Chapter Twelve. And There The Bells Are Ringing.

It was some time before Hermione made her way back to the tables. She needed to spent a moment in the lav, Neville looked relieved, greeting her with, "There you are. I'm glad you didn't leave. I didn't think my dancing was that terrible, but you would be too kind to me even if I broke your foot."

Hermione winced internally before returning Neville's smile. "No, Neville. Just spent time getting caught up with a friend. You dance rather well, I enjoyed it."

Luna was off dancing with Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Hermione watched the pair with admiration, opposites complementing one another beautifully on the floor. Luna had taken to the Mistletoe Madness contest with fascination and was asking all of the faculty members where their bunches had been placed. Connie burbled along, fueled by the enthusiasm of the former student, the subject providing a pleasant distraction as everyone warmed up to the crowd.

"Shall we give it another go, then?" Neville asked, fidgeting with his sleeve. It occurred to Hermione that Neville still wasn't comfortable with people, in spite of his bravery under the extreme pressures of the war.

Hermione smiled back at Neville and nodded acceptance of his invitation, marveling at how much the young wizard had matured over the years. He was scarred just as badly as she was, worse since the Carrows had gone for his face. "Why not." He was handsome in his own way, and while she could still make out the gaptoothed chubby friend she grew up with, Neville Longbottom the man shone through.

Step one of Severus' grand plan to set things back to rights was achieved. Lucius nearly required coercion to convince him to leave after he had been so well behaved with Potter. The pureblooded politician was itching to mingle, and it irked him to let the opportunity to slip through his fingers. Now Severus was changed back to his usual buttoned-up masculine persona and had taken up a position in the shadows.

He observed as Neville chatted amiably with Hermione, noting the anxiety in the lad's looks and fidgeting with his robes, his drink whose straw was chewed to ragged twisted scraps and the paper napkin that sat, shredded to bits. Internally he had laughed as he danced with the lad earlier, he whose worst fear he once embodied. Neville easily twirled and him about, leading Veronica up the figures swirling about gracefully in Garnet velvet robes. Alas, Veronica had to stay buried forever, but the insights he had gained through her eyes shifted his world. If Neville ever found out, he'd probably faint. It would be almost worth it.

Amusement faded to sober reflection as Severus shifted his attention to stage two. If he had only had the strength and humility to do this properly weeks ago, he'd never have needed to invoke Veronica. It was time to bully through.

Hermione was returned to her table by Neville who had thanked her for the dance. He took himself off, gallantly assuring that all of the witches who wanted to dance had a partner. He hadn't asked Hermione to the dance, there wasn't an understanding, and really, Hermione didn't really mind. She sat with Ginny, chatting amiably when suddenly Ginny's expression changed, a flash of disgust and anger visible for a moment. "I'll excuse myself. I love you dearly, Hermione, but I wouldn't talk with him for anyone." With that she streaked off in search of her husband.

Perplexed, Hermione turned as a shadow drew across her light, and turning she looked directly up into the face of Severus Snape.

"May I have the next dance, Professor Granger?"

Hermione took in the tall, dark figure of her colleague, blinking stupidly. She should tell him no. He must be asking her out of some twisted sense of obligation, surely. So it would relieve him as well. Steeling herself, she reminded herself how much he loathed her. No doubt, Connie or McGonagall had put him up to it. Interfering harridans!

She had been silent too long, and Severus' dark eyes slid away from her face and he whispered, "Please."

Hermione's heart stopped. Her mind was completely blank, so without consulting with her brain, her mouth retreated to prescribed forms, "I thank you, yes, sir." Wait.. did she just say yes?

There was a light that came to life in Professor Snape's eyes as she accepted, and he took up her hand, bowing over it before stepping away, "I will return to collect you when it is time." Not waiting for an answer, he turned away in a swirl of black fabric. Even his formal robes billowed perfectly, and was that green in the lining?

Slowly Hermione let out the pent up breath that she had not realised she was holding. The farther the wizard walked away from her, the more the inclination to rescind her acceptance or to outright run and hide grew. Ginny came back, hovering at Hermione's elbow. "Is he gone?"

Chuckling weakly, Hermione reassured her friend. "He's gone for now. He'll be back when the next dance is about to begin."

Ginny frowned at her friend in disbelief. "You… accepted? Surely he expected you to refuse, why put both of you through it?" Hermione had filled Ginny in over the happenings of the past several weeks.

Nodding Hermione agreed, "I know, Gin, but my mind just whited out. Besides, he can't be that bad for a single dance." She had to chuckle as Ginny's eyes bulged out.

"Why for God's sake would you accept such an arrogant git for a dance." She leaned in and hissed, "Have you forgotten how he treated you? No one would have blamed you for saying no, although it is not a minor risk, offending one with such skill with potions." Ginny seemed more thoughtful now.

Hermione gasped, "You take that back, Ginerva Potter! He is an honorable man in his own way, he'd never physically hurt me, even after I've danced on his every last nerve. He only had to say those things because I wouldn't take the hint." Her eyes fixed on Snape's easily discernable features, taller than most in the crowd. "He has a decent heart, Ginny. He helps Filch with his rheumatism, and he doesn't sneer half so much. He's a different man."

A huff above her told her what Ginny thought of that. "I still think he's an arrogant git. I haven't forgotten how he treated all of us, particularly Harry over the years."

"He is a reserved, private person, Ginny. Harry outed some of his deepest secrets, shouted them to anyone who'd listen including Lord Voldemort on the final battlefield. And that wasn't enough, he had to go about telling the papers. Can't you see how difficult that might be for Severus to bear? The child of his most hated school rival, one who tortured him and confused matters by saving his life, now parading around his old pains?" Hermione shook her head, "I don't think he's arrogant, Ginny. I think he's proud. Frankly, seeing as Harry could never had lived to see his Seventeenth Birthday, much less defeated Lord Voldemort without his help, there isn't anything improper about his pride, Ginny." As she continued to speak, Professor Snape's eyes looked over the crowd and met her gaze steadily. Unbidden, a serene smile slipped onto her lips.

A gasp broke the gaze, and Ginny swung down into a seat next to her. Furtively, Ginny cast a Muffliato. "You like Snape."

Hermione looked at Ginny, not processing what she said. "Professor Snape, Ginny."

A look of incredulity moved in and Ginny lit up with the certainty. "Hermione Granger, the Insufferable Know it All fancies Severus Snape, the Greas..."

Breaking in, Hermione corrected Ginny, "It's Professor Snape, Ginny. And don't call me that."

"You forgot that he called you an Insufferable Know it All?" Ginny had a sly look on her face, and Hermione was blushing now.

She leaned forward and lowered her voice, "Look, Ginny. I can't fancy him. He loves someone else. Don't you dare go about telling everyone. Promise. Not even Harry, Ginny."

Ginny's glee turned down a notch. "Loves someone else, what's this? Where is she? Why is he dancing with you?" She growled after moment, "You don't mean Lily, do you?"

Hermione glanced up and saw Snape was on the move. "Look, here he comes. I have to get through a dance with him so shut it. We'll talk again later." Hermione waved her wand and the ambient noise of the room turned back up, the music for the previous dance was coming to a close.

Hovering in her chair in indecision, Ginny decided to stay. She glowered at the man as he approached their table and he arched an eyebrow at her. "Mrs Potter. I apologise to draw away your friend from such a lively conversation, but she has promised me the next dance." Ginny merely inclined her head and waved an open, wandless hand in permission.

Thankful that Ginny had the self control to keep her trap shut, Hermione stood up, not waiting for an offered hand. "Right you are. Lead on."

The next song was to be a waltz, which filled Hermione with alarm. Looking up her former Professor and now colleague, she bit her lip, trying to figure out what to say. "Good evening." The words fell leaden even on her own ears. This was a terrible idea. Why couldn't she have said no?

The corner of Severus' mouth twitched up, "Indeed." He held out a hand to her, letting her step into position. "I know you can waltz, you opened the Yule Ball with Viktor Krum years ago."

"Oh, of course." Hermione blushed, hating herself for her insecurity. She was a goddamned war hero. She'd stabbed a piece of Voldemort's soul. She could gather the gumption to dance one dance with Severus Snape. A little nervous voice inside insisted she was going to die. She'd drop dead right here, of the combined weight of embarrassment and to her surprise, her arousal. The hell? Hermione stepped up, lightly grasping his hand in her own, and lightly resting her left on his shoulder.

The music started, and Snape guided them into a position on the outskirts of the dance floor. Hermione's brain gibbered. The shoulder under her hand was lean, muscular. As they started to sway to the lilting beat, a thought occurred to Hermione. "I was sorry to hear about Veronica leaving the country. Did you see her earlier?"

There was no change in Severus' demeanor as he twirled them around. Hermione loved those long sweeping steps, and she found herself relaxing, leaning back into the turns trusting the hand supporting her back to stop her from falling. "No, I must have missed her. We aren't that close."

Electric shocks ran through Hermione's limbs, jolting her to full alertness. "But, aren't you upset that Lucius Malfoy…"

A rumbling laugh vibrated through the connection they shared. "That bloody wanker? I'm happy for him that he was able to get out of the house without getting cursed."

Hermione's surprised laugh answered, "I doubt that held. I think Veronica was ready to hex him before they left."

After a space, perhaps encouraged by Hermione's lightening mood, Severus spoke, "Hermione. I owe you an apology." He spun her out and she reeled as he brought her back in with a flourish.

"Oh?" She had forgotten to breathe there for a moment. Keep it together, Granger. He's just being nice. Because Connie made him. Or Professor McGonagall. Or both. Let him have his say and then he'll likely be on his way. She was gratified to see that he looked nervous. He had shortened his steps, and his back stiffened. Hermione's heart dropped down to her toes as she recalled another failed apology made decades ago, one that was never accepted. Harry had made them all watch it in the Pensieve.

His Adam's apple bobbed under the force of a dry swallow, and Hermione's eyes were drawn to the white scars on the right side of his throat. They went all of the way around, she knew, but only that side peeked above his collar. Not knowing how to help him she gently squeezed his shoulder and offered him a little sad smile for his trouble.

That seemed to be enough to galvanize him, as he finally went on. "I am not an easy man to get along with. You know what I am. I may have spoken truths, but I twisted them cruelly. I have insulted you, blamed you, and accused you of manipulation. You have borne more from me than any other witch in England." He broke off, shaking his head, "I can lecture to eleven year olds, but this is surprisingly difficult."

Hermione chuckled, softly replying. "I think the words you are searching for are something along the lines of 'I am sorry for hurting you, for saying those words that I cannot take back. Forgive me please.'"

The hand at Hermione's back tightened a shade, "Are you coaching me through your own apology, Professor Granger?" He looked affronted, but a half smile belied that mask.

"I'm bossy, can't help it when I see a man floundering. And it's Hermione. Her-my-on-knee." She crinkled her nose. "You were saying?"

Schooling his features, he made his attempt, "I am sorry for being a surly git. I wish I could take it back. Forgive me."

Hermione's face, already bright with amusement lit up. "That will do. Thank you, Severus."

The shock that crossed the usually dour man's face made Hermione giggle. He didn't know what to do with himself, it seemed. Finally he croaked, "Of course?"

Leaning back in Severus' arms, Hermione felt as light as air as she threw herself into the dance, laughing with mingled elation and relief.

Leaning against a pillar, Connie Rolle watched the couples dip and twirl to the music. Earlier, she paid the little orchestra to play the longest waltz they knew. Severus needed the time. To no one in particular she commented, "I wonder how he's getting on."

The silvered fox draped about her shoulders lifted its head, whuffing quietly before licking Connie's ear.

It watched intently too, flicking its tail as Connie shifted her weight. "Settle down love, look. She's laughing. It won't be long." It flattened its ears before dropping his head, once again pretending to be an accessory.

A wave of gasps spread over the watching crowd as one of the couples floated into the air, the witch and wizard twirling together, their feet trailing gentle sparkles as they trod through a series of complicated steps. "Oh, my dear. Look. How beautiful…"

After raising its head to see, the fox jumped from her shoulders, shaking out its fur before popping out of sight behind a table. A moment later a distinguished looking, bearded man stepped up beside Rolle, his eyebrows lifting in askance, his hand extended. "May I have this dance, Connie?"

Connie's tinkling laugh spread above the music. "Oh course, my love. I thought you'd never ask."

With that the couple swung onto and above the floor, their hearts and feet lighter than air.

Severus was an articulate man. Why was talking to this witch so difficult? Well, dancing with her was easy at least. She was capable of following directions. Better still, she was anticipating his signals, smoothing the course. It was no small amount of mischief that prompted him to do a little bit of magic. Loosening their gravitational tethers, Severus concentrated on the air below their feet, giving them firm purchase. Hermione had her eyes closed, so the transition was perfect. The trust that she was showing him made his black heart grow a little larger.

Freed from having to navigate around others on the floor, Severus allowed himself to drink in the graceful curves of Hermione's arms, her neck as it turned into the turns. He was fascinated to see that Hermione was wearing mistletoe earrings. Dangerous move, might give a wizard ideas.

He marked the moment when her eyes fluttered open, and then her eyes shot wide. He laughed lowly and whispered, "I won't let you fall. I'll never let you fall, Hermione."

The comment that came out of her mouth was so utterly predictable, he almost parroted along with her. "How did you do that?"

Another couple sailed through the air, and Severus narrowed his eyes at them. It was Connie Rolle and her longtime lover, Whittington Nott. Hermione lifted her fingers in a little wave as they passed and she turned back to Severus with a look of delighted amusement. "No really, I want to know."

Heaving a suffering sigh, Severus said, "I'll show you later. Enjoy this, the song's almost over."

A blush lit up Hermione's face after a wolf whistle from below punctured through her little bubble of joy. "Severus… can they see?"

Eyebrows lifting, Severus played stupid, mentally blessing whomever placed a Silencio on the rogue who broke into Hermione's enjoyment. "See what? Us? Of course they can."

Her blush intensifying, Hermione shook Severus' on the shoulder, the only thing she could do without letting go of her death grip. "You know what I mean."

Unable to help himself, he purred, "Your knickers? Lucky bastard probably can see your knickers. Unless you have knickers of invisibility?"

"You!" Hermione looked about ready to walk away, except she had no idea how to achieve that. "Stop saying knickers. I can't believe you!"

Severus' expression was rather wicked and altogether too suggestive. "Shall I hex him for you, Hermione? Just say the word."

"No, just.. Get us down safely!" Hermione's grip had tightened, the more anxious she became, and Severus felt a pang of guilt for winding her up. It was short lived as he admired the fire in her eyes, and he could not resist the challenge of teasing her enough to make her blush.

He dipped his head, shushing her like one might to calm a skittish foal. "It will be alright, Hermione. Trust me." It pleased him that she was clinging to him more tightly now.

Hermione tilted her head in acquiescence, whispering. "I hate flying."

Severus drummed his fingers on her back as he laid out a plan for landing. "I might have heard something to that effect."

The indignant hmph he received in response made him laugh again. "Come along now, Hermione. Will you walk with me for a little while?"

She took a long moment before answering, "It is almost time for us to patrol anyway. Um, do you mind if I check in with my friends before we go? Ginny's likely to attempt to jinx you if she thinks I'm in trouble, you know how she feels about you."

He handed her down to the ground lightly, twirling her about on the solid floor to a smattering applause as the music and the spell ended. He bowed to her, and she dropped a curtsy worthy of at least a minor Lord. As she straightened her eyes smouldered.

It was she who broke contact, had he been staring? Her voice was low but he could hear her murmur, "I'll be ten minutes. Meet me out in the hallway." With that, she disappeared from view and he stood, fastened to the spot, stunned. If he fanned that spark to life in her, it could very well be he who went up in flames.

Connie appeared at his shoulder in moments with a crooned, "Well done, Severus. Did you apologise?"

Severus frowned at her. "Of course. It wasn't pretty."

Concern darkened Connie's merry demeanour. "Don't tell me you cocked it up again."

Smirking, Severus said, "She started to do it for me, because I wasn't doing it correctly. Bossy little witch."

A heavy smack on the back jarred Severus' teeth. "You love it." Nott was here, he had managed to forget that. His old mentor always made him feel like he was 16 again. Knobby kneed, tongue-tied, and awkward.

Closing his eyes against the crowd Severus whispered, "So I do."

Connie of course, ruined the moment. "You have been given another chance with Hermione. Don't waste it. Don't fuck it up."

Nott's admonishing voice cut in, "Connie, sweetie. Give the man a moment. He just realised he's in love. Really in love."

"Is that what that half-constipated look meant? I thought he needed a drink, myself. Is prune juice and vodka a thing?"

Severus turned and glared at Connie before throwing up his hands and stalking away. Connie and Whit knew better than to follow.

Hermione found Severus out in the hallway. He was standing under a sprig of mistletoe, arms crossed and a look of challenge on his face. She asked, "Is that one yours?"

"Well, it sure isn't yours. Where is yours, by the way?"

"Outside, in the courtyard. Wait, why did I tell you that? Now you'll patrol that space all the more." She stamped her foot. "Blast!"

Severus tapped his cheek. "I'll do yours if you do mine."

His gaze was intense, and Hermione felt like she was under the pull of a magnet. Would he be satisfied with a chaste kiss on the cheek? Well, maybe that was her own idea.

She had hesitated too long and Severus let his arms hang down with a repentant 'can't blame a bloke for trying' half-smile. He offered her an arm. "Well, at least walk with me."

That was enough for Hermione to break through her hang up, and she walked over, and rather than grasping his elbow she grabbed the lapel of his robes and muttered, "You're too tall." He bent, and she planted a single kiss on his nose. A tone from above marked the addition, and one of the berries bloomed.

She stepped to the side and started to walk towards the courtyard exit, and was amused as he stayed bent down like that for a moment. Severus was stunned. Flummoxed. Befuddled.

"What's wrong with you, then?"

Severus slowly straightened up. "My nose is tingly."

"Maybe it could tell that I like it. Now come along. We're on the clock."

Severus had known in his heart of hearts that once they were on duty, there wouldn't be much space for chatting, so he was checking the time often. Sometimes twice in the same minute. He was looking at his watch when Hermione yanked him into the alcove from which they had just evicted a pair of randy fifth years. Hermione cast a lumos and shone her wand up at the Mistletoe. "Fair haul so far."

He nodded, glancing around behind him, making certain that there were no other students or adults floating past. Hermione sat down, folding in a matter of fact, careless way. She patted the bench beside her, casting a simple 'go away' ward that could be easily dismantled. The bench was warmer than it should have been and Severus wondered just how long those fifth years had been out here.

Hermione shuffled closer to him until they were side to side, and after a moment she cast a warming charm.

Severus looked down at her speculatively. "Connie's going to be around to collect this soon. You want your credit?"

She hummed, "You don't mind?"

"I promised, didn't I?"

Hermione smiled that little sad smile again. "You don't have to. I understand. Here," she gathered up his hand and brought it to her lips. The mistletoe obligingly glowed and then dinged, getting a bit heavier. "And done."

Disappointed, Severus looked away before it occurred to him that she thought that he didn't want her. "You didn't permit me to do it correctly, Hermione. You should know better."

"I thought you valued playing the game, skirting the rules. Slytherin, you know."

Severus tipped Hermione's face up so that he could see the light reflected in her eyes. "We also know when to apply the spirit of the rules to best advantage."

Slowly, eyes fixed on hers, his hand gentle on her cheek he lowered his lips towards hers. His nose slid along side hers and he stopped, waiting. She seemed frozen, transfixed.

"May I kiss you, Hermione Granger?"

"Oh, yes please."

Joy filled Severus' heart for the second time tonight. He concentrated on everything, the feel of her soft cheek, warm in the palm of his hand, the smooth heat of her lips tender against his. The taste of her, honey and whiskey made him want more. Her lips parted, as though she knew what he wanted and he took her lower lip into his, gently sucking on it, probing its softness with his tongue.

Not one to sit idle she wrapped her arms around his neck, reclaiming her lip and initiating an exploration of her own, tracing his lips with the tip of her tongue, his teeth with a broader swipe before claiming his upper lip with more firm assurance. Slowly, she pulled back and they sat, resting forehead to forehead.

She was the first to speak. "My lips are tingly."

He broke into a chuckle, warmth in his voice as he answered. "They must know that I adore them."

Hermione shook her head, tears sparkling in her eyes. "Any moment now, Madam Pomfrey's going to wake me up, and all of this will be but a fantasy."

Severus gathered Hermione in his arms sighing. "I know the feeling, but let me assure you that I am very real. Dearest Hermione, for that is what you are to me, whatever happens between us, this night has been more perfect than I could have possibly imagined." He buried his face in her hair and breathed in the heady smell of her.

The loud creak of the front door broke their reverie and McGonagall's voice could be heard, a touch of merriment laced through, "Oh, Professors. If you are done patrolling, it is time to wrap up Mistletoe Madness. Feel free to bring any sprigs that might be out there in with you so I can undo the total body bind I've placed on Connie…"

Hermione buried her face in his chest with a groan before she looked back up at Severus. "Forgot the time, didn't we."

A low rumbling chuckle was her answer as he reached up to pull down the mistletoe in a casual display of height and reach. The shift in his position pulled his eye to Hermione's earrings, which shone in the shimmering light produced as she called up and dismissed her wards.

"I rather like those mistletoe earrings."

Hermione looked at him warily. "Don't start that now. You heard the Headmistress, she's about to loose Connie on us."

"Cry Havok, and slip the dogs of Rolle." Stepping out of the shelter allowed him to reach his full height and he looked down at her, "What's the use of being a dark wizard if I can't... "

A smaller warm hand grabbed his, breaking off his plaintive plea. She towed him towards the light of the door, spilling out into the courtyard. She looked up as he fell into step alongside her, "Because with me you will be rewarded for being good."

McGonagall watched with a heart full to bursting as Professors Granger and Snape entered the staff room together, Snape tossing the mistletoe they had retrieved from the gardens to Connie for a tally. They were arm and arm and Severus seemed to have eyes for no one but Hermione. Hermione was eyeing the tallies, and raised her eyebrows with a smirk. She seemed fairly confident of her win.

"I would like, first off, to thank you all for helping to pull off another Yule Ball with surprisingly few mishaps." A light round of applause went around.

"As always, we do have a few students who will be staying at school this season. The Heads of House have posted the names, and we'll be sure to spend a little extra effort on these poor dears." Hermione was sitting up straight, attention rapt as she talked. Severus was looking out the window. If he meant for that to suggest that he had no idea that he had not yet surrendered Hermione's hand, he was really kidding himself. She had known Severus Snape practically his whole life, and as a consequence she was very aware that his relaxed demeanour was all a show. He was paying attention too.

"We will be caroling in Hogsmeade on Saturday, be sure to dress warm and I'd like a head count."

"Boxing day will see us helping with dismantling the decor. You all outdid yourselves, thank you for your efforts in cleaning up as well."

She looked to the back and found that Connie was still, having finished the tallies. "And I believe that Professor Rolle has tallied up the results of Mistletoe Madness. Connie?"

Connie had a large scroll, and reported the results from lowest (Girl's bathroom, second floor, 8 berries - Madam Hooch), to the top three. "Third coming was my own bunch at 102 berries." A smattering of applause went around and everyone seemed to be turned to Hermione and Severus. Hermione was sitting ramrod straight, positively quivering with excitement in her green silk gown. Severus was sitting back, legs crossed, and apparently with nary a care in the world. His eyes were half-lidded, glittering.

Clearing her throat, Connie smirked at the two most competitive people she knew. "Coming in second with two hundred and thirteen berries is our very own Professor Granger. That leaves Professor Snape at two hundred and fourteen berries. Congratulations, sir. Very well done, the both of you." The Potions Master cleared his throat and came forward to collect his prize. As he walked back to Hermione, the Headmistress called the meeting to a close and wished them all a very happy Christmas.

"One kiss! One. How did you manage that?" It was then that Hermione gasped. "Veronica!"

Severus went completely still, and Connie's head flew up, alarm on her face. McGonagall's voice querulously asked, "What?"

Hermione covered her face with her hands with a dramatic groan. "Veronica kissed me on the cheek under Severus' mistletoe before she left."

Connie's hand clamped over her mouth and she turned around quickly to hide the tears of mirth in her eyes. Severus had cheated the one kiss enough to win and only Connie knew how.

"Well, I can't be sorry, Hermione." Can't outsneak a Slytherin. They do what it takes to get what they want. "I spotted you two."

Hermione let her hands drop with a sigh. "We were SO CLOSE." She shook Severus' hand in a perfunctory manner. "Good game."

Severus looked over Hermione's head and rolled his eyes at Connie who had now managed to put on her serious face. Severus opened the door for Hermione, drinking in the sight of his heart's desire with a small smile as she stepped out ahead of him.

Later, he would understand that while there had been complicated plans and sneaking about, all in all, it wasn't these things that redeemed him. It was the courage to admit that he was wrong, and having found a witch with forgiveness in her heart and a fire in her soul that could light his every darkness. Now, he needed to make sure that he never had to let her go. A plan began to form as he walked Hermione back to her chambers, wishing her goodnight with another kiss. He would make the mistletoe tallies pale in comparison by this time next year.

AN: Updated 2/4/18 to clarify a plot inconsistency.