I know you've been anticipating this chapter so I'll leave my notes for the end of the chapter.

Enjoy!

Hermione took a deep breath and apparated to Mr. Prince's office.

"Right on time, Miss-" Mr. Prince had stopped in his address when he saw Hermione.

A speechless Mr. Prince! This has to be the best compliment ever!

The man himself was dressed in a luxurious fitting black tuxedo, but his usual black shirt was replaced by a white dress shirt. He looked impeccably handsome.

Hermione delicately cleared her throat, and said, "Since I were to accompany you, I had to look the part."

Mr. Prince gave her an approving smile and said, "You flatter me, Miss Granger. I am no match for your exquisiteness. Thank you for reminding me why black is one of my favorite colors. You look… well, gorgeous!"

Hermione was sure she was blushing red by his compliments. She managed to reply, "You look handsome yourself, Mr. Prince."

He picked up a box from his desk and held it open before her. It contained two exclusively designed black masks; one for her and one for her companion. She picked out the feminine one, and marveled at its intricate design. "It's beautiful!" She whispered.

"And that's why it'll suit you well." Mr. Prince said, picking out his own mask.

When they had both secured their masks, he asked, "Ready, Ma'am?"

Hermione was surprised by this address. "Yes, sir."

"No need to call me 'sir' this evening; the other guests will find it odd if my companion called me that, don't you think?"

He held out his arm and Hermione took it. Then he leaned into her ear, and whispered, "Tonight, you can call me 'Severus'."

Hermione felt herself flush without any reason. He proceeded to walk with her to his private elevator.

"We'll have to take the car. Since there isn't exactly an apparation point there. And I do need to make an entrance." He explained.

They sat almost in silence, while the car took them to their destination. The Lincoln Center looked beautiful, and Hermione's breath was taken away by the decorative lighting inside the magnificent interior.

"Shall we?" Mr. Prince offered her his arm and she took it. They walked inside and the cameras flashed around them, making her nervous.

They appeared in a private parlour and before long she was being whisked to a reception table in an adjacent room. A uniformed lady greeted them. When Mr. Prince had announced his identity, Hermione caught the woman's eyes widen briefly before she turned to her, "And you are?"

Before Hermione could answer, her companion chose to speak for her, in a clipped tone. "My guest."

"Very well. Mr. Prince and his guest. This way, please." The subdued lady showed them the way, and Hermione followed her inside on the arm of Mr. Prince.

"Wow." Hermione breathed when she entered the ballroom. It was decorated lavishly, making it look like a fairytale come alive.

For the most part of the night, Hermione spent her time on Mr. Prince's arm as he moved around the party, greeting the guests and making introductions. She didn't have to do much, except for being introduced as 'his guest' whenever anyone asked of her.

After what felt like forever, he paused at an empty table, no doubt to take a breather.

"It's rather tiring to be the one hosting the party, isn't it?" Hermione said, eyeing his weary form.

"Yes, I am sorry that this hasn't proved to be the wonderful experience I had promised you." He said, apologetically.

"Hey, I am not the one who has to make obligatory conversation with every guest at the party. You are the one who looks weary." She commented.

"Ah, nothing a drink can't fix. Butterbeer, for you?" He inquired.

"Isn't this a muggle party?" Hermione asked, confused.

"Oh, give me some credit, fair lady. I'd take that as a yes." With that he was off to the bar.

Hermione's lips twitched into a smile, when she realized he wasn't referring her as 'Miss Granger' tonight. Well, he didn't want anyone knowing her identity, so. And what had he told her to call him as? Severus.

Oh, God. Snap out of it before he arrives. Hermione thought.

She had been enjoying her butterbeer when a man with curious silver mask approached them. He seemed to be quite young, probably in his late twenties. There was only so much Hermione could tell from his masked features.

"I was told you were here, Mr. Prince. And with a guest, no less." He started.

At Hermione's confused glance at Mr. no.. Severus, the guest continued. "So rude of me to not have introduced myself to the lady. I am Edwin Caffery. The one who managed to get the Prince out of his ivory tower."

Hermione took his hand wearily and forced a smile.

"Glad you are enjoying yourself, Mr. Caffery." Severus said, curtly.

"Hm. Interesting choice of drink there, mademoiselle." Mr. Caffery said, more interested in her drink.

"I am quite partial to it. A foreign brew, I'm afraid. Monsieur." Hermione replied.

Much to her annoyance, Mr. Caffery's eyes shot up at her with interest.

"Have you had the pleasure of enjoying the dance floor today?" He asked, ignoring Severus's irritated glare.

"Not yet." Hermione replied.

And that was definitely a mistake. Mr. Caffery was now leading her up on the floor, which was quite full with other masked guests dancing slowly to the soft music playing.

Hermione felt an arm go around her waist and another holding her shoulder as she was led into a slow waltz with Mr. Caffery, someone she barely knew. Though she did realize, that he must have held important business with Mr. Prince to have agreed to his demands.

"So, where did he find you from? You're clearly not from America!" he commented between the turns.

"No, I'm not." Hermione replied, not trying to give any more information to the man than necessary.

"A beauty with brains! No doubt required to catch someone like Prince's attention." He huffed.

Hermione didn't reply and felt his grip tighten at her waist. He started pulling her closer to himself with each step and Hermione was starting to feel suffocated.

"Why are you being so difficult with me? Prince never bothered to stick up for you. He doesn't even give a fuck about you or he would have at least danced with you."

Hermione hadn't been listening to the man, rather planning her escape. She was most tempted to leave him right there at the dance floor when he had started tracing her mask's outline with his finger.

"I wonder what kind of face you are hiding behind this..."

But he wasn't allowed to finish his sentence. Someone had wrenched his hand away and then pulled Hermione out from his arms, rather gently.

Mr. Prince had his jaw clenched and Hermione could feel that he was barely controlling his anger when he spoke in a low yet clear voice. "You are overstepping your boundaries, Mr. Caffery. Now, I'd like to have a dance with my beautiful partner here."

With that Hermione had been swept into the strong comforting arms of Mr. Prince.

Mr. Caffery looked around confused for a moment, before he hurried off in another direction. The Confundus Charm! Of course!

"Sorry about him. He was ruining the evening for you." He whispered in her ear as he twirled her.

"Oh, he's probably jealous of your success." Hermione replied. She had yet to call him Severus yet. Why is it such a big deal to me?

"You are however, partially correct. He is indeed, envious." He leaned into her ears and whispered, "It's because I am here with you."

Hermione let out a chuckle. He was joking, right? "Oh, you do flatter me, … Severus!"

There was a sharp intake of breath from him when she called his name, or did she just imagine that? "Only you would think I'm flattering you, Hermione. Almost every man present here is envious of me and believe me or not, the reason is you."

Hermione was grateful for the dim lights, for she was sure she was blushing. "Let's just enjoy our dance for now, shall we?"

"Your wish is my command, ma'am." He said, keeping her hand over his chest. Was he always this charming? Definitely not!

Hermione then focused on the song that was playing.

... 'Cause we're living in a world of fools

Breaking us down when they all should let us be

We belong to you and me

I believe in you

You know the door to my very soul

You're the light in my deepest, darkest hour

You're my savior when I fall

And you may not think I care for you

When you know down inside that I really do

And it's me you need to show

How deep is your love, how deep is your love

How deep is your love?

I really mean to learn

They danced in easy silence for the most part and Hermione found herself relaxing in the slow music.

"Are you enjoying the evening, ma'am?" He asked suddenly.

Hermione couldn't help snorting. "It sounds ridiculous from you. 'Ma'am', I mean."

"Well then, Hermione." He breathed in her ear. And she forgot to breathe for a second.

"That sounds much better." She said, before hiding her face in his chest. She knew she must be blushing red by now. He held her close and they danced for a while like that.

... And your eyes, your eyes, your eyes

They tell me how much you care

Ooh yes,

You will always be

My endless love

"Severus?"

"Yes?"

"I didn't know you danced so well."

Two hearts,

Two hearts that beat as one

Our lives have just begun

"Who do you think gave the Slytherins dance lessons for the Yule Ball?"

Forever (Oh)

"Oh."

There was a soft chuckle in reply.

I'll hold you close in my arms

I can't resist your charms

Hermione could breathe his scent which was not so overbearing like Mr. Caffery's had been, it was subtle with a spicy hint. Was there anything ordinary about this man? Probably, not!

And love, oh love

I'll be a fool, for you I'm sure

Hermione was then escorted by Mr. Prince to a huge dining table, where unfortunately she had to meet Mr. Caffery again.

"I believe we met earlier, my lovely senorita!" He exclaimed happily.

Lord! How many languages does this man know! It's comforting that he doesn't remember we danced together, at least.

Hermione merely smiled and continued on with her food, which was delicious as well as fancy. She felt the comforting presence of Mr. Prince on her other side, throughout the dinner. It was all very formal and Hermione remained silent for the most part as the guests discussed about businesses and politics.

The party was almost over when the pair made their way towards their parked car. The ride back to the office felt longer than when they had arrived.

Hermione almost stumbled into Mr. Prince's arms when they entered stepped out of the elevator. He held her hand as he walked her to his office. With a snap of his fingers, the lights turned on. He hadn't let her go yet.

She blushed as she finally removed her hand and moved over to the sofa and sat down. Her heels had been hurting her for a while now. Why do I let Lizzy get away with these things, I'll never know!

She gathered her gown in her lap and was reaching to her leg, when Mr. Prince reached her.

"Let me." He offered and knelt down to remove her heels. "Does this hurt?"

At her nod, he whispered a healing spell while moving his hands over her tired feet. It felt heavenly, and Hermione hadn't realized that she had closed her eyes.

When she opened her eyes, she saw him watching her with a curious expression on his face, as if he was trying to decipher her. It was gone in the next second, replaced by a blank look.

Hermione got up to her feet and picked up her shoes. "It's almost midnight. I think I should probably leave. Thank you for inviting me."

Mr. Prince had risen up on his feet too. "The pleasure was all mine, Hermione."

Hermione felt herself blush at her name. Seriously, what the hell is wrong with me; it's my own bloody name! She glanced at him to see him smiling smugly. So he did this to me on purpose!

Hermione took out her mask and held it in her other free hand. "Good night, Severus." She said, before apparating away. She did notice his smile falter at her address. Serves him right!

The next day, when Hermione walked into her floor, she was confronted with an enraged Lizzy who was clutching a New York Times in her hands.

She thrust the folded newspaper into Hermione's hands and said, "Care to explain this?"

Hermione's eyes had gone wide at the headline which said 'Mr. Prince finally finds his Princess.' There was a photograph of her dancing with him, thankfully their faces covered with the masks. They were both looking into each others' eyes and Hermione had a shy smile on her face. The article went on to speculate about his 'mystery guest' and had also covered in great detail how Mr. Prince had gotten possessive about her dancing with some other masked man and had interrupted them to dance with her himself. They had also mentioned how the 'couple' arrived as well as left together. They had also included excerpts from some of the people present at the party. Urgh, I didn't even notice the media at the bloody dance! They are even worse than Skeeter!

"I know it's you; I helped you dress yesterday!" Lizzy said, accusingly.

"I'll explain later, alright. Please, Lizzy." Hermione pleaded, spotting her other colleagues arriving.

"Don't you Lizzy me, …"

She couldn't finish her sentence, because Jessica had swooped in and grabbed the paper from Hermione's hands and exclaimed, "Hey, did you guys see this? It's about Mr. Prince!"

Jessica went on to read the article rather loudly and even Andrew, Dylan and Tyler listened to her with interest.

"… "I just think that it was a prostitute, you know. Just like that 'Pretty Woman' movie." Another woman who attended the party was quoted saying. While her partner replied, "I wonder where I can get that kind of girl from, no matter what the price!"." Jessica finished reading the article.

"Wow, so he isn't gay!" Dylan exclaimed, earning disbelieving looks from his colleagues. "What? He's never been seen with a girl before, has he?"

"Or with a guy!" Lizzy corrected.

"Well, whoever she is, is a lucky girl!" Tyler said.

"Is she? The media is all over her now. Look at the things people are speculating!" Andrew said, shaking his head in disgust.

"Yeah, must've been quite a looker to snatch a guy like Mr. Prince. And that gown has to be couture." Jessica muttered, probably lost in her own thoughts.

"You wish it was you?" Lizzy was looking incredulously at Jessica.

Jessica simply rolled her eyes. "Any girl would wish it was her! I mean, who wouldn't!"

Hermione was about to say something to divert the topic from the article when Ms Harris showed up, glaring at them in anger.

"Speaking of..." Jessica muttered in a low voice so that only they could hear her. Dylan snorted loudly.

"If you are done with your chit-chats, I would recommend you to get back to your own worktables. Now!" their manager shouted.

"Urgh, we have a miserable day ahead. She's probably seen the article too." Andrew sighed.

"I agree." Hermione muttered.

The next few hours, Lizzy spent giving Hermione pointed looks, whenever they caught each others' eye across the worktable.

At lunch, Lizzy had managed to whisk Hermione away and finally ask her what had been bothering her since the morning.

"It's not what it looks like, Lizzy!" Hermione tried to explain, after casting a quick Muffliato around them.

"Really? And how do you explain why you are dancing in the arms of our boss and accompanying him to a ball?" Lizzy questioned.

"Well, he asked me to accompany him and I agreed. As… an acquaintance!" Hermione answered.

"And when did you become acquaintances, exactly?" Lizzy asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Well, I've known him for years. From back in Britain." Hermione admitted.

"And you didn't even tell me?" Lizzy said, hurt evident in her blue eyes.

"I wanted to, but you know about the contract, right?"

"Yeah. Of course." Lizzy whispered, and then fell silent.

After a while, she spoke again. "I don't really need Legillimency to tell you that this does not look like acquaintances." Here, she pointed at the paper.

Hermione smiled at her, relieved that she wasn't angry at her anymore.

"I would've told you if there was anything else." Hermione replied, honestly.

"Yeah, I know. It's just you two look good together." Lizzy teased, and Hermione felt herself blushing again.

"You know, I wasn't angry because you were enjoying the evening with our boss but because I thought you lied to me about going with an acquaintance. But then you did have a good enough reason, and I acted like a child. I'm sorry, Hermione." Lizzy said.

"Hey, it's alright. You had the right to feel betrayed. But now that you know..."

"I know, Hermione. And I'll keep your secret, you don't have to worry." Lizzy finished.

After work hours, when Hermione turned her phone on, she found an email waiting for her.

From: S. Prince

Subject: A word

Date: August 6 2012 14:28

To: H. Granger

I wanted a word with you, at your earliest convenience.

S. Prince

CEO, Prince Pharmaceuticals

Shortest email ever! Why does it sound so ominous?

Hermione bid her friends good bye while she gave an excuse that she needed to get her key card fixed for glitches. Andrew offered to come with her but she declined.

When she reached the top floor, Karen asked her, "Are you Miss Hermione Granger?"

At Hermione's nod, she sounded relieved, "Mr. Prince is expecting you. This way, please."

She led her to his office to find him waiting by the glass window.

When Karen had left, he turned around to face her. His face was a mask of indifference, a look Hermione hadn't seen for a long time.

Oh, I am in trouble! Was her first thought.

So, One of the guest reviewer has pointed out that I need a Beta for this story. I'll admit that these days I've been in an hurry to write the chapters and haven't been paying much attention to the grammatical errors or the slips in the sentences. This story is about to have some important plot ahead and I wouldn't want the quality of my language skills hampering them any further. I wanted to ask one of you readers first, if any of you are up for Beta-reading? If you are, please PM me.

As for the time leap, the story is taking place five years after the war. So, Hermione is in her early twenties and Severus should be about forty.

I'd also like to thank all those people who have been constantly supporting the story through their reviews. They are all the encouragement I need for writing further chapters. I do hope you'll continue to write about your opinions, I always look forward to reading them!

The songs mentioned here are:

How Deep is Your Love - Bee Gees

Endless Love - Lionel Richie