Dancing Shoes: Inappropriate Behavior

By: The Duck

A/n: Wowzers, I can't believe all the wonderful reviews I've received thus far on this story. If I had known that people actually found my sarcastic/sexual humor amusing I would have written this story long before now. So big hug and thank you for anybody who has been kind enough to review this story. You guys seriously rule! One other thing, I'd like to apologize for the ending of this chapter and all and any threats with bodily harm to my person are hereby excused in advance. Now without further ado.

DANCING SHOES CHAPTER 4!

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Hermione sat on the casually on the window sill looking over the Hogwarts Grounds as the first snowflakes of winter drifted lazily from heavy, puffy gray clouds to the ground. Hermione shrugged as she wished her inner thoughts could be as calm and serene as the outer beauty of winter she was currently observing from her window perch.

Instead her thoughts were focused on one infamous Hogwarts Potions Master that went by the name of Severus Snape. Of course this wasn't a new thing at all for Hermione instead it was becoming a bit aching familiar to her and she often times found her mind wondering to thoughts of the man whenever she let her mind wonder off of her less than interesting holiday school work.

Tonight she found herself confronting newly found feelings for this man, she had only truly known for almost two weeks now. Sure it was one thing to gawk at the body and to appreciate the intelligence in his black eyes but, it was another thing entirely to find herself …wanting him, and not completely in the physical sense that she had first felt. No now it was becoming dangerous when emotions became involved. If only the man weren't so god damned lovable she thought bitterly to herself. Then burst out in chuckles at the mere idea of anybody much less a student calling Severus Snape lovable.

"Hermione my girl you've finally lost it." She told herself still not removing her gaze from the snowflakes outside her bedroom window. She shrugged, she had been sitting there on her windowsill most of the afternoon and she was no closer to rationalizing her feeling for Severus, as she had begun to refer to him as.

Was it entirely impossible for her to fall for Severus? She mentally asked herself. No, of course it wasn't, not when he had been polite and witty and amused her to no end during their almost daily dancing practices. Something that she always looking forward to during the last two weeks.

Tonight was going to be their very last practice before they performed before all of Hogwarts tomorrow evening at the start of the Yule Ball. She had to admit to herself that she felt a pang of sadness at the thought of no longer spending her evenings with that sarcastic, mysterious man she had found herself … Don't say it Hermione she told herself but she was to far into the thought to stop it. The man she had found herself falling for. The thought finished and she suddenly felt an invisible weight lifting from her shoulders.

Now was that so hard she questioned herself as she slowly slide down from her perch stretching her stiff legs as she slowly walked over toward her closet to get some clothes on for her last practice. Yes she told herself mentally, if it were easy I wouldn't have been staring out my window all afternoon.

Opening the doors to her wardrobe she looked throughout searching for something to wear. She ended up choosing the outfit she had worn the very first night they had spent together. She figured it was somehow symbolic that she worn it tonight. Even though she knew they would be doing very little if any dancing tonight. Both had agreed on the fact that they had practiced it so many times they could each perform it in their sleep if necessary. So tonight they would be getting something together for Severus to wear that would match her dress. Standing in front of the mirror she pulled her unruly curls into a ponytail and grabbed her cloak off a nearby chair. Putting it on just so she would be warm on the trip down there. Giving one last smile to the mirror she headed down into the common Room. Harry and Ron playing a game of chess near the fire and Ginny was working on some holiday homework. Ginny gave a smile when she saw Hermione she gave a wave and went back to working on what appeared to be an essay.

Hermione smiled back and she pushed the entrance back and started on the way down to the dungeons. Hermione went into a bit of a daze as she let her feet guide her, to where she wanted to be. Hermione was on the last step of the stairs into the dungeon when out of nowhere there was a cackle she was so shocked she lost her balance and fell hard on her knees. She turned and saw the culprit, Peeves was floating in mid air cackling madly at the fact that she had fallen. She glared at the ghost as he went off on his merry way laughing at what he had done to her. A stinging in her right knee alerted her to the fact that she had skinned her knee in the fall. She slowly got to her feet ignoring the small pain in her knee she could deal with it later after all she thought to herself. Arriving at the door she knocked and opened the door without waiting for his reply somewhere along the line they had dropped many of the formalities and were even know calling each other by their given names. Hermione had appreciated the gesture it made her feel somehow more like his equal than some inferior student.

Entering the room Hermione felt warmth surround her, a small fire was blazing merrily in the fireplace giving the Potions workroom a cozy warm glow. Severus was seated next to a worktable and spread on the table was the old robe they were going to transfigure into his dancing outfit. He glanced over at her his mouth turning up slightly in a half smile he looked her up and down and saw the skinned knee she had just received.

"Your hurt." He said with a hint of caring in his voice that she had never heard before.

"It's nothing really." She said sitting down and taking off her cloak. "Peeves just startled me on the stairs cause me to trip on the stairs." She explained.

"Hold on a moment." He said getting up and grabbing a small bottle off a shelf and picking up a rag that was lying nearby. He opened the bottle as he walked back toward her pouring some potion onto the rag to wet it. Sitting back down next to her he looked her in the eye as he said.

"This may sting a bit but, it'll heal it right up." He said as he gently patted it. Hermione sucked in a breath and bit her lip. He certainly wasn't kidding about the pain part she thought sarcastically. But a second later the stinging had faded and the wound was slowly closing up leaving no evidence there had been one to begin with.

"Thank you." She said sincerely looking him in the eye. He nodded at her when he spoke again.

"Your welcome." He said giving her that odd half smile again. For a moment Hermione thought that he was going to kiss her but in an instant the moment was gone and he was back to business.

"So what do you think we should do with this?" He asked gesturing at the old robes lying on the table.

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Two hours and ton of transfiguration spells later they had accomplished their goal. On the worktable where the old tattered robes had been there was now a black dress shirt with matching black pants. The only special thing about it was that the shirt cuffs were done in black velvet to match with Hermione's dress. It was simple, elegant and would accompany the dress perfectly. She smiled proudly at their joint creation she had to agree they made a rather good team when they wanted to.

Severus glanced up at the clock and then back at Hermione. "I think you've been here long enough you should probably get back to your Common Room." He said to her. Hermione nodded as she started toward the door putting her cloak on as she went, when she reached the door she was stopped by his voice.

"Oh you should take this too." He called throwing a huge black robe at her, which she easily caught.

"What's this for?" She asked curiously looking at it.

"Dumbledore wants all the dancers to wear it over their outfits I guess he wants to shock everybody cause we're to take them off right before we perform."

"Ok, then. I'll meet you at the dance tomorrow night then." She said they both nodded at each other. Hermione hesitated a moment at the door before shaking her head softly and leaving to go back to her tower.

******

Hermione glanced nervously over at her bedside clock. It read five O' clock exactly and Hermione was pacing anxiously. Tonight was the night she had been preparing two long weeks for. The door opened suddenly with a creak and Ginny entered the room with a large bag in her arms. Smiling at Hermione she closed the door with a push from her foot and brought the bag over setting it down heavily on Hermione dresser.

"Ready then Hermione?" She asked opening the bag and pulling various beauty products out. Hermione nodded and excitedly and sat down as Ginny went to work on her face applying make- up with precision.

"Ok then, all done." She said about 20 minutes later. Hermione turned around and looked into the depths of the mirror seeing a reflection she didn't think was her own at first. She stared at the mirror in amazement.

"I look wonderful!" She exclaimed happily. Her eyes had been done in a sparkling silver eyeshadow Ginny had also taken a small amount of pitch black eye liner and had at the ends making her eyes look almost Egyptian. Completing the look was a clear shiny gloss on her lips, which seemed to make them look bigger and pouter

"Gin you're a genus." She said turning and smiling happily at her friend. Ginny just smiled right back as she replied. "Well, sit back down Miss Hermione I still got to do your hair."

Several minutes and a bottle of Sleakzy's Hair Potion later her hair was done leaving her only to put on her dress, which she would do once, Ginny left. Ginny packed all her stuff away and looked over at the clock.

"I better get outta here Hermione I still got to do my own make- up and hair." She said taking her bag and leaving after receiving a hug of appreciation from Hermione.

After Ginny had left Hermione went to her wardrobe and removed her dress taking it off its hook she spread it on the bed and looked at it appraisingly. Nodded her head she removed her school robes being careful as to not smudge her make-up. She pulled the dress and ad smoothed it out so it lay right on her body. Crouching down she reached under the bed and pulled out a shoebox opening it revealed a pair of High Heeled strapy sandals that of course were enchanted be as comfortable as flat shoes were. Sitting on the bed she put them on and slowly stood up and took a few experimental steps. The spell worked perfectly they felt just as comfortable as her sneakers.

She walked over to the mirror and gazed at her reflection and gasped in disbelief. She looked nothing like herself she looked like an elegant goddess. Her hair that was usually bushy and untamed fell in a shiny, sleek wave of dark chestnut brown. At the ends her natural curls were defined into big glossy ringlets. The make-up, which was simple, brought out an elegance and sophistication in her face she had never seen before. The dress clung to her curves accenting them and her chest was brought up with her cleavage peeking over the edge offering a tempting view for any male. The sandals, which she found easy to walk in due to the spell, created a graceful image and at that moment Hermione truly felt like a lady.

******

Hermione sat nervously at the head table alongside Severus and Professor Lupin. Every dancer had their outfit concealed by the large black robes they had all been told to wear. Starting at the opposite end of the table she looked at every persons face.

Professor Trelawney she looked somewhat different from her normal self. Her long hair was left down and she had removed her glasses for tonight which actually made her look several years younger Her make- up was as over done and dramatic as ever with a veil covering the lower portion of her face. Harry was sitting next to her was looking as though he'd rather kiss a blast ended skrewt than Dance. The only thing different about him was the fact that he was wearing a large purple turban on his head. Ron was sitting next to him looking very anxious and nervous about the whole ordeal Ron looked like his normal self except her was wearing a large cowboy hat on his head and looked like an old west desperado in her opinion. Professor McGonagall was sitting next to him her long hair actually released from its customary bun fell in a sleek wave. It was somewhat wavy and her make- up which was neither overdone nor underdone seemed to make her look at least 10 years younger. Ginny was next to her dark red hair pulled into a high bun she was smiling with excitement and Hermione could see that her make-up looked just as wonderful as her own did. Dumbledore with his twinkling blue eyes was sitting right next to his partner His long white hair pulled back and out of his face. Hagrid the half giant was looking well groomed his hair looked much sleeker and his beard didn't seem nearly as shaggy for some odd reason. Millicent Bulstrode was glaring at everybody in the crowd for no particular reason Hermione assumed it was just a very Slytherin thing to do. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun that would make Professor McGonagall proud. Hermione would have thought she was looking very pretty if it weren't for the fact that she put on way too much make-up making herself look like an overdone porcelain doll.

Blaise Zambini sat next to her friend smiling a bit evilly as she whispered something into Millicent's ear. Her hair was done in exactly the same fashion, as Millicent's except that Blaise obviously knew that looking like a clown with too much make- up was not going to get her any admirers. Lupin would be looking normal if it weren't for the backward baseball hat that was occupying his head. Hermione turned to head to look at Severus he was looking different even though only his hair had been pulled back into a ponytail so it would stay out of his face during their dance.

Beyond him Susan Bones was looking very lovely tonight red hair was done up in a loose bun which sat atop her head with one strand framing her face softly. Flitwick was his normal smiling self beside her and was making chitchat with his partner as they watched the hall slowly fill with students. Next to him was rich pretty boy Draco Malfoy. Judging by the look on his face he was sulking and glaring at anybody who dared even smile at his…unique headgear. He happened to be wearing a bright green headband with large white petals coming out turning his face into a daisy. Next to him Sprout was cheerfully smiling out at the students while wearing the same headgear.

Finishing her survey had made her very anxious as to what some of the groups would be performing. The Great Hall was filled with students all talking excitedly waiting for the dancing contest to begin. Dumbedore stood and everything suddenly went very quiet as he spoke.

"Students tonight we have Hogwarts First Annual Christmas dancing contest. After all groups have performed students will cast their votes for their favorite couple and our lucky winners will be announced tonight right before the last dance so with further ado our first couple for tonight is Professor Trelawney and Harry Potter."

The students clapped as they watched Harry and Trelawney descend form the head table and onto the empty dance floor. Both removed their black robes and revealed them to be wearing Arabian theme costumes. Trelawney was dressed in belly dancer garb with Harry in large baggy genie pants with a bright purple vest with no shirt underneath. The music started up and Hermione watched with sympathy as her poor friend performed something like a belly dance with his least favorite Professor amongst giggles and chuckles from his fellow students.

Next to go up were Ron and Professor McGonagall after removing their robes they were found to be wearing western theme costumes and she was very surprised to not that McGonagall had a nice body for a witch her age. Hermione watched with a huge smile on her face as they performed a lovely rendition of a square dance. Hermione mentally took a note to ask Ron if she could borrow his leather cowboy boots.

Ginny and Dumbledore both went up next removing their robes to reveal a very 50's style look on both of them. Hermione did have to admit that poodle skirts definitely suited Ginny better than she thought it would have. Hermione watched as they swing danced with great skill. She had to wonder briefly how it was possible for a man Dumbledore's age to move with such agility. Among gasps and applause Millicent and Hagrid came out onto the floor.

Removing their robes Hermione eyes widened in shock and horror at a sight she prayed she would never see again and that would probably haunt her for the rest of her life anyway. Hagrid was wearing a baby blue ballet leotard with matching baby blue tights and ballet shoes. Millicent wore the same outfit in pink several minutes in Hermione had to cover her eyes; she wasn't sure how she could watch that any longer. Fortunately soon after Lupin and Blaise went up.

Both removed their robes to reveal them both dressed in what Hermione called Rap clothes. Lupin worse an extra large T-shirt with baggy jeans and timberland boots and Blaise was wearing something that would make Jennifer Lopez stand and gawk. Thought Hermione had to admit that when they were finished that their fast paced hip-hop routine had been very well done if not amusing.

Flitwick and Susan Bones were next and they perform a lovely waltz both dressed in sophisticated dinner party clothes as Hermione called them. Even though she though that the height difference would create a problem but somehow they had solved that problem very well. She applauded loudly as Sprout and Draco made their way onto the floor.

Removing their robes and throwing them aside Hermione burst out laughing as she say Drcao's complete outfit. He was dressed in a full body bright green leotard, as was Sprout and both performed to a modern dance song and pranced around acting like fresh spring daisies. Hermione desperately wished for a camera so she could forever remember the moment when she had watched big shot Draco Malfoy dress like a human daisy and dance like a little girl. This was even better than a bouncing ferret in her opinion and she made a mental note to send Sprout a very nice Thank You card in the near future.

Hermione suddenly realized that her and Snape were the last couple to perform nervously she stood up and followed Severus unto the dance floor. He heart was pounding furiously in her chest and she tried to stead herself by taking deep breaths. Slowly she removed her robes as did Severus both were very pleased by what they saw of each other but both hid it well there would to time to gawk at one another after they danced. Assuming their position both waited as the first note started among dead silence from the crowd. Hermione tuned out everything as she looked deep into Severus' eyes she forgot that they were dancing in front of everybody it felt just like practice and they danced matching each other mover for move and they danced to the beat that filled the hall. Finishing on a quivering note Hermione and Severus struck a dramatic pose as the music stopped and for a moment the only sound was the panting of their breath tired from exertion. Then suddenly the hall erupted in wild applause and whistles the loudest applause yet filled the hall Severus and Hermione made their customary bows at the audience and then fled back to the table with Hermione blushing at the attention they were receiving.

Dumbledore stood just as they sat down. "Ok, all may now cast your votes for the couple you feel did the best. And nobody forget the results will be announced right before the last dance of the night." The hall went back into dance mode as the y band struck up a lively tune ad the student competitors went out to join their friends for some dancing.

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Hermione sighed as she walked outside in the gardens, which were enchanted to stay warm even while it was snowing which it currently was. Hermione had excused herself from the dance several minutes ago to get some much needed fresh air the air in side was stuffy hot and noisy but out her it was peaceful almost like stepping into a living snowglobe. Hermione released a breath watching the smoke dissipate into the night. Hermione turned as she heard approaching footsteps heading in her direction. She watched curiously as Severus came up to her. "You performed wonderfully in there." He said without permeable.

"As did you." She replied sincerely. So it was that the two started walking along following the various paths taking about everything and nothing and something just walking in silence. Hermione couldn't think of a better way to spend a Dance then walking out her just having a thoughtful conversation it was so new so different so wonderful. She thought looking at him snowflakes were clinging in this hair, as she was sure they were doing in hers. He suddenly stopped for no reason it seemed. Hermione was intrigued by his suddenly change of demeanor stopped beside him and suddenly and leaned down and whispered silkily into her ear.

"Would you think it terribly inappropriate if I were to kiss you right here right now?"

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A/N: I know it was a terrible cliffie wasn't it? Well I did apologize so you can't hate me for it. *As several objects are thrown at her head* Please don't kill me just review instead! Please, please review!

~The Duck~