Severus Snape was in his bathroom, pulling a comb through his silky
locks. Hermione had warned him about a surprise that would appear in, he
glanced at his watch, two minutes. He had eyed her suspiciously when she
had told him, but she vehemently refused to tell him more.
"That'll ruin the surprise!" She countered, and he had pulled her into a kiss, all thoughts of the surprise vanishing from his mind. Until now. He looked at himself in the mirror. He had used a bit of cologne, and he smelled of dark spices. Gazing down at the tight leather pants in his reflection he frowned. He was going to go out, in front of hundreds of students, in front of his peers and coworkers, in front of Dumbledore even, dressed in muggle leather pants. He shook his head, almost disbelieving. So he had lost. He wouldn't go back on his word for anyone, especially not on Hermione. He sighed, and brushed a hand over his black turtleneck. He looked strangely out of place in his rooms, which spoke of old wizarding families and tradition. 'It's for Hermione, it's for Hermione.' He repeated the phrase over and over until it became sort of a chant, a mantra to keep him sane. He smiled then, thinking of all the shocked looks he would get later. There were many shades of Severus Snape that the student body as a whole would never know, save for Hermione. Snape frowned. One minute. He paced over to his chair and picked up a book. The squishy armchair sagged pleasantly under his weight and for a moment he was absorbed in what he was reading. And then it came.
A familiar tinkling sound was heard, and Snape's head snapped up from his book immediately. He froze, staring at his fireplace. He thought he had heard the telltale sounds of a guest arriving via Floo, but that couldn't be. The sound came again, unmistakable this time. Snape rushed to his feet and stood, poised ready to defend himself. This wasn't normal! It was very hard to connect someone's fireplace to a Floo network by hand, and he certainly hadn't been connected if his memory served him correct. For a few seconds Hermione was forgotten as thoughts of Death Eaters and Voldemort and even Dumbledore ran through his mind, each just as unlikely as the next. And then he saw the first glimpse of a violet heel, painted toenails, and luxurious black tights. Snape let out a breath that he hadn't been aware that he was holding. It was Hermione.
She emerged, looking untouched and immaculate. Snape's mind whirled, ready to give her a tongue lashing about how she had startled him, who he thought she could have been, and the nerve of it all. He stopped, however, when he came to the smile on her face and he paused long enough to take her in. Her breasts gently bounced as she breathed, her red lips curving in the most inviting of grins. All previous thoughts were forgotten as they crossed the room together and met in a kiss. Snape felt small fingers in his hair and he put a firm hand to the small of her back, pressing her into him.
"This is the surprise?" He asked as he came up for air, a shocked expression still readable on his face. Hermione nodded.
"Private Floo connection, just your fireplace and mine. Do you like it?" His answer was a kiss, and he planted his tongue in her mouth, making her moan loudly.
"You know I wish you could stay." He muttered as he began to work his way down the soft flesh on her neck. "But it would look rather...odd if we arrived together." His hand cupped a breast through the thin dress, and Hermione let her head fall back in pleasure.
"I know. I was planning on going back and meeting Ginny, Ron, Harry, Parvati, and..." Her words were barely a whisper as Snape opened his lips against the upper curve of her breasts, kissing them wetly. He pulled away suddenly. Hermione groaned in disappointment.
"I'd better let you go then." He stood, and gave Hermione's hand a squeeze. "But I'll see you soon." He kissed her deeply. Hermione was reluctant to pull away.
"Soon." She repeated, and stepped back into the fire. Snape stood staring at the spot where she had just stood for a few long moments before heading to the Great Hall. Never before had he looked forward to a dance at Hogwarts. What on Earth was Hermione doing to him? He couldn't be sure, but all he knew was that she was making him happier than he'd ever been in his life.
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Hermione walked carefully down the steps to the common room. It was like something out of a dream. Everywhere she turned there were boys in tuxes and flowing gowns sweeping along around her. The air was saturated with the heady smells of perfume and cologne, and Hermione smiled slightly as she noticed that beautiful as all the other dresses were, they paled in comparison to hers. Hermione movied like liquid into the common room, and the crowd hushed. She lifted her head and walked confidently over to her group of friends, every pair of eyes in the room on her. Suddenly Emily shook herself from an amazed stare and spoke.
"You look beautiful Hermione!! What a lovely dress!" The room seemed to return to life, everyone rejoining their conversations, and Hermione gave her friend a word of thanks before she took a seat next to Ginny. Ron stared openly at her, and was only stopped when he was hit with a sharp kick from Parvati. Harry looked upon her with approval, and gave her a few words of praise.
"Where did you get that dress Hermione?!" Ron asked, dumbstruck. "It's not natural!! Look, it flows like water!!" Parvati scowled at Ron while attempting to smile at Hermione at the same time. She ended up looking rather funny, and Hermione laughed.
"Well there wasn't any name when it was delivered, so I really couldn't tell you. Must be a secret admirer." She shrugged, and was looked upon in amazement.
"You mean to tell me you have no idea who sent that too you?" Parvati asked, suspicion in her eyes. Hermione blew her off.
"Like I said, there wasn't any name." She smiled, and noticed Harry holding Ginny's hand. He had turned his eyes from Hermione and was staring at his date longingly. Ginny was eating it up. Hermione nodded her head, glad that her friend was finally getting the attention she deserved. "Well what are we waiting for?!" Hermione asked, motioning for the others to stand. "Let's go!"
A few heads turned, and at once the common room was blazing with movement as students hurried to get out the door.
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The reaction to Hermione in the Great Hall was similar to the one in the Gryffindor common room. Silence fell over the ones who saw her, and other, confused, turned their heads until everyone sat staring at the Head Girl. Hermione looked at the Head Table. Teachers were staring at her. Flitwick looked amazed, Trelawny intrigued. Dumbledore gave her a warm smile. Her eyes fell on her lover. Snape was beaming, and he raised his glass in a toast to her. McGonagall was looking at Hermione with interest. She followed the girl's eyes, leading her to a (holy shit,is he HAPPY?!) Severus Snape.
McGonagall narrowed her eyes, looking from her student to her fellow teacher. The Gryffindors took their seats, and Dumbledore raised an unnessecary hand to bring silence. No one, however, had started to talk yet. His eyes glittered as he spoke his famous words.
"Let the dance begin."
Suddenly the four tables were pushed to one side of the Great Hall, leaving bewildered students to hold on as they were flown. The lights dimmed and colorful lasers shot from the enchanted ceiling. A sparkling disco ball appeared, and oohs and ahs were heard throughout the hall as ribbons and decorations appeared. Punch and cookies lined the tables, and the floor magically split up into squares that glowed from underneath as different colored lights were shone under them.
With a wave of Dumbledore's hands music started playing. Cheers erupted as a popular song by The Four Witches rang throughout the hall. Slowly pairs filtered onto the dance floor. Harry and Ginny were one of the first couples to get the dance going. Hermione smiled as Ginny winked at her, Harry's hands on her waist as he led her around the floor. Hermione grinned as boys from every table started coming towards her. It was nice to be thought of as attractive. In her final year at Hogwarts Hermione had enjoyed an increased popularity. She was no longer just the Gryffindor walking library that she used to be known for. Neville approached her self-consciously. Hermione gave a look to Severus, who raised an eyebrow and smiled. Taking Neville's hand, Hermione allowed herself to be led onto the dance floor.
Neville was a better dance partner than Hermione had expected; he only stepped on her feet once. As a fast song came on, more people joined the crowd on the floor until almost the entire school was grooving tightly between the four walls that made up the Hall. Even the ghosts were whisking about, passing through unexpecting first years joyfully. Hermione saw Dumbledore murmur something to the teachers. McGonagall smiled while Snape scowled, and soon a few of the teachers were joining the students. In a few more moments Dumbledore was standing behind Neville.
"Mind if I cut in?" The Headmaster regarded Neville with a bright smile. Hermione welcomed the old man by returning his hug, which she found a bit odd. When he saw her looking at him strangely he winked.
"Good evening Miss Hermione." His hands rested lightly on her back as he twirled her about.
"Good evening Sir." She nodded to him as a slower song started and Hermione let out a breath of relief as her Headmaster dwindled his pace of spinning.
"You look rather stunning tonight." He spoke quietly.
Hermione stiffened. 'Not the dress...don't ask about the dress...please.'
"That's quite an unusual dress you've got there." He nodded slightly downwards, and Hermione forced a smile.
"It was a gift." It came out a little harsher than Hermione had expected. She cringed, only having wanted a tone of finality. Dumbledore didn't seem to notice.
"And a very thoughtful one at that."
Hermione managed to nod weakly as she was swung dangerously close to Ron and Parvati.
"Are you currently seeing someone Miss Granger? I noticed you came alone tonight." His tone was cheery. Hermione forced down the lump in her throat to reply.
"I am Sir. It's just that, well..." She struggled for words. "We don't want it public knowledge yet." Dumbledore smiled brightly.
"That is very wise of you, Hermione. News seems to travel rather rapidly in this place." He paused, looking into her eyes. "Promise me you'll dance with him, Miss Granger. I don't know if I've ever seen him so happy." The song ended abruptly, and Dumbledore scurried away to find his next victim, leaving Hermione standing in the middle of the dance floor, too stunned to move. Meanwhile...
Snape stood, watching Dumbledore dance with Hermione. He wondered what they were talking about. The Headmaster had been quite cheery with him lately, and would often poke him about as if he knew something that he wasn't supposed too. 'Better get this show on the road.' He extended a hand to Minerva, who looked pleasantly surprised at his gesture. Tucking in her chair, she accepted.
Growing up in an old, wealthy, wizarding family, Snape had had a ballroom in his childhood mansion. He knew how to dance, and he knew how to dance amazingly well. He decided, however, that he would save this talent for a young brunette he felt more deserving of his skills than Minerva. Glancing over to Hermione, he saw Seamus Finnigan attempting to woo her. Hermione looked like she was stifling a yawn as she talked with him, and a smile passed over Snape's face momentarily. Quickly he scowled and turned his attentions back to Minerva as he dipped her. McGonagall regarded him apprehensively.
"Quite a dress Hermione's got there, isn't it?" She eyed him carefully. Snape feigned a yawn.
"I really didn't notice. Honestly, Minerva, do you think I come here to go scouting all the pretty dresses of the students?!" His voice rose in pitch mockingly as he gave her his death glare. "Like I have nothing better to do then ogle the Gryffindor Walking Library as if she were at a fashion show!"
McGonagall smiled. "Sorry, Severus. That was rude of me. I wasn't expecting to hit a nerve." Snape scowled. McGonagall decided to change the subject before he strangled her. She had learned what she wanted. "That's quite an interesting outfit you have on." She motioned towards his black leather pants. "Lose a bet?" As if on cue, a few students started snickering as he whirled Minerva past them. Others looked downright shocked. Snape ignored them.
"You look lovely tonight Minerva." He spat, attempting to not sound as if he was going to gag. She smiled, tightening her grip around his neck.
"You just keep telling yourself that, Severus."
Snape looked more than a little relieved when the song was over, and he left her to head towards the Gryffindor table. Emily sat, absently looking around while her boyfriend was getting her punch. Emily had always been one of Snape's favorite students...well, if he'd allowed himself to have favorite students she would have been. He wondered whether or not the Sorting Hat was smoking something when it had put her in Gryffindor. She had the will, cunningness and ambition of a Slytherin. Not only that, but she thrived in potions. The tall redhead looked up to see her Professor walking towards her, and gave a satisfied smile.
"Ah, Miss Samantha. Would you care to dance?" He held out a hand, and the girl took it tenderly. Snape was surprised to see her so eager. He wasn't exactly Mr. Popular, but Emily seemed not to notice.
Hermione breathed heavily as she sat down. Severus was dancing with Emily, and she looked at them with amusement when Emily leaned up to whisper something to him and Snape laughed. Hermione smiled. The two girls had talked quite a bit earlier in the year about their potions master. Although Emily had never developed the crush Hermione had had, she adored him for his intelligence and sarcasm. Mainly the sarcasm...assuming that it wasn't directed at her.
Ginny took the empty seat next to Hermione and the two girls waited as Harry went to fetch them punch.
"Having a good time Ginny?" Hermione asked, seeing the girl staring longingly after The Boy Who Lived. Ginny turned to her friend, and suddenly pulled her into a hug.
"The best ever. Thanks again for making me beautiful, Hermione." Ginny smiled. "And I think I know how I can make it up to you!" The girl got to her feet and Hermione watched her, curious. Snape was about to return to the Head Table after escorting Emily back to her boyfriend, but stopped as Ginny approached.
"Professor." She blushed the slightest bit. Hermione grinned. She loved how Ginny wasn't scared of her lover, like most of the rest of the school. "Would you care to dance?"
Snape stared at the small redhead in front of him for a moment. He couldn't remember the last time a student had asked him to dance. He wasn't sure if there had ever BEEN a last time. The very first makings of a smile passed over his face, and he extended a hand.
"I would be honored." He nodded to her, and the two swept over the dance floor. Snape looked at the young creature in front of him. She knew, yes. But she didn't know that he knew she knew. And Snape had taken on a whole new prospective of the girl since she continued to treat him the same as she always did, if not better. He liked her. And as unusual as a thought like that was for Snape, he decided not to squash it...and perhaps have some fun with the girl.
He was just itching to dance...really dance, none of this new hip dancing that the students were doing; none of the slow ballroom dancing that didn't take up too much work, really dance. Extracting his wand from his pocket he pointed it at the walls, and soon a swing song started filtering through the crowded floor. Ginny managed to not show too much of her surprise on her face. Snape felt mildly proud.
"There are, Miss Weasley, many things that you don't know about me." He took her hands and together they started to swing.
"Well then I guess I'd better start doing my research." She grinned as he picked her up by her hips and lifted her in the air. Ginny squealed in delight, and kicked her legs as they were in the air. Heads started turning, and people stared in disbelief as their cruel, nasty potions professor stepped forward, rocked back, and leant down to whisper something in Ginny's ear. The next second he had his hands on her hips and Ginny jumped. He swung her first on his left hip, then his right, and Ginny opened her legs and closed them around his stomach as he swung her towards him. Soon the students were making a large circle around the dance floor, leaving Snape and Ginny in the center. Ginny certainly enjoyed the spotlight, and seemed to lose some of her inhibitions. Snape was a marvelous dancer, and he even went as far as to toss her in the air a good five feet over his head and then catch her. Then he opened his legs and she slid under them, and he brought her up in the air again while he held her hips and she flailed her legs about joyously. Ginny had actually known how to swing dance, and Snape found her an enjoyable dance partner.
McGonagall looked as if she'd seen the Pope on a pogo stick.
Snape let out a mischievous grin at knocking the pants off everyone in surprise, but he didn't let them see it. Ginny, however, did. When the song had ended and they finally stopped, she clutched at her chest for breath as a timid looking first year started applauding, and soon the hall was alive with clapping. Hermione looked over to Draco Malfoy and company, who were not amused.
"You know, don't you?" Ginny managed to ask as Snape walked her back over to the Gryffindor table. He attempted to look as if he had no idea what she was talking about. Ginny punched him playfully. "You knew I knew!" And Snape only smiled, giving her enough answer that she needed. The girl never ceased to amaze him.
When they had arrived at Ginny's spot, the Professor handed her over to a very confused Potter. The boy was giving him a scowl almost as big as his Professor was giving him.
"Potter." He spat the name out, a disgusted look on his face before he turned to the young woman sitting beside Ginny.
"Miss Granger, would you care to dance?" There was a slightly annoyed tone to his voice, and he made it seem as if he were conducting a chore. Harry's jaw dropped as Hermione gave him a bright smile.
"I'd love to, Professor Snape." And she was whisked away. Snape spoke quietly, his wand in hand, and soon a steady beat with sultry undertones came on. Couples were recovering from shock and made their way out of their circle back to crowd the floor. Many eyes still watched the Potions Master, and Hermione smiled. She didn't care. They didn't know. She was dancing with her lover, and they didn't know. It was a tango, and Snape guided Hermione skillfully around, sweeping her this way and that. They stood facing each other at arms distance, palm to palm. Moving from side to side they gradually closed the distance between them. Snape spun Hermione, and her back was against him. His hands wrapped around her and held on low on her hips. Shuffle left, step right step right. Hermione was so in tune to his body that she could almost tell where he was going before he moved, and her steps matched his with ease although she wasn't trained in dancing. She smiled as she faced him yet again.
"You're going to have to teach me how to dance." Her arm wrapped around his neck.
Snape frowned at this, playing the game. He squirmed a bit under her touch. "I look forward to that, Miss Granger." The emphasis was on her name, and a shiver went through Hermione. His voice was dangerously low and sexy, and Hermione tried her hardest not to shove her hips into him and take his lips right in front of everyone. 'Tonight.' She told herself. 'Soon. Tonight.' And they danced.
"That'll ruin the surprise!" She countered, and he had pulled her into a kiss, all thoughts of the surprise vanishing from his mind. Until now. He looked at himself in the mirror. He had used a bit of cologne, and he smelled of dark spices. Gazing down at the tight leather pants in his reflection he frowned. He was going to go out, in front of hundreds of students, in front of his peers and coworkers, in front of Dumbledore even, dressed in muggle leather pants. He shook his head, almost disbelieving. So he had lost. He wouldn't go back on his word for anyone, especially not on Hermione. He sighed, and brushed a hand over his black turtleneck. He looked strangely out of place in his rooms, which spoke of old wizarding families and tradition. 'It's for Hermione, it's for Hermione.' He repeated the phrase over and over until it became sort of a chant, a mantra to keep him sane. He smiled then, thinking of all the shocked looks he would get later. There were many shades of Severus Snape that the student body as a whole would never know, save for Hermione. Snape frowned. One minute. He paced over to his chair and picked up a book. The squishy armchair sagged pleasantly under his weight and for a moment he was absorbed in what he was reading. And then it came.
A familiar tinkling sound was heard, and Snape's head snapped up from his book immediately. He froze, staring at his fireplace. He thought he had heard the telltale sounds of a guest arriving via Floo, but that couldn't be. The sound came again, unmistakable this time. Snape rushed to his feet and stood, poised ready to defend himself. This wasn't normal! It was very hard to connect someone's fireplace to a Floo network by hand, and he certainly hadn't been connected if his memory served him correct. For a few seconds Hermione was forgotten as thoughts of Death Eaters and Voldemort and even Dumbledore ran through his mind, each just as unlikely as the next. And then he saw the first glimpse of a violet heel, painted toenails, and luxurious black tights. Snape let out a breath that he hadn't been aware that he was holding. It was Hermione.
She emerged, looking untouched and immaculate. Snape's mind whirled, ready to give her a tongue lashing about how she had startled him, who he thought she could have been, and the nerve of it all. He stopped, however, when he came to the smile on her face and he paused long enough to take her in. Her breasts gently bounced as she breathed, her red lips curving in the most inviting of grins. All previous thoughts were forgotten as they crossed the room together and met in a kiss. Snape felt small fingers in his hair and he put a firm hand to the small of her back, pressing her into him.
"This is the surprise?" He asked as he came up for air, a shocked expression still readable on his face. Hermione nodded.
"Private Floo connection, just your fireplace and mine. Do you like it?" His answer was a kiss, and he planted his tongue in her mouth, making her moan loudly.
"You know I wish you could stay." He muttered as he began to work his way down the soft flesh on her neck. "But it would look rather...odd if we arrived together." His hand cupped a breast through the thin dress, and Hermione let her head fall back in pleasure.
"I know. I was planning on going back and meeting Ginny, Ron, Harry, Parvati, and..." Her words were barely a whisper as Snape opened his lips against the upper curve of her breasts, kissing them wetly. He pulled away suddenly. Hermione groaned in disappointment.
"I'd better let you go then." He stood, and gave Hermione's hand a squeeze. "But I'll see you soon." He kissed her deeply. Hermione was reluctant to pull away.
"Soon." She repeated, and stepped back into the fire. Snape stood staring at the spot where she had just stood for a few long moments before heading to the Great Hall. Never before had he looked forward to a dance at Hogwarts. What on Earth was Hermione doing to him? He couldn't be sure, but all he knew was that she was making him happier than he'd ever been in his life.
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Hermione walked carefully down the steps to the common room. It was like something out of a dream. Everywhere she turned there were boys in tuxes and flowing gowns sweeping along around her. The air was saturated with the heady smells of perfume and cologne, and Hermione smiled slightly as she noticed that beautiful as all the other dresses were, they paled in comparison to hers. Hermione movied like liquid into the common room, and the crowd hushed. She lifted her head and walked confidently over to her group of friends, every pair of eyes in the room on her. Suddenly Emily shook herself from an amazed stare and spoke.
"You look beautiful Hermione!! What a lovely dress!" The room seemed to return to life, everyone rejoining their conversations, and Hermione gave her friend a word of thanks before she took a seat next to Ginny. Ron stared openly at her, and was only stopped when he was hit with a sharp kick from Parvati. Harry looked upon her with approval, and gave her a few words of praise.
"Where did you get that dress Hermione?!" Ron asked, dumbstruck. "It's not natural!! Look, it flows like water!!" Parvati scowled at Ron while attempting to smile at Hermione at the same time. She ended up looking rather funny, and Hermione laughed.
"Well there wasn't any name when it was delivered, so I really couldn't tell you. Must be a secret admirer." She shrugged, and was looked upon in amazement.
"You mean to tell me you have no idea who sent that too you?" Parvati asked, suspicion in her eyes. Hermione blew her off.
"Like I said, there wasn't any name." She smiled, and noticed Harry holding Ginny's hand. He had turned his eyes from Hermione and was staring at his date longingly. Ginny was eating it up. Hermione nodded her head, glad that her friend was finally getting the attention she deserved. "Well what are we waiting for?!" Hermione asked, motioning for the others to stand. "Let's go!"
A few heads turned, and at once the common room was blazing with movement as students hurried to get out the door.
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The reaction to Hermione in the Great Hall was similar to the one in the Gryffindor common room. Silence fell over the ones who saw her, and other, confused, turned their heads until everyone sat staring at the Head Girl. Hermione looked at the Head Table. Teachers were staring at her. Flitwick looked amazed, Trelawny intrigued. Dumbledore gave her a warm smile. Her eyes fell on her lover. Snape was beaming, and he raised his glass in a toast to her. McGonagall was looking at Hermione with interest. She followed the girl's eyes, leading her to a (holy shit,is he HAPPY?!) Severus Snape.
McGonagall narrowed her eyes, looking from her student to her fellow teacher. The Gryffindors took their seats, and Dumbledore raised an unnessecary hand to bring silence. No one, however, had started to talk yet. His eyes glittered as he spoke his famous words.
"Let the dance begin."
Suddenly the four tables were pushed to one side of the Great Hall, leaving bewildered students to hold on as they were flown. The lights dimmed and colorful lasers shot from the enchanted ceiling. A sparkling disco ball appeared, and oohs and ahs were heard throughout the hall as ribbons and decorations appeared. Punch and cookies lined the tables, and the floor magically split up into squares that glowed from underneath as different colored lights were shone under them.
With a wave of Dumbledore's hands music started playing. Cheers erupted as a popular song by The Four Witches rang throughout the hall. Slowly pairs filtered onto the dance floor. Harry and Ginny were one of the first couples to get the dance going. Hermione smiled as Ginny winked at her, Harry's hands on her waist as he led her around the floor. Hermione grinned as boys from every table started coming towards her. It was nice to be thought of as attractive. In her final year at Hogwarts Hermione had enjoyed an increased popularity. She was no longer just the Gryffindor walking library that she used to be known for. Neville approached her self-consciously. Hermione gave a look to Severus, who raised an eyebrow and smiled. Taking Neville's hand, Hermione allowed herself to be led onto the dance floor.
Neville was a better dance partner than Hermione had expected; he only stepped on her feet once. As a fast song came on, more people joined the crowd on the floor until almost the entire school was grooving tightly between the four walls that made up the Hall. Even the ghosts were whisking about, passing through unexpecting first years joyfully. Hermione saw Dumbledore murmur something to the teachers. McGonagall smiled while Snape scowled, and soon a few of the teachers were joining the students. In a few more moments Dumbledore was standing behind Neville.
"Mind if I cut in?" The Headmaster regarded Neville with a bright smile. Hermione welcomed the old man by returning his hug, which she found a bit odd. When he saw her looking at him strangely he winked.
"Good evening Miss Hermione." His hands rested lightly on her back as he twirled her about.
"Good evening Sir." She nodded to him as a slower song started and Hermione let out a breath of relief as her Headmaster dwindled his pace of spinning.
"You look rather stunning tonight." He spoke quietly.
Hermione stiffened. 'Not the dress...don't ask about the dress...please.'
"That's quite an unusual dress you've got there." He nodded slightly downwards, and Hermione forced a smile.
"It was a gift." It came out a little harsher than Hermione had expected. She cringed, only having wanted a tone of finality. Dumbledore didn't seem to notice.
"And a very thoughtful one at that."
Hermione managed to nod weakly as she was swung dangerously close to Ron and Parvati.
"Are you currently seeing someone Miss Granger? I noticed you came alone tonight." His tone was cheery. Hermione forced down the lump in her throat to reply.
"I am Sir. It's just that, well..." She struggled for words. "We don't want it public knowledge yet." Dumbledore smiled brightly.
"That is very wise of you, Hermione. News seems to travel rather rapidly in this place." He paused, looking into her eyes. "Promise me you'll dance with him, Miss Granger. I don't know if I've ever seen him so happy." The song ended abruptly, and Dumbledore scurried away to find his next victim, leaving Hermione standing in the middle of the dance floor, too stunned to move. Meanwhile...
Snape stood, watching Dumbledore dance with Hermione. He wondered what they were talking about. The Headmaster had been quite cheery with him lately, and would often poke him about as if he knew something that he wasn't supposed too. 'Better get this show on the road.' He extended a hand to Minerva, who looked pleasantly surprised at his gesture. Tucking in her chair, she accepted.
Growing up in an old, wealthy, wizarding family, Snape had had a ballroom in his childhood mansion. He knew how to dance, and he knew how to dance amazingly well. He decided, however, that he would save this talent for a young brunette he felt more deserving of his skills than Minerva. Glancing over to Hermione, he saw Seamus Finnigan attempting to woo her. Hermione looked like she was stifling a yawn as she talked with him, and a smile passed over Snape's face momentarily. Quickly he scowled and turned his attentions back to Minerva as he dipped her. McGonagall regarded him apprehensively.
"Quite a dress Hermione's got there, isn't it?" She eyed him carefully. Snape feigned a yawn.
"I really didn't notice. Honestly, Minerva, do you think I come here to go scouting all the pretty dresses of the students?!" His voice rose in pitch mockingly as he gave her his death glare. "Like I have nothing better to do then ogle the Gryffindor Walking Library as if she were at a fashion show!"
McGonagall smiled. "Sorry, Severus. That was rude of me. I wasn't expecting to hit a nerve." Snape scowled. McGonagall decided to change the subject before he strangled her. She had learned what she wanted. "That's quite an interesting outfit you have on." She motioned towards his black leather pants. "Lose a bet?" As if on cue, a few students started snickering as he whirled Minerva past them. Others looked downright shocked. Snape ignored them.
"You look lovely tonight Minerva." He spat, attempting to not sound as if he was going to gag. She smiled, tightening her grip around his neck.
"You just keep telling yourself that, Severus."
Snape looked more than a little relieved when the song was over, and he left her to head towards the Gryffindor table. Emily sat, absently looking around while her boyfriend was getting her punch. Emily had always been one of Snape's favorite students...well, if he'd allowed himself to have favorite students she would have been. He wondered whether or not the Sorting Hat was smoking something when it had put her in Gryffindor. She had the will, cunningness and ambition of a Slytherin. Not only that, but she thrived in potions. The tall redhead looked up to see her Professor walking towards her, and gave a satisfied smile.
"Ah, Miss Samantha. Would you care to dance?" He held out a hand, and the girl took it tenderly. Snape was surprised to see her so eager. He wasn't exactly Mr. Popular, but Emily seemed not to notice.
Hermione breathed heavily as she sat down. Severus was dancing with Emily, and she looked at them with amusement when Emily leaned up to whisper something to him and Snape laughed. Hermione smiled. The two girls had talked quite a bit earlier in the year about their potions master. Although Emily had never developed the crush Hermione had had, she adored him for his intelligence and sarcasm. Mainly the sarcasm...assuming that it wasn't directed at her.
Ginny took the empty seat next to Hermione and the two girls waited as Harry went to fetch them punch.
"Having a good time Ginny?" Hermione asked, seeing the girl staring longingly after The Boy Who Lived. Ginny turned to her friend, and suddenly pulled her into a hug.
"The best ever. Thanks again for making me beautiful, Hermione." Ginny smiled. "And I think I know how I can make it up to you!" The girl got to her feet and Hermione watched her, curious. Snape was about to return to the Head Table after escorting Emily back to her boyfriend, but stopped as Ginny approached.
"Professor." She blushed the slightest bit. Hermione grinned. She loved how Ginny wasn't scared of her lover, like most of the rest of the school. "Would you care to dance?"
Snape stared at the small redhead in front of him for a moment. He couldn't remember the last time a student had asked him to dance. He wasn't sure if there had ever BEEN a last time. The very first makings of a smile passed over his face, and he extended a hand.
"I would be honored." He nodded to her, and the two swept over the dance floor. Snape looked at the young creature in front of him. She knew, yes. But she didn't know that he knew she knew. And Snape had taken on a whole new prospective of the girl since she continued to treat him the same as she always did, if not better. He liked her. And as unusual as a thought like that was for Snape, he decided not to squash it...and perhaps have some fun with the girl.
He was just itching to dance...really dance, none of this new hip dancing that the students were doing; none of the slow ballroom dancing that didn't take up too much work, really dance. Extracting his wand from his pocket he pointed it at the walls, and soon a swing song started filtering through the crowded floor. Ginny managed to not show too much of her surprise on her face. Snape felt mildly proud.
"There are, Miss Weasley, many things that you don't know about me." He took her hands and together they started to swing.
"Well then I guess I'd better start doing my research." She grinned as he picked her up by her hips and lifted her in the air. Ginny squealed in delight, and kicked her legs as they were in the air. Heads started turning, and people stared in disbelief as their cruel, nasty potions professor stepped forward, rocked back, and leant down to whisper something in Ginny's ear. The next second he had his hands on her hips and Ginny jumped. He swung her first on his left hip, then his right, and Ginny opened her legs and closed them around his stomach as he swung her towards him. Soon the students were making a large circle around the dance floor, leaving Snape and Ginny in the center. Ginny certainly enjoyed the spotlight, and seemed to lose some of her inhibitions. Snape was a marvelous dancer, and he even went as far as to toss her in the air a good five feet over his head and then catch her. Then he opened his legs and she slid under them, and he brought her up in the air again while he held her hips and she flailed her legs about joyously. Ginny had actually known how to swing dance, and Snape found her an enjoyable dance partner.
McGonagall looked as if she'd seen the Pope on a pogo stick.
Snape let out a mischievous grin at knocking the pants off everyone in surprise, but he didn't let them see it. Ginny, however, did. When the song had ended and they finally stopped, she clutched at her chest for breath as a timid looking first year started applauding, and soon the hall was alive with clapping. Hermione looked over to Draco Malfoy and company, who were not amused.
"You know, don't you?" Ginny managed to ask as Snape walked her back over to the Gryffindor table. He attempted to look as if he had no idea what she was talking about. Ginny punched him playfully. "You knew I knew!" And Snape only smiled, giving her enough answer that she needed. The girl never ceased to amaze him.
When they had arrived at Ginny's spot, the Professor handed her over to a very confused Potter. The boy was giving him a scowl almost as big as his Professor was giving him.
"Potter." He spat the name out, a disgusted look on his face before he turned to the young woman sitting beside Ginny.
"Miss Granger, would you care to dance?" There was a slightly annoyed tone to his voice, and he made it seem as if he were conducting a chore. Harry's jaw dropped as Hermione gave him a bright smile.
"I'd love to, Professor Snape." And she was whisked away. Snape spoke quietly, his wand in hand, and soon a steady beat with sultry undertones came on. Couples were recovering from shock and made their way out of their circle back to crowd the floor. Many eyes still watched the Potions Master, and Hermione smiled. She didn't care. They didn't know. She was dancing with her lover, and they didn't know. It was a tango, and Snape guided Hermione skillfully around, sweeping her this way and that. They stood facing each other at arms distance, palm to palm. Moving from side to side they gradually closed the distance between them. Snape spun Hermione, and her back was against him. His hands wrapped around her and held on low on her hips. Shuffle left, step right step right. Hermione was so in tune to his body that she could almost tell where he was going before he moved, and her steps matched his with ease although she wasn't trained in dancing. She smiled as she faced him yet again.
"You're going to have to teach me how to dance." Her arm wrapped around his neck.
Snape frowned at this, playing the game. He squirmed a bit under her touch. "I look forward to that, Miss Granger." The emphasis was on her name, and a shiver went through Hermione. His voice was dangerously low and sexy, and Hermione tried her hardest not to shove her hips into him and take his lips right in front of everyone. 'Tonight.' She told herself. 'Soon. Tonight.' And they danced.