43- Birthday Surprise

Author's Note: I know this chapter isn't as long as some have been, but it really lended itself to stopping here. I'd like to thank all you fabulous folk who read and review and even leave posts on my LJ. *hugs everyone* Speaking of my LJ, I have a request for assistance for all you fine people. I'm interested in knowing what kind of "get-to-know-you" questions you think two people who are in a new relationship should ask each other. Anything from the obligatory "What's your favourite colour?" to more obscure stuff. So, if you have suggestions (and these will help me in future chapters), please post them on my Livejournal at Pern_dragon's Livejournal Thanks!!! And, as always, the lovely Lotm, Beta Git Extraordinaire, ROCKS! :)

Chapter 43- Birthday Surprise

Snape couldn't help but smirk to himself most of the way up the dungeon stairs. As he reached the top, he wiped his face of any expression, seeing a handful of students loitering outside the Great Hall. They backed away to the opposite wall as he approached, averting their eyes. Snape simply swept past them, entering the Hall and slamming the door behind him. Dumbledore was onstage, twinkling down at Snape as he strode down the aisle.

"Severus! There you are!"

Snape briskly mounted the stage, replying, "All right, Albus, what is it that you've come up with?"

Dumbledore clasped his hands over his belly, beaming. Excitement underlying his voice, he said, "Last rehearsal, Miss Granger made a comment that spurred me in a new direction."

Brow creased in perplexity, Snape queried, "What comment was that?"

"She said something about how it would be easier if you could just pop about to wherever you need to be. So, you shall!" He ended with a triumphant gesture, but Snape grimaced his incomprehension.

Curtly, he said, "How?"

Dumbledore rolled his eyes and drawled, "You'll Apparate, of course!"

Snape blinked. Eyeing Dumbledore as if he had finally gone daft, Snape slowly enunciated, "Albus, this is Hogwarts. I cannot Apparate within the grounds. Remember?"

Dumbledore chuckled. "Oh, but my dear boy, it's so simple! Surely, you remember Apparating here? Here, in this very Hall?"

Comprehension dawned and Snape's face went slack. Eyes wide, he gazed at Dumbledore. After a beat of stunned silence, he hissed, "How? You daren't lift the wards from the whole Hall as was done for Apparition License classes! As soon as the students realize that the Hall is open to Apparition, they'll take advantage of it, and they'll obviously know once they see me Apparating. It would be irresponsible, Albus." He frowned in disapproval.

Dumbledore clapped a hand on Snape's shoulder and leant closer. "Lifting the wards for the Hall is not my plan. I can arrange it so you, and you alone, can Apparate within the castle. Now, you won't be able to Apparate from inside to outside or vice versa, but you'll be able to get where you need to be inside these walls. So, you see, it's perfect for you to just pop about like the Phantom! Now, just after dinner, I double-checked the spells to allow your magical signature to slip through the wards. So, when we finish rehearsal tonight, I'll need you to remain for a bit to allow me to cast the spells."

Snape stared at Dumbledore, incredulous. "Can you really do that? I thought the wards were woven unalterably..."

The older man chuckled and smiled conspiratorially. "You're not Headmaster yet, my boy. We do have a few secrets still." He snorted at the acid grimace Snape shot him.

Snape rolled his eyes as he mumbled under his breath, "As if I would ever want to be Headmaster! Gods save me..." After a beat, during which Dumbledore beamed at him, Snape continued, "Why can't you do it now? Isn't that why you brought me here?"

"It will take more time than we have right now, and I want to make sure it works. I wanted to tell you all about it though, so you'd be ready to stick around after rehearsal. We need to get ready for the rest of the cast to arrive." With that, he pulled out the music box and descended into the house. Snape stared after him, slightly dazed by the unexpected turn of events.

Humming under his breath, Dumbledore shuffled up the aisle to the doors, flinging them open to the cast assembled in the corridor. Snape slowly walked back into the house, sinking into a seat in the front row, lost in thought.

The hubbub grew as the students entered, chattering nervously in anticipation of staging "Masquerade." Snape was staring into the middle distance, his chin propped on his fingers, oblivious to the tumult around him.

Hermione eyed him curiously, and Ginny poked her in the ribs, cocking an eyebrow in question. Casting a mystified glance at her friend, Hermione shrugged. Dumbledore buzzed about, enspelling students, before directing everyone onstage. Everyone except Snape clambered up, many shifting from foot to foot in anxiety. Dumbledore arranged the set and placed everyone, explaining what he would be doing during the Entre-Acte. Then, hot on the tails of his explanation, he beamed at them and cried, "Action!"

At the swell of music, Snape snapped to attention, gazing up at the shifting sets and cast members. Once the opening scene with Neville and Ron finished, Dumbledore paused, pairing everyone up for the dancing. Snape slid his fingers over his lips to hide the smirk that heralded a gale of laughter at the horrified expressions on the faces of some of the boys, especially the one paired up with Trelawney. Shoulders shaking, he took a deep breath to regain his composure, interested despite himself in the staging of the elaborate Masquerade.

It took a long while to dry run the blocking and then match it with the music, all in short bursts. Eventually, they were to the point where the Phantom appears, and Dumbledore turned to Snape. "Severus, I need you to mount to the top of the staircase to start the next part of the scene."

Snape shot to his feet, putting on the Phantom mask. "Certainly, sir." He charged up the stairs into the wing and strode purposefully onstage to climb the staircase set piece. Once he was at the top, Dumbledore resumed giving blocking directions before walking them through the next part.

Snape descended the stairs, reciting his lines, gazing about at the rest of the cast staring at him in shock. He advanced on Hermione menacingly, miming ripping the chain from her neck. At that point, Dumbledore paused again, saying, "All right. Now, Severus, if you would please exit to the wing..." Snape nodded and stalked off, and Dumbledore directed the exodus and explained the way the sets would shift while Harry and McGonagall did their scene.

At his mark, everyone exited, and Harry called after McGonagall while the sets moved around them. They recited their scene, and when they reached the end, Dumbledore called everyone back out onstage. "Very well then, let's go back to the Entre-Acte and begin again. This time, we'll go through without stopping. Places!"

Snape climbed atop the staircase set piece and hunkered down on the top step, waiting until the piece slid onstage. As Dumbledore shifted the sets, he blinked in surprise at Snape ensconced on the stairs, then smiled in comprehension, nodding his approval. Snape inclined his head and leant forward, propping his elbows on his knees as he waited for the dancing to finish and for his cue to come up.

Dumbledore walked them through the dance again, smiling to himself at the way the students kept casting disconcerted glances at their Potions Master sitting so casually above them. Now that I think about it, it's so nice to see the dear boy loosening up. He finally seems to have relaxed this year. It's quite refreshing...

At the end of his part, Snape whirled and sped up the staircase again, riding it offstage as Harry and McGonagall continued. When they finished, the whole cast went through the scene in time to the music. Snape had to admit, from his vantage point behind everyone, that the dancing wasn't half bad. If everyone kept practicing, it should turn out pretty well. Still, he was heartily glad that he wasn't required to dance, too.

When the third run-through was done, Dumbledore called everyone onstage. "Well done, everyone! Now, next rehearsal, we'll go through the whole of Act One, on through this scene. However, I have an announcement to make, so if everyone could gather 'round..." The students sank onto the apron in a ragged semi-circle around Dumbledore. Snape stepped in from the wing, leaning against the proscenium, arms crossed, Phantom mask dangling from one finger. Dumbledore waved a hand to Snape. "Severus, come along..."

Snape frowned, sidling closer to the group, eyeing Dumbledore warily. Surely, he's not going to tell them about the Apparating. Why create an uproar?

Dumbledore was twinkling at almost twice his usual rate, making Snape's skin prickle with apprehension. "Everyone, today is a very important day. And, as befits our Phantom family, I would like you all to join me in wishing our very own Phantom, Professor Snape, a happy birthday!"

All heads turned to Snape, whose own eyes had widened so much that a complete ring of white surrounded his irises. McGonagall clapped a hand over her mouth. Snape couldn't breathe. It was like someone had kicked him in the gut. He felt his chin drop, and his mouth opened, futilely attempting a properly indignant response.

The beat of silence was charged with electricity, while Snape struggled to draw breath, and everyone stared at him, completely taken aback. Dumbledore chuckled and waved his hands at the cast. "All right, everyone, on the count of three, we'll all sing 'Happy Birthday' to Professor Snape. Ready? One, two, three..." He slashed the air with his hands, conducting them in song.

After "three," the cast began to sing, albeit hesitantly. Since they were still enspelled from rehearsal, at least they sounded fine, but the bewilderment was obvious in their voices.

When they began singing, a shudder rippled over Snape, seeming to release him from his paralysis, and he glanced wildly about, taking in the variety of the rest of the cast's expressions. His Slytherins looked mildly pleased and arrogant, apparently appreciating that their Head of House was being singled out by the headmaster for notice. McGonagall was twinkling nearly as much as Dumbledore, clearly holding in laughter at Snape's obvious discomfiture. Oh, he'd get back at her for that, hand on wand!

Some of the other students wore expressions of polite indifference, but when his gaze swept over the assembled Gryffindors, he was met with the most disparate expressions yet. Ron looked torn between turning green and laughing, the result of which was a particularly painful combination. Neville looked both confused and apprehensive...really, how different was that from his normal expression? Harry glared mulishly as he spat the words to the song. Ginny was actually smiling a little as she sang, apparently meaning the well-wishes. But, Hermione...

Snape fully expected to see Hermione beaming at him, persistent in her belief that people would like him, and that he deserved good wishes. But, he was galvanized to see her staring at him, eyes bright with a few unshed tears, as she tried vainly to master the hurt and anger that was writ plainly over her features. Swallowing hard, Snape stared dumbly at her, utterly confused at her reaction, and a frisson of unease swept over him. She shook her head minutely as the song finished, before brusquely turning away, refusing to look at him any longer.

When they finished singing, Dumbledore led the cast in applause, and Snape tore his gaze away from Hermione to glance at his employer, weakly nodding a demurral. The applause died away, and Snape cleared his tight throat, forcing out a stiff, "Indeed, Headmaster, you shouldn't have..."

Dumbledore chuckled again and waved his hand in dismissal. "Nonsense! You are an excellent role model for this cast, and you deserve a happy birthday, Severus. The least we could do is extend our regard. Of course, I sha'n't commit the faux pas of asking your age... or is that reserved only for ladies?" He turned a questioning glance to McGonagall, who tsked and swatted his arm.

"Oh, leave him alone, Albus. It's not nice to overwhelm people like that." She thinned her lips in a prim line, but they twitched when she eyed Snape. "In earnest, Professor Snape, one would hope that you would appreciate seeing another birthday, now that Riddle is no more."

Phantom mask hanging limply from one finger, Snape nodded woodenly, sweat oozing from his pores at the fact that Hermione had yet to look his way again, and her body language bespoke ill-concealed outrage. Throat dry, he rasped, "As you say, Professor McGonagall."

Dumbledore finally took pity on his embarrassed Potions Master and clapped his hands once. "Very well, then! Thank you all for joining me in wishing Professor Snape a happy birthday. You are free to go. Good night!"

Snape looked on in perplexity as Hermione shot to her feet, one of the first to leave the stage. She hurried up the aisle, leaving everyone behind with her long, angry strides. Snape blinked, feeling his chest grow tight with anxiety, and his gaze came to rest on Ginny, who was looking at him, brow furrowed in confusion. He kept his face blank as he locked eyes with her, but she glanced around furtively before nodding once and offering a wan smile, obviously meant to be reassuring. She started up the aisle, but Snape barked, "Miss Weasley!"

Whirling, she gazed up at him in polite inquiry. "Yes, Professor Snape?"

Staring hard at her, hoping her agile mind would pick up on his unspoken plea, he said, "Do not forget your detention Monday night. In my office, 7:00."

Her eyes widened in comprehension, and she nodded to herself before replying with grave courtesy, "I won't forget, sir. I'll be there."

Snape inclined his head in dismissal and she spun around, charging up the aisle after Harry. Frozen in place, Snape watched as the Hall emptied, leaving him

alone again with Dumbledore. When the doors shut behind the last cast member, Snape forced himself to turn his attention to the headmaster.

Dumbledore took out his wand and looked purposefully at Snape. "All right. Let's get on with it, shall we? Just relax, Severus." He nodded reassuringly at

the still-stunned man and began a complex incantation, uttering what sounded to Snape's keen ear like a mixture of Latin and Gaelic and other things he'd never heard before.

Standing still, listening to the rhythmic sound of Dumbledore's low chanting, he slowly became aware of a brightening around him. Darting his eyes from Dumbledore to the space around his body, he saw a vague shimmering coalescing to encase him. It glowed a pearly bluish-white, and he felt his skin prickle with what felt like a static charge. As Dumbledore droned on, gesturing with his wand in precise, finicky movements, a different kind of light developed. What looked like a grid work of faint yellowish-white lines spread around him, flowing throughout the Hall, and implicitly beyond. The light of the grid wavered and flickered like candle flame, and Snape could see how they intersected the man in front of him. Glancing down at his hands, he saw the lines did the same to

him, even through the bluish-white glow.

He was startled to realize that Dumbledore had stopped reciting, and jerked his eyes up. Dumbledore's face was set with concentration. Still, he nodded

soothingly to Snape. "I need to give the grid a chance to spread out to the extremities of the boundaries. It should take a few minutes. Once it has, I need only cast the spell to allow your magical signature to slip through them. If you look at the distance between each line in the grid, you'll see that there is very little space. These lines are keyed to the magical signatures of humans, which is

why the house-elves can pop about as needed. If a person tried to Apparate, the space within these lines is so little that one cannot occupy it successfully, which is how we are prohibited from Apparating within the grounds.

"During Apparition License classes, we have a way of impeding the connection of these lines within the space of the Great Hall, which allows the Apparition to occur in this area. However, what you will experience is unique. We are

recalibrating the grid to respond to your signature, and it will expand the space between lines to allow you to occupy that space successfully. It will all be easier to understand once we're done and you do it. Then you'll be able to see the results in the light around you and in the lines themselves."

Snape listened, rapt, as Dumbledore explained. A trickle of excitement crept through him at experiencing something so unusual. Gazing about him, he ventured, "Won't everyone throughout the grounds wonder what they're seeing?"

Dumbledore smiled and said, "Oh, heavens, no. Only those present at the time the spell is cast may see the grid. No one else should have any inkling about what's going on here." They stood in silence for a few moments more, until Dumbledore nodded, exhaling in satisfaction. "Ah... There we go. All right, the grid is complete, and now, I shall cast the next part, which will recalibrate the settings. Ready?"

Snape nodded, body tense with anticipation. Dumbledore began gesturing with his wand again, intoning more unintelligible words. Snape felt the charge that surrounded his body shifting, and he looked down at the bluish-white glow. It seemed to pulse, and as Dumbledore finished his incantation with a flourish, the glow shrank into him, almost disappearing. But then, in a flash of blinding light, it expanded, only this time, it seemed to push the grid lines out of the way, until they snapped to frame Snape. Staring about in wonderment, Snape watched the grid lines bending and retreating before him as he lifted his arm. The lines all backed away, leaving a short distance between the glow around him and the closest lines, very much like the distance maintained between two like-charged magnets.

Dumbledore clapped his hands together, pleased with his success, and Snape blinked at him, startled. A huge grin split the headmaster's face, and Snape felt his lips stretching into an answering delighted grin in spite of himself and the horrors he had just experienced at the hands of this scheming old man. Eyes sparkling with keen interest, Snape took a tentative step, watching the grid morph around him. After it settled, he took another, bolder step. It happened again. On a lark, he spun on his heel, peering over his shoulder at the swirl of his robe. It, too, was contained within the adjusting grid.

Before he could try anything else, Dumbledore urged, "If you would be so kind, Severus, Apparate to the opposite end of the stage. We need to test the results."

Snape nodded and concentrated. As Dumbledore looked on, Snape blinked out of existence where he stood and appeared on the far end of the stage, bluish-white glow still strong. A triumphant cry burst from the headmaster's throat at the successful Apparition. Snape gazed across the stage at him, a smug smirk gracing his lips.

"Excellent, Severus! Now, Apparate to all the places you need to be for the play so far."

Snape nodded again, looked around into the Boxes, and onstage, and above them on the catwalk. With a decided toss of his dark head, he disappeared. Dumbledore glanced around, but didn't see him.

"Where are you?"

Snape's voice, magnified by a Sonorus spell, echoed throughout the space. A ripple of suppressed laughter threaded through his voice as he said, "I'm here, the Phantom of the Opera."

Dumbledore burst out laughing, and Snape suddenly appeared onstage again, his expression one of devilish amusement.

"Well done. So, where were you?"

Snape tilted his head up to one of the Boxes. Then, without warning, he was gone again. Dumbledore glanced around, but stopped as he saw the looming shadow on the back wall of the stage, cast by Snape in the catwalks. It darted about, growing larger and smaller, until Snape appeared onstage again, at the spot where the trap door was supposed to be located.

"Very nice. So, I take it you're experiencing no ill effects?"

Snape strode briskly back to Dumbledore, posture proud and confident. "None, sir. I feel as good as ever."

"Glad to hear it. Obviously, it worked. As soon as I say the words, the grid will disappear, as will the light around you. We're the only ones who could see it anyway, but I daresay you'd rather not have a full-body night light if you could help it." He winked at Snape, smiling.

Snape snorted, lips quirking in a half-smile. "Indeed not." He looked back down at his hands again, and then cast a thoughtful look at the older man. "It just occurred to me, Albus: obviously I can Apparate within the confining grid, but what about Miss Granger? Several of the times I have to pop about, she has to be with me. Will you be casting this same spell on her?"

Dumbledore waved his hand dismissively. "No need. You'll simply take her as a Side-Along Apparition. Since you're the one who will be doing the Apparating, your signature will be let through. Of course, you must have complete control, and, I daresay, a firm grasp of anyone you're taking along. Miss Granger is a level-headed witch, I'm sure she'll grasp the concept easily."

Snape looked away quickly before Dumbledore could possibly see Snape's reaction to the thought that Hermione would definitely not object to however firm a grasp Snape had to take, but then he was assailed by doubts, remembering her angry countenance from earlier. Swallowing back his unease, he focused his attention back to the task at hand. Slowly, he said, "I'm sure you're right. However, forgive me if I would rather not make a first attempt with a student." Looking back up at Dumbledore, a challenge clear in his black eyes, he continued, "Would you allow me to take you on an Apparition, Albus?"

Dumbledore eyed Snape shrewdly. Slowly, he inclined his head, giving his assent. Then, stepping closer to the dark man, he remarked, "Prudent idea, Severus. Very well."

Snape's lips twitched, and he reached forward, gripping Dumbledore's arms just above the elbow. He was fascinated by the way the grid lines sprang to surround Dumbledore as well, once he had a firm grip on him. It certainly eased his mind about trying it with Hermione, especially since he wouldn't be able to see the field around them by then. Glancing slyly at Dumbledore, his voice low, he said, "Ready?"

Dumbledore nodded, and they winked out of view.

An instant later, Dumbledore let out a startled oath, grabbing for Snape as they found themselves precariously perched in the catwalks above the stage. Whipping a stern gaze around to meet Snape's devious one, Dumbledore frowned in reproach, and Snape tried to stifle a snort of amusement.

"Severus, really, that was completely unnecessary." He straightened, composing himself with dignity, but, all the same, he didn't let go of Snape's sleeves.

Snape cocked an eyebrow at him and drawled, "On the contrary, Albus. Now you know how disconcerting it is to be taken so by surprise. I merely thought to impress upon you exactly how 'completely unnecessary' that little show was earlier." As he finished, he pursed his lips in a disgruntled scowl.

To Snape's surprise, Dumbledore once again burst out laughing. That roguish twinkle back in his eye, he simply retorted, "Touché."

Rolling his eyes, Snape heaved a long-suffering sigh and said, "Shall we return, then?"

Dumbledore lazily replied "By all means, whenever you're ready." Snape inclined his head, and they popped from the catwalk back to the stage. Releasing the older man, Snape stepped back, and Dumbledore brandished his wand again. "Now, to finish the spell..." He pointed the wand at Snape, muttering a few words, and Snape watched the glow around his body get sucked into the wand, followed immediately by the light of the grid, all in one dizzying flash. The static charge he had felt along his skin disappeared, and he felt a stab of apprehension that he would no longer be able to Apparate. Seeming to read his thoughts, Dumbledore said, "Try it, Severus. It will work."

Snape concentrated and Apparated to the back of the house. Exhaling gustily in relief, he popped back onto the stage an instant later. Dumbledore beamed at him, about to speak, but before he could say anything, Snape asked, "So, I'll be at liberty to Apparate within the castle, but not the grounds?"

Dumbledore blinked at the interruption, but said, "Exactly. You may Apparate within the confines of the castle, or outside, but within the boundaries of the grounds, but you won't be able to Apparate from within the castle to the outside, nor from the grounds inside. Nor will you be able to Apparate from within the boundaries outside of them, or vice versa. Of course, there may be parts of the castle itself that are protected by other wardings, so you won't be able to Apparate into them..." He raised one brow at Snape, clearly indicating that his private quarters were so warded, and Snape would be foolish to try to gain entry.

Snape snorted mildly and nodded his understanding. Composing his expression into one of polite curiosity, he said, "Since you cast the spell, can you undo it?"

Dumbledore grinned. "Of course I can undo it, but it's just as complex as casting it. Don't worry, my boy, I sha'n't revoke it without your knowledge and consent. I know I can trust you not to abuse it."

Doing his best to ignore the pang of guilt he felt at those words, Snape ducked his head and murmured, "So you can't track my Apparitions, like you keep track of the doors to the secret passages?"

Dumbledore shook his head. "It doesn't work like that. However, must I remind you that you needn't misuse this privilege? Do try not to frighten the students with it."

Snape snorted and lifted his head, that devious gleam back. "Ah, but just think how much faster and easier my patrols will be, now that I can get to all the best spots so much more quickly..."

Dumbledore clapped a hand on Snape's shoulder, laughing, and guided him to descend into the house, to leave the Hall. As they strode up the aisle, Dumbledore said, "I do hope you'll enjoy the last hours of your birthday, Severus. Perhaps you could view this as my gift to you."

Snape shot him an aggrieved glance, then sighed. "Thank you, Albus. I will say that I shall enjoy not having to worry about encountering any dunderheads on my way back to my quarters..." And with that, he sketched a bow to Dumbledore and Disapparated.

Dumbledore rolled his eyes and chuckled, turning to the Hall to restore it to normal before he trekked up to his own quarters for the night.

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

When Ginny and Harry arrived in Gryffindor Tower, Hermione was nowhere to be seen. Ginny's first thought was to go immediately to Hermione's room to find out what was wrong, but she stopped herself before she said anything, loath to draw attention to Hermione's curious reaction. It wouldn't do to have people wondering. Resolving to address the matter later, Ginny allowed Harry to pull her onto a big squashy armchair in a corner, wrapping her in his embrace and snogging the daylights out of her. Under such an enjoyable onslaught, Ginny's worry over Hermione faded into the background.

Later, when they were interrupted by Ron whacking them with a pillow, gruffly saying, "Oh, give over already and go to bed!" Ginny remembered her distraught friend. But, by that time, it was already late, hence Ron's irritated assault on their persons, and she promised herself she'd talk to Hermione in the morning.

Saturday morning, Ginny went to breakfast with Harry, only to see a depressed Hermione toying with her eggs. Glancing up at the High Table, she saw that Snape was peering furtively through his hair at Hermione, and he cast Ginny a stone-faced look when he caught her eye. Only because she had got to know more about him recently did Ginny notice the tightness of his posture and expression, belying his purported indifference. Taking a deep breath, she sat by Hermione and said, "Morning. You feeling okay?"

Hermione shrugged listlessly and muttered, "I'm fine."

Harry poked his head around Ginny and said, "Do you need to see Madam Pomfrey again? You don't look so hot."

Hermione scowled and gave a petulant toss of her rather-bushier-than-normal hair. "I said I'm fine. Stop smothering me."

Harry jerked back in surprise. Wounded, he said, "Fine then. I was just concerned. Forget it." And, huffing indignantly, he sat back to fill his plate.

Ginny squeezed Hermione's arm until she looked at her. Her eyes were red-rimmed and puffy. Tilting her head in sympathy, Ginny whispered, "You've been crying again. What's wrong?"

Hermione shook her head and sniffed. "Not here." And with that, she dropped her fork on her plate and pushed to her feet. With a mumbled, "I'm not hungry," she fled the Great Hall. Ginny stared after her in confusion. Flicking her glance back to the High Table, she saw Snape ostensibly contemplating his teacup. But, as she looked closer, she noticed that his grip on the handle was so tight that his knuckles were white. It was a wonder it hadn't broken off in his hand.

Turning her attention back to eating, she was involved in the usual breakfast chatter when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Snape rising to leave. He stood slowly, his posture one of carrying a burden, and as he departed, she noticed that his stride was slower. It was obvious to her that he was upset, likely very worried, and she felt for him. Especially since it had been his birthday. It's horrid to get something sad on your birthday. Really, it was a shame Hermione hadn't told her it was Snape's birthday, or she might have taken a moment to wish him many happy returns herself at some point.

She and Harry had returned to the Tower, and Harry was talking about dragging Ron away from Susan long enough to get in some Quidditch practice, but Ginny said, "Just wait a bit, would you? I want to talk to Hermione."

Harry bristled and snapped, "Why? She'll just bite your head off."

Ginny grimaced at him and sharply retorted, "Maybe it's girl stuff, Harry! I'll be back later." Favouring him with an aggrieved glare, she spun and flounced off to Hermione's room. She knocked briskly on the door, calling, "Hermione, it's me, Ginny. Can I come in?"

After a beat, the door opened, and Hermione climbed onto the bed, huddling against the headboard with a pillow in her lap. Ginny shut the door and perched on the foot of the bed. Crossing her legs, she propped her elbows on her knees and cupped her chin in her hands. Gazing soberly at Hermione, she murmured, "What's wrong? Why are you so upset?"

Hermione levelled a sour gaze at her and drawled, "I'll give you three guesses and the first two don't count."

Ginny rolled her eyes at the sarcasm and said, "Snape?" At Hermione's nod, she continued, "What's wrong now? You weren't upset when rehearsal started last night, so what happened?"

Hermione worried her hands together and watched them, muttering, "It was his birthday."

Blinking at the vague answer, Ginny said, "Right. And? That reminds me, why didn't you say anything? I think it would have been nice to say something to him personally, you know, now that he's not being a raging git."

Hermione's eyes flashed angrily as she growled, "I didn't tell you because I didn't know! He never told me!"

Ginny rocked back, surprised. A weak "Oh..." issued from her lips. She stared at Hermione in shock, trying to assimilate the ramifications of that little fact.

Hermione tilted her chin up defiantly. "Exactly. Understand now?"

Casting about vainly for a reasonable excuse, Ginny offered a lame, "Maybe he forgot?"

Hermione's answering snort was scathing. "How can one forget his own birthday? I don't think so, Gin. I can't help but wonder what else he hasn't told me. I thought we were supposed to share things. I mean, this is something so basic, and he didn't care enough to tell me? It hurts. And it makes me wonder if he really cares about me as much as he claims, if he's going to keep things from me like this. I mean, is he going to open up to me or not? There has to be more than just the physical part!" Her hands clenched into fists, and she pummelled the pillow in her lap.

Ginny listened in mute sympathy. After a long moment, she finally ventured, "You know, you really haven't had much time together. Maybe it just slipped his mind in favour of more important things. It's not like you two can just sit and chat for hours. Give him a chance to explain, at least? He seems really worried. I thought he was going to shatter his teacup this morning. You two really have it tough, what with the hardly having a chance to talk and share and all that. Remember, you have to give him a little credit, until you can get to the bottom of things. Everything else worked out, didn't it? I'm sure this will too." She leant forward and patted Hermione's hands where they were fisted on the pillow.

Hermione's head fell back against the headboard with a dull thunk. She grimaced and rolled her head from side to side. Eyes closed, she said, "Why does this have to be so hard? It's not fair!"

Ginny saw the change in the other girl's posture that signalled her reluctant agreement to accept Ginny's reasoning. Her voice wry, she replied, "I've always heard that anything too easy to get was hardly worth having. So, if you think about it that way, proportionally, yours should be the greatest relationship ever, considering the difficulties you both have to face!"

Hermione opened her eyes, staring at Ginny, incredulous. Then, after a beat, she covered her face with her hands and groaned, before finally ending in a weak chuckle. Eyeing her friend through her fingers, Hermione said, "Leave it to you to come up with something like that."

Ginny grinned, glad she had been able to cheer Hermione up at least a little. Shrugging, she added, "Just remember, I'll do what I can to help."

Hermione smiled back, albeit wanly. "Thanks. Anyway, you should probably go find Harry. I'm sure he was bleating about Quidditch practice earlier."

Ginny laughed. "How did you know?"

Hermione smirked. "Of all the men in my life, Harry is by far the least complicated."

Both girls laughed, and Ginny rose, crossing to the door. "True. Which is why I'm clever enough for the both of us." Wrinkling her nose at Hermione, she waved and ducked out the door, shutting it behind her to the sound of Hermione chuckling.