AN: Thanks to Adrielle (my beta) and to evryone who reviewed.

2. 28th of March

The next day went smoothly and she started to relax, thinking that after the Ball she had a month to digest all of Snape's insults.

She entered the Great Hall on Ron's arm; they had been together at that time and it would look suspicious if they didn't go together. She smiled thinking that as soon as possible Ron would invite Lavender to dance with him and she would be a wallflower.

Everything had been going as usual until Draco Malfoy sauntered towards her and asked, "Would you like to dance Granger?"

She eyed him suspiciously and whispered angrily, "What are you doing Malfoy? You had not yet showed your true colours at the Ball. We fought the next day, and until then nobody knew you were on our side."

He shrugged his shoulders and smirked. "I want to dance with you, Granger, and I believe that after looking at you from afar for almost two years and repeating Advanced Potions for the millionth time, I deserve a nice prize. I wanted to invite you even that night long ago, but you were going out with the Weasel. Now you aren't, so I am not risking him hexing me."

Hermione could not believe her ears; he wanted to dance with her. She asked still wary, "Why did you want to dance with me?"

He smirked. "I think that's obvious. I fancied you then and more so now. Are you going to dance with me?"

She was too shocked to reply, yet she accepted his outstretched hand and they went to dance.

None of them noticed two dark eyes following their every move. Distaste was etched into his face and maybe, jealousy?

Since when Hermione Granger had been so pretty? Thought the Potions Professor.

Severus had failed to notice that the Head Girl had grown up to be a woman. He had her in his class for the last seven years and never once had looked at her like the way he was tonight.

Something else was wrong. Why was Draco inviting her to dance? And why wasn't the Weasley boy hexing him for being with his girlfriend?

Interested, Albus watched the gaze that the Potions Master was sending towards Hermione and Draco. His eyes twinkled; he might have found a way to break the curse! He wasn't going to say anything yet, though he would call Hermione and Draco to discuss with them some changes for the next month's charade.

Hermione was in Malfoy's arms, and they were having a nice conversation when they were interrupted by a pat on Malfoy's shoulder.

Severus Snape was thoroughly annoyed at seeing the two together, he did not know why but he could not stand it anymore and found himself asking to take Draco's place.

After a moment of shock, Malfoy handed the girl to him and left with a curt nod.

Hermione found herself in Snape's arms and unable to utter a single word.

Severus smirked. "Cat got your tongue, Miss Granger? May I finally say that I rendered my most talkative student speechless?"

Hermione blushed. "Well sir, that was unexpected. But I have to thank you for freeing me from Malfoy."

He watched her closely. "It seemed to me that you were having fun."

She shrugged her shoulders. "He is Head Boy; I cannot possibly show my dislike of him."

"But you can show your dislike of me if you want." He smirked.

She wrinkled her nose and said, "I don't dislike you sir, I always thought that the reverse was true."

He held her a little tighter and whispered in her ear, "Never judge from appearance."

Hermione shivered, his silky voice combined with his warm breath so closer to her made her heartbeat increase its pace.

Severus could see the effects of his move on her and smirked at how transparently she was showing her emotions.

At the end of the song, he walked her to the Weasley boy who was glaring at him. Before letting her go, he whispered something that only she could hear.

After a few minutes, Ginny took Hermione to one side and asked all excited, "Hermione what did he say to you? Your cheeks are still bright red!"

Hermione smiled shyly. "I don't know if you would ever believe it."

Ginny replied, "Come on Hermione, I am so dying to know what he told you to have you melting in this way."

Hermione seemed offended. "I did not melt."

Ginny grinned. "You did."

Hermione sighed; it was no use to discuss with her friend. Ginny was as stubborn as herself. "Well, he just said something from a muggle movie."

Ginny smirked; her friend was trying to feign indifference. "Go on, what were his exact words?"

Hermione blushed even more, if that was possible. "He said "You should be kissed and often and by someone who knows how." See, it's nothing just a phrase."

Ginny was shocked and excited all at once. "Nothing? He quoted you Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind" and you say it's nothing? He has just admitted that he fancies you!"

Hermione shook her head. "Even if he did, and mind you I think he didn't, tomorrow he is not going to remember it. And next month it starts all over again."

Ginny's smile widened. "Well next month we will have to get to the night of the Ball with him knowing both that you fancy him and that you aren't with Ron anymore."

Hermione looked at her friend. "I do not fancy him."

"You do," Ginny replied.

Hermione rolled her eyes, realizing it was wasted time to discuss this with her. "We have another problem Ginny. Draco Malfoy had just told me that he fancies me."

Ginny was in shock. "Oh Merlin!" she gushed. "Two guys battling for your heart. I so envy you Hermione Granger!"

Hermione declared defeat; her friend had finally lost all her marbles. "Ginny, we are talking about Malfoy and Snape here."

Ginny giggled, "I know, but I find it all so romantic. Two Slytherins, aww, do you know what they say about them as lovers?"

Hermione shook her head to mean no and Ginny whispered something in hear ear.

Hermione had thought she could not get redder than she had but after Ginny's gossip about how good they were in bed, she blushed of a deeper shade.

Next month was going to be trouble. Draco had stated his intentions and Snape had somehow shown an interest in her. What was she going to do?