As he stepped into the Room of Requirement, Severus was stunned. It was a decent sized room, brightly lit by the torches in their sconces. The walls were a light butter yellow, the ceiling was adorned with holly and ivy, and if he wasn't mistaken, a few sprigs of mistletoe. A magnificent Christmas tree stood in the far corner, only surpassed by the one in the Great Hall, decked out with red, gold, silver, and green decorations. A table set for two was in the opposite corner, and faint classical music was playing from the wireless on the counter. He strode into the centre, closely followed by Hermione.
"Did you do all of this?" he asked, still slightly bewildered.
"I thought I could do with practicing my charm work," she replied, a slight grin on her face.
"Well, by the looks of this you will certainly pass your N.E.W.Ts," Severus said, hoping that she would notice the sincere tone in his voice.
She did, and blushed at the compliment. "Shall we eat?" she said, trying to keep her voice as level as possible, and making her way to the table.
"Allow me," Severus said, and pulled Hermiones chair out for her, before walking round the table to his own. They began their meal, a hearty winter vegetable soup for starters, and roast turkey with all the trimmings as the main course, and the traditional Christmas pudding for dessert. No doubt, it was what everyone in the Great Hall would be having, but it was easier for Severus to savour it, as he was with excellent company.
The meal was punctuated with conversation; it was the ideal opportunity that Hermione had waited for to really get to know Severus, to know his interests (apart from potions!), and to see if what happened last night would continue. She found out that her choice of music was spot on. 'I find it relaxes me after trying to prevent dunderheads blowing up cauldrons,' and that he had never really celebrated Christmas. 'I won't elaborate on the how or why, just that I have always spent Christmas on my own or with people I dislike.' The subject turned to Hermione, now was a chance for Severus to get to know her.
"What is it you want to do after you graduate?"
"I don't know really, I haven't given it much thought."
"Well, you should make a decision soon. You'll be leaving before you know it." Severus couldn't stop the sour tone in his voice, or hide the look of sadness that filled his eyes.
Hermione saw his expression, and couldn't help feeling slightly guilty. He would probably go back to being the nasty, sarcastic man she was once frightened of. That is if she ever left. She suddenly had a thought.
"Severus, what do you think about me taking an apprenticeship here?" Hermione asked, waiting for his reaction.
"I suppose it wouldn't be a bad idea. Minerva and Filius are always arguing about whom you will take an apprenticeship with; Minerva thinks you will choose her, as she is your head of house. Filius thinks it will be him as you are so skilled with your charms. As we can see," he replied, referring to the decorated room.
"What if I took an apprenticeship with you?" she asked looking deep into his black eyes. She saw the fire behind them burn brighter than ever, and the corners of his mouth twitch into the most gorgeous smile she had ever seen. He then quickly cleared his face of all emotion, yet not being able to quench the fire in his eyes, and gave his answer.
"I have never had an apprentice in all my years of teaching." He saw the sadness begin to show on Hermione's face. "However, it is never too late to change old habits. Therefore, I would be delighted to offer you an apprenticeship." He finished, and was pleased to see the look of delight and relief that now flooded Hermione's beautiful face.
"Oh thank you Severus!" She rushed round the table and gave him the hardest hug he had ever received.
"I must warn you though, Hermione. I am not, the easiest person to work with. At times, I will seem harsh and sometimes cruel. Some habits are hard to break," he told her, pulling her away to look seriously at her.
"I don't mind. It will only make me more determined to please you. After six years of trying to get your approval for my work, I guess I could handle another two!" she said, wiping the tears of joy that suddenly sprang from her bright eyes.
In the pleasant silence that followed this conversation, the music on the wireless changed to a slow waltz.
"Would you care for this dance?" Severus asked, bowing slightly as he extended his hand toward Hermione. She smiled and accepted, allowing him to lead her to the middle of the room.
Hermione couldn't help feeling the slight jolt in her stomach as Severus slipped one hand around her waist, the other in her hand. She also noticed him shiver slightly as she placed her hand on his shoulder. They began to dance, their bodies keeping perfect timing with each other. He danced beautifully, he glided rather than stepped, turning her gracefully this way and that. He spun her round the room, pulling her closer to him the more they danced. Hermione thought she must have been dreaming; she savoured the feel of him next to her, his warm breath on her neck. She felt another jolt in her stomach, and a strange warmth began to spread throughout her body. The song ended, and Severus led her back to the table.
"Where did you learn to dance like that?" asked Hermione, somewhat out of breath and her cheeks a rosy colour.
"I'm slightly embarrassed to admit this, but in my youth I took up ballroom dancing. It came in handy when I had to go to masquerade balls and such. What about you? I never would have guessed you could move so gracefully for someone so young," he replied, himself breathing heavier.
"Well, after the few lessons we had for the Yule ball, I thought it was a good idea, and took it up as a hobby until the summer after my fifth year. I learnt enough so as not to embarrass myself if ever the occasion arose."
"What other dances do you know?" Severus asked, his dark eyes lighting up as a wicked thought entered his mind.
"The basics of nearly all the ballroom dances. Why?" she asked intrigued by his sudden interest in dancing.
"Do you know how to dance to this?" With a flick of his wand, the music changed to a sensual tango. He looked deep into her eyes, willing her to accept his challenge.
Hermione gazed back at him, a teasing smile finding its way to her lips.
"I think I can manage it," she said, not realising the husky tone in her voice.
Again, they made their way to the centre of the room when suddenly Severus took hold of Hermione in a powerful embrace, and they began to dance once more. At first they started with the basic steps, their legs entwined with each other's. Then, as Hermione found her confidence, she began to move more seductively, her hands gliding over his muscular chest, her legs lifting up to his hips. Severus took the hint, and grabbed her thigh and dragged her round the room, his hands wandering down her back and round her waist. Complicated steps and twirls came naturally to them both; they were revelling in each other's embrace, too lost in each other to care about where their bodies were moving, just who they were moving with.
A sigh escaped from Hermione's lips as she felt Severus begin to kiss her neck, and the warmth suddenly became an intense heat that shot straight to between her legs. She had never felt so passionate before, it was as if her body were on fire, and his touch was fuel for the flames. Even though she had never been with any one before, her instincts made her press herself against Severus, writhing in pleasure against him. Her hands traced over his powerfully built torso, making him growl with desire. They were kissing each other fiercely, claiming each other with their mouths. Severus guided Hermione to a couch that had suddenly appeared, laying her down gently. As he climbed above her, she felt his arousal press into her navel. With the little control she had left, she panted "Severusā¦. pleaseā¦. stop."
Hey everyone. Thanks for all the reviews, I'm glad so many of you are enjoying this story. It is my first fic though, so be gentle with me please!! Special thanks go out to my beta L'Vanna, without whom this story would not be here.
How many more times!! They don't belong to me, they're on loan!
