A/N: My semester is over! Now, hopefully, I'll be able to do more with this story, although I have summer school starting next week (boo).

The "misspelling" of Dorian's last name was deliberate. Yes, I expect some people to wonder about the name, but Severus wasn't a spy for nothing. I'm sure he'll come up with a good answer. I haven't actually read the book, but I know the basic outline of the story. I know I put Hermione in as the second character, but actually it's more a Severus/Severus fic.

Thanks to my betas, Jestana and Silvana. Jestana, especially, has been a large help. Go read her stories, they're good (mom isn't biased or anything!)

Sorry for the long author's note. Now, on to the story:

Chapter Seven: Attraction and Breakfast Conversations

Dorian paused involuntarily. This would be the real test of what he and Albus had done. As Hermione drew near him, she greeted him cordially.

"Good evening, Professor Grey."

"Good evening. It's Miss Granger, isn't it? I look forward to having you in my class."

"Yes. I look forward to it as well. Defense Against the Dark Arts is an important subject in these times."

"I know. I'm going to try to teach all of you things that will help you in these times of conflict." Dorian paused. He knew he was just trying to prolong his time speaking to Hermione. "I believe you were on your way somewhere. I don't want to keep you."

"I need to meet Harry in the library."

"I will see you tomorrow, then."

"Yes sir."

As Hermione walked away, Dorian turned as well and made his way to his rooms. He made sure he didn't let his mask drop. He was shaking inside.

When he got to his rooms, he went inside, then slumped back against the wall next to the door. Dorian took deep breaths, and waited for the shaking to subside.

The charm had worked! He had felt no pull. However, just being near her, feeling her aura, smelling her unique scent, he had felt himself reacting to her. It seemed that he was headed for another cold shower.

The next morning, Dorian was up early. He hadn't slept well. It seemed that his upset over Hermione had triggered memories that hadn't surfaced in a while. His dreams had been a hodge-podge of his time as a Potions Master, teaching at Hogwarts, his experiences as a Death Eater, and other times exposing him to the Dark Arts. Dorian got dressed and went down for an early breakfast.

Severus Snape was also at the staff table. Dorian sat down next to him. Over the last two weeks, Dorian had been down to the potions classroom about three or four times to help with various concoctions. They had developed a distant but friendly relationship. Dorian had demonstrated his abilities to Severus' satisfaction.

"Good morning, Severus." It still seemed weird to call someone else by his own name.

"Good morning, Grey."

"How are your researches coming?"

"One is showing promise, although I will have to postpone further work until the Yule break."

"I quite understand. Did you want more tea?"

"No, I must go and get ready for my first class." Severus Snape got up, nodded to his neighbor, and left the Great Hall.

Dorian continued to eat in silence.

The next person down for breakfast was Albus. He sat down in his chair, and motioned to Dorian to move down and join him.

"Have you seen Miss Granger since our efforts of last night?"

"Yes, and that part worked out perfectly."

"Was there another part that didn't work?" Albus was curious at the turn of phrase used.

"The physical presence of Miss Granger, her aura, her physical presence, tends to elicit certain … reactions that are not appropriate in my situation."

"Ahh. I do not know of any way to selectively deaden your awareness of people."

"I will talk to Prof. Snape. There is a potion that will deaden one's libido for a period of time. Perhaps he will allow me cauldron time, and the loan of some ingredients."

"That might be best."

"Just so. I need to set up for my first class, so I will wish you a good day."

"You also, Dorian."

As Dorian left, he muttered to himself, "I'll settle for uneventful."