, he followed Hermione up to the Great Hall.

Dumbledore had already transformed the Hall when they entered, and he turned to them, beaming.

"Ah, Miss Granger, Professor Snape. Good evening. I trust you are ready to begin the blocking for the Labyrinth Underground and Music of the Night?"

Hermione fished her shrunken script from her pocket and enlarged it as Snape did the same. Dumbledore nodded happily and stepped up onto the stage, casting the spells to create the set pieces. Snape enchanted his script and Dicta-Quill to float near him again, and Hermione wrinkled her nose at him behind Dumbledore's back.

As the headmaster cast the charms to move the set pieces and transform the stage during the Labyrinth Underground, Snape and Hermione watched in fascination. He went through them once, and then directed Snape and Hermione to interact with the sets, blocking the scene. They dutifully recorded their blocking, maintaining a detached, professional attitude. Once they had gone through to the start of Music of the Night, Snape interrupted.

"I beg your pardon, Headmaster, but I would like to try some of my own ideas for blocking in this scene, if you don't mind."

Dumbledore blinked at Snape, taken aback. "Of course, my boy. Certainly. You're the one who has to perform it, so we do want you to be comfortable. What did you have in mind?"

Snape turned gravely to Hermione and said, "Miss Granger, if you would kindly take this position, I would like to go through my song." Hermione nodded and quickly took the position he indicated. She gazed curiously at him as he strode away.

Dumbledore retreated into the house to watch, and Snape stood for a moment, obviously hesitating.

"What's wrong, Severus?" Dumbledore peered up at the tall dark man.

Snape thinned his lips and finally said, "I would prefer to actually do the song. May I?"

Dumbledore twinkled genially and fished a music box from within his robes. "As you wish. Here, let me set it for you." He adjusted some dials and toggles and then set it on the edge of the stage. Looking expectantly up at Snape, he inquired, "Ready?"

Snape nodded once sharply, and Dumbledore opened the music box. Snape took a deep breath and turned his intense gaze on Hermione, who was still staring up at him, bewildered.

Snape began singing, his voice filling the Hall and sending shivers through Hermione. He deftly slipped among the sets, gesturing to their surroundings as he sang, "I have brought you to the seat of sweet music's throne... to this kingdom where all must pay homage to music... music... You have come here, for one purpose, and one alone... Since the moment I first heard you sing, I have needed you with me, to serve me, to sing, for my music... my music..." At that point, he closed in on Hermione again, pulling her closer within his lair.

He circled her, his hands floating about, expressive in their movements, as he continued, "Night-time sharpens, heightens each sensation... Darkness stirs and wakes imagination... Silently the senses abandon their defences..."

He hovered just behind her ear, his left hand curled into a fist in front of her. "Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendour..." His fist uncurled and his fingers undulated in front of her face. "Grasp it, sense it - tremulous and tender..." As he said "grasp," he swiftly clenched his fist again and dropped his hand from her view. His other hand crept around from the other side and he gripped her chin, guiding her to turn to the right as he sang, "Turn your face away from the garish light of day, turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light - and listen to the music of the night..."

Hermione felt drugged by his velvet voice and the novelty of his touch as the Phantom. She thought that she'd be very convincing as Christine, reacting that way!

Snape passed a hand in front of her face, not touching her, and then spun away, gesticulating widely as he sang, "Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams! Purge your thoughts of the life you knew before! Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar!" His hands rose and extended as he held the long note. Then, when it was done, his hands dropped to his sides and he gazed levelly at Hermione again, singing, "And you'll live as you've never lived before..."

He deliberately stepped closer to her again as he sang, "Softly, deftly, music shall surround you..." He slid his hands down her arms, gripping her hands and guiding her to wrap her arms around her own waist, with his arms enveloping her as well, during the lines, "Feel it, hear it, closing in around you..." Hermione's eyes closed involuntarily. She could feel his breath on her ear as he continued, "Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind, in this darkness which you know you cannot fight - the darkness of the music of the night..." He released her arms and slowly backed away, spinning as he crescendoed.

"Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world! Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before!" He stopped and faced her again, purposefully striding to her again as he sang, "Let your soul take you where you long to be!" Then, as the climaxing note died away, he lifted his hand to lightly caress her cheek with the backs of his fingertips as he sang, "Only then can you belong to me..."

He took her hands in his and led her toward the large mirror draped with a dust cover. One hand held hers while the other fluttered in the air as he sang, "Floating, falling, sweet intoxication!" Then, he lifted her hand and held it to his face, tilting his head into her touch on his mask as he crooned, "Touch me, trust me, savour each sensation!" As she independently caressed his face, he let go of her hand and circled behind her as he sang, "Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in to the power of the music that I write - the power of the music of the night..." During his last line, he pulled the dust cover away from the mirror, revealing the wax image of Hermione, in a wedding dress. Hermione stared at it in wonder, reaching toward it, and the wax dummy thrust its hand at her through the mirror. Hermione gasped and crumpled, falling against Snape where he stood behind her. He easily picked her up and crossed to the bed, gently laying her limp form in it. As he settled her comfortably, he caressed her hair, tucking a loose curl away from her face. He slowly backed away from her and stood as he sang, "You alone can make my song take flight - help me make the music of the night..."

When the song finished, the music box stopped. Hermione opened her eyes, gazing at Snape in rapt amazement. Dumbledore was in the house, applauding vigorously. Snape turned his back to the headmaster and cast a tender smile at Hermione before schooling his expression into his customary grim one, turning back to Dumbledore.

"Oh, I say, Severus, that was beautiful! Truly marvellous! Miss Granger, you were absolutely perfect too. Such a mesmerizing performance! Severus, that was wonderful. You have such sharp instincts; I wouldn't change a thing. Do remember to mark it all down, lest you forget any of it. Why don't you two do that right now, while I do the same..." He beamed at them and then began busily writing in his script. Hermione and Snape exchanged an amused look as they copied him.

Snape's deep drawl buzzed as he murmured instructions to his Dicta-Quill. After several moments, they were all finished, and Dumbledore briskly indicated that they should go back to the beginning of the evening and repeat the scenes. He twinkled contentedly as he ran the charms for the moving sets, humming to himself as Snape dryly spoke his way through the last song, methodically repeating the movements that had been so natural and impassioned moments before. Hermione bit back a sigh that he was being so distant, but ruefully admitted to herself that it was for the best, lest Dumbledore sense there was more between them.

They worked their way through the scenes the usual three times before Dumbledore dismissed them for the night, beaming brightly at them. They bade him good night and filed up the aisle to exit the Hall as Dumbledore reverted it back to its original state.

Out in the corridor, they made their way to the staircases, parting as Hermione began her ascent and Snape began his descent. Pausing on the stairs, they turned to each other and locked eyes, pledging their devotion anew through one intense look. Gravely, Snape offered, "Good evening, Miss Granger."

Hermione nodded politely and retorted, just as dignified, "Good night to you, Professor." They tore their gazes away from each other and started walking. After a few steps, Hermione paused again and looked over the banister, down at Snape. She was surprised to see him already gazing up at her, his eyes deep and black, from several steps down.

She glanced around and shot a quick smile at him. His breath caught at the dazzling beauty of her smiling down at him. His eyes burning with the intensity of his love, he mouthed, "I love you."

Hermione sighed blissfully and mouthed back, "I love you, Severus." Then, she spun and jogged up the stairs, out of sight. Snape leant against the wall and closed his eyes for a moment, his chest and throat tight. Swallowing thickly, he continued back to his quarters, resolutely heading for his lab, to work on his gift for Hermione some more.

He had already spent over an hour in this session, his muscles tight from the finicky, controlled movements necessary. Heaving a deep sigh, he eased back from his worktable, stretching and twisting, hissing at the pops and snaps of his protesting bones.

That's enough for tonight. It's coming along nicely. I hope she'll like it. It's not like this is a sure thing like the mousse will be! He snorted to himself. I do need to arrange to make that mousse though... He went to his desk and rooted around for the recipe. Skimming the page again, he absently summoned a house-elf. Hmm, "Six ounces of semisweet chocolate, chopped coarsely, two Tablespoons powdered egg white, 1/4 cup and two Tablespoons water, two Tablespoons sugar, 1 1/2 cups whipping cream, whipped. Place chocolate in top of a double boiler; bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, until chocolate melts. Remove from heat, and set aside. Beat powdered egg white and water in a large bowl with a high speed mixing charm until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Stir one-fourth of whipped cream into melted chocolate; stir into egg white mixture. Fold in remaining whipped cream. Cover and use a cooling charm for at least two hours." Well, Florean, I hope this is as good as you purport it to be. At the muffled pop of the elf's arrival, Snape turned and regarded the short creature blandly.

The elf bobbed its head and stared up at him with bulging eyes. "Yes, Master Snape? What can Tandy do for sir?"

Snape proffered the parchment and said, "I have a recipe that I would like to make. I know that you elves have these ingredients in the kitchens. I can prepare the recipe in my lab, but I need the ingredients brought to me. Listen carefully. I need six ounces of semisweet chocolate, two Tablespoons of powdered egg white, two Tablespoons of sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of whipping cream. Bring these items to me Christmas morning. Do you understand?" The elf nodded vigorously. "There's more. Do not speak of this with anyone. Not even your fellow elves. Can you keep this a secret?" Again, the elf nodded. "Good. I know all of you will be busy Christmas, with more students staying over the holidays, but I must receive these items that morning. You may bring them to me as early as 7:00. Do you remember the ingredients?"

"Yes sir! Six ounces of semisweet chocolate, two Tablespoons of powdered egg white, two Tablespoons of sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of whipping cream. Tandy won't forget, Master Snape. Tandy will bring them to you Christmas morning."

"Excellent. Thank you, Tandy. I shall see you then." He waved his hand at the elf in dismissal and it bobbed a farewell at him before it popped out of existence again. There, now that's taken care of... He smiled to himself as he prepared for bed, climbing between the cool satin sheets, whispering, "Good night, Hermione, my love."