Bewitched

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 27 – Bewitched

Dinner had proved to be an enjoyable affair. The Broom Closet was everything Severus had said it would be. The food was excellent and the jazz was most enjoyable. Hermione had to chuckle. Who would have thought the dreaded Potions master would like jazz? But the best part of the evening was just being with Severus.

Her arm was loosely threaded through his as they casually walked down the neon-lit street to their hotel. Music drifted out of doorways as people went in and out of the establishments that lined the avenue. She felt comfortable with him, safe, utterly at peace.

"Thank you for such a wonderful evening, and most unexpected. The restaurant was great. Who knew you liked jazz?" Hermione snuggled into his side. The night was not particularly, cold but she enjoyed the feel of his body as she leaned into him.

"Outward appearances can be deceiving. To use your phrase: who knew you would become so enticing one day?" His voice was pitched low, a sexy drawl meant to start a fire in her veins. "Do you need to return to your room for the night, or can you stay with me? Beyond keeping Rancine in his place, I have no desire to jeopardise your grade or position with the internship programme."

"I don't see why I couldn't stay. The evenings are supposed to be our own. I'm not required in the exhibit hall until tomorrow morning. Just let me run up and get my things. Where should I meet you?"

Severus escorted Hermione through the main entrance of the hotel. "I am in suite 493 – Aphrodite's Suite."

Hermione tried not to smirk: Aphrodite, the goddess of love and romance. "Right, suite 493. You go ahead, I'll be there in a minute."

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Hermione entered her room to find two out of her three 'roommates' present. She had only met Catherine and Elsabeth that morning, when they were setting up the exhibit hall.

Catherine was sprawled across one of the beds paging through the current issue of Witch Weekly. She met Elsabeth's eyes as they watched Hermione pack her things. "Going somewhere? It's getting rather late."

"Yes, well, it's just past ten, not that late." The last thing Hermione wanted to do was answer a lot of questions. She looked around the room before deciding she had everything. "Where's Susan? Didn't she come back with you?"

Both girls were sitting at attention on the bed now. "She's still down in the lounge with a few of the others. So, where are you going?" Elsabeth asked. She had a pretty good idea, having seen Hermione leave with Snape earlier. It was still beyond anyone's rational comprehension that Hermione would willingly go with the infamous Potions master. And unbelievable to think she might actually be dating him, no matter what evidence to the contrary there may be. He was...Snape.

"I'm staying elsewhere tonight, so, I'll see you two in the exhibit hall bright and early tomorrow morning. Have a good night." Hermione shrunk her trunk, preparing to flee the room. She wasn't fast enough.

"Are you really seeing Snape? Is that where you're going?" Catherine's voice held a touch of awe as well as scepticism.

It really was none of their business. 'Are you not answering because it's none of their business or because it's Severus?' The small voice in her head seemed to be mocking her as much as the girls were.

"Actually, Severus has taken the Aphrodite suite. I'll be staying there tonight."

Elsabeth's eyes went wide. "With Snape?"

Catherine batted her friend with her magazine. "She just said he rented the suite, where else would he be?"

The two exchanged looks before turning back to Hermione. "You're really dating him? He's your boyfriend?"

Hermione snorted; she remembered calling Severus her boyfriend a few weeks back. "Severus is not exactly the type you would call – boyfriend - but yes, we are seeing one another."

"Are they true?"

"Pardon me? Is what true?"

Elsabeth and Catherine exchanged knowing looks again. Elsabeth's voice was a whisper, "The rumours. Are the rumours about him really true?"

So that's what this was about. "No, they're not true." Hermione shook her head watching them. "The rumours don't even do him justice," she said smugly, watching as their mouths fell open.

Hermione pocketed her miniaturised trunk. She spoke to the room at large as she walked out the door. "Sleep well, ladies. Don't wait breakfast for me, I may be too tired to get up."

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The door to the suite opened as she approached it. It was obviously charmed to recognise the lithe witch. She heard it shut and lock as soon as she crossed into the room. Severus emerged from a doorway on the far side, clothed in nothing more than his black silk dressing gown. On further inspection, Hermione realised there was another door set in the wall a few feet down from the first. Her survey of the suite was cut short as Severus drew her into his arms. His kiss was warm and passionate.

Hermione hungrily returned his embrace as she moulded her body to his.

"You look like the cat that caught the Augurey. If you were still at Hogwarts, I would assume you were...up to something. Would you care to tell me what has happened?" he drawled.

Hermione shook her head and smiled with amusement as she reviewed the conversation with the girls in her head. "One of my room-mates wanted to know if you were my boyfriend."

He cocked one brow questioningly. "And your response?"

"You yourself told me you are too old to be referred to as my boyfriend. I told them we're involved."

Severus nodded his head. Involved. He supposed that described their relationship as well as any other terms he could think of. He hadn't broached the subject of his unannounced presence before. "Hermione, I hope you're not upset that I decided to come to the seminar unannounced. I realise I should have notified you first..."

Hermione's fingers on his lips stopped him. "I think it's sweet you came."

"I am not...sweet." He scowled at the thought.

"Yes, you are. You're my knight in shining black armour. Do I get to see the rest of the suite?" Hermione pulled away from him. She unbuttoned her blouse as she spoke, dropping it on the floor as she walked across the room. She stopped at the open door way and unzipped her skirt. Turning back to Severus, she let it drop to the floor. "Are you coming?"

His ragged breathing could be heard clearly in the quiet room as he took in the sight of Hermione, clothed in heels and an abbreviated pair of knickers, nothing else. Severus crossed the room in several long strides and swept her up in his arms. He growled as he whispered in her ear. "You have no idea what you do to me. Shall we see how long my 'lance' can hold a point?"

Hermione squealed with delight as he carried her into the bedroom of the suite.

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The morning sun in Hermione's eyes woke her before Severus did. She felt his arms tighten around her as she snuggled into his side. They'd made love three times last night, or this morning, depending on which time she'd looked at the time. She had been excited to find the other door of the suite led to a small private pool with a waterfall that was used for bathing. Severus surprised her by casting a spell to make her float on top of the water, pleasuring her before taking her in the pool. His arousal had been obvious from the time he had kissed her. It sent a thrill through her to know how much he cared for her. That he placed her pleasure above his. She returned the favour when they finally made it onto the bed.

It was her fondest wish come true. Hermione cuddled against him, sated and happy, sipping from a wine glass he had summoned. They discussed a few of the exhibits and debated one of the experiments before he pulled her down to make love again.

Now, in the cold harsh light of morning, she wanted nothing more than to close her eyes and drift back into sleep, snuggled against him. But it was not to be. The seminar. Rancine.

"Severus, I have to go. We are expected to attend breakfast so they can update us on any last minute changes." She ran her fingers through his hair, gently raking it back from his face.

"Go. Leave. I'm expecting someone in a few minutes, anyway."

Hermione glared at him. "Very funny. You do remember I excelled at hexing?"

Severus pulled her in for a quick kiss before releasing her. "Go. I'm sure Rancine is angry enough with me showing up yesterday, without having you antagonise him further by being late. Will you be required to leave with the group after the seminar is over?"

"No, those that didn't set up have to break down; the rest of us can leave whenever we like. I should be through about two o'clock. What did you have in mind?"

"Why don't I meet you at two, and we can return to Hogwarts and work on the Wolfsbane potion? We lost last weekend and part of this one. I would rather not get behind in our research." He was pleased she was as much of an academic as he was. Any time he had mentioned research in the past to any of the other witches he had taken up with, a look of pain seemed to settle on their features, or their eyes would glaze over. They did not hear a word he said. Hermione was as passionate about working as he was.

"That sounds fine. I need to take a shower and change." She gave him a quick kiss and headed for the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later, Hermione stood regarding her image in the mirror. Her hair was its usual uncooperative self. A fast shower, without the benefit of magical conditioners and time, did not help matters. With a disgruntled sigh and the quick work of long practice, her hair was gathered into a less messy mass at the back of her head. It was the best she could do under the circumstances. She dressed quickly, not wanting to be late.

Hermione stood in the doorway watching Severus for a moment. From all outward appearances, he seemed to be asleep. But as she watched his even breathing, she looked for other signs. She could see some movement below his eyelids, a slight tick below one eye, and, really, no one breathes that easily or lays quite that still when they're asleep. Not to mention the obvious arousal tenting the sheets.

"Do you think you could save that for later? I really can't be late this morning."

Severus chuckled, his voice still rough with sleep. "I'm sure it can be arranged. You do seem to have an affect on me."

She perched on the side of the bed, intent on a quick kiss goodbye before she left. Severus's hand gently cradled the side of her face, his thumb gliding softly across her cheek. Hermione's sigh was closer to a purr as she nuzzled his palm, placing several feather soft kisses along his lifeline.

His touch and intense gaze held her to the spot. "Your friends were quite right. They believe a spell was cast between us, but I would have to say it is you that has bewitched me. Can you feel the magic, Hermione? It is all around us, you have bewitched my very soul. Each time I am near you, every time I make love to you, every time I look into your eyes I can feel the pull of your magic. It gets stronger every time I'm with you."

His words were hypnotising. Slowly, he closed the distance between them. His lips brushed softly against hers before possessing her. Severus vaguely noticed the pendant she wore seemed to catch the morning sunlight with an odd glow. All rational thought fled as Hermione leaned into him, her kiss once again igniting the fire in his veins.

Hermione sat back reluctantly. "I would much rather stay here. But I really do have to go. I'll meet you by the entrance at two o'clock. You might want to look at the schedule; there are a few interesting lectures set up for today. Though I suppose you would have been a more knowledgeable speaker on several of the topics."

Severus watched her with mild amusement. "I am sure those that are speaking are most qualified. I shall look at today's programme. You have to be the only woman I know whose eyes light up with the mention of research or a lecture. They're almost as bright as when we make love."

"Mmm, I'm not sure which I enjoy more."

Severus cocked one brow. "Perhaps further experimentation is necessary. You had better hurry. I shall see you at two."

Reluctantly, she kissed him goodbye and left the suite.

Severus watched her leave. Each time they parted he felt a pull at his heart. Missing someone was a new experience for him. He had never allowed himself to become this entangled before, but then, he had never met a witch of Hermione's calibre before.

Magic has many forms. One heart calling to another is a magic all its own, even if the owner of that particular heart has not recognised the emotion he is feeling' yet. That is magic far greater than any potion or spell could ever created

Severus had almost guessed correctly without knowing it. Magic was in the air around them, but not in the way he meant. He had scoffed at the idea that he was pure, but pure can have many meanings. His heart was guileless, totally without deception. Trelawney could have told him his feelings for Hermione were pure, even if he didn't know it at the time, not that he would have listened, anyway. Even now, he marvelled at her attraction to him. She was completely at ease, no matter what his mood. Foolish as it might be for a man of his age and experience to fear the thought of her leaving, a part of him still believed she would leave, that he was nothing more than a passing fancy. Forbidden fruit. It was a thought he rarely entertained.

He pulled her pillow to him, burying his nose in the soft cotton covering. Her shampoo, lavender this time, mixed with her unique scent, filled his nostrils. She was still a mystery to him; the more he knew about her the less he seemed to know or understand. He was looking forward to working with her later that day; hopefully she could stay for the evening meal as well. It was with thoughts of how to plan the rest of their day that he headed for the bathroom and the remainder of the seminar.

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Severus wandered through the lecture hall. Hermione would be through in less than an hour. He had attended two lectures. The first lecture was based on an article from Potions Today by Thomas Nelthrope entitled "How to Change the Phase of Moon Growth to Suit Your Needs." The theory had to do with accelerating the growth of a plant so it could be harvested during the proper phase of the moon, rather than wait for its natural growth.

While fine in theory, Severus was leery to put that idea into practise. He had asked the lecturer if he would be willing to risk his life by accelerating the Scurvy Grass used in the Wolfsbane potion. If the grass was not allowed to grow naturally to full strength and harvested under a full moon with a pure platinum blade, the potion would not be strong enough to contain the power of the wolf.

The prat expounded on his theory. Arithmancy charts appeared, shaded in various areas, showing calculations supporting the speaker's conclusions.

Severus agreed that the theory was sound. That was not what he asked. Did he have enough faith in his theory to risk his life by brewing the Wolfsbane potion with the altered ingredient?

Nelthrope was quick to point out that he'd had success applying his theory when brewing a burn salve and cold remedy. Severus pressed his point. Burn salves and cold remedies can be off and still be effective. Would he apply his theory on something as complicated and dangerous as the Wolfsbane potion?

The man paled before mumbling a negative answer. His glare was minor compared to Severus's normal countenance.

All in all, Severus found the morning most enjoyable.

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"Tsk, tsk. You, of all people, consorting with a student, Snape."

Rancine's voice grated on his nerves as he turned to face the man. "Hermione is your student, Rancine. Not mine. And while I do not believe it is any of your business, we are not 'consorting' as you so blithely put it." Severus's face was a mask of barely contained fury as he regarded the wizard standing before him.

"What would you call it then? You're far too old for the delectable little witch." Rancine's smile was oily.

Severus was seconds away from casting an Unforgivable on the man. He stiffened as he felt a touch at his arm, until he realised it was Hermione. "I've just signed out, Professor. Edmund has taken over my post."

Hermione smiled up at Severus. "Ready to go?"

"What do you see in him, Hermione? I've known Snape far longer than you and I fail to see the attraction. Perhaps you could enlighten me. Did this start," Rancine waved he hand in their direction, "as a student, this attraction?"

She felt Severus's arm stiffen under the hand she had linked through his. Hermione laughed as she answered the slimy little man. "Oh, no. Severus and I could not stand each other during my Hogwarts days. What do I see in him? It's hard to choose. His dry wit. His brilliant mind. His ethics. His level of expertise. There is something so sexy about watching a man work on a dangerous potion." Hermione leaned forward with a conspiratorial air. "It doesn't hurt that the rumours about him are true. What more could a girl ask for? Good night, Professor."

Hermione tugged his arm as she bid Rancine goodbye. The man was standing with his mouth agap at her last comment. Severus merely nodded as he escorted Hermione through the exit.

All in all, it was a most pleasant day.

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.

From the HP Lexicon – Augurey (Irish Phoenix) - Thin and mournful-looking bird somewhat resembling a vulture, greenish-black in colour, native to Britain and Ireland. Normally remaining hidden in its nest in brambles and thorns, flying only in heavy rain, the feathers of the Augurey repel ink. Its distinctive cry was once thought to be a death omen, but it is now known that the Augurey's cry foretells rain. The Augurey eats insects and fairies.

The comment "knight in shining black armour" is courtesy of one of my reviewers. Thank you to Devangel for the phrase.

I noticed I used the name Prittchard for the owner of the Lighter Than Air Dance studio. While reading the last chapter (well, both last chapters actually) of Hayseed's brilliant Getting the Hang of Thursday's I came across the name Pritchard in her story. I must have liked the name and not remembered where I first read it. Thursday's can be found in its entirety on Obscurus Books and is up to the last chapter on Ashwinder.

I have finally surrendered and started a livejournal. Drabbles, photomanips, and general ramblings are the standard fare. You are welcome to browse. Feel free to friend me if you like, one can never have too many friends! Ancient Magic - http://www.livejournal.com/users/pearle9240/

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.

Well, there was a change between Sunday when I sent this to Nakhash and today when she sent it back. My surgeries (now two) have been moved to March 9th. I hope to have another chapter of Dances up before then, providing they cut back on tests, scans, and doctor appointments. I will continue with the story and be back to writing as soon as I am able.

Until then, take care,

Pearle