The Games People Play

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 25 – The Games People Play

It was early Saturday morning, and Severus was finally able to sit upright for more than ten minutes before a tremor passed through him. "Hermione, as much as I appreciate you being here, I still wish you had not seen me in this condition."

Hermione's gaze was steady as she regarded the man she had come to care so much about. Her voice held an undertone of anger, "And how would you have kept me away? We were supposed to work together today, remember? Perhaps you could send me an owl saying you were unavoidably detained, see you Wednesday. Or, 'Dear Hermione, I find myself in a rather awkward position as the result of a potion gone wrong by a dunderhead worse than Longbottom. I will be out of quarantine on Monday. Regards, Severus'." She watched his face contort in pain, spasms still traveling the length of his body. Her eyes softened, wishing she could stop his pain. Her voice was quieter when she spoke again. "Or were you going to try to hide it from me? Though I don't see how you could have, or why you think you have to. Do you think this make you any less in my eyes?"

Severus found it difficult to come to terms with his feelings. He loathed the feeling of helplessness the Cruciatus Curse created in its victims. It was harder still to have Hermione see him that way, helpless. He knew he was being foolish. It was a temporary state brought on by the curse; a few days at most and he would be good as new, or at least back to his normal, disagreeable self.

Hermione's concern for his well-being seemed to take their relationship to another level, as well. While he would rather not appear diminished in anyway in her eyes, it resolved some of his concerns about her feelings for him. He finally believed he was more than a passing fancy for her. He had to chuckle to himself, as if he really was a fancy for anyone.

"Do you think you could fetch a quill and parchment for me? I should like to record the owl you mentioned for future reference. Though, I do not believe I would address it as 'Dear Hermione'." Severus ran a shaking hand along her cheek. He tried to wipe the trail of a tear that trekked down her face, but his fingers refused to cooperate. "I believe the salutation should read, 'To my dearest Hermione'."

Her tears continued in earnest for another minute before getting herself under control. It broke her heart to watch this strong, proud man reduced to this level of pain and suffering. She would have dearly loved to hug and kiss him, but the damn curse had sensitized his nerves to the point of pain when confronted with human contact. The nerves were coming back on-line with a vengeance. Her voice was a whisper, "You will let me know when I can hug you, won't you? I don't think I ever want to let you go again."

"I believe the feeling...is mutual." Severus's body stiffened as the combination of muscle spasm and pain registered on his features before abating.

The timer chimed signaling time for anther dose just as a knock came at his chamber door. "Potter. What timing," he said through clenched teeth.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It was not surprising that Severus barely recognized the Death Eater's name. Voldemort had not allowed anyone to know all of his lackeys, preferring to have them meet in small groups. The entire group would not be in jeopardy if someone turned traitor. Traitor or spy.

Harry checked the parchment as the quill automatically recorded his comments. "Professor Snape, why do you think Death Eater Sanders was in Hogsmeade?"

"I'm sure he was heading for Hogwarts. He must have been looking for Albus Dumbledore or myself. It was just his good fortune I was in Hogsmeade to pick up supplies Friday afternoon."

"Is there anything further you would like to add at this time?"

"No."

"Finite Incantatem." Harry appeared to be sizing Severus up.

"Thank goodness the Order never had to rely on you spying. What is it, Potter?" Severus was mildly annoyed. He could find no fault with Harry's conduct, but the pain was once again wearing him out. He had deliberately taken a watered-down version of the pain draught. It would not do to be a drooling idiot when giving a Ministry report.

Harry sighed. "How isolated do think this attack was? We still don't know who helped him escape. The prisons in Italy are nowhere the level of Azkaban, but someone had to help him."

The image of Hermione strolling casually along the pathways at Cambridge jumped into his mind. "Do you have any information on the escape, any leads at all? Has someone visited him recently? Hogwarts is a fairish distance from Italy. Where did he get the wand?" Severus's mind raced with additional questions.

"I don't have the full report from the prison, yet. I was thinking of paying them a little visit in the next day or two. Maybe I can find out more in person than they would send in an official report."

Severus chuckled. "What good is being the boy-who-lived-to-save-the-world, if you cannot do something with it?"

"Yeah, something like that." Harry looked sheepish. He couldn't care less for himself; it was Ginny and Hermione, as well as his other friends that he worried about. "I think tracking the wand he used might give us the most information."

An odd expression crossed the dark man's face. "Potter, I would...appreciate it, if you would let me look at a copy of the report when you receive it. As well as any further information you gather."

Harry grinned. "Was that a grimace from pain or because you had to ask a polite favor from me?"

Snape's snarl was directed at the young wizard. "You are an arse, Potter, and she wonders why I find your company unacceptable?"

"Take it easy. I'll keep you informed. I would like your view of things anyway, with your background you may notice something I missed." Harry tried to placate him. Hermione would have his hide if Snape were worse when she returned.

"Because I am an ex-Death Eater," his tone was bitter, as he stated the simple fact. He was destined to spend the rest of his life paying for that decision.

"Come off it, Snape. I know what you were. I also know you are loyal to the Order. I wouldn't be alive today if you hadn't been standing next to me at the final battle." Harry's voice was quieter. "I also know you care for Hermione. And god help me, for some unknown reason she fancies you. I'm worried about her and Ginny. I hope this is an isolated thing. I need to be sure, that's all."

Severus eyed the young man. It seemed they had come to another level of understanding, too. He nodded before leaning back into the couch cushions. The thought of dreamless sleep in the face of the questioning and pain seemed very appealing right now.

The questioning had not taken that long. Harry and Severus sat looking at each other across the expanse of the coffee table. "You "can leave, Potter. I am capable of looking after myself."

"I'm sure that's true, however, I can't leave." Harry looked slightly embarrassed as another wave of spasms passed through Severus.

"Let me guess: Hermione," he said in annoyance.

Harry nodded. "And Ginny, Poppy, Remus, Albus, Minerva..."

Severus held a trembling hand up. "Enough. I understand."

An awkward silence followed. Severus sat back against the couch, pain registering across his features again before subsiding.

"Would you like me to help you back to your bed?"

Severus glared at him. "You must really be enjoying this? The greasy git in pain. Call Weasley. I'm sure he would enjoy the show."

"Professor, I've been under the Cruciatus Curse before. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, not even you. And before you decide to lecture me, I know you have experienced the curse far more times than most people. Believe me, I am not enjoying it, even if it is you." Harry's lopsided smile was genuine as he looked at Severus.

"Well, well. Will wonders never cease? Call the Daily Prophet, Potter. I believe Hell just froze over." Severus sat for a minute. "Is there any tea left?"

"Yeah, I'll pour you some. Would you rather have a cup of coffee?" Harry watched Severus's hand tremble. "You know, you could almost make a milkshake without a blender."

"I'm glad you find my skills so useful." Severus glared at him. First Hermione, now Potter. If it weren't an Unforgivable, he would have been happy to cast the Cruciatus Curse on the boy. Shaking his head, he indicated a cup pushed to the side. "Do I look like I need caffeine to wind me up any further? Use that mug. Hermione cast a stabilizer charm on it. So, now what?"

"We could play a game of wizard chess. I don't think Hermione will be back for an hour or two, yet."

"Wizard chess, are you any good?" Severus sipped at his tea. Why not? He was bored out of his skull.

"Not bad," he said with a shrug. "Or maybe Exploding Snap, instead?"

Severus almost snorted his tea out his considerable nose. " Exploding Snap? How old are you? There is a chessboard in the far corner. Bring it here. Accio pain draught." Severus held out his hand as a phial came speeding in from his bedchamber to land neatly against his palm. He couldn't stop the trembling, but half of a dose would dull the pain to the point of being tolerable and still allow him to keep his wits about him.

Harry grinned sheepishly. "Chess it is."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ginny stopped in as they were finishing their first game. Severus was a brilliant strategist and played the game as he did all things, with the one goal in mind, to best his opponent. He was surprised at the level of skill Harry displayed.

Harry regarded the board. Severus had just put his king in check. It looked like mate. He could see no other options. "And mate. Care for a rematch?" His king had removed his dagger and plunged it into his stomach. He was in the process of staggering across the board to fall at the feet of the white queen.

"Let me check the Professor first. Harry, order another tray of tea and some chocolate biscuits from the kitchen. I think the chocolate would help at this point." Ginny charged her wand and scanned Severus.

Harry watched from the fireplace. He had played wizard chess with Ron throughout their school days. Ron excelled at the game, winning most of the time. But it had been a game. 'Snape plays as if his life depends on it,' he thought and immediately regretted it, as a wave of pain spread through the man. He supposed the Potions master did not have too many carefree days in his youth to enjoy playing a simple game.

The tray at the side of the table disappeared and a new one popped into existence to replace it. Severus watched Ginny scanning his body. There were far fewer red areas than yesterday. He watched the young witch, intent on her work. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Potter watching her. He supposed this was the result of his relationship with Hermione, too. Playing chess with Potter while waiting for her to return. God, what next? Saturday evening meals with the Weasleys, or perhaps double dating with Potter? He shuddered at the thought. If it came to that, he refused to be responsible for his actions.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hermione returned an hour later to find Severus and Harry engrossed in their second game of chess. By all appearances, Severus was winning this one, too. The two appeared amicable enough.

"Well, well, it would seem to be mate again, Potter." Severus gloated, as once again, Harry's king committed hari-kari before dropping to the board.

"You win again, Snape. I'll be in touch." An understanding look passed between the two men as Harry rose to leave.

Severus merely nodded.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"I'll be around through tomorrow if you need me. Everything go okay at Cambridge?" Harry asked, as they walked to the door.

"Everything went fine. Thanks, Harry, I really appreciate your help. Are we still on for Thursday? Owl me and let me know where, okay?" Hermione hugged Harry as he left the dungeons. She turned back to find Severus glaring at her.

One eyebrow was quirked. "Thursday?"

"I'm meeting Harry and Ron for dinner. We try to get together once a month, though it varies more with Ron's schedule." Hermione sat on the couch, about a yard away, fearful of touching or jostling him.

"Am I required to attend this...dinner?"

"I never expected you to buddy up to Ron or Harry. Actually I'm pleased, as well as a little amazed, you haven't hexed them yet. And don't tell me the thought hasn't crossed your mind. Often. I'll meet them for dinner, myself. I always do. I don't expect you to become friends with them just because I am. Severus, I'm not sure where our relationship will lead, but we're not joined at the hip. I don't expect you to go everywhere with me. You are welcome to come Thursday. I just didn't think you wanted to."

Severus continued to scowl. "You are correct in that assessment. I would be willing to go with you alone, but I have no desire to dine with Potter or Weasley any more than necessary. You do not intend to place me under a Imperius Curse, do you?"

"Thanks, I think I'll pass on the curse. Somehow Azkaban doesn't hold any appeal for me." Hermione nodded, it was as she expected.

"Was the meeting with your advisor satisfactory?"

"Not bad. He said one of the Potions masters you mentioned is part of the program. They could contact him if I was interested in apprenticing with him. I don't have to place my requests until January. They want this term's grades before they see who qualifies and at what levels." She sat back, tired. Yesterday had taken a lot out of her.

"I am quite sure your grades will no doubt qualify for the top level. They have always been outstanding in the past."

"Did you just compliment me?"

"Did I?" he asked.

Hermione smiled broadly. "Mmm, I think you did. There's a seminar in Amsterdam I am required to attend next weekend. I can't believe they didn't give us more notice. It was either this weekend or Halloween weekend. We're going to be working on practicals. Cambridge is hosting a series of lectures and we get to do the grunt work. Setting up the samples and maintaining the exhibit area. At least I'll get to hear the lectures."

Severus's eyes darkened. "You will be staying for the weekend?"

"Yeah, ten of us are going this time. Professor Rancine and five of us will setup. We're all rotating manning the floor Saturday evening and Sunday morning. The other students are taking down Sunday night. I should be through by mid-day. I hate sharing a room with someone I don't know." Hermione pouted when she realized that eliminated her weekend with Severus. "Maybe we can get together Sunday afternoon when I get back, if you're free."

"Rancine? I will not have you going off with that man. You are not going. The answer is no." If it was the same Potions master that Severus was thinking of, he knew the man to be a womanizer of the worst kind. It must have taken quite a few Galleons to secure the position at Cambridge. The man was undoubtedly qualified in the field of potions. It was the possibility that he had taken advantage of two students that was the problem. The two witches quietly withdrew their complaints before the matter ever came to court, refusing to discuss the case any further. Taking advantage of students was deplorable in Severus's estimation. Authority was not to be abused in such a blatant manner.

"What do you mean the answer is no? I am not 'going off' with Racine, as you so sweetly put it. And who the hell do you think you are talking to, anyway? Rancine is the director of the program. The seminar is required as part of my participation in the internship. And even if it wasn't, how dare you imply that something else is going on? You are not my keeper, Severus. I thought we reached an understanding. Perhaps I was wrong."

"I am not trying to control you. The man is an outright womanizer."

Hermione's cheeks flushed with anger. "Give me a little credit. I'll be setting up for a lecture series, not attending an orgy. Thank you for your concern, but I can take care of myself. I have no intentions of shagging the first penis that walks by. I am not seeing anyone else, nor do I intend to. I'm happy with things the way they are, you idiot."

"Yes, I can see that." If the thought of a weekend away set him off, how the bloody hell was he going to stand her apprenticing with someone else for a year? And what if Potter was wrong about the rogue Death Eater being an isolated event?

The voice in his head seemed to have returned. Hoping the curse had silenced it permanently was evidently too much to ask for. It added it's two Knuts now. 'An orgy, yes!'

Severus took a deep breath. This was another reason he had never been in a sustained relationship. It actually took work and attention to keep it going. Skills he was ill prepared with. He waited for the latest spasm to pass before addressing her. She was too angry for him to stop and think clearly through the medication. "If I pleaded pain and suffering as well as dealing with Potter, would you be willing to overlook this conversation? Perhaps I am really my evil twin and the real Severus Snape is being held captive somewhere."

Hermione's eyes grew large. "Do you have a twin?"

"If I said yes, will you forgive me?"

She moved between wanting to kill him and wanting to hug him. A comment from an article in Witch Weekly jumped into her mind. He was high maintenance. She chuckled, that was an observation better kept to herself. "You really can be charming if you put your mind to it. You're also annoying, aggravating, exasperating, chauvinistic, and infuriating, but you are charming. It's time for the next round of medication. Poppy gave me another potion to add to your treatment. Let's get you into bed."

The eyebrow went up. "Will you join me?"

Hermione laughed as she helped him to his feet. "Annoying, but charming. What am I going to do with you?"

"Wait a week and I will be happy to show you."

The timber of his voice sent a shiver down her spine. 'You can add sexy to the list, too,' she thought.

Severus needed less help then the night before. He chuckled as the ever-present book bag made its appearance at the side of the bed. Hermione changed into jeans and a t-shirt before addressing the growing number of phials on the nightstand.

"Okay," she consulted a piece of parchment, as she gathered the phials, "we continue with the nerve relaxer and the pain draught. I add the revitalizer and an inhibitor." When she finished she had four phials in hand.

Severus drank each as she handed them to him, washing them down with a glass of cool water. He lay back exhausted against his pillows. "What do you plan to do today?"

"Well, considering that cocktail should knock you out for two or three hours, I thought I would study and continue to check your breathing every half hour, just to make sure you're still alive."

Severus smiled, his eyes starting to close. "Poppy would not kill me, too many reports to file with the Ministry. Hermione, I regret we will not be able to work today, nor will I be able to take you to dinner tomorrow night as we previously planned."

"We can go out another time, just rest."

His voice was muffled, the words hard to hear. "Would you owl Witchcraft and reschedule our reservation for two weeks from tomorrow? I should like to take you to dinner then." He appeared to fall asleep at the end of the sentence.

Hermione had to wonder how strong this combination of potions was. The tremors had subsided a bit, but the pain was still draining his strength. He asked her to reschedule for two weeks, a concession to her unavailability next weekend.

The rest of the afternoon passed in relative quiet. Severus slept while Hermione studied. Every so often he would groan in his sleep. A low keening sound that broke her heart. It bothered her more to think of all the times he had endured this treatment alone. He had been subject to the Cruciatus Curse countless times during his years as a spy. His treatment had been doled out under Poppy's watchful eye, in the hospital wing. She was a caring and compassionate woman, but it still could not compare to recovering in your own chambers.

A knock at the door woke Hermione out of her nap. A glance at the clock told her it was near dinnertime. The room had grown warm, and she had been tired out from lack of sleep the night before, the combination of the two had lulled her to sleep. Rubbing her eyes, she moved her books to the side as she slipped from the bed to answer the door.

"Hi, come in." Hermione greeted the mediwitch as she ushered her into the suite.

"How is the patient? I have reviewed Ginny's scans from this morning, and I must say, he seems to be making fast progress. Is he giving you any trouble?" Poppy smiled at the young witch. Normally Severus was an example of the worst patient a Healer could have, but by all reports, he seemed to be much calmer than usual. She would have to attribute the phenomenon solely to the presence of Hermione. She watched as the young woman smiled tiredly. Poppy thought she could use a Pepper Up potion right about now.

"He's fine. Just seems to be sleeping an awful lot."

"I was planning to reduce the sleeping draught tonight. He is doing much better than usual. I expect it is due to your care, dear."

A voice called out from the other room. "Or it could be the lack of your care, as well."

Poppy swept into the bedchamber. "Hmm. Nice to see you sound like your old self. We will have you up and about and terrorizing the students in no time."

"Who is deducting points in my absence?"

Poppy had set several items by the side of the bed and was starting on new set of scans. "Hold still, or I will have to repeat the scan." Severus glared at the woman but complied. It was several minutes before she was satisfied with the results.

"Well, you seen to be doing fine. You should be able to teach class on Monday, at this rate. And to answer your question, I believe the Headmaster has set up a revolving schedule. Each instructor must take a fixed number of points per house per hour. He mentioned something about not wanting you to have make up the time when you returned."

"Remind me to thank Albus when I see him," he said dryly.

Poppy turned to study Hermione. "You look like you could use some rest yourself."

"I'm fine, really."

"All right, assuming you stay put tonight and tomorrow, I will clear you to teach Monday." Poppy grinned in the face of the glare that was being aimed at her.

"How very kind of you. I am sure the students would be devastated if I did not show up Monday morning."

"Mostly likely the students and staff would be in shock. I have enough to do without you adding to my load. Hermione, Floo the kitchen for something light for the bat and something for you, as well. You need to take care of yourself, too. Don't let him wear you out with his complaining." Poppy waited until she left the room before turning to Severus. "How are you really feeling? You seem to be doing well. Is there anything you want to tell me?"

"I'm fine. No different from usual." He had been hit with the curse enough times to know his own recovery. This might be a little faster than usual, but basically it was the same.

"I'm assuming the personal care and the more relaxed atmosphere has made the difference. I know how you hate the hospital wing." She glanced at the door, opened her mouth as if to speak, and then thought better of it, as Hermione rejoined them.

Severus was getting annoyed. "What is it?"

"You're fine. I'll be back to check on you in the morning. Hermione, here is the revised schedule. Let me know if you want a stronger sleeping draught."

"Thank you, but I haven't been taking one." Hermione scanned the parchment, noting the changes in the doses.

She nodded toward the figure in the bed. "I meant for him. I can see myself out." Hermione's laughter followed her to the door. Poppy was genuinely glad to see Severus doing so well. The man had endured far more than anyone would ever know. There had been quite a few times, through the years, she had doubted whether he would make it considering the shape he had been in. They seemed to be an odd couple; she hoped they would be happy together.

As cold and distant as Severus was sometimes, he would show up unannounced with a new batch of potions for her, then stay to help treat sick students if she was short handed. Trading barbs with him was far more refreshing then having to coddle a few she'd ministered to over the years. She took no offence with his often biting and sarcastic nature, instead understanding it was his way to deal with the stress and danger in his life.

Poppy hoped Hermione understood. The girl was young but had a good head on her shoulders. Minerva was constantly raving about her academic accomplishments. She could only hope her brains extended to common sense as well.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Would you like to eat in the other room? How about a change of scenery? You must be bored sleeping so much." Twenty-four hours had made a world of difference. The pain and tremors were still evident, but they appeared to be receding. Hermione didn't think he would be one hundred percent by Monday morning, but she realized he would be too stubborn to turn his classes over to someone else. "I would think you would relish an extra day or two away from the dunderheads you usually teach."

Severus settled heavily onto the couch. "Do you have any idea how long it takes to undo the damage of just one day of Albus substituting for me? The last time he taught my classes, he used a potion recipe donated by the Weasley twins. The students turned pink with white polka dots."

Hermione laughed. "Well, no real harm done. They probably had some fun with it." She watched Severus's eyes darken. Oh. They had fun.

"Exactly. When, if ever, did you have 'fun' in my class? Turning a student pink may be funny, but utmost diligence is needed if you are going to brew a Draft of Peace, or a Mandrake Restorative Draft, or simply stop someone from blowing themselves and those around them to pieces." He prided himself on the fact that in all the years he had been teaching, not one student suffered a fatality. The same could not be said for any of the other wizarding schools. It was through constant attention to the students, he kept them safe. If the result of his efforts was fear by intimidation, so be it. At least his conscience was clear, no one had ever suffered a life-threatening injury in his class.

"Well, have you ever thought about teaching the twins' potion? Maybe on April fools. I'm sure you could figure a way to turn the students red with white hearts for Valentine's Day." As she spoke, Hermione charmed the tray with his dinner, to hover in front of him.

He poked at the cheese sandwich before deciding on the broth. The elves had sent up something that looked strangely like purple custard. "Do you have any clue as to what that is?" He pointed to the purple blob.

"It looks like blueberry pudding." Hermione refrained from laughing as Severus scowled at his meal, beating the food into submission with his look alone. Tasting her own purple blob, she found it was indeed some type of berry pudding, and quite tasty at that. "Actually, it's some type of berry, very good too. I'll take yours if you don't want it."

"How thoughtful. I believe I shall keep it, thank you. Why would I want to start disrupting my classes?"

"The twins' potion? It wouldn't be disrupting; it would just lighten the mood every so often. I'd be glad to come and help if you like." She still wished he hadn't dismissed the thought of her apprenticing with him.

"I shall think about it. I would not want the students thinking I have gone soft. They might misconstrue the meaning behind the lesson." He leaned back, tired again. It was almost time for another round of potions; he would welcome the sleep at this point.

"You wouldn't want anyone thinking you cared." Hermione sent the trays back to the kitchens before perching on the far end of the sofa.

"They would be correct. I don't care."

"Yes, you do. You just don't want to admit it. Underneath all that black cloth, you really do have a good heart you know." Hermione smiled softly.

Severus snorted. "I do not have a heart." He raised his head to look at her. "You may come closer. I find I don't have the energy to do you any bodily harm at the moment."

"I don't want to hurt you." Hermione edged closer to where he was resting.

"You will not hurt me." His hand reached out to touch hers, covering it with his own.

Hermione could feel a slight tremor every so often, but her heart revelled in the warmth of his touch. "You do too have a heart, I've seen it."

His black eyes locked with hers. "I thought I rid myself of that particular organ years ago."

"No, I've seen it. Actually, I'm rather fond of it." She felt time stand still as she fell into his gaze. She would have given every Knut she had to hold him right now, instead she settled for the gentle touch of thumb stoking the sensitive flesh at her wrist.

"So it would seem." The chime sounded in the other room. He sighed heavily as he considered another night of draught induced sleep. He would have liked nothing more than to spend the night ravishing her; instead she was regulated to the position of nursemaid.

"I could bring the potions out here, but I'd rather not complicate matters when you bump into a wall or door as I try levitating you back. Why don't we get you back in bed?"

"The next time I see you, I intend that sentence to have another meaning entirely." Severus followed her into the bedchamber and continued on through the room to the bathroom.

Hermione smiled as she watched him, at least he was moving under his own steam.

He settled in a few minutes later. After taking the latest round, he lay back against the pillows and closed his eyes. His hand once again reached for hers. "What time will you return to Cambridge tomorrow?"

"I was thinking I might stay until Monday morning, just to make sure you're okay. I can Apparate from here. It won't be tiring. I'll be fine."

"Hermione..." his voice held a tone of warning.

"I know, school comes first."

"Actually, you do. I do not believe I can stay awake long enough to construct a convincing argument, at the moment. We will talk tomorrow. Before I take the next round of medicine." His eyes drifted close again. He lightly squeezed Hermione's hand before sleep, and dreams of the lithe witch filled his thoughts. He could get used to having her near. For all the years he spent alone, all the times he claimed to enjoy his solitude, he would rather have her with him.

He felt his heart speed up for a moment as she placed a soft kiss at his temple. Her voice was even softer, as he could barely hear her whispered, "Goodnight, Severus, pleasant dreams."

Damn, he really thought he had gotten rid of that annoying organ. It occurred to him his heart was no longer his. He had given it to her. He smiled as thoughts of Hermione followed him down to sleep.

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 those questioning the title of the last chapter, Angst in the Key of G was a reference to the anguish Hermione was feeling. The G is for Granger. More or less a play on words.

From this site: Medical Breakthroughs – reversing nerve damaged as reported on the Ivanhoe Broadcast News. http://www.ivanhoe.com/channels/p_channelstory.cfm?storyid=7436 ... "By improving blood supply, PKC inhibitors slow the progression of neuropathy and even reverse it."

If you are interested in the timeline for the story to date, under the scraps section of my deviantart account are two images. One is a copy of the calendars from August to November with dates, events, and pretty colors (the calendars are color coded). The other is a listing of chapter numbers, dates, and events or very brief notes. This listing is coded to the calendars I use to keep the story straight. They can be found here:

http://pearle.deviantart.com/scraps/

A grateful thank you to my beta, Nakhash, for her corrections and suggestions. Another set of eyes is always helpful, the mistakes, however, are still mine

Still to come: The next day: Sunday at Hogwarts, another dance lesson, and a weekend seminar. 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