RELEASE
disclaimer: AS ALWAYS NONE OF THE CHARACTERS FROM THE HARRY POTTER SERIES BELONG TO ME THEY BELONG TO JK ROWLING. ALSO FANTASY ISLAND, AND CALVIN AND HOBBES ARE NOT MINE EITHER NOT SURE WHO THEY BELONG TO ACTUALLY, JUST NOT TO ME.
Click. Snape and Hermione stared wide-eyed as they watched the door shut behind the retreating form of the Headmaster. Caught unawares, the pair barely registered the lost opportunity for help before it was too late. Swearing under his breath, Snape slumped over Hermione in an act of defeat. The slight action caused the cord to loosen just a bit, giving Hermione the chance to reach her wrist. Without saying a word Hermione clasped the latch, binding the cord to her and unlinking them as the cord snapped back to its original length.
"Professor," croaked Hermione, who had been carefully trying to maintain her breathing as she was being crushed underneath the Potions Master.
Lifting his head, Snape looked down at the girl underneath him, noting for the first time her eyes were the color of arboreal gold. Mentally shaking himself, ignoring the sound of her heavy breathing, he answered her tiredly, "Yes Miss Granger."
"Well, Professor, I managed to release us," murmured Hermione as she pulled the cord free bringing his hand up with it. In doing so the pressure Hermione felt between her legs lessened. Realization then dawned on her what had made her feel like she had been kneed. Moving a bit and trying to get comfortable, Hermione glanced up at Snape and wondered what he was going to do now that they were no longer tied up. Unsure herself anymore, Hermione tried to adjust to whatever would happen.
Professor Snape slowly became aware that he was no longer tied down to Hermione but was still smothering her with his body. Pushing up onto his elbow, he brought up his other hand to support himself, so that he could extricate the rest of his body from Miss Granger's. Dimly he noted just where his other hand had been as the warmth receded from his fingertips. In one fluid motion Snape slid to the side and rolled onto his back, coming to rest next to Hermione. With a sideways glance Snape noted the flush on Hermione's face. Gathering his resolve he pushed all thoughts of what had happened and began to stand up. Reaching down and offering his hand, Snape said gruffly "Come Miss Granger, let us pack. Dumbledore will certainly be waiting our prompt arrival at the docks."
Accepting his hand Hermione stood up, quickly releasing him once she was standing. Heading over towards the bureau, Hermione gathered her belongings and without a backwards glance left the cabana, letting the door slam behind her.
Severus couldn't understand what was going on. Miss Granger had made it clear to him that she was more than interested, a fact that was bewildering to him. Just recently he himself found that he was leaning towards her in the same fashion. 'Why can't I just let it happen. Why must I purposely taunt her,' Snape thought. 'Because it's fun watching her squirm' said a little voice from deep within. Exhaling forcefully, Snape pocketed his pre- shrunk bags into his pocket before he too turned and left the cabana.
Luckily the flight back to Hogwarts was mostly uneventful. 'I should really keep my mouth shut,' fumed Hermione. With a look in Snape's direction, Hermione scowled, remembering their conversation during the flight. Attempting to make simple conversation she had foolishly revealed that she had really enjoyed dancing the hula, drunk as she was, and would love to see something of a dance contest at the school. Dumbledore seized the idea with relish, and before she could say 'Quidditch', he had enlisted Snape and her as the first entry in the soon to be announced dance. Anyone who knew Dumbledore knew they had no alternative. So with grave misgivings Hermione followed her Professors towards Hogwarts and into the main hall.
Turning to say good bye, Dumbledore raised his hand and quietly stated "Miss Granger, I'm sure that you and Professor Snape have much to prepare for the contest. I will leave you two to work this out. I'm sure this will be our most successful dance yet." Then turning to Severus, he merely winked, nodding imperceptibly as he took McGonagall's hand and lead her towards Gryffindor's Tower.
Glaring at Hermione, Severus was flabbergasted. 'How on earth does she manage to do this?!" Snape's mind screamed as he watched Miss Granger begin to fidget before his eyes. Normally, Snape would have enjoyed putting the insufferable know-it-all ill at ease, but after being bought, pursued, and tied up with said know-it-all he could only glare. Mustering enough of his glacial mannerisms as he could, Snape coolly turned to Hermione and in an arctic tone devoid of silk uttered, "Miss Granger, be down in my office tomorrow at eight..to practice," filling the last words with disdain. Without waiting for a response, Snape turned on his heels towards the dungeons, leaving a disconcerted Hermione in his wake.
'Granger, you really set yourself up this time. Falling for the most irascible man in existence and now because of your thoughtless words you're stuck in a contest with him. Well, we will have to show him..now if only I could dance.' Plagued by what was going to happen, Hermione did what she usually did when stuck.she headed for the library. Entering the library reverently, Hermione headed straight for the charms section. She was determined to find a spell that would help her dance and figured charms would be a good place to start. Finding nothing to help her, Hermione gave up resolving to return and continue to look until she could find a useful spell.
Down in the Dungeons, Severus sat brooding in front of the fire. 'How on earth was he supposed to dance in a contest, with a Gryffindor no less. Albus one day you will find yourself on the receiving end of a very nasty curse,' thought Snape as he sipped his brandy. A Gryffindor. Hermione Granger was not like the other students, she actually liked him. 'Bloody hell, you like her too, lest we forget what happened in the cabana' Snape thought as he sneered to himself. Banishing those thoughts Severus set his brandy down and headed to bed in hopes that he would find respite from his treacherous mind.
The following morning dawned, its warmth drifting over the slumbering castle. Stealing its way inside to find two lone souls awake at polar ends of the castle. Hermione slept restlessly, eventually causing her to forego any chance of sleep. Instead she paced her dorm room, fretfully going over how her 'meeting' with Snape was going to go. No matter how she dissected her feelings, the conclusions were all the same. Firstly, she still liked and wanted him. More importantly, she was sure he felt the same for her. But...sadly he refused to acknowledge it, leaving her little better off than before. Well, since the straight forward approach didn't work, perhaps hard to get is for the best. With that thought in her mind, Hermione let out a tired sigh as she dressed and headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Hermione sat down at the Gryffindor table and helped herself to some eggs and sausage. Although she wasn't very hungry, she hoped that if she ate something it would help her nerves as she waited for Dumbledore's announcement about the dance. Not really paying attention to anything, she failed to notice the attempts from Ron and Harry as they tried to talk to her. It wasn't until Professor Snape spoke in her ear did she look up.
"Miss Granger, tonight at eight, don't forget" he stated brusquely before he stalked away to the head table. Hermione watched him as he walked up and sat down, noting that he looked as tired as she felt. 'Good. I'm not the only one,' thought Hermione as she turned back to her breakfast. As she was about to take another bite of egg, mulling over the day's schedule, she was rudely stopped by a balled up napkin bouncing off her forehead. Looking up, she stared at her friends who were looking at her with looks of annoyance mingled with confusion.
Harry had had it. Balling up his napkin he threw it at Hermione in a last ditch effort to get her attention. Ron and he were dying to find out how Hermione's weekend had gone with Snape, along with most of the Seventh years sitting around them. Not surprisingly the news of Hermione bidding on Snape and winning spread like wildfire. Everyone wanted to hear how it turned out, especially after Snape had told her to not to forget an alleged 'date'. Ron was the first to speak, eyeing her carefully, asking as nonchalantly as he could, "So.how was your weekend?" Her classmates leaned in not so subtly to hear Hermione's answer. Hermione was about to speak when she was cut off by Dumbledore standing up shooting sparks from his wand.
Thanking Merlin, Hermione shushed her classmates gesturing towards Dumbledore and saying, "Later guys, looks like Dumbledore has an announcement for us." She didn't want to explain how she had made a fool of herself over the weekend, refraining from further questions being hissed her way.
"Students, I have an interesting announcement for you today. A wonderful suggestion was made to me over the holidays and I wholeheartedly feel it is exactly what we need. To put it simply, two weeks from today there will be a dance contest. Now I believe that this could be a great way to foster inter-house relationships and suggest you find a partner. Yes, you will need a partner from another house. The rules are simple enough, the couples will need to maintain physical contact throughout the dance, any style is allowed. Oh, also the contest is not limited to students, the teachers can compete as well." Casting a benevolent look across the student body and head table, the Headmaster retook his seat returning to his breakfast.
Mayhem erupted. Students and teachers alike broke out into heated discussions over the upcoming contest. All but one.Snape. Severus sat defeated, he had gone early to persuade Dumbledore to forget the whole thing but the old coot refused. Characteristically, the Headmaster just nodded sagely, his eyes all a twinkle replying "No Severus, this will be good for more than just the students. Now don't worry, you are a fine dancer and I dare say Miss Granger will make a delightful partner." Afterwhich Dumbledore shooed him out of his office. Chagrined, he had headed down to breakfast. All that was left for him was to wade through his classes before his unanticipated 'date' with Miss Granger. Perfect. Staring out over the sea of students, Snape's glare came to rest on the troublesome trio. From his vantage point, he watched as Potter and Weasley were trying to engage Hermione, pressing her most likely for details from her trip. Annoyance at that thought flashed through him. 'It's none of their bloody business.' Snape began to think, as he was overwhelmed with what.jealousy? 'Dear Merlin, I won't allow myself to have any feelings for that mere slip of a girl. Still, she is a Gryffindor, I must be losing what little sanity I have left.' Berating himself for allowing such a thing to happen he barely noticed when Professor Hooch had asked to partner up with her. Collecting himself he stood and muttered absentmindedly, "I have already been taken." Turning, he left not seeing the stunned looks coming from the staff table.
Hermione in the mean time was ignoring the stares of her stunned classmates. After hearing Dumbledore's announcement, excitement ran rampant through the Gryffindor table. For Hermione's part, she wished the floor would open up and swallow her so that she could evade all the pairs of eyes that were now focused on her. Lavender and Parvati, who had been sitting near her, immediately asked what she thought about the dance. Without thinking again, Hermione automatically replied that she was already entered. Everyone all around her simultaneously turned as Lavender asked the one question burning on the tip of her classmates' tongues. "How?"
"Snape, I'm paired with Snape" mumbled Hermione as she nearly fell over her seat in a rush to get out of the Hall.
"I guess the week end went well then," exclaimed Harry as the Gryphindors watched Hermione leave the hall.
Classes flew by uneventfully. Soon it was time for Hermione to head toward the dungeons. Avoiding her friends for most of the day hadn't been too hard. Hermione stayed mainly out of the common room where she knew they would be and had gone to the library to search for any spell that could help her dance. Finding nothing and out of time, she reluctantly left the library trudging down the moving stairs till she reached the door to Snape's office. Knocking, she waited for him to call her in but heard nothing. Knocking louder than before, again she waited and again there was no answer. "Twinkle twinkle little bat, how I wonder where you're at." Hermione murmured as she turned to leave, only to run right into Professor Snape.
"It would appear I was right behind you, Miss Granger. I do hope you are more graceful on the dance floor as opposed to the hallway," Snape muttered as he stepped past her to unward his door. Opening the door, Snape welcomed her in with unaccustomed chivalry. Indicating a chair by the fire that he lit, Snape proceeded to offer tea hoping to put off the inevitable. Sitting down opposite Hermione, Snape eyed her carefully as she sipped her tea musing over what had nearly transpired between them over the weekend. Not wanting to dwell on thoughts of Hermione as she was underneath him, he cleared his throat in an attempt to garner her attention to the matter at hand.
"Ahem.Miss Granger, the matter of the contest. Have you danced much before?"
"Of course Professor, I ."
Cutting her off, "I mean other than at the Yule ball, Miss Granger," Snape sneered.
Indignation rose up in Hermione. "I've danced, I might not be great but I have danced," Hermione replied as her eyes narrowed staring back at her teacher.
Severus took her answer for a negative and sighed to himself. "Alright Miss Granger, let's just see what you can do. Stand up." Using his wand Snape levitated the furniture off to the side of the room, making a space for them to practice in. Holding out his hand he waited for Hermione to come to him. He waited in vain. "Miss Granger, you do understand we must remain in contact at all times for this contest. If you won't take my hand we will certainly lose." Hermione just stood there eyeing him with blatant contempt. 'Never tangle with a woman scorned.' Snape thought as he strode over and grasped her hand whispering "Hermione, I don't intend to lose," stressing her first name in order to get her cooperation.
Another flick of his wand set Latin salsa music flowing through the room. "Do try and keep up." With that he took her up in his arms and began to move across the room.
It only took three steps for Snape to forget himself. Holding Hermione so close brought back the feelings he had been attempting to thwart. The warmth that she exuded was intoxicating. Looking into her eyes, he lost his focus letting his hands slip down her side coming to rest low on her hips. Before long they were just standing in place held together by the music.
Mesmerized, Hermione watched as Professor Snape began to lean into her, his lips slightly parted. Coming to her senses Hermione pulled back uttering breathlessly, "Would you kindly place your hands where they belong?" 'He wasn't going to get it that easily,' thought Hermione as she moved her hips just enough to indicate where his hands had landed.
Almost as though she had slapped him he stepped back as if stung. Resetting the music, he took her hand again and started all over, stopping as she trod on his feet. Everytime she did so, he would restart the music forcing them to start over. Before they knew it the bell tower chimed, alerting them that it was way past curfew. Sticky with sweat and with sore feet they agreed to quit for the night. Snape sent Hermione back to her dorm instructing her to return the next evening at the same time. After Hermione left Snape fell into bed thoroughly exhausted from dancing for the last 5 hours. Going over how many times Hermione crushed his foot, 'She probably did it on purpose..if not we will most certainly lose,' he thought as he drifted off to sleep
Hermione was bone tired as she reached the common room. Half hoping that the boys hadn't waited up for her she entered as quietly as she could. She was halfway across the room when she heard them.
"You're back. Well care to explain now 'Mione why you are paired with Snape?" Ron said as he looked her in the eye, daring her to answer.
Sighing, Hermione took a seat facing the two boys. Starting at the beginning, she explained how she felt towards their teacher and why she bid on him in the first place. She continued to tell them about their stay on 'Fantasy Island' carefully omitting how they were tied up, finishing with the conversation on the flight back to Hogwarts. Telling them, she felt a bit relieved at having gotten it out of her system even as she watched the look of disgust that was growing on their faces exponentially. It reminded her of a muggle cartoon, "Calvin and Hobbes" and the face Calvin would make. Tongue sticking out to the side, one eye squinted and the other eye wide open.
" 'Mione why Snape? He has done nothing but beat us down for the last six and a half years!" Harry hissed.
"What could you possibly see in him?" Ron echoed, disgust evident in every word.
Her momentary relief was just that, momentary. Standing up, she glared at them putting an end to the 'diarrhea of the mouth' that had infected both of them at her confession. "Don't get your knickers in a twist!" Hermione hissed in a tone reminiscent of Snape. Standing over them she crossed her arms daring them to say even one single word. "NOTHING is going to happen. Dumbledore made us enter together, alright." Her nostrils flared she then turned and headed toward the solitude of her room.
Each night over the next two weeks, Severus and Hermione practiced. Finally the night of the contest arrived and Hermione was no better, she kept stepping on his toes. Frustrated and wanting to win, Snape made a decision and informed Hermione to meet him for one last practice before the contest.
Arriving at his office, Hermione was about to knock when he yanked the door open and ushered her in. Having decided to stick with the Latin salsa dance they had been practicing she found Snape wearing sleek black trousers and a silk black shirt, the top button undone. As instructed she also wore black but trimmed in red. A slinky corseted dress that fell to just below her knees with a low neckline and scooped back. Watching Snape, she noticed him grab an empty vial before coming over to her. Wondering what he intended she waited patiently, going over the dance steps in her mind, when she felt him place the vial in her hands. Curious, she looked at him and then at the vial.
Seeing the questioning look in her eyes, he pointed to the vial mumbling, "Placeitinyourgarter"
Not quite understanding him all she could utter was "Excuse me?"
"Place it in your garter, Miss Granger. If you keep it there it will improve your footwork and our chances of winning." He replied in as controlled a voice as possible.
"You've got to be kidding," sputtered Hermione, "I don't think that vial was EVER meant to go there."
"The idea, Miss Granger, is to keep it in place, keeping your feet together and not on top of mine!" Snape hissed in an almost whisper.
"No. I can't dance with that there!" she nearly yelled as she straightened and crossed her arms in defiance.
"Fine you silly girl, if you want to lose, so be it" Severus replied with the expression of defeat clear on his face. Holding the door open he allowed Hermione to lead the way, muttering under his breath as she passed.
Hearing him, she stopped looking at him quizzically. "What Professor?"
"Nothing Hermione, I merely said 'Hondgipon'," he replied with a hint of a smile barely visible around his eyes. Again he gestured to her to proceed to the Hall. Watching her turn to go he glanced down at her feet. 'Ah, Miss Granger we may win after all,' he thought noting the pink fuzzy heeled slippers that replaced her previous black ones. 'Indeed we just might.'
A/N: Arboreal gold is another name for amber. Thank you for all the wonderful reviews that I have received thus far, I really enjoyed reading them. Thank you EvilFireWitch, kat, Moi, jaws, witchy_grrl, Aurinia, Ginny Riddle, animegirl-mika, and littlemandyralph for reviewing, I think I have become a 'challenge' junkie. I've written this chapter in response to "Hondgipon" spell challenge on WIKTT.
disclaimer: AS ALWAYS NONE OF THE CHARACTERS FROM THE HARRY POTTER SERIES BELONG TO ME THEY BELONG TO JK ROWLING. ALSO FANTASY ISLAND, AND CALVIN AND HOBBES ARE NOT MINE EITHER NOT SURE WHO THEY BELONG TO ACTUALLY, JUST NOT TO ME.
Click. Snape and Hermione stared wide-eyed as they watched the door shut behind the retreating form of the Headmaster. Caught unawares, the pair barely registered the lost opportunity for help before it was too late. Swearing under his breath, Snape slumped over Hermione in an act of defeat. The slight action caused the cord to loosen just a bit, giving Hermione the chance to reach her wrist. Without saying a word Hermione clasped the latch, binding the cord to her and unlinking them as the cord snapped back to its original length.
"Professor," croaked Hermione, who had been carefully trying to maintain her breathing as she was being crushed underneath the Potions Master.
Lifting his head, Snape looked down at the girl underneath him, noting for the first time her eyes were the color of arboreal gold. Mentally shaking himself, ignoring the sound of her heavy breathing, he answered her tiredly, "Yes Miss Granger."
"Well, Professor, I managed to release us," murmured Hermione as she pulled the cord free bringing his hand up with it. In doing so the pressure Hermione felt between her legs lessened. Realization then dawned on her what had made her feel like she had been kneed. Moving a bit and trying to get comfortable, Hermione glanced up at Snape and wondered what he was going to do now that they were no longer tied up. Unsure herself anymore, Hermione tried to adjust to whatever would happen.
Professor Snape slowly became aware that he was no longer tied down to Hermione but was still smothering her with his body. Pushing up onto his elbow, he brought up his other hand to support himself, so that he could extricate the rest of his body from Miss Granger's. Dimly he noted just where his other hand had been as the warmth receded from his fingertips. In one fluid motion Snape slid to the side and rolled onto his back, coming to rest next to Hermione. With a sideways glance Snape noted the flush on Hermione's face. Gathering his resolve he pushed all thoughts of what had happened and began to stand up. Reaching down and offering his hand, Snape said gruffly "Come Miss Granger, let us pack. Dumbledore will certainly be waiting our prompt arrival at the docks."
Accepting his hand Hermione stood up, quickly releasing him once she was standing. Heading over towards the bureau, Hermione gathered her belongings and without a backwards glance left the cabana, letting the door slam behind her.
Severus couldn't understand what was going on. Miss Granger had made it clear to him that she was more than interested, a fact that was bewildering to him. Just recently he himself found that he was leaning towards her in the same fashion. 'Why can't I just let it happen. Why must I purposely taunt her,' Snape thought. 'Because it's fun watching her squirm' said a little voice from deep within. Exhaling forcefully, Snape pocketed his pre- shrunk bags into his pocket before he too turned and left the cabana.
Luckily the flight back to Hogwarts was mostly uneventful. 'I should really keep my mouth shut,' fumed Hermione. With a look in Snape's direction, Hermione scowled, remembering their conversation during the flight. Attempting to make simple conversation she had foolishly revealed that she had really enjoyed dancing the hula, drunk as she was, and would love to see something of a dance contest at the school. Dumbledore seized the idea with relish, and before she could say 'Quidditch', he had enlisted Snape and her as the first entry in the soon to be announced dance. Anyone who knew Dumbledore knew they had no alternative. So with grave misgivings Hermione followed her Professors towards Hogwarts and into the main hall.
Turning to say good bye, Dumbledore raised his hand and quietly stated "Miss Granger, I'm sure that you and Professor Snape have much to prepare for the contest. I will leave you two to work this out. I'm sure this will be our most successful dance yet." Then turning to Severus, he merely winked, nodding imperceptibly as he took McGonagall's hand and lead her towards Gryffindor's Tower.
Glaring at Hermione, Severus was flabbergasted. 'How on earth does she manage to do this?!" Snape's mind screamed as he watched Miss Granger begin to fidget before his eyes. Normally, Snape would have enjoyed putting the insufferable know-it-all ill at ease, but after being bought, pursued, and tied up with said know-it-all he could only glare. Mustering enough of his glacial mannerisms as he could, Snape coolly turned to Hermione and in an arctic tone devoid of silk uttered, "Miss Granger, be down in my office tomorrow at eight..to practice," filling the last words with disdain. Without waiting for a response, Snape turned on his heels towards the dungeons, leaving a disconcerted Hermione in his wake.
'Granger, you really set yourself up this time. Falling for the most irascible man in existence and now because of your thoughtless words you're stuck in a contest with him. Well, we will have to show him..now if only I could dance.' Plagued by what was going to happen, Hermione did what she usually did when stuck.she headed for the library. Entering the library reverently, Hermione headed straight for the charms section. She was determined to find a spell that would help her dance and figured charms would be a good place to start. Finding nothing to help her, Hermione gave up resolving to return and continue to look until she could find a useful spell.
Down in the Dungeons, Severus sat brooding in front of the fire. 'How on earth was he supposed to dance in a contest, with a Gryffindor no less. Albus one day you will find yourself on the receiving end of a very nasty curse,' thought Snape as he sipped his brandy. A Gryffindor. Hermione Granger was not like the other students, she actually liked him. 'Bloody hell, you like her too, lest we forget what happened in the cabana' Snape thought as he sneered to himself. Banishing those thoughts Severus set his brandy down and headed to bed in hopes that he would find respite from his treacherous mind.
The following morning dawned, its warmth drifting over the slumbering castle. Stealing its way inside to find two lone souls awake at polar ends of the castle. Hermione slept restlessly, eventually causing her to forego any chance of sleep. Instead she paced her dorm room, fretfully going over how her 'meeting' with Snape was going to go. No matter how she dissected her feelings, the conclusions were all the same. Firstly, she still liked and wanted him. More importantly, she was sure he felt the same for her. But...sadly he refused to acknowledge it, leaving her little better off than before. Well, since the straight forward approach didn't work, perhaps hard to get is for the best. With that thought in her mind, Hermione let out a tired sigh as she dressed and headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Hermione sat down at the Gryffindor table and helped herself to some eggs and sausage. Although she wasn't very hungry, she hoped that if she ate something it would help her nerves as she waited for Dumbledore's announcement about the dance. Not really paying attention to anything, she failed to notice the attempts from Ron and Harry as they tried to talk to her. It wasn't until Professor Snape spoke in her ear did she look up.
"Miss Granger, tonight at eight, don't forget" he stated brusquely before he stalked away to the head table. Hermione watched him as he walked up and sat down, noting that he looked as tired as she felt. 'Good. I'm not the only one,' thought Hermione as she turned back to her breakfast. As she was about to take another bite of egg, mulling over the day's schedule, she was rudely stopped by a balled up napkin bouncing off her forehead. Looking up, she stared at her friends who were looking at her with looks of annoyance mingled with confusion.
Harry had had it. Balling up his napkin he threw it at Hermione in a last ditch effort to get her attention. Ron and he were dying to find out how Hermione's weekend had gone with Snape, along with most of the Seventh years sitting around them. Not surprisingly the news of Hermione bidding on Snape and winning spread like wildfire. Everyone wanted to hear how it turned out, especially after Snape had told her to not to forget an alleged 'date'. Ron was the first to speak, eyeing her carefully, asking as nonchalantly as he could, "So.how was your weekend?" Her classmates leaned in not so subtly to hear Hermione's answer. Hermione was about to speak when she was cut off by Dumbledore standing up shooting sparks from his wand.
Thanking Merlin, Hermione shushed her classmates gesturing towards Dumbledore and saying, "Later guys, looks like Dumbledore has an announcement for us." She didn't want to explain how she had made a fool of herself over the weekend, refraining from further questions being hissed her way.
"Students, I have an interesting announcement for you today. A wonderful suggestion was made to me over the holidays and I wholeheartedly feel it is exactly what we need. To put it simply, two weeks from today there will be a dance contest. Now I believe that this could be a great way to foster inter-house relationships and suggest you find a partner. Yes, you will need a partner from another house. The rules are simple enough, the couples will need to maintain physical contact throughout the dance, any style is allowed. Oh, also the contest is not limited to students, the teachers can compete as well." Casting a benevolent look across the student body and head table, the Headmaster retook his seat returning to his breakfast.
Mayhem erupted. Students and teachers alike broke out into heated discussions over the upcoming contest. All but one.Snape. Severus sat defeated, he had gone early to persuade Dumbledore to forget the whole thing but the old coot refused. Characteristically, the Headmaster just nodded sagely, his eyes all a twinkle replying "No Severus, this will be good for more than just the students. Now don't worry, you are a fine dancer and I dare say Miss Granger will make a delightful partner." Afterwhich Dumbledore shooed him out of his office. Chagrined, he had headed down to breakfast. All that was left for him was to wade through his classes before his unanticipated 'date' with Miss Granger. Perfect. Staring out over the sea of students, Snape's glare came to rest on the troublesome trio. From his vantage point, he watched as Potter and Weasley were trying to engage Hermione, pressing her most likely for details from her trip. Annoyance at that thought flashed through him. 'It's none of their bloody business.' Snape began to think, as he was overwhelmed with what.jealousy? 'Dear Merlin, I won't allow myself to have any feelings for that mere slip of a girl. Still, she is a Gryffindor, I must be losing what little sanity I have left.' Berating himself for allowing such a thing to happen he barely noticed when Professor Hooch had asked to partner up with her. Collecting himself he stood and muttered absentmindedly, "I have already been taken." Turning, he left not seeing the stunned looks coming from the staff table.
Hermione in the mean time was ignoring the stares of her stunned classmates. After hearing Dumbledore's announcement, excitement ran rampant through the Gryffindor table. For Hermione's part, she wished the floor would open up and swallow her so that she could evade all the pairs of eyes that were now focused on her. Lavender and Parvati, who had been sitting near her, immediately asked what she thought about the dance. Without thinking again, Hermione automatically replied that she was already entered. Everyone all around her simultaneously turned as Lavender asked the one question burning on the tip of her classmates' tongues. "How?"
"Snape, I'm paired with Snape" mumbled Hermione as she nearly fell over her seat in a rush to get out of the Hall.
"I guess the week end went well then," exclaimed Harry as the Gryphindors watched Hermione leave the hall.
Classes flew by uneventfully. Soon it was time for Hermione to head toward the dungeons. Avoiding her friends for most of the day hadn't been too hard. Hermione stayed mainly out of the common room where she knew they would be and had gone to the library to search for any spell that could help her dance. Finding nothing and out of time, she reluctantly left the library trudging down the moving stairs till she reached the door to Snape's office. Knocking, she waited for him to call her in but heard nothing. Knocking louder than before, again she waited and again there was no answer. "Twinkle twinkle little bat, how I wonder where you're at." Hermione murmured as she turned to leave, only to run right into Professor Snape.
"It would appear I was right behind you, Miss Granger. I do hope you are more graceful on the dance floor as opposed to the hallway," Snape muttered as he stepped past her to unward his door. Opening the door, Snape welcomed her in with unaccustomed chivalry. Indicating a chair by the fire that he lit, Snape proceeded to offer tea hoping to put off the inevitable. Sitting down opposite Hermione, Snape eyed her carefully as she sipped her tea musing over what had nearly transpired between them over the weekend. Not wanting to dwell on thoughts of Hermione as she was underneath him, he cleared his throat in an attempt to garner her attention to the matter at hand.
"Ahem.Miss Granger, the matter of the contest. Have you danced much before?"
"Of course Professor, I ."
Cutting her off, "I mean other than at the Yule ball, Miss Granger," Snape sneered.
Indignation rose up in Hermione. "I've danced, I might not be great but I have danced," Hermione replied as her eyes narrowed staring back at her teacher.
Severus took her answer for a negative and sighed to himself. "Alright Miss Granger, let's just see what you can do. Stand up." Using his wand Snape levitated the furniture off to the side of the room, making a space for them to practice in. Holding out his hand he waited for Hermione to come to him. He waited in vain. "Miss Granger, you do understand we must remain in contact at all times for this contest. If you won't take my hand we will certainly lose." Hermione just stood there eyeing him with blatant contempt. 'Never tangle with a woman scorned.' Snape thought as he strode over and grasped her hand whispering "Hermione, I don't intend to lose," stressing her first name in order to get her cooperation.
Another flick of his wand set Latin salsa music flowing through the room. "Do try and keep up." With that he took her up in his arms and began to move across the room.
It only took three steps for Snape to forget himself. Holding Hermione so close brought back the feelings he had been attempting to thwart. The warmth that she exuded was intoxicating. Looking into her eyes, he lost his focus letting his hands slip down her side coming to rest low on her hips. Before long they were just standing in place held together by the music.
Mesmerized, Hermione watched as Professor Snape began to lean into her, his lips slightly parted. Coming to her senses Hermione pulled back uttering breathlessly, "Would you kindly place your hands where they belong?" 'He wasn't going to get it that easily,' thought Hermione as she moved her hips just enough to indicate where his hands had landed.
Almost as though she had slapped him he stepped back as if stung. Resetting the music, he took her hand again and started all over, stopping as she trod on his feet. Everytime she did so, he would restart the music forcing them to start over. Before they knew it the bell tower chimed, alerting them that it was way past curfew. Sticky with sweat and with sore feet they agreed to quit for the night. Snape sent Hermione back to her dorm instructing her to return the next evening at the same time. After Hermione left Snape fell into bed thoroughly exhausted from dancing for the last 5 hours. Going over how many times Hermione crushed his foot, 'She probably did it on purpose..if not we will most certainly lose,' he thought as he drifted off to sleep
Hermione was bone tired as she reached the common room. Half hoping that the boys hadn't waited up for her she entered as quietly as she could. She was halfway across the room when she heard them.
"You're back. Well care to explain now 'Mione why you are paired with Snape?" Ron said as he looked her in the eye, daring her to answer.
Sighing, Hermione took a seat facing the two boys. Starting at the beginning, she explained how she felt towards their teacher and why she bid on him in the first place. She continued to tell them about their stay on 'Fantasy Island' carefully omitting how they were tied up, finishing with the conversation on the flight back to Hogwarts. Telling them, she felt a bit relieved at having gotten it out of her system even as she watched the look of disgust that was growing on their faces exponentially. It reminded her of a muggle cartoon, "Calvin and Hobbes" and the face Calvin would make. Tongue sticking out to the side, one eye squinted and the other eye wide open.
" 'Mione why Snape? He has done nothing but beat us down for the last six and a half years!" Harry hissed.
"What could you possibly see in him?" Ron echoed, disgust evident in every word.
Her momentary relief was just that, momentary. Standing up, she glared at them putting an end to the 'diarrhea of the mouth' that had infected both of them at her confession. "Don't get your knickers in a twist!" Hermione hissed in a tone reminiscent of Snape. Standing over them she crossed her arms daring them to say even one single word. "NOTHING is going to happen. Dumbledore made us enter together, alright." Her nostrils flared she then turned and headed toward the solitude of her room.
Each night over the next two weeks, Severus and Hermione practiced. Finally the night of the contest arrived and Hermione was no better, she kept stepping on his toes. Frustrated and wanting to win, Snape made a decision and informed Hermione to meet him for one last practice before the contest.
Arriving at his office, Hermione was about to knock when he yanked the door open and ushered her in. Having decided to stick with the Latin salsa dance they had been practicing she found Snape wearing sleek black trousers and a silk black shirt, the top button undone. As instructed she also wore black but trimmed in red. A slinky corseted dress that fell to just below her knees with a low neckline and scooped back. Watching Snape, she noticed him grab an empty vial before coming over to her. Wondering what he intended she waited patiently, going over the dance steps in her mind, when she felt him place the vial in her hands. Curious, she looked at him and then at the vial.
Seeing the questioning look in her eyes, he pointed to the vial mumbling, "Placeitinyourgarter"
Not quite understanding him all she could utter was "Excuse me?"
"Place it in your garter, Miss Granger. If you keep it there it will improve your footwork and our chances of winning." He replied in as controlled a voice as possible.
"You've got to be kidding," sputtered Hermione, "I don't think that vial was EVER meant to go there."
"The idea, Miss Granger, is to keep it in place, keeping your feet together and not on top of mine!" Snape hissed in an almost whisper.
"No. I can't dance with that there!" she nearly yelled as she straightened and crossed her arms in defiance.
"Fine you silly girl, if you want to lose, so be it" Severus replied with the expression of defeat clear on his face. Holding the door open he allowed Hermione to lead the way, muttering under his breath as she passed.
Hearing him, she stopped looking at him quizzically. "What Professor?"
"Nothing Hermione, I merely said 'Hondgipon'," he replied with a hint of a smile barely visible around his eyes. Again he gestured to her to proceed to the Hall. Watching her turn to go he glanced down at her feet. 'Ah, Miss Granger we may win after all,' he thought noting the pink fuzzy heeled slippers that replaced her previous black ones. 'Indeed we just might.'
A/N: Arboreal gold is another name for amber. Thank you for all the wonderful reviews that I have received thus far, I really enjoyed reading them. Thank you EvilFireWitch, kat, Moi, jaws, witchy_grrl, Aurinia, Ginny Riddle, animegirl-mika, and littlemandyralph for reviewing, I think I have become a 'challenge' junkie. I've written this chapter in response to "Hondgipon" spell challenge on WIKTT.
