Chapter 20
It was the morning of the potions test. The classroom was chattering when Snape glided into the room, robes billowing.
"We will review the text briefly then move on to brewing the potion. It takes over an hour to brew so let's review quickly then get to work. This test makes up a large part of your grade, so kindly pay attention to what you are doing. You may review with your partners, but the brewing portion is individual effort. The brewing will start in twenty minutes."
Harry and Hermione reviewed and quizzed each other, confident that the potion would be a success. After twenty minutes of review, Snape said,
"Collect your cauldrons and ingredients. The test will commence when everyone has returned to their tables."
After an hour, when Snape was confident that everyone's potions had heated to the correct temperature and color announced,
"Now one of each of the pair of you will drink the potion. The one that didn't drink will ask your partner random questions that they would ordinarily remember. If they can't think of it, you passed. Anything else is a failure. Begin."
Snape watched as Harry and Hermione flipped a galleon. Hermione took Harry's vial, shrugged and said,
"Bottom's up." she grimaced as she swallowed.
She grabbed Harry's arm. She knew what was wrong. Snape stood up when he heard Hermione say,
"Harry, this is not supposed to be-," but stopped when she grabbed her stomach, bent over and vomited the contents of her breakfast, and by the looks of it, last night's dinner as well all over Harry's shoes and bottom of his robe.
"What the hell?" Harry said grabbing his book to look. The 6 other students who drank vomited as well. Blaise Zabini was bent over as Draco was pleading and fanning him, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry…" The vomiting ceased for a minute.
"WHAT IN THE BLAZES?" Snape roared.
He snatched his text, looked at it then marched to the ingredient cabinet. Taking out the asphodel he sniffed it then cursed loudly. The class froze until the vomiting started again.
"All ill students to the infirmary NOW. The others will clean up the mess in here. After that you are dismissed."
Snape lead the sick students towards the infirmary. Hermione and Blaise were supporting each other as Hermione vomited again. The others soon followed.
Dumbledore appeared to the sick green-in-the-face group as they got to the infirmary.
"Should I even ask Severus? This is your NEWT class is it not?"
Dumbledore asked as Ayden Foote vomited at his feet. Madame Pomfrey ushered the students inside. They received a calming and nausea potion then stayed an hour to ensure there were no more problems. Back in the potions room, Severus and Dumbldore were examining the ingredients.
"Headmaster, ALL the students would not have made such a grievous mistake in the brewing. I highly doubt Miss Granger would brew it wrong for her best friend to drink. This is my NEWT class after all. I believe the asphodel was defective. It's the only explanation for them all being ill with the same symptom at the same time."
"Hmm, I agree Severus. The apothecary must be notified immediately. You do that while I check in on the ill students." Snape nodded and left with the container of defective asphodel.
As the students left the infirmary an hour later, Hermione quipped to Blasie, "This of course would have to happen the day of the ball."
Hermione joined her friends at lunch, still a bit green in the face declining the food offered. She sipped juice carefully hoping that it stayed down.
"Mione, I can't tell you how sorry I am," Harry pleaded.
"Harry, stop. It's not your fault that asphodel was defective. I'm fine now."
"We heard what happened. Gods, that must have been awful. Half the class throwing up," Ginny said.
"I heard Snape was furious," Ron said.
"That's putting it lightly. He threatened to hex the apothecary owner from here to China," Hermione said.
"I"ve seen him mad, but not this mad," Harry said.
"Can we talk about something else besides vomiting while we are eating? Like the ball?" Ginny ventured.
Hermione knew what was coming. "No Ginny, I have no date. Nor do I need one," Hermione said. "Really, I'm fine with it. I have to go now to make sure the house elves understand the final preparations for tonight. See you later. Ginny, Lavender, my room, 5 pm to get ready, right?" they nodded as Hermione left.
They all looked at each other. Hermione was the only one going dateless. It just seemed wrong!
"Such a travesty, that one is. The most eligible girl in school going dateless to the biggest event besides graduation." Seamus declared shaking his head.
Promptly at 5 pm, the wards on Hermione's room signaled the arrival of Ginny. She shouted "open" from the loo as Ginny, Lavender, and the addition of the Patil sisters entered her room. Arms filled with dress boxes and bags, they started chattering, fussing and styling hair. They gushed over each other's dresses and told naughty jokes about their dates. Close to eight pm, they emerged from Hermione's room. Draco and a set of twins from Ravenclaw were waiting on Ginny, Lavender and the Patil sisters.
"Ginny, you are beautiful. Simply beautiful," Draco admired handing her a rose. She blushed, kissed him on the cheek and joined him arm in arm waiting on the others.
"You look rather good yourself, Mr. Malfoy," His dress robe was striking.
Hermione walked out of her room last. Draco said softly, "You look absolutely stunning Shorty."
"Really Hermione, you do," Ginny declared.
"Thanks you two," she replied.
Harry and Ron arrived from the Hufflepuff rooms with their dates.
They walked in a circle around Hermione, nodding with approval.
"This meets with your approval, I take it? " she asked the boys teasingly.
"You look spectacular 'Mione. Every bloke tonight will kick themselves for not asking you to the ball," Ron said in earnest.
"Yes Hermione, you look beautiful this evening." Harry said kissing her cheek.
"Those dress robes are smashing on you two," Hermione told Harry and Ron.
Looking to the boy's dates, she said, "You are lucky girls. Now, shall we go to our last Hogwarts ball?"
While this was happening, the staff had already arrived at the great hall. Hermione and Draco had done an astounding job on the hall. An illusion of snowflakes was drifting from the ceiling and decorated Christmas tress lined the walls. A black polished concert grand piano was in a corner. Lightly twinkling lights adorned the walls and the rafters. Christmas colored glitter powdered the floor and festive music was enchanted from somewhere. Long, colored satin streamers representing the four housed draped the long windows of the hall. A long decorated table to the right held enough delectable food and drink for an army. Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape looked about the hall admiring the work done.
"Mr Malfoy and Miss Granger have really outdone themselves. This is amazing," McGonagall said.
"Wouldn't you agree Severus?" Dumbledore challenged.
"I admit, it is impressive," Snape confirmed with a raised eyebrow.
Students trickled in after eight pm. The girls wore gowns of all colors and styles, with the males outfitted in elegant dress robes. After a while, Draco and Ginny walked through the doors followed by Harry and Ron. Last but not least, Hermione. Snape's breath audibly caught in his throat. His knuckles were white as they gripped his glass.
"Anything wrong, Severus?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes twinkling.
"No Albus, I'm as right as rain." he said absently as his eyes followed Hermione as she made her way around the hall saying her hellos.
"What did I tell you?" Dumbledore said quietly to McGonagall.
"I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it with my own eyes. My goodness Albus, he looks smitten!" McGonagall whispered fiercely.
Hermione's gown was a simple but elegant black satin, spaghetti strap bodice gown that gracefully draped to just below her knees. The gown was complemented by a matching white pearl necklace and earrings. Half her hair was in a light bun, with the rest hanging down in billowing curls down to her hips. She showed no ill effects of the incredible amount of vomiting that had went on earlier that day.
The young lady is absolutely stunning! Does the boy have any idea how lucky he is to have such a stunning creature on his arm? Snape thought.
"Albus, I see no one with Hermione. Do you know who the lucky young man is?" McGonagall asked curiously.
"If I'm not mistaken, she has no date. No one asked her," Dumbledore stated.
Snape's head whipped around in surprise to the two. "That is not possible," he blurted.
He blushingly realized what he said and quickly excused himself to the refreshment table.
I'll never live that down. Snape thought.
Dumbledore clinked his glass and got the attention of the occupants of the hall.
"Now that I have your attention, let me welcome you to the annual Hogwarts Yule Ball. Please give a round of applause to our head students, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger for the amazing preparations to our great hall."
Hermione and Draco bowed slightly at the applause.
"As a twist, this year the professor staff will be required to dance as well."
The staff looked in astonishment at the Headmaster. No one expected this.
"However, the honor of the first dance will go to our head students. Draco and Hermione, take the floor please? Now enjoy the festivities. Happy Christmas to you all!" Dumbledore finished.
"Albus, why?" McGonagall asked.
Draco took Hermione's hand. "I'll be right back with him." Hermione winked at Ginny.
An orchestrated version of "Silent Night" was heard and Hermione and Draco gracefully glided around the floor. He led expertly with one hand on the small of her back and the other hand clasping her hand, while she rested her free arm on his shoulder, following gracefully. Polite applause was heard at the end of the dance, and Draco returned to Ginny.
I had no idea she could dance like that! Snape mused.
Hermione made her way to the piano and put a sheet of music in front of her. She started playing and singing:
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey
and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys
and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer
really know how to fly.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said
many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you.
As he looked to Hermione, Snape wasn't sure if he was under an enchantment or not. The staff knowingly looked to one another as they discretely observed Severus.
Yes, a Granger kind of enchantment.
Hermione smiled shyly as she played the last note. Snape admired her lightly glittered cheeks and the shy smile that lit up her face. Harry took her hand and they moved to the dance floor. Ron brought her a drink when the dance was over and the group of friends sat at a table. Ayden Foote went to her and bowed to her, handed her a daisy and held out his hand. He was a good dancer as well. After several more dances, Hermione went to the piano again. Playing and singing she started. Again the hall erupted in applause at the song's end. Evidently, it was the staff's turn to dance. Dumbledore took the floor with Hermione, McGonagall with Harry, and Snape with a girl from slytherin. He danced well, but looked uncomfortable nonetheless. Dumbledore and McGonagall were laughing as they danced with their partners.
I should be dancing with her, not that barmy old wizard! Will this song ever end?
At song's end, Hermione went to the refreshment table and got a cup of butterbeer and a handful of chocolate covered raspberries. Feeling a tap on her shoulder, she turned around to face Professor Snape. Holding up her hand to indicate him to wait for her to finish her bite, she swallowed and asked, "Yes professor?"
"Miss Granger, would you honor me with a dance?"
"Certainly professor."
"Shall we?" he asked softly leading her to the floor.
She said yes! he thought.
Shall we? Merlin, he said it! she thought.
"Is it too warm in here Miss Granger? You are flushed."
"No, I'm quite comfortable thank you."
On the dance floor, Severus led her in the same manner that Draco had except that she unconsciously danced closer to Severus.
Severus started, "Miss Granger, you look ravishing this evening and are to be commended for the hall."
She looked shyly up at him and replied, "Thank you very much."
Her lilac musk fragrance was intoxicating. When they glided by her group of friends, they winked at her. She rolled her eyes slightly. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"My friends are winking at me sir. I'm about to throw my shoe at them."
"I see."
"I'm performing two more songs this evening. Any requests?"
"I'm sure whatever you play will do nicely. You play very well."
"Thank you again." Her eyes traveled up and down his body and she felt his lean muscles through his dress robe. He had lightly applied a stirring fragrance of some cologne that prompted her to ask,
"Sir, if you don't mind my asking, what's the cologne you are wearing? I can't place it."
He chuckled softly. "It's a fragrance of my own making."
"Oh. Its very nice."
It's very nice? Granger, can you be any more lame? she said to herself.
At the song's conclusion, they both found themselves wishing the song had lasted longer. Ayden Foote danced with her again, then Harry. Waiting for her to finish her drink, Snape approached Hermione again and it did not go unnoticed by the staff. This dance Hermione was a bit more relaxed, and looked at Severus more while smiling.
"Enjoying yourself Miss Granger?"
"Immensely. Please, while we are here on this floor, you can call me Hermione."
"As you wish Hermione."
"Can you keep a secret?" she suggested.
"That depends on the secret, Hermione."
She could have melted right there on the spot at the way he said "Hermione".
"Don't tell anyone, but I snuck a shot of Ogden's in with my ginger ale. It helps with the pain in my feet. These shoes are killing me."
"Your secret is safe with me, Hermione. Ogden's happens to be my favorite."
"I have another number to play. Will you excuse me." He nodded.
"Okay you lot. This is a lighthearted number that some of you might have heard before. Enjoy." She started:
I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the mistletoe last night.
She didn't see me creep
down the stairs to have a peep;
She thought that I was tucked
up in my bedroom fast asleep.
Then, I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus
Underneath his beard so snowy white;
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
If Daddy had only seen
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night.
The crowd was entertained at the quirky song and Hermione captured Snape's heart when she winked at him during the song. Dumbledore didn't know what to be more amused over: the song lyrics, Hermione's wink to Severus or Severus' reaction to the wink. McGonagall was in a state of near shock at the turn of events. Snape smitten? With a student? With Hermione? At song's end Severus brought Hermione a drink to quench her thirst.
"Thank you. All this singing and dancing leaves me a bit parched."
"Another dance Hermione?"
"With such a fine dance partner, how can I refuse?" she replied coyly.
After the song ended, they reluctantly separated. Harry wanted to dance with her again, then Ron. Snape watched Hermione wince as Ron stepped on her feet not once, not twice but three times.
The clumsy oaf!
When the song ended, she limped slightly to the piano, Dumbledore announced:
"This will be the last performance from Miss Granger this evening, so once again, welcome Hermione to the piano."
Hermione sat at the bench and announced,
"Okay witches and wizards, grab that special someone and make this dance count. Mr. Weasley, watch out for your date's feet." The crowd laughed, she started playing and looked at Severus the whole song as if she was singing it for him.
Greeting cards have all been sent
The Christmas rush is through
But I still have one more wish to make
A special one for you
Merry Christmas Darling
We're apart that's true
But I can dream and in my dreams,
I'm Christmas-ing with you.
Holidays are joyful
There's always something new
But every day's a holiday
When I'm near to you
The lights on my tree
I wish you could see
I wish it every day
The logs on the fire
fill me with desire
To see you and to say
That I wish you a merry Christmas
Happy New Year, too
I've just one wish
on this Christmas Eve
I wish I were with you
I wish I were with you
It was approaching midnight and the last dance was playing. The party was breaking up. Couples were at tables or in corners snogging, some couples had snuck out. Half of the staff had retired for the evening. The remaining staff smiled in approval at the way Hermione and Severus waltzed closely together not missing a step while gazing at each other. They didn't notice that they were the only ones on the floor. They didn't care either. At the song's conclusion, Severus loathed to let her go. Dumbledore was beckoning to him so he had to go.
Damn that old wizard!
Dumbledore announced to everyone present:
"Attention everyone. It's time to conclude this year's Yule ball. The heads of house will ensure that their students have made it back to their dormitories while the head boy and girl supervise the dismantling of the great hall. See you tomorrow morning. Good night."
Severus looked at Hermione as he left the great hall. She cast a lingering glance at Severus and mouthed "thank you." Her and Draco were talking about he best way to take down the decorations. They whipped out their wands as they and the house elves went to work. A half hour later, Severus returned to the great hall to find it almost returned to normal. Hermione was barefoot in a corner talking to some house elves, shoes in one hand, the other hand holding up a tree that had fallen over. Draco was trying to settle a dispute that had broken out between some elves. Hermione smiled at Severus tiredly as she shook her head. The staff had returned from their duties and helped out as well. An hour after the ball had ended, McGonagall and Snape escorted the two head students to their common room. Hermione and McGonagall chatted along the way, Severus looking out of the corner of his eye at her as he chatted with Draco. She was taking her hair down as she walked and was yawning. Hermione and Draco said the password and the four walked through.
"The evening was a smashing success you two. This ball will be one to remember, I'm sure of it," McGonagall said to Hermione and Draco, noticing the way Hermione and Severus were looking at each other.
"In case I don't see you tomorrow before you leave, Happy Christmas and Happy New Year. Enjoy the holidays." McGonagall finished.
"Severus?"
"Oh yes. The evening was quite enjoyable. Happy holidays Mr Malfoy and Herm-Miss Granger. Good evening."
Shaking Draco's hand then kissing Hermione's hand, the two professors left.
Hermione stretched and yawned and saw Draco grinning at her.
"So Shorty, you and Professor Snape danced together. Alot."
She sighed and slumped her shoulders. "Draco, I'm really too tired to go into this right now. Ask me tomorrow alright? Good night."
She went into her room, decided to sleep nude and slipped into the satin sheets. She loved the feeling of the cool smooth satin on her warm nude skin. In a minute she was sound asleep.
Snape had downed a glass of Ogden's and decided to peek in on Hermione. Face peering through the fire, he saw that she was already asleep.
Oh great merciful Merlin, she slumbers nude!
Her smooth bare back was to the fireplace, the sheet gathered at her waist and she was hugging her pillow. She mumbled something, hiked a leg up and snorted softly.
Good night sweet.