A/N: Just editing.

Disclaimer: Just borrowing the brilliance of JK Rowling.


Chapters 8: The Party

It was the day of the celebration and Snape was in no mood for one of Dumbledore's crackpot parties. He and Hermione were working silently on a potion in the classroom when there was a knock on the door. Snape scowled.

"Enter." He said. To the surprise of both of them Remus Lupin strode into the room. "Lupin." Severus sneered. "What do I owe you this…pleasure?"

"Hello, Remus." Hermione said pleasantly.

He smiled at her. Then turning to Snape his smile gone, "Severus, could you step outside for a moment? We need to talk."

Hermione was looking between the two with wide eyes. Snape glanced at Hermione then gave a sharp nod and followed Remus out the door. Hermione hurried to the door just in time to hear Remus cast a silencing spell. She slowly made her way back to her bench, keeping an ear out for any clues about their conversation. It wasn't like they were on particularly friendly terms. No, defiantly not. That must mean it's something serious if Remus would willingly seek out Severus.

A minute later the door banged open and Snape stormed into the room. She glanced at the closing door to see Remus glaring at Snape's retreating figure.

"Is everything alright?" Hermione questioned, glancing worriedly between the two.

He turned on her his eyes blazing with…something she couldn't quite read. "No, nothing is bloody alright! Surely even a Gryffindor such as yourself can see that. This is all your fault!" He whirled around and slammed the door to his chambers.

Hermione frowned. My fault. What did I do wrong? Why would Remus be talking to Snape if I did something wrong? She abandon her attempt at finishing the potion. Putting a stasis charm on it she went to find Remus.


Severus looked up to see Lupin striding into the dungeons.

"Severus, could you step outside for a moment? We need to talk."

He narrowed his eyes. Who does the bloody werewolf think he is? Strutting around the dungeons like he owns them. Then again if Lupin was looking for him it must be serious. Glancing over at Hermione he nodded and followed him out. The first thing that came out of Lupin's mouth made him want to hex the man into oblivion.

"Severus. You're taking Hermione to the celebration."

It wasn't a question. It was a statement. Why does it feel like he's confronting me? I've done nothing wrong and it's none of his business anyway. Blast that girl! Running off to Lupin like that. Surprised he doesn't know my whole life's story through her eyes. Seeing the look in the werewolf's eyes something dawned on him. He has feelings for her. He likes the bloody girl. Well, mind as well have some fun he thought.

Putting on his usual sneer he responded. "What does it matter to you Lupin?"

"You forced her to go with you! If you lay a hand on her, you'll be sorry you were ever born!" Remus was glaring daggers at him now.

Severus narrowed his eyes and took a menacing step forward. "Do you think I would ever take advantage of a woman, Lupin? Is that what you see me as? A greasy bat waiting for a innocent young girl? Who do you take me for?!" His voice was quiet but his tone was deadly.

Lupin's eyes widened. "I-I'm sorry, Severus. That's not what I intended it to sound like. I-I just…" He looked at him helplessly.

"Save the excuses Lupin." He said venom. "But remember this: Hermione is my apprentice, and therefore she is my charge. I am the one responsible for her protection, and don't you for get that."

"So she's Hermione now is she? Getting a little friendly are we? Well you remember this Snape. I am her friend and if she is hurt by the likes of you-"

"-Leave!" Snape thundered. He turned on his heel in disgust and threw open the door of the classroom, leaving Remus to glare at him from behind.


Later when he was in his-no their- chambers with a bottle of Firewhiskey he sighed. He reflected on Hermione's hurt face when he yelled at her. Well if it wasn't for her Lupin wouldn't be such a lovesick puppy. What does he know about me? Nothing! He had no right to talk to me that way! Besides he can have her for all I care. He took a gulp of liquor. Why is he so fascinated anyway? What does he see in her?

This was the question that was swimming around his head until he fell asleep.

Sometime later he was awoken by a familiar voice. Not now. He groaned.

"Severus, my boy. I think your going to need this. One too many drinks today? Before dinner even? My, my what happened?"

"Albus." He growled. Taking the potion and chugging it down. The room started to come into focus. "Lupin." He spat. "He has the nerve to come down to my dungeons and accuse me of forcing myself on the girl!"

The headmaster looked at him. "Well, did you?"

"Of course not Albus! What do you think I am?"

"Just ensuring the safety of my students." He replied calmly.

"She's hardly a student, Albus."

"Ahhh, but to someone as old as me I'm afraid they will always be my students on some level. Even you, Severus."

"Enough old man." He said rubbing his temples.

"You're right. You must find Hermione. After all she would hate to be late to the party."

Dumbledore stepped back into the fireplace and disappeared. Snape decided to send Hermione his patronus instead of running around the school.


"Remus. Can I talk to you?" Hermione's voiced called out to him.

He took a moment to compose himself before letting her in.

"I'm sorry to bug you, but I was curious about the confrontation between you and Severus earlier. Were you fighting? I thought it was something serious since you came to find him. But then he came back in and stormed off to his room…"

Lupin sighed. He really didn't want to discuss this right now. Especially not with Hermione of all people.

"Hermione, I don't really want to talk about it. Ask Severus as you two seem to be on a first name basis now." He answered a little bitterly.

She was taken aback by his tone. "He didn't tell me."

"Well then it is none of your business!" He bit out.

Hermione bubbled. She didn't come down here to be yelled at. Snape had already done that. Drawing herself up to her full height she said. "Remus Lupin it is very well my business when my friends are fighting!"

His face darkened. "So, you consider him a friend now? I see how it is."

She paused. "In a way yes, I suppose he is."

Suddenly a white doe appeared before them. Snape's sarcastic voice rang out. "Come. We must get ready for that crack-pot party."

"I-I have to go now Remus. I'll see you at the party." Hermione turned and walked out the door, leaving a disappointed and angry Remus behind.

Hermione followed the doe down to the dungeons. It bounded through the corridors, pausing frequently so she could catch up. I wonder if our patronus' reflect our personalities? She smirked. Obviously not. The last thing you would ever see is Severus Snape frolicking down the corridor.

When she arrived to their chambers Snape was standing by the doorway.

"Finally." He growled. "That only took you a couple of years."

She smiled cheekily at him. "Why Severus, I didn't know you were looking forward to this party. I'll have to mention it to Albus."

He frowned at her passing figure. "You will hold your tongue Miss Granger. I am your master or have you forgotten?"

"Oh really? Well maybe you could show me what you've mastered sometime." Her eyebrows quirked suggestively before she closed the door.

In her room Hermione leaned against the wall. Oh my god. Did I just say what I thought I said? Where did that come from? Taking a deep breath she walked to her wardrobe to find something to wear.

In his own room Severus Snape was thinking along those same lines. Did Hermione really just make a sexual innuendo? She's more of a Gryffindor than I thought possible. I'll have to keep an eye out for her.

Back in Hermione's room she was having trouble deciding what to wear. She wasn't much of a dress up type of girl, but she did have some for those few occasions. She took out an old dress from her wardrobe and made a few altercations. With a flick of her wand the dress was decked out in a midnight black, and sporting an elegant one should strap. Next, she turned her attention towards her hair. Another wave of her wand had her hair up in a fancy do with a few soft curls framing her face. A touch of makeup was also applied. She stood in front of the mirror admiring herself a little longer before she heard a knock on her door.

"Five more minutes, Hermione." Snape's voice rang through the door.

"Okay." She called back. She hoped that her dress wasn't too formal. Another calming breath and she went to meet Severus."

When he heard the door open he wasn't event the slightest bit prepared for the sight that met his eyes. Damn! Is that Hermione? When did she grow up? Well, it has been five years since she was a girl. The dress she had picked out looked as soft as silk. It flowed down her figure, following the curves of her body. The makeup she wore was just enough to accent her features but not so much as to ruin her natural beauty. Severus' voice caught in his throat.

"You look lovely, Hermione." He managed to say.

"You look quite dashing yourself. I never knew you owned any color other than black." She teased.

Hermione was feeling the same effect as Snape. She had let out a little gasp when she saw him. He was wearing a formal frock coat and had abandon his billowing robes. It was all black except for the lining of dark green. His hair was neat and combed. As her eyes traveled down his body she could see his muscular figure. He should defiantly loose his cloak more often.

"Shall we?" He held out is arm and she took it.


They were the last ones to arrive. The great hall had been decorated and there was a long buffet table filled with food. Every single staff member at Hogwarts was there as well as all the ghosts. When Severus and Hermione entered the talking ceased. Everyone was staring at the unusual pair. Remus was sitting in the corner, shooting knives from his eyes at Snape.

Dumbledore bounded forward immediately. "Severus, Hermione. Come in, come in. You're just in time. I was starting to worry."

The noise level rose again as everyone went back to their previous conversations.

"Oh, were sorry Albus. I was running a little late." Hermione said quickly.

"Not to worry. I see you have brought Hermione as your partner, Severus."

He sneered. "And who did you bring Albus?"

"Minerva." He stated simply.

The party wasn't as bad as Severus had envisioned. The staff was fairly mellow this night. For that he was grateful. No one had started meaningless conversations with him. He was left to observe the party in the shadows of the room. Hermione was mingling about, visiting with her former teachers, and enjoying herself.

About halfway through the celebration Dumbledore caught everyone's attention."Now that we've all become comfortable it's time to get the ball rolling!" In the middle of the room a stage appeared. Dumbledore had brought an orchestra to perform. "You are all required to have one dance with your partner, then you may seek out others. So! Dance the night away my friends!"

The orchestra started it off and pretty soon there were many pairs on the floor, waltzing their way around the room. Hermione was sitting at a table watching the dancers.

Severus. You must dance at least once with Hermione. Albus mentally reminded him.

Okay, okay old man. I'm going. Just get out of my head.

Severus walked over to her. When he was in front of her he bowed slightly and held out his hand.

A shy, smile graced her face. "Okay."

She placed her hand in his and he put his other hand on her waist, and they joined the throng of other dancers. Severus was glad that it was a waltz. He remembered the Yule ball and shuddered at the crazy 'dancing' the teenagers were showing off then. This was much more practical.

Hermione's voice broke his thoughts. "This reminds me of a similar situation only five years back."

"I believe you're correct." His silky voice sent shivers down her spine. "Although at that time I didn't have a werewolf glaring daggers at me."

Hermione frowned. "He never did tell me what happened…so what did happen?"

Snape scowled at the memory. He dropped his arm from her waist and walked away. Hermione ran after him.

"Severus you can't just not say anything. I think I have the right to know!"

He looked at her coldly. "And what makes you think that?"

"Ugh! What is wrong with you two? I think I have the right to know why my two friends are fighting."

"Well Hermione, here's a newsflash for you. You don't."

She huffed and stormed back to the party, while he went for a walk around the rose garden.

Severus took a walk along the lake. Why would I want to tell her that Lupin fancies her? Besides, it wasn't her business anyway. Who does she think she is 'having the right to know what her…wait…did she call me a friend? Couldn't be. No, she was definitely talking about Lupin. They've been friends for years. Don't flatter yourself Severus.

Hermione was inside fuming about the encounter.

"Hermione, why aren't you enjoying the party?"

She looked up. "Oh, hello Minerva."

"Did you have a fight with Severus? You were dancing with him earlier."

"You saw that?"

"My dear, I know he can be a right old grouch sometimes, but I think he has a soft spot for you. He's been much calmer these past few months."

"You think that Severus Snape has feelings for me?"

"…Hermione, do you want my honest observations?"

Hermione thought about it for a minute.

"Yes, Minerva, I do."

She sighed. "Severus has been though a lot in his life. He is very proud and has locked himself away from everyone. That's how he survived. By not getting close to anyone. The only person who has seen his true self is Albus. He has his own way of showing he cares. Hermione, Severus was my student and now my colleague, I think I have caught on to his frequency by now, and I must say I think he has grown fond of you. If I might add, Remus too, might have some feelings. If I am not mistaken, Hermione, I would say neither of them likes the other around you."

With that Minerva excused herself and left Hermione swimming in a pool of information. Remus likes me? No, that can't be! Were just friends…right? And Severus can't like me at all! He's a Slytherin, and the potions master. For god sakes he's Snape! Okay just calm down, I-I have to go back to the party. Right, I need to find Severus.

Hermione walked back into the great hall looking around for Severus, only to be greeted by Remus.

"Good evening, Hermione. Are you enjoying yourself?"

Hermione didn't have time for this. She needed to talk to Snape. "I'm fine, have you seen Severus?"

His eyes narrowed slightly and when he spoke again his voice was cooler. "You were just dancing with him. Do you want to be back in his arms so quickly?"

Hermione sighed. "Honestly, Remus, you're usually more civil than this. What have you got against him all of the sudden?"

He was full out scowling now and took a step closer to Hermione. "My problem is that he spends so much time with you, Hermione. I've seen the way he watches you when you're not looking. I've noticed how he's been softer since you arrived." His voice was raising. "Don't think I don't see. He fancies you, Hermione. That's what I don't like. He likes you and you spend all your time with him now! The greasy bastard fancies you!" Remus was yelling now. When he caught his breath he whispered the last sentence. "And you know what the problem with that is?…So do I." With that he turned angrily and stormed out of the great hall.

Hermione was left on the spot stunned, and speechless. No. Remus has just had too much to drink. They both can't like me! I mean me! What's so special about me? Wait…Minerva said the exact same thing… She suddenly looked up and let out a faint squeak. Everyone in the hall heard that! Oh what am I going to do now? What am I going to do?!

She turned and ran out of the hall. When she made it to the school gardens she stopped and sat on a bench. The coolness of the night in contrast with the humid hall was a relief and calmed her down. Just as she was starting to enjoy the night a deep velvety voice spoke from the darkness.

"Gazing at the stars I see. I hope we don't have another Trelawney on our hands."

She jumped and turned around swiftly. "Severus! You scared me!" She moved aside and patted the space next to her. "Would you like to sit down?"

They sat in awkward silence for a while until Snape broke the stillness. "I heard Lupin…"

"Oh, um…yeah…Severus?…"

She was met with silence. "…Is it true?…I mean what Remus said about you. Is it true?"

Severus slowly turned towards her. He gazed intently into her eyes and held her there. He brought his mouth down to her face, his lips just barely brushing hers. Hermione's eyes fluttered closed. He applied a little more pressure, making Hermione melt. The chaste kiss ended suddenly- to Hermione's dismay- and he pulled away. Snape stood up and placed a feather light kiss on her hand.

He spoke softly. "The rest is in your hands…Hermione." Then he turned and walked away; leaving a breathless Hermione behind.