The Burrow - Are We Having Fun Yet?

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 21. The Burrow - Are We Having Fun Yet?

"Hermione, dear, happy birthday. Come in. Severus, I'm so glad you could join us." Molly Weasley was ushering Hermione and Severus into the living area of her home. To say you could have knocked her over with a feather when Hermione told her the Potions Master would be joining them for their traditional birthday dinner was hardly an exaggeration.

Molly was well acquainted with the acerbic man from her work with the Order. There was many a time he had arrived in the late hours of the night at 12 Grimmauld Place to speak with Arthur or Albus. His manner weary, as he sat at the wood kitchen table waiting for one or the other to arrive.

Molly knew the hardships he had endured to bring even the smallest amount of information to the Order. At any turn he could have been found out. Each time he left might very well be the last time anyone saw him alive. She knew Albus trusted him implicitly. It was enough for her. It became commonplace for her to make him a cup of tea while he was waiting. She always offered to cook him something, regardless of the hour. He always politely declined, stating the tea was enough.

Ginny had told her about seeing Hermione at Hogwarts a few weeks ago. Molly was given to understand she was working on a potion with Severus. Minerva had been more than happy to owl her early this week with further developments concerning the pair when she had confirmed he would indeed be attending the party at the Burrow.

Molly noticed Hermione's pendant as she removed her cloak. "Hermione, your necklace is lovely. Is it new?"

Hermione's hand drifted to the pendant. "Yes. Isn't it beautiful? Severus gave it to me for my birthday. It's from a store in Diagon Alley called the Emerald Leaf. You won't believe the story they told him when he purchased it."

Molly looked at the pendant before fixing her gaze on Severus. "Is that a Trelawney, Severus?"

Blasted woman. Did everyone know about the legend of that store, except him? Why the hell had he bought the damn thing in the first place? Severus resisted the urge to make a snide comment. "Yes. I believe it is, Molly," he answered stiffly. Witches!

"I didn't think they sold original Trelawney's anymore. That is quite a...unique gift."

Did they have a bar? He needed a drink if he was going to get through this evening without hexing someone. He would have considered a small hex or two if he didn't think Hermione would stop talking to him. The prospect of another pleasurable night loomed before him. There was no sense in upsetting the witch at this stage.

Arthur watched the interchange between his wife and Severus. 'If ever there was someone in need of rescuing,' he thought. He approached the group as an awkward silence descended on them. "Hermione, happy birthday. Severus, good to see you, let's let these two talk while we get you a drink."

Hermione hugged Arthur. "Thank you and happy birthday to you, too." She was amused watching Severus attempt to be social as he nodded his head in greeting. The man exuded an air of formality when he was forced to endure the company of others. She knew he considered Arthur and Molly to be friends of a sort, but she doubted he had ever paid a 'social call' to their home before.

Severus was most grateful as Arthur led him to a severing piece that opened to reveal a bar. "Whiskey or brandy?"

"Whiskey."

Arthur smiled, attempting to put the man at ease. "Don't think too unkindly of Molly. She means well. Hermione means the world to her."

Severus remained quiet as the man poured him a drink. What could he say? Of course, Arthur, why should I mind if she asks questions that are none of her bloody business. Perhaps she would like to come round tonight and coach us while we shag? Maybe offer us a pointer or two. "Of course," he answered quietly, pleased he had managed to keep his comments to himself.

Several witches and wizards from the Ministry, Arthur's co-workers, had formed a loose group around the two. Most knew the Potions Master from past celebrations. A few greeted the dark wizard as he stood to the side watching Hermione.

One young wizard, a Hogwarts graduate from last year, was flirting with Hermione; unaware his life was hanging in the balance. Her laugh at something the young man said floated across the room.

Severus extracted himself from the group that had sprung up around Arthur and walked over to Hermione. Even without his teaching robes, he was still an imposing figure. Why the hell had he let Hermione convince him to dress more casual? Casual still consisted of a dark grey silk shirt, a vest, and his frock coat buttoned tightly against the outside world. Hermione had likened his layers of clothing to armour, a protective shield separating him from those around him.

"O'Conner." Severus glared at the young man who had gone visibly pale as he approached. O'Conner muttered something unintelligible before hastily moving away.

"Severus, he was just being polite." Hermione smiled inwardly, noting the storm brewing in the Potions Master's black eyes. While she did not hold with a caveman mentality, clubbing her over the head before dragging her back to his cave, it was nice to see a crack in his calm exterior. The man standing next to her was not the tight, controlled Professor she knew from her student days, but he was definitely not the wizard who had made love to her with such abandon in the shower this morning. She understood his presented a different persona to the outside world. Their relationship was too new, she was still too unsure of his feelings, to be completely comfortable with this version of the man. She missed the intimacy they had shared this morning.

Severus raised one brow in question. "What? He was still breathing when he left." She was his witch, as outdated or antiquated as that thought may be, she was his. He leaned in, his breathe hot against her neck. "You are mine, or have you forgotten?"

His voice was a growl that sent a thrill straight through her. Hermione's gaze was serious as she met his eyes. "Does the same hold true for you?"

"I thought you understood that last night?" Perhaps they needed to talk when they returned to her flat. Severus cringed as the statement replayed in his head. 'You need to talk? What the bloody hell has gotten into you?' raged the voice in his head. 'Less talk and more action I always say.' Regardless of the images his brain was projecting, he and Hermione needed to straighten out a few things.

Hermione never got the chance to answer him. Fred Weasley was suddenly hugging her and wishing her a happy birthday. It was George's turn to greet her as his brother turned to ask Severus his opinion on a problem they were having in the development of a new salve.

"Professor Snape, just the wizard I wanted to talk to," Fred said with a sly smile. "George and I are working on a new product and are having problems with one of the ingredients. Maybe you can tell us why the Isosceles Salve is producing squares instead of triangles when we test it. "

Hermione smiled as the twins ignored Severus's glare while continuing to pepper him with questions. He sighed loudly as he answered a few of their questions, watching as Hermione left to greet Harry and Ginny. It was several minutes before he could lose the two. He cast a slow acting Do Not Notice Spell and quietly slipped away as the pair continued to talk to each other.

Severus headed for a quiet, out of the way seat in the corner. Five or Six hours more of this, and he thought he could get Hermione to leave. It was turning into a long night.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Snape."

"Potter."

Severus had been sitting quietly watching Hermione from across the room when Harry seemed to materialize at his side. The two men eyed each other warily before Severus decided to break the silence. "Is there something you needed?"

"Uhm, no." Harry looked uncomfortable.

Severus nodded his head. "I see. Hermione."

Harry breathed a sigh. "Yeah. You can add in Ginny, too."

After Harry had tracked Hermione down in the library the previous weekend, she had lectured him in earnest about her feelings for the git. He may not like Snape, but he did respect the man, and he had made a promise to both witches to try and be civil.

Ron, on the other hand, had been angrier than Harry had ever seen him when he tried to talk to him this week. He had hoped to defuse the situation before it started. Ron could be hot headed at times. Harry just hoped Ginny and Molly had talked some sense into him. Snape was not a man to be crossed. He knew Hermione had asked the Potions Master to be civil, but that did not account for Ron pushing the issue if he decided to be a prat about it.

Severus tipped his drink towards Harry, "I would rather not anger either one, myself. It might interest you to know I would have gladly hexed you at the match last week, had it not been for those two." Severus caught Minerva glancing at him from the impromptu coven that had convened around the main table. Every so often a burst of laughter seemed to emerge from the group of witches. He was thoughtful as he took another drink of his whiskey. "I would imagine Minerva and Molly might have a thing or two to add if things get out of hand. They look like they should be out in the woods somewhere, gathered around a cauldron, cackling among themselves."

Harry looked at the Professor, wondering just how much he'd had to drink. "Are you going to tell Hermione that?"

Severus scowled, "I may have been willing to face the Dark Lord, but I am hardly stupid, Potter. I prefer to keep my bits attached right where they are, thank you." He had no intention of becoming a eunuch if Hermione's earlier words carried any weight.

Harry looked at Severus as if he had just grown another head. It was at that moment Ron joined them in the corner.

"Oy, mate." Ron looked wistfully back at the tall blond witch he came in with. His current flavor of the week was in the thick of it with the other witches. It took a moment, but he acknowledged Severus's presence, his voice barely restraining his obvious dislike of the man. "Snape."

"Weasley." Severus was impressed with the lengths Hermione's friends were prepared to go on her behalf. Willingly speaking with the bat of the dungeon had to rank right up there with facing Voldemort again as top of the list of things they would rather die than ever do again. He suspected he was higher on that list than the Dark Lord.

Remus wondered over to join the group. He glared at Severus. "You wouldn't bet on the match with me, but you bet with Hermione?"

Severus drained his glass before answering. "I had more to gain if I bet with Hermione, Remus." He barely managed to spat the man's name out. He had three weeks left until he was free of the ruddy spell.

"You don't even know what I would have bet you."

Severus's smile was smug. "It doesn't matter. You are not Hermione." The implication of his words hit home.

Harry and Ron grimaced. Harry cleared his throat. "Look, I promised Hermione and Ginny I would be civil, but that does not include hearing anything...intimate about you and my best friend."

Severus rose from his seat and gave him a wry smile. "Then you are safe, Potter. I have no intentions of relating any of the details to you. Pleasurable as they may be." 'Let them choke on that,' he thought.

Severus was pleased to see Potter turn a bit green at the edges. 'Slytherin green,' he thought. A small chuckle escaped his throat.

Ron watched Severus head for the sideboard to refill his drink before stopping to whisper something in Hermione's ear. She was blushing as he walked away. Ron turned to Harry, as they watched Severus's progress across the room. "He's joking, right? Hermione and...him. I don't like it, Harry. He must have slipped her a potion or something. Why would she be interested in him?"

"That's enough you two. They seem happy together. Let it be." Remus really was happy for them, even if Severus still acted like a right bastard from time to time. At least, Hermione seemed happy.

Harry shrugged. "Where have you been? Hermione visited Snape at Hogwarts last week. At least she said I didn't have to snog him in any dark corners."

Ron choked on his drink. "You. Snog Snape?"

"Hardly, I told you before, Potter. You are not my type." Severus settled back down, prepared to wait until Hermione was ready to leave. He did not have to be back at the castle until tomorrow afternoon. He had stopped to remind Hermione he had the rest of the night off and had a few ideas how they could spend the time. Her blush had been the direct result of his offer to repeat the Wingardium Leviosa Spell when they returned to her flat tonight.

"What did you say to her?"

Severus's eyes seemed to gleam. "Just reminding her about a spell we had discussed this morning. Wingardium Leviosa."

Remus's nostrils flared, pheromones flooded the air. He had a pretty good idea of what the result of Severus's discussion with Hermione was regarding the spell. Her scent was heavily embedded in his skin as it was. Even stronger than the last time he had noticed it. He knew Severus had not returned to the castle last night. Remus could only imagine how they had celebrated Hermione's birthday.

Harry's look said he didn't believe the dark man. "And that caused her to blush like that?"

Severus's manner was nonchalant. "Ask her if you don't believe me."

"Harry, I don't think I want to know. This is too much for me." Ron was turning green at the thought of Hermione and Snape, of all people.

Severus thought green was a good color for Weasley. Made him look almost festive. It was a shame Christmas was so far off.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

More people had arrived, filling the odd little house to the brim. The rooms continued to expand to accommodate the guests. A short time later, Molly called the group to dinner. The table and dinning area had enlarged to allow everyone a seat at the long table. Severus sat at one end, next to Hermione, with Remus seated to his left. Ginny, Harry, Ron, and Misty, his current date, were seated around them. Arthur and Molly, along with several witches and wizards Severus did not know, were seated at the far end of the table, along with Minerva and Albus. The rest of Molly's brood filled in the gaps with a few assorted others.

Dinner turned out to be a loud, noisy affair. Dishes magically floated from one end of the table to the other. Fred and George regaled everyone with tales of their latest concoctions. Ron, Harry, and Remus got into a lively discussion of the latest Quidditch season, even Severus joined in on that debate.

"You follow Quidditch?" In disbelief, Hermione had turned to hear Severus denouncing the latest seeker on the Chudley Cannons, much to Ron's annoyance.

"I have some interest in the sport."

"You never mentioned it to me."

Severus smirked, his eyes held an amused gleam. "Did you wish to discuss the current season? I was under the impression the topic was off limits. No Quidditch discussions. I seem to recall it was one of the ground rules you laid out originally. Are they subject to change without notice, Miss Granger?"

Hermione's eyes held a teasing gleam of their own, "I believe we will discuss the ground rules, and any revisions thereof, later, Professor." Her voice caressed his title.

Ron openly gawked at the interchange between the two. He turned to Severus. "Who are you?"

Severus shook his head. "I seem to get that question a lot lately."

Minerva had spent the better part of the evening covertly watching the pair. She was impressed with the necklace Severus had given Hermione, a real Trelawney. That certainly was something to think about. In all the years they had been colleagues, she had never known Severus to be cordial. The fact he had not hexed anyone up until now, especially with Harry and Ron in attendance, greatly impressed her. Minerva still had Hermione's best interest at heart, but even she had to admit Severus seemed... well, not exactly friendly, maybe calmer was a better word. Less hostile. In any event, Hermione appeared happy.

"Why don't you give me a minute, and I will get the birthday cakes?" Molly said over her shoulder as she disappeared through a doorway. Most of the guests decided to rise and stretch their legs. Drinks were refreshed and a few ducked out the door for a breath of fresh air.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ginny pulled Hermione to the side. Her eyes danced as she said, "All right, since I know the Professor had the weekend off, and I didn't see him at the castle, I have to ask. Is there any truth to the rumors?"

"Ginny!" Hermione blushed when she thought about the rumors she was referring to.

"Oh, come on. Everyone in Gryffindor speculated about the man after the rumors started flying. One of those witches he went out with refused to discuss his measurements, saying it wasn't her place. But she kept referring to the size of his nose and winking. I mean Harry's nose isn't that big, but his equipment handles quite nicely. I am assuming you have first hand knowledge. So?"

Hermione blushed an even deeper shade of red.

"Oh my god!" Ginny shrieked. "They are true!"

Hermione leaned in and whispered in her friend's ear, "The rumors don't even do him justice. Last night was amazing. And this morning, and this afternoon!"

Ginny's eyes widened. "It sounds like you had a very happy birthday. How is it you are still standing?"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Severus glanced at the two young women in the corner. Ginny's shriek had caught his attention. He could only imagine what that was about.

Ginny smiled as Severus joined them. "Professor. If you two will excuse me, I'd better help Mum with the birthday cake."

Severus watched her walk off. "Do I want to know what that was about?"

"I don't think so." Hermione raised one brow. "Should I ask if you are having a good time?"

"It has been...tolerable. I can think of a few other activities I would rather be engaged in right now."

"You're insatiable."

"I do not recall you complaining last night."

Hermione smiled. "Thank you for not hexing Harry and Ron. I'm sure it has crossed your mind a few times tonight."

His smile was evil. "Do not thank me yet, the night is young."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Harry watched Hermione and Severus talking quietly on the far side of the room. "You know, they might just be okay together."

"Hermione and Snape? Have you gone barking mad?" Ron couldn't believe his ears.

"No, think about it. This is Hermione were talking about. Have you ever seen the inside of Snape's quarters? He has more books than Hogwarts. The man is an ex-Death Eater. If he could put up with Voldemort, I'm sure Hermione's moods won't bother him." Harry loved Hermione, but he wasn't blind to her faults. She could be bossy and overbearing. Her quest to learn tended to overshadow all reason at times. Maybe this is what she needed. "Do you think we should tell him to lay in a supply of chocolate?"

"I'm sure he'll find out for himself." Ron shook his head. Snape. It was a world gone mad.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Everyone headed back to the dinning table as Molly and Ginny brought out the birthday cakes. Severus's hand rested lightly at the small of Hermione's back, as he guided her back to the table. That simple gesture alone spoke volumes about his feelings for the young witch. The action was noted and filed away for further speculation by several of the people present.

Severus had often commented that he was solitary by nature. He could also have added he was obsessive at avoiding human contact. He never willingly reached for another human being. You never knew what a trained wizard could tell by the connection. While he may have craved human contact at some point in his life, he had learned to suppress the desire, much as he had suppressed his other emotions during the course of his trials. He had spent the last twenty years keeping a close hold on his needs in an effort to facilitate his spying. He trusted no one. It would not have been wise if the Dark Lord had ever sensed more than absolute obedience from the Potions Master.

He had built an invisible wall around himself. Not allowing anyone close for so long, that he now found it difficult to open up. The need for secrecy was gone. He had nothing to fear from Hermione. Nothing more than the ordinary fears and insecurities that went along with a romance. The last twenty-four hours had been a roller coast of emotions for both of them. Their connection went beyond casual sex. There were deeper feelings rising to the surface. Feeling he did not want to confront at the moment.

A large pink and purple monstrosity, ablaze with candles, floated to a stop in front of Hermione. Arthur's cake, at the far end, was red and gold with what appeared to be a full load of candles. Severus could almost feel the heat of his candles from where he stood. He was grateful Hermione's cake, whether by choice or design, was not decorated in Gryffindor colors.

The assembled guests sang a loud, off key rendition of Happy Birthday, combining Arthur and Hermione's names into one name during the song. Severus quietly stood back and to the side of Hermione, his rich baritone not adding to the calliope of voices.

"Make a wish and blow out the candles." Ginny gleefully instructed.

Hermione managed to blow all the candles out on the first try. Arthur was on his third attempt, much to the amusement of his wife, at extinguishing the blaze that was still his cake.

"Hermione, what did you wish for?"

"Ron, you're not supposed to ask that. Her wish won't come true if she tells you." Ginny admonished her brother.

Hermione's smile was radiant as she glanced at Severus before turning to answer Ron. "My wish already came true, Ron."

Harry clutched his stomach. "Hermione, I asked you not to do that."

"Oh, grow up, Harry." Hermione laughed at his attempt to fake a stomachache. Ginny started to prod and poke him, performing a mock exam. She managed to reach a few ticklish spots as Harry howled with laughter.

Severus was annoyed with himself. It was utterly childish to be angry with Harry for making her laugh. While he would never admit it to anyone, Severus envied Hermione's easy friendship with the two young men. He understood they were not a threat to his relationship with her. The three seemed to truly love one another. While their feelings went deeper than mere friendship, there were no romantic entanglements between them.

The Trio had bonded over the incident with the Troll their first year at Hogwarts. They had cemented that love standing side-by-side facing the Dark Lord at the final battle. He knew Hermione had kept Harry focused and Ron had kept him grounded in realty during their years at Hogwarts.

The two offered Hermione unquestionable friendship and devotion. He suspected Ron's self esteem, not particularly high being the sixth out of seven Weasley's, had taken a major leap the day he befriended the boy who lived on the Hogwarts train. Hermione had spent seven years lovingly nagging Ron to study. It was by her sheer will alone he even passes his NEWTs.

The cakes sliced and served themselves. The conversation was loud and animated, the assembled enjoyed the evening immensely.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Harry patted Ron on the back as he choked on his butterbeer. "You're kidding," he spluttered, in between coughs. "She's teaching him what?"

Harry grinned. "The Tango."

"Is there a problem, Mister Weasley?" Severus startled Ron as he silently appeared behind him.

"Blimey, someone should put a bell around your neck." Ron clamped a hand over his mouth and moved closer to Harry when he realized exactly who it was he had spoken to. He was sure he was going to be turned into something barely sentient any minute.

Severus glared at him, a list of hexes running through his mind. As he told Hermione, the night was young.

"I was just explaining to Ron, that Hermione was teaching you the Tango."

Severus turned his glare on the annoying boy who lived and continued to annoy him. "Would you like to explain why you seem to find that statement so amusing, Potter?"

Hermione's hand on Severus's arm seemed to calm the Potions Master. Her tone held a note of warning. "What exactly do you find funny about Severus and I dancing together, Harry? I'll have you know he dances very well. I would like to see either one of you Tango without harming yourself. I doubt either one of you would look half as good as he does in tights either."

"Tights?" Harry tried in earnest to hide his laughter. He failed miserably.

Severus was undecided as to who he should kill first. Hermione for her attempted defense of his abilities. Potter for his childish comments or Weasley, on principle alone. "Hermione. While I appreciate your defense on my behalf, perhaps you can stop before you bury me? I have managed to avoid hexing these two thus far this evening. I would hate to have to break my promise by hexing you instead."

Hermione could only laugh as she realized what she had said. A very unladylike snort escaped as she tried to gain control of herself. "I'm sorry, Severus. I didn't mean it the way it sounded. But you do look unbelievably sexy in tights."

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose trying to stay the headache that was threatening to overtake him. "Hermione."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Albus watched the interchange between Severus and the others. When he had set the consequences of the bet, he had hoped it would draw Severus out of his dungeons. He had never imagined anything would develop between Hermione and his Potions Master beyond a simple friendship. Albus was truly happy for both of them. It was magic of the highest order when two people found each other.

Minerva had disappeared with Molly and a few others, no doubt repeating and analyzing every word, every action the Potions Master had made. His touch at Hermione's back had touched more than a few who had known the dark wizard over the years.

"They seem happy together." Remus joined Albus as he watched the group near the table.

"They do appear well suited for each other." The aged wizard agreed.

"Was this your plan all along?"

Albus turned his twinkling eyes on Remus. "I would never interfere with the lives of my staff."

Remus shook his head. "Why do I have such a hard time believing that?"

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

As the hour drew late, the guests started leaving in small groups.

Minerva drew Hermione to the side. Her gaze was intense as she regarded the young woman. She had felt responsible for her since the tragic loss of her parents. "I know Severus is a good man under all that black. I see a change in him for the better. But are you happy?"

Hermione's eyes softened. The older witch meant a lot to her. "Yes, Minerva. I am happy. He is an amazing man. Quite different when we are alone." Thoughts of the two of them alone brought a slight flush to her cheeks.

Minerva smiled. "If you have any doubts, hex first and ask questions later. You know you can reach me anytime of the day or night if you need me?"

"I know. Thank you." Hermione hugged the older woman.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Severus thanked Molly for her hospitality as they stepped out the back door. Hermione said her goodbyes to those remaining and followed him.

"Together?" Severus opened his cloak to allow Hermione to cuddle into his side, her arms tightening around his waist as his arms encircled the young witch. They Disapparated with a loud crack.

Molly and Minerva exchanged knowing looks. Albus just smiled.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Severus hung his cloak on the hook next to the door. He turned around to find Hermione looking at him, her gaze intent.

She reached up to take hold of his chin, turning his head from side to side.

"May I inquire as to what you are doing?"

"Graver Gryffindors Grievous Syndrome. I am looking for red and gold stripes. You were in a room full of Gryffindors tonight. Though unless I miss my guess, there were at least two Ravenclaws and a few who had not even gone to Hogwarts. Thankfully, I think you have been spared."

"I believe we should remove our clothing to be safe."

"Skin to skin?"

"Skin to skin." Severus's voice enclosed the words in velvet, causing Hermione's stomach to clench.

"Is there anywhere else I should check for striping?" Hermione laughed as he raised one eyebrow. Her voice dropped seductively, "Do you want me to check here?" Her fingers gently caressed the bulge in his trousers.

Her touch lit a fire within him. It unhinged him completely. Her desire for him was something rare and wondrous.

"Tsk, tsk. Wherever were you thinking? I was going to tell you to look at the bottom of my feet." The need to possess her surged through him, a deep growl escaped his throat. "Come here, Hermione."

Severus pinned her to the door. His mouth took possession of hers. His kiss was fierce, passionate. Desire coursed through his veins. Lust darkened his eyes. Their tongues dueled for control, driving the hunger within him.

He needed her to understand his need for her. His voice was husky, "You. Are. Mine. I thought we had established that last night." He rocked his hips against her, his body thrumming with need. He cupped her breast through the silk of her shirt, kneading and squeezing the firm globe.

His sudden shift in emotions had her holding on for dear life. Her breath was coming in small pants as she felt his arousal. "Does that mean you belong to me?" she asked breathlessly. She moved her head to the side as he kissed and nipped along the column of her neck.

His deep chuckle sent fire through her body. "If you want me, I am yours. I do not believe you will have any competition for my affections. There is hardly a line of willing witches seeking me out."

"That's not true. There have been several witches at the Ministry celebrations that have chased after you."

Severus's hands cupped the bottom of her arse, urging her legs up around his hips as he picked her up. "They are not you, Hermione. They are not you."

His mouth claimed hers once again as he carried her to the bedroom. A whispered spell against her lips, and their clothing disappeared. They made love slowly. Reestablishing the intimacy they'd had shared earlier. Taking time to explore each other's bodies and come together as the world shattered around them.

"You know, you never did cast Wingardium Leviosa." Her voice was muffled as sleep pulled at the edges of her mind.

"And you are complaining?" Severus rolled to his back, pulling Hermione against him. "Will you have time to accompany me back to Hogwarts tomorrow? We can research the Wolfsbane Potion if you are free?"

Hermione nodded sleepily, her words distorted by a yawn. "I don't have to be back until dinner time. I have an exam I need to review for in the evening. I am really going to miss you tomorrow night." Hermione burrowed deeper into his side. One leg slid over his thigh to rest possessively between his legs. Her breathing evened out as she fell asleep.

Severus dreaded the thought of sleeping alone tomorrow night, of waking up Monday morning alone, as if she were nothing more than a pipe dream. His arm tightened around her. He was with her now.

Tomorrow would have to take care of itself.

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.

Unfortunately, my wonderful beta Nakhash has succumbed to Real Life and is off on vacation. I have decided to post this, rather than wait another week. The corrected version will be reposted when she returns next week. Therefore, the mistakes are definitely mine.

Still to come: Another Sunday at Hogwarts, costume selections, more dance lessons, 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