51- Trepidation and Plans

Standard Disclaimer goes here.

Author's Notes: Yay! I got this up before Lumos! :) Muchos smooches to my awesome beta, Ladyofthemasque, as always. This chapter gets us through the next week, and we're getting closer to both Valentine's Day and the infamous kiss. LOL I haven't been able to post much on my LJ either lately as I've been busy and writing when I've had time available. Hope you enjoy this latest installment! Check out my LJ at http://pern-dragon.livejournal.com/ and I hope to see some of you lot at Lumos! :)

Cheers!

Nicole aka Good_Witch

Chapter 51- Trepidation and Plans

Back in his quarters after rehearsal, Snape contemplated visiting Hermione's room later that night. But, after their slip-up in front of Dumbledore, he decided that he had better not push his luck. Now, away from the exciting atmosphere of the rehearsal, he couldn't shake the uneasy roiling of his stomach that Dumbledore was onto them. Afraid he might cave into the urge to visit Hermione again, he resolutely brought the bottle of Dreamless Sleep Draught into his room as he made ready for bed. Once he had slipped between the sheets, he heaved a petulant sigh and downed a dose of the potion, scowling his rebellion until the potion took effect and he fell asleep.

Saturday morning, Snape was almost finished with his breakfast when Dumbledore ambled in, humming as he took his seat next to Snape.

"Good morning, Severus."

"Good morning, Albus."

Dumbledore blithely served up some eggs, saying in a rather off-hand manner, "I say, Severus, would you join me in my office later this morning...oh, I'd say around eleven? I have something I wish to discuss with you."

Snape felt icy dread enveloping his guts, and he struggled to swallow and respond normally. Nodding, he murmured, "Nothing untoward, I hope? I have time right now, if you'd like."

Dumbledore shook his head. "No. I daresay we should speak in private. I doubt you'd want others to have a chance of hearing us."

Snape's chest tightened in anxiety, and he felt cold sweat prickling his skin. "In that case, I'll meet you then." Pushing back from the table abruptly, he said, "I have some work to do." Fighting the rising feeling of blind panic, he vehemently resisted the urge to seek out the comforting sight of Hermione, keeping his eyes trained on the staff entrance as he charged through it, Disapparating as soon as he was out of the Hall.

He arrived in his bedroom, frantically snatching the photo of Hermione from its Concealed spot on his nightstand and gathering all of her letters as well. Stacking them on the copy of Leroux's book, he panted shallowly as he thrust them into a box, sealing it, shrinking it, Concealing it, and then casting Do Not Notice around it. Gripped with desperate worry, he took his Pensieve from his wardrobe and placed it on his bed, dropping unceremoniously beside it in his haste.

His wand trembled slightly as he repeatedly held it to his temple, withdrawing strand after strand of memories. His brow furrowed, and he grimaced after over a quarter of an hour of removals. Finally, he dropped his wand, voicing a pained cry as he ground his palms against his eyes, rubbing back over his temples and gripping his skull as he curled in on himself in pain at the vast nothingness that seemed to swell his brain. Falling back on the bed, his eyes remained screwed shut and he sucked in several deep breaths.

Calm down. You must calm down! You can't show up to this interview with Albus like this. It'll be obvious! Control. You must maintain control. Gods forbid, you won't be able to keep him out if you numb your mind by removing too much too fast. Easy, now. Deep breaths. You don't even know what it's about. It may not be the worst. Just relax and get under control. You can do it. You've done it before; you can do it again. It's been a while, but it's like riding a broom: you always remember once you get back on.

After lying there for several minutes, he gingerly propped himself up on his elbow, once again grimacing as he gripped his head. Hissing as he shoved himself upright, he doggedly resumed his task, but this time he was slower and more methodical, wincing only slightly as each strand broke off and fell into the basin.

When he finally stopped, he heaved to his feet, reeling in exhaustion. Carefully putting the Pensieve in his wardrobe, he dragged to his bathroom cabinet, searching for a headache potion. It took three doses before the echoing, pounding ache in his head subsided. Leaning on the sink and gazing sternly at himself in the mirror, he scowled, pushing away and heading to his office, where he forced himself to read essays in an attempt to fill his mind with the usual drivel before having to meet Dumbledore.

A couple of minutes before eleven, he strode to the fireplace in his quarters and tossed a pinch of Floo powder into the grate, snapping, "Headmaster's office." He stepped into the emerald flames and spun onto Dumbledore's hearth rug, dusting the soot from his robes. At least it wasn't very noticeable on black.

Dumbledore looked up, smiling absently at him. "Ah, good morning, Severus. Thank you for being prompt."

Snape took the seat Dumbledore waved at, saying, "Certainly, Headmaster." He brushed at his robes again before murmuring a casual spell to Vanish the soot.

Politely proffering the silver dish, Dumbledore queried, "Care for a lemon drop?"

Snape grimaced in distaste and eyed the older man askance, retorting, "We've scarcely finished breakfast..."

Dumbledore smirked and nodded, continuing, "Very well then. Tea? I'll be sure to order honey and lemon..."

Snape barely managed to control the speed of his movement as he snapped his gaze to Dumbledore's, noting the maddening twinkle in those light blue eyes. Frowning and blinking in purported confusion, he simply afforded himself a clipped, "I beg your pardon?" Even so, he could once again feel the cold sweat prickling his skin as every muscle stiffened in wariness.

Dumbledore's twinkling smirk intensified as he said, "Isn't that how you take your tea now?" After a pregnant pause, he added, "Just like Miss Granger?"

Snape stared at Dumbledore, unable to immediately respond. His heart pounded so hard that he feared it would be audible, and he struggled to draw breath. It felt like his stomach had dropped out of his body, and he swallowed against the sense of impending doom. Frantically trying to figure out what to say, he gave in to despair, realizing that things would go worse for him if he tried to pretend ignorance. Thus, stoic, he carefully said, "Yes, sir. She is the one who told me about the tonic when we were discussing singing." He shut his lips firmly, unwilling to dig his proverbial grave any deeper.

Dumbledore grinned and chuckled. His tone was facetious as he said, "I say, how nice that you two were able to have a normal conversation." Then, he snorted, rebuilding his composure with some effort. He sobered his expression, but his eyes didn't stop their damnable twinkling even as he said, "That's why I called you here, Severus."

Snape choked out a faint, "Oh?" He could feel his scalp crawling, but forced himself to maintain an expression of polite inquiry.

Dumbledore's expression softened into a gentle smile, and he warmly murmured, "I'm so happy to see you finally loosening up, my boy."

Snape blinked, frozen. He was utterly confused, and he was still waiting for the other shoe to drop. His voice sounded almost hollow as he said, "I'm not sure I understand..." A wry voice in his head piped up with, "Now, that's the understatement of the century!"

Dumbledore wriggled his fingers on the desktop and quickly rattled off, "I must admit that I was giving in to my meddlesome side..."

Even in his undeniably precarious position in such a baffling situation, Snape couldn't stifle his snort at Dumbledore's unwilling admission.

Dumbledore tossed his head with a slight moue of exasperation and continued, "I so wished that you'd open up and start enjoying life once Riddle was gone. After all, you had survived against such staggering odds, and you deserved a chance to be happy." He tilted his head to one side and pursed his lips. "It may have been slow in coming, but I see that you've finally allowed yourself to start living again. It's all over the school! Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. I daresay you've been enjoying disconcerting everyone lately, if I know you at all, my boy." He raised his eyebrows and cast a shrewd gaze over his spectacles at Snape, who was still staring at him in stony incredulity.

During Dumbledore's speech, Snape's mind had been racing to the conclusion that he wasn't facing his doom after all. The ecstasy of relief flooded through him so violently that he almost felt faint. Sucking in steadying breaths while Dumbledore prated on, he offered up a swift, silent profession of gratitude to whatever gods had spared him this time.

Dumbledore leant forward, lacing his fingers together on the desk. "Must I spell it out for you?" In a sudden shift, he flew back into his seat, ticking off a finger with every point. "One: even after all your railing and complaining, you took the role of the Phantom and made it your own. I knew you had to have the skills after so many years of playing a part, but you've astonished even me, Severus. Two: I doubt I could tell you the last time I saw you laugh. And yet, I've seen it more than once in the last few months." He paused to beam at Snape, who was squirming uncomfortably in the armchair.

"Three: what a delightful surprise to see you dressing for the occasion at Christmas! You've never looked better. Four: everyone has remarked on how much you've mellowed lately. And I don't mean just the students; the staff has mentioned it, too. Five: It makes me so happy to see how differently you've been treating young Mr. Potter and his cohorts. To see that you have finally put such grudging bitterness behind you enough to behave so civilly..." He paused and looked down, folding his hands together. When he looked back up, the twinkle was partially drowned in the tears welling up in his eyes.

Snape ducked his head and shifted his weight in the chair, taken aback by the intensity of Dumbledore's reaction to his changed behaviour. He heard a sniffle, and glanced back at the headmaster when he began speaking again.

"Severus, need I go on? I couldn't be prouder of you. I know you were dead set against performing in this production. And the hostility between you and Miss Granger when we started was thick enough to cut with a knife!" He leant forward again, his voice lowering in volume as it increased in intensity. "I told you to work things out like adults, and you did! It's quite obvious that you were telling the truth when you said you two had quite a satisfactory working relationship. I know I kept forcing the issue, making you two work together, but it's paid off! Watching the two of you together... I just know we're going to win this competition!"

He paused again, gazing at Snape with a rapt expression, and Snape felt compelled to give some sort of response. He ground out a gravelly, "Thank you, sir."

Dumbledore blinked, coming back to himself, and beamed at Snape. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so pleased that you have allowed yourself to start connecting with others again. I know that it must be terribly difficult for you, but it's made a tremendous difference in your personality. You and Miss Granger may have a professional relationship now, but it's obvious to me that you can take the step to make friends." Snape's brow furrowed in alarm, and Dumbledore waved his hand testily. "Yes, yes, I know! Miss Granger is your student. I know what you're going to say. But, Severus, don't you see? I don't necessarily mean that you must make friends with Miss Granger; I'm simply pointing out the fact that now you not only have the capacity but you also have the opportunity to make friends! You've begun the progression, now continue along those lines and open yourself up to more new things. You're still young, my boy; it's not too late to meet people and...perhaps...even meet that special someone..." He trailed off meaningfully, nodding slowly at Snape.

Snape's eyes widened and he regarded Dumbledore in growing horror. His jaw spasmed as he ground his teeth, and he levelled a dangerous glare at the older man as he growled warningly, "Albus, don't you dare meddle in my affairs..."

Dumbledore raised his hands placatingly and nodded. "I'm not! I promise! I'm merely making an observation, a suggestion if you will..." He glanced up to see the mutinous expression on his Potions Master's face and sank back in his chair, mildly chastened. With a sheepish grin, he tried to lighten Snape's black mood by saying, "See? I told you you wouldn't want to discuss this where anyone else could hear."

Snape rolled his eyes and tossed his head in exasperation, and Dumbledore sighed.

"It's refreshing to see you acting human once in a while, Severus. You're not an automaton. For too long, it was the same routine: lessons, grading, and rounds; snark, scowl, and take points; secrets, spying, and deception. You were in a dreadful rut, and it's high time you got out of it. I know how much you enjoyed being feared, but I think you could be on your way to being revered instead." He snorted at Snape's aggrieved expression and continued, "All right, perhaps I shouldn't go that far, but I daresay you're on your way to being respected at least, and not the kind born of abject terror! It's quite obvious that the students are beginning to see you as a person now, and their trust and regard is growing. Why, there's so little awkwardness between you and Miss Granger now, it's clear you two have been building trust as we've worked. It comes through in spectacular fashion when you perform. Incredible effort, Severus. I thank you. And Miss Granger." He placed his hand over his heart and bowed toward Snape, who was not only uncomfortable with so much glowing praise and dips into his personal development but also alerting to the alarm that his connection to Hermione was at least somewhat apparent, if misread.

Snape cleared his throat and shook his hair forward, sinking back into his chair as much as possible. He muttered, "I am merely doing my duty, Headmaster. As are we all. I'm pleased that you are so satisfied with our efforts. And, while I appreciate your concern over my well-being and current path in life, I respectfully request that you leave me to my own affairs, and not interfere. Really, Albus, I don't need your... nudgings." He cocked an eyebrow at Dumbledore, who laughed out loud at Snape's word choice. When the older man simply beamed at him, he scowled in warning and tilted his head meaningfully.

"Oh, all right, all right. I shan't interfere." As Snape relaxed, Dumbledore added, "Unless I see you regressing!" Snape narrowed his eyes and shot a baleful glare at him, which made Dumbledore chuckle.

Heaving a put-upon sigh, Snape drawled, "Knowing you, Albus, that's the best I can hope for." He rolled his eyes and leant forward, preparing to stand. "Now, are you finished baiting me, or must I endure more before I can return to my duties?"

Dumbledore waved an airy hand at him and chuckled again. "Go. You are dismissed. Just keep in mind what I've said."

Snape swallowed thickly in remembered terror and uttered a fervent, "I shall, indeed." He rose, crossing quickly to the hearth and dipping his hand into the pot of Floo powder. "Good day to you, Headmaster."

Dumbledore was once again beaming at him, fingers steepled in front of him as he leant back in his chair. "Good day to you, my boy."

Snape nodded and said, "Potions Master's quarters," stepping into the flames and whirling back into his own sitting room.

The first thing Snape did when he was alone in his quarters again was head straight for his Pensieve. Replacing the memories took much longer than removing them, especially as he paused often to savour them as they replayed. Once he had filled in all the empty spots in his brain, he went to the corner where he had secreted the shrunken box of incriminating evidence and retrieved it, restoring everything to its original condition and placing them back in their respective locations.

By the time he had finished, it was well into lunch, but he still felt so keyed up after his meeting with Dumbledore that he elected to skip it, postponing eating again until a time when he felt more sanguine that his nervous stomach could handle it.

For the rest of the weekend, whenever Snape was at the High Table at the same time as Dumbledore, he suffered through the older man's chuckling nods toward the tea service when Snape and Hermione were both preparing cups with honey and lemon. Snape tried to surreptitiously catch Hermione's eye to indicate that Dumbledore was aware of their shared tonic, but he felt it was too dangerous under the Headmaster's scrutiny. Grateful that he would at least see her Tuesday before rehearsal and could tell her then how close they were to being found out, he called on his patience to see him through until then.

As it was, with his preoccupation with Dumbledore's gibes, Snape didn't notice that Colin was following Hermione's lead, fixing his tea after she had. Apparently, the boy had learnt some caution, as he waited until she was almost done before he mixed his draught to join her, and Hermione, ignoring him as much as possible, missed his actions on the tails of hers.

Tuesday evening found Snape on his familiar errand of collecting Hermione before rehearsal. As he strode down the aisle by the Gryffindor table, he offered polite, if frosty, nods to those who were on cast and who caught his eye. While Colin avoided looking up at the dark man, Ginny nodded and smiled, murmuring, "Evening, Professor."

Harry, Dean, and Seamus all looked up and nodded warily, but Neville set his teeth and looked straight at Snape, saying, "Good evening, Professor Snape."

Snape blinked in surprise again, wondering at the boy's newfound courage. Nevertheless, he inclined his head and gravely retorted, "Likewise, Mr. Longbottom. Miss Weasley." Pausing behind Hermione, he added, "Miss Granger?"

Hermione broke off her admiring stare at Neville and rose. "I'm ready, sir." As Snape gestured for her to join him, he stepped away, leaving Hermione to flash another approving grin at Neville as she said, "See you at rehearsal!"

Once in the corridor, they linked arms and Snape Apparated them to his sitting room. Stretching up onto her tiptoes, Hermione planted a happy kiss on Snape's lips, beaming at him as she backed away. "Hello, love."

Snape smiled and lifted her hand to drop a kiss on her knuckles as he replied, "Welcome back, dear heart." Chest tightening at the flush of pleasure creeping up Hermione's face and the dilation of her pupils as she gazed tenderly up at him, he gently guided her to turn and head toward the bathroom. "Come, let's get on with it. I have something important to tell you."

Hermione's brows rose as she obediently crossed to the bathroom. Her inquisitive "Oh?" trailed behind her, and her expression was attentive as she emerged.

Snape gazed soberly at her, and she eyed him with trepidation as he began speaking. "Saturday, Dumbledore called me to his office for an interview." Hermione's eyes went wide, and she clutched the brush so tightly her knuckles went white. Snape inhaled deeply and continued, "I thought we were done for..."

Hermione broke in with a breathless, "But we're not?"

Snape tilted his head, chiding her for her interruption, and said, "Not completely." He paused for effect, and she sucked in a fearful breath. "He's noticed the tea." Hermione's eyes closed and she swallowed hard. "He's also noticed that my behaviour has changed, both in general and toward Potter in particular."

In a desperate squeak, Hermione said, "Isn't that a good thing, though? The change in behaviour, I mean..."

Snape blinked and murmured, "Apparently Albus thinks so, but he's also commented on the 'lack of awkwardness' between us." They stared at each other in dismay for a moment before Snape continued, "We're insanely lucky that he hasn't recognized the true connection we have, Hermione. He's urging me to 'make friends' and 'find that special someone.'" Hermione's eyes flew wide and she stifled an incredulous snort.

Snape scowled and said, "I warned him not to meddle in my affairs, but once he gets an idea in his head, he rarely lets it go. No matter; it's clear that we're not as covert as we need to be, and I will easily admit that I was utterly terrified." He shuddered at the memory, and Hermione reached forward, embracing him in comfort.

"I would have been, too. I'm so sorry you went through that. Is that what's had you so preoccupied at meals lately?"

Snape nodded, "Every time we make any tea, he keeps sniggering and casting pointed looks at it." Grimacing in annoyance, he continued, "I told him you were the one to tell me about the tonic when we were discussing singing. He bought it."

Hermione considered for a moment and said, "Well, it wasn't a lie, really. The first time I told you about it was in the Great Hall during that roundtable sing-through. And then later in your classroom, when we were practicing."

Snape snorted and cut a glance at her. "That's a rather Slytherin point to make, my dear. Of course, the best lies always have a grain of truth. How else do you think I've managed all these years? It's really more of a 'selective truth' than anything else."

Hermione shook her head, smirking. "Let's just say that this Gryffindor has had a crash course in Slytherin sneakiness ever since she fell in love with the sneakiest Slytherin of all."

Snape quirked a half-smile at her, then sobered again and clasped her hand, capturing her attention. "Just do your best to keep up the lessons until the school year is over, and then I promise I'll rival the bravest Gryffindor around when I stake my claim to the world."

Hermione's breath hitched, her heart bursting with love at his words. Darting forward again, she cupped his face and kissed him fiercely, tasting the lingering sweetness of their "tonic" on his tongue. After a long moment of fervent snogging, she broke away and shook herself. "I'm sorry. I know we have to get going. Turn around and I'll finish up in a trice."

Snape reluctantly let go of her, spinning in his seat. As she brushed his hair, he rebuilt his composure, idly asking, "So, have you decided whether or not you'll be going to Hogsmeade Saturday?"

Hermione shrugged and sighed. "I guess so. Even though most folks will be paired off and spending the holiday together, it's still a treat to get away from the castle for a bit. I'll probably roam the shops a bit, buy some candy at Honeydukes, sit a spell and have a butterbeer or two at the Three Broomsticks... The usual. I'll probably keep Neville around, just in case."

Snape snorted. "As long as that Creevey boy leaves you alone. But, speaking of Longbottom: he's certainly got bolder lately, hasn't he?"

Hermione grinned. "Ever since you stopped being so horrid, he's realized that people can change, and he's working on getting over being so afraid of you. I think he's coming along brilliantly."

Snape frowned. "I don't know if I like the idea of Longbottom not fearing me anymore. I think I'd rather miss it."

Hermione smacked his shoulder and voiced an exasperated cry. "That's awful! Honestly... I didn't say he's over it yet, but he's getting there. I think it's quite lovely that he's growing up and coming into his own. This production has caused all sorts of unexpected effects. I, for one, am grateful for most of them."

Snape relented and reached up to caress her hand where it was smoothing pomade through his hair. "I am grateful for you, my love."

After a pause, Hermione murmured, "I will admit that I'm disappointed that I can't spend the holiday with my 'lover' like everyone else."

Snape grinned mischievously at the way she said "lover," remembering their tryst before rehearsal last time. As she finished his hair in silence, his mind was roiling with ideas of how to give her her wish without taking any undue risks. Of course, trying to spend time with her was always a risk, just some instances were more so than others.

As much as he wanted a replay of their affair before the previous rehearsal, he was erring on the side of caution after his sobering interview with Dumbledore. So, when his hair was done, he merely pulled Hermione into his lap, holding her close for the several minutes they had left, enjoying the comforting warmth of her body against his.

Both pulling themselves out of the cozy, fuzzy, lull that they had fallen into, with Snape's arms wrapped securely about the trusting figure of Hermione in his lap, they sighed in regret as they Apparated up to the Hall for the run-through.

The full cast was milling about, letting Dumbledore cast the singing spell on them and waiting for him to finish setting the stage. Hermione quickly moved to join her friends, and Snape hung back, observing everyone. He was surprised to see McGonagall bustling toward him.

Turning his attention to the older witch, he inclined his head and murmured, "Minerva?"

McGonagall nodded briskly and gestured for him to join her farther away from the students. "Severus, I just realized that not all of the students were here last time."

Snape blinked at her, not comprehending the significance of her statement. In a leading tone, he said, "And...?"

McGonagall tossed her head and gazed at him primly. "So, not everyone has had the benefit of your announcement." She pursed her lips at his sudden expression of understanding. "Exactly. Which means someone should apprise them of the situation."

Snape nodded gravely, turning narrowed eyes on the cast, picking out who had been absent. "Indeed." Exhaling sharply through his nose, he turned to McGonagall again and said, "My thanks, Minerva. I hadn't made the connection yet. I shall speak to Albus immediately." Then, with a slight bow, he strode off.

Dumbledore was adjusting set pieces when Snape ascended the stage. He noticed Snape's approach and said, "Severus! Good evening to you."

Snape nodded and retorted, "Good evening. Headmaster, Professor McGonagall has just made a good point..."

Dumbledore turned his attention fully to Snape, brows rising at the formal nature of his speech. "And what would that be?"

"Not all of the students here tonight were present at the last rehearsal, and have therefore not been warned about harassing Miss Granger."

Dumbledore's mouth opened in a small "o," and he nodded slowly. "Oh, yes, very good point. Well then, would you like me to make the announcement, or would you like to do so? Or, we could ask Minerva to do it."

Snape's lips twitched. "I shall make the announcement, sir... by your leave, of course."

Dumbledore smiled. "Certainly. Just a moment." He spun to face the audience and cried, "Everyone, please take a seat for a moment. Professor Snape has something important to announce."

The students who had been at the previous rehearsal exchanged knowing looks, but the others glanced around wonderingly. Dumbledore descended the stage, leaving Snape standing alone on the apron, arms crossed imposingly and glaring down his nose at everyone.

"Those of you who were here last Friday may take this as a reminder, while the rest of you: pay attention!" He paused, waiting for the last bit of noise to cease. He saw Hermione sitting up straight in her seat, chin tilted up in a lofty attitude. Ginny was gazing up at Snape with a faint smile lurking about her lips. Once everyone's eyes were on him, he said, "The rest of this production contains several... intense moments. As I stated before, I will not allow anyone to harass Miss Granger about performing her role opposite me. The headmaster and Professor McGonagall are behind me on this as well." He paused, casting a glance at Ron, whose ears were bright pink. "Be that as it may, if I find out that anyone has caused our lead actress any distress, he or she will answer to me...alone or in addition to any reprimands from either the headmaster or Professor McGonagall." Sweeping his stern gaze over each and every student present, he murmured, "Understood?" Sober nods met his question, and he dropped his hands, one eyebrow cocked. "Very well then. Thank you, Headmaster."

Dumbledore said, "Of course, Severus." Then, clapping his hands, he cried, "Places, everyone! Let's begin with the pre-Don Juan scene and go through to the retreat underground. I'll man the music box as usual."

Students burst from their seats, some of them casting furtive glances at Hermione as they passed her, wondering what they were about to witness after such a threat from Snape.

Once everyone was ready, Dumbledore bellowed, "Action!" Snape flitted about the theatre, his voice echoing under the effect of the Sonorus spell, and then popped down into the wing to wait for his cue to join Draco behind the bed curtain.

Once Dean and Draco had finished laughing, Snape Apparated to the bed, taking care to stay out of sight when Draco opened the curtain to enter. The two Slytherins merely exchanged nods as Hermione's voice wafted from the wing.

Snape began "Point of No Return," slinking out to hover behind Hermione. Their movements as they performed were almost as hypnotic as their voices, and those who had not seen them perform previously were stunned by the mature nature of their interactions. Several of the boys were secretly attracted to the sensuality Hermione exuded as she sang, but they would have denied it to their deathbeds.

When Snape's erotic tones changed to the wistful, winsome notes of "All I Ask of You," and he dropped to one knee, many of the girls on cast felt a queer fluttering in their chests, followed by a pang of horror that they had been wooed by their Potions Master's tenderness. They were roused from their introspection when Hermione pushed the mask from Snape's face and he Disapparated, taking her with him.

The run-through hit a snag then, when Dumbledore was rotating the set. It wasn't happening fast enough to fit with the music, and people weren't sure when they were supposed to enter: before or after the set began its turn. Once again, Snape and Hermione had Apparated to the space below the trap door, and they were listening to the activity above them while they exchanged lingering kisses.

When things were worked out, and the rehearsal proceeded again, Hermione pulled Snape's head down so she could murmur in his ear, "We should probably not stay down here too long, or people will wonder."

Snape felt goose flesh spreading over his skin at the tickle of her breath on his ear and he shivered lightly, his grip tightening around her. Nuzzling her ear in return, he breathed, "Good girl. You're right, as much as I regret it being the truth." They sighed and parted, and he nodded to warn her that he was about to Disapparate. Arms linked, they appeared in the wing, witnessing the very end of the chaos before Dumbledore called a halt.

"My apologies, everyone!" Dumbledore raised his hands in acknowledgement of his part in the problem. "I believe I've figured out what to change. So, let's all get back to places and try again." He returned the set to the beginning scene and reset the music box.

The second time through went more smoothly, and Dumbledore was beaming by the end of it. "Wonderful! I think that was good enough for tonight. I won't make you do it again." He chuckled at the ripple of pleased mutterings that swept through the cast. "Now then, we'll have rehearsal Friday night, in which we'll be blocking the Labyrinth Underground and Beyond the Lake. Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Longbottom, and Mr. Finch-Fletchley, you will not be required to attend. You're certainly welcome to join us, if you like. The rest of you will be expected to be here as part of the pursuing mob if nothing else. Of course, I know that the following day is the Hogsmeade trip, and I'm sure you'll all be going, so I hope we won't take too long practicing Friday night." He peered over his spectacles at the smiling group, chuckling at their eager expressions. "At any rate, run along now and get to bed. You have classes tomorrow!" He regarded the students with a mock-stern glare, and they laughed as they filed out of the Hall.

Snape kept an eye on Hermione, watching for anyone bothering her about their performance. His lips thinned when he saw her link arms with Neville as they followed the other Gryffindors up the aisle, but he ruthlessly tamped down the flare of jealousy, particularly when he saw Colin's disappointed expression. His inner voice was acidic as he thought, Finally, Longbottom is good for something...

Keeping in mind that Dumbledore might notice if he followed Hermione, Snape heaved a disgruntled sigh and Disapparated.

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

Thursday morning, Ginny dawdled after Potions class, waiting until everyone else was gone to address Snape. He was pretending to ignore her, hair cloaking his face as he skimmed homework assignments, while she took her time cleaning up. With an air of suppressed excitement, she darted toward his desk and hissed, "What are you going to give Hermione for Valentine's Day?"

Snape flicked a glance at the doorway before rumbling, "We're not dignifying the inanity of that commercial holiday by doing anything. Not that it's any of your business." He cocked an eyebrow at her and sniffed.

Ginny was aghast, goggling at him. Her voice was a mere squeak as she retorted, "Not doing anything? But...but, it's Valentine's Day!"

Snape slammed his quill on the desk, making Ginny jump in dismay. His expression was stormy as he said, "That's enough! I'll thank you to stay out of my business."

Ginny nodded hastily, still owl-eyed in shock. She scurried back to her desk and picked up her bag. Averting her eyes, she muttered, "I'm sorry. I'll just go." She sprinted from the room, leaving Snape scowling after her.

After supper that evening, Ginny approached Hermione and said, "Are you going to give him anything for Valentine's Day?" She knew she didn't need to say Snape's name, as there could be only one person she meant.

Hermione gave a wry half-smile and shrugged. "I don't know. I know he thinks it's ridiculous, and he's never enjoyed it. So, I'm sure he'd be disgusted by all the trite, silly things that are popular for the holiday." She sighed. "If I can think of something worthwhile, maybe. Otherwise, it's just another day, really." She noticed Ginny's mournful expression and snorted. "Honestly, Gin, it's okay. I'm not all that fussed. Really."

Ginny frowned at her sceptically. "Hmph. I still think it's awful to ignore it. It's supposed to be a time to celebrate love!" She scowled in righteous indignation, and Hermione laughed.

"Ginny! Couples should celebrate their love every day, not just on some arbitrary date!" She patted her friend's arm, saying, "Don't worry about it. You and Harry should have a wonderful day, and I'll be fine. Even if I won't see Severus." She couldn't help but give a tiny sigh of disappointment.

Ginny shook her head in disbelief, but she dropped the subject.

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

Snape ruminated on Ginny's question. He had already made his position clear, hadn't he? Surely Hermione wouldn't be expecting anything special just because it was Valentine's Day. Even though he felt sure that she wouldn't pay any attention to that ridiculous holiday, he couldn't help but wonder about it, particularly as the week wore on, and the students were getting more and more obsessed with it.

Friday evening, Snape collected Hermione before rehearsal, and, once they were ensconced in their familiar ritual of doing his hair, Snape brought up the subject.

"Hermione..."

"Hmm?"

He cleared his throat. "I know you're going to Hogsmeade tomorrow, and I know it's Valentine's Day..." He trailed off, and Hermione caressed his shoulder.

"What's on your mind, love?"

Snape scowled and said, "We already had the conversation about how I feel about Valentine's Day. But, I suppose that begs the question of how you feel about it. Would you like anything?" He felt incredibly awkward, but the idea had been gnawing at him ever since Ginny's horrified reaction to his statement the day before.

Hermione paused, taken aback by the almost desperate quality of his tone. Her thoughts raced for a moment before she stammered, "Well, I...I don't know. I mean, I agree that it's overblown, but I can't help but wish that we could spend time doing all the silly little things that others get to do." Snape twisted to face her, and she went on, "I'm not saying I need to be showered with gifts or anything ridiculous like that, but I would so love to be able to spend time with you. I can't help but be envious of others who get to be with the one they love."

They gazed pensively at each other for a long moment, and Snape gave a slow nod before spinning back around in his seat. Hermione resumed her task, and Snape rumbled, "I, too, wish we could be together, dear heart, and not just for Valentine's Day." The silence dragged on after his wistful statement, until he finally said, "You do know that I would give you anything you wanted that was in my power to procure, don't you?"

Hermione smiled tenderly, giving the elastic one last tug before slipping her hands over his shoulders and down his chest, embracing him and pressing a kiss behind his ear. His hands snaked up to grip her arms as she hugged him. "I do indeed, my love. You needn't worry."

Snape stood, gathering her in his arms and resting his chin on her head as he murmured, "Thank you." Hermione burrowed against him, listening to his heart beat where she pressed her ear to his chest. Snape stroked her hair gently, his gaze trained on the middle distance, his expression one of deep concentration as his thoughts turned inward.

Eventually, Hermione checked the time and whispered, "Time to go, love."

Snape started from his reverie and Summoned his mask. "Let's go." They disappeared, popping back into existence at the back of the house.

Hermione noted that even though Draco, Ron, Neville, and Justin weren't needed for the rehearsal, they had all shown up anyway, taking seats in the house to watch the proceedings. She and Snape marched down the aisle to the stage, watching Dumbledore moving set pieces as he worked out the shifts from the opera house stage to the labyrinth underground and into the Phantom's lair again.

Once he was done, Dumbledore turned to them and said, "Ready? The boat will be entering from the wing, so you two can just start off there." He searched out McGonagall and Harry and said, "You two will be entering on the sloping piece upstage. I've made sure that there are steps leading up to the top from the back, so you can get up there easily." Then, he gestured to the rest of the cast. "You lot will be the mob, and you'll start by singing from offstage, but then you, too, will come down the slope. As soon as you've all retreated, I'll be shifting the slope offstage and bringing in the Phantom's lair again. Severus, you and Miss Granger will enter from the wing again, in the boat, and the portcullis will descend completely once you're fully in the lair. Is everyone clear on what's going on?" Murmurs of affirmatives rumbled through the cast. Dumbledore beamed. "Excellent. Places!"

Snape and Hermione exchanged a nod and crossed to the boat in the wing. The rest of the cast filed behind the sets, waiting their turns to climb up onto the slope.

At Dumbledore's cry of "Action!" Snape began propelling the boat onstage, reciting, "Down once more to the dungeon of my black despair! Down we plunge to the prison of my mind! Down that path into darkness deep as hell!" Rounding furiously on Hermione, who was cowering in the boat, he brandished his mask and said, "Why, you ask, was I bound and chained in this cold and dismal place? Not for any mortal sin, but the wickedness of my abhorrent face!"

On the tails of his roar, several voices wafted in from offstage, reciting, "Track down this murderer! He must be found!"

Snape whipped around, listening to their approach. He spun back to Hermione and began his lines, once again propelling the boat forward, toward the opposite wing. "Hounded out by everyone! Met with hatred everywhere! No kind word from anyone! No compassion anywhere! Christine, Christine... Why, why...?" His voice trailed off as they moved out of sight into the wing.

Harry and McGonagall appeared on the slope above, reciting their lines, and the cast backstage echoed them. As soon as they finished their exchange, McGonagall retreated back up the slope, and Harry stopped, gazing out into the house in consternation.

"Um, sir?" Harry shaded his eyes against the lights and searched for Dumbledore.

"Yes?"

"Uh, it says that I'm supposed to 'plunge' into the lake." He grimaced. "Just how am I supposed to do that?" He stuffed his hands in his pockets and shifted his weight from foot to foot.

Dumbledore ascended to the apron. "Oh dear! I forgot to tell you about that. My apologies, Mr. Potter. Right... Do you see where the slope is positioned on the stage right now?" Harry nodded. "Look below you. What do you see?"

Harry peered down and comprehension dawned. "The trap door!"

Dumbledore beamed. "Exactly! Now, all you have to do is drop from the slope into the trap door. There will be mist covering the view of it from the audience, so you needn't worry about that part. Simply cast a Cushioning Charm before you drop, and you'll land safely within the space below. Now, you'll have to remain there until the time when you climb back out to appear at the Phantom's lair. We'll not be getting to that part tonight, so you can simply climb right back out as soon as you've dropped in tonight. So, would you like to try it now?"

Harry grinned rakishly. "You bet!" He whipped out his wand and opened the trap door with a nonverbal spell. Then, he whispered the Cushioning Charm, pointing at the floor within the trap door. Shoving his wand up his sleeve, he sat on the edge of the slope and dangled his legs above the opening. Flashing a mischievous smirk at Dumbledore, he said, "Geronimo!" and pushed off the edge, falling neatly into the open square. A peal of delighted laughter floated up. A bare moment later, Harry's flushed face appeared as he climbed back out. "That was brilliant!"

Laughter echoed through the Hall as the boys in the house and the cast on the slope...who had snuck out to watch the proceedings...reacted to Harry's brash pronouncement.

Dumbledore chuckled. "Well done, Mr. Potter. Now, take your place back on the slope and we'll pick up where we left off. It was simple enough, wasn't it?"

Harry nodded jauntily as he strode behind the slope again. "Piece of cake, sir."

"Excellent. Very well then. Minerva, would you mind doing that last bit again?"

McGonagall repeated her parting line, and Harry executed the drop, blithely clambering back out of the trap door and closing it behind him as the mob appeared above him on the slope to recite their lines. When they were done, and they all retreated again, Dumbledore slid the slope offstage and moved the Phantom's lair on, lowering the portcullis to a high enough point that Snape and Hermione could pass under it.

In a throne at one side of the lair, the dummy made to look like Christine lay haphazardly across the seat. Once the boat slid inside, the portcullis sank completely down to the stage. Snape grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her roughly from the boat, flinging his mask to the floor beside the throne.

Hermione struggled to wrench free from Snape's grasp, but he held firm and backed her against the portcullis. She glared defiantly at him, wide-eyed and full of righteous wrath and disdain as she recited, "Have you gorged yourself at last, in your lust for blood?" Snape let go of her arm, but she pressed forward, in his face, aggressively demanding, "Am I now to be prey to your lust for flesh?"

Snape spun away from her, seething at the accusation, and Hermione reached out, gripping his shoulder and pulling him back to face her. Snape whipped around, grabbing her wrist and forcing her back against the portcullis. He held her wrist against it, above her and to one side, towering over her.

Sliding his hand down her arm and over her shoulder until he circled her throat within his grip, he loomed threateningly, his face inches from hers as he said, "That fate, which condemns me to wallow in blood..." His thumb travelled up over her jaw and across her bottom lip, and he pressed closer to her, almost covering her body with his as he continued, "has also denied me the joys of the flesh..." As he trailed off, he leant down, looking as if he were going to kiss her, and she screwed her eyes shut, turning her face away and cringing. At that, Snape backed up, wounded and grim, practically spitting, "This face, the infection, which poisons our love..."

He released her, turning and stepping away as he said, "This face, which earned a mother's fear and loathing... A mask, my first, unfeeling scrap of clothing..." He spun back, seeing her turned toward the portcullis, hiding her face and gripping the bars in despair. Spurred by the hurt of her reaction, he lunged back to her and yanked her about, forcing her to face him as he roared, "Pity comes too late...turn around and face your fate: An eternity of this before your eyes!" He gestured harshly at his face as he finished, holding Hermione's gaze.

In the beat of silence that followed, Hermione raised a hand to his face, and Snape's hand fell. Gently touching him, she said, "This haunted face holds no horror for me now." Snape leant into her touch, eyes half-lidded. She dragged her hand down his face and past his throat to his chest, covering his heart as she said, "It's in your soul..." Then, gazing squarely at him, she lifted her chin in cold defiance and pushed him backwards as she continued, "that the true distortion lies..."

Snape's desperate, almost hopeful expression morphed into one of incredulous hurt, quickly followed by a hardened look of fury and hatred as he stared back at Hermione, utterly still in the wake of her rejection.

There was a moment of deafening silence, crackling with emotion, before everyone was snapped from the thrall by Dumbledore clearing his throat awkwardly and saying, "Yes... well... Why don't you all take a moment to write your blocking and business in your scripts while I reset the stage?"

Onstage, Snape and Hermione were blinking owlishly, taking deep breaths as they came down from the intensity of the short scene. Cutting glances at Dumbledore, they shuffled into the wing, flipping to the correct page in their scripts as they went. Offstage, several cast members were staring at them, completely taken aback by what they had just witnessed.

Mindful of appearances, Snape hastily murmured, "Miss Granger, I trust you were not too shaken by the blocking choices?" He saw all eyes snap to her, awaiting her answer.

Hermione quickly gathered her wits and coolly replied, "Indeed not, sir. I thought they were inspired. It certainly gives the scene its intensity. I assume you approve of my actions in response?"

Snape nodded gravely. "Yes. A nice twist."

Hermione suppressed a smile. "Thank you, sir." She saw the disbelieving frowns around her at Snape's compliment.

Dumbledore's voice rang out. "All right then. Places! From the beginning of the scene again."

People milled about, scattering to their spots. Snape Summoned his mask from the floor by the throne, deftly catching it without looking as he gestured for Hermione to follow him to the boat again. Before they began, Harry darted out and peered into the trapdoor to make sure that the Cushioning Charm was still good. Giving a cheerful thumbs-up to Dumbledore, he raced back around the set to climb onto the sloping piece.

They ran through the scene a second time, and Harry manfully suppressed the grin that wanted to surface when he dropped from the slope. Furtively climbing back out and scuttling offstage while the mob recited their part, Harry cast a searching look over the mob group, now able to appreciate Terry's enjoyment of being "hanged."

When the scene came to an end again, Dumbledore announced, "This time we use the music and everyone sings! Let's go!"

As always happened when the music was added, the excitement level among the cast rose, and everyone upped the ante, focusing on giving their best to their performance. Hermione's clear notes rang through the Hall as she goaded the Phantom. Snape's voice ran the gamut from pained, wistful, and despairing to sensual and suggestive, to furious, hateful, and dangerous. When they finished, they stood glaring at each other for a beat after the music stopped and Dumbledore shut the music box. Finally, they both blinked and relaxed their tense postures, inhaling deeply and swallowing hard as they backed away from each other.

Several pairs of eyes were on them, fascinated by their crackling connection during the scene. But, as they wound down and separated, the interest waned, and people turned to Dumbledore, who was gesturing for everyone to come out and gather on the apron.

"Gather round. You there in the house, come join us. Everyone, come out. Come along..." Once the cast was assembled in a curious group in front of him, he beamed. "Tonight's rehearsal was short because the scene was short. But it's a good thing because I have something special for you." Students exchanged glances and half-smiles. "Tomorrow is the Hogsmeade outing, and it happens to be Valentine's Day as well." He paused, chuckling at the coy looks several girls cast at their paramours, giggling.

Glancing at the teachers, he suppressed a snort at McGonagall's wary expression and Snape's look of horror. "As a token of the appreciation I have for your dedication and hard work, I would like to present everyone with a gift." With that, he flourished his wand, and a table appeared, with a large box and a vase of flowers.

Bowing grandly, he announced, "Ladies first! Professors McGonagall and Trelawney?" Smiling at them, he inclined his head graciously and reached into the vase to present them with a long-stemmed rose each. McGonagall's was crimson with gold edges, in homage to her status as Head of Gryffindor House, and Trelawney's was white with light pink tints deep within the petals. Both women smiled, offering sincere words of thanks as they sniffed appreciatively at the sweet aroma.

"Would the ladies of Hufflepuff join me?" As Hannah and Susan shyly crossed to the table, Dumbledore presented them with carnations, white with yellow and black veins tracing through the petals, and with a yellow and black ribbon tied in a bow around the stem. Once they took the flowers, he reached into the box and offered them a small heart-shaped box of Valentine's chocolates from Honeydukes. Smiling, they thanked him and returned to the group, showing off their gifts.

"May I see the ladies of Slytherin and Ravenclaw?" Luna glided over, followed by Pansy and Millicent. The carnations they received were much like the others, except that they were white with their House colours shot through the petals, and their House ribbons tied around them. They, too, were given the boxes of chocolates.

After they thanked the Headmaster, he said, "And now, the ladies of Gryffindor?" Lavender, Parvati, Ginny, and Hermione strode forward, beaming. Dumbledore twinkled benevolently at them as he distributed the flowers and candy.

Snape watched Hermione flushing prettily and grinning in delight at the unexpected treat. Frowning slightly, he thought, Look at her. She's so pleased. That's it. I must do something. If such a little thing as a carnation and a bit of chocolate makes her this happy... Especially as she wasn't expecting it. Hmm... A carnation? Wasn't that one of the flowers she said she liked? What were the others? Dammit, man, think! You were supposed to file that away for future reference!

Dumbledore had now called the boys up to the table, handing out boxes of Chocolate Frogs. Snape was startled from his introspection by Dumbledore calling his name.

"Severus, you're the only one left. Come here and take your gift." Dumbledore was beaming at him as well, and Snape blinked rapidly, shaking himself as he crossed to the table. Gravely, he accepted the gift box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. "This is a special selection of beans, and each portion is labelled. Rather than take the chance of you suffering as I have at the hands of Bertie Bott, I chose the pre-sorted selection, in which only tasty flavours have been included." He chuckled and Snape inclined his head in thanks.

"That was indeed kind of you, Headmaster. Thank you."

The students were standing about in clumps, sharing sweets and admiring each other's gifts. Snape glanced at Hermione again and saw her blissfully inhaling the aroma of her carnation, eyes closed in pleasure.

What were those damned flowers? They were ones with heavy perfumes... Carnation was one. Not roses. Wait...gardenias! Yes! That was one. I remember the other one was another tropical flower... He concentrated and began going through his encyclopaedic knowledge of plants and their uses, eyes closing as he thought. Plumeria! That's it! His eyes flew open in triumphant relief. Lips quirking in a secretive smile as an idea took shape, he turned to Dumbledore and said, "If we are done here, sir, I would like to retire."

Dumbledore nodded and said, "Good night, Severus. Enjoy the beans. And..." He paused and laid a finger alongside his nose, eyes darting around. "If you find any not to your liking, I'd be happy to dispose of them for you."

Snape snorted, shaking his head at the older man's sweet tooth. "Of course, Albus. Thank you again."

Dumbledore winked at him and beamed. "You're quite welcome. Good night!"

Snape swept one more look over the cast, thrilling to his plan to surprise Hermione, and Disapparated. Once he was gone, the rest of the cast soon dispersed, and the Hall was restored. Students all over the castle that night went to bed excitedly anticipating the next day.

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

Hermione lounged on her bed after rehearsal, twirling the carnation in her fingers and sniffing the fragrance repeatedly. Her thoughts were focused on what to do for Snape for Valentine's Day. Sure, she had told Ginny that it wasn't a big deal, but she still would like to come up with something special to surprise him. Flowers, sweets, and trinkets weren't his style, and she wanted something more personal.

I wish we could be together. If I had the chance, I'd love to take him out to a nice dinner... Of course, we can't do that, what with the whole secrecy thing... Wait. Dinner... That's it! She shot forward in excitement, beaming. His favourite dinner! I can arrange for that. I'll just have to send him a note to stay in his rooms at dinner time, and I'll have his favourite meal sent to him! It's perfect!

Bouncing as she scrambled from the bed to her desk, she snatched up some parchment and her Disappearing Ink and scribbled a note to Snape. When she had vanished the writing and sealed the note, she snagged another piece of parchment and wrote out the menu request for Snape's dinner.

I'll send these both out first thing in the morning. Dobby won't know I sent the request; he'll simply think it's from Severus. Oh, I hope it turns out well.

Transfiguring a water glass into a vase, she filled it with water and placed her flower in it, setting it on her desk. Smiling, she indulged in another chocolate, savouring the flavour as it melted on her tongue.

Eagerly anticipating the next day, if only for the novelty of getting out of the castle again, and for her surprise for Snape, Hermione tucked herself in early, knowing that the sooner she went to sleep, the sooner she'd wake up and find it was the next day.

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

Down in his office, Snape was poring over his catalogues, determining which proprietor he should contact the next day. He knew it would be tricky to be able to acquire what he wanted, particularly with the timing and the holiday, but he made a list of several, in case he had to work his way through them. Fortunately, businesses such as nurseries and flora shops were open on weekends, since plants didn't stop growing two days every week.

Retrieving his Disappearing Ink, he penned a note to Hermione, telling her to get rid of everyone before she returned to her room after dinner, as she could expect a surprise. Smiling in anticipation, he vanished the ink and sealed the scroll, setting his alarm so he could wake in the middle of the night and pop into Hermione's room to leave it for her to find.

Stomach roiling in excitement, Snape lay in bed, the scroll on his nightstand, staring into the darkness as he tried to fall asleep. Eventually, he dozed fitfully, springing awake as his alarm went off in the wee hours of the morning. Hastily donning his lounge wear, he grabbed the scroll and Apparated to Hermione's room, hunkering down behind her armchair.

Pausing long enough to hear her steady breathing, he stood, tiptoeing over to her desk, where he propped the scroll by what looked to be some outgoing mail. Gazing tenderly at her peaceful expression, he fought the desire to crawl beside her and curl up with her. Loath to take the chance of spoiling his surprise, he shut his eyes firmly and Disapparated, sighing regretfully as he slipped back into his own bed. Groggy after the rush of his little excursion, he dropped off to sleep easily, a faint smile on his face.