A/N: thanks to all my reviewers and all of those who have made a guess as to what the test will be, and the challenge is still up for those who have not guessed- more at the bottom notes. I also didn't expect that some of you would be so impassioned about my story, but I shall most definitely not complain. Well on to this chapter, this one is something that I debated about writing, but felt that I needed to illustrate a definite transition in their relationship. Ok, well onto the chapter.

Chess Games and End of Year dances (36)

In the last three weeks of classes Severus and Hermione strived to keep things closer to something normal as both of their lives began to spiral out of control around them. Hermione had planned out the whole wedding, now all she needed to do was find a groom and then the whole ordeal could commence on the appointed day. She had sent out invitations to all of her suitors to attend the Anniversary party of the down fall of Voldemort as the next day would be the test. She had told them all that it would be a test of 'Charm'. She did not want to give any clues to what the test might actually entail as to keep everyone and everything involved safe. Only those who would be participating in the execution of the test knew all the details.

The year before Severus and Hermione had discontinued their chess matches the final week of school because it was so hectic. The idea was proposed again, but Hermione would hear nothing of it. She may have more than the year before to do, but she had been so frazzled without the release of at least having a chance to win at something that she could not bear to abandon it this year.

It was the last chess match of the school year that did not quite go as planned, but served as a venting ground for frustration nonetheless. Hermione arrived at Severus' office at the usual time and they went together to the lab, as was customary. He did not offer up his chambers for their game and she felt that neutral territory gave no one the advantage.

With an exceedingly large sigh she settled across the table from him, looking at her pieces with both mortification and exhaustion. She really did not want to have to think and plan to win the game, but she abhorred the idea of not playing at least one game. Severus looked at her appraisingly with a frown.

"Are you sure you want to play tonight?" He asked her, having noticed she slouched when she sat for the last week and a half. It was as if a great weight was on her shoulders and she could no longer hold it up.

"Yes, I want to play." She said, though he was not convinced.

"Have you been getting enough sleep lately Hermione?" He asked.

"Is anyone?!" She snapped back, he would usually have been offended, but looking at the dark circles under her eyes and the exhaustion in her voice he was surprisingly not. "The Ministry expects me to marry someone who I don't want to marry, who I don't believe will love me, nor I him and then I am suppose to pop out six children by this man whoever it will be. I have a wedding to plan, tests to correct, papers for my House to write and Potions to help you with, all before the end of next week. I feel so trapped by this new law and the speed in which it must be executed. No, I can't get to sleep even if I wanted to and when I do get to lie down my rest is fitful at best." She moaned, totally sounding like a whiny five year old. She covered her face with her hands and struggled not to cry.

"I'm sorry Severus. I was hoping that this nice normal activity with a dear friend could help me find my keel, but I… I don't think I can do this, not tonight." She sounded completely dejected. "I'm sorry to act this way, I'm sorry I caused you the inconvenience of setting aside this time and then letting you down." She drew a shuttering breath.

Severus was taken aback by the floodgates he had opened on her emotions. It was clear that she was overworking herself to the point of nearly a breakdown, whether it was to be mental or physical depended wholly on which gave out first. He was also astonished when he discerned that she had come to him for comfort. No one had ever done that before, it was a totally new experience, and he found, that as long as she didn't start crying, he thought he might be able to handle it.

"Hermione." He said in the same voice he used on the horses. This resulted in him gaining her full attention. She looked directly at him, though her shoulders still drooped. "Come with me." He held out his hand and she took it. He placed her hand on his arm and led her back through the black hallway and into his office. They did not speak on the way back to the office, but he heard her sniffle in the dark and she clung to his arm like a small child hugs a favorite blanket. Once in his office he crossed over to a cabinet and drew out a vial.

"Take this." He said offering it to her. "It is a vial of Dreamless Sleep Potion. It will give you the rest you need. You will be of no use to anyone, least of all yourself, if you have a mental or physical breakdown. I don't believe in using sleeping Potions, but there are times when they are essential. There were times back when Voldermort still lived when Dreamless Sleep Potion was the only way I could find rest. Take it tonight and get the rest you need. Your work will be easier in the morning when you've had some rest."

"I… I don't know what to say." Hermione mumbled. She had taken the vial and was looking at it. "You really aren't mad?" She asked, sounding slightly stupid due to her disbelief.

"No, but if you don't take it and refuse to get some sleep I very well may get mad." He told her with a scowl.

"Thank you." She said with a weak smile of exhaustion. Then on an impulse and only her fatigue to blame she threw her arms around him, giving him a big hug. He was shocked and stood stiff as a board for a few moments, unsure of what to do. Then he did something he had wanted to do for a long time, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close, feeling her close to his body.

"Off with you." He said after a moment, and dropping his arms, rather reluctantly, but soon enough he figured she might not notice. "The longer you stay here, the less time you have to sleep tonight."

She pulled away almost reluctantly and then with a nod left his office. "Thank you again." She said as she left.

He rewarded the cupboard and sat down at his desk again. He may not have been able to spend time with Hermione as he had wished, but she needed the rest far more and he figured he might as well give her, as it was within his power to do so.

The end of year dance was a few days after the chess match that never happened. As usual he was forced to chaperone. This once again did not bode well for any star crossed lovers looking for a tryst in a rosebush. Especially not this year, if he could not have the woman that he wanted, then he would make sure no one else go that same pleasure for themselves, at least not on his watch. His foul mood hung like a storm cloud over his head and threatened to singe anyone daring enough to instigate him, with at bolt of angry lightening. The only one who seemed willing to get within range was Hermione.

"Thank you Severus." She told him. "The Potion you gave me has worked exceedingly well. I have not slept this well since the end of last summer and our first trail ride."

"You're welcome." He grumbled with a scowl. He was eyeing the dark corners of the Great Hall, trying to spy any overly 'lovey' pairs. He had noticed since he had given Hermione the vial of Dreamless Sleep Potion that she had looked generally less frazzled and the dark circles under her eyes had subsided to a mere shadow of puffiness. He was glad to see the old Hermione back on her feet again.

"Perhaps you would like to dance to lighten your mood?" She said cautiously after a few minutes for standing beside him watching nearly all of the students shimmy across the dance floor.

"I don't dance, not at a school party. I have a job to do and students to manage." He growled. "You do as well. I suggest you go check out the far corner, I have some rose bushes to inspect." (Translation- incinerate) He stalked off towards the main entrance. He was nothing if not angry about such a question. He was too private a person to dance with Hermione in such a public fashion, especially in front of the students. Showing such an ability to be diverted from his job showed a weakness, something he did not tolerate.

Hermione was slightly upset about his refusal. She had not meant to hug him so tightly for so long as she had the night of the botched chess game, but she had. She did not know what came over her to do such a thing, but she had. Instead of jumping or swatting her away, Severus had actually returned her hug making no mention of it when he spoke again. This was perplexing, but she was not one to ask questions when the situation most definitely was in her favor. With a shrug of unhappiness, but no real insult she went about her work of keeping the young couples apart long enough to get air and determine whose tongue was whose. She would have liked to dance with Severus, but she had guessed he would not oblige her, but she would not have known, had she not asked.

A/N: ok guys, there is the chapter, I felt that it was important to show a definite change in their 'relationship', if that is what it could be called at this point.

The challenge to tell me what the test will be is still active. For those who guess correctly I will co-dedicate the chapter where the test is revealed. I won't tell anyone if they are correct or not until that time.

Next chapter we have a look at the attempts of all Hermione's suitors to pass what they think is the test. Oh, in relation to the last chapter, I forgot to mention that I don't know Crabbe and Goyle's last names, so I didn't put them in. I figured they would be recognized for who they associated with.

Thanks for all the reviews so far guys and don't for get to review. If you have the desire to read another super fic I would suggest anything by my beta skydancinghobbit. She has three up for Harry Potter now. until next update coming soon. Dragons Quill