55- Pieces Come Together

Standard Discliamer goes here.

Author's Note: Many thanks to my lovely beta, ladyofthemasque, and to SnivellusSnape for sounding board action. And, as always, my deepest gratitude to you fine folk who are reading my labour of love, and those of you who have left me reviews or comments on my LJ or sent me emails. You make this all so much more enjoyable. Don't forget to check out my Livejournal for update and progress info, plus random bits of me, at: http://pern-dragon.livejournal.com/ Hope everyone has a festive ChristmaHanuKwanzaakkuh Yulestice (or whatever other winter holiday you may celebrate, LOL)!

Cheers!

Nicole/ Good_Witch

Chapter 55- Pieces Come Together

The Hall was buzzing with nervous energy. Dumbledore was setting the stage, and cast members stood about in small clumps, furtively muttering through their parts for Act One. Snape had Apparated them to the back of the house, and he remained in the shadows while Hermione cast a wan smile at him and stepped away, heading down the aisle to join the others.

When everyone was assembled and the stage was ready, Dumbledore spread his hands, gazing about expectantly for attention.

"Tonight is a run-through with sets. I do not expect you to sing. This is merely a review of what we've already done, and I am saving the sing-through for later. You needn't worry about the spell this time. What I want you all to do is recite your parts and perform all of your blocking and business. Understood?" Vigorous nodding was seen all around. "Excellent. Now then... places!"

Everyone involved in the opening Auction scene hurried to their places, turning attentive faces to Dumbledore. With a bright smile, he cried, "Action!"

From his vantage point in the back of the house, Snape could only hear some of what was said onstage. Decidedly disgruntled by the events in his quarters, he scowled as he stomped down the aisle to be able to hear better. Dumbledore saw movement in his peripheral vision and turned to smile at Snape. Snape, wanting a reason to vent his unsettled feelings, marched up to the headmaster and hissed, "I had to move closer just to be able to hear everyone. That is unacceptable." His lips thinned in annoyance and he cut a dark glance at the stage.

Dumbledore shook his head faintly and whispered, "It's just a practice, Severus. I'm sure they'll all be loud enough when we do the sing-through and dress rehearsals. Right now, I'm merely concerned that they remember what we've already done."

Straightening haughtily, Snape sniffed and retorted, "That's no reason for them not to put forth effort."

"Give over, Severus; relax! You needn't stress yourself tonight. And you needn't chastise the students either. If they don't rise to the challenge later, then you can reproach them. For now, leave it." He eyed Snape over his half-moon spectacles, and Snape heaved an aggrieved sigh before giving a perfunctory nod and whirling away, Disapparating.

Dumbledore chuckled to himself once Snape was gone. Onstage, Seamus was almost at the end of his speech, and Dumbledore snapped his attention to the chandelier, making ready to assemble it and lift it to its position above them. As the chandelier began its ascent, he deftly moved the sets, transforming the stage into the Hannibal rehearsal.

There were some fumbling and furtive directions between actors as the scene progressed. Some of the ballet girls were more at ease in their blocking than others, and Dumbledore frowned, reflecting that it was certainly a good thing that their slippers would be enchanted to perform the dance movements correctly, as some were clearly not up to the task.

Peeking into his script, he followed along with the speeches as they went on. There were a few pregnant pauses as people struggled to remember their lines. Eventually, Pansy began reciting her song, and Dumbledore pointed his wand at the backdrop, controlling its crash to the stage. He smiled again and nodded in approval when Terry appeared with the Punjab lasso in hand.

Pansy and Draco stalked offstage in a huff, and Hermione stepped forward at McGonagall's urging. Justin gestured for her to begin her song, and she spoke the words in a rhythmic manner. After the first verse, Dumbledore started the set changes to morph the stage into the performance.

Up in one of the Boxes, Snape whipped around at the sound of Harry's approach, Apparating away before the boy could arrive. He popped down to his spot behind the mirror in the dressing room set piece, watching the others bustling in the wings as the sets changed again and the dressing room piece slid onstage.

Ginny and Hermione recited their song in the dressing room, and McGonagall appeared to drag Ginny away. Hermione sat before her dressing table, looking at the note McGonagall had handed her while the ballet group exited and Ron, Neville, Harry, and Millicent entered. They turned and filed back offstage as Harry entered the dressing room, smiling broadly as he and Hermione performed their scene. Dashing out, buoyant with excitement, Harry exited, and Hermione sank back into her chair at her dressing table.

Behind the mirror, Snape drew up and bellowed his lines, not quite singing, but still giving them their due. Hermione responded with wide eyes, and as they continued, Dumbledore cast the spells on the mirror, allowing Snape to be seen, his hand stretching forward to take Hermione's. He pulled her through the mirror as Harry burst through the dressing room door, crying out in distress at their disappearance.

Then began the huge set change. Snape nodded to Hermione in warning before they Apparated to various spots on the morphing set on their descent to the labyrinth underground. Hermione faintly voiced her extravagant vocalizing, dropping the higher notes to an octave below while they practiced. Snape tried to keep his disappointment from showing as he began reciting "Music of the Night."

Even though he wasn't singing, his voice was still mesmeric as he went through his blocking. Hermione allowed herself to relax into the part again, enjoying the gentleness of Snape's touches. He led her to the covered mirror and tugged the sheet off it, showing her the wax dummy. When it flung its hands forward, Hermione crumpled against Snape, and he swung her up into his arms, tenderly depositing her on the bed as he finished his lines. Lightly caressing her hair away from her forehead, his trailed his fingertips along her cheek as he backed up on the last drawn-out note. Hermione shivered and sighed, forcing herself to keep her eyes closed.

The silence in the Hall was profound when Snape crossed to the organ to start the next scene. Finally, the monkey music box started playing, and Hermione stretched awake. She crossed to Snape, attempting to remove his mask, succeeding on the fourth try. He pulled no punches as he rounded on her, roaring in fury. Just like the first time, Hermione scuttled backward, stumbling to the floor and cringing away from him.

They exchanged miserable looks in the pretence of the scene, finding an outlet for their frustration. In the wing, Ginny swallowed against the lump that formed in her throat at how tortured they both looked. The surge of sympathy for their plight was followed by a pang of relief that she no longer had to worry about her relationship with Harry.

They finished the scene, stalking offstage and passing the group of ballet dancers waiting to enter. The sets changed again, and the girls scurried on, watching Terry as he imitated the Phantom and recited his lines. In the wing, Snape gripped Hermione's arm and nodded pointedly toward the trap door in the centre of the stage. She nodded back, and they Apparated below the stage. They merely gazed at one another, not daring to share a moment of intimacy, before climbing up and appearing onstage, causing the girls to scatter. Snape paused and glared at Terry, watching McGonagall enter before he enveloped Hermione in his embrace and led her offstage in the opposite direction.

Once in the wings, they parted, and Snape quickly strode away, ignoring the students who were standing in the wing, watching. Hermione faced the stage and stared out, ostensibly watching the rehearsal, but if anyone looked carefully, they'd have seen that her eyes were unfocused, and she was chewing her bottom lip in thought.

Parvati had passed Neville as she scampered offstage, and she noted that he was standing by himself, silently going through his lines as he waited for his cue. His eyes were almost closed in concentration, and a mischievous smirk crossed her face as she ducked behind him and glanced around to see if anyone else were watching. No one was paying any attention, so she sidled up to his shoulder, leaning forward to breathe in his ear and get his attention.

Neville jerked in surprise, whirling, wide-eyed, toward her. She grinned and whispered, "Hi," before darting forward to kiss him again. She was really enjoying the jolt of power she felt anytime she surprised him like that; his blushing consternation was quite endearing.

Thus it was that she was the one taken off guard when, as she pulled back, about to dash away, Neville's startled expression changed to one of resolution, and his hand snapped forward, clasping her wrist and preventing her escape. As her eyes went wide and her mouth formed an "o" of astonishment, Neville stepped forward and tugged her toward him at the same time, bringing their bodies in contact. His other hand whipped up to cup the base of her skull, just below her ear, as he murmured, "Let's see how you like being surprised!" Dipping his head, he captured her lips in a determined kiss, holding her in place, even though she hadn't tried to get away.

Their intimate tableau was broken when, having shifted the sets to the managers' office for "Notes," Dumbledore wondered where his "Firmin" was, as Neville hadn't come out with the set. Waiting a moment, in case he was on his way out, Dumbledore finally cleared his throat and stepped forward, peering into the wing in search of Neville. The obvious missed cue drew the rest of the cast's attention as well, and everyone started looking around, several of them following Dumbledore's gaze as he noticed Neville and Parvati snogging in the wing.

Several startled gasps whooshed through the Hall, and Dumbledore blinked and cleared his throat. When they didn't immediately separate, he cleared his throat more aggressively, to the accompaniment of astonished titters from other students who were watching with avid interest. At Dumbledore's chiding "Mr. Longbottom!" Neville jerked back with an abashed gulp, and Parvati fell back a pace, one hand fluttering up to cover her mouth as she glanced about dazedly, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment at being caught by the headmaster.

Neville released Parvati, his hands gripping in nervous fists at his sides as he blushed violently. The panic in his eyes gave way to a flash of sheepish pride as several of the other boys let loose a volley of whistles and catcalls, shouting things like, "Go, Neville!"

Both McGonagall and Dumbledore swept the cast with stern, quelling gazes, and Parvati slunk back into the shadows while Neville stood there, his posture a mixture of shame and defiance. Swallowing hard several times, he forced out, "Sorry, Headmaster." Then, taking a deep breath, he surged out onto the stage, taking his place to continue rehearsal. His face was a brilliant scarlet, and he looked to be breathing rapidly with nerves, but he clenched his teeth and squared his shoulders, composing himself with effort.

Blinking, he shot a sheepish glance into the wing, and when he didn't see Parvati any longer, he schooled his expression into one of courteous attention and focused on Dumbledore. "I'm ready any time, sir."

Dumbledore cast an appraising glance over the rest of the cast visible, including McGonagall, who was gazing with disapproval at her charges, and bit back the amused chuckle that wanted to surface in spite of himself. "Very well then. Now that I have your attention..." Neville bowed his head apologetically, and Dumbledore continued, "Proceed."

Neville began reciting his lines, and when Ron burst onto the scene, the redhead was having trouble keeping his amused smirk from surfacing. At Neville's heated glare, Ron attempted to get into character better, and they flowed on to Harry's arrival.

When Pansy flounced onstage, she sneered at all three boys, and all four of them shifted minutely to make sure they were in the correct spots. McGonagall and Ginny entered, and the whole group forged on. Snape had Apparated up to Box Five again, and he magnified his voice to recite the note, watching the blocking below.

As they neared "Prima Donna," everyone was alert to picking up their cues, and the overlapping lines went smoothly. Finally, they came to the lull, and Neville and Ron approached Pansy with winning smiles, launching into full suck-up mode for "Prima Donna."

The six of them wove in and out with their lines, shaky in a few spots when one or two weren't completely sure of their placement and timing. But, they made it through to the end, and Snape's voice rang out again, menacing and foreboding as they struck their final pose. As soon as the scene was over, they all raced offstage, the boys rushing up to their respective Box seats. Snape once again Disapparated, taking up a position on the catwalk above the stage, ready to flit about and cast threatening shadows as had been planned.

The curtained bed slid onstage, and the scene began. As they chanted through the opening lines, and the boys projected their lines from the Boxes, Snape cast Sonorus again, preparing for his lines. The bed curtains opened to reveal Pansy and Hermione. Both girls mechanically went through their business and the scene continued.

Snape's voice echoed in the Hall, and Pansy croaked. Snape's laughter was forced, but he tried, watching Dumbledore below as he rocked the chandelier. When Neville and Ron rushed onstage and called for the ballet, Snape concentrated on each position he would take in the catwalks near the lights. He didn't want to burn himself on any of the jumps. Terry, in the meantime, had climbed to his position on the catwalk and had secured the cable about him, waiting for his cue to drop.

Snape popped in and out of existence all over, his shadow looming on the backdrop until Terry saw Dumbledore's nod and stepped off the catwalk for his plunge. The ballet girls shrieked and scattered; and Harry burst onstage to collect Hermione while Neville roared for calm as Seamus, Colin, Dean, and Justin swarmed the stage as policemen and stagehands.

The sets began shifting to the roof of the opera house as Hermione and Harry recited their lines. Snape took his position on the statue before Dumbledore wafted it down onto the stage. While Harry and Hermione performed their tender scene, Snape sulked behind the statue, wallowing in his resentment of the frustrating, precarious position he and Hermione were in. That bitterness came through when he emerged for his part, and his impotent anger at the whole situation boiled out as he roared for vengeance, riding the statue back up to the proscenium as the sets changed back to the stage. Still, he kept a keen eye on the chandelier as Dumbledore sent it crashing toward Hermione, apprehensive in spite of his deep faith in his mentor.

When the chandelier smashed onto the stage, making Hermione cringe away from it, Dumbledore counted a few beats in his head before bellowing, "Done! Everyone come out!"

He deftly returned the chandelier to its hanging position, smiling in satisfaction at the cast members who all emerged form the wings. Parvati was studiously not looking at anyone else, keeping her eyes on Dumbledore, and Neville shot a nervous glance her way. Seeing her tense demeanour, he followed her example and turned his attention to the headmaster, ignoring any smirks sent his way from his mates. Snape Apparated to the stage, hanging behind the rest of the cast.

Dumbledore clasped his hands and smiled. "Clearly, everything wasn't perfect, but it's obvious that you all have been paying attention and practicing. I'm pleased with the overall quality, and I look forward to our next rehearsal, in which we will sing through Act One. I want to know how well you know all of your lines and songs, even without the sets and blocking to jog your memory, so next time, we'll simply be performing vocally. Much like we did with the read-through early on. So, be prepared for that next Tuesday. We're all coming along nicely, and I'm quite certain we'll win the competition yet!" He paused, beaming at them, and many people grinned back.

"Very well then. You know what you missed tonight. I needn't go through it again. Just make sure you don't make the same mistakes again, and keep practicing! Good work, everyone. Now, off with you!" He gestured toward them, shooing them out, and they bustled offstage.

Snape gazed grimly after the retreating students, then Disapparated with a petulant huff. Hermione felt a nagging frustration, but she allowed herself to be distracted by the jovial banter between the Gryffindor boys and Neville. Lavender had dragged Parvati out of the Hall and up toward the Tower before the rest had made it up the aisle.

Harry had one arm draped around Ginny's shoulders, and he grinned delightedly at Neville, who was blushing while he tried to compose his expression into one of nonchalance.

Dean flashed his gleaming smile at his mate and said, "Come on now, what was all that about, eh?"

Neville tilted his chin up and took a deep breath. With a flare of defiance, he murmured, "None of your business."

Dean affected offence, and Seamus laughed. Ron smirked, hurrying to join them after having said good night to Susan. His leer was obvious as he hissed, "Aw, don't be like that, Neville! We're just curious." He waggled his eyebrows meaningfully.

Neville narrowed his eyes and jutted his lower jaw forward. Casting an appraising gaze over the rest of his House-mates, he muttered, "A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell."

Hermione's brows shot up and a trill of laughter burst forth. Ginny crowed in delight and pointed at the boys' dismayed expressions. "Good on you, Neville! Take that, you lecherous beasts!"

Neville flushed even more, but his lips quirked in a faint smile at the girls' clear approval. He pushed forward, edging past the group on his way up the stairs.

Ginny and Hermione laughed again, and Ginny continued, "That was brilliant, Neville. I could kiss you for that!"

Neville spun around, pausing a few steps above the rest of them. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he said, "What, you mean, again?" Then, before Harry could react to that gibe, and while Ginny was still staring at him, mouth agape in astonishment at his implication, he flashed a devious grin and whirled, dashing up the stairs at top speed.

The rest of the Gryffindors just stood and stared after him, completely stunned by his behaviour. Eventually exchanging bemused or incredulous looks, they resumed their ascent.

When they arrived in the common room, neither Neville nor Parvati were anywhere to be seen. Without targets for their teasing, everyone headed for bed. Really, rehearsals were getting to be more and more entertaining lately...

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

Even though Snape knew he wouldn't likely get a response from Graham Moore until the next week, it didn't do anything to mitigate the impatience with which he waited for a letter back. Now that he had picked a course of action, he was raring to get on with it. Finally, Monday morning, an owl approached him at breakfast with an envelope from the estate agent.

His stomach roiled with a mixture of apprehension and anticipation as he made note of the return address. Furtively glancing to the side, checking whether or not Dumbledore had been looking at his receipt of the letter, he tucked it within his robes, anxious to keep his plan a secret for now. It would be awkward indeed if the headmaster caught wind of the fact that his Potions Master would not be returning next year, as it would surely invite questions that Snape did not wish to answer at this time. He hurried through his breakfast, glancing repeatedly at Hermione as he prepared his tea.

Watching her produced a combination of pleasure and pain, but the pain of their separation was not enough to outweigh the pleasure of knowing she loved him, so he kept a discreet watch on her, masking his wistful yearning with a studiously grim façade.

As soon as he finished his tea, he retreated to his quarters to read the missive before his classes. The response was as much as he had expected. Moore had expressed regret that he would be losing such a valued, esteemed client, but he had also been gracious in his final offers for assistance. Seizing on the opportunity at once, Snape wrote back, thanking him for the help, outlining his requirements, and offering him a generous severance in gratitude for many years of dedicated service.

According to Moore, the current tenants had been served with notice of vacating the property by the date specified as soon as Moore had received Snape's request. Now, Moore would be the one spearheading the effort to renovate the house to new specifications, dealing with all the contractors and workmen before Snape took up residence. Of course, Snape would have to be the one to contact the wizarding world equivalents, making sure the building was once again warded correctly, connected to the Floo network, and outfitted with the sort of lab he would need should he continue in his potions work.

He scrawled a list of people and businesses to contact, then hurried to his class. The ball was officially rolling, and there was no turning back now. As exciting as the prospect was, it also brought with it a sense of worry, waiting for something to go wrong. Setting his teeth, he determined to face this new challenge with as much resolution as he had used to deal with his tricky position as a spy for nearly two decades.

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

Tuesday evening at dinner, Dumbledore had just taken his seat by Snape when Snape stood, preparing to get Hermione as usual. Dumbledore looked up curiously and said, "Where are you going, Severus?"

Snape paused and blinked, slowly explaining, "I'm about to collect Miss Granger before rehearsal, as always."

Dumbledore grimaced and shook his head. "We're just going to be singing tonight...no sets or anything. You needn't worry yourself or Miss Granger with fixing your hair tonight. Relax and enjoy dessert, Severus. There's a lovely lemon pie..." He gestured toward the pie, from which he had already taken a slice, fortunately missing the fleeting ripple of dismay and pain that flashed over Snape's face.

Snape cut a glance at Hermione, who was eyeing him quizzically. Looking back at Dumbledore, still standing awkwardly, Snape kept a firm grip on his mutinous response. Dumbledore peered up at him and motioned for Snape to sit. "Have a seat, my boy. There's no need to rush through your dinner this time." He waited expectantly for Snape to sink back into his chair.

Snape cast a blank look at Hermione as he slowly sat back down. When he was still, Dumbledore started a steady stream of inconsequential chatter, none of which Snape heard, as his ears were roaring with his petulant inner objections. Hermione stared at them, completely taken aback. She glanced at the time, then frowned in confusion as she snapped her gaze back to Snape.

Several minutes crawled by, with Snape sitting like a statue...yet still managing to look harassed...and Hermione fidgeting with anxiety. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore, and she shot to her feet in agitation. Swallowing back her worry, she composed herself and began a determined march toward the dais with the High Table.

Snape saw her approach and stared at her, panic flashing in the dark depths of his eyes. In his mind, he willed her to go back. Stop! Don't come up here! You'll just draw attention to us... Hermione saw the anguish in his gaze and tried to offer a soothing glance, but she kept flicking her eyes back to the headmaster as she stepped nearer.

Dumbledore noticed her as she ascended the dais and smiled gently at her, saying, "Good evening, Miss Granger. What can I do for you?"

Hermione nodded politely at the old man and Snape and said, "Good evening, Headmaster, Professor. I couldn't help but notice the time, and I was wondering why Professor Snape hadn't yet come to get me before rehearsal. I wouldn't want us to be late, sir."

Dumbledore chuckled indulgently and said, "Trust our Head Girl and lead actress to be conscientious. Tonight is the sing-through. We'll not be using sets or practicing on the stage at all, so there's no need to worry yourself about fixing Professor Snape's hair. Your concern does you credit, Miss Granger, but you have a reprieve tonight." He twinkled fondly at her over his spectacles, inclining his head in tacit dismissal.

Hermione was astounded. Their before-rehearsal trysts had become such habit, and she looked forward to the unguarded moments alone with Snape so much that to suddenly be deprived of one hit her like a Bludger in the chest. Blinking, she fought to find her voice and act as if the whole thing was of no significance to her. Now she understood why Snape had such an air of a trapped animal about him, and why he had glared at her so hard as she had approached.

Nodding her head faintly, she managed to force out, "I see. Of course, Headmaster. I hadn't realized..." She sucked in a deep breath and said, more briskly, "I beg your pardon for disturbing your meal." Then, flashing a polite smile at them both, she ducked her head and backed away. "Excuse me, professors." Spinning on her heel, she hurried back down to her seat at the Gryffindor table, gazing distractedly at the remains of her dinner on the plate before her.

Snape's hands were clenched so tightly that he could feel the nails digging into his palms. Dumbledore glanced at him and said, "If only all our students could be so punctilious..." Snape didn't answer. Seeing that Snape wasn't eating, Dumbledore once again urged, "Try some of the pie, Severus. It's quite tasty."

Snape started out of his reverie as Dumbledore slid the pie into his field of vision, trying to foist it on him. His lip curled in disgust and he growled, "I don't care to have any just now."

Dumbledore affected impatience and wheedled, "Not even a little bit, just to join me while I eat?"

Snape cut an acid glance at him and scowled. His voice was flat as he retorted, "I'm not hungry." His eyes unerringly sought out Hermione again.

Dumbledore cast a glance over the Hall, noting that Snape seemed to be looking at Hermione where she sat staring pensively at her plate. Musingly, he said, "I wonder what's on her mind..."

Snape, realizing that Dumbledore was focusing on Hermione, exploded in an attempt to distract the man from that line of thought. "I believe I'll have a cup of tea to join you, Albus. Would you pass me the teapot?"

Dumbledore's gaze jerked away from Hermione, and he flashed a satisfied smile at Snape. "Excellent! Here you go." He handed the pot to Snape, and Snape nodded to the honey pot and dish of lemon wedges, indicating he wanted them, too. Dumbledore reached for them and passed them to Snape as well, beaming as Snape meticulously prepared his tea. "I must try that some time."

Snape peered darkly at him over the rim of his teacup as he blew on the contents to cool it. Waiting until Dumbledore had returned his attention to his meal, Snape snapped a furtive glance at Hermione again. She had noticed his actions and had mixed her own cup as well.

Locking wistful eyes as they sipped, they mourned the loss of their chance to be together that evening.

A few minutes later, Ginny looked up from her conversation with Harry and noticed Hermione still sitting there. Brow furrowing in surprise, she looked between Hermione and Snape and leant closer to Hermione. "Why are you still here?"

Hermione looked at her with a wounded air and mumbled, "Tonight's just a sing-through. Dumbledore said I don't have to do Professor Snape's hair this time."

Ginny's eyebrows rose in comprehension. Grimacing in sympathy, she murmured, "Sorry..."

Hermione sighed and gave a half-hearted shrug. Closing her eyes and pressing her forehead against her hands wrapped around her teacup, she said, in a low fervent voice, "Less than four months. That's all..."

Ginny voiced an understanding croon, gently patting her friend's shoulder. Dinner was almost over, and most of the students had already left. The cast members were lounging at their tables, waiting for rehearsal to begin.

Once the remains of the meal had disappeared, and the last stragglers not on cast had left the Hall, Dumbledore waved for everyone to gather near the High Table. When the long benches were empty, he waved his wand, Vanishing the House tables and Summoning a circle of chairs again. Nodding encouragingly, he gestured for the cast to sit.

Snape and Hermione glanced at each other, watching the others taking seats and making sure they sat opposite each other in the circle. Some students pulled out their scripts, but Dumbledore cleared his throat and said, "Put the scripts away. We've been at this long enough that everyone should know their parts. This practice is a sing-through of Act One...from memory!" He swept a stern glare over the cast. Sheepish nods met his gaze as the students tucked the scripts under their chairs and nervously fidgeted in their seats. Nodding emphatically, Dumbledore went around the circle casting Suaviloquentia. When he finished, he stood behind his chair and surveyed the group with an air of suppressed excitement.

All eyes were on him, and he clasped his hands in front of him and beamed. "I have a surprise for you all." People exchanged curious and wary glances, perking up in attention. "This past weekend, I worked with Professor Flitwick, and we prepared tonight's accompaniment..." With a wave of his wand, an orchestral ensemble appeared to one side. A whoosh of surprised gasps swept through the Hall.

The instruments all stood at the ready, as if invisible musicians were awaiting a cue. Beaming, Dumbledore fished a book of music from within his robes, presenting it with a flourish. "I have here the entire musical score for the production, and Professor Flitwick has charmed the instruments to play each part of the score. And," he drawled, clearly enjoying the reactions, "with what can only be described as an impressive demonstration of his consummate skill, he has linked each charm for each instrument to be controlled by one caster: Me!" He patted his chest, patently delighted with the task. "I conduct the score, and the entire orchestra plays!"

Pleased and impressed smiles bloomed throughout the group. Snape, too, was impressed, but he couldn't help but notice one flaw in the plan. Clearing his throat, he said, "Headmaster, if I may point out one small problem with that..."

Dumbledore eyed him with a slight frown. "Yes, Severus?"

Smoothing his robes over his knees as he spoke, he said, "How are you to conduct the orchestra...even with such cunningly linked charms...if you are also responsible for all set changes during the production?" When he finished, he cast a mildly apologetic and faintly aggrieved look at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore's frown smoothed and one corner of his mouth quirked up in an almost calculating smirk. His voice was low, as if he were talking to himself, as he said "Leave it to you to discover part of my reasoning for having only a sing-through tonight." Snape's eyes narrowed slightly, and Dumbledore continued in a louder voice. "You are correct, Severus. However, I can set the spell in motion and let it run through to a predetermined stopping point...which is the plan for the performance. But, tonight, I wanted to be in control of the progress, in case we need to stop or go back. Thus, with my full attention devoted to this endeavour, I decided to skip the practice with the sets. We had that already, and we'll be having dress rehearsals soon, so right now, we're going to concentrate on the vocal aspects of the show." Snape inclined his head in acknowledgement of the explanation, and Dumbledore huffed faintly, gazing at Snape with a "why am I surprised?" expression.

In the beat of silence that followed their exchange, the rest of the cast exchanged anticipatory glances, some more excited than others. Then, Dumbledore jerked out of his reverie and clapped his hands. "Excellent! Now, is everyone ready?" At the answering nods and murmurs, he took his seat and opened the score, placing the tip of his wand at the start of the first measure. At his encouraging nod, Seamus began his lines for the Auction.

Some of the cast had their eyes closed, listening intently and focusing on remembering all that was in their scripts. At the first sound of the music, several pairs of eyes snapped over to the ensemble, staring in fascination at the instruments playing themselves.

Although they had all had the music boxes, with the superb quality of the recorded performance, actually hearing a real orchestra playing in real time made the whole thing that much more immediate and affecting.

Even Snape took a long moment to close his eyes and just listen to the performance. A faint smile of satisfaction and approval twitched on his lips, and when he opened his eyes, he saw Hermione gazing at him, an answering smile lighting up her face. Pride and excitement made her eyes sparkle as she joined in the chorus singing during the Hannibal rehearsal scene.

His heart throbbed with overwhelming adoration, and he was momentarily grateful that his part wasn't until later, as it gave him a chance to clear the lump that was constricting his throat.

As the practice continued, several people kept their eyes closed when they sang or said their lines, and it was mildly amusing to watch as some flailed about, still performing their gestures and miming their stage business. Dumbledore was happily following along in the score, guiding his wand over the music, nodding and swaying to the songs.

Everything went smoothly until the "Notes" scene. When Snape finished reciting his note, and the others all reacted to it, somehow, someone missed a cue in the music, throwing the interweaving song off by a beat or two. Dumbledore let loose a faint sigh that plainly said, "It did seem too be going too well," and lifted his wand from the score, startling the cast as the instruments all came to an abrupt stop.

"Let's go back to the top of this scene, if you please. Well, really, just to the part right after the Phantom's note..." Those in the scene exchanged wry but determined glances, nodding as they thought back to the beginning. Everyone's expressions were of concentration as they started again, and the song continued on through "Prima Donna" smoothly. Relaxing in relief, several smiles flashed around the circle.

After the last forceful note of "Prima Donna," Pansy smirked around the group, preening that she had managed so well. Catching Snape's eye, she sat up straighter and quirked her lips into a self-satisfied smile. Snape inclined his head with an approving air at his charge, and the girl flushed faintly with pleasure at the recognition from her Head of House.

As the music began for the next scene, Snape gloatingly flashed three fingers at Pansy, mouthing, "Three points to Slytherin," as he pointed at her. The resulting smile lit up her face, and Snape smirked as he leant casually back in his chair, noting that McGonagall had seen the interchange and was eyeing him with a mixture of understanding that he would award points to his House and exasperation that he would do so in such a sneaky, secretive way. At his narrow-eyed gaze of challenge, she huffed and rolled her eyes, shaking her head minutely and turning her attention back to the rehearsal.

Focusing once again on the practice, Snape stretched his legs out in front of him, crossing his ankles and leaning back in the chair with his hands clasped over his belly as he closed his eyes. Without the distraction of visuals, he could hear just how good the cast had become. Pride in Hogwarts welled up, and he simply enjoyed what he was hearing.

His smug reflections faded as the rehearsal progressed to "Il Muto." Frowning, he growled his lines, waiting for Pansy to start croaking again. He started to laugh, drawing his legs back, sitting back in his seat, and leaning forward as he rested his elbows on his knees, opening his eyes to peer around the circle.

Hermione gazed solemnly at him through her lashes as she mentally prepared for "All I Ask of You." Snape's voice boomed through the space, even though he hadn't magnified it, and his laughter trailed off as Neville and Ron hastily delivered their lines. Everyone simply gazed around the group as the ballet music continued, awkwardly waiting for the next vocal part. Terry was nodding his head, seeming to count the beats in the music until he jerked his head more forcefully, marking the moment he would be jumping from the catwalk. Ginny watched him, then snapped her attention to Dumbledore, listening for the ominous shift in music as her cue to scream.

Several people jumped, startled by her shriek, and fidgeted in their chairs, antsy now that they had no outlet for their frantic blocking and stage business. Across the circle, Hermione and Harry exchanged glances before launching into their duet.

Snape remained with his elbows on his knees, watching them from under a beetled brow. For the first time in a long time at rehearsal, he felt his hair shake forward, cloaking his face. And, for the first time ever, he felt a stab of irritation that his hair was loose. Usually, he used it as a refuge or a tool, but this time, all it did was serve to remind him of his lost chance to spend time with Hermione. A fleeting wish that his hair was slicked back made him stifle a snort at the incongruity.

His attention was drawn back to Hermione as she sang with Harry, and he ground his teeth, feeling the frustration and betrayal wash over him again. He glared at the floor, awaiting his turn to sing and let loose his ire. He let the anger boil up, so when he began his part, his voice was shaky with suppressed emotion. Slipping past the incredulous shock of Christine's betrayal, he choked out the pained despair. Then, when Hermione and Harry sang again, he whipped his head up, his hair flying back and away from his face, exposing the blazing eyes and intent fury as he roared his threat.

The music swelled, and Snape pinned Hermione with his gaze as he bellowed, "Go!" She tensed, wide-eyed, as the music tumbled down, mirroring the chandelier's descent, and at the moment it would be crashing by her, she shut her eyes and cringed, listening to the final notes of the Act.

Dumbledore lifted his wand from the score and nodded sharply. Gazing around the circle, he flashed a satisfied smile and said, "I say, that was well done!" Relieved sighs and murmurs of agreement swept through the cast as they exchanged pleased glances. "I daresay that was good enough to warrant letting you all go early. We'll be meeting again Friday, when we'll run through Act Two, just like we did with Act One last week." He paused, casting an appraising look over the group as he added, "We have just over a month left before our performance..." All around, ears perked up and eyes zeroed in on the headmaster.

"Albus, has the Ministry finally set a date?" McGonagall leant forward in interest.

Dumbledore nodded. "I received the message today. They apparently did a random draw to determine which school would perform when, and we get to go last. Our performance date is Friday, April 10th. Beauxbatons will be performing that Monday, the 6th, and Durmstrang on Wednesday, the 8th. Oh, and just so you all know, I've decided that the school will have a chance to see our dress rehearsal on Friday, April 3rd, so they may enjoy the fruits of our labours before they leave for holiday."

"That's in a month," croaked Ron, turning slightly green with anxiety. Susan patted his hand comfortingly.

Dumbledore smiled gently at him. "Indeed it is, Mr. Weasley. You needn't worry; I have every faith that this cast will be more than prepared by then. Really, think about it: we've been at this for over four months now. According to what I've learnt about Muggle plays, that's unheard of! Imagine if we had only had four to six weeks to prepare, as is more usual..." He nodded gravely at the wide-eyed stares around him, as shocked whispers and mutters rippled through the students.

Luna surprised everyone by raising her hand in the air. Dumbledore inclined his head politely. "Yes, Miss Lovegood?"

Lowering her hand slowly, she said, "Will we be allowed to see the other school's performances? And will they be allowed to come here to see us? You know, to see what we're up against?"

Dumbledore pursed his lips. "I'm afraid I don't have that answer just yet, but I will look into it. It's a good point."

Realizing that now was a good time for questions, Hermione cleared her throat and raised her hand as well. At Dumbledore's nod, she said, "Our families will be allowed to see the performance, won't they?"

Dumbledore beamed and said, "Of course!"

But Hermione continued, "Will they come to the dress rehearsal the school gets to see, or will they come to the performance the Ministry is judging?"

Dumbledore's eyebrows rose. "Well now, that's another good point, Miss Granger. I suppose it might be better to invite your families to come see us before the holiday, so it won't interfere with any plans they might make." He fished a quill and a scrap of parchment from his robes and scribbled a note for himself.

Shooting a quick glance at McGonagall, he murmured, "We'll have to look into Floo connections or portkeys for the performance night. I doubt they'd want to spend the day on the Hogwarts Express." McGonagall nodded and Dumbledore scrawled another note. Looking up expectantly, he said, "Any other excellent questions?"

People exchanged curious looks, but nobody spoke up. After a moment, Dumbledore stuffed the scrap back in his pocket and said, "Very well then, you're all dismissed. Enjoy your early reprieve." He chuckled at the smiles wreathing the faces of students as they passed him on their way out of the Hall.

Snape stood, shaking his hair forward and surreptitiously watching Hermione as she joined Ginny on the way out. His need for her pounded through him, and he quickly Disapparated, appearing in the shadowed alcove across from the Hall doors, waiting for Hermione to emerge. When the girls stepped into the corridor, he saw Hermione peek back into the Hall, her face falling in disappointment that Snape was nowhere to be seen.

Ginny noted her friend's dejected expression and guided her away from the doorway, murmuring, "You okay?"

Hermione shrugged and sighed. Lifting wistful eyes to Ginny's, she whispered, "I just miss him, you know?" Ginny nodded sympathetically, glancing over Hermione's shoulder at Harry exiting the Hall, with the other Gryffindors at his heels.

Snape remained plastered against the wall in the shadows, straining to hear the girls' quiet exchange. His heart throbbed at Hermione's admission, and an answering jolt flashed over him, missing her immensely.

The group of students paused, Harry joining Ginny and slipping his arm around her, Ron standing with Susan, holding her hand, Seamus shifting his weight nervously as he dared to cup Luna's elbow, and Neville and Parvati casting furtive glances at each other over the others' heads. The Slytherins swept past them, and the other students passed by, chatting amiably. Lavender, Dean, and Colin stopped at the foot of the staircase, looking back at their House-mates, waiting for them to continue up to the Tower.

Harry beamed at Hermione and said, "We've got an early night out, care to enjoy it with some Exploding Snap?"

Hermione gazed at them, making note of the couples and obvious interests displayed. Her stomach roiled with resentment, but she put on a pleasant expression and said, "No thanks. I think I'm going to put my time to good use. There're some things I need to check on in the library. You lot have fun. I'll see you later." Nodding encouragingly at them, she shooed them toward the stairs.

Neville queried, "But, won't it be closing right about now?"

Hermione gave him a wan smile and simply said, "Head Girl privileges."

Everyone nodded faintly, considering what a privilege that was, before nodding or waving at her in farewell.

Ginny eyed Hermione keenly, but she merely nodded, following Harry as he tugged her toward the stairs. Ron and Susan meandered toward the front doors, intent on spending some time outside alone before curfew. Luna smiled dreamily at Seamus and said, "I'd like to play. Will we use the set I gave you for Christmas?"

Seamus flushed, but he retorted hastily, "Sure! Come on then." He sucked in a breath and smiled when Luna slipped her hand in his to join him on the way upstairs.

Hermione hung back, sighing. Turning to cast one last look into the Hall, where Dumbledore and McGonagall were talking, she mumbled, "Sod it!" before scowling and listlessly moping up to the library.

Snape stayed frozen, fighting a battle in his head.

She's heading to the library. Go meet her there!

Bloody hell... it's the library, you imbecile. It will already be closed when she's there, and no one else will be around to see you taking a moment to speak to her. Besides, you are a professor, here. You are allowed to use the library, too.

Fine. You win. If she gets angry, I'm sending her after you.

I know. All right, enough.

With that, he Apparated to the library, choosing to appear in the Restricted Section, where the chance of anyone seeing him was nil to none. His movements were stealthy as he slipped out into the stacks of the library proper, taking up a hidden vantage point from which to watch for Hermione's arrival. He could see Madam Pince working at the circulation desk near the front.

A few minutes later, Hermione entered, nodding politely to Madam Pince. The older witch merely glared back at the girl, growling that she'd be locking up the library for good in just under an hour. Hermione uttered a grave, "Yes, Madam Pince," as she hurried into the musty shelves.

Glancing over her shoulder repeatedly, she made her way back to a secluded aisle that led to short rows on either side. At the end of one of the rows, she scrambled into the deep-set window. It wasn't meant to be a window seat, but the wall was thick enough and the windowpane set far enough out that there was room for her to curl up on the stone ledge.

Drawing her knees up, she wrapped her arms around them and leant her head against the stone, staring blindly out into the night. Snape had followed her, always one row behind, keeping the stacks between them, until he found her hiding spot. Edging along the adjacent row, he carefully removed some books from the shelf, creating an opening through which he could watch her.

She looked miserable, and Snape's heart went out to her, sharing her pain. For several minutes, he gazed at her, drinking her in, noting how her eyes glinted in the torchlight, and she kept swallowing and sniffling. Finally, she hid her face in her hands and gave in to the sobs that she had been holding back.

Her hands muffled the noise, but Snape didn't want the sounds drawing Madam Pince, so he cast a Silencing Charm at the end of the row. Then, stepping out from behind the shelf, he drew a handkerchief from his pocket and crossed to Hermione.

It was the tingle that gave him away. Even with her face buried in her hands, and hearing nothing but herself, Hermione felt Snape's presence; goose flesh rose on her arms. Whipping her head up, she stared, wide-eyed, at the silent figure of Snape offering her his handkerchief. Her voice was a choked whisper as she said, "Severus? What are you doing here?"

Snape stepped closer, his shadow falling over her. When he gestured with the handkerchief, Hermione took it and wiped her face, sniffling. Snape shot a quick glance down the row before answering, in a low voice, "I miss you. You miss me. I'm miserable. You're miserable. I merely wanted to have a moment alone with you, as we were robbed of our usual opportunity tonight."

Hermione grimaced. Brow creased in worry, she hissed, "What if Madam Pince finds us?"

Snape licked his lips and breathed, "We could disappear for a bit. I could pop right back up here with you..."

Hermione cut him off with a shake of her head. "No. It's too risky."

Snape's face fell, dejected. His expression one of disappointment, he murmured, "I cast a Silencing Charm on the row. Unless she managed to come to this particular area, she won't hear a thing."

"Oh. Well, that's good then." They looked at each other, hungrily, hating the awkward tension between them. Finally, after a pregnant pause, Hermione ventured, "So, how are you?"

Snape snorted violently, tossing his head. "Don't be daft! I'm not here for small talk, Hermione."

Hermione sank in on herself, embarrassed. "I'm sorry."

Snape spun away from her, bracing one hand on the opposite side of the window and leaning against the stones. He writhed in shame for having hurt her feelings. Finally casting her an apologetic look, he rumbled, "I apologize for taking my frustration out on you."

Hermione nodded. After gazing at her for a long moment, Snape shoved away from the wall and sank to his knees beside her, clasping her hands in his. "I needed to see you. To be with you. I can't help but act the lovesick fool with you, because I am. I never thought I would be one to behave this way, but you've brought me to so many things I never thought I would experience. Please, Hermione, don't cut me off so completely, even for just a few months."

Hermione saw the anguish in his eyes, pleading with her. Her desperate unhappiness without him drove her to relent. "I suppose it may be safe enough to write... so long as we both are as covert as possible."

At her hesitant admission, an ecstasy of relief washed over Snape's face, closing his eyes and relaxing the pinched frown wrinkling his forehead. He lifted her hands and pressed fervent kisses to her fingers, murmuring, "Yes, my love..."

The feel of his lips on her hands sent a shock of desire through her and she gasped. Snape's eyes snapped up to hers, and he saw the arousal there. Lifting his face from her fingers, he flung a glance over his shoulder. Seeing nothing, he pinned her with a fiery gaze and stretched up to her, rejoicing when he realized she was leaning forward to meet him. His lips sealed hers with a passionate kiss, and Hermione's hands clenched spastically in his. Raising one hand to twine in her hair and cup her head, guiding her closer, Snape exhaled on a long note, the agonized tension draining from him as he assuaged his need for her with their kiss.

Hermione voiced a faint, cooing sigh in response. After a long moment, they regretfully separated, seeing the love blazing in each other's eyes. Knowing he had better leave before he succumbed even more, Snape sank back on his heels, letting his hand caress her as it dropped to his side again. Without a word, he stood, extending his hand to take back his handkerchief.

Hermione grimaced as she gave him his handkerchief. Snape pocketed it absently, his gaze burning into her. Knowing he was about to force himself to leave, she looked up at him wistfully, whispering, "I love you."

Snape swallowed hard, then said, "And I, you." Then, with a final nod, he Disapparated, leaving her alone in the window. Drawing in a great, shuddering breath, Hermione rose, composing herself to return to the Tower.

Madam Pince didn't acknowledge her when she left, and Hermione resolutely trekked up several flights of stairs. Upon climbing into the common room, she saw several of her House-mates playing Exploding Snap, chatting and laughing.

She nodded as she passed them, and Harry cried, "Oi, Hermione, did you find what you needed in the library?"

A slow smile spread across her face and she said, "Yes, Harry, I did. Good night."

Ginny recognized that smile and tilted her head to one side in avid curiosity. Hermione's smile turned a trifle smug, and her demeanour expressed a new sense of serenity. With a twinkle in her eye, Hermione merely smiled at Ginny and waved on her way to her room, leaving the redhead to wonder just what had happened to cheer Hermione up so much. She'd definitely be asking her about it later...