A Capella – Alone Together

Dances with Witches by Pearle

Summary: Severus Snape loses a magical bet. The consequences? The Tango! My answer to the codpiece challenge on Wiktt. HG/SS

Disclaimer: The characters, settings, etc., of the Harry Potter series are not mine; they belong to J.K. Rowling and Co. I promise to return them when I am through. Well, most of them anyway.

~~~~~ Dances with Witches ~~~~~

Ch 37. A Capella – Alone Together

Ron grabbed Harry's arm. "You want to tell me what that was all about? Did you actually defend the git back there?"

"Lower your voice! Hermione's room is just around the corner," Ginny hissed at him as she ran her fingers through her hair. One of the memos floating in the lift had got caught in her hair clip. Annoyed, she'd had to remove it to release the malfunctioning memo. Her hair floated around her like fire, adding to her annoyance.

Harry's angry whisper surprised Ron. "Look, it's been a long day and I'm tired of arguing. Just drop it."

"You defended him."

Tina tugged at Ron's shoulder. "Ronny? Do we have to stay long? Hospitals give me the creeps."

Harry rounded on the young witch, startling everyone. "Then why did you come? You knew we were coming here. It's bad enough you're late, now I have to listen to you whinge?" He turned and stalked off toward Hermione's room, ignoring the stares of those around him.

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Severus groaned quietly to himself. He could hear voices in the outer corridor that sounded suspiciously like the other two-thirds of the dream team. He knew they were Hermione's friends, but their presence seemed to accentuate the difference in their ages. He was never more aware of that gap then when she was with them.

Hermione had fallen asleep after taking her latest dose of pain medication. While he was concerned about her headache, Healer Seaton assured him it was normal and should disappear in a day or so. If the scans continued to improve, she would be released into his care tomorrow afternoon.

"You can't insult my girlfriend, and then just walk away!" Ron's loud stage whisper could be heard clearly through the open doorway.

"Insult? Did either one of you care that you were two hours late? You went for drinks, knowing we were waiting for you! How's that for an insult? You want to go? Then, go! You want to be mad at me? Fine. Ever since you started seeing her, you've walked all over our friendship. That's one of your best friends lying in there. How many times have you been here to see her? She was unconscious for almost two days and all you managed to show up for was a few minutes Monday night. I don't remember seeing you around here. You want to insult Snape? Great. But he's been here since he brought Hermione in. You stopped by one time, two days ago. Yeah, Ron, you're a great friend and he's just the greasy git!" Harry left Ron standing speechless in the corridor and turned into Hermione's room.

Ginny sighed. "You're an idiot, Ron."

Hermione stirred, the noise in the hall penetrating the draught-induced sleep. "Severus? Harry?"

Harry stood at the foot of the bed, trying to get his anger under control. Ginny could still be heard, arguing with her brother, in the corridor. He glanced at Severus before turning back to Hermione. "Hi, how're you feeling?"

"Still have a bit of a headache. Was that you I heard in the hall?" Hermione tried to look past Harry to see what all the fuss was about.

Severus helped her into a sitting position and summoned a fresh glass of juice. "Seaton said you should keep drinking. You need to keep your strength up."

"Just Ron being more of a prat than usual," Harry answered. He took two miniaturised parcels out of his side pocket and gave her a half-smile. "I got everything on your list. Your instructors all said you were up to date and if you wanted to teach any of the classes next year, that would be fine with them."

"Harry!"

"What? If I know you, you've already read all the textbooks, including the books the footnotes were based on."

Severus's quiet snort drew a glare from the young woman in the bed. "It seems your secret is out." He drew himself to his full height as the others entered the room. "Since you seem to have something to keep you amused, I believe I will get a bite to eat. Don't get out of bed," he admonished.

"You don't have to stay tonight. I'm fully conscious now. Why don't you go back to Hogwarts? You can have the elves get you something to eat and sleep in your own bed." She would miss him, but he'd been sleeping in the chair for the last three nights. "You just have to be back tomorrow afternoon. Healer Seaton said I can't Apparate for another two weeks."

"Trying to get rid of me already?" Severus raised one brow questioningly. "You're taking medication that makes you groggy. I've no desire to see you fall again. I still remember how to transfigure a chair into something more comfortable."

"Severus, I'm not a child."

"Then stop acting like one."

Hermione stuck her tongue out at him. "Bat!"

"Oh, lovely. Yes, I want to rush right back, to this." Discretely, Severus squeezed her hand. "Do you need anything?"

"No, I'm fine. Take your time." Hermione returned the gesture before releasing his hand.

Severus turned and nodded. "Miss Weasley. Harry." He glared at Ron before sweeping out the door, his robes billowing out behind him in trademark fashion.

Ron gestured wildly, no sound coming out of his mouth.

"I'll release you. But I'm warning you, one wrong word, you upset Hermione in any way, and I'll bind and hex you so fast you won't know what hit you. Got it?" Ginny raised her wand and said a quiet series of incantations.

Harry looked at his girlfriend. "Ginny? What did you do to him?"

"With six brothers, you have to be a little more creative than most... and faster. I took his voice away before he could say anything else stupid. Not one wrong word, Ron." Threateningly, she drew her wand across her throat. Satisfied, she moved to the chair next to the bed, her smile broad. "Wow, it looks like things are going well with you two. How're you feeling?"

Ron opened his mouth to say something, thought better of it, and then closed it again. Both Harry and Ginny were giving him a look. He patted Tina's hand. "We'll talk later."

"All right, what's going on?" Hermione looked questioningly from one to another.

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

There was a small coffee shop in the sub-basement. Severus peered questioningly at the assortment in the glass case. Potter had brought him a sandwich from there the day before. The food wasn't bad, just not a great variety, and slightly less bland then the cardboard containers holding the sandwiches.

He'd heard most of the conversation in the corridor. His hearing was quite acute and Potter was doing very little to lower his voice. He would guess the argument stemmed from his attention to Hermione and that Weasley brat's habit of thinking the world revolved around him. He supposed he shouldn't be so surprised Potter had defended him; they had been civil to each other for Hermione's sake. This just seemed to be a natural extension of that. Severus shook his head, as if he needed the boy who lived as his protector.

He thought back to the time he'd heard Miss Weasley take Minerva to task about his relationship with Hermione. That time, the girl had defended him. He shook his head, just what he needed, a slip of a girl and the bloody boy who lived to approve of him.

Severus sat down heavily at one of the small tables with his coffee and sandwich. It had almost killed him when he thought Hermione might not awaken from her coma. He loved her with all his heart. He just hoped it was enough.

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

The room was quiet when he returned, only Harry remained. Hermione was sleeping once again, her gentle breathing the only sound in the quiet room.

"Professor." Harry stood and stretched.

Severus watched him, his eyes unreadable as he came to an unlikely conclusion. "Thank you for staying with Hermione. Did they bring in her medication?"

"Yeah, she fell asleep right after. Is she really going to be all right?"

"Yes, Seaton said there was no permanent injury to her brain. It's bruised from the fall and needs time to heal, but she'll be fine. I'm not so sure she'll be able to return to Cambridge, Monday; we will have to wait and see." Severus drew a deep breath. "I owe you a life debt... Harry."

Harry looked toward the bed and studied Hermione. "No, you don't. I'm just happy to have my best friend back."

"Even at the expense of your other best friend?" he asked.

Harry continued to watch Hermione sleep. "Ron's an idiot."

"I sincerely hope you were not looking to me for an argument."

Harry shrugged. "Just...just take care of Hermione. I still don't know why she loves you, but if you're what makes her happy..."

"Believe me, I don't know why, either." Severus's wry smile caught Harry off guard.

"Neither do I." Hermione's quiet voice surprised them both.

"I believe this is a private conversation." Severus moved to the chair next to the bed. "How long have you been awake?"

"Long enough. Did you get something to eat?"

Harry watched the two of them. He didn't know if he would ever get used to Snape. He never would have thought Snape was capable of love, but Harry could see the man's eyes softened when he looked at Hermione, his actions over the last few days further confirming his commitment to her. Who was Ron, or he for that matter, to say if they should or shouldn't be together?

"I, uh, think I'll get going. I've got a late meeting tomorrow but I'll see you back at Hogwarts on Friday." Harry shuffled from foot to foot. Seeing Snape as anything but the great git was hard, and watching Hermione light up as they talked would still take some getting used to. Adding to the discomfort was the fact that he would rather not be present when Hermione showed Severus the copy of Witch Weekly he had given her. All things taken together translated to "getting out while the getting was good." He bent down and gently kissed her cheek. "I'm glad you're going to be OK."

Hermione smiled. "Me, too."

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

"I believe that should cover everything. Today is Thursday; if you are not feeling much better by Sunday night, I would like to see you on Monday. Just send me an owl and we'll get you in Monday afternoon. Any questions? " Healer Seaton asked as he handed Hermione her release orders. He watched Severus discretely out of the corner of his eye.

There wasn't anyone in the wizarding world that hadn't heard stories of the final battle, or the Professor's sacrifices in spying for the last twenty year. The Healer glanced at Severus's cloth-covered forearm. He had caught a glimpse of the remains of the man's Dark Mark when he had brought Miss Granger in. When he looked again, the cuff of Snape's shirt had been rolled back down and was never raised again. Seaton never attended Hogwarts, but Snape's teaching methods and general facts about the man were legendary. The Healer had seen the austere exterior when dealing with others; it was only with the young witch before him that Snape allowed the façade to drop. He supposed being best friends with Harry Potter had allowed her to see past the hype to the person inside, a practice she evidently found useful when dealing with the Professor.

Seaton would have dearly loved to talk openly with the man. He wanted to know more about the Trelawney pendent, about the times he had been under the Cruciatus Curse and still managed to maintain his sanity, about his extensive knowledge of potions, about a large range of subjects, really, but Severus's manner did not invite friendship. It was a wonder the girl ever got him to open up in the first place.

Miss Granger had regained consciousness two days ago and the dour man still insisted on staying by her side, sleeping in the room. The declaration that he was not leaving was not given trimmed with hearts and flowers, awash with sentiment. It was stated simply as fact, written in stone. No argument needed. Her laugh, occasionally his, too, could be heard when the two were alone. Seaton had stood in the corridor on a few occasions over the last few days and listened to them talk. While not happy he had stooped to eavesdropping, listening to the two of them when alone, he could feel the connection the pendant had established between them. He could understand why the pendant had worked its magic and wondered what else the future held for the odd couple.

"I can't thank you enough, Healer Seaton. Severus told me about your care while I was unconscious." Hermione smiled warmly at the man. She could be nice to anyone right now, even Ron. She was leaving, going back to Hogwarts with Severus. Her smile was genuine as she glanced between the two men.

"I didn't do anything, Miss Granger. You're a very strong young woman with a strong will to live. Just take it easy for the next few days. You hit your head pretty hard. I'd avoid travelling by Floo powder for a few days, too. It might make you a bit dizzier than usual."

"Thank you, Healer Seaton." Severus moved to Hermione's side. "Do you feel strong enough to walk out?"

Hermione batted her eyes at him. "Planning to carry me?"

"I thought I would put you in a Full Body-Bind and levitate you to the Apparition point. Four nights in that chair hasn't done my back much good," he answered dryly. "If you recall, I'm quite handy with the Levitation Charm."

"Thanks a lot. I think I'll walk." Hermione remembered the last time Severus had cast the Levitation Charm on her and blushed as she reached for the parcels Harry had left her.

"I'll take those."

"Severus."

Healer Seaton cleared his throat. "You might want to conserve your strength. Just for a day or two. Well, take care." He left the two to sort out the details of Miss Granger's leaving, not sure who was more in need of special handling: Miss Granger or the Professor.

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Tiredly, Hermione settled back against the pillows behind her. She was more exhausted than she cared to admit. Poppy had been in to see her, along with Minerva and Albus. Even Ginny had popped in for a minute.

"I don't care what you say. If you really loved me, you would have carried me from the Apparition point to your chambers."

Severus's eyes sparkled with amusement. He set the stack of books she had requested on the nightstand at the side of the bed. "Of course I love you, that doesn't mean I intend to turn into a blathering idiot." His voice softened as he gazed into her eyes. "I truly am glad you're doing better. You look a bit tired. While don't you get some rest while I review the essays Caldwell left for me. I might as well find out how far behind my classes are."

"Say it again."

Severus carefully sat on the side of the bed. Gently, he smoothed away a few stray hairs from the side if her face. "I love you, Hermione, never doubt that."

She yawned, not wanting to give in to the weariness she felt. "All alone in this big bed and you're going to read essays." The remark would have had more effect if it had not been punctuated by several yawns.

"It will be some time before we are able to use this room for recreational purposes." The Calming Draught he had put in her tea was taking effect. He could see her eyelids growing heavy. "Sleep. I'll be here when you wake up."

Her voice was thick, heavy with potion-induced sleep. "OK."

Severus watched as her eyes drifted closed. He leaned forward and lightly brushed his lips against her forehead. "You need the rest."

Hermione sighed as he pulled the sumptuous covers around her shoulders. A small smile graced her lips as she drifted deeper into sleep.

Severus stood looking at the woman in his bed. God help him, he did love her. He thought he had come to grips with this revelation in hospital, but it seemed his emotions kept sneaking up on him at the oddest times. This was all new to him. He had no idea what Hermione expected of him. He waited for the deranged voice in his head to chime in on what he could expect of her. Strangely, the voice stayed silent.

He watched Hermione sleep, a strange weight settling on his heart when he realised just how close he had come to losing her. With a sigh, he went to retrieve the essays Caldwell had left in his office. He supposed he could transfigure something into a temporary desk and work here in the bedroom, in case she needed him.

"And what will you do on Monday, when she returns to Cambridge?" There was that voice that sounded suspiciously like his father, again. Or maybe it was the Headmaster's voice imitating his father. He couldn't decide. Whoever it was, it asked the questions he'd rather not face. He preferred comments about Hermione's lingerie, not questions about his feelings and the future. Maybe it was time he checked himself into St. Mungo's.

Hermione's moan brought him out of his reverie. He set the essays, and other paraphernalia he had retrieved, on his side of the bed before coming to her side. Gently, he soothed the frown lines on her forehead. "Shh, you're fine."

Her breathing evened out, the frown lines disappearing as the young woman snuggled further into her pillow.

Now what?

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Severus had settled onto 'his' side of the bed, the headboard supporting his back, his legs stretched out before him. He had transfigured a large book into a desktop. It floated a few inches above his lap, allowing him to review the essays while keeping an eye on Hermione.

"No, Mr Collins, you obviously were not paying attention when we covered antidotes in class. You do not get to pick and choose which side effects you treat." His quill descended on the parchment again, red ink bleeding across the page as he crossed out several lines before leaving a comment in the margin.

"If you dislike it so much, why do you still teach?" She had been watching him unnoticed the last few minutes as he destroyed yet another essay.

"And give up all this glamour?" Dramatically, he swept his arms out to encompass his dungeon quarters.

"It does have its charm." As do you, she thought.

"Where else would a bat live?" He levitated the desktop to the side and gently pulled Hermione against him. Softly, almost as if he was afraid she would break, he rubbed her back. "How do you feel? Is your headache gone? Still dizzy? Would you like something to eat?"

"You would have made a great matron," she said with a giggle.

"Hermione."

"I'm fine. My headache's not too bad. It's the dizziness that's really bothering me. Other than that, I feel fine."

Severus looked sceptical.

"Really. How was the substitute?"

"Caldwell? Not bad. He kept to the lesson plan. No major accidents; only three cauldrons exploded; thankfully, no injuries. I don't think I'll have too many problems Monday morning."

"Monday? Why not tomorrow? Don't you have classes on Friday?"

"Caldwell can finish out the week."

"Severus, I'll be fine. You can stop in between classes and check on me, if you want."

"I have no intentions of letting you hit your head again. Albus retained Caldwell for the week, I might as well let him finish it out." Truth was, she wasn't all that steady on her feet, and while Seaton had assured him she would be fine, she might not be so lucky if she fell a second time.

Hermione purred softly as he rubbed her shoulders. "I have so much to catch up on. I really shouldn't be lying here relaxing."

"You're not relaxing. You're healing. I'm quite sure you're ahead in your studies. Didn't Potter say your instructors didn't have any assignments for you?"

Hermione pulled back to watch his eyes. "That's another thing. What's going on with you and Harry?"

"Going on?" Severus's tone hardened. "Nothing is going on. I'm grateful for his help."

Hermione peered intently into his eyes. "Did you hit your head, too?"

"Hermione."

"Grateful?"

"Reading to you was his idea. It seemed to be the catalyst that brought you back." Severus sighed, he hoped she wouldn't want to discuss the properties of the Trelawney pendant. He still wanted to find out more about its origins.

"And the pendant?"

Right on cue, he thought. "Perhaps it was all things together."

Hermione yawned. "I spent the last three days in bed, how can I be so tired?"

"Exactly why you need your rest. Now, lay back, I'll Floo the kitchen for some tea and toast. Maybe a bit of broth?"

"Sounds good. I think I'll wait 'til tomorrow to start on my revisions. I'll still have the weekend, too. I take it you're going to Apparate me to Cambridge on Monday?"

"Something like that, hang on." Severus disappeared through the bedroom doorway. The main fireplace was connected to the kitchens. He hoped Hermione would be well enough to attend classes on Monday; however, any speculation to that point now would only start an argument, something he wished to avoid.

Severus returned with a tray. A wave of his wand and the tray hovered to the side of the bed. He helped her into a sitting position before setting the tray to hover over her lap.

"Thank you." Hermione smiled at his nod. She watched as Severus settled in and resumed his marking. "Did you cast a stabiliser charm on the bed? I didn't feel you sit down?"

Severus nodded. "You're dizzy enough. You don't need me rocking you when I get in and out of bed."

Her hunger sated, Hermione settled on her side, her back braced against Severus's hip, a book open in front of her. "I may just stay here and read my way through your library."

"That should keep you occupied until next week, at the very least," he said with a quiet chuckle. Another essay fell victim to the Potions master's red ink as he answered, only pausing briefly to glance in Hermione's direction. He could feel the easy rhythm of her breathing. At that rate, she would be asleep within minutes he thought.

Fifteen minutes later, the book Hermione had been reading slid quietly from her hand, the sound of the crackling fire the only noise in the quiet room. Silently, Severus spelled her book to the nightstand. He sipped his tea as he watched the woman sleeping next to him, well aware of the domestic picture the two of them made.

TBC

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

A/N: A capella - One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.

A grateful thank you to my beta, Nakhash, for her corrections, suggestions, and never ending supply of commas. Another set of eyes is always helpful, the mistakes, however, are still mine.

Still to come: The Symposium, the Wolfsbane Potion, Christmas break (including breakfast at The Burrow), and more. Enjoy. Please review and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you! As always, thoughts, comments, reviews, whatever are most welcome.

Pearle