The room remained still and quiet. Only the sounds of the occupants
breathing could be heard. It stayed like that; Hermione and Snape not
looking away from each other, not knowing what the other will do. It was a
few more minutes before there was any noise or movement in the room. The
noise happened to be made by Snape sighing heavily, followed by him
whispering under his breath "Fuck it!" And the movement happened to be him
approaching Hermione with determination.
Before Hermione could react, Severus had grabbed her wrists, and pulled her roughly to him. He lowered his lips to hers, brushing them, and slid his arm around her waist, pulling her even closer. Hermione felt the tingle that she had experienced near the beginning of the holiday break as Severus' lips came into contact with her own. He brushed her lips again, opening his eyes to look into hers. Upon seeing the surprised consent in her eyes, applied more pressure to her lips, tightening his arm around her waist, and bringing his other hand behind her head to take control of the kiss.
Hermione closed her eyes, reveling in the sensation as he gently sucked her upper lip into his mouth. Her hands went up to his neck, playing with the hairs just at the base of his head and he was surprised when he felt her tongue run along his bottom lip in a silent request, which he happily fulfilled. Her tongue entered his mouth, at first barely past his own lips, until she massaged the tip of his tongue gently. Soon, it became a battle for control, their breathing becoming unsteady and shallow. Their grips on each other tightened as they gave into each other. A soft moan left her, and awoke Severus from this most pleasing dream. Realizing what he had allowed to happen, he lifted his head so that his lips were out of reach from her and disentangled himself from her grip. His body screamed at the lost contact, and from the look in her eyes, Hermione felt the loss as well.
Both were still breathing heavily, neither wanting to look away from the other. Severus realized that if he maintained the eye contact any longer, his resolve to keep them from losing control would soon fade. With a movement that felt more like the torture of an unforgivable, he turned his body around, and walked to his chair behind his desk.
Hermione watched him, willing herself not to run to him and beg him to do that again. She, too, saw the pain in his eyes as he stepped away, and knew that his reasoning had nothing to do with anything but the fact that she was still his student. But with all its might, her heart was trying to desperately tell her logic to take a hike. Rather than risk it, she took a seat opposite his chair across the desk. Neither could look at the other for the first few moments, and neither could think of what to say. When they finally could trust themselves not to jump the other, they looked at each other. Severus broke the silence.
"Wow." He said. "I think we need to get a few things straight, Miss Granger."
At the sound of her surname, Hermione felt a pang of hurt. 'But he must have his reasons.' She thought. She nodded.
Taking a calming breath, Severus continued. "First, I apologize for my actions. . ."
"Apologize?" Hermione said, not thinking before she reacted.
"You misunderstand me, Hermione." Severus continued, glad to see that some of the hurt in her eyes faded when he used her first name. For this conversation, it would be better if he did. "I do not regret what happened a few moments ago." The hurt was replaced by confusion.
"So why do you want to apologize?" Hermione asked. "You don't think I regret it, do you?" There was a tense silence for a few moments. Clearly, it seemed that he wasn't sure and didn't want to say anything. "I don't." She whispered, feeling better when the silence was broken.
Severus gave another sigh of relief. "I know that you understand that the timing is, shall we say, a bit inappropriate. As your professor, I should have controlled myself more."
Hermione nodded, than looked up at him with an air of mischief. "I wonder what would have happened had the timing been better." She murmured.
Severus didn't miss the glint in her eyes. "I won't comment." He said safely. "I won't deny the fact that I do find you attractive, in more ways than one. If there were to be anything between us, we must both be comfortable with it. I am not comfortable with the fact that you are still my student."
"Not for long." She muttered. But Severus caught what she said.
"True enough." He replied. "And you?"
Hermione looked up at him. Thinking carefully, she spoke. "If there is a possibility of there being an 'us', I would like to explore it." She replied honestly. "And you're right, we do have to be comfortable with it. Until graduation than?" She asked, biting her bottom lip.
Seeing her do that made him have to hold onto his chair a bit harder. "Until graduation, unless something happens that would interfere." Although it pained him to think of it, there could always be some classmate to sweep her off her feet. She had caught many the eyes in her past few years of school. Hermione nodded, accepting that they could never know what happen between now and than.
"I think that's enough work for tonight, Hermione." Severus said, standing up, but forcing himself to stay behind his desk. "Good night."
Hermione stood up, and with all her willpower, nodded and made her leave. "Good night, Severus." She said as she closed the door. As soon as she did, he sunk into his seat and put his head in his hands. This just got a bit more complicated.
~@~
Sitting at his desk, looking into his viewing glass, Albus Dumbledore shook his head. "Damn it! I was hoping to see a bit more action." He said, before waving his hand to clear the image.
~@~
Christmas morning arrived, and Hermione awoke to the usual pile of presents at the end of her bed. She didn't feel like getting out of bed yet though. All she could think of from her travels from the dungeons was their kiss. All she thought of, as she got ready for bed was how amazingly soft his lips were. As she drifted off to sleep, she swore she could still feel the contours of his body against hers.
"Oh. I'm definitely in deep." She finally admitted to herself, and to the orange lump of fur at her feet. Noticing that his person was finally awake, Crookshanks got up, stretched, and gingerly made his way up for a good scratch. Absently, Hermione reached out her hand and stroked the soft fur on the back of the feline.
"Crookshanks. What am I going to do?" She said. The cat gave her a look that clearly said, 'Keep scratching silly.' Hermione smiled and shook her head. "You're no help." The cat plopped down and rolled over for a tummy rub. "I know you don't care." She remained under the covers for a bit longer before deciding she'd better get a move on before the boys busted in again. Getting up, she got dressed in her most comfortable lounging clothes just as the knock came.
"Mione?" She heard Harry call. "We're all waiting for you. Draco and Jessica are waiting in the game room."
Hermione gathered her presents, and walked to the door. Opening it, she saw that Harry looked a bit flustered. "What's wrong Harry?" She asked.
Harry glared at her. "Did you know that the wards you set up, they. . .they. . ." Harry couldn't seem to get the words out.
Hermione giggled. She'd completely forgotten what happens when you disrupted the wards more than once. The first time, you got a bit of a shock. The second time, the shock went to your brain and gave the intruder a small spark of pain, or a small wave of unwanted arousal, which increased each time the wards were disrupted, depending on the person. "I'm almost afraid to ask." She said.
"I'll meet you guys down there later. I need to. . .uh. . .go wake Ginny. . .and quick!" Harry replied, walking quickly down to the sixth year dormitories. When she couldn't see him anymore, she stopped biting the inside of her cheek, closed her door, and burst out laughing.
~@~
It was twenty minutes later that a disheveled Harry and a very happy Ginny entered the room to whistles and catcalls. Breaking out of her happy stupor, Ginny replied. "I gave him a standing ovation." Harry's face turned a deep crimson red.
"You could get up afterwards?" Draco asked. "I'm disappointed in you, Potty."
"Shut up, Malfoy." Harry said, still quite flustered. He turned his attention to Ron, "Did you do it?"
Ron stopped giving Ginny the disappointed big brother look and replied, "Yup."
"What are you two up to now?" Ginny asked.
"Well," Harry started. "We decided to get into the Christmas spirit, and we sent Snape a Christmas gift."
"Why do I get the feeling that you guys have a death wish?" Draco said. "It's bad enough you winked at him and hugged him. Although, it was quite hilarious when he hugged you back, Weasel." Ron paled slightly at the memory.
"Well, there is no way that he can respond to this one." Harry said, cringing slightly at the memory of Snape winking at him.
"Yes, well, can we get on with it?" Hermione said. The room was filled with gifts for the group. Jessica received her gifts from her father that morning as well, so Draco invited her to join the group. They started out with the gifts given by people who were not in the room, and than opened their presents from the others in the room.
After all the gifts were opened and most were in their Weasley sweaters, there was still a bit of time before breakfast, and the group cleaned up and chatted. It was than that three owls arrived through the floo. One dropped a package to Ron, one to Harry, and one to Hermione. They looked at each other with confusion. "What the hell?" Harry asked.
Shrugging, Harry and Ron opened their gifts, while Hermione opened the card she received with hers, putting gift in her pocket.
Hermione
Don't worry. Yours is safe.
Reading the words over, it took a second for what the note was referencing to to click in. Unfortunately, it was too late.
BOOM!
Hermione jumped in shock, and looked up at Harry and Ron. There was dead silence before Draco, Hermione, Jessica, and Ginny collapsed in a fit of giggles that earned them some glares from the two stunned boys.
~@~
The group made their way to the Great Hall, having to literally drag the two Gryffindors behind them. When the packages were flown into the room, they had not expected what they got. As soon as they opened the gifts and the smoke cleared, both boys ran for the nearest mirror to see what happened.
Looking in the mirror, they could see that their hair had been grown, not only on their heads, but also around their jaws, and changed to a green colour. Apparently, the boom had also scattered what looked like ornaments on them. They were two walking Christmas trees.
As soon as they walked in, the group was met with another strange sight. The entire faculty was wearing the Weasley shirts. Apparently, when the request for Snape's sweater was made, Molly didn't want the rest of the staff to feel left out. In fact, they were all wearing them, including Snape!
"Ah! Good morning, and Merry Christmas!" The Headmaster said to the students. "Mr Weasley, you must thank your mother for me. This sweater is most comfortable."
Ron nodded numbly as he sat down, not believing for an instant that Snape was actually wearing the sweater, and no longer conscious of the fact that he was lighting up.
"It appears that the light bulb above my brothers head has finally decided to spark to life." Ginny said to Hermione. Hermione giggled as she looked up. Professor McGonagall, who hadn't noticed the entrance looked over at Harry and Ron and jumped slightly.
"Mr Potter, Mr Weasley. What on earth happened to you?" She exclaimed.
"Christmas prank, apparently." Ron replied, deciding that Malfoy, who was giggling manically, was behind it.
"Unfortunately, Professor Flitwick has gone home to visit with family for the holidays." Professor Dumbledore said, no one noticing his eyes twinkling towards Snape, who was doing his best not to start laughing himself. "But it should fade by after dinner."
The conversations separated, and plans were made for a snowball fight outside amongst the students (how unexpected!). Soon, breakfast was concluded, and the group headed to their rooms to bundle up for the weather outside. On her way, Snape called over to her. She walked over to him. He looked slightly nervous, but not so many would notice.
"Miss Granger." He said. "Did you get it?" Looking at him confused, her mind suddenly turned back to the package she received unexpectedly that morning. She nodded.
"I received a package, but I haven't opened it yet, sir." She replied. "Did you get what I sent you?" She had sent him a box of powdered Kneazle claws. Knowing that Harry was slightly allergic to the stuff, she put it in a box labeled 'Potter Repellant'.
"Yes." He said, smirking slightly. "It will prove to be most useful. Thank you. We shall continue our work after lunch tomorrow."
"Yes, sir." She replied, smiling. "I should go. Defend Gryffindor honor and all."
Nodding his head, he smirked again as she turned and walked to her room to collect her winter clothes.
~@~
An hour later found Snape walking around the grounds of Hogwarts. It was a peaceful day so far. He hoped that Hermione would enjoy her gift. Knowing her, she would. Normally, students wouldn't find out about their acceptance into college or university until closer to the end of year. One of the Aurors that he had assisted greatly throughout the war was Sukmi Hawdar (Thank you Atalaya!), Assistant Dean at Oxford. Not only was he able to find out that Hermione had been accepted, but also was able to get the syllabus for her first year courses. Hermione would no doubt want to look at it in detail.
His reverie was broken by a scream, followed by a high-pitched giggle. "Give it up, Dumbledore! Or the Gryffindor gets it!" Draco yelled.
"Never!" Dumbledore yelled back.
"Albus! You're too old for this." McGonagall called out.
"Says who!" Albus yelled.
"Help me!" Hermione called out in mock despair. "Is there anyone who will help with this damsel in distress?"
Snape saw the group, and it looked like the Slytherins were taking prisoners. Draco was holding Hermione around her shoulders as a human shield. He watched as the Headmaster slowly stalked towards the students, McGonagall, Potter, and Weasley following. Jessica handed Draco a handful of snow, which Draco held up towards Hermione's head. "I'll do it!" Followed by more maniacal giggling.
Hermione looked over at her teammates, "You guys are useless." She said as the snow came down on her head. Still holding on to her, Draco began to mess up her hair. Snape snuck up behind the pair. When Draco let Hermione go, Snape picked up a handful of snow and repeated Draco's actions to Hermione on Draco.
"AHHHHH!" Draco cried out. Turning around, he saw Snape. "Traitor!" He cried out. Draco picked up a snowball, only to have Snape grab it out of his hand, and throw it at McGonagall.
"Severus!" Minerva cried out. "I'm not involved in this."
"You're here, aren't you?" He said, happy he got away with throwing a snowball at the head of Gryffindor.
"What? Is it everyone for themselves?" Draco asked.
"Nope. But Miss Granger is my assistant, correct?" Snape asked.
Harry called out. "Yes! But she's Gryffindor!"
Hermione looked over at her housemates. "You guys sacrificed me." Picking up a snowball, she threw it at Harry. "Live with the consequence!" She called out. Odds a little more evened out, the war continued. The Slytherin team conquered.
~@~
"You are such a traitor." Ron said to Hermione at dinner.
"Hey. I was betrayed." She said. "You let Draco get away with it."
Draco nodded. "So true."
"Shush ferret boy!" Harry said.
Dinner and animated conversation continued until almost midnight. Hermione noticed her their drink tasted a bit funny, but didn't think anything of it.
~@~
After a full day of activity, Hermione was absolutely exhausted by the time she got to her room. She dragged herself to the bathroom to get ready for bed. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was out like a light.
Dream
She was working in the potions classroom on some different concoctions. So engrossed in her work, she didn't notice another figure approach her. Suddenly, she was grabbed from behind. She didn't see the face of her attacker, but she was brought into another room; Snape's office.
She began to panic. 'Where was Snape? He would usually be in his office at least if there's a student or a boiling caldron in the classroom.'
She was turned to face the intruder as she heard, "I'm right here, Hermione."
Looking up, she was met with a pair of dark eyes. "Hello." She said nervously, biting her bottom lip.
Snape groaned at the sight. "Hello." He said, leaning forward, and continuing with the same passion they had experienced on Christmas Eve. It took a few moments for Hermione to realize that she was pinned against the desk. Not that she really cared. He continued to kiss her, trailing down her jaw line, nipping at the skin just behind her ear, before moving down to her shoulders. She clutched to his own shoulders, her breath becoming ragged as one of his hands trailed down her waist and to her hip, lightly caressing her skin through her robes. His lips trailed back up to her ear, and he nibbled lightly. "Severus." She gasped.
Stopping suddenly, he looked back up at her for a few moments. She growled slightly at the lost contact.
"Hermione?" He said. She looked up at him. "Tell me, is this a dream?"
Confused, she thought for a moment and finally realized. "Yes." She said.
"If you focus, can feel any tingling?" He asked.
"After what you've been doing? Is this supposed to be some ego booster?" She asked him. He gave her a glare. "I don't know." She said. "My attention wasn't on my body in the waking -" She stopped suddenly, realizing what happened. This was really Severus, or rather, his dream self. He was conscious of this dream happening. They were sharing this dream. "How-?"
Severus put his finger to her lips. "I'm not sure, but we can't continue." He said, look of disappointment in his eyes. "We are going to have to talk tomorrow."
Hermione nodded, and they reluctantly parted, remembering their resolve to wait until graduation to continue, not wanting to get the other into trouble for their actions.
A/N:
ARG!! EXAMS!!! Sorry I haven't updated, but school just came crashing down on me, and I haven't been able to devote the usual time to this. Next week is my break week, so I should be able to give it more attention.
M.E: Dude? I'm a chick, man! And yes I do *hee hee*
Atalaya: Thank you for the extra names. I'm sure M.E will thank you as well. Jk.
TheSU1C1DEqueen: True. He is a bit OOC. But it's all good. I'm not in touch with my Snapey side.
Plastic: Thanks for the offer. I will watch the movie, but need to find time first. Quite amusing that Snape would use the fru fru to cover himself. But I'm picturing something a bit more. . .well. . .I'll just leave that thought.
Vicsend: Sorry 'bout the long time update. But my exams were horrendous. No sense of humour at all for days!!!
Sarah: I know I'm evil!
IsabelA113: I'd start squeezing his butt and see where it goes from there.
Lana Riddle: Yup. Sorry.
MadAboutHarry: Thank you for the comments. I'll keep them in mind for later chapters as well. And now that you're mine. . .*rubs hands together*
Vermore: Snape and Ron? EWWWWWW!!!! What about Ron and Dobby?
Bob: I'm not worthy of a bow. But the voices in my head tell me to be grateful. The voices in the heads of the voices in their heads say that I should say thank you. The voices in the heads of the voices in the heads of their voices in the heads say. . .SHUSH! YOU'LL DRIVE HER MAD!!
One Innocent Angel: Orgy? I had one yesterday. It was quite nice. Glad to hear you're enjoying the story.
Before Hermione could react, Severus had grabbed her wrists, and pulled her roughly to him. He lowered his lips to hers, brushing them, and slid his arm around her waist, pulling her even closer. Hermione felt the tingle that she had experienced near the beginning of the holiday break as Severus' lips came into contact with her own. He brushed her lips again, opening his eyes to look into hers. Upon seeing the surprised consent in her eyes, applied more pressure to her lips, tightening his arm around her waist, and bringing his other hand behind her head to take control of the kiss.
Hermione closed her eyes, reveling in the sensation as he gently sucked her upper lip into his mouth. Her hands went up to his neck, playing with the hairs just at the base of his head and he was surprised when he felt her tongue run along his bottom lip in a silent request, which he happily fulfilled. Her tongue entered his mouth, at first barely past his own lips, until she massaged the tip of his tongue gently. Soon, it became a battle for control, their breathing becoming unsteady and shallow. Their grips on each other tightened as they gave into each other. A soft moan left her, and awoke Severus from this most pleasing dream. Realizing what he had allowed to happen, he lifted his head so that his lips were out of reach from her and disentangled himself from her grip. His body screamed at the lost contact, and from the look in her eyes, Hermione felt the loss as well.
Both were still breathing heavily, neither wanting to look away from the other. Severus realized that if he maintained the eye contact any longer, his resolve to keep them from losing control would soon fade. With a movement that felt more like the torture of an unforgivable, he turned his body around, and walked to his chair behind his desk.
Hermione watched him, willing herself not to run to him and beg him to do that again. She, too, saw the pain in his eyes as he stepped away, and knew that his reasoning had nothing to do with anything but the fact that she was still his student. But with all its might, her heart was trying to desperately tell her logic to take a hike. Rather than risk it, she took a seat opposite his chair across the desk. Neither could look at the other for the first few moments, and neither could think of what to say. When they finally could trust themselves not to jump the other, they looked at each other. Severus broke the silence.
"Wow." He said. "I think we need to get a few things straight, Miss Granger."
At the sound of her surname, Hermione felt a pang of hurt. 'But he must have his reasons.' She thought. She nodded.
Taking a calming breath, Severus continued. "First, I apologize for my actions. . ."
"Apologize?" Hermione said, not thinking before she reacted.
"You misunderstand me, Hermione." Severus continued, glad to see that some of the hurt in her eyes faded when he used her first name. For this conversation, it would be better if he did. "I do not regret what happened a few moments ago." The hurt was replaced by confusion.
"So why do you want to apologize?" Hermione asked. "You don't think I regret it, do you?" There was a tense silence for a few moments. Clearly, it seemed that he wasn't sure and didn't want to say anything. "I don't." She whispered, feeling better when the silence was broken.
Severus gave another sigh of relief. "I know that you understand that the timing is, shall we say, a bit inappropriate. As your professor, I should have controlled myself more."
Hermione nodded, than looked up at him with an air of mischief. "I wonder what would have happened had the timing been better." She murmured.
Severus didn't miss the glint in her eyes. "I won't comment." He said safely. "I won't deny the fact that I do find you attractive, in more ways than one. If there were to be anything between us, we must both be comfortable with it. I am not comfortable with the fact that you are still my student."
"Not for long." She muttered. But Severus caught what she said.
"True enough." He replied. "And you?"
Hermione looked up at him. Thinking carefully, she spoke. "If there is a possibility of there being an 'us', I would like to explore it." She replied honestly. "And you're right, we do have to be comfortable with it. Until graduation than?" She asked, biting her bottom lip.
Seeing her do that made him have to hold onto his chair a bit harder. "Until graduation, unless something happens that would interfere." Although it pained him to think of it, there could always be some classmate to sweep her off her feet. She had caught many the eyes in her past few years of school. Hermione nodded, accepting that they could never know what happen between now and than.
"I think that's enough work for tonight, Hermione." Severus said, standing up, but forcing himself to stay behind his desk. "Good night."
Hermione stood up, and with all her willpower, nodded and made her leave. "Good night, Severus." She said as she closed the door. As soon as she did, he sunk into his seat and put his head in his hands. This just got a bit more complicated.
~@~
Sitting at his desk, looking into his viewing glass, Albus Dumbledore shook his head. "Damn it! I was hoping to see a bit more action." He said, before waving his hand to clear the image.
~@~
Christmas morning arrived, and Hermione awoke to the usual pile of presents at the end of her bed. She didn't feel like getting out of bed yet though. All she could think of from her travels from the dungeons was their kiss. All she thought of, as she got ready for bed was how amazingly soft his lips were. As she drifted off to sleep, she swore she could still feel the contours of his body against hers.
"Oh. I'm definitely in deep." She finally admitted to herself, and to the orange lump of fur at her feet. Noticing that his person was finally awake, Crookshanks got up, stretched, and gingerly made his way up for a good scratch. Absently, Hermione reached out her hand and stroked the soft fur on the back of the feline.
"Crookshanks. What am I going to do?" She said. The cat gave her a look that clearly said, 'Keep scratching silly.' Hermione smiled and shook her head. "You're no help." The cat plopped down and rolled over for a tummy rub. "I know you don't care." She remained under the covers for a bit longer before deciding she'd better get a move on before the boys busted in again. Getting up, she got dressed in her most comfortable lounging clothes just as the knock came.
"Mione?" She heard Harry call. "We're all waiting for you. Draco and Jessica are waiting in the game room."
Hermione gathered her presents, and walked to the door. Opening it, she saw that Harry looked a bit flustered. "What's wrong Harry?" She asked.
Harry glared at her. "Did you know that the wards you set up, they. . .they. . ." Harry couldn't seem to get the words out.
Hermione giggled. She'd completely forgotten what happens when you disrupted the wards more than once. The first time, you got a bit of a shock. The second time, the shock went to your brain and gave the intruder a small spark of pain, or a small wave of unwanted arousal, which increased each time the wards were disrupted, depending on the person. "I'm almost afraid to ask." She said.
"I'll meet you guys down there later. I need to. . .uh. . .go wake Ginny. . .and quick!" Harry replied, walking quickly down to the sixth year dormitories. When she couldn't see him anymore, she stopped biting the inside of her cheek, closed her door, and burst out laughing.
~@~
It was twenty minutes later that a disheveled Harry and a very happy Ginny entered the room to whistles and catcalls. Breaking out of her happy stupor, Ginny replied. "I gave him a standing ovation." Harry's face turned a deep crimson red.
"You could get up afterwards?" Draco asked. "I'm disappointed in you, Potty."
"Shut up, Malfoy." Harry said, still quite flustered. He turned his attention to Ron, "Did you do it?"
Ron stopped giving Ginny the disappointed big brother look and replied, "Yup."
"What are you two up to now?" Ginny asked.
"Well," Harry started. "We decided to get into the Christmas spirit, and we sent Snape a Christmas gift."
"Why do I get the feeling that you guys have a death wish?" Draco said. "It's bad enough you winked at him and hugged him. Although, it was quite hilarious when he hugged you back, Weasel." Ron paled slightly at the memory.
"Well, there is no way that he can respond to this one." Harry said, cringing slightly at the memory of Snape winking at him.
"Yes, well, can we get on with it?" Hermione said. The room was filled with gifts for the group. Jessica received her gifts from her father that morning as well, so Draco invited her to join the group. They started out with the gifts given by people who were not in the room, and than opened their presents from the others in the room.
After all the gifts were opened and most were in their Weasley sweaters, there was still a bit of time before breakfast, and the group cleaned up and chatted. It was than that three owls arrived through the floo. One dropped a package to Ron, one to Harry, and one to Hermione. They looked at each other with confusion. "What the hell?" Harry asked.
Shrugging, Harry and Ron opened their gifts, while Hermione opened the card she received with hers, putting gift in her pocket.
Hermione
Don't worry. Yours is safe.
Reading the words over, it took a second for what the note was referencing to to click in. Unfortunately, it was too late.
BOOM!
Hermione jumped in shock, and looked up at Harry and Ron. There was dead silence before Draco, Hermione, Jessica, and Ginny collapsed in a fit of giggles that earned them some glares from the two stunned boys.
~@~
The group made their way to the Great Hall, having to literally drag the two Gryffindors behind them. When the packages were flown into the room, they had not expected what they got. As soon as they opened the gifts and the smoke cleared, both boys ran for the nearest mirror to see what happened.
Looking in the mirror, they could see that their hair had been grown, not only on their heads, but also around their jaws, and changed to a green colour. Apparently, the boom had also scattered what looked like ornaments on them. They were two walking Christmas trees.
As soon as they walked in, the group was met with another strange sight. The entire faculty was wearing the Weasley shirts. Apparently, when the request for Snape's sweater was made, Molly didn't want the rest of the staff to feel left out. In fact, they were all wearing them, including Snape!
"Ah! Good morning, and Merry Christmas!" The Headmaster said to the students. "Mr Weasley, you must thank your mother for me. This sweater is most comfortable."
Ron nodded numbly as he sat down, not believing for an instant that Snape was actually wearing the sweater, and no longer conscious of the fact that he was lighting up.
"It appears that the light bulb above my brothers head has finally decided to spark to life." Ginny said to Hermione. Hermione giggled as she looked up. Professor McGonagall, who hadn't noticed the entrance looked over at Harry and Ron and jumped slightly.
"Mr Potter, Mr Weasley. What on earth happened to you?" She exclaimed.
"Christmas prank, apparently." Ron replied, deciding that Malfoy, who was giggling manically, was behind it.
"Unfortunately, Professor Flitwick has gone home to visit with family for the holidays." Professor Dumbledore said, no one noticing his eyes twinkling towards Snape, who was doing his best not to start laughing himself. "But it should fade by after dinner."
The conversations separated, and plans were made for a snowball fight outside amongst the students (how unexpected!). Soon, breakfast was concluded, and the group headed to their rooms to bundle up for the weather outside. On her way, Snape called over to her. She walked over to him. He looked slightly nervous, but not so many would notice.
"Miss Granger." He said. "Did you get it?" Looking at him confused, her mind suddenly turned back to the package she received unexpectedly that morning. She nodded.
"I received a package, but I haven't opened it yet, sir." She replied. "Did you get what I sent you?" She had sent him a box of powdered Kneazle claws. Knowing that Harry was slightly allergic to the stuff, she put it in a box labeled 'Potter Repellant'.
"Yes." He said, smirking slightly. "It will prove to be most useful. Thank you. We shall continue our work after lunch tomorrow."
"Yes, sir." She replied, smiling. "I should go. Defend Gryffindor honor and all."
Nodding his head, he smirked again as she turned and walked to her room to collect her winter clothes.
~@~
An hour later found Snape walking around the grounds of Hogwarts. It was a peaceful day so far. He hoped that Hermione would enjoy her gift. Knowing her, she would. Normally, students wouldn't find out about their acceptance into college or university until closer to the end of year. One of the Aurors that he had assisted greatly throughout the war was Sukmi Hawdar (Thank you Atalaya!), Assistant Dean at Oxford. Not only was he able to find out that Hermione had been accepted, but also was able to get the syllabus for her first year courses. Hermione would no doubt want to look at it in detail.
His reverie was broken by a scream, followed by a high-pitched giggle. "Give it up, Dumbledore! Or the Gryffindor gets it!" Draco yelled.
"Never!" Dumbledore yelled back.
"Albus! You're too old for this." McGonagall called out.
"Says who!" Albus yelled.
"Help me!" Hermione called out in mock despair. "Is there anyone who will help with this damsel in distress?"
Snape saw the group, and it looked like the Slytherins were taking prisoners. Draco was holding Hermione around her shoulders as a human shield. He watched as the Headmaster slowly stalked towards the students, McGonagall, Potter, and Weasley following. Jessica handed Draco a handful of snow, which Draco held up towards Hermione's head. "I'll do it!" Followed by more maniacal giggling.
Hermione looked over at her teammates, "You guys are useless." She said as the snow came down on her head. Still holding on to her, Draco began to mess up her hair. Snape snuck up behind the pair. When Draco let Hermione go, Snape picked up a handful of snow and repeated Draco's actions to Hermione on Draco.
"AHHHHH!" Draco cried out. Turning around, he saw Snape. "Traitor!" He cried out. Draco picked up a snowball, only to have Snape grab it out of his hand, and throw it at McGonagall.
"Severus!" Minerva cried out. "I'm not involved in this."
"You're here, aren't you?" He said, happy he got away with throwing a snowball at the head of Gryffindor.
"What? Is it everyone for themselves?" Draco asked.
"Nope. But Miss Granger is my assistant, correct?" Snape asked.
Harry called out. "Yes! But she's Gryffindor!"
Hermione looked over at her housemates. "You guys sacrificed me." Picking up a snowball, she threw it at Harry. "Live with the consequence!" She called out. Odds a little more evened out, the war continued. The Slytherin team conquered.
~@~
"You are such a traitor." Ron said to Hermione at dinner.
"Hey. I was betrayed." She said. "You let Draco get away with it."
Draco nodded. "So true."
"Shush ferret boy!" Harry said.
Dinner and animated conversation continued until almost midnight. Hermione noticed her their drink tasted a bit funny, but didn't think anything of it.
~@~
After a full day of activity, Hermione was absolutely exhausted by the time she got to her room. She dragged herself to the bathroom to get ready for bed. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was out like a light.
Dream
She was working in the potions classroom on some different concoctions. So engrossed in her work, she didn't notice another figure approach her. Suddenly, she was grabbed from behind. She didn't see the face of her attacker, but she was brought into another room; Snape's office.
She began to panic. 'Where was Snape? He would usually be in his office at least if there's a student or a boiling caldron in the classroom.'
She was turned to face the intruder as she heard, "I'm right here, Hermione."
Looking up, she was met with a pair of dark eyes. "Hello." She said nervously, biting her bottom lip.
Snape groaned at the sight. "Hello." He said, leaning forward, and continuing with the same passion they had experienced on Christmas Eve. It took a few moments for Hermione to realize that she was pinned against the desk. Not that she really cared. He continued to kiss her, trailing down her jaw line, nipping at the skin just behind her ear, before moving down to her shoulders. She clutched to his own shoulders, her breath becoming ragged as one of his hands trailed down her waist and to her hip, lightly caressing her skin through her robes. His lips trailed back up to her ear, and he nibbled lightly. "Severus." She gasped.
Stopping suddenly, he looked back up at her for a few moments. She growled slightly at the lost contact.
"Hermione?" He said. She looked up at him. "Tell me, is this a dream?"
Confused, she thought for a moment and finally realized. "Yes." She said.
"If you focus, can feel any tingling?" He asked.
"After what you've been doing? Is this supposed to be some ego booster?" She asked him. He gave her a glare. "I don't know." She said. "My attention wasn't on my body in the waking -" She stopped suddenly, realizing what happened. This was really Severus, or rather, his dream self. He was conscious of this dream happening. They were sharing this dream. "How-?"
Severus put his finger to her lips. "I'm not sure, but we can't continue." He said, look of disappointment in his eyes. "We are going to have to talk tomorrow."
Hermione nodded, and they reluctantly parted, remembering their resolve to wait until graduation to continue, not wanting to get the other into trouble for their actions.
A/N:
ARG!! EXAMS!!! Sorry I haven't updated, but school just came crashing down on me, and I haven't been able to devote the usual time to this. Next week is my break week, so I should be able to give it more attention.
M.E: Dude? I'm a chick, man! And yes I do *hee hee*
Atalaya: Thank you for the extra names. I'm sure M.E will thank you as well. Jk.
TheSU1C1DEqueen: True. He is a bit OOC. But it's all good. I'm not in touch with my Snapey side.
Plastic: Thanks for the offer. I will watch the movie, but need to find time first. Quite amusing that Snape would use the fru fru to cover himself. But I'm picturing something a bit more. . .well. . .I'll just leave that thought.
Vicsend: Sorry 'bout the long time update. But my exams were horrendous. No sense of humour at all for days!!!
Sarah: I know I'm evil!
IsabelA113: I'd start squeezing his butt and see where it goes from there.
Lana Riddle: Yup. Sorry.
MadAboutHarry: Thank you for the comments. I'll keep them in mind for later chapters as well. And now that you're mine. . .*rubs hands together*
Vermore: Snape and Ron? EWWWWWW!!!! What about Ron and Dobby?
Bob: I'm not worthy of a bow. But the voices in my head tell me to be grateful. The voices in the heads of the voices in their heads say that I should say thank you. The voices in the heads of the voices in the heads of their voices in the heads say. . .SHUSH! YOU'LL DRIVE HER MAD!!
One Innocent Angel: Orgy? I had one yesterday. It was quite nice. Glad to hear you're enjoying the story.
