50- Point of No Return

Standard Disclaimer goes here.

Author's Note: This chapter clocked in at around 11,500 words. *whew* A lot happens, and we manage to get through several more days. I hope you lot have forgiven me last chapter's cliffie. *wicked grin* As always, thanks to my lovely bona-fide-as-in-PROFESSIONAL-author beta, Ladyofthemasque, and to SnivellusSnape. And undying gratitude to all you fine folk who read and review and make me feel all warm and fuzzy. *hugs all of you* I hope you enjoying reaching the Point of No Return... :)

Chapter 50- Point of No Return

Snape appeared, hidden behind the armchair, and before he could even take a peek to see if Hermione was asleep, he was assaulted with the scents of sex. Freezing where he was, his brain frantically tried to sort out what his nose detected. Senses straining for more information, he heard nothing, and he could tell that the moonlight would be enough for him to see when he emerged from behind the chair.

Wand out, pulse racing, he edged around the chair, hyper-aware and ready to react to anything. Even so, he wasn't prepared for what he saw.

The moonlight spilled across her prone form, giving her skin a milky glow. Her hair was still hiding her face, and her hand was clearly visible between her splayed thighs.

Snape felt like his lungs had stalled. He couldn't breathe, and his heart was like to hammer right out of his chest. Eyes wide, mouth open in astonishment, he struggled to function, to sort out what he could see. Glancing around, he saw Crookshanks dozing peacefully, and there was no evidence that anyone else had been in the room with her.

Forcing his frozen muscles to move, he crept out from behind the chair, stealthily making his way to the side of her bed. His eyes smarted from not blinking, but he didn't want to miss even a moment of the vision before him. He realized he was holding his breath and concentrated on exhaling slowly before he passed out. It wouldn't do for him to faint and be found there, particularly now!

His faculties began operating again, and he felt his racing pulse pounding lower, as his cock stiffened in response to the pheromones heavy in the air and the delectable sight of her bare body in such an erotic pose. Her breathing was steady, and she hadn't stirred since he had arrived. He stepped closer, and noticed a book lying on the floor by his foot. Carefully lowering to a squat, he picked it up, blinking at the photos that moved in their passionate embrace.

Swallowing back a groan at the throb of his erection, he gently put the book back on the floor, closing it. The closer he got to her, the more he could smell her heady aroma. His mouth watered.

Her head was turned, facing away from his current position, so he sidled around to the other side of the bed, watching her curls quivering across her lips from her breath. Her breast was pressed beneath her, and the curve of it spread out to the side, unhidden by the arm that was bent where she had dropped in exhaustion. His eyes roved over her hungrily. Repeatedly swallowing, he eventually moved back to the foot of the bed, burning eyes drawn to her hand where it lay shadowed between her legs, coated in her spendings.

His knees began to tremble, and he shakily lowered himself to the end of the bed, apprehensively watching her for any sign of waking. Supported on his hands and knees, he bowed lower, inhaling deeply, fighting the urge to bury himself where her hand lay, tamping back the desire to suck her fingers clean.

Gingerly, he crawled alongside her, lying on his side, watching her. His free hand reached out, ghosting above her skin, almost touching, but not. Even so, he could see the goose flesh that followed in his wake.

I could wake her and surprise her now.

Exactly. No. Better to leave her be now, and figure out something else later. Of course, you shouldn't be here anyway. You know how much temptation this is! If you woke her, and she didn't go mental after all, she'd quite likely tempt you even more. Could you fend her off in this state?

Oh, for Merlin's sake. You daft sod...

Ignoring the voice of reason, Snape remained where he was, gazing at Hermione, his hand hovering over her skin. Admiring the dip of her back above the swell of her buttocks, he noticed the dimples on either side of her spine, just above the muscles. A wild urge to dip his tongue into those little divots made his cock twitch, and he sucked in a breath.

Several minutes passed, and he inched closer to her on the bed. He had stretched to reach below her arse, feeling the heat that still radiated from her core, and his breathing came faster. His eyes feverishly swept along her bare body, again and again, and he noted that the goose flesh that had appeared under his almost-caresses had spread. Her whole body was covered with them.

He was seriously contemplating covering her from the cold, when she suddenly stirred, apparently awakened by the chill.

The moment her muscles tensed in preparation for movement, Snape reacted in a blind panic. Instantly rolling away from her, he frantically Disapparated, afraid to take the time to stand.

Down in his bedroom, Snape appeared in thin air above his bed, falling unceremoniously onto his mattress when he Apparated. It was pitch black in his room, and he could hear nought but his laboured breathing, panting from the fright. Fortunately, he had fallen halfway on his side, and managed not to land on his still-hard cock.

Far above his dungeon rooms, Hermione shivered, disoriented. Dragging herself awake, she was startled to realize that she was naked, and her cheeks instantly burned when she noted that her fingers were still lodged between her slippery pussy lips. Pushing herself up and rolling to one side, she sheepishly removed her hand from between her legs, furtively wiping her fingers on the sheet.

While her body was working out what had happened, her mind was racing, unable to shake the feeling that she wasn't alone. Shoving her hair out of her face, she glanced around warily. Crookshanks was asleep in a corner. Frowning, she rolled further, to look alongside the far side of her double bed. It was then that she paused, scowling in confusion at the covers under her breasts.

Why does this part feel warm?

Eyeing the length of the bed, she saw that the covers were mussed, even though she hadn't been on that side.

My gods, was I rolling around that much? Oh for Merlin's sake, just how much did I flail about? Or was Crooks up here? How embarrassing! I hope he wasn't here while I was...

She couldn't even finish the sentence in her mind. Taking a deep breath, she shivered again at the chill and flung herself back over to the other side of the bed, burrowing back under the covers. Teeth starting to chatter as she cocooned herself between the icy sheets, she grabbed her wand and muttered, "Accio nightgown." If she was cold now, she certainly wouldn't want to have to run about starkers in the morning. Besides, what if there was an emergency? It wouldn't do to have to waste time searching for clothing. Depositing the garment on the pillow beside hers, she squirmed, trying to get comfortable, and trying to ignore the slick moisture between her legs.

As she spiralled back down into sleep, her brain fuzzily remembered the almost electric feeling that had spread through her body, in addition to the chill that had woken her. Shivering again, but this time from the ghostly barely-there sensation, she hugged her pillow tighter and blanked her mind, fending off the feeling of a presence near her. Finally, as she fell asleep, the perplexed furrow between her brows smoothed, and she was once again peaceful.

Snape lay on his back, hands gripping the bedspread beneath him as he focused on calming his frenetic pulse.

Bloody hell! She nearly caught you! I told you you should have left!

No harm? You Apparated into thin air, you imbecile! And you should count yourself lucky that you did appear there, instead of splinching or emerging in the bed itself! Try and explain that one, provided you don't die from suffocation, what with mattress stuffing in your bleeding lungs!

All right! Shut up. You've made your point. But... Did you see her? Absolutely stunning...

I saw her. And you acted like you had been hit with a stunning spell. You're risking too much popping in there like that. She's going to catch you at some point. Just get a hold of yourself, man, and stop taking such chances!

Oh for gods'... You would turn it into something like that, wouldn't you? You know what I meant. That's it. I give up. I can't talk to you when you're being unreasonable like this.

Good. Go away. I would much rather be envisioning Hermione anyway.

Snape felt his lips spread in a smile, and he idly waved his wand, stripping his lounge wear from his body. Sucking in a breath at the chill air against his skin, he slid one hand down his belly, lightly caressing his cock. Closing his eyes to concentrate on the delicious image of Hermione naked and wanton, he began squeezing and stroking, snaking his other hand down to cup his balls.

Imagining himself behind her, smoothing his hands over her soft skin, watching her fingers dancing between her legs, savouring the aroma of her arousal, he pumped his cock in his fist, thrusting his hips. He canted his head back, licking his lips as he pictured himself sinking balls deep into her from behind, like the wizard and witch in the book he had picked up off the floor.

His pace increased, and his buttocks flexed, driving his cock into his tight grip. Breath catching, he felt the jolt of pleasure beginning deep inside him, travelling through his core and up and out to force his come over his knuckles, dripping onto his belly. Voicing a deep groan of release, he slowed, fighting the inertia that claimed him. By sheer force of will, he cast a cleansing charm over himself, wearily tugging the covers out from under him and slipping between the sheets. His last coherent thought before sleep took him was, Beautiful.

Hermione slept late the next morning. She had been having erotic dreams that she and Snape were together, and even when she woke, she felt less than perfectly rested. Really, as active as she had been in her dreams, she felt rather worn out!

It was like trying to move through molasses, dragging herself to consciousness at the insistent knocking on her door. Groggy, she croaked, "Just a minute!" Heaving a sigh that turned into a huge yawn, she fumbled for her nightgown, pulling it on as she sat up. Flinging the covers back, she stumbled toward the door, blearily mumbling the counter spells to those she had cast the night before. Finally unlocking everything, she yanked the door open, only to be jolted thoroughly and most unpleasantly awake.

"Morning, Hermione!" Colin Creevey stood there, smiling brightly at her, a tray in his hands.

Blinking rapidly, feeling as if someone had dashed cold water over her, Hermione stammered, "C-Colin?"

"It's getting late, and I didn't want you to miss breakfast, so I talked to Dobby and got a tray from him for you. I know you've been working so hard on everything, and Ron said you seemed kind of down last night, so I thought you could use a little pick-me-up, you know? It's only fair that people do nice things for you. You deserve them."

Hermione felt venomous anger boiling up within her. Colin's blather had faded into white noise after she had heard Ron's name. Sucking in a breath through clenched teeth, Hermione said, "Ron?"

Colin faltered. "Uh, yeah. Last night you seemed kind of blah, and he said you were worried about the next scene with Snape. He admitted that he's been too wrapped up with Susan to spend time with you, and since Harry and Ginny spend time together as well, I thought maybe you might be feeling a bit lonely or left out. So, I wanted to make sure you knew you were appreciated. And I like doing nice things for you, Hermione. I like it a lot." He trailed off, colouring and ducking his head sheepishly.

Hermione didn't know what to do or say. She was furious, but knew she couldn't vent her anger, lest it lead to dangerous questions. In the silence that followed Colin's explanation, she blankly saw him look down, embarrassed. Then, his gaze travelled back up, roving hungrily over her body. Acutely aware that she was clad only in the nightgown, Hermione swallowed hard at the urge to slam the door closed and don twelve layers of clothing.

The awkward silence stretched on, and Colin nervously ventured to fill it. "Anyway, um, I brought you breakfast. I figured maybe a little breakfast in bed might be nice." He shrugged, a shaky smile gracing his pink face. Swallowing, he added, "Why don't you get comfortable, and I can bring it in and serve it to you?"

Hermione nearly choked. Gripping the door so hard that her fingers went white, she managed a strangled, "No!" At Colin's crestfallen look, she said, "I mean, no thank you. I've spent quite enough time in bed already." She felt her cheeks warming and cursed herself for her untimely embarrassment. "I appreciate the thought, Colin, really, I do, but I think it'd be better for me to just get dressed and go down to the Great Hall."

Colin shifted uneasily from foot to foot. "But, look at the time. It's almost time for breakfast to be over. Why rush, when there's a perfectly good breakfast right here, prepared specifically for you by Dobby?"

Hermione cursed inwardly. Glancing at the clock, she saw that Colin was right. If she tried to make it downstairs, she would barely get there before everything disappeared from the long tables. Grinding her teeth, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "All right. Thank you, Colin. I'd be happy to take the tray..."

He cut her off eagerly. "Shall I just bring it in then?" He stepped forward, invading her personal space, but she didn't budge from the door.

"That won't be necessary." He fell back a pace, disappointed. "Tell you what, why don't I take a few minutes to get presentable, and I'll meet you in the common room, okay?"

Colin ducked his head and shrugged. "Oh. Okay. Sure, that'd be fine."

Inching the door closed, Hermione said, "Perfect. I'll see you out there in a few minutes. Bye." She shut the door firmly on his dejected countenance and locked the door, spinning and leaning heavily against it in resignation. Bollocks! Why won't he leave me alone?

Fuming, and resolving to throttle the youngest Weasley male when next she saw him, she charged to the bathroom to get ready to face the day.

Colin was sitting anxiously at a table in the common room, checking that the warming charm on the tray hadn't worn off, when Hermione skulked in. She glanced around furtively, wishing Ginny were around to help her fend off Colin's unwanted advances. Barely acknowledging Colin's beaming expression, she sank into a chair opposite him.

"Here." Colin uncovered eggs, bacon, toast, and fried tomatoes. Tapping his wand on something in his hand, he presented the once-again-normal size pitcher of pumpkin juice. Having poured a glass for her, he said, "I can send for Dobby to get you some tea if you like. I know he'd bring it for you, complete with honey and lemon."

Hermione's eyes widened, and she choked on the toast she had just eaten. Coughing, she waved a hand at him. "No, that's fine. Juice is enough, really." Having said that, she flashed a tight smile as she picked up her glass and gulped to clear her throat.

Brow furrowed in earnest concern, Colin continued, "Are you sure? I mean, you have it with every meal..."

Has he been watching me?

Hermione closed her eyes and grimaced. Taking a deep breath, she said, in a would-be casual voice, "It's no big deal. If it's there, I have some. It's a good thing for one's throat."

Colin's brows rose. "Oh! So it's something good for singers? Maybe I'll try it."

Hermione clenched her teeth. Swallowing hard, she forced herself to have a few bites of eggs and some more toast. Wiping her mouth with a napkin, she pushed back from the table. "Um, thanks, Colin. I'm not very hungry. I appreciate the effort, but you can finish the rest. Listen, I have some work to do. You know, what with N.E.W.T.s and all. I'll see you later." She stood, trying to ignore his expression of crushing disappointment.

"Oh. Okay. I understand. You sure you had enough? You can take this with you if you like. I don't need any."

"I'm fine. Thanks. Tell Dobby it was all fine." She hastily fled toward the doorway. "Um, bye." Waving half-heartedly, she spun and hurried to her room again, leaving Colin gazing after her wistfully.

Once again secluded in her room, Hermione dropped into her desk chair and propped her head in her hands. I thought he was past pursuing me! Why is he at it again? Bloody hell, this just complicates everything even more...

Wishing she could go to Snape for solace and access to his ingenious Slytherin mind, she heaved a deep sigh and dug her work out of her book bag. She really hadn't been lying when she had told Colin she had work to do. And, since she had spent so much time sleeping, she needed to get started! Focusing on the assignment, she gratefully put Colin out of her mind.

When she left her room for the next meal that day, Hermione made a beeline for Ginny, gripping her elbow and steering her away from the others, flashing a tight smile and murmuring, "I need to talk to Ginny for a moment. We won't be long."

Ginny, brows high in surprise and curiosity, meekly submitted to Hermione's manhandling and queried, "What's up?"

Hermione darkly gazed over Ginny's shoulder, seeing Colin across the room sneaking glances at her. As her eyes narrowed and her lips thinned, Ginny cast a glance over her shoulder and saw Colin as well. Inhaling sharply in comprehension, Ginny shot a sympathetic look at Hermione and hissed, "Again?"

Hermione nodded grimly, and growled, "I'm going to kill Ron!"

"Ron?" Ginny scowled in confusion. "What'd he do?"

"Apparently, Ron thinks I'm upset about doing 'Point of No Return' with Professor Snape, and he managed to lead Colin to believe that I needed 'nice things' done for me to cheer me up. Colin showed up at my door this morning to serve me 'breakfast in bed'!" Her jaw throbbed as she clenched her teeth in anger.

Ginny's mouth fell open in astonishment. "Bugger all!" Hermione tilted her head and crossed her arms, still seething. Shaking her head, Ginny muttered, "Idiot! Lemme' guess, you want me to run block for you again, until we can somehow manage to make Colin believe that you're not interested?"

Hermione nodded wearily. "Yes. And I swear, I don't care how tired I may be from now on, I'm setting my alarm, so nobody can get the brilliant idea to bring me breakfast!"

Ginny snorted, then said, "It is unlike you to sleep so late. Are you okay?"

Hermione blinked, flushing. Ducking her head, she murmured, "I'm fine. Just... just a little tired is all. You know, late nights."

Ginny cocked a sceptical eyebrow at her, but merely pursed her lips and said, "Mmm." Glancing at the others where they were waiting with growing impatience, she said, "Ready to go?"

Hermione nodded, and they strode over to the others. Hermione stuck close to Ginny, avoiding Colin's eager eye. The chattering group made its way to the Great Hall, and Hermione gratefully sat beside Ginny, pulling Neville down on her other side.

Colin discreetly sat several seats away, on the other side of the table, still within a reasonable distance to watch Hermione. When Hermione glanced up at the High Table, she saw Snape surreptitiously peering through his hair at her. Unbidden, her previous night's exploits came to mind, and she felt the heat creeping up her cheeks. Curiously, Snape seemed to look a bit uncomfortable, too. She could tell from the set of his shoulders, and the way he handled his utensils. Wondering what was going on, she reached for the teapot, needing the familiar ritual to soothe her unsettled state.

Snape inclined his head and followed her lead. A knot of anxiety loosened in Hermione's gut, and she sighed. Mixing in the honey and lemon, she glanced up again, only to see that, further down the table, Colin was mimicking her actions, and he was preparing a cup of tea just like hers. Righteous indignation flared up, and she froze, staring in disbelief at the younger boy stirring his tea.

Snape saw her abrupt change in demeanour, and he frowned, searching for the source of her ire. Following her glare, he saw Colin, blissfully unaware that he had intruded on their moment of bonding. Anger spreading like poison through his veins, he paused his preparations as well and found himself staring hatefully at the boy, just like Hermione.

Colin happened to look up at Hermione again and he blinked, taken aback by her expression. Blanching a little, he slowed in his stirring, offering a shaky smile at the girl who was staring daggers at him. Attempting to appease her, he lifted his teacup at her, nodding and murmuring "Cheers."

Hermione glared coldly at him, deliberately pushing her teacup away from her and sipping from her pumpkin juice instead. Rebellious rage pulsed in her chest, making it feel tight, and she breathed heavily, fighting off the impulse to cry in frustration.

Colin flushed, cowed by her expression, but he drank his tea nonetheless. Up on the High Table, Snape watched in impotent fury as Hermione pointedly abandoned her teacup. Fingers tightening on the china in an effort to not hex the blasted boy, he saw her shoulders rising and falling quickly, her face going blotchy, and her chin trembling. Gods above, if she cries because of him, I swear I will make him regret it!

Hermione passed a hand over her eyes, then cradled her head in her hands, grappling with her body for control. Finally, she vowed to not look at Colin again, and she swallowed hard, smoothing her hands over her hair and resettling herself in her seat. Stoic, she ate her meal, refusing to turn her gaze from the food. Thus, she missed the unspoken threat that was clear in Snape's black gaze at Colin.

The tea Snape had prepared sat cooling in front of him. The thought of actually drinking it at the moment was thoroughly repugnant to him. Hoping that their private ritual wasn't spoiled for good, he leant back in his chair, right elbow propped on the chair arm and fingers tracing his frowning lips. Brooding, he watched until Hermione finished her meal and left, still stiff. Colin stared after her, and when he drooped dejectedly, Snape's eyes narrowed in malicious triumph.

Rising smoothly and stalking out of the Hall, Snape paused, considering Apparating to her room to comfort her, but his reasonable side clamped down on him so hard that he didn't even allow himself to Apparate to his quarters, and he walked down to the dungeons instead.

It wasn't until the following day that Hermione managed to corner Ron. The Gryffindor team had been practicing, and they had just returned, sweaty and wind-chapped. Hermione had been at a large table in the common room, books and parchment and charts spread all over it. When she saw them all clamber through the portrait hole, she quickly stood and walked over to stand by the doorway to the boys' dormitory. Smiling and nodding in return to the greetings sent her way, she waited until Ron was ambling past her to reach out and grab his arm, like a cobra striking.

Startled, Ron blinked at her. "Wha...? Hermione?"

Hermione was glaring at him, and she firmly steered him to the other corridor and to her room. Baffled, Ron submitted, waiting until she had shoved him into her room and slammed the door behind them to speak.

"What's wrong?"

Hermione pointed imperiously at the armchair and Ron sank into it, bewildered. Crossing her arms and tapping her foot in agitation, Hermione narrowed her eyes at Ron and huffed. Finally, she growled, "I could hex your bollocks off right now..."

Ron jerked back in wary surprise. Perplexed, he said, "What'd I do?"

Hermione planted her hands on her hips and bent toward him, making him pull back into the chair's stuffing. "Colin showed up at my door yesterday morning to serve me breakfast in bed!"

Swallowing, Ron grimaced. "What's that got to do with me?" He unconsciously crossed his legs tighter, laying his wrists across his lap in a defensive posture.

Chin jutting forward in anger, Hermione hissed, "Somebody seemed to give him the idea that I was upset and that he should do nice things for me!"

Eyes widening, Ron spread his hands out and protested, "What's wrong with that? You were in a bad mood, and there's nothing wrong with doing something nice for someone!"

Hermione spun around, flinging her hands up in frustration and canting her head back to gaze at the ceiling. "But it's Colin!"

She dropped to her bed, falling backwards and draping her arms over her eyes. Ron, concerned and still confused, moved to sit by her, peering down at her covered face. "So?"

Hermione slammed her hands onto the bed at her sides, glaring reproachfully at Ron. "I don't like him the way he likes me, and I've been trying to get him to give over already and quit pursuing the matter! You remember that he kissed me on New Year's Eve. I tried to let him down easy then, and even Ginny's been telling him to back off, but now you've gone and stirred things up again, and he's back at it again, only this time it's worse!" She paused, sucking in a breath on the tail of that outburst. Closing her eyes again, she murmured, "I just want him to leave me alone. I like him okay, but I don't want to date him. And he's absolutely maddening, following me around like a puppy!"

Ron swallowed, offering her a sheepish lopsided smile. "Oops. Sorry. I could tell that he liked you. But I didn't know you were so averse to the idea. I mean, you're single, and I thought it might be nice if you were part of a couple too, like me and Susan and Harry and Ginny..." He trailed off, looking away.

Hermione felt a surge of remorse that she had been so harsh on him. He really had just wanted her to be happy. How could he have known that she already was part of a couple and that she was happy? Sitting up and resting a hand on his arm, she said, "Thanks, Ron, but... let me find my own partner, okay?" He grimaced and nodded ruefully. Giving him a wan smile, she continued, "Speaking of you and Susan, I guess things are going pretty well, since we hardly see you anymore."

Ron beamed, nodding. "We're great! I'm sorry I've been neglecting you, 'Mione..."

Hermione squeezed his arm. "I'm not trying to guilt you, Ron. I'm happy for you." She smiled more. "Now, let's just agree that I'll handle my own love life from here on out, and you'll not encourage Colin, since I'm decidedly not interested, deal?"

He nodded, and they shook hands, laughing. On impulse, Hermione hugged him, then she pulled back, nose wrinkling. "Phew! Shower time for you, Weasley-boy."

Ron smirked. "Well, if I remember correctly, I was on my way when I was so abruptly kidnapped."

Rolling her eyes, Hermione stood, tugging Ron to his feet and shoving him toward the door. "Go! Off with you. Get out and bathe before you stink up my room." Ron laughed as he exited. Standing in her doorway, Hermione shook her head in mock-exasperation and sighed loudly. "Honestly! Boys..."

Grinning back at Ron as he spun and offered her a flourishing bow, she shut her door and took a deep, cleansing breath. There. Hopefully that will help. After checking on Crookshanks's food and water, she went back to her assignment in the common room, still relieved that Colin was nowhere to be seen.

The week passed slowly. Hermione felt particularly stressed, what with worrying that Colin was still pursuing her and not having a chance to spend any time with Snape. Unfortunately, another student had stayed after class that Wednesday with a legitimate issue, so Hermione hadn't even been able to take a couple of minutes to linger and talk to Snape. The disappointment of that rankled, and the nervous, jittery feeling that she was being watched just compounded her unease.

Friday, Hermione was practically champing at the bit at dinner, squirming in her seat as she awaited Snape's approach. Toying with her potatoes, she looked up, startled, as Harry and Ginny came rushing over to the table, grinning and almost bursting with excitement.

As they tumbled into their seats, Harry breathlessly announced, "Hogsmeade trip next Saturday, Valentine's Day! Dumbledore just posted it on the notice board!"

The excitement and hubbub swept down the long table like wildfire. Smiles and laughter burst forth among the third years and up, and some students flew to their friends at other tables to spread the news.

Hermione watched, bemused, as Ginny beamed impartially around her. "Isn't it just perfect timing, 'Mione? I mean, we get to go to Hogsmeade for the first time since before Christmas, and it's on Valentine's Day! Madam Puddifoot's is going to be packed."

Hermione chuckled. "I'm sure Honeydukes will be full too, what with people buying sweets for their sweethearts." She sighed, and Ginny was instantly contrite.

Leaning across the table to pat Hermione's hand consolingly, Ginny whispered, "I'm sorry. It must be hard for you. I didn't mean to shove it in your face."

Hermione shook her head. "It's okay. I'm sure you lot will have a great time. I don't know that I'll go yet. It might just be too much to handle, especially if you-know-who is still following me around."

Pretending confusion, but with a saucy twinkle in her eye, Ginny said, "Who? Voldemort?"

Hermione snorted and favoured Ginny with a glare before laughing. "Oh yeah. Him." The girls giggled, then Harry diverted Ginny's attention by asking her what she wanted to do for Valentine's Day.

As conversations buzzed around her, Hermione cast a glance up at the High Table. Snape was staring off into space, his expression a brown study. Looking warily at Colin, she saw he was involved in an animated conversation with several other boys, and she felt it was safe to have some tea. Ever since his intrusion the previous weekend, Hermione had been loath to attempt to share tea with Snape if Colin was around.

She quickly prepared a cup, repeatedly casting furtive glances at Snape. Finally, he noticed, and she smiled to herself at how hastily he scrambled to join her.

Not long after they had shared a cuppa, she saw him shoot to his feet and briskly stride down toward her. Eagerly, she shoved back from the table and stood, waiting for him to reach her. His eyes were trained on hers as he approached, and she felt a tingle race through her.

"Miss Granger, I take it you have finished your meal?"

"Yes, sir. I'm ready."

"Very well, come along." He jerked his head at her and continued down the aisle. Hermione followed at his heels, relieved to be with him at last. Just outside the Great Hall, he gripped her arm, quirked his lips at her, and Disapparated.

They appeared in his sitting room and instantly embraced.

"Oh, thank the gods... I've missed you so much." Hermione pressed her face against his chest, squeezing hard around his waist.

Snape kissed her hair, murmuring, "And I, you, love. It's been a long week, indeed. You seem more stressed than usual. What's wrong?" He pulled back, eyeing her with solicitous concern.

Hermione heaved a sigh and said, "Just silly boys again. Nothing for you to worry about."

Snape scowled and said, "It's that Creevey boy again, isn't it? I saw you glaring at him last weekend when he so rudely intruded on our tea. Is he still bothering you, Hermione?" The menacing, warning note in his voice made Hermione cringe.

Reaching up and caressing his cheek, she said, "He still likes me, but I'm working on getting rid of him. And I don't mean at the bottom of the lake... Don't do anything to him, Severus, I mean it!"

Snape sulked, pulling away and crossing his arms over his chest. In a sullen voice, he said, "It's a shame I don't have the blasted boy in class, or I'd at least have an excuse to take points or give him detention."

Hermione rolled her eyes and shot him an aggrieved glance. "Just leave it be. I'm working on it." She gestured for him to sit, and collected the hair products. Taking her usual position behind him, she continued, "I doubt it would have even been a problem, had Ron not butted in."

"What did that Weasley do?"

Hermione lightly rapped him on the head as she brushed his hair. "Stop it. He thought I was upset about performing 'Point of No Return' with you, and apparently Colin was around when Ron was saying something about me needing cheering up. Unfortunately, Colin took that as renewed hope. I already gave Ron the what-for. We made a deal that I'd handle my own love life, thank-you-very-much, and he'd stop encouraging Colin, overtly or otherwise."

Snape merely voiced a non-committal grunt.

Slyly, Hermione added, "As if I would be upset at performing that scene with you..." She bent down and kissed his neck where she had bared it. Snape shuddered under her touch and turned to peer at her through hooded eyes.

"That scene is tonight. You do realize that from here on out, rehearsal could be problematic, don't you?"

Hermione sighed and nodded ruefully. "I do. It will be awkward enough with everyone's prejudices, but to have to perform like that with you, and not be able to let my true feelings show... It'll be very trying, to say the least."

Snape turned, soberly capturing her hand in his and pinning her with an intense gaze. "It will be. But we'll have to endure it. We can't slip up, Hermione."

She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. "I know. Really, I do." Then, she uttered a mirthless laugh and said, "Perhaps I'll just pretend I'm performing with Colin. That'll certainly snuff any feelings."

Snape frowned in reproach, tugging away from her. His voice was flat as he said, "Never compare me with that boy."

Hermione gazed at him, caressing his hair in apology. "I don't mean it that way, dear heart. Honest. You should know me better than that by now." With that, she leant forward and kissed him, a tender benison of love. Snape relaxed minutely.

Breaking apart, he turned around again, the injunction for her to finish her task implicit in his posture. "So, what had everyone so worked up this evening? The whole Gryffindor table was nearly out of control."

"Oh! Apparently Dumbledore just posted that next Saturday is a Hogsmeade outing. And, since it's also Valentine's Day, everyone was excited."

Snape snorted. "Indeed. I had already been informed of the outing, but I had no idea such a simple thing would cause such a furore."

Hermione shook her head. "Oh, give over. Didn't you enjoy Hogsmeade trips when you were in school?"

Snape shrugged. "It's nothing to write home about, particularly when one hasn't pocket money at his disposal." He paused, then tacked on, "And Valentine's Day is abominable. Surely you remember how horrid and tacky the Great Hall looked under the charge of that Lockhart idiot." He gave an exaggerated shudder of revulsion.

Hermione laughed. "It did look rather like there had been an explosion of Pepto-Bismol."

"Pepto-what?"

"Pepto-Bismol. It's a Muggle medicine for indigestion and other stomach problems. Didn't you ever encounter it before you came to Hogwarts?" She paused, continuing only after he shook his head. "It's like a bubblegum-pink potion."

Snape looked askance at the prospect. All he said was a dubious, "Indeed."

Hermione giggled, then sobered and said, "Haven't you ever enjoyed Valentine's Day?"

Snape's shoulders twitched, and he said, "Hermione, haven't you caught on by now that my school days didn't afford me much chance of partaking in such frivolous pursuits?"

She made a moue of regret and slipped her arms around him from behind, hugging him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."

"I'm not upset. I just never saw the draw of Valentine's Day. It all seemed to be such a superficial, commercial attempt at forcing affection."

"You're not the only one to think that. Of course, there's also the thought that those who feel that way are just sour grapes since they don't have a sweetheart and they're lonely." She waited, knowing she had baited him, expecting some sort of outraged response.

Snape twisted in his seat to face her, a faint smile on his lips. Hermione blinked, unsure of what was to come, particularly since he looked almost smug. Holding her breath, she steeled herself.

His voice was low and sensual when he spoke, completely surprising her. "Well, I guess we'll see how I feel about it this year, seeing that I do have a...what did you say? Sweetheart? No, that's much too childish. I think the term 'lover' is more appropriate."

A throb of heat ambushed her, pulsing deep in her core. Breath catching at the wicked, seductive promise in his tone, she simply stared at him, nodding weakly. His lips spread in a feral grin, and he chuckled, turning back so she could finish with the pomade.

When he felt her finally resume her task...she had been still for a long moment...he politely queried, "Will you be accompanying your friends to Hogsmeade then?"

Hermione, head still swimming from the erotic images that had flooded her mind in response to his remark, struggled to comprehend his question. "What? Oh, I don't know. Maybe. I haven't decided yet."

She secured his hair in the elastic and lightly tapped his shoulders. Snape stood and spun to face her, his expression still amused. He glanced at the time, noting that they had over ten minutes before rehearsal, and stepped closer to her, cupping her elbow. Without warning, he Apparated them to his bedroom, where he immediately wrapped his arms around her and descended on her with a consuming kiss.

Hermione's senses reeled under the onslaught. Gasping, scrabbling to embrace him in return, she moaned into his mouth, tendrils of fire streaking through her, ending in the slick puddle forming in her knickers.

Pulling away from his kiss, she gasped, "Severus! You're not helping matters!"

Snape, nibbling along the cord of her throat, murmured, "What do you mean?"

Closing her eyes at the flashes of sensation brought to life under his clever tongue, she murmured, "Rehearsal tonight will be bad enough without being frustrated. Please, stop..."

His answering purr in her ear was her undoing. "Who said anything about being frustrated?" With that, he picked her up and strode quickly to the bed, depositing her on it. She squeaked at the predatory intent clear in his eyes as he crawled beside her, one deft hand sliding beneath her robes to find the slippery heat between her thighs.

Gripping the bedspread and arching back at his touch, Hermione uttered a ragged, voiceless groan. He covered her mouth with his, probing and caressing with his tongue just as his fingers did further down. He could feel her response building, shameless in its speed.

Growling, he removed his hand, making her whimper in disappointment, but her encouraging keen as he moved urgently to rest between her knees spurred him on. Wanton, she hooked her feet around his narrow hips, pulling him closer, gasping as he ground his erection along her cleft. They were snogging feverishly as he rocked and thrust against her.

It took mere minutes for them to reach their peaks. As she ground her hips under him, panting in her climb to orgasm, he began chanting, "Yes, love, yes, gods, so beautiful, yes, my love, come, yes, now, gods, now, yes, come for me, yes, now, yesss!"

When she moaned, shaking in her release, he thrust faster against her, feeling his cock swelling even more. Only seconds after her climax, he came, his cry of ecstasy strangled in his throat.

Both panting in the wake of their tumultuous affair, they clung tightly to each other, as if trying to meld into one being. Snape pressed a kiss on the trembling pulse point at her throat, and she sighed.

"Yes... Lover... Much more appropriate..." Her whisper was weak, but her certainty was evident. Snape grinned.

Kissing her once more, he pulled back and retorted, his voice a low rumble, "Indeed, seeing as how I love you, Hermione." The wonder and joy in her eyes at his statement made his chest tighten again, and he buried his face in her neck, crushing her to him. Her resulting squeak made him loosen his grip and roll away, cursing the time. "Damn and blast! We've only enough time to clean up and Apparate upstairs." He quickly cast a cleansing charm on himself, gesturing for her to use his bathroom.

Hermione hurried to the bathroom, using the toilet and splashing cold water on her face to cool her flaming cheeks. She didn't know whether to be relieved or apprehensive that he seemed to have got over his embarrassment after the last time they had climaxed together. Vainly, she drew her wet hands over her dishevelled hair, trying to tame it. Heaving a sigh to regain her composure, she emerged from the bathroom to see Snape already there, mask in hand, waiting for her. A quick glance at the time showed her that they were cutting it close, and she gripped his arm without a word.

With a silent nod of approval, Snape Apparated them to the back of the theatre again, falling back a pace or two as Hermione bustled down the aisle to join the others that had just arrived.

Dumbledore was setting the stage for "Don Juan," and Dean was already hovering in the wing, waiting to take his place onstage. Dumbledore turned to Harry, Ron, and Neville and gestured for them to take their places in the Boxes to one side. Pansy lounged in the wing with Draco, and Terry, Colin, and Seamus stood near the apron in a clump, watching the proceedings. McGonagall and Ginny were standing in the other wing, and McGonagall was telling Ginny what she planned to do for her blocking during the scene. Hermione stood patiently behind Dumbledore, waiting for him to finish his tasks.

Finally, as Dumbledore gazed at everything to make sure it was where it should be, Hermione ascended the stage, standing beside the proscenium arch. Dumbledore spun, searching for Snape. He beamed when he saw the Potions Master leaning idly against the apron, his arms propped on the edge and his ankles crossed.

"Severus, you'll need to be behind the bed curtain to start. Of course, our original Don Juan will also be there, another unfortunate victim of the Punjab lasso." He shook his head in mock regret, still smiling. "Now then, are you ready?"

Snape pushed off from the apron, nodding slowly. But, as he approached the headmaster, he spoke, his voice solemn. "I am. But I daresay the rest of the cast may not be."

Brow furrowed, Dumbledore said, "What do you mean?"

Snape cast a dark glance over the waiting students, then tilted his head closer to the older man, wishing his hair were free to cloak his face. "Albus, surely you realize how delicate a situation the rest of this play is. Miss Granger and I have established a satisfactory working relationship, and I will not take kindly to juvenile outbursts about our performances." He fixed Dumbledore with a steely glare, and the old man nodded sagely.

"I quite understand, Severus. Yes, I see your point. I would be more than happy to remind the students that you and Miss Granger are adults, and you are handling your roles as professionals..."

Snape cut him off. "Actually, sir, I would prefer to be the one to do that." They locked gazes for a long moment, and finally Dumbledore inclined his head in acquiescence. Mirroring him, Snape murmured, "Thank you, Headmaster."

Dumbledore gestured for Snape to take the stage, and Snape Apparated to downstage centre, getting everyone's attention by doing so.

"If I may have everyone's attention..." He paused, gazing about, seeing every eye on him. Hermione was watching him with a perplexed expression. "The headmaster has graciously allowed me to make this announcement. We are about to begin a rather... intense portion of this story." Again, he paused for effect, noting the uncomfortable looks some students exchanged.

Drawing himself up regally, he crossed his arms over his chest and continued, his voice stern. "I am well aware of the varying opinions about performing the scenes to come. I want to make perfectly clear that I will not allow anyone to harass Miss Granger for her dedication to her role. Most of us here are adults, and as such, I expect you to behave as adults." He narrowed his eyes, frowning forebodingly.

"If I find out that anyone has caused our lead actress any distress, he or she will answer to me." He couldn't help casting a menacing look at Colin, who was wide-eyed and pale. Glaring about impartially, he inhaled deeply and dropped his hands to his sides. In a very low voice, barely above a whisper, he added, "Have I made myself abundantly clear?"

A ripple of assent washed over the group, but his attention was drawn by one rather loud, "Crystal." He snapped his gaze to the source of the voice and saw Ginny looking at him with obvious approval. Snorting, he looked at Draco and beckoned for him to take his place, walking to the curtained bed.

His movement seemed to break the thrall he had over the cast, and they all moved to their positions, muttering and whispering. Hermione stood in the wing, chin up, attitude lofty, but with a dreadful fluttering in her stomach. Dumbledore stepped forward and cleared his throat.

"Yes, well... Professor Snape makes a good point, and I stand behind his assessment of the situation." With a sharp nod, he continued, "Now then, Dean, if you would begin with your line..."

Dean nodded, and rehearsal began with him saying, "Master?"

From within the curtains of the bed, Snape waved an airy hand to Draco, indicating he should sit down and make himself comfortable until he was seen next, and replied, "Passarino, go away for the trap is set and waits for its prey."

Dean exited, and Hermione entered, gazing about in curiosity as she sat at the table downstage. Snape peeked out from the curtains, waiting until she was seated to slink out and come up behind her to begin his lines.

Hermione picked up an apple from the table, inspecting it and polishing it. Snape crept up behind her and recited, "You have come here in pursuit of your deepest urge, in pursuit of that wish which till now has been silent, silent..." As he hovered at her shoulders, he reached around her to pluck the apple from her grasp and set it back on the table.

As soon as he had begun speaking, Hermione froze, her attitude one of wary apprehension. When his hand came around in front of her to take the apple from her, she watched it with wide eyes, never looking away, and her hand hovered in midair, empty. Thus, when he lifted his hand to grip hers as he continued, "I have brought you that our passions may fuse and merge..." she stared at it in fascination until he stepped to her side and gently pulled her from her seat.

Snape backed away, pulling her away from the table as he said, "In your mind, you've already succumbed to me, dropped all defences, completely succumbed to me...now you are here with me: no second thoughts, you've decided, decided..." Once they were centre stage, he held her hand, her arm still outstretched, and slowly circled behind her, his other hand gesturing and hovering over her head. Hermione stood as if mesmerised, her gaze still on his hand gripping hers.

He was standing right behind her as he said, "Past the point of no return..." He slid his hand along her arm, and she blinked, shaking her head minutely and starting to turn her head to look over her shoulder. His other hand snaked around to grasp her chin and guide her to face front again as he said, "No backward glances: the games we've played till now are at an end..." His right hand had trailed all the way up her right arm to her shoulder, and his left hand had dropped to her left shoulder after releasing her chin, and he wrapped his fingers over the points of her shoulders, continuing, "Past all thought of 'if' or 'when'..."

Hermione lifted her hands to cross in front of her and grasp his hands on her shoulders, eyes closed at his voice in her ear, and Snape said, "No use resisting: abandon thought, and let the dream descend..." He tugged his hands from beneath hers and splayed his fingers over the crown of her head, guiding her to tilt back against his shoulder. His hands dropped to their sides as he began, "What raging fire shall flood the soul? What rich desire unlocks its door?" Surrounding her with his arms, he gripped her hands where they still lay on her shoulders, guiding them down, so her own hands slid down her body until her wrists were crossed at her waist. Then, he reached up to barely caress her throat, bared as it was to his touch with her head on his shoulder.

Abruptly, when he said, "What sweet seduction lies before us...?" his left hand reached around and grabbed her right hand, and he pulled away from her enough to tug on her hand, twirling her away until their arms were stretched out between them. Her eyes flew open in surprise, but she followed his lead and pirouetted away, gazing back at him when she stopped at arm's length.

Snape released her hand as he said, "Past the point of no return, the final threshold..." slowly advancing on her as her arm dropped to her side. He was towering over her, body bowed toward her as he continued, "What warm, unspoken secrets will we learn? Beyond the point of no return?" They stared at each other, unmoving while he finished his lines.

Finally, it was Hermione's turn. Snape didn't move, watching her intently as she began, "You have brought me to that moment where words run dry," and Hermione lifted her hand to lightly press her fingers to his lips as she said, "to that moment where speech disappears into silence, silence..." Snape's breath caught, but he remained frozen, eyes glittering at her.

Her hand dropped and she spun away from him as she said, "I have come here, hardly knowing the reason why..." She crossed back to the table, idly tracing her fingers over the wood as she continued, "In my mind I've already imagined our bodies entwining, defenceless and silent..." Her eyes closed and she crossed her arms, sliding her hands up her arms to embrace herself. Pausing to take a deep breath, she went on, "And now I am here with you:" opening her eyes and turning to gaze back at Snape, "no second thoughts," shaking her head slowly, "I've decided, decided..."

She turned to face Snape, slowly crossing back to him as she said, "Past the point of no return...no going back now: our passion play has now, at last, begun..." letting her hands drop to her sides as she walked. Once again, they gazed at each other as she said, "Past all thought of right or wrong...one final question: How long should we two wait before we're one?" She reached forward and grasped his hand, lifting them between them and lacing their fingers together.

Then, before she went on, she glanced sharply up at Snape and whispered, "Dance with me." At her direction, Snape raised her hand and watched her twirl beneath it, her right hand twisting in his left. She twirled toward him, and he lowered their hands so his arm was corralling her and her back was flush against him as she said, "When will the blood begin to race?" When he felt her start to move away, he guided her in her whirl, stepping a pace back and stretching their arms between them as she ended her spin and flung her left arm out dramatically as she said, "The sleeping bud burst into bloom?"

She tugged her hand free from Snape's and darted toward the table again, gesturing with both hands at the candlestick on it as she said, "When will the flames at last consume us?" She pulled her hands to her body, curling her fingers into fists and dragging them down her chest as she closed her eyes and arched her back, letting her head fall back in sensual abandon. Snape's eyes went wide at the sight, but he maintained his composure. When she finished her line, she straightened again and turned to look at him. Taking deliberate, measured steps toward him, she pinned him with a sultry gaze, nodding faintly in approval when he mirrored her and strode her direction.

They were closing the distance between them as they both recited, "Past the point of no return, the final threshold...the bridge is crossed so stand and watch it burn..." When they met, Snape captured her left hand and wrapped both hands around it as they said, "We've passed the point of no return..." At the end of the final word, he ducked his head and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. Hermione simply stared up at him.

The silence that followed was charged with intensity, and Snape never broke their gaze as he gently slipped one hand from hers and reached into his pocket, saying, "Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime... Lead me, save me from my solitude..." Miming presenting a ring to Hermione, he continued, "Say you want me with you, here, beside you..." She nodded, and he sank to one knee, looking up at her and pretending to slip a ring on her finger as he said, "Anywhere you go let me go too...Christine, that's all I ask of..."

Hermione had lifted her right hand toward Snape's face after he had mimed placing the ring on her finger, looking as if she were going to caress him, but right before he could say "you," she pushed the mask up and over his head, revealing his face.

Snape jerked back, and he glanced about wildly. Shooting to his feet, Hermione's hand still held fast, he tugged her to him and wrapped his arms around her from behind, Disapparating.

Dumbledore called for attention, ready to direct the chaos that was supposed to ensue, but he jumped, startled, as Snape and Hermione appeared right behind him. Casting a reproachful yet appreciative look at his Potions Master, Dumbledore muttered, "Merlin! Don't do that, Severus!" At Snape's answering smirk, Dumbledore rolled his eyes and chuckled. "That was quite spectacular, you two." He beamed at them, then his brows drew together and he drawled, "You may let go now, Severus."

Both Snape and Hermione jumped as if stung. Hermione had been leaning back against Snape, still wrapped in his embrace, and neither one had thought to resume their school personas. Hermione flushed awkwardly, nervously handing the mask back to him, and Snape cleared his throat, murmuring a hasty apology to Hermione. Dumbledore snorted at their discomfiture and mildly said, "Why don't you two copy down all that lovely blocking before you forget it, while I get the next part going. I'll show you where to go next when we're ready." He turned his attention back to the stage, and Snape and Hermione exchanged guilty glances, each hurriedly taking out their scripts and scribbling down their movements.

Dumbledore focused back on the rest of the cast, saying, "All right, as soon as Miss Granger removes Professor Snape's mask, you three gentlemen are supposed to come rushing out to apprehend the Phantom." He pointed at Terry, Colin, and Seamus and they nodded. "Once they have disappeared, Miss Weasley, you are to come out and open the bed curtain, where we will all be able to see Mr. Malfoy. Can you scream without hurting your throat?" At Ginny's nod, he continued, "Excellent. Now then, the entire set will rotate, so it will look like we are watching it from behind, and once it's all settled, the rest of you will rush out onto the stage. Miss Parkinson, you obviously approach Mr. Malfoy and begin your lament. Mr. Weasley and Mr. Longbottom, you make your way down from the box and stand off to the side for your parts. Mr. Potter, you too will arrive, and Professor McGonagall will attract your attention, leading you to the opposite side of the stage from the managers. Miss Weasley, you follow Professor McGonagall and join her and Mr. Potter while Miss Parkinson approaches Mr. Weasley. You gentlemen will retrieve a stretcher from the wings and will carry Mr. Malfoy offstage." He pointed to Dean and Terry. Then, pointing to Colin and Seamus, he said, "And you two will be bustling around, looking for any way the Phantom could have disappeared."

He cast an attentive gaze over the group. "Everyone ready?" A ripple of assent swept through the cast, and Dumbledore said, "Go back to your places, and we'll begin the shift." People scattered, hastening to their places, eager to continue.

Snape and Hermione stood in the house behind Dumbledore, a properly dignified distance between them, watching the blocking. At Dumbledore's "Now!" everyone moved to their assigned positions: Ginny rushed out and pulled the curtain open, and Draco listed convincingly to one side, feigning death. At Ginny's shriek, he twitched, a faint scowl forming before he relaxed again.

Harry, Ron, and Neville raced down onto the stage while Dumbledore rotated the set. As soon as the set was still, Pansy rushed over to Draco, followed by Terry, Colin, Dean, and Seamus. While she screamed and cried, Ron and Neville moaned their lines to one side. Pansy then attacked Ron, and he looked properly horrified at her histrionics, grabbing her wrists to keep her from pounding him while she wailed. Dean and Terry placed Draco on a stretcher and carried him offstage while Colin and Seamus darted about, peering behind things and examining the stage. McGonagall beckoned to Harry, and he hurried to join her, followed by Ginny.

As soon as McGonagall finished her last line to Harry, Dumbledore cried, "Stop!" Everyone froze, turning wide eyes to him. He was beaming. "No worries, that's just where we end tonight." He chuckled at their relieved expressions. "All right, you know what comes next..."

Sniggers erupted all around and several voices muttered, "Back to the beginning and do it again..."

Dumbledore bowed, his eyes twinkling. "Ah, but don't forget: write down your blocking first."

Everyone shuffled offstage, making notes, and Dumbledore reset the stage. Snape and Hermione parted ways, each taking their places to begin the scene. When he arrived at the bed, Snape looked at Draco and said, "If one is dead, one should not jump when someone else screams."

Draco flushed, scowling at the censure. "She was just so loud! I wasn't ready for it. Now I know what's coming." Snape cocked an eyebrow at the boy, snorting faintly. Draco fumed, saying nastily, "At least I don't have to get all touchy-feely with Granger. Ugh!"

Snape whipped around, eyes blazing and face white with rage. Draco's eyes flew wide open as Snape advanced on him, looming over him and forcing the boy to shrink back onto the bed. Hissing, Snape spat, "Enough! What have I said about keeping your mouth shut, Mr. Malfoy?" Draco swallowed, unable to speak, staring up at Snape in fear. Snape pinned the boy with a deadly gaze, his furious face inches from Draco's now pale one.

Neither of them noticed Dean's voice saying, "Master?" Not even when he repeated it. Finally, at Dumbledore's gesture, Dean opened the bed curtain, and the cast was met with the startling sight of Draco cowering under a livid Snape.

Snape snapped his attention to the movement, taken aback by seeing Dean's bewildered face peering at him and Dumbledore's perplexed expression. Jerking back, he shot one last poisonous look at Draco before rumbling, "I beg your pardon, Headmaster. My apologies for missing my cue."

"What on earth is going on?" Dumbledore stared up at him, confused.

Clearing his throat, Snape continued, "I was merely addressing a discipline issue as Head of House. I assure you," and he pinned Draco with a steely glare, "it won't happen again. Will it, Mr. Malfoy?"

Draco looked sullen, but he sat back up and muttered, "No, sir."

Snape turned his attention to Dumbledore and sketched an apologetic bow. "May we begin again, sir?"

Dumbledore eyed him thoughtfully, but said, "Certainly. Mr. Thomas, close the curtain and start again."

This time, when Dean began, Snape responded on cue, and rehearsal marched on. Snape and Hermione smoothed out their blocking and timing, now that they knew what they were planning on doing. Dumbledore rotated the set smoothly, and the chaos went off as directed. Satisfied with the progress, Dumbledore announced, "As usual, this time we'll add the music."

He set the music box and the scene began again. The electric connection between Snape and Hermione became apparent again once they began singing. When they finished the song, and Snape Disapparated with Hermione, the other cast members had to shake off the thrall of their magnetic interactions in order to proceed with their parts.

While pandemonium reigned onstage, Snape and Hermione appeared in the space under the trap door. They were both breathing heavily with the emotions stirred up by their song, and they locked eyes for one brief moment before lunging at each other and coming together in a searing kiss. Hands framing each other's face, they broke apart and rested their foreheads against each other, breathing deeply in an attempt to regain their composure.

After a moment, Hermione backed up enough to cast a mischievous glance up at him and whispered, "Imagine how much harder it would be if we hadn't..." She trailed off and raised her brows meaningfully, a wicked smile lurking about her lips.

Snape grinned and breathed, "Trust me, it's still hard." The devious gleam in his eye at his intended double meaning made Hermione stifle a gasp and a giggle.

Clapping a hand over her mouth, she glared at him and jerked her head toward the stage above them, where the scene was about to end. Nodding and sighing in regret, Snape tucked her arm through his and Apparated them to a back corner of one of the wings, where they parted to maintain a proper distance again.

Dumbledore snapped the music box closed at the end of the scene, and everyone emerged from their respective places to congregate onstage. Hermione strode forward to join her friends, and Snape hung back behind the group. Draco was pointedly avoiding his gaze.

While Dumbledore was busy moving things onstage, Ron cast a disconcerted look at Hermione and grimaced, saying, "Wow, 'Mione, that was a helluva lot more than I wanted to see."

All at once, Hermione scowled, Neville gestured as if to try to stop Ron from commenting, cringing and smacking a hand over his face as he shook his head at Ron's folly, Snape narrowed his eyes and stepped forward to chastise Ron, and McGonagall, who had been standing not far from her Gryffindors, spun around, snapping, "Mr. Weasley!"

Snape stopped short, and all eyes swung toward her stern countenance. She straightened regally and frowned at Ron. "Were you not paying attention before we began, when Professor Snape announced that harassing Miss Granger is unacceptable behaviour?"

Snape's brows shot to his hairline, and even Hermione goggled at McGonagall jumping to her defence. Ron hung his head sheepishly, and the rest of the Gryffindors shifted their weight nervously, wondering if Ron had just lost them House points.

She sniffed and continued, "Really, Mr. Weasley, a member of your own House and your friend! I'm of a mind to take points to make a point..."

Snape stepped forward and interrupted, grateful for her unexpected support. "It's quite all right, Minerva. I think you've made your point. A reprimand should be sufficient, I think. Of course, should it happen again..." He trailed off, glaring significantly at Ron, who had the grace to look abashed. The other Gryffindors gaped at Snape, stunned by the uncharacteristic reprieve.

McGonagall pursed her lips and huffed. "Very well then, Severus. We'll let Mr. Weasley off with a warning this time." She crossed her arms and gazed sternly at her charges. "Now, off with you. Go on. And don't let me hear about anyone bothering Miss Granger!" With that final warning, she shooed the Gryffindors offstage, and the other students followed.

When they were out of earshot, Snape approached McGonagall, who was still standing there, looking pensive. "Minerva."

She snapped her gaze to him. "Yes?"

Snape inclined his head and murmured, "I appreciate your support."

McGonagall grimaced and heaved a deep sigh. "Well, you're welcome, but it was more for Miss Granger's benefit than yours."

Snape almost smiled. "I understand. But I appreciate it nonetheless. I'm well aware of the variety of horrid opinions of me, and by now I'm quite inured to them. But Miss Granger should not have to suffer simply because a wretched Sorting Hat relegated her to having to perform opposite me."

McGonagall eyed him intently. Snape waited for whatever was going to surface. "Even I have to admit, Severus, it's rather uncomfortable to watch you two performing. I still can't believe the Ministry thought it was a good idea to assign a play with such erotic tones to a school in which students and faculty are cast together!" She sighed again. "But, Miss Granger is old enough and mature enough to handle the situation capably; I have to just get over it, I know, and do my best to help us win the competition." She shrugged eloquently, and Snape nodded. Then, she narrowed her eyes and turned a calculating look on Snape. "So, dare I say that perhaps you may come around to believing a Gryffindor can be just as worthy as a Slytherin? Might I win our little wager?"

Snape blinked, keeping back just how worthy he did find a certain bushy-haired Gryffindor, and schooled his expression into one of hauteur. "My dear Minerva, we have months to go before we can try to win the competition, and a Slytherin never concedes before the last possible moment." With that, he smirked and bowed, adding, "Good evening," before he whirled and Disapparated.

McGonagall rolled her eyes and chuckled, shaking her head fondly as she descended the stage and exited the Hall through the concealed staff entrance, waiting until Dumbledore had finished restoring the Hall and they could retire. She spent a moment envying Snape his Apparition ability, as the trek to her quarters involved far too many stairs for her taste sometimes. But, if Albus, with several decades on her, could make it up to his office without complaint, then she would do so too. Dumbledore emerged, and they began the climb to their respective quarters in companionable silence.