Which Witch is Which?

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 ~~~~~

Chapter 15. Which Witch is Which?

He woke to the feeling of a soft warm body curled around him. The floral scent of her shampoo drifted to his nostrils as the young woman next to him shifted in her sleep. The sheet covering them moved with the witch, exposing a quickly hardening nipple in the cool morning air. With a heavy sigh, he tried to carefully extract his limbs and not disturb the sleeping figure.

"Mmm. Morning. Where are you going?" Her voice was still groggy with sleep.

"Go back to sleep. I'll be back in a minute."

"Where are you going, Harry?" Ginny sat up, allowing the sheet to fall to her waist.

The sight of her naked body was having the desired effect on Harry, weakening his resolve. He had planned on finding Hermione, and asking her what was going on. "She never returned to her room last night, Gin. The charm is still intact. It's six o'clock in the morning. Where could she be?"

Intuitively, Ginny knew who the 'she' was that Harry was referring to - Hermione. "Do you really want to know? Come back to bed, Harry. "

"You don't honestly think she's with him, do you Gin?" Harry shuddered as he thought of the two together. It was no secret he and the Professor did not get along. The man had tormented him throughout his time at Hogwarts. Harry had learned to control his temper and work with the Potions Master. Neither one was happy about working with the other one, but without their combined efforts, Voldemort would have never been defeated. They had learned to tolerate each other out of necessity. Now it looked as if he would be forced to continue enduring the man's presence out of loyalty to his friend. "What could she possible see in him? You know, it would have been a whole lot easier if she and Ron had just clicked our last year."

Ginny gave a very unladylike snort. "Harry, Hermione and Ron went out on what, three dates? I'm surprised it lasted that long without them killing each other. I love Ron, but he can be such a prat sometimes. My brother is much happier playing the field. I swear he has a different witch with him every time I see him."

Harry smiled as he thought of his other best friend. Ron was working as a trainer with the Chudley Cannons. They saw each other every few weeks when Ron came into London with the team. There seemed to be a never-ending stream of women running after him. And Ron, it seemed, had no desire to run that fast. Each conquest only lasted about a month. Harry couldn't keep track of their names. Some didn't last long enough for Ron to bring them around. "I saw him last week. He stopped by the Ministry on his way to lunch with, I don't know, I think her name was Babbette." Harry shook his head and laughed.

"What ever happened to Tiffany? I thought my brother liked her. She made it out to the Burrow twice that I know of. I wonder if he'll bring Babbette Saturday? Knowing Ron, it will probably be someone new by that time. Hermione tied the Professor's NEWT's, Harry. They scored the highest in the history of Hogwarts. According to Remus, they sit at the Head table debating properties of this potion and specifics of that one. He is probably one of the few people she can talk to about her studies. Besides," she said with a grin, "Hermione told me he snogged well."

Harry shook his head. Hermione and Snape snogging? God, he was going to be sick. What else were they doing? Have they...no. He didn't want to know. The image of them kissing was bad enough. Remus had told him of Hermione's idea to alter the Wolfsbane Potion. He had some vague idea she was consulting Snape on it. It made perfect sense for her to talk to Snape about her idea for the Wolfsbane. After all, it was Snape who made the potion for Remus. Harry just didn't realize what else had transpired between them. "I really don't want to know what they're doing, Gin. Snape?" Harry shook his head again. "Do you think they will be able to help Remus?"

"If anyone can come up with something to help him, it would be those two. They really are well-suited for each other. Hermione is happy, Harry. No matter what you think of Professor Snape, she is your friend. Just be happy for her." Ginny studied Harry for a minute. His boyish smile never failed to warm her heart. Effortlessly, she slid from the covers. Standing next to the bed, she stretched her arms over her head, well aware of the image she was projecting. "I don't know about you, but I need a shower before breakfast and my shift."

Harry grinned as he watched her sashay nude into the bathroom. Waiting another half hour or so to find Hermione couldn't hurt, he reasoned. It was still early. It was like Gin said, she was a big girl and she was most likely fine. He decided a shower, among other things, seemed like a good idea.

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Severus shifted on the sofa, one long leg resting half off the cushion. The sound of knocking coming from his door was amplified in the quiet of the morning. Hermione mumbled something unintelligible but did not wake. He decided he would hex whoever was at the door first, and ask questions later. His sleep had not been restful and his first thoughts, on waking this morning, had been of Ackart. He needed to get back to the hospital wing and speak with Poppy. The last thing Severus needed to see when he opened his door was a very agitated Harry Potter.

"Where is Hermione? What did you do to her? She never came back last night." Harry strode forward into the entranceway of the room.

"Oh, do come in, Potter. How nice of you to visit." Severus's scowl deepened. "To what do I owe this great honor?"

His sarcasm had no effect on the young man. "Where is Hermione?"

Severus crossed his arms over his chest. "What makes you think she is here?"

"Come off it, Snape. She had dinner with you last night and never came back to her room. What did you do to her? I know you must have slipped her some type of potion. Why else would she want to see you? "

His tone was snide. "I do not believe she is dressed yet. We had a rather... late night. Would you like to come in and wait while I fetch her?"

Harry was about to lay into the man on what he thought of the situation, when a voice cut him off.

"That is enough out of both of you. No one slipped me any thing, Harry. I'm here because I want to be. I happen to enjoy Severus's company. He didn't give me a potion or cast any spell on me."

Harry looked properly chastised. Severus smiled to himself. 'Today might not turn out to be too bad after all,' he thought.

"And you can stop looking so smug." Severus lost his smirk as the angry witch turned her glare on him. Hermione had heard enough to be equally annoyed with both of them. "Is it too much to ask you two to get along for five minutes? You don't have to go off in a dark corner and snog each other silly. Just be civil to one another, for God's sake. What the hell is wrong with you two, anyway?" Hands on her hips, Hermione was starting to work into full lecture mode.

Harry was shocked to hear her talk to Snape in that tone. He was even more astonished to see Snape looking mildly contrite.

Severus's voice was still husky with sleep, "Hermione, I was..."

Harry was speaking at the same time, " Hermione, I was just concerned..."

She raised a hand to stop further comments from the two of them. "Stop. If I don't get a cup of coffee in the next few minutes, whatever you two have to say will not matter. They will be taking me off to Azkaban for killing both of you. Go. Sit down." She looked at Harry before turning to Severus. "Why don't you Floo the kitchen and get us some coffee and muffins? I don't want to hear one wrong word out of either of you. I think the two of you are old enough to get along for five minutes. I will be right back."

Severus glared at her back as she went off to use the loo. He sent an order to the kitchen for coffee and muffins before sinking wearily into an armchair next to the fireplace.

Harry looked at the dour man before him. "Are you really going to let her talk to you like that?"

Severus sighed. He could feel a headache coming on. What made him think today wasn't going to be too bad? "Apparently, I am."

Harry looked at him in mock shock, "We don't have to snog in the corner until she gets back, do we?"

Severus couldn't stop himself from laughing. "Most decidedly not! You, Potter, are not my type."

Harry took a long look at the man in front of him. Severus's shirt was wrinkled. It was obvious he had slept in his clothing. He looked like he needed a shower and a shave. It was just as obvious Snape was making an effort to be civil to him because Hermione had asked him to. Would wonders never cease? "And Hermione is your type? You really care for her, don't you?"

"Not that it is any business of yours, but, yes. I do. What? Surprised that the greasy git could have feelings for someone? Don't look so shocked. I know what the students call me, Potter." Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. He needed a headache potion. He just didn't have the energy to retrieve it at the moment. The Potions Master fixed Harry with one of his patent glares. "Hermione has not ingested any errant lust potions I happen to have lying around. Regardless of what you think of me, I would not stoop to that level."

Harry shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "That's not it." Okay, he mentally corrected himself. That was part of it. "You hated us when we were in school. What changed?"

"Hermione." He had only said her name. But the more he thought of it, the more he was convinced it was Hermione that had changed him, changed everything. Her intelligence, her passion for life, her obvious disregard for his temperament. "I have no illusions about myself. I know what I am. I am at just as much of a loss as you are to explain why Hermione has decided to ignore all the evidence to the contrary and agree to see me. And I didn't hate you, Potter." All right, maybe he had hated Potter, still did. But for her sake, Merlin help him, he was going to try and at least tolerate him.

Harry looked skeptical. "You didn't hate me? You sure had a funny way of showing it, Snape."

Hermione stood in the doorway watching the two for a moment. She cared deeply for both of them in very different ways. Harry was the brother she never had. And after losing her parents, they became family to each other. It helped to know that she was not alone in life if she had Harry to turn to. And Severus - Severus was more than she had ever hoped for. Someone to share her passion for books and learning; he thrived on knowledge. She blushed as she thought about last night. If Severus had not had to leave, they would probably still be in bed. Last night, Albus had called Severus to the hospital wing. What was the students' name? Ackart?

"It's nice to see you two playing together so well." Hermione moved to take the chair across from Severus. "What happened with Mister Ackart? Is he all right?"

Severus passed a hand across his eyes. "He will live. His roommate found him in time. The lad was just as shaken up as Ackart."

Harry silently watched the byplay between the two. He had been with Ginny this morning when Madam Pomfrey had explained the circumstances surrounding the presence of the two young men occupying the hospital wing this morning.

Hermione's voice was soft, "Why did he do it?"

"He did it, as you so simply put it, because he failed a test. He was afraid to face his father's wrath for what he considered a major personality flaw." Severus sighed. "I have watched him for some time now. He was always so quiet, so alone. I am not sure if he had any real friends."

Hermione put a hand on his arm. "You can't blame yourself, Severus. You couldn't know what he was going to do."

Severus rose abruptly. He started to pace the floor, agitated. "How could I not know? I am bloody Head of his house, for God's sake. I knew something was not right. I just did not think he would go this far." His laugh was bitter. "He's a lot like I was at that age. Possessed. Driven."

"Yes, but you never tried to take your own life." Hermione could tell Severus was more upset than he was showing.

"No," he raged, "I did something much more cowardly. I took the Dark Mark instead."

Harry realized they had forgotten he was there. He was embarrassed to have witnessed such an intimate display of emotion between the two. Catching them snogging would almost have been less embarrassing, he thought. One thing was for sure; Hermione really did seem to care for the git. Harry cleared his throat.

Severus turned from his place at the side of his desk. Lack of sleep and worry over the boy, not to mention Hermione's presence, had addled his brain. Potter. He forgot he was in the room. "Potter." He hurled the name with all the fury he possessed, as if the force of his voice alone could turn the name into the malediction he normally thought it to be.

Hermione turned to face Harry. "Harry, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern. But really, I'm fine. Why don't you go to breakfast? I'll catch up with you later." Hermione was watching Severus out of the corner of her eye. His whole being radiated anger. Never mind that breakfast was over, she needed to get Harry out of the room so she could talk to Severus.

Harry looked stricken. "I, uh, know what happened last night. I was with Ginny this morning when Madam Pomfrey spoke with her."

Hermione took hold of Harry's arm. She was gently, but firmly, pulling him towards the door. "Then you understand. I need to talk with Severus before he returns to the hospital wing. I'll see you later."

Before he knew what was happening, Harry was unceremoniously pushed out the door. And said door was closed firmly behind him, leaving him standing alone in the corridor. A soft whoosh could be heard as the doorway disappeared and a tapestry, depicting, what else, a snake, appeared. Harry shook his head. Hermione and Snape. His best friend and the man he hated most. Somewhere, he was sure, the Fates were having a laugh at his expense, though Ginny would have been quick to point out the world did not revolve around Harry Potter. Even if it did feel that way some times. Ginny. His step quickened as he headed for the hospital wing and Ginny.

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Hermione noticed the change in Severus the minute she stepped back into the room. He must have cast a cleaning charm on his clothing and hair. And a depilatory charm she decided. He looked freshly shaved. He was wearing his frock coat again, fully buttoned against the outside world. The Potions Master persona was firmly in place, blocking everyone out, including her.

Severus gestured to the silver tray currently residing on the table between the fireside chairs. "I have poured you a cup of coffee. Help yourself to a muffin. I am afraid I cannot join you, I need to return to the hospital wing."

"Severus." Her voice was soft. She could see the anguish in his eyes. "Please don't shut me out. Talk to me. Tell me what you're feeling. Let me help."

Something in the pleading tone of her voice touched a chord deep within him. He was used to dealing with life alone, with no one to rely on but himself. Having someone else care about him, someone other than Albus, was new to him. He needed to keep her at arms length so he could clear his mind and analyze the events of the last twenty-four hours. It had occurred to him too, had he not been called to the hospital wing last night, he would most likely be in bed with Hermione right now, engaging in yet another round of carnal delights, if last night had been any indication. His voice was rough with emotion. "Hermione. I'm sorry. I am just not used to having someone else...here."

'You prat,' yelled the voice in his head. 'For someone so eloquent, you sure screwed that up. Why are you pushing her away? You have someone else waiting in the wings?' He imagined a presence shouting at him from another room. He willed the door to the room to slam shut. Locks and chains appeared across the door. At least he would have a temporary respite from the noise in his head, he thought.

Hermione put her arms around his waist, laying her head on his chest. "I don't scare that easily, Severus. It's okay to be upset. Underneath all this black, I'm sure there is a human being trying to get out."

A sound somewhere between a snort and a chuckle escaped his lips. Severus's arms automatically encircled the young woman. "I suppose you would rather see me in lavender or powder blue?" An arched brow punctuated the question.

Hermione laughed. "I don't think I would recognize you in anything but black. It does seem to suit you."

His arms tightened around the witch. "Hermione, I really do need to return to the hospital wing. Albus will need to see to the boy's parents this morning. I should be present when they arrive."

Hermione nodded. "You go and do what you have to. I need to find Ginny and Harry, anyway. I'm sure they're going to want to have a word with me. I also have a few ideas I need to research before we begin experimenting again. Why don't I meet you in the lab later? I can get started and you can join me whenever you can."

"Hermione..."

"Severus, don't. You have responsibilities. I understand. Really. Just go and do what you have to. I'll see you later."

Severus kissed her hungrily, passionately, saying with a kiss what he could not seem to put into words. His arms tightened around her, pulling her against his chest. He had a fierce desire to lock her away from the outside world. He did not want to share her with anyone. He knew how foolish the idea was. She had friends who cared for her. It did not matter what he thought of Potter or Weasley. He knew they would fight to the death for her, just as she would for them. Potter had been willing to hex him this morning thinking he had somehow harmed Hermione.

Severus wanted her for his own. He saw it as a weakness within himself that he was powerless to stop. She owned him. He knew that now, even if she did not. Sometime in the last few weeks he had given her his heart without thought to the consequences of that action. He was not exactly sure when it had happened. The thought of a future with her materialized after the lab incident involving his Dark Mark. He knew last night, when he could not control his need for her, he was hers for the taking. She had become as necessary to him as the air he breathed. And he was bound and determined to make her his own.

He wanted to be the only man in her life, the only one to arouse her to passion. She never had the chance to answer his question last night. He suspected she was not a virgin. He would hex whoever had touched her before him if he ever found out who it was. He would not embarrass her and demand to know the details but he did not think he could rest until he knew. Severus realized he was holding her to an unfair double standard. He would never have been able to withstand the same scrutiny he was willing to put her through. It was a feeling, for once in his life, that seemed to be beyond his formidable control.

His past was not something he was proud of. He could never hold a candle to her. He had performed deeds, in the name of the light as well as the dark, that should never see the light of day. They were scars on his soul that he lived with daily. His penance for the wrongs he had brought forth in the name of the Dark Lord before Albus had helped him turn to the light. He had lived in the shadows for too many years. Too many years to have those shadows fall on Hermione.

Did he even have the right to subject Hermione to his moods, his temper? She was strong willed herself. And the brief glimpse he'd had of her anger made him think she could probably take him on. He chuckled to himself. He had no hold on her. He no longer intimidated her. She could yell and swear with the best of them from what he had seen. And she appeared to have latent Slytherin tendencies, if her handling of Potter this morning was any indication.

She had claimed to care for him, but how much did she really care? Would she be scared off if she knew the true extent of his feelings? Would her friends convince her to leave him and find someone else more...suitable?

The need for air ended their entanglement. Severus gazed deeply into her eyes. Finally, satisfied with what he saw there, he bent his head and gently kissed her. Without a word, he left for the hospital wing and the duties required of him as Head of Slytherin.

Hermione wrapped her arms around herself, goose bumps appearing on her upper arms. His kiss had been overwhelming. He had gone beyond passion, though he had managed to arouse her in the process. There had been a feeling of desperation, of need. She knew he desired her, but this was something more. He was a brilliant man. A powerful wizard. And by turns, he could be difficult and stubborn. Passionate and erotic. He was a true contradiction. For every plus there was a minus. She was in for the ride of her life if she was going to try and figure him out. She was sure her friends would not understand, well, Ginny seemed to, but Harry and Ron were another story. Ron. She forgot to mention the Burrow and next week to Severus.

'Well, standing here will not get you anywhere,' she thought. First stop, the library before finding her friends. Harry had mentioned Madam Pomfrey. That probably meant Ginny was on duty in the hospital wing. Best to give it some time before she ventured there. She would check the lab before leaving and make sure Severus had not changed the wards since last week. They had been set to recognize her but he could have changed them since then. She did not want to leave if she couldn't get back in.

Hermione walked through the doorway connecting Severus's private quarters with his lab. The wards he had erected last week had not been changed or she would never have been able to enter the room. That meant she was free to come as go as she pleased and the wards would still recognize her. Hermione hummed to herself as she set out for the library and unrestricted access to the Restricted Section. Having Severus as a boyfriend did have its advantages. She burst out laughing. Boyfriend. He would kill her if she called him that. The word made her think of Muggle sock hops and proms. Of pimply faced teenagers snogging in the back of cars. Hardly images to describe Severus. She would have to figure out a way to refer to him as her boyfriend. 'If only to see his reaction,' she thought, a wicked grin gracing her lips. Her step was lighter as she climbed the dungeon stairway and headed for the library.

TBC

A/N: The steps and form of the dance (as well as those that appear in future chapters) are from this web site: Tango tutorial - http://64.70.140.102/ourdance.htm. Challenge rules can be found following chapter one.

For all those questioning when our favorite duo will get together, I guarantee the story will earn its rating on Ashwinder, Aff, and Whispers at Chapter 18 - Hermione's Birthday. FFn will be edited for a strong R since they do not allow for a higher rating. There is still more story to follow, the symposium, Christmas, and beyond. While it will not be all roses for our favorite couple, it should prove to be an interesting ride.

Here is a teaser from Chapter 18 that will give you an idea of what is to come:

Chapter 18 – Hermione's Birthday

(Rating NC17- for sexual activity- Please skip if this is not your cup of tea.)

Severus moved slowly down the length of her body, stopping randomly to lick and nip her heated flesh. His tongue dipped into her navel, before dancing around to tease the sensitive skin at her hip. Her muscles clenched as he nipped the supple skin, then soothed it with his tongue. The musky smell of her sex filled his nostrils as he buried his nose in the soft damp curls covering her mound.

Hermione's breathing was ragged. She could barely speak as he nuzzled her sex, his breath hot on her skin. "Severus, you don't..." He looked up to see her watching him. The desire in his black eyes held her captive, silencing her objection.

His voice husky, "I don't have to do this? Hasn't anyone every pleasured you before? Trust me, this is as much for my enjoyment as it is for yours."

You get the idea.

Thank you to Nakhash, my beta. Another set of eyes is always helpful, the mistakes, however, are still my fault.

Still to come, Sunday continues at Hogwarts, Harry and Hermione talk, Severus and Hermione have a heart to heart, plans for Hermione's Birthday, The Burrows, and more. Enjoy. Please review and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you! As always thoughts, comments, reviews, whatever are always welcome.

Regards, Pearle