CXI

Hermione worked to think fast, a difficult task as Severus' hand stroking her leg was delightfully distracting. Breathe.

"Two truths and a lie. We take turns. For example: Potions wasn't my favourite class. I served detention only once. I love Quidditch."

The hand stilled and she felt the full weight of his regard pressing upon her.

Determined not to give away any clues, she allowed her attention to drift to the noise from the revellers nearby. Her lower lip slipped between her teeth, a bad habit she'd not been able to break.

"What do I win if I guess correctly?"

CXII

Hermione snorted. Of course, the consummate Slytherin wanted to know what was in this for him. "Information, obviously. "

"And if I fail to detect the falsehood?" His fingers squeezed her leg, making her jump.

"Then you have less information." She wriggled suggestively against him. "I do hope you don't take all night, husband."

His lips curved upward in a confident smirk. "Your first statement is meant to set me off guard, so it is likely true. The second is quite specific and the last, suspiciously banal."

Hermione leaned back, giving her wizard room to work.

"You do not love Quidditch."

CXIII

"Just so. Your turn!" His witch clasped her hands together, drawing his eyes back to her breasts. Down, Severus.

"I speak four languages, I prefer coffee over tea, and my favourite colour is pink."

She grinned brightly. "You could be a polyglot. Did you invent a charm for that?"

Severus made no response, idly tracing a circle on her thigh.

"I've seen you take coffee in the morning. Your favourite colour? I'd expect black or green. Too easy."

He held back, waiting.

A curl escaped its confinement as she shook off the red herring. "You speak more than four languages!"

CXIV

The God's laugh shone through Severus' fog of consternation, its heat simultaneously burning and comforting him, reminiscent of a stone soaked by the summer sun.

I like this one. She understands the chase.

Severus recognised his God, surprised he was still present. I could throw her over my shoulder and carry her off. Hang the chase.

She isn't that sort of woman, lad.

No, she wasn't. Damnation.

She leaned toward him with open admiration, waiting.

"Correct." He rolled the R, drawing the word out.

She lit up with pleasure, clapping her hands. "How many, then? Go on. Impress me!"

"Eight."

CXV

"Eight! I've four myself. I only read and write Greek, but I'm not fluent yet." Severus watched her sweet mouth purse in modest self-censure.

In a casual tone Severus said, "That's quite an accomplishment for someone your age. What are you, 21?"

She opened her mouth to answer, but she stopped herself with a furrowed brow. "Clever. I almost fell for it."

Severus waved her objection away. "Proceed."

She closed her eyes as she formulated her truths and lies.

While his witch was distracted, he tried to picture her face over a steaming cauldron.

Who was under that white makeup?

CXVI

Hermione's heart raced in exhilaration. The clues that flew to her mind were too obvious, for she intended to coax him, give only a hint. He was brilliant—she was amazed that he hadn't discovered her secret already.

Ready now, she met Severus' gaze. He was staring at her with rapt attention. His magnetism was so intense that she had to look away at once, not wanting to become distracted.

"I am terrible at logic puzzles. All of my boyfriends were Quidditch players. My favourite colour is red."

Her fingers occupied themselves with braiding the silk ribbons falling from her waist.

CXVII

"Ridiculous!" said Severus.

The negativity of his reaction hit Hermione in the gut, and she winced. Don't be angry.

After a pause, he continued pensively. "You hate Quidditch, so why date a player?"

Relief flooded her, and she inhaled deeply. "Sorry, but you are incorrect. My turn again."

Scowling, he pressed her for more information. "So you prefer the colour blue? Or bronze?"

Hermione suppressed a giggle. "Wrong again! I am quite good at logic puzzles. I beat yours." When she realised what she'd said, her hand flew to her mouth in dismay.

Severus' scowl melted into a neutral mask.

AN:

Written as an extension of the grangersnape100 Spring Fever Challenge.

Thanks to Toodleoo, Qdrew, and deweydecimateher for their enthusiasm and beta assistance on this chapter. :)

My sincere thanks to readers like you!