Thanks to everybody that reviewed my story. Fortune-the-vampire-Queen: Mercy, I beg you! Don't cut my heart out with a spoon!
To all of those who found the Monty Python quote: 10 points to each of you.
To all of those who have seen Monty Python but could not find the quote: I award 5 points.
To all of the rest: 2 points for reading my story. I know it's not a lot, and I'm sorry. I recommend you go to your nearest video store and rent Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I also recommend you rent Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Both of the movies are excellent and no matter how many times I watch them, I laugh so hard my ribs hurt each time.
In this chapter Aries is under attack and the Hogwarts and Aries students 'come together' to fight off evil. Also, Club Zone will be introduced in this chapter. I think this might be a long one, so be prepared. There will also be a little romance in this story.
And now on with the story!
Chapter Nine
Running down the hall, attempting to keep up with Snape and Septimus' long legs, I felt detached. Aries? Under attack? But Aries is...Aries. It's not Hogwarts. Why would Voldemort attack here? Another voice spoke up, this one mocking. Duh. Potter, Dumbledore, and all those students who are just like cattle waiting to be slaughtered. Or so he thinks. The same voice added, smug satisfaction apparent in its voice.
When I had settled in to Aries, I quickly decided that I was going to change it. At Hogwarts, most of the students were ill prepared to deal with a Death Eater attack due to the lack of consistant defensive training. I did the same thing here as, helped to found The Defense Club. We met every other day during the school week, leaving the weekends free. I, with the help of Tabby and John, taught hand-to-hand combat. Every time a student mastered self-defense, they were expected to turn around and teach others. That way Tabby, Jon, and I don't have to spend all our time teaching every single student how to fight. Those who have mastered combat then moved on to spells. Because my friends and I were the main mentors in the club, we instruced students in everything.Defense, offense, and healing spells.
We also set up a buddy system. Everyone had a partner, and it was the partner's responsibility to look out for each other, which included healing their partner when they're injured. Unlike Hogwarts, the Defense Club was open to every single grade. We trained the first years the hardest because they were the least experienced. They'd be easy prey for the Death Eaters. That, however, didn't mean we ignored the older students. We were just as hard on them as the little ones. Every three weeks or so, a mock-battle was held on the quidditch pitch. We mixed the houses up and divided them into two groups. We then proceeded to fight each other using a spell was adapted especially for shooting paintballs from a wand, no point in getting seriously hurt during 'practice' after all.
We keep track of every student's strengths and weaknesses. We work on their weaknesses, while encouraging their strengths. If someone was good in defense but horrible in offense, he or she would be taught offense by one who was proficient at spells for attack, and vice-versa. This allowed students to get to know each other better. We developed a list of all known 'Death Eater Kids' in our school. They were trained, but barely. We teach them nothing special, nothing that could save their life on a battlefield. We fed them false information as well, taking an active role in our own protection as students. If someone misses a lesson, their friends teach them, under supervision of course.
The teachers were well aware of what was going on, and lent their support. Each teacher (including Septimus, as much as he was reluctant to do so) volunteered to help. When we need a DADA specialist, we call on our DADA teacher. When we need to be taught new medical spells, we call on Madam Polinski. Of course, every time we need information, we didn't automatically run to the teachers. We used them only when we fail to find the necessary information in the library, or when we're out of ideas, a last resort of sorts. We also spend a good deal of time in research, looking up spells. We're even working on creating spells. We combine to separate spells into one, with damaging effects. We've created all types of spells: spells for healing, spells for pain, spells for offense. So you could hardly say Aries students weren't prepared to defend themselves. Hogwarts however...I was unaware of how far Potter and Weasley had gotten without me to help motivate them. I'm surprised they passed the second half of their 6th year without my help for that matter. But that was the past, and I had to focus on the present.
"Um...I realize this situation calls for fast reactions, but I can barely keep up with you both. I don't have your long legs. So, unless you want me to fall behind, please SLOW UP!" Septimus slowed down enough for me to catch up, but Snape kept walking. His back was ramrod straight, and he never looked back. Bastard. I wonder what him and Septimus had been arguing about earlier? I'll have to ask Septimus. I made a mental note to ask and then concentrated on what Septimus was saying.
"Mia. You've been training the students, right? I mean, you haven't stopped have you? You haven't called in a teacher for help in awhile."
"I know. There was no reason to. We have everything under control." Septimus nodded, put his hand in the small of my back, and pushed me forward. We reached the Great Hall in record time. Snape pushed open the doors and swept across the room, robes billowing threateningly. The tables had disappeared. Students were milling about. It was strangely quiet in the Great Hall, with only the professor's voices echoing and the sound of many people moving about. None of the students were talking. I followed Septimus up to the teachers and stood before Headmaster Tubby.
"Sir." Tubby turned towards me, a smile spreading across his face.
"Miss Granger, good to see you. We need to ask you some questions." I nodded my head and gestured towards the roaming students.
"My friends and I have still been teaching the students combat, sir. The majority of them have grasped hand-to-hand combat, about half of them have mastered defense, the other half offense. One of the first things we taught them was basic healing, so they all know how to do that as well." Tubby nodded, but before he could comment Dumbledore interrupted. Snape, McGonagall, and Lupin were all paying close attention.
"What exactly do you mean: teaching the students combat, offense, defense, and healing?" Dumbledore inquired. I turned towards them, but kept my eyes on the doorway behind the teachers. If anything came through the double doors, I'd see. I quickly explained what I had been doing since I transferred to Aries. Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. He was watching me with an odd look on his face: surprise, understanding, grudging admiration that he obviously didn't want to feel when it came to me, caution, and the ever-present suspicion.
"I see. Once this is over, Miss Granger, I think you and I need to have a talk." I nodded once again.
"Yes. How about we talk when you review my memories?" Oh, that's right. I'm supposed to be looking my problems up in the library. I'll have to do that soon. A scream interrupted my thoughts, and I whirled around to find a first year pointing at the windows. I squinted my eyes and saw a dark shape floating outside. A dementor? We've already learned the Patronous charm, thank God.
"Everybody SHUT UP AND PAY ATTENTION!" I yelled. I pulled out my wand, amplified my voice using the sonorus charm, and accio'ed a chair from nearby. I stood on the chair and waited for the students to turn toward me. I wanted complete silence before beginning. Septimus and Fields came to stand near me.
"We've been training for this moment for awhile now. I know all of you can do this. Remember your Patronous charms. Remember everything Tabby, Zac, me, and the rest of us taught you and you will survive." Tabby and my friends joined Septimus and Fields and standing near me. "Everybody get in formation. First years in the center of the circle, then second years, then third, then fourth and so on. Hogwarts students, join the Aries students. Join up with the students of your year. Do what they do. Attack on my command. Do not be afraid to hurt somebody, as it's going to be life or death."
The Aries students quickly grabbed the nearest Hogwarts students and formed a ring of circles. The first years were in the center, as they were the youngest. Even if we had trained them, I don't think they were ready to kill someone. Therefore, they were put in the center. The second years were more mature than the first, but just barely. They formed a ring around the first. The third surrounded the second, and so on to the seventh. The fifth, sixth, and seventh year prefects stood slightly before the 7th year students. The Head Boy and Girl were also slightly apart. The Hogwarts prefects and Head Boy and Girl had been dragged out. Every student had his or her wand out, ready for battle.
"I want every Aries student to chose a Hogwarts student to look after. Work together, much as you have been with each other. When our enemies enter the hall, spread out. Don't break the circle at first though. Only do that if needed. Stick close to your partners, and don't be afraid to be vicious. Use every spell you know to knock them on their asses...er, I mean arses." A titter of nervous laughter rang through the hall.
"Prefects, Head Students, protect the younger students as best you can. You're apart from the seventh year students because you are leaders, and as leaders, you must be the first to fight. Please do your best to protect the first through fourth years. Yes, they have had training but they're still young. Everyone watch each other's back, especially your partner's. Remember not to attack until I or a teacher says so!" I took the amplifying charm off and jumped off the chair. I walked to Tubby and inclined my head.
"They're as ready as they'll ever be." Tubby nodded and turned towards the teachers." Gather around the doors. Bertha, Adam, Phylis, please stand in front of the windows. Wands out, eyes and ears alert everyone." Tubby turned towards me and nodded towards a large space in between Tabby and Jon. "Take your place, Miss Granger. Good luck." I smiled and returned the words. Septimus walked by and I grabbed his arm. He turned towards me, eyes hooded. He's going to have to act like a Voldemort supporter. Please don't let any of the students notice. Please take care of him.
"Septimus, take care. Please." My voice was soft and pleading. Tears filled my eyes at the thought of Septimus hurt or dead. His face blurred from the tears. One tear fell down on to my cheek and made its way to my chin. Septimus gently wiped the tear away.
"Of course, Mia. Be careful yourself. Good luck." I smiled at him. I wiped my eyes and took a step back.
"Good luck, professor. Please tell Professor Fields I said good luck as well." At that, Septimus' eyes warmed up a bit. I turned and took my place among my friends and peers.
"Tabby, Jon?" I waited until they looked at me before continuing.
"I'm sorry I haven't been around much. When we go to Club Zone tomorrow, it'll just be me and you all, okay?" They nodded and passed the message on to the others.
"Shannon says she understands why you haven't been around and she hopes you feel better." Tabby reported.
"Tell her I feel fine. Great in fact." I replied.
"Zac and Mike hope you're feeling better. I just told them what you told Tabby and they said good." Jon relayed. I grinned and began to speak when I was interrupted by the sound of glass breaking. I turned towards the windows to see the Dementors flying in, swirling above our heads. The room instantly turned cold, there were so many of them. I raised my wand and tried to think of a good memory. Septimus, Jon, Tabby, and my pillow fight earlier. I concentrated, picturing it in my mind before speaking the words. All around me I heard students repeating my words. The Dementors started screeching and flew out of the hall, back into the darkness.
BANG! Something hit the doors leading to the Great Hall. I took a chance and glanced behind me at the other students. They looked terrified but were holding strong. I felt a flash of pride in my fellow schoolmates before facing forward. The door that was off to my right was bent in the center. The door took another hit and buckled even more. One more hit and it would break. The teachers were backing up, wands pointed at the door. The door shook with the next hit and crumpled under the attack. Death Eaters in masks poured in, followed by more Dementors. Almost as one, the people nearest the doors started shooting off spells.
Most were simple spells so that when we used the more complex ones, the Death Eaters would be taken by surprise. They were caught off guard so far by the ferocity of the attack. Then they managed to gather wits and go on the defense. They started shooting off spells rapidly, charging forward, and causing students to dodge the spells thrown their way. The last ring was broken. The seventh years scattered, casting spells with lightening speed. I taught them how to do that, I marveled. I taught them how to shoot spells off with the speed of a machine gun.
Time seemed to disappear, meaningless in the chaos. My whole perception was focused on getting rid of as many Death Eaters as possible. I forgot everything but the spells, the Death Eaters, lights, screaming, and pleas for help. There was one incident when the fog over my brain disappeared and I was able to look around. Everybody was scattered. Students were working together, healing each other while the injured, if possible, watched the healer's back. I noticed Potter and Weasley were about to be killed, the attacker taking advantage of their inattention. I pulled out my wand and cast my favorite homemade spell. It caused the victim to see all the color run out of everything. They would then see all the color rushing towards them, like a great flood, and about about the time the 'flood' reached them, they'd pass out from sheer shock. I tested it, and I know how overwhelmingly real it appears. Poor Zac wasn't the same for a week.
"Thanks, Granger." Potter called. I nodded in acknowledgement before rushing off to save a sixth year prefect who was fighting two Death Eaters at once. A call arose from the Death Eaters and they began to retreat. The students chased after them. I stood where I was with the other prefects, just watching. My eyes swept the room for Septimus and found him talking to Dumbledore and the other's. I ran towards him, planning to give him a big hug even if it was in public.
"Septimus!" He turned around at his name and grinned. I ran up to him and hugged him. My momentum nearly caused him to topple over.
"Whoa there, Mia!" He hugged me in return pulled back slightly. A frown crossed his face as he looked me over.
"You're bleeding. And your eye's bruised." I shrugged, unable to keep a smile off my face.
"It's nothing. I'm just glad to be alive. The other's are fine, by the way." He nodded his head and then moved his eyes from me to my friends, who were trying to keep the students from rushing outside. He moved his eyes back to my face." Go to your friends." I blinked once. Then I turned and walked towards them.
SNAPES POV
I watched the girl walk back towards her friends, and a pang jabbed my chest. She didn't run up and give you a hug, Snape ole boy. He pushed the nasty voice away and continued watching the girl. Throughout the whole fight he'd kept an eye on her, ready to jump in if needed. It hadn't crossed his mind until after the fight that jumping in would most likely have exposed his true loyalties. When she had rushed forward and hugged Septimus, it seemed like I had been punched in the stomach.
Stupid girl. It's her fault that I can't stop thinking about her, reminding me of the things I don't have. That I can't stop thinking about all the things I want to do with her. I could just picture her as she was just before Septimus interrupted earlier in the potions room. She had been looking up at me, her full pink lips just inches from my face. Her breath had warmed my face. I had been ready to take her there in the workshop, never mind seeking out a bed. I had wanted her there and then. I still wanted her. Lusting after the traitor, Severus? What would Dumbledore think? I turned away and attempted to pay attention to Dumbledore. It didn't work. My eyes kept straying her way. I sighed. It's going to be a long night.
HERMIONE'S POV
I could feel someone watching me, but when I scanned the crowd, I didn't see anyone. I gave up when Tubby and Dumbledore walked to the front of the Great Hall and called for attention. Students immediately silenced and paid attention.
"First, if anybody is seriously hurt, please report to Madam Polinski. I am pleased to announce that we suffered no casualties. We have accomplished a great thing this evening. We-that is to say Headmaster Dumbledore and I-have decided to reward your courage in the face of death. This weekend we will throw a ball. Everyone's invited, dress is formal. Music will be provided as well." Headmaster Tubby informed. A great cheer rose up, mostly from the first through third years. They don't normally get to attend dances.
"Now, eat dinner and head off to bed. You have all been through a lot and need to eat and rest." Tubby called. "Oh, and by the by. The trip to Longbourne Village his not been cancelled. Teachers will, unfortunately, have to accompany you. But I'm sure you'll agree when I say it's a small price to pay." He waved his wand and the tables appeared in order. He clapped his hands, then the food appeared. There was a great shuffle as students rushed forward to get to the food. Dumbledore waved his wand this time and the debris from the fighting disappeared. I took my seat with my friends and dug in.
"Club Zone tomorrow. Can't wait." I said, taking a bite out of my chicken.
"Yeah, it's going to be great. We all need a break." Zac seemed hesitant to say anything to me.
"Um...Hermione...about...about the fight..." I swallowed my food and turned away from Zac's pleading gaze.
"I don't want to talk about it." I muttered.
"But, Hermione. I'm really sorry about-" I cut him off.
"I don't care. I don't want to hear it. Just leave me alone Zac." I stood up to leave but Zac grabbed my hand.
"I'm not giving up Hermione. I care about you. I need you." I jerked my arm away from him and turned to leave.
"That's just too bad isn't it? You embarrassed me, you hurt me, and you treated me like a possession. I'm not some stupid doll that you can control and keep to yourself." I stomped off, never looking back.
SNAPES POV (again)
"Granger and her friends usually go and hang out at Club Zone." Septimus announced to the teachers. They had been discussing some of the things that the students were able to do at Longbourne Village. All in all, a very boring conversation. This bit of news, however, caught my interest instantly.
"Club Zone?" I put an incredulous inflection in my tone.
"Yes. It's a Club that plays muggle music,very exclusive. You can only get in by recommendation. Anyway, they listen to music and party. They've alerted the appropriate people that they've invited me to join, so I can go. I can bring anybody that wants to come along tomorrow." Go to a stupid club and watch all the idiotic children attempt to dance and hold down their liquor? No thank you.
"Severus, you should go. You need to get out and have some fun." Dumbledore commented, eating a strawberry from the bowl in front of him. I glared in his direction carefully set down my fork. Time to leave.
"No thank you, Albus. I have much better things to do than watch students dance and drink. Excuse me."
"Severus, I'd be much obliged if you went." That was simply the old fool's way of saying Go or else. I snarled an acceptance and swept off towards my chambers. Maybe if I get really drunk, and pretend to have no Hangover Relief potion he'll take pity on me. I snorted. Not very likely. Be just my luck that he got a potion from Septimus to give to me just in case.
NEXT MORNING, AFTER BREAKFAST
The carriages rolled down the bumpy road slowly. I was in a carriage with everyone but Zac. I took malicious satisfaction in that. It was a beautiful day: sun shining, bird's chirping, blue sky, and a light breeze. The ride was silent except for the occasional 'ow!' as someone banged into someone else from hitting a bump. We finally reached Longbourne with our butts and heads bruised from banging them on the ceiling and seats. We climbed out and immediately headed for Club Zone. Professor's Timely, Fields, and Peabody had 'watching duty'. Peabody and Timely were gathering the Hogwarts students around while Fields headed our way.
"Miss Granger, may I speak with you?" She asked. I waved my friends on.
"What's up?" I was feeling rather curious as to why she had singled me out.
"I just wanted to say that I know that there's nothing romantic between you and Septimus. I know your just good friends-best friends in fact-and I respect that. I'm glad Septimus has someone other than me to care about him. I also wanted to request that you call me Julie in private. I have the feeling we'll be seeing a great deal of each other soon. Also, could you pass on the message to your friends to drop the formality when in private? I know Septimus is friends with them too." I smiled broadly. Well, this'll make Septimus happy. And she seems nice, so I really have no objections...
I forced myself to look solemn. "Alright. But on one condition." Fields-Julie-eyed me suspiciously before nodding.
"Call me Mia. All my friends do. And don't forget to call my friend by their first names." She laughed and shook her head.
"Lord, I was expecting worse for a moment. Of course I'll call you Mia. I'm honored. I'll address your friends by their first names as well. Well, I'm getting the 'evil eye' from Peabody, so I should scoot. Goodbye, Mia, have a great day!" She jogged towards the teachers and I continued on. I quickly turned the corner and felt my chest fill up with excitement at seeing the building.
Club Zone was set back into the woods because of the loud muggle music it played. It was a large building, with lots of lights. The outside was full of people dancing, talking, and drinking. If the outside is this crowded, inside must be insane. I took a deep breath and practically ran towards the building.
Club Zone was where I first made my friends from Aries. I had learned to dance even more unrestrained here than before. I also learned how to man a bar and learned all those fancy bar tricks you see in the movies, not that it's too hard to master with the proper charms. Flipping bottles required one to use the same wrist snap as when performing charms. Pouring out drinks reminded me of measuring out ingredients during potions. And confidence is easily gained when one uses unbreakable charms coupled with levitation and so forth. I flashed Len the bouncer a smile as I walked past. He grinned back, his gold teeth shining in the morning light.
Inside the room was dark, broken by lights flashing here and there. The dance floor was filled, people everywhere. Music was throbbing so loud the floor and walls felt like they were moving. Directly in front of the door was the bar. Off to the left was the dance floor. Stairs led to the private rooms up above for rich clients who believed themselves to be too good to hang with the rest of us. I made my way over to my usual table and found my friends already there with drinks. I took my seat with my back facing the entrance. I grabbed a waiter who was passing by and placed my order. I turned back toward my friends and grinned.
"So what should we do first?"
"Dancing. Once you finish your drink we're going dancing." Shannon smiled at someone behind me. I turned to look and saw a dark haired boy smiling hesitantly back. I grinned. He's cute.
"Didn't waste any time, did you?" I laughed.
"Hell no. Why wait for you to steal all the good looking guys in the place?" She stood up and walked over to the boy, striking up a conversation. They talked animatedly for a few seconds before making their way to the dance floor. Maybe that's what I should do to get Snape off my mind. Have a little fun with a cute guy. My drink arrived and I downed it in one gulp.
"C'mon. Let's dance." I grabbed Tabby's arm and pulled her towards the dance floor. The other's followed. The DJ played Eve's "Let Me Blow Your Mind", causing a few people to cheer. I soon lost myself in the rhythem while I danced. This is what I've been missing. I hope so. The next song, American Hi-Fi's "Flavor of the Week" came on. I looked around for an empty table and found one towards the back of the room. I gestured to my friends and they nodded their head's in agreement. We made our way over to the tables and climbed on, continuing our dancing on the tables, laughing and singing along.
"Misses Granger, Thompson, and Carter! Messers Parker and Allen! What do you think you are doing?" We turned to find Septimus, Julie Fields, the whole Hogwarts staff, Peabody, and Headmaster Tubby watching us. Everyone but Peabody looked amused. I looked at the other's and grinned. I jumped down from the table and sauntered over to where Peabody was standing. My smile dimmed a little as I could make out Snape's form even clearer. He was hiding in the shadows, which is why I couldn't see what he was wearing before. Look at Peabody. Don't look at Snape. Don't look at Snape.
"Hey Professor! What brings you here?"
"Don't try to change the subject! What made you think you could dance on a table?" I opened my mouth to answer when the owner happened by. He caught the tail end of what she said and stopped. He winked at me before turning towards the teachers and introducing himself. The owner was tall and gangly with curly brown hair and blue eyes. His face was round and his cheeks were always really red.
"M'name's Hans. I own th' place. It's perfectly alrigh' for them ta be dancin' on th' tables, Miss. It's th' least I could do for them after all they done for me, ya kennit? I wouldn't a been able ta keep me business open if it weren' for them. I owe them so much." He pronounced the word "I" like "Ah". Ah owe them so much. I grinned behind my hand at the surprised look on Peabody's face. She pursed her lips and gave a sharp nod to Hans before turning on her heels. I grinned at Hans, who once again winked. To keep the business open, my friends and I posted advertisements in the paper. We also put up signs in the village and all over Aries. Anybody could join for the first sixth months, but after that it was members-only. Muggle music was played instead of wizarding music because more muggle-borns had joined the club and helped out. Also, Hans was a half-blood and wanted the wizarding world and the muggle-borns to stop being so estranged.
"Thanks Hans. You're such a sweetie." I pinched his cheek gently and he laughed. He gave me a one-armed hug.
"Anythin' for me gurl. Keep havin' yer fun." With that he walked into the storage room off to the side of the dance floor. I turned back towards my friends and smiled.
"How about another drink? I'm thirsty." All but Mike and Julie declined. They followed me to the bar where I ordered rum and coke. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed someone entering the club. He was tall and muscular, but not too muscular. His full lips were in the form of a smirk, and his teal colored eyes were twinkling with mischief. His teeth were pearly white, and his light brown hair fell stubbornly into his face as he brushed it impatiently back with his hand. His skin was slightly tan. His eyes met mine and they seemed to brighten. Good lord, he's gorgeous.
The boy casually walked over to where I was sitting and took a seat next to me. His arm brushed mine as he sat down and I could smell his cologne. Ooooohh. He smells so nice. I turned towards Mike and Julie and raised an eyebrow. They took the hint, grabbed their drinks, and booked. As I watched them leave I noticed Snape heading for the bar. I quickly looked away. Don't look at him. I faced forward determinedly.
"Hello." The boy next to me spoke in a soft yet clear voice. I looked at him and smiled my best flirtatious smile. The light was shining on his hair, which brought out the blonde highlights.
"Hey. I haven't seen you here before." He took a drink of his beverage before answering.
"I haven't been here. I just moved here. I'm starting school at Aries tomorrow. Name's Max Handerson."
"Hermione Granger. I go to Aries. Maybe I'll see you around." The corner of his lips twitched upward.
"I definitely hope so. Would you like to dance?" The abrupt change of subject startled me, but I made sure my face didn't register it. I took his hand and stood up. He smiled down at me, eyes still twinkling.
"I would love to." We passed Snape on the way to the dance floor and I could feel his gaze burning into me just between the shoulder blades. A slow song started up and I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head against his shoulder. I closed my eyes and concentrated on the feel of his arms around me, of his breath tickling my ear. I sighed contentedly and snuggled closer. His arms tightened around me. His heart was beating in my ear, and I smiled. This feels nice. It's been awhile since I've been held by anyone but Septimus, and he doesn't count. Don't get too comfortable around the boy yet, Granger. You barely know him. For all you know he could be a pervert. I pushed the thought away and decided to just enjoy myself for now, paranoia be damned.
Another song started up, this one fast. I danced along with the beat. He's a good dancer. Doesn't step on my feet, doesn't stumble. This boy was just getting better and better. Christina Aguilera's "Dirrty" came on, and I danced, well, dirty. I rubbed up against him, grinding to the music, and was genuinely enjoying myself. Wonder what the other's are up to...I looked around and immediately spotted them.
Shannon was dancing with the same boy as before. Julie and Mike were shakin' up the dance floor a few feet away from them. Zac was nowhere to be found, and Tabby and Jon where at the bar. The teachers were in between Julie, Mike, and Max and I. They were watching us as they discussed whatever it is teachers discussed. Tabby and Jon were a few feet behind and to the right of the teachers, and they were obviously listening in on their conversations. I smirked at the teachers and pulled Max closer. A popular slow song started and people rushed on the dance floor, blocking my view of them. I reached for Max, but before I could grab him a voice spoke from behind me.
"May I cut in?" The silky, velvet voice was immediately recognizable, and my heart began to pound. My mouth went dry and my stomach filled with butterflies. I turned around and met Snape's dark gaze. A shiver ran up my spine as I met those beautiful black eyes. Snape was dressed in a loose fitting dark green shirt lined with silver. He had tight black pants on that made me wish he would turn around so I could stare at his arse. He wore worn black work boots, and his hair was tied at the nape of his neck. He looked too damn sexy and dangerous. Tall, dark, and damn sexy. So much for not noticing him.
"Sure. I'll wait for you at the bar, Hermione." Max stated. His voice brought me back from whatever daze I was in from seeing Snape so unbat-like. I nodded my head and smiled at Max. His eyes were curious. They seemed to ask, 'Why is an older man asking you to dance? Who is he?'
"Okay, Max. I'll just be one dance." Unfortunately, the song was a long one. I stepped hesitantly towards Snape and raised my arms. He wrapped one arm around me and held my hand out from my body with the other. He pulled me close, his body brushing mine as we moved. I found it hard to breathe and attempted to pull away a bit from Snape. He simply moved me closer and held me tighter. I gave up trying to move away and tried to relax, only managing a partial sucess.
I want to put my head on his shoulder like I did with Max. I want to feel his arms around me, holding me tight. I want to feel his breath on my face and hear his heart beating. I moved closer to him and was once again was rewarded with the sound of Snape's breath hitching. My heart was still pounding in my chest and I was breathing heavily myself. I gently laid my head down on his shoulder, snuggling up to him as best I could and forgetting that he was a professor for the moment. He smells of sandalwood. He held me tighter and I completely relaxed this time. How nice. This is totally unexpected. Who knew Snape could dance, or that he would smell so good?
I pulled back from him as the song neared the end, looking up at him through my eyelashes. He gazed down on me, his gaze hot with an emotion I wasn't familiar with coming from him. I leaned forward again but stopped centimeters from his face. My gaze slid down once again from his eyes to his lips, an invitation of sorts. Snape closed the distance between our lips.
The kiss was hot and demanding. I responded without thinking, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him closer. He put his hands on my waist and jerked me towards him. I pressed my body against his, a bit awkward because of our size difference. He bit my lower lip and smoothed it over with his tongue. Reveling in the sensation, I opened my mouth eagerly. The feeling of his tongue in my mouth caused my body to break out in goosebumps. Tingles were running rapidly through my skin, beginning from every point I was touching him at. I moaned into his mouth, causing him to moan back. We continued on in this way until we parted from our need to breathe. We pulled apart just as the song ended.
Snape looked down at me, gaze still burning. Then he blinked and his expression changed from hot to cold in a matter of seconds. He stepped back from me and wiped his mouth, face once again as blank as stone. He continued to stare at me a moment longer before turning and stomping off.
What the hell was that all about? Did I do something wrong? Why'd he leave? I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and sighed. Perhaps coming here wasn't a great idea. I made my way to the bar and took a seat next to Max. I ordered Firewhiskey in a glass and tossed it back. God, I'm confused. What just happened? Did I just kiss Snape? He's a professor, from Hogwarts of all places! What is wrong with me? Am I sick? Maybe this is a dream. I glanced over in the general direction Snape had disappeared to. I shook my head and turned towards Max with a smile. He smiled back and I pushed all thoughts of Snape out of my head.
Think of that later. For now, enjoy Max's company.
SNAPE'S POV
The kiss was intense. That was the only way I could describe it. The girl pulled me a bit closer and I responded by jerking her up towards me. She pressed her body against mine and I bit her lip before soothing the sting with my tongue. She opened her mouth to me willingly enough, and I felt what could only be described as electricity and heat sweep through my body. She moaned, resulting in my pants tightening almost painfully, and still, I moaned right back. I continued to kiss her until necessity forced us to stop for air, which was around the same time the song ended. I pulled back from her and finally realized what I'd just done.
The girl's lips were swollen from kissing, and her eyes were slightly glazed. Her cheeks were pink and she was breathing heavily. Merlin, you just kissed the traitor! What if Dumbledore saw? Run, Severus, run! Don't hang around. Stop now before this goes any further. I abruptly turned away and disappeared into the crowd. I found an empty dark corner and settled in. What had possessed me to leave the safety of the shadows and dance with the chit in the first place was a mystery. Do not move from this spot until it's time to leave. I watched as the girl made her way to the boy she had been dancing with before I intervened. She sat down and ordered a drink. The boy began to talk and she laughed appreciatively at whatever it was he said. Something in my heart jabbed and I could feel my anger rising. Stupid, idiotic boy!
I ordered a firewhiskey from a passing waiter and continued to watch the girl. There's really nothing special about her. She's not beautiful, just pretty. I grabbed the drink from the waiter and dug out some money from my pockets, not really paying attention. She's intelligent, sure, but she's not the only pretty, intelligent witch out there! There're loads more. She's nothing special at all. Just a regular witch with a bit more intelligence than the rest.
Somehow, I knew that I didn't agree that she was just normal, but that wouldn't stop me from trying to convince myself otherwise.
Well that's a really long chapter. I wrote it all in two days! Phew. I had so many ideas and I just flew through. I suppose it's lucky that I can type fast. I hope that the fighting scene was good. I've never written a fighting scene before so I tried my best. Please don't be too harsh! I also hope this is enough romance for some of the people that suggested it. From here on things are going to get interesting (at least in my opinion). Next chapter: Snape and Hermione try to avoid each other but it doesn't exactly work. Zac confronts Hermione about Max. Max starts school and Hermione begins research on why she can resist Veritaserum and Legilimency.
Please, please review.