It's been a year, and since it's the festive time again, I thought I'd be
generous, and write another Christmas love fluff fic.
Disclaimer: It is NOT mine. It will NEVER be mine. You KNOW that. So WHY ARE YOU ASKING ME?
Dedication: This one's to Music, may you have a wonderful "Winter Festival" and a Happy Hogswash (note: I do not own Terry Pratchett holidays). This pairing is just for you. ^_^
Snow and Mistletoe
By: Triforce Knight
*****
The holidays were quickly approaching, and all of Hogwarts was getting ready for it. The house elves were busily at work to get the feast prepared, and still maintain their normal tasks. Hagrid had brought in the Christmas trees so that Professor Flitwick could decorate them with enchanting ornaments like he did every year. Certain girls were talking and giggling with others at what they had bought at Hogsmeade the weekend before for their friends.
However, the one thing that had got them really interested was the talk of a Yule Ball the night before people would leave for the holidays. There were going to be fairies all over the Great Hall, and like always the ceiling was going to be enchanted. What was really buzzing around though was that there was a rumor that there was going to be a hidden mistletoe hanging, and the only way people know where it was, was if they heard little silver bells ringing. It seemed that every girl was whispering which boy they'd like to be caught underneath it.
Hermione Granger, 17, and headgirl, was not an exception, however she never told anyone who she liked, not even her roommates (however, I see no point in telling such a gaggle of giggling girls). He was always in her mind, his voice, his body, even the way he walked always moved into her mind, and sometimes it happened during the most inappropriate times, like during Potions.
"Miss Granger," the deep, cold voice of Professor Snape spoke, breaking the girl's fantasy, "You of all people should know that you should pay attention in class. Five points from Griffindor."
She bowed her head, and mumbled, "Sorry professor."
Snape looked smug, and then turned and stalked off to torment Neville, his robe swooshing as he moved. Harry and Ron weren't that far away either. They were there of course because the job they both wanted needed Potions N.E.W.T's. They both looked at each other, but didn't say anything.
As they walked out, Harry asked, "Hermione, are you alright, you haven't really been yourself lately."
Hermione seemed to snap out of a trance, as she replied, "Of course I am."
"I think she's dreaming about her boyfriend," Ron joked.
"I am not," Hermione snapped, "I was just thinking if I should go home for the holiday or stay here. I mean, we're not going anywhere special here, but I'd like to spend some time at home."
"You should stay here, Hermione, with us," Ron said, "I mean, we're like family."
Hermione glared at him, and huffed, "You just don't get it Ron Weasley," as she stormed down the hall, and to the Griffindor tower, because she had finished all of her classes for the day.
She stormed all the way up the stairs to her dormitory, and slammed the door, since she was the first one there. Then, she just broke down, and started to cry. She stumbled to her bed, tears blurring her vision, and flopped down on it. Crookshanks leapt onto the bed and purred loudly into her ear, forcing her to put her hand onto his head and scratch his ears.
Suddenly, the door opened, and quietly closed. She didn't have to look up, Hermione knew who it us. It was two of her roommates that were transfer students from America, Caity, and Tallie (not pronounced tall, but more like towel). Both of them were really fun to be around, since they were both a bit mad in the friendly sort of way. Their personalities clashed so much with Hermione that she felt like she was forced to be herself, not the headgirl, or a perfectionist. For the holidays, they had somehow managed to bewitch a few strings of Christmas lights to work. Hermione had opposed to them having them, and they said that they would take them down, but waited until Hermione had said that they could keep them. Caity had told her that: "Sometimes, procrastination does pay off."
Caity was short, 5'2", with long, streaked blonde and red hair, and pale blue eyes. She was wearing a black Appleby Arrows t-shirt, and dark blue plaid pajama bottoms, and a pair of gray wolf slippers, clothes that she wore when she was relaxing. She was sucking on one of her candy canes that had been sent from her mother.
Tallie was 5'10", with straight black hair and silver streaks. She had green eyes that just flowed with joy. Her clothes were a Pink Panther sweatshirt, and black, margarita printed flannel pants, and Pink Panther slippers. She was unwrapping one of the chocolate frogs that she had bought from the last Hogsmeade trip, along with presents for her friends, and family. She looked at the card, and said, "Hmph, Morgana again," she held it out to Caity, "Want it," when Caity shook her head, and pointed to Hermione face down on her bed, mischievous grins spread across both of their faces.
Quietly, they both sneaked over to Hermione's bed. They hunched over, and were just about to lunge when they heard her say, "Don't even think about it." Both of them straightened up, shrugged, and slinked over to their beds. Hermione thought that she was safe, so she lifted her head, and suddenly, two pillows hit her, followed by laughter. Caity and Tallie appeared, still laughing, and flopped onto Hermione's bed next to her. Finally, Caity, catching her breath, said, "You know Hermione, we saw you storming back up here, you know, without Harry, and Ron. We were wondering if you could give us an explanation for what reason you're arguing with them now."
Tallie commented, "With our experience so far, it could be Ron doesn't agree with her opinion, Ron is slacking off, Ron was poking fun at her ideas-"
"For your information," Hermione broke in, "It's for a completely different reason."
"Oh really," Caity said, looking at her with a glint of mischief in her eyes, "Well spit it out, we're waiting."
Hermione sighed, and said, "Ron was being his insensitive self again."
Caity and Tallie looked at each other, and then broke out into laughter. Hermione smirked as she looked back on how quickly she was to lose her temper with Ron, soon she started laughing too. Tallie rolled over to face Hermione and Caity, and to Caity, she said "I think she's hiding something from us Cait."
"Yeah," Caity commented, "You know Herms, you still haven't told us who you're going to the Yule Ball with."
"Like I'm going to tell you two," Hermione asked.
"It's alright if you don't have anyone Herm," Tallie said, and as Caity finished, "Or are you too scared to ask him."
"Well how do we know it's a him," Tallie asked, looking at Caity, "For all we know, the him could be a her."
"You two are sickening," Hermione said, "And if I told you, how can I be certain that you two won't tell people?"
"Because Hermione, we're not like the rest of them in this dorm, we know how to keep secrets."
"Alright," Hermione said, "I'm still not telling you."
"Well," Tallie said, "If you're not going with anyone, you can join us, we're not going with anyone."
"At least not that we know of. I mean, we haven't seen the giggling hens yet, and it always makes me nervous when I don't see them for more than fifteen minutes, it means that they're up to something," Caity commented, shivering at the thought at what those girls could be up to.
"Well," Hermione commented, "If you two would kindly get off of me, I would gladly go with you."
"But we're so comfortable here," the two said in unison, but got off of their friend, and walked out of their dormitory.
When they reached the Common Room, Harry and Ron were there, with Lavender and Parvati whispering something to them. The two of them looked up, and when they saw Caity and Tallie, they started to blush. Caity whispered to Hermione, "I told you I don't trust them."
Harry, and Ron walked over to the three girls, both blushing, first Harry looked at Caity, and Ron looking at Tallie, they both asked in unison, "Would you go to the Yule Ball with us?"
Tallie just looked down at Ron, while Caity started blinking a lot, but when Caity saw Ginny, she yelled, "We must converse," causing Ginny to look up, and walk over to them. Then they walked up the steps to the seventh year dorms, closed the door, put a few silencing charms around the room and on the doors. Caity, and Tallie took off their slippers, and started putting on their boots. Caity looked up, and said to Hermione, and Ginny, and said, "We want you to go to courtyard and start preparing what we planned on the train. We'll bring the boys down while we're talking to them, them while you guys start the barrage, we'll go and start our own attack. They'll be completely, and if we're lucky the rest of the school will join in. Alright?"
"Right," Ginny and Hermione said, both grabbing their winter cloaks and changing into some more warmer clothing, and running down the stairs, slowing down to make it look like they weren't up to something when they passed Harry and Ron, and were off again.
They were almost to the Entrance Hall doors, when they heard the unmistakable swishing of the cloak that belonged to the Potions Master, and then they heard his deep, cold voice comment, "Now where would two Griffindors be off to?"
Hermione couldn't think of anything to say, and she was used to coming up with lies for Snape, she felt helpless and alone with his black eyes staring into her brown eyes. Ginny's voice broke in as she said, "We were just going to visit Hagrid professor, isn't that right Hermione?"
All that Hermione could do was nod her head yes, still holding her breath. His eyes pierced through her soul, looking for lies. She braced herself and told herself that she and Ginny were going to visit Hagrid. He looked from Hermione to Ginny, and back again, until he said, "It would be wise to keep your word, however, since I don't know what you two are up to, you should be extra careful," and with that, he turned on his heel, and walked down the corridor that leads to the dungeon.
Hermione and Ginny both sighed, and Ginny said, "That was close. Even after being here for six years, he still scares me."
Hermione just nodded, eyes following the corridor. Ginny tugged on her sleeve, and said, "C'mon hurry up, they'll be coming," and opened the door, leading out to the courtyard, with Hermione following close behind.
They had just finished making a batch of snowballs, when they heard, Caity and Tallie's unmistakable laughs. Ginny and Hermione both stood up and fired the snowballs, pelting Harry and Ron. Caity and Tallie went behind the fountain, and fired their pre-made snowballs.
Hermione was having such a good time, she didn't notice a few teacher's come out. By now, Harry and Ron had managed to make a few snowballs of their own. They soon heard Hagrid's voice say, "What's going on out here."
They turned to see the half-giant, along with Professor's McGonagall, Flitwick, and Snape. Everyone suddenly dropped their snowballs, and started to brush the snow off them. McGonagall looked at them, but any Griffindor could tell she was smiling. Flitwick noted how well made the snowballs were. Hagrid had a broad grin at the holiday fun. Snape just looked disgusted at how immature they were for students their age.
Caity and Tallie looked at each other, and then at Hagrid, sending him a message on something pure mischievous. Hagrid raised his eyebrows, and shook his head no. Caity shook her head yes, and then Hagrid shrugged. Snape had noticed the actions, and wondered what those Griffindor girls were up to. He turned to face Hermione and Ginny, but he didn't realize what a horrible mistake that was.
Suddenly, he felt something cold and wet hit the back of his head. He turned, but the two girls were nowhere to be seen. Again he felt something cold and wet pelt him, he kept turning, but every time he did he was pelted. Finally, he stormed back inside, escaping the snowballs.
Caity and Tallie, both were laughing, with Harry and Ron still looking at them. Hermione huffed, anger filling her, as she said, "That was very irresponsible of you two."
Both of the girls were taken aback, they had never gotten Hermione that upset. They soon realized that they had gone too far. Hermione turned and stormed back into the castle. Caity watched her go, and hung her head, as she said, "I guess that we got a little out of hand."
Tallie was deep in thought at what had just happened. She had studied Hermione's face in horror when they sent the snow bullets at their Potions Master. Tallie's mind pieced together the pieces from Hermione's secret. Suddenly, Tallie asked Caity, "What do you think Hermione's dressrobe size is?"
"Beats me, why do you...," suddenly Caity had just solved the mystery too. She looked at Caity, and asked, "Dumbledore?"
Tallie nodded, and said, "Dumbledore."
They both took off toward Dumbledore's office, but they both turned to the boys, and said, "We'll dance with you, but we'll be going solo," and continued on their way.
*****
Dumbldore's eyes twinkled in merriment when he heard the girl's plan, and asked, "Do you really think that she'll do it?"
"If we have the right accessories," Tallie commented.
"Do you have enough money?"
"Enough of what we need."
"All that you have to do is provide transportation to Hogsmeade," Caity commented.
Dumbledore looked at them, stood up, walked over to his filing cabinet, opened it, and pulled out two Nimbus 2000's and said with a twinkle in his eyes, "I hope that these will suit your needs."
Caity and Tallie accepted the broomsticks, and walked over to his balcony doors, and Tallie asked, "Do you mind," as Dumbledore shrugged and replied, "Just don't be seen."
The two grinned at each other. They opened the balcony doors, and climbed on top of the railing. They waved to Dumbledore, and jumped off. They fell, and then climbed onto their brooms, pulled out of the dive, and took off.
*****
The girls returned a few hours later, each holding a few boxes. They climbed off the brooms, handed them to the headmaster, and walked back to the Griffindor Common Room. After they had made sure that Hermione, and the other girls weren't around (Hermione was probably visiting Hagrid), they stored the boxes underneath their beds.
"Do you think she'll be surprised," Tallie asked.
"She should be," Caity replied, and when she looked at her friend, she asked, "Do you think that she thinks that we figured out her secret?"
Tallie replied with a shrug.
*****
It was the afternoon before the Yule Ball. Hermione was sitting at one of the tables in the Common Room, working on an essay provided by Snape. She looked up from her work, and saw two bodies standing in front of her. Looking up more, she saw that the two figures were Caity and Tallie, and both of them were smiling.
"What do you want," Hermione asked, going back to her work.
"We were wondering what you were doing here, you know, not getting ready for the ball," Caity said, faking innocence.
"Yeah," Tallie continued, "You know, you're sure to have some fun."
"I'm not going," Hermione mumbled, not looking up.
"Oh yes you are," Caity said, as Tallie picked up Hermione, and flung her over her shoulder.
"Put me down," she screamed, "You two are really in for it...now?"
She was looking on her bed in the dorm, and saw a pure white strapless ball gown, with rhinestones flowing from it, looking like snow. Lying on top of the dress was a necklace made of diamonds on a sterling silver chain, with the diamonds shaped as raindrops coming off of it. Hermione walked over to it, took the necklace off of it, picked up the gown, and felt it. It was made satin. She put it down, turned to them, and said, "Alright, where's the rest of..." she stopped when they held up the matching robe, and smiled at her.
"Surprise," Caity said, "Just think of it as a gift from two of you're friends."
"And to finish it off," Tallie said, showing a pair of white dress sandals, "The right accessories."
Hermione started to cry, she didn't know what to say, and none of her previous friends would have gone to such heights just for her. She choked, "Thank you, but how do you know that it fits?"
"Because Madame Malkin always sends robe sizes of every student at Hogwarts to the Hogmeade Robe Store," Caity told her, wrapping her arm around Hermione.
"C'mon," Tallie said, "Put it on, we want to see what you look like in it."
Hermione picked up the stuff and walked into the bathroom. She walked out a few minutes later, with her hair down, and then asked, "Now what do I do about this," indicating her hair.
"Allow me," Tallie said, leading her to the bathroom.
Caity gasped, and clapped her hands when Hermione came out about half an hour later. Caity had changed into her midnight blue dressrobe while she waited. Hermione's hair had been straightened, and tied back. The hair from that hung down had been curled into sausage curls, and sprayed so that they would stay in place. Tallie pointed to Caity, and said, "Next," as she walked back into the bathroom.
Hermione smirked at Caity as she walked out. Caity's hair had been tied back, and put up in a butterfly clip, and letting the rest fall down, while two little ringlets fell in front of her face. Tallie walked over to her trunk, pulled out her dressrobe, walked back into the bathroom, and said, "I shall return," as she closed the door.
When Tallie did return, she was wearing a forest green dressrobe and ball gown. Her black hair had been done in a French braid. She looked at her two friends, and asked, "Shall we be off," offering her arms.
The three of them linked arms, and headed down to the Great Hall, the Fat Lady commenting, "Have fun dears."
*****
The feast was wonderful, and Hermione was having fun with her friends. However, everyone knows that good things come to an end. The DJ suddenly said, "Alright Hogwarts students, it's time to start this dance, grab you're partner, and let's get it started."
Harry and Ron offered their hands to Caity and Tallie, who after looking at Hermione, and she urged them, they accepted, and went to the dance floor. Hermione looked around, then quietly stood up, and left the Great Hall, and out of the doors.
The courtyard was lit by fairies. Hermione looked up into the sky and watched as it started to snow. She walked out by the fountain, and watched as two fairies flew around it chasing each other.
"Miss Granger," a cold voice echoed from the covered area of the courtyard. She turned to see Professor Snape standing there, in a black satin dressrobe.
Her stomach plunged when she saw him staring at her with his coal black eyes. She walked over to him, and asked, "Yes professor?"
"What are you doing out here girl, shouldn't the headgirl be with her date? Or is it that no one is up to your standards," he sneered.
Just before she could answer, Caity and Harry walked out, both talking about the Quidditch World Cup the previous summer. They acted as though they didn't see Hermione, or Professor Snape. When Caity walked by Hermione, she tripped her, causing Hermione to fall into Professor Snape.
He could have let her fall, but for some reason he caught her and steadied her. She looked up at him, questions showing in her eyes. He was still holding onto her, and then whispered, "I'd never let a young lady disgrace herself, especially not my best student."
Suddenly, Hermione could have sworn that she heard bells ringing. At first she thought it was just her imagination, but looking at Snape, she saw curiosity in his eyes. Both looked up, and saw the secret mistletoe. Hermione looked at Snape, and he looked at her. He tilted her chin towards him, leaned over and kissed her.
Severus noticed that she didn't struggle, nor was she alarmed that he touched her. Looking at her, he realized what a beautiful young lady that she had turned into over the seven years that she'd been there. He felt a pang in his heart when he realized this, that he wouldn't see her again after this year, that he would never have her to throw the hardest questions at her, just trying to confuse her, but most of all, he would never be able to look at her china doll-like face again.
Her chocolate brown eyes looked into his black eyes with the sign of the purest innocence. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, her warmth flowing through him. He didn't pull her away, even though he was stunned by her actions. Finally, she pulled away, and he looked at her, and asked, "Miss Granger?"
She put her finger on his lips, and then said, "I love you."
His eyes softened, and as he embraced Hermione, he whispered, "I love you too," and then he pulled her away, and then kissed her passionately.
*****
Triforce Knight- Cheers Music! Hope you enjoy this, I enjoyed writing about Caity and Tallie, and oh yeah the whole Hermione/Snape fic... thing.
Disclaimer: It is NOT mine. It will NEVER be mine. You KNOW that. So WHY ARE YOU ASKING ME?
Dedication: This one's to Music, may you have a wonderful "Winter Festival" and a Happy Hogswash (note: I do not own Terry Pratchett holidays). This pairing is just for you. ^_^
Snow and Mistletoe
By: Triforce Knight
*****
The holidays were quickly approaching, and all of Hogwarts was getting ready for it. The house elves were busily at work to get the feast prepared, and still maintain their normal tasks. Hagrid had brought in the Christmas trees so that Professor Flitwick could decorate them with enchanting ornaments like he did every year. Certain girls were talking and giggling with others at what they had bought at Hogsmeade the weekend before for their friends.
However, the one thing that had got them really interested was the talk of a Yule Ball the night before people would leave for the holidays. There were going to be fairies all over the Great Hall, and like always the ceiling was going to be enchanted. What was really buzzing around though was that there was a rumor that there was going to be a hidden mistletoe hanging, and the only way people know where it was, was if they heard little silver bells ringing. It seemed that every girl was whispering which boy they'd like to be caught underneath it.
Hermione Granger, 17, and headgirl, was not an exception, however she never told anyone who she liked, not even her roommates (however, I see no point in telling such a gaggle of giggling girls). He was always in her mind, his voice, his body, even the way he walked always moved into her mind, and sometimes it happened during the most inappropriate times, like during Potions.
"Miss Granger," the deep, cold voice of Professor Snape spoke, breaking the girl's fantasy, "You of all people should know that you should pay attention in class. Five points from Griffindor."
She bowed her head, and mumbled, "Sorry professor."
Snape looked smug, and then turned and stalked off to torment Neville, his robe swooshing as he moved. Harry and Ron weren't that far away either. They were there of course because the job they both wanted needed Potions N.E.W.T's. They both looked at each other, but didn't say anything.
As they walked out, Harry asked, "Hermione, are you alright, you haven't really been yourself lately."
Hermione seemed to snap out of a trance, as she replied, "Of course I am."
"I think she's dreaming about her boyfriend," Ron joked.
"I am not," Hermione snapped, "I was just thinking if I should go home for the holiday or stay here. I mean, we're not going anywhere special here, but I'd like to spend some time at home."
"You should stay here, Hermione, with us," Ron said, "I mean, we're like family."
Hermione glared at him, and huffed, "You just don't get it Ron Weasley," as she stormed down the hall, and to the Griffindor tower, because she had finished all of her classes for the day.
She stormed all the way up the stairs to her dormitory, and slammed the door, since she was the first one there. Then, she just broke down, and started to cry. She stumbled to her bed, tears blurring her vision, and flopped down on it. Crookshanks leapt onto the bed and purred loudly into her ear, forcing her to put her hand onto his head and scratch his ears.
Suddenly, the door opened, and quietly closed. She didn't have to look up, Hermione knew who it us. It was two of her roommates that were transfer students from America, Caity, and Tallie (not pronounced tall, but more like towel). Both of them were really fun to be around, since they were both a bit mad in the friendly sort of way. Their personalities clashed so much with Hermione that she felt like she was forced to be herself, not the headgirl, or a perfectionist. For the holidays, they had somehow managed to bewitch a few strings of Christmas lights to work. Hermione had opposed to them having them, and they said that they would take them down, but waited until Hermione had said that they could keep them. Caity had told her that: "Sometimes, procrastination does pay off."
Caity was short, 5'2", with long, streaked blonde and red hair, and pale blue eyes. She was wearing a black Appleby Arrows t-shirt, and dark blue plaid pajama bottoms, and a pair of gray wolf slippers, clothes that she wore when she was relaxing. She was sucking on one of her candy canes that had been sent from her mother.
Tallie was 5'10", with straight black hair and silver streaks. She had green eyes that just flowed with joy. Her clothes were a Pink Panther sweatshirt, and black, margarita printed flannel pants, and Pink Panther slippers. She was unwrapping one of the chocolate frogs that she had bought from the last Hogsmeade trip, along with presents for her friends, and family. She looked at the card, and said, "Hmph, Morgana again," she held it out to Caity, "Want it," when Caity shook her head, and pointed to Hermione face down on her bed, mischievous grins spread across both of their faces.
Quietly, they both sneaked over to Hermione's bed. They hunched over, and were just about to lunge when they heard her say, "Don't even think about it." Both of them straightened up, shrugged, and slinked over to their beds. Hermione thought that she was safe, so she lifted her head, and suddenly, two pillows hit her, followed by laughter. Caity and Tallie appeared, still laughing, and flopped onto Hermione's bed next to her. Finally, Caity, catching her breath, said, "You know Hermione, we saw you storming back up here, you know, without Harry, and Ron. We were wondering if you could give us an explanation for what reason you're arguing with them now."
Tallie commented, "With our experience so far, it could be Ron doesn't agree with her opinion, Ron is slacking off, Ron was poking fun at her ideas-"
"For your information," Hermione broke in, "It's for a completely different reason."
"Oh really," Caity said, looking at her with a glint of mischief in her eyes, "Well spit it out, we're waiting."
Hermione sighed, and said, "Ron was being his insensitive self again."
Caity and Tallie looked at each other, and then broke out into laughter. Hermione smirked as she looked back on how quickly she was to lose her temper with Ron, soon she started laughing too. Tallie rolled over to face Hermione and Caity, and to Caity, she said "I think she's hiding something from us Cait."
"Yeah," Caity commented, "You know Herms, you still haven't told us who you're going to the Yule Ball with."
"Like I'm going to tell you two," Hermione asked.
"It's alright if you don't have anyone Herm," Tallie said, and as Caity finished, "Or are you too scared to ask him."
"Well how do we know it's a him," Tallie asked, looking at Caity, "For all we know, the him could be a her."
"You two are sickening," Hermione said, "And if I told you, how can I be certain that you two won't tell people?"
"Because Hermione, we're not like the rest of them in this dorm, we know how to keep secrets."
"Alright," Hermione said, "I'm still not telling you."
"Well," Tallie said, "If you're not going with anyone, you can join us, we're not going with anyone."
"At least not that we know of. I mean, we haven't seen the giggling hens yet, and it always makes me nervous when I don't see them for more than fifteen minutes, it means that they're up to something," Caity commented, shivering at the thought at what those girls could be up to.
"Well," Hermione commented, "If you two would kindly get off of me, I would gladly go with you."
"But we're so comfortable here," the two said in unison, but got off of their friend, and walked out of their dormitory.
When they reached the Common Room, Harry and Ron were there, with Lavender and Parvati whispering something to them. The two of them looked up, and when they saw Caity and Tallie, they started to blush. Caity whispered to Hermione, "I told you I don't trust them."
Harry, and Ron walked over to the three girls, both blushing, first Harry looked at Caity, and Ron looking at Tallie, they both asked in unison, "Would you go to the Yule Ball with us?"
Tallie just looked down at Ron, while Caity started blinking a lot, but when Caity saw Ginny, she yelled, "We must converse," causing Ginny to look up, and walk over to them. Then they walked up the steps to the seventh year dorms, closed the door, put a few silencing charms around the room and on the doors. Caity, and Tallie took off their slippers, and started putting on their boots. Caity looked up, and said to Hermione, and Ginny, and said, "We want you to go to courtyard and start preparing what we planned on the train. We'll bring the boys down while we're talking to them, them while you guys start the barrage, we'll go and start our own attack. They'll be completely, and if we're lucky the rest of the school will join in. Alright?"
"Right," Ginny and Hermione said, both grabbing their winter cloaks and changing into some more warmer clothing, and running down the stairs, slowing down to make it look like they weren't up to something when they passed Harry and Ron, and were off again.
They were almost to the Entrance Hall doors, when they heard the unmistakable swishing of the cloak that belonged to the Potions Master, and then they heard his deep, cold voice comment, "Now where would two Griffindors be off to?"
Hermione couldn't think of anything to say, and she was used to coming up with lies for Snape, she felt helpless and alone with his black eyes staring into her brown eyes. Ginny's voice broke in as she said, "We were just going to visit Hagrid professor, isn't that right Hermione?"
All that Hermione could do was nod her head yes, still holding her breath. His eyes pierced through her soul, looking for lies. She braced herself and told herself that she and Ginny were going to visit Hagrid. He looked from Hermione to Ginny, and back again, until he said, "It would be wise to keep your word, however, since I don't know what you two are up to, you should be extra careful," and with that, he turned on his heel, and walked down the corridor that leads to the dungeon.
Hermione and Ginny both sighed, and Ginny said, "That was close. Even after being here for six years, he still scares me."
Hermione just nodded, eyes following the corridor. Ginny tugged on her sleeve, and said, "C'mon hurry up, they'll be coming," and opened the door, leading out to the courtyard, with Hermione following close behind.
They had just finished making a batch of snowballs, when they heard, Caity and Tallie's unmistakable laughs. Ginny and Hermione both stood up and fired the snowballs, pelting Harry and Ron. Caity and Tallie went behind the fountain, and fired their pre-made snowballs.
Hermione was having such a good time, she didn't notice a few teacher's come out. By now, Harry and Ron had managed to make a few snowballs of their own. They soon heard Hagrid's voice say, "What's going on out here."
They turned to see the half-giant, along with Professor's McGonagall, Flitwick, and Snape. Everyone suddenly dropped their snowballs, and started to brush the snow off them. McGonagall looked at them, but any Griffindor could tell she was smiling. Flitwick noted how well made the snowballs were. Hagrid had a broad grin at the holiday fun. Snape just looked disgusted at how immature they were for students their age.
Caity and Tallie looked at each other, and then at Hagrid, sending him a message on something pure mischievous. Hagrid raised his eyebrows, and shook his head no. Caity shook her head yes, and then Hagrid shrugged. Snape had noticed the actions, and wondered what those Griffindor girls were up to. He turned to face Hermione and Ginny, but he didn't realize what a horrible mistake that was.
Suddenly, he felt something cold and wet hit the back of his head. He turned, but the two girls were nowhere to be seen. Again he felt something cold and wet pelt him, he kept turning, but every time he did he was pelted. Finally, he stormed back inside, escaping the snowballs.
Caity and Tallie, both were laughing, with Harry and Ron still looking at them. Hermione huffed, anger filling her, as she said, "That was very irresponsible of you two."
Both of the girls were taken aback, they had never gotten Hermione that upset. They soon realized that they had gone too far. Hermione turned and stormed back into the castle. Caity watched her go, and hung her head, as she said, "I guess that we got a little out of hand."
Tallie was deep in thought at what had just happened. She had studied Hermione's face in horror when they sent the snow bullets at their Potions Master. Tallie's mind pieced together the pieces from Hermione's secret. Suddenly, Tallie asked Caity, "What do you think Hermione's dressrobe size is?"
"Beats me, why do you...," suddenly Caity had just solved the mystery too. She looked at Caity, and asked, "Dumbledore?"
Tallie nodded, and said, "Dumbledore."
They both took off toward Dumbledore's office, but they both turned to the boys, and said, "We'll dance with you, but we'll be going solo," and continued on their way.
*****
Dumbldore's eyes twinkled in merriment when he heard the girl's plan, and asked, "Do you really think that she'll do it?"
"If we have the right accessories," Tallie commented.
"Do you have enough money?"
"Enough of what we need."
"All that you have to do is provide transportation to Hogsmeade," Caity commented.
Dumbledore looked at them, stood up, walked over to his filing cabinet, opened it, and pulled out two Nimbus 2000's and said with a twinkle in his eyes, "I hope that these will suit your needs."
Caity and Tallie accepted the broomsticks, and walked over to his balcony doors, and Tallie asked, "Do you mind," as Dumbledore shrugged and replied, "Just don't be seen."
The two grinned at each other. They opened the balcony doors, and climbed on top of the railing. They waved to Dumbledore, and jumped off. They fell, and then climbed onto their brooms, pulled out of the dive, and took off.
*****
The girls returned a few hours later, each holding a few boxes. They climbed off the brooms, handed them to the headmaster, and walked back to the Griffindor Common Room. After they had made sure that Hermione, and the other girls weren't around (Hermione was probably visiting Hagrid), they stored the boxes underneath their beds.
"Do you think she'll be surprised," Tallie asked.
"She should be," Caity replied, and when she looked at her friend, she asked, "Do you think that she thinks that we figured out her secret?"
Tallie replied with a shrug.
*****
It was the afternoon before the Yule Ball. Hermione was sitting at one of the tables in the Common Room, working on an essay provided by Snape. She looked up from her work, and saw two bodies standing in front of her. Looking up more, she saw that the two figures were Caity and Tallie, and both of them were smiling.
"What do you want," Hermione asked, going back to her work.
"We were wondering what you were doing here, you know, not getting ready for the ball," Caity said, faking innocence.
"Yeah," Tallie continued, "You know, you're sure to have some fun."
"I'm not going," Hermione mumbled, not looking up.
"Oh yes you are," Caity said, as Tallie picked up Hermione, and flung her over her shoulder.
"Put me down," she screamed, "You two are really in for it...now?"
She was looking on her bed in the dorm, and saw a pure white strapless ball gown, with rhinestones flowing from it, looking like snow. Lying on top of the dress was a necklace made of diamonds on a sterling silver chain, with the diamonds shaped as raindrops coming off of it. Hermione walked over to it, took the necklace off of it, picked up the gown, and felt it. It was made satin. She put it down, turned to them, and said, "Alright, where's the rest of..." she stopped when they held up the matching robe, and smiled at her.
"Surprise," Caity said, "Just think of it as a gift from two of you're friends."
"And to finish it off," Tallie said, showing a pair of white dress sandals, "The right accessories."
Hermione started to cry, she didn't know what to say, and none of her previous friends would have gone to such heights just for her. She choked, "Thank you, but how do you know that it fits?"
"Because Madame Malkin always sends robe sizes of every student at Hogwarts to the Hogmeade Robe Store," Caity told her, wrapping her arm around Hermione.
"C'mon," Tallie said, "Put it on, we want to see what you look like in it."
Hermione picked up the stuff and walked into the bathroom. She walked out a few minutes later, with her hair down, and then asked, "Now what do I do about this," indicating her hair.
"Allow me," Tallie said, leading her to the bathroom.
Caity gasped, and clapped her hands when Hermione came out about half an hour later. Caity had changed into her midnight blue dressrobe while she waited. Hermione's hair had been straightened, and tied back. The hair from that hung down had been curled into sausage curls, and sprayed so that they would stay in place. Tallie pointed to Caity, and said, "Next," as she walked back into the bathroom.
Hermione smirked at Caity as she walked out. Caity's hair had been tied back, and put up in a butterfly clip, and letting the rest fall down, while two little ringlets fell in front of her face. Tallie walked over to her trunk, pulled out her dressrobe, walked back into the bathroom, and said, "I shall return," as she closed the door.
When Tallie did return, she was wearing a forest green dressrobe and ball gown. Her black hair had been done in a French braid. She looked at her two friends, and asked, "Shall we be off," offering her arms.
The three of them linked arms, and headed down to the Great Hall, the Fat Lady commenting, "Have fun dears."
*****
The feast was wonderful, and Hermione was having fun with her friends. However, everyone knows that good things come to an end. The DJ suddenly said, "Alright Hogwarts students, it's time to start this dance, grab you're partner, and let's get it started."
Harry and Ron offered their hands to Caity and Tallie, who after looking at Hermione, and she urged them, they accepted, and went to the dance floor. Hermione looked around, then quietly stood up, and left the Great Hall, and out of the doors.
The courtyard was lit by fairies. Hermione looked up into the sky and watched as it started to snow. She walked out by the fountain, and watched as two fairies flew around it chasing each other.
"Miss Granger," a cold voice echoed from the covered area of the courtyard. She turned to see Professor Snape standing there, in a black satin dressrobe.
Her stomach plunged when she saw him staring at her with his coal black eyes. She walked over to him, and asked, "Yes professor?"
"What are you doing out here girl, shouldn't the headgirl be with her date? Or is it that no one is up to your standards," he sneered.
Just before she could answer, Caity and Harry walked out, both talking about the Quidditch World Cup the previous summer. They acted as though they didn't see Hermione, or Professor Snape. When Caity walked by Hermione, she tripped her, causing Hermione to fall into Professor Snape.
He could have let her fall, but for some reason he caught her and steadied her. She looked up at him, questions showing in her eyes. He was still holding onto her, and then whispered, "I'd never let a young lady disgrace herself, especially not my best student."
Suddenly, Hermione could have sworn that she heard bells ringing. At first she thought it was just her imagination, but looking at Snape, she saw curiosity in his eyes. Both looked up, and saw the secret mistletoe. Hermione looked at Snape, and he looked at her. He tilted her chin towards him, leaned over and kissed her.
Severus noticed that she didn't struggle, nor was she alarmed that he touched her. Looking at her, he realized what a beautiful young lady that she had turned into over the seven years that she'd been there. He felt a pang in his heart when he realized this, that he wouldn't see her again after this year, that he would never have her to throw the hardest questions at her, just trying to confuse her, but most of all, he would never be able to look at her china doll-like face again.
Her chocolate brown eyes looked into his black eyes with the sign of the purest innocence. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, her warmth flowing through him. He didn't pull her away, even though he was stunned by her actions. Finally, she pulled away, and he looked at her, and asked, "Miss Granger?"
She put her finger on his lips, and then said, "I love you."
His eyes softened, and as he embraced Hermione, he whispered, "I love you too," and then he pulled her away, and then kissed her passionately.
*****
Triforce Knight- Cheers Music! Hope you enjoy this, I enjoyed writing about Caity and Tallie, and oh yeah the whole Hermione/Snape fic... thing.