56- Trying New Things

Standard Disclaimer goes here.

Author's Note: Thanks as always to my invaluable beta, Ladyofthemasque (whose original novels are available for pre-order on amazon.com--look for Jean Johnson's The Sword and The Wolf) and to SnivellusSnape for prereading assistance. Thanks to bewarethesmirk for her helpful opinions, too. :) And profound gratitude to all the lovely readers and reviewers who have stuck around despite delays. You lot ROCK in the most awesome sense of the word. *grateful grin* At any rate, the ball keeps on rolling...

Chapter 56- Trying New Things

Wednesday morning, Snape sat at his desk during potions, finally able to look at Hermione again without the stabbing pain that had been plaguing him since the Valentine's Day catastrophe. The simple moment they had shared in the library the night before had done wonders for soothing the raw wound of their separation. After giving a short lecture, he had set the class to writing an essay, and he had settled at his desk with updated account statements from Gringotts.

Hermione periodically peeked up at Snape as she wrote her essay, comforted by their renewed connection. While she hadn't jumped on the chance to write him just yet, the knowledge that she could eased the tense place in her heart. Hermione Granger wasn't one to do anything by halves, and she had reacted to Colin's discovery in her typical gung-ho fashion. After weeks of torment and anguish, for both her and Snape, she had cautiously admitted that perhaps she could relent a little bit, and they both would benefit from the relief.

The sense of peace that had replaced the agony he had been battling pervaded Snape's being, and his expression as he examined the bank paperwork was nearly serene. The first statement...the one for Spinner's End...showed the summary of all deposits, withdrawals, and interest accrued since the account had been opened so many years before. With two decades of summary, the packet was quite thick. Still, Snape went to the beginning and meticulously read through every action, familiarizing himself with what he had previously ignored. The vague disquiet he felt in his stomach at re-establishing himself at Spinner's End kept surfacing, even though he repeatedly squashed it under a firm resolve to change his entire relationship with the house.

Moore had done a superb job of keeping the house tenanted, with few breaks between contracts. He had also exhibited a frugal and keen sense of money management whenever there had been problems to be addressed. Snape's gratitude and esteem for the savvy Muggle increased. Due to the agent's careful handling, Snape was gratified to note that he had amassed much more in the account than he had predicted. A wave of relief washed through him as he did the calculations and realized that, with prudent spending, he had a sum large enough to keep him afloat for approximately eight months, even with no additional income.

The second statement was his personal account. His salary was regularly deposited, and his monthly periodicals debited directly from it. It was a modest income. Granted, it was lower than what would be expected for one who wasn't already gaining room and board from the school, but it allowed for moderate spending. Snape was not the acquisitive sort...except for books and research materials. Of course, some of the books and materials were bought with the stipend granted the Potions department, and Snape felt a pang of regret that he would not be able to take them with him when he left.

At least he was not like Lockhart, spending everything he made on more clothes and adornments, or like Trelawney, who could likely bury herself in her collection of bangles, necklaces, and scarves. The balance in this account was also comforting, made even more so by the generous amount awarded him by the Ministry.

When the war was over, and Dumbledore had brought to light all of the behind-the-scenes work Snape had done to bring about the defeat of Voldemort, the Ministry had not only awarded him the same distinction that they had given everyone in the Order of the Phoenix for their hard work and dedication, but they had caved to Dumbledore's demands that Snape be monetarily compensated for his long years of spying. Thus, after much browbeating and wrangling, and several favours being called in, Snape was given what was referred to as "hazardous duty pay."

Dumbledore had taken great pleasure in explaining the concept to Ministry officials, touting the Muggles' brilliance in offering such things to their military members. It was with a maddening twinkle and a just-this-side-of-demented grin that Dumbledore had proclaimed Snape to be the General of "Dumbledore's Army," outranked only by himself as the equivalent Field Marshal. After many aggrieved glares and reluctant muttering amongst themselves, the Ministry had agreed to award equivalent hazardous duty pay to Snape in arrears, for all the years since he had joined the Order as a spy.

Thus, it was with a faint smirk that Snape savoured the total in his account, certain that all of the work he planned to have done to the house could be covered by his unexpected windfall. Snagging a sheet of parchment, he began listing all the modifications he wanted done to the building, and made notes of whom he'd have to contact about them.

The class ended with Snape casually assigning homework, and he gathered up his papers to retreat to his office as the students exited. He and Hermione exchanged a fleeting glance of acknowledgement before she spun to hurry out. The wisp of thought, wondering if there'd be a letter included in the homework he had just assigned, wafted through his mind, only to be shoved aside by his drive to begin contacting craftsmen to work on Spinner's End.

Using the short while between his classes, he started a list of specifications for a potions lab, a triumphant smile ghosting over his lips as he made amendments and modifications to the current setup he had at Hogwarts. While he had quite an impressive laboratory at his disposal, there were certain things he had always wished he could change, and having the opportunity to build from the ground up filled him with a joyful sort of satisfaction that he had never experienced before. The buoyant mood lasted through his next class, and the students were secretly relieved that he had lightened up again, after having regressed into his sour persona recently.

His improved demeanour continued through the week, and by Friday, he felt like he could control himself when he collected Hermione before rehearsal. Still, the anticipation of being with her tightened his chest, and he picked at his dinner distractedly.

Dumbledore noticed him shoving his food around on the plate with his fork and said, "Severus, is something bothering you?"

Snape snapped to attention, dropping his fork with a clatter, and cast a wary glance at the headmaster. His tone inviting no further questions, he said, "Just thinking about a project, Albus."

Dumbledore nodded knowingly, thinking about the research Snape had done in years past. "I see. Well, if you need an ear, I happen to have two at your disposal, my boy."

Snape snorted. "I'll keep that in mind." Flicking a quick glance at Hermione, he thought, I doubt you'd want to hear all that I'm working on, old friend. I just hope you're as accepting when I'll need it most. He mixed a cup of tea, counting the minutes until he could leave with Hermione.

Hermione waited anxiously at the Gryffindor table. She, too, hadn't eaten much, and was sipping her tea as she gazed about. Her eyes lit upon Neville, who had actually dared to sit by Parvati. The two had walked on eggshells around each other for about a day and a half, then Neville plucked up the nerve to speak to her as he always had, and she had quickly reverted to the old comradeship. But, to Hermione's keen eyes, she could tell that they both harboured interest in the other, but were afraid to delve too quickly into their tentative fancies.

Frowning slightly, Hermione thought that it certainly didn't help matters that Lavender was being rather possessive and snobbish, as if Neville were beneath Parvati's notice. The girl sat on Parvati's other side, repeatedly demanding her attention. Dean was sitting across from the three of them, and he watched the interplay with interest. With Seamus getting more involved with Luna, Dean was at loose ends, and the new outlet for his attention was welcome.

Finally, Snape left the High Table and descended toward Hermione. She, in turn, tidied her place and straightened her robes, brushing crumbs from her lap. Meeting his sombre gaze, she stood and followed him without a word, and no one gave them much notice. They stepped into the corridor, linking arms and nodding as Snape Apparated them to his quarters.

This time, when Hermione leant forward and pressed herself against his chest, slipping her arms around his waist, Snape didn't try to push her away. He simply bent his head to rest his cheek on her hair and clasped her in his embrace. After a long moment, Hermione inhaled deeply and said, "So... no letters for me?"

Snape pulled back, looking down at her. When she lifted her face to look at him, he said, "Are you disappointed?"

Hermione smiled faintly and shrugged. "Maybe a little."

Snape smirked and retorted, "Well, you haven't written me either."

Grimacing, Hermione stepped back. Sheepishly, she said, "I didn't want to seem too clingy."

Snape smiled in surprised delight. Reaching up to caress her cheek, he said, "And I didn't want to drive you away with my need. Besides, I daresay our circumspection is a good thing."

She smiled back, tilting her head into his palm. They gazed tenderly at each other for a moment, then Snape released her, tilting his head toward the bathroom. "At your leisure."

Hermione sighed and crossed to the bathroom while Snape took his seat. Upon her return, she began brushing his hair and said, "So, what have you been up to? You've seemed quite busy in class."

Snape smirked in a gloatingly secretive way, saying, "I was. I am. Just preparing for the end of the year."

When nothing else was forthcoming, Hermione prodded, "Like what?"

Snape snorted at her insistent curiosity. "Nothing for you to worry about. You'll find out in due time. And I'll tell you right now that nothing you do will sway me to divulge anything before I deem the time to be right."

Hermione stuck her tongue out at Snape in petulance. Rolling her eyes sulkily, she retorted, "Fine!" Then, in an airy tone, she added, "I wasn't really all that interested anyway."

Snape's lips twisted in a not-entirely-successful attempt to hold in a bark of laughter. At a retaliatory yank on his hair, he stifled his mirth, reflecting that for all her maturity, she still had some rather childish behaviours as well.

After a silence, in which Hermione's pique was practically ringing, she queried, "Any signs that Dumbledore has caught on to anything?"

Snape's amused smile vanished, and he said, "Nothing in particular... yet." After a beat, he added, "That Creevey boy still leaving you alone?"

Hermione nodded vehemently in relief. "Yes, thank the gods. He's been avoiding most of us on cast. I think that since most of the older students sided with me, he's withdrawn from trying to join in with them. At least I don't have to put up with him mooning or sulking anymore!"

Snape nodded. "Indeed."

There was another silence, and Hermione finished his hair. Stepping around to face him, she gazed down at him wistfully. "All finished. We've got time before we have to be upstairs. Now what?"

Snape clenched his jaw at the welter of ideas that presented themselves to his imagination. Hermione recognized and mirrored his awkwardly uncomfortable expression. Lifting his hand and gesturing for her to sit on his lap, he murmured, "I promise I'll stay calm. It's safe to join me, love."

Eyes shining in gratitude, she took his hand and stepped forward, sinking onto his lap and into his embrace. Laying her head against his shoulder, she picked up her feet and rested them against the armrest, curling trustingly within the confines of his arms. Snape's eyes closed in a combination of pleasure and pain. When he made no move to do anything other than simply hold her, the remaining tension in her body drained away, and she sighed in contentment.

Snape wanted to lift her chin and kiss her, but he knew how quickly things could spiral out of control if he did, so he clamped down on the urge and merely squeezed tighter. The very air about them seemed bittersweet as they sat quietly for a long while. Eventually, as rehearsal drew nearer, Snape squeezed her once more and patted her leg gently.

His voice a bare murmur, he said, "Time to go."

Hermione roused from her languorous state, blinking to bring herself back to reality. She had nearly fallen asleep in his lap, warm and protected in his arms. Carefully moving off him, she took several deep breaths and scrubbed her face in an attempt to be more alert.

Snape stood gingerly, scowling at the shocking tingles that raced through his legs where they were asleep from Hermione sitting on them. As he tested their responsiveness, he looked at Hermione, and his breath caught.

She was gazing up at him with the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. Stunned by the force of the love radiating from her, he blinked. Smiling even more at the gobsmacked expression on his face, Hermione said, "Thank you, Severus. That was lovely."

Confused, Snape retorted, "What was? I didn't do anything."

Tilting her head and beaming at him, she voiced a low chuckle and said, "Exactly. You didn't do anything. No pushing the issue; no attempts to change my mind; no ventures down the slippery slope. It was so perfect, just being with you, feeling safe and loved. Thank you."

Snape felt his cheeks warming and ducked his head, abashed. "Oh. Well... you're welcome."

Hermione chuckled again at his discomfiture and slipped her arm through his. "Let's go; shall we?"

Snape nodded, Summoned his mask, and Apparated them to the back of the house. With a parting squeeze, Hermione's beatific expression changed to one of studied indifference as he strode down the aisle to join the cast. Snape paused in the shadows for a moment to gather his wits, for the rapturous smile that had bathed him in its glory had managed to scatter them to the four winds.

Dumbledore was setting the stage for the opening of Act Two, and the rest of the cast was milling about while they waited to begin. This time, most people felt more confident about their roles, since they had practiced Act Two much more recently.

When the set was ready, Dumbledore turned to the group and said, "Just like last week, we're doing a run-through of the entire Act. You needn't worry about singing this time. But, your blocking, business, and timing are important, so pay attention." At the answering nods, he beamed at them and added, "Very well then. Places!" Everyone scrambled for their places, and Dumbledore cried, "Action!"

Neville and Ron began the scene, and the curtain opened to reveal the huge staircase for the Masquerade. Many faces were set with fierce concentration as they worked on not only reciting their parts in the song, but also performing the dance moves. If some people were hesitant in their movements, it wasn't too noticeable, because everyone was ready to help each other, nodding and nudging and pointing to correct spots and guiding them in the blocking.

Snape watched from the house until it was his cue to appear, and he Apparated onto the top of the staircase, fortunately remembering to cast the smoke spell for effect. He half sang/half spoke his lines, bellowing the last one before whirling as he Disapparated, leaving a cloud of more smoke in his wake. He appeared on one of the catwalks above the stage, watching the rapid set changes and the scene between Harry and McGonagall. When the set for the Managers' Office slid on, Snape decided to stay where he was, awaiting his lines in his "note."

Ron was already seated at the desk when Neville stormed in, but they both stood as they read their notes from the Phantom. Pansy and Draco burst in, indignation personified. Then, when Harry and Hermione entered, the posturing began between the two girls. Hermione wasn't particularly looking to "act" so much in this simple run-through, but with the way Pansy was eyeing her and spitting her lines, Hermione's hackles raised instinctively, and she retaliated.

McGonagall and Ginny arrived, with the Phantom's latest note, and everyone spread out to their respective places to react as Snape's voice took over the insults and threats. When his voice faded away, Harry took the fore, outlining his plan. Ron, Neville, and McGonagall crowded around him as they got caught up in the idea, leaving Pansy and Draco to fling pithy remarks from one side while Hermione backed away in confusion and growing horror, ending up beyond Ginny, who looked on in sympathy.

When Hermione broke through their tumult with her lines, Harry left the tight group and crossed to her, comforting her as she recited her fearful lines. The rest watched and waited. After Harry prodded her to proceed with the plan, Hermione wrenched away and ran offstage, leaving Harry to cross down centre, where he roared his challenge to the Phantom, directing it out toward the back of the house.

At the end of his ringing cry, Harry and the rest of the onstage group exited, and the sets changed to the Don Juan rehearsal. The cast entered the set in pairs and small groups, gathering near the piano where Seamus pretended to play. The rehearsal scene began, and when Seamus stepped away from the piano to direct the hubbub, Dumbledore cast the spell for it to play by itself. The group froze, staring fixedly at the piano and reciting their parts as Hermione slowly edged away while the set shifted, taking the group offstage.

Hermione softly recited her lines as the mausoleum slid into view. Snape Apparated behind the set piece, waiting for his cue to climb atop it and lure Hermione closer. At the end of Hermione's solo piece, Snape crept into view, his voice coaxing Hermione toward him. Moments later, Harry appeared to one side, watching them and interjecting his lines.

Finally, as Hermione crossed toward the crypt, Harry shouted his distraction, rushing to Hermione to break the connection between Hermione and Snape. At Harry's interference, Snape snatched the pike that decorated the stones on top of the crypt and aimed a fireball at Harry's feet. The unspoken truce between Snape and Harry was evidenced by the extremely professional manner in which they performed the risky blocking, Snape carefully avoiding singeing Harry with each successive fireball.

As the taunts continued, and Harry stepped closer to Snape, Hermione ran to him and dragged him away, at which Snape snapped up straight, roaring his threat and brandishing the pike as he wordlessly cast Sollumaren and Disapparated away, blinding everyone with the blaze of light.

Snape peered out at the shifting sets from his position in the catwalk, watching the boys taking their positions and running through the scene until it was his cue to pop about, echoing his lines throughout the theatre. On the final taunt, Seamus fired the gun, and the scene ended with Snape's foreboding lines. He remained in Box Five, watching the stage being set for "Don Juan Triumphant," and deciding to go ahead and cast the glamour on himself, even though it wasn't strictly required.

The chorus chanted their lines, and Draco recited his part with an air of arrogance. As soon as he disappeared within the curtained bed, Snape Apparated down to meet him. Draco jumped slightly at Snape's sudden appearance, but they merely exchanged nods before Snape responded to Dean's urging.

Hermione entered, and Snape emerged from behind the curtains, slipping up behind her to begin "Point of No Return." They tamped down their ardour through reciting the lines, instead of allowing themselves to be swept up in the singing, but their interactions were still sensual and tender. The ease with which they could touch each other and the intensity in their gazes still astounded many of those who looked on in wonder. Still, as amazed as they were, underneath that was a feeling of pride and respect for their abilities to perform so well and to draw everyone else to their best efforts also.

As the scene came to the climax, when Hermione pushed the mask from Snape's face, revealing the disfigured glamour, several people couldn't hold back their gasps of horror. Then, after a frozen moment that seemed to stretch on forever, Snape broke their tableau and snatched Hermione, Disapparating them both. That was the cue for chaos to ensue, and Ginny's shriek echoed in the Hall.

Dumbledore was quite gratified to see that the hubbub proceeded smoothly, and the actors knew where they needed to be and when they needed to move with the changing sets. The excitement among the cast increased the energy in the space, driving everyone to more determined efforts to perform their blocking and timing perfectly.

After Snape and Hermione had slid on and off in the boat, and the sloping set piece had settled, Harry surreptitiously cast his Cushioning Charm inside the trap door after he and McGonagall had finished their scene. Dropping blithely into the hole in the stage, he peered up at the mob of people following along the slope of the set before turning back and disappearing. Above him on the stage, the sets shifted, and Snape and Hermione entered in the boat again, slipping under the descending portcullis.

Harry couldn't help but wish he could see the hostile, tense encounter between Snape and Hermione, as even by just the sounds of it, it would be quite the sight. At his cue, he climbed up from the trap door, throwing himself against the portcullis toward Hermione. When he looked at Snape during the lead-up to Snape catching him in the Punjab lasso, he couldn't help but stare hard at the man for a second or two longer than expected, making the point that he was offering his trust that Snape would handle the noose carefully. Snape's eyes narrowed, but he thinned his lips and inclined his head a fraction in acknowledgement of the unspoken message.

Harry crawled under the portcullis and stood up, his head neatly slipping within the noose that Snape controlled with finesse. It rose, but stopped at the safe and comfortable distance that reassured Harry of his and Snape's tacit agreement.

Hermione was still reciting her lines instead of singing, but the emotion still came through. When the moment came for her to advance on Snape for the kiss, she locked eyes with him and tilted her chin just enough for Snape to get the message that she was not going to pull punches. It gave him just enough warning to frantically strangle the passion that wanted to instantly explode as she grasped his face and kissed him firmly, not shying away from deepening the kiss for a moment before Snape pulled away.

Even though he had to focus most of his attention on maintaining control and continuing with his part at the appropriate timing, a part of his mind savoured the taste of Hermione's lips and tongue meshed with his once again. Chest tightening with regret that he had to cut the kiss short and forge on in front of the rest of the cast, Snape tore himself away and lurched toward Harry, dropping the rope to the floor and gesturing for Hermione to join him to leave. His bellow echoed in the Hall as he roared for them to go. Dropping to his knees by the music box, he gripped his head in his arms, curling in on himself as he almost whispered his lines. Sensing Hermione behind him, he whirled around, reaching toward her hopefully and sagging once again when she shook her head and mimed giving him the ring back before hurrying away.

Harry and Hermione appeared onstage in the boat, reciting their parts, and Snape surged to his feet and plastered himself against the portcullis, calling his final lines after them and peering up at the people beginning their climb down the portcullis. Whipping away from the gate, he lurched to the throne and sat, covering himself with the cloak as Ginny descended faster than the others and slid under the portcullis to approach the throne. At her warning gasp, Snape Disapparated to Box Five to watch her snatch the cloak away and crouch, holding up the mask while the rest of the mob reached the stage behind her.

After a few beats, during which everyone was listening to the closing notes of music in their heads, Dumbledore closed the curtains with a flourish and began applauding.

"Wonderful! Come out, everyone!" He opened the curtain again and beamed at the smiling group that emerged onto the stage.

Hermione stepped downstage and squinted, looking around, trying to feel for Snape. When she zeroed in on Box Five and relaxed with a satisfied smile, Snape snorted softly and Apparated to the back of the stage. A heartbeat later, Hermione spun, seeking him out. The buzz of their connection still warmed them. Snape strode forward, ending the glamour.

Everyone turned their attention to Dumbledore as he said, "I say, that was better than Act One's run-through..."

Ron's ears were pink, and he was rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, but he felt compelled to point out, "Well, it had been a long time since we had done Act One, but we'd just practiced Act Two stuff recently, so it was easier to remember." Several people nodded in agreement, and Susan hugged his arm approvingly.

Chuckling, Dumbledore retorted, "Indeed. Well, I don't much care why it went so smoothly; I'm just pleased that it did! And I hope it will continue to do so." He eyed everyone over his spectacles, and they nodded and smiled. "At any rate, Tuesday we will do the sing-through of Act Two, and then we will finally be able to start our dress rehearsals! So, keep practicing your costume spells. I'll want to see everyone perform their spells after the sing-through next week." He smirked at the nervous glances being exchanged. "Good work tonight; now run along and enjoy your weekend. Good night!"

Relieved chatter ushered the cast out of the Hall, and Snape Disapparated, reappearing at the staircases at the end of the corridor. Gazing at the crowd bustling boisterously toward him, he merely satisfied himself with one last look at Hermione before whirling and descending the stairs toward the dungeons.

Hermione watched Snape at the stairs and wished she could follow him down to his quarters. The thought that he would pop up to her room at the slightest indication from her tempted her sorely, but she firmed her resolve and sighed. The Gryffindors began climbing the stairs, and she fell a step behind at the alerting tingle. Glancing around, she checked for observers before peering down into the descending staircase. As she had thought, based on the sensation, Snape was flat against the wall, bathed in shadows, but gazing up at her. Flashing him a dazzling smile again, she faintly lilted, "The Phantom of the opera is there, inside my mind." Then, before anyone could notice her defection, she jogged up the steps to catch up with the group, disappearing from sight.

Snape knew his Slytherins wouldn't be far behind the rest of the cast, so he Apparated to his quarters to avoid meeting them on the stairs. Absently donning his lounge wear and settling in his armchair in front of the fire, Snape picked up the newspapers he had been perusing for possible jobs.

Although Slug and Jiggers Apothecary was not advertising for employees, he still planned to contact them anyway, in the hopes that they would be interested in hiring him regardless of whether or not they had any open positions. But, just in case, he wanted to see what was available. Of course, it wasn't really a good time to be looking...several months before he would be ready to assume a new job...but since he had never actually job hunted before, he rather thought he might need to get the hang of it.

There were the usual notices for service positions: counter clerks, food servers, salespeople. Then there were the Ministry notices for the more professional positions, the ones that required training beyond O.W.L.s. While he technically had the education needed for several of the positions, he didn't think he wanted to take an entry level job as a quill-pusher, especially not if he were to be in competition with his soon-to-be-ex-students in their quests for independence right out of school.

As he had expected, there was nothing even remotely expressing a need for a Potions Master. Only slightly discouraged, Snape folded the paper and headed for bed, mentally determining what he would write to Messrs. Slug and Jiggers in the morning.

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

To: Messrs. Slug and Jiggers, Apothecaries, Diagon Alley

Severus Snape

Snape laid his quill on the desk beside the parchment, staring thoughtfully at the still-glistening ink. Done. It was ready. As soon as he sent the letter by owl, he would have taken another irreversible step toward his longed-for future. Scowling with anxiety, he waved his wand over the page, drying the ink so he could roll the parchment into a scroll. Sealing it, he summoned a house-elf to take it to owlery for him.

"Send it to Slug and Jiggers Apothecary in Diagon Alley."

The house-elf bowed quickly and squeaked a high-pitched, "Yes, sir!" before popping out of existence and leaving Snape to brood over his actions, stomach roiling with nerves.

Well, what's done is done and can't be undone. Stop worrying about it and move on to other things. Where is that list of contractors you compiled? It's high time you contacted them. It wouldn't do to wait too long and miss out on being able to schedule them once the house is empty.

Rifling in a desk drawer for the list, he found it and snagged more parchment to begin his letters to the craftsmen. As he focused on the task at hand, one thought remained, lurking behind the others: Will my life ever be more than a waiting game?

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

Saturday night was quiet in the Gryffindor common room. Ron was visiting Susan, Seamus was supposedly studying with Luna, neither Dean nor Colin were anywhere to be seen, Harry and Ginny were snuggling and talking quietly in a corner, and Hermione, Parvati, and Lavender were sharing a long table and working on homework. Various younger students were scattered about, reading or studying together, but the room had a subdued quality about it.

With a heavy sigh and a flourish, Lavender slammed her book shut and rolled up her parchment. "There! Finally..."

Parvati and Hermione looked up. Her voice tinged with envy, Parvati said, "Finished with your Transfiguration essay already?"

Lavender nodded vehemently, gathering her belongings. "Yes. And I'm not going to do any more homework tonight! As a matter of fact, I'm going to go take a well-deserved, hot, relaxing bath." She looked at her dorm-mate. "See you later. Don't stay up too long stressing, 'kay?"

Parvati grimaced and nodded. Lavender stood, scooping up her things and nodding farewell to both girls. Hermione voiced a low, "Bye," watching the other girl hurrying to make good her escape. Looking toward Parvati, she said, "Are you working on Transfiguration?"

Parvati nodded glumly. "I swear, it's like pulling teeth, this assignment. I wish I had drawn a different topic. But," she added, sighing, "I'm over halfway done at least." She peered at Hermione's work. "What are you working on?"

"Arithmancy." She smiled at the other girl's horrified expression. "It's not that bad, really."

Parvati chuckled. "Maybe if you're a swot." Hermione wrinkled her nose and stuck her tongue out at her House-mate, who laughed. "Deny it, then!" When Hermione glared at her and huffed, Parvati laughed again. "I don't know about you, but I'll be glad when the year is over."

Hermione stilled at the thought, instantly thinking about being with Snape. Soberly, she said, "So will I." Parvati doggedly returned her attention to her work, but Hermione's mind was off and running, thinking about Snape and the things they would be able to do once the year was over. Tingles of heat ambushed her, and she felt her face flushing. Furtively, she cast a glance about the room, hoping no one would notice her reaction. She was surprised to see Neville sitting in an armchair by the fire, a Herbology book on his lap. His cheeks were stained pink, too, and on closer inspection, Hermione saw that his eyes weren't moving, for all they were ostensibly reading the book. A knowing smile quirked her lips.

She carefully gathered her things, preparing them to take to her room. Then, in a casual tone, she leant closer to Parvati and said, "Parvati, has Lavender said anything to you about Neville?"

The other girl's eyes snapped up to Hermione's in surprise. The slightly guilty flush of her dusky cheeks gave Hermione her answer. Still, Parvati hedged, "What do you mean?"

Narrowing her eyes, Hermione murmured, "I've seen the way she looks at him, like he's not worth paying attention to. But you and I know different, don't we?"

Parvati flicked a glance around, seeing Neville seated near the fire, and ducked her head. Hermione looked quickly over at him as well, and just caught him looking away. Smirking, Hermione continued, "Give over... He's a great fellow, and you know it. Besides, everyone saw you two snogging in the wings. If you hadn't liked it, you wouldn't have been deaf to everything else, right?"

Parvati fiddled nervously with her quill. Licking her lips unconsciously, she peeked up at Hermione and muttered, "He did rather manage to surprise me..."

Hermione grinned. Reaching across the table, she covered Parvati's twitchy hands with hers, stilling their movements. The other girl stared at her, owl-eyed. "If you like him, don't let Lavender's prejudices get in your way. You know he's changed for the better. So do I. Most of us have seen it by now. She'll catch on eventually. He likes you. I can tell. You can tell. So, why not do something about it? You have the chance to be with someone you enjoy; take it!"

The vehemence in her voice took Parvati by surprise. Fleetingly, she wondered why Hermione was so invested in a possible relationship between her and Neville. Who was she interested in? It clearly wasn't Colin... Her curious thoughts were diverted when she glanced at Neville again and caught him looking at her. For a beat, they locked eyes, mirroring nervous interest, before Parvati tore her gaze away and looked at Hermione again.

Hermione was staring at her benevolently, but the intensity in her expression was verging on desperate. Managing a wan, shaky smile, Parvati ducked her head sheepishly and shrugged. Hermione squeezed her hands approvingly and released them. Briskly gathering her books, she beamed at Parvati and murmured, "I think I'll finish my work in my room. Have a great rest of the evening!" With a conspiratorial wink, she strode away.

Parvati watched her leave in a daze. As Hermione passed Neville, she blithely said, "Good night, Neville." He looked up quickly, smiling at her and nodding as he returned the greeting. Parvati couldn't see the thumbs-up and wink that Hermione gave the boy, but she saw his surprised expression as he flicked a nervous glance at her.

Hermione disappeared, and Neville stared down at the book in his lap, screwing up his courage. I'm a Gryffindor! I can be brave... Swallowing hard, he shut the book firmly and stood, resolutely crossing to the table where Parvati now sat alone.

Parvati could see him approaching in her peripheral vision, but she didn't look up until he said, "Good evening, Parvati. May I join you?" Then, peering up at him through her lashes...she had forgotten he had grown so tall...she nodded. Unable to stifle his relieved sigh, Neville sank down into the chair beside her, smiling tentatively. Parvati returned his smile with a shy one of her own.

Neville's breath caught, and he couldn't stop staring at her lips when she smiled at him. Without realizing he said it aloud, he breathed, "You have such a beautiful smile."

At that, her shy smile widened into a flattered smile of pleasure. Blushing prettily, she whispered, "Thank you. I like yours, too."

Neville beamed in startled delight, and they stared at each other for a long moment. Finally, Neville blinked and said, "Would you like to go for a walk with me?"

Parvati felt a flutter in her belly, and she recalled how much she had enjoyed kissing him. The flash of desire in her eyes made Neville's throat tighten as she slipped her hand in his and murmured, "Yes. I think I would like that."

Swallowing against his tight throat, Neville stood, holding her soft hand and hoping his palm wasn't clammy. With a chivalrous gesture for her to precede him, he guided her to the portrait hole, not quite believing his luck.

Back at the doorway to the corridor to her room, Hermione stifled a cry of triumph as she peeked around the door jamb, watching the pair's interaction. Gladness filling her heart for her dear friend, she saw them leave, then retreated to her room alone.

Locking her door behind her with a wistful sigh, her thoughts once again surged ahead to everything she and Snape would finally be able to do once the year was over. Delicious throbs spread from her centre outward, and she found herself searching for the book with all the toys and spells in it. All at once she felt overpoweringly randy, and when she squeezed her legs together, she could feel the moisture staining her knickers.

Snatching the book from the pile, she scrambled onto her bed, sitting cross-legged and flipping through the pages hurriedly. Periodically, a flash of a picture would catch her eye, and she'd pause to stare hazily at the flexing muscles and writhing bodies. She wasn't aware of how heavily she was breathing, but she vaguely realized that her robes were too hot. Hardly taking her eyes off the erotic pictures, she struggled to remove her robes, tossing them absently on the floor at the foot of her bed.

Licking her lips to re-moisten them, she dragged the book back to her lap, tearing her heated gaze from the images to flip through to the section she wanted. There! She stopped at the pages full of tantalizing toys and spells, sucking in a breath at the throbbing in her core.

That witch certainly looks like she's enjoying that Engorgement Charm... I think that's what I should try. I don't want to hurt myself, and I don't want to tear, just stretch. Slowly. Her eyes raced over the page, reading the instructions on how to cast the spell and exercise control over it. She whipped out her wand and practiced the charm silently, copying the movements detailed in the book. Then, she frowned.

But, she already had a toy to charm. I don't. I know it needs to be thin and smooth... Her gaze flicked quickly at her wand, but she just as quickly shook her head, remembering the caution at the beginning of the section about never using one's wand for direct stimulation. Inadvertent spellcasting could cause harm, and one did not want to end up in St. Mungo's due to a sexual disaster. Hermione briefly wondered if they had a separate ward for those suffering from acute embarrassment as well as whatever problems they may have self-inflicted.

Peering around the room from beneath heavy lids, she considered her options. It was recommended that one only perform one type of spell on any item. If one needed to transfigure something, then adding other charms could be problematic, and vice versa. Since she wanted to try the Engorgement Charm, she needed something serviceable as it was, without having to transfigure it first. Quills were out of the question...

Her eyes widened as she caught sight of the sconces around the room. Candles. The sconces held long, thin tapers. A rush of heat washed over her, and a titillating sense of wantonness thrilled her. Chewing her lip, she stared at the dancing flames, blinking at the spots forming in front of her eyes.

A queer fluttering in her belly drove her to stand, casting an Imperturbable Charm on her door as she crossed to one of the sconces. Her voice was a bare whisper as she pointed her wand at the candle and said, "Nox." The flame died out, and she swallowed hard as she carefully plucked the taper from the holder. She jumped in surprise at the fresh candle that appeared in its place after a few seconds. They must be spelled to replenish! Blinking, she looked between the one in her hand and the new one in the sconce. Deliberately, she switched candles, putting the old one in the sconce before a new one had a chance to appear.

Glancing furtively about, even though she knew she was alone in her room, she returned to her position on the bed. Laying the candle flat in her open palm, she pointed her wand at it and practiced the charm. She gasped, and her blood pounded through her as she watched it slowly swell, stopping at a thought from her, then resuming at her bidding. She stopped the charm again, looking back at the book for the reversal. Casting it, she watched the candle shrink back to normal.

Carefully, she cast a small Severing Charm to cut the wick from the end. Then, meticulously, she used her thumbnail to shave any rough edges from the tip, smoothing the wax. Feelings of shame warred with excitement as she prepared the innocuous item for such an erotic enterprise.

In a flurry of motion, she drew the curtains on her window, blocking out any moonlight and possibility of view into her room. Then, dousing the lights except for the one on her nightstand, she undressed, chills sending goose flesh over her body. The chills weren't from cold, but from the heady sensations of exploring her sexuality so openly. A whispered Wingardium Leviosa had the book hovering above her bed, and she lay down beneath it, the candle in her sweaty palm.

Turning the pages to another photo-story, she slid her hand over her body, teasing her nipples to stiffness and curving her fingers over the heat emanating from between her thighs. Fingertips slipped along her cleft, tickling her slick lips, as they dipped lower toward her cunt. The candle was clenched in her other hand, and for a moment she was glad that she had done so, as it wouldn't be cold against her flesh.

Burning eyes locked on the image of a long-haired wizard sliding his finger into a moaning witch, she hesitantly trailed the candle tip along her slippery pussy. Spreading her legs for better access, she pressed her finger into her tight cunt. She was fleetingly amazed at how sopping wet she was, but the tingles that raced down her limbs distracted her. Circling her entrance with one glistening fingertip, she guided the candle inside her. A shuddering exhalation followed her action. Carefully pressing it further, she reached up with her other hand and began circling her clit. A moan escaped her as she rocked her head back at the sensations.

Slowly sliding the candle in and out a couple of inches, she swallowed against her parched throat and grabbed her wand. Concentrating as much as she could in the face of the overpowering experience, she cast the Engorgement Charm on the candle, feeling it ever-so-slowly swelling to fill her. Only a few inches were embedded inside her, but her breath caught at the sensual thrill of feeling the makeshift toy enlarging, stretching against her hymen. At the first feel of the tightness, she stopped the charm. Breathing deeply, she took a while to get used to the sensation, then began working it in and out again.

A whimper emerged from her throat, and she felt heat racing through her entire body. Emboldened by the pleasure, she started the charm again. It took only a moment before she felt the sting of the candle stretching her. Hastily stopping again, she swallowed hard, breathing steadily to relax. She tried moving it again, but stopped at the warning sting. Closing her eyes, she started rubbing her clit again, building the pleasure.

As her excitement rose, she opened her eyes again, watching the wizard pumping three fingers into the witch as he laved her clit. The thought of Snape's tongue tasting her so intimately sent a jolt of fire to her core, causing her cunt to squeeze against the invading toy. A ragged groan soughed out of her, and she rubbed faster.

The wizard thrust his fingers in and out, deeper and faster, and when he stopped licking in favour of sucking the witch's clit between his lips, her head flew back and she arched, gripping the sheets beside her as she shuddered and convulsed in a shattering orgasm. Hermione panted as she circled her clit, holding the candle inside her spasming cunt. As she felt her orgasm rising, she screwed her eyes shut again, picturing Snape between her legs, filling her so completely and sucking her into delirium. Her peak hit, and instinctively she worked the candle in and out again, paying no heed to the spark of discomfort at being stretched like that, so engulfed in pleasure was she.

Gasping and shuddering, she came down from her crest, aftershocks coursing through her and leaving her deliciously sated and sleepy. Her hands stilled, and she lay there, panting to steady her breathing and listening to her heartbeat thundering in her ears. A sheepish smile graced her dry lips at the thought of what a wanton display she must make, and she lifted her limp fingers from her drenched pussy. Sighing in satisfaction, she started to slip the candle out, but sucked in a breath and stopped at the burning sensation. Ruefully concluding that she had pushed too far too fast, she cast the reversal spell, exhaling in relief when it shrank back to normal, withdrawing with ease.

Quickly casting a cleansing charm, she peeked at the wax, searching for blood, but there was none. Relieved, she plucked the hovering book from the air and placed it on the floor by her bed, dropping the candle beside it. Too lazy to want to get out of bed for her nightgown, she Summoned it from her dresser and shrugged into it as she burrowed under the covers. Forget about knickers. Don't need 'em. Don't want 'em.

Making one last pass with her wand to remove the Imperturbable Charm from her door, reopen her curtains to let the moonlight in, and douse the remaining light, she sank into her pillow and snuggled with another pillow around which Snape's shirt was wrapped, smiling at the successful...in several respects...end to her evening. Although her mind teemed with sensual images of Snape, she was too sleepy to stay awake, and she dozed off before Crookshanks had even decided it was safe to join her.