A/N: A bit angry with myself for not getting the books on CD sooner. I got a lot of things wrong in this story about Snape, and I guess Lupin did remember what happened when he transformed, he just couldn't control himself. O.o Oh well. It's based more off of the movies anyway. Lol I still like it all the same, and judging by your wonderful encouragement, you all do, too. So anyway, here is the next installment. Enjoy!

Chapter Forty-Three: Into December

A few hours later, Severus came to. The first thing that occurred to him was that his head felt rather cool. His nose was almost numb and his cheeks felt as if they were on fire. He also realized that something was lying over top of him. Opening his eyes and blinking away the sleep, he saw the mass of curly brown hair that lay on his chest.

He smiled vaguely and tightened his arms around Hermione. He heard her moan quietly as she started to stir. She lifted her head. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled back when she met his gaze. Her face heated as she remembered what had happened when last she'd seen him without all the fur.

Deciding that he might already be in danger of contracting a cold, Snape sat up slowly, careful not to send Hermione tumbling into the snow beside him. He looked at her seriously as he said, "Where's your hat and gloves?"

Hermione blinked, then patted torso before remembering that she had put them in the inside pockets of her coat. She reached inside the heavy winter jacket and pulled them out, quickly pulling the hat onto her head before putting on her gloves. She was definitely feeling the chill now. She gave a sniffle as she got off of Snape and stood to let him up too.

"We should head back to the castle now, shouldn't we?"

He nodded, looking up at the sky. Through the treetops, he could see that grey clouds were streaming overhead. "Yes, we'd better. It looks as if we just managed to miss a snowstorm."

Hermione wrapped Snape's scarf more firmly around her neck and face since her nose had become an ice sickle. She was pleased to see that he was still wearing hers.

"Have you got everything?"

Hermione checked to make sure she still had her wand; the only valuable possession she had brought with her.

"Good." He pulled out his own wand to check the time. It was eight in the morning. "Back to Hogsmead then."

Snape reached out to take her gloved hand in his, and a few seconds later, they had apparated right outside of Honey Dukes. They entered the shop and thanked the owners for letting them use their floo, then stepped into the fire, finding themselves in McGonagall's office moments later.

Professor McGonagall stood and turned to the fireplace as it sprang to life with green flames. She was quite relieved when Snape and Hermione entered, looking cold, but none the worse for wear.

"Oh, thank goodness you are both safe," she said, hurrying over to them. "Had you been gone much longer, I would have sent a search party."

"Calm yourself, Minerva. I told you there was nothing to worry about."

McGonagall proceeded to check Hermione up and down for any signs of damage, clearly not taking Snape's assurances lightly. "No bruises I see. Not so much as a scratch." Snape rolled his eyes.

"I'm fine," Hermione said, feeling a bit awkward at being poked and prodded by someone who wasn't Madam Pomfrey. "Nothing happened really." But Professor McGonagall continued to examine her pupil anyway.

Snape stepped in front of Hermione. "That's quite enough. She's not a ruddy science experiment. I can assure you, she is not hurt. Nor am I," he added, giving her a suspicious look. "So don't you dare start poking at me, or you won't have a hand to poke with."

"Forgive me, Severus, but I am the Headmistress, and I have a right to make sure my students are unharmed."

"And you appointed me Deputy, so pardon my lack of manners, Headmistress, but I believe I am more than capable of informing you of any mishaps."

"Yes, because you certainly came to me as soon as you were bitten, didn't you?" snapped McGonagall harshly. "It may have been almost a month since your return to the school, Severus, but you are still on thin ice. So pardon me if I find myself unable to trust your information in regards to Miss Granger."

Hermione grimaced. So he was in trouble with McGonagall still. She felt rather awkward again, like she was intruding upon a conversation that was meant to be private.

Snape frowned, obviously aware that there was nothing he could say to that. She was right of course. "Yes, well, if you'll excuse us, we are both very exhausted and would like some rest. Thank you for your concern, but it is no longer necessary."

He walked back to the floo and activated it once more before grabbing a handful of powder. Hermione looked between him and McGonagall, who looked rather annoyed. "Thank you, professor," she said with a respectful bow of her head, not entirely sure what she was thanking her for, but feeling that she had to all the same. Then she followed Snape into the fire as he shouted;

"My quarters."

X-X-X

He had drawn the curtains in his chambers to be sure that no light would intrude on the much-needed rest as he and Hermione lay in the big, black four-poster, wrapped together just as they had been when they'd awoken in the snow by the ice-covered stream. They slept heavily until late afternoon, at which point they shared a quick shower before Snape sent her back to her dormitory. She had protested at first, wanting to stay and eat supper in his quarters, however he reasoned that her friends would want to be sure that she had not been harmed. With much reluctance, she kissed him goodbye and left with Cella.

"So…what happened?" asked Harry as the four of them stood gazing out of the windows at the bottom of the stairs which led up to Gryffindor Tower.

Hermione shrugged. "Not much. As planned, we went to McGonagall's office to inform her we were leaving. Flooed to Honey Dukes. Apparated into the mountains and walked until it was time to change."

"And…it doesn't hurt anymore?" asked Ginny. "To change, I mean."

"No, it doesn't. The Lycan Hearts, they…improve the transformation in many ways. We can remember what happens, though we don't really have control over what we do while we're wolves."

"So what did you do, then?" Ron queried. "While you were wolves?"

"We just sort of…ran around. He was right…of course. There was no need to worry. We were perfectly safe."

"I was sort of hoping you'd say you did something a little more exciting than that," said Ron, a little disappointed. "I mean…you're werewolves!"

"What did you expect us to do? Practice circus tricks?" Hermione had fought to not avert her eyes. She and Snape had done something more interesting than just running around.

Harry and Ginny laughed at the mental image of two werewolves jumping through hoops and balancing balls on their noses beneath a high top tent.

"No! I just thought…well…"

"It was all rather mundane actually. As far as dogs are concerned I suppose. Anyway, it's nearly time for supper. We'd better head down."

X-X-X

The atmosphere was terribly tense, the dungeon air sparking with barely suppressed animosity and fear. The fire in the hearth, usually giving the sitting room of Snape's private quarters a rather warm glow these days now seemed reminiscent of his still burning ire as he paced ever so slowly in front of it. Hermione did not sit on his sofa before him tonight. No, this time he was in the company of his Godson, whom he had invited over for a little chat.

"Do you know why I've…asked you here, Draco?" came Snape's deceptively calm drawl. Anyone who didn't know him may have thought he was about to shoot the breeze about the weather, but Malfoy was wiser about the misleading behavior of his Godfather.

As Snape's gaze drifted to the boy, he saw Draco attempt to look defiant—as if he wasn't scared out of his wits. His twitching mouth and fearful eyes betrayed him, however, and Snape had to mentally berate the young Malfoy for not having learned the art of composure.

"Well?" he prompted when Draco failed to give him a response.

"Why?" said Draco instead, still obviously fighting to keep his constantly contorting face in one position. "I mean, why are you…and Granger…?"

"My life is none of your concern," Snape said silkily, swirling the snifter of firewiskey he had poured for himself in the hopes that it would calm him enough to be able to have a civil conversation with the boy. "Nor is Miss Granger's. Now I believe I asked you a question."

Draco's expression was crossing the border to anger now as he bit his lip. He was trying to remember to whom he was conversing, but his shock and outrage at the situation was just too much for him to handle. He shot to his feet. "Does Professor McGonagall know?" he demanded.

Snape's dark brows rose in mild surprise at his Godson's newfound backbone, although the fear in the boy's eyes made Severus sure that he could easily crumple it again. "Where are your manners, Draco? I must say, mother would be highly disappointed in you at the present moment, as am I."

"Don't toy with me, Severus!" Malfoy growled. "What, you've just decided to sleep with a student now—and Granger no less? And when I question her about it, you attack me?"

Snape's expression had lost its sense of calm, and he was now giving Malfoy a very dark scowl as he set his snifter on the mantel before stalking toward the blonde Slytherin.

"Question her?" he nearly bellowed. "You call that—"he pointed to indicate the incident that had taken place the day before—"questioning her?" As expected, Draco was forced back into his seat as Snape towered over him. "That was called harassment, Mr. Malfoy—something that is against the rules here at this school, and it is against everything I and your mother have strove to teach you! Even your wretched, cowardly father has more decency than that! I was under the impression that you wanted to raise the Malfoy name out of the filth, but I can assure you that this is no way to do it!"

Inhaling deeply, Snape rigidly stood to his full height again. When he resumed speaking, it was in that strangely calm voice again, but the agitated edge was easier to detect this time. "This is the second time I have caught you acting in a manner that is less than decent, and therefore your last warning. Once more, Draco, and I will see to it that you are expelled and that you never crawl out of the grave your parents so carelessly dug for you—the one in which you keep willingly burying yourself. In Slytherin or not, my Godson or not, you will not be permitted to step out of line again. I may have had to cover for you for the last seven years, but it is all over now. I am done playing the role of your mentor if you refuse to heed my words. Do I make myself clear?"

Draco looked defeated. There was nothing he could say to Snape, and he knew it. "Perfectly," he said, albeit bitterly.

"And for your information…Mine and Miss Granger's…relationship…is mutual, and it is not based on what you seem to think. The Headmistress is aware of the situation; however, if you so much as breathe a word of any of this, you will surely regret it. It will not be a secret forever, but I will allow everyone else to know on my own time. Is that clear, Mr. Malfoy?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good. Now get…out."

Draco stood and walked around the sofa to the door, but he stopped short. He turned around slowly. "I suppose you still won't tell me what that is?" he asked, his eyes flicking to the Lycan Heart.

Snape's expression was as impassive as ever. "No."

Knowing he would not be able to find out any more, Draco left the room silently. He would keep quiet, just as Snape had told him to. He had to admit, at least to himself, that he had never been so afraid of his Godfather in all his life. His back still hurt from being thrown to the floor, but he hadn't gone to Madam Pomfrey for two reasons: one, he didn't want to have to explain his injury, and two, it was simply a matter of pride.

He still couldn't help but wonder though; why was Severus seeing Granger? If Professor McGonagall knew, why wasn't she on her death bed with shock and anger yet? Unless of course, Severus was…

Naw. Couldn't be. Could it?

Was Draco's Godfather, Severus Snape, ex Death Eater and bastard of the dungeons, in love with Granger?

This thought, too, made Draco sneer down at the floor as he walked. Absolutely disgusting. But what else had prompted Snape to act so violent towards him? Looking back on the scenario in the corridor, he knew now that Severus's behavior had been born out of the desire to protect what was his. He had protected Granger from Malfoy.

Draco shook his head. He was getting nowhere with it. He would indeed be wise in doing as he was told for once and leaving it alone. There was nothing he could do, he supposed. And if Snape wanted to waste his life and energy on that Mudblood, then bully for him.

X-X-X

The meal went without drama, much to Hermione's relief. She had half expected Malfoy to try something else, but then she told herself, not even he was stupid enough to provoke Snape a second time. Not judging by his obvious fear of his Head of House anyway. A few comments had been thrown her way by the other students, taunting her about the full moon the night before and asking if she'd eaten anyone. However, Hermione ignored them, not willing to forfeit her relatively good mood just because a bunch of tosspots felt the need to bait her.

Hermione saw Ron's fist clench beside her and was about to ask him what was wrong when she looked up to see Malfoy entering the Great Hall. He looked just as pale as he had upon finding the foreboding Potions Master standing over him with a fierce expression as he lay on the corridor floor. Draco was attempting to look composed, but Hermione could see that he was struggling.

"I dare him to come over here," said Ron through clenched teeth. "I dare him. I've just been waiting for an excuse to introduce him to my fist."

"Relax, Ron," said Hermione as Draco took his seat. "I don't think that will be necessary."

"Why not?"

"Because…I'm pretty sure he's already learned his lesson." Just as she finished speaking, Snape strode through the doors into the Great Hall and swept up the aisle to the staff table. Hermione watched him, noticing his face held a little more color than usual. His face was stern, but calm. She had a hunch that he had just spoken with Malfoy, and that he was attempting to conceal his irritation.

As he took his seat, McGonagall rose from hers and tapped her raised goblet with her spoon. "Attention! Can I have your attention, please?"

The Hall grew silent as the chatter dimmed to a murmur, then faded away. All eyes turned to the Headmistress before she continued. Already knowing what was coming, Snape helped himself to the various platters, filling his plate and beginning to eat. The other staff members did not pause in enjoying their meal, either. They all knew what the announcement was that Minerva was about to make.

"As you all know, the Christmas holiday is fast approaching as we move into December. I know we always have a Christmas Feast, however, I would like to instate a new tradition here at Hogwarts. I have seen fit to hold an annual Yule Ball, in which anyone in third year or above will be able to attend."

There were disappointed sounds from first and second years, but the girls of age to go to the ball began whispering in excitement.

"So, by all means, put your best foot forward and let the festive season begin!"

The Hall resumed its usual chatter as McGonagall sat down again. It seemed that the discussions were even louder than before, all the students talking about the upcoming dance.

Harry turned to Ginny immediately with a grin. "I'm not really much of a dancer…but will you go to the ball with me?"

Ginny giggled. "Well I'm just not sure. I'd have to check my calender. Can I get back to you?"

Harry gave a mock frown. "What, you already have plans for Christmas?"

"Maybe. I just said I'll have to check."

"Awe, c'mon Ginny, don't tease him," said Ron. "He's never shown that much confidence with a girl before."

"Thanks Ron," said Harry.

"No problem, mate."

Ginny laughed again. "Of course I'll go with you, Harry Potter. You are my chosen one after all."

Ron rolled his eyes as Ginny kissed his best friend on the cheek. "Hey now, what did I tell you two about all that lovey-dovey stuff?"

"Oh relax, Ron. It's not like they're snogging at the supper table," said Hermione with a wide smile.

The other three turned to stare at her as she cut up another piece of her chicken. When several seconds passed and their gazes seemed to be boring into her head, she looked up at all of them. "What?" she asked, her smile now replaced by a look of confusion.

"Well…nothing, it's just…" Ron began but couldn't seem to finish.

It was Ginny who took the reins. "Are you going to go?"

Hermione's eyes flitted around to her three friends in turn. "I…I dunno. Why?"

"Because…" said Harry. "You're with…I mean…er…" he didn't want to say it out loud in the crowded Hall for fear that someone would overhear him. He dropped his voice so only the four of them could hear. "I'm sure he'll be a chaperone, but he's not really a…um…well…"

"He's not the festive type," said Hermione, continuing cutting up her chicken unfazed. "If I have to go alone, I will. I'm certainly not asking someone else to the ball. That would just be asking for trouble."

"You wouldn't have to go alone," said Ron. "I mean, we could go as friends if…"

Hermione shook her head, meeting the redhead's eyes. "Sorry Ron. Even if we are just friends now, and he knows it, it would be a very bad idea."

"But we'd just hang out together, the four of us, like we always do," said Harry. "Ron would only have to be your escort."

Hermione gave a smile that held a trace of sadness. "Sorry, but I can't. Trust me."

"Touchy bloke, isn't he?" said Ron. "Can't even escort my friend to a ball."

"Ron…you're my ex. And after what happened yesterday with Draco…I just don't think it would be a good idea. He's rather…self-conscious. He'd think—"

"What? That you liked me again?"

Hermione bit her lip. "I dare say he'd stew over the thought. He would be more angry with himself, but he would take it out on you. And I'd be in the middle."

"Some boyfriend," muttered Ron.

Hermione sighed. "You wouldn't understand. His attitude stems from insecurity. It won't be easily fixed. For now, it's best to play it safe until his insecurities leave him."

Ginny and Ron didn't seem to understand her explanation, but Harry did. He was well aware of Snape's past, having seen the memories for himself. He glanced at the Head Table and spotted the black robbed man. A small bit of sympathy rose in his heart for the teacher who still seemed to hate him. But he felt more concerned for Hermione. If she loved Snape, Harry knew she would give everything she had to help him. He just hoped it wouldn't drain her emotionally.

X-X-X

"I spoke with Draco this evening," said Snape offhandedly.

"I guessed as much. He looked torn between being outraged and being petrified."

The two of them were walking out on the grounds, darkness having fallen a few hours before. They wore each other's scarves again, but they weren't holding hands this time as their eyes raked across the moonlit, snow-covered landscape.

"How did it go?"

"It was a rather brief conversation, but I believe I got my point across. He will not cross me again."

"He'd be wise not to."

"Indeed. It is clear that he cannot accept the truth."

"Did you tell him the truth?" she asked, looking up at him in surprise.

"No, not really. I told him that our relationship is mutual and is not based on what he believes to be the foundation; lust. I did not say anymore than that."

"I doubt he'll buy it."

"Maybe not. But it is the truth. If he cannot accept it, then that is his problem, not ours."

They reached a tree beside the lake, and Snape leaned against it as they stared out over the frozen water. It, too, was not covered completely in ice, but the edges had crystallized. Hermione stood beside him as her mind shifted from Malfoy to McGonagall's announcement. She thought about what her friends had said earlier in the Great Hall—what they had hinted at. She wondered if she should ask Snape about it.

"Hermione," he said softly, pulling her out of her thoughts. She looked up at him again and saw that he was staring at her intently. His eyes had lost their former hardened quality. It was replaced by that warm expression she was fast becoming familiar with.

"Yes, Severus?"

He didn't answer her immediately. He seemed to be struggling to articulate something, or perhaps to accept whatever it was that he was trying to say. Hermione looked back at him with an expression of support.

"Uh…I um…" He floundered for words, his eyes flitting about their surroundings. This was ridiculous. It wasn't that hard to ask her, was it? But his memories drug him back to the one time he had garnered the nerve to ask this question to another, and how horribly the encounter had ended.

Hermione frowned as she saw that vulnerability again. What could he possibly be trying to say that would elicit such painful emotions? She had never known Severus Snape to be at a loss for words before, but it seemed that there was a first time for everything.

"Whatever it is, Severus, you can tell me," she urged kindly. She reached out and took hold of his hand, giving it a light squeeze.

He closed his eyes and sighed as he took her hand in both of his. "Forgive me, Hermione. I…I'm not used to…" He stopped himself, glaring down at their hands, but he was merely frustrated with himself. Had he been through two wars, or hadn't he? He was no coward—surely he could manage to ask the woman he loved a simple question. The past shouldn't matter. Hermione…she was different.

He raised his eyes to hers again, a resolved look in place now. "Hermione, will you accompany me to the ball on Christmas day?"

She stared at him. A small part of her had considered the possibility that he might ask her, but she had highly doubted that he would want to really participate in such merriment. He would already be forced to chaperone, and for some reason, she couldn't see him dancing.

"You…you want to go? Willingly, I mean?"

"Normally, I would rather not. However, I have to go regardless. I've toyed with the idea, and in the end, I came to the conclusion that even if I didn't have to be there, I would like the chance to…make up for the way your last one ended."

Her mouth fell open a bit. "You knew…about—"

"Yes, I'm well aware that Weasley saw fit to ruin your evening. I can promise you that I will not."

"But…but what about the rest of the school. They'll all see—"

"It doesn't matter what they see, at least from where I'm standing. However, it is you who must decide if you are ready for them to know. It is you who will be faced with the more direct criticism. I will not put you through that if you do not wish it. But if you wouldn't mind…I would gladly be your…date."

That last word tasted foreign as it left his lips. He had never in his life had a date, and he couldn't really remember ever using that word unless he was referring to a date such as July 7th, or April the 25th. He had never used it to describe himself or a woman before.

Hermione could not believe her ears. She and Snape were together, and had been for awhile now, but now he was actually asking to be her date? The world must have turned topsy-turvy because it didn't make much sense at all.

She smiled though, feeling a wonderful flood of emotions at being the one worthy of prompting such a drastic change in the usually hard, stoic man. She placed her right hand over top of his as they clasped her left one. "Oh Severus…I don't care what they think or what they say. I'd be delighted to go with you."

If there had been any trace of apprehension in Snape's features, it existed no more as he smiled and pulled her into his arms. Of course, how could he have been foolish enough to believe that she would say no? Hermione's arms were wrapped around him tightly as she laid her head on his shoulder. She pulled back a few minutes later and looked up at him with a curious expression.

"Um…I just have one question," she said, and he lifted one thin brow. "Do you…do you know how to dance?"

He scoffed at her. "Of course I bloody well know how to dance. I've simply never been too keen on it. I've never had anyone to dance with, now have I?"

"I could have sworn that Professor McGonagall asked you for a dance at the Yule Ball a few years ago. You refused her."

"Why would I desire to dance with Minerva?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. Just for fun I suppose. Dumbledore danced with all the female teachers."

"Yes, well, he was Mr. Jolly himself, wasn't he?"

"So you really do know how to dance, you're just not interested in doing so?"

"Who said I wasn't interested?"

"But you just said—"

"Pay attention," he said, waving away her words. "I said I've never had anyone to dance with before. Now, obviously, I do."

Hermione blinked. So he was actually intending to dance with her, too? There was a second shock to add to the first.

"You don't believe me," he stated rather than asked. "Alright, then let me show you."

She watched in fascination as he pulled out his wand and aimed it at the lake, making the ice solidify and thicken. Then he placed a spell on the soles of his boots which would allow him to glide easily over the ice without falling. He performed the same spell upon Hermione's, then stepped backward onto the frozen lake, holding a hand out to her.

Hermione couldn't believe what she was seeing. Gingerly, she took his hand as he led her out over the crystallized surface of the water and placed his free hand upon her waist. Hers automatically went to his shoulder as she stared up at him, bewildered. His head was held high as he stepped back, beginning to lead her into a waltz.

She followed his movements, watching him in awe as they swept gracefully around on the ice. He was truly a divine dancer—even better than Viktor Krum. They circled each other, and he twirled her, spinning her out and pulling her back. He lifted her and spun effortlessly several times, his skilled feet not faltering even once. Then he placed her back onto the ice, pulling her flush against him until their lips were an inch apart.

"Gods, that was…fantastic."

He smirked in an 'I-told-you-so' sort of way. "So are you convinced that I am up to one night of festivities, as long as you are by my side the entire time?"

She giggled and rose up to kiss him lovingly as they stood together on the frozen lake beneath the moonlit starry sky.

X-X-X

"He did not!" said Ginny as she sat on her bed, staring at her friend and roommate. "Don't you dare play with me, Mione."

"I'm not joking, I swear!"

"He really asked you to go to the ball with him?" the redheaded female asked skeptically.

"Yes, he did."

"Can he even dance?"

"Oh yes, Gin," said Hermione with a grin. "I had my doubts, but he proved me wrong. He can definitely dance."

Ginny sat with her mouth open in complete shock. Severus Snape was going to be dancing with Hermione Granger at the Yule Ball on Christmas day. The thought could not be swallowed and digested. It was entirely too far-fetched—even more far-fetched than the thought of the pair of them shagging like rabbits.

"You're joking," she said again in disbelief.

Hermione laughed. "No! I'm perfectly serious!"

"God, I can't wait for the ball now just so I can witness it with my own eyes. I'm sorry, but it's all going to be a very strange dream until I can see it for myself."

"I know, but trust me; you'll be surprised. And so, I'm sure, will everyone else."

"But your promise to McGonagall?"

"I'm sure she'll not protest as long as Severus and I are sure that it won't bother us. We will still act with discression, I mean…I can't have people seeing me scurrying off to the dungeons still, but they'll all find out sooner or later. It's better if we reveal our secret on our own terms."

"They'll tease you more, you know."

"I'm not so sure," said Hermione. "If they know I'm with Snape, then they wouldn't be fool enough to confront me for fear that he'll hex them sideways."

"That didn't stop Malfoy at first, though, did it?"

"Yes, well, he's a prat."

"True. So, I think we'll need another Hogsmead weekend. We need to finish our Christmas shopping and now we'll have to get new dresses for the ball." Another thought occurred to the redhead and her eyes narrowed. "Do you think he'll wear those same robes like he always does?" she asked critically.

Hermione shrugged. "I don't know. I don't really care, honestly. He looks handsome in his usual attire anyway. No matter what he wears, it will be a night I'll always remember." She smiled broadly as she thought of dancing with her Slytherin Prince again. Christmas couldn't come soon enough.

A/N: QUESTION! Okay, so I could do two things here. I could either write a chapter that deals with the four friends going to Hogsmead and other preparations for the ball, or I could simply gloss over those briefly and go straight into the ball itself. Which would you rather I do? I am going to jump over the majority of the month of December because I know I've done a terrible job at spreading out a timeline. XD And a heads up, the next full moon will fall on December the 27th, which is of course after Christmas, but before New Years. Couldn't have planned it better myself, because I really hadn't thought about it until I finished writing this chapter. Haha. So let me know your opinions on what I write next!