Hello! This was something I started a few months ago and I'm pleased to say it's actually a completed story! So no delays here. Hope you enjoy! x
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that looks familiar to the world of Harry Potter.
2 May 1999
Severus leaned against the wall next to a pillar that afforded a view of the glitzy ballroom, and sipped on a tall flute of fruit wine. It wasn't his first choice for a drink but that seemed to be the only non-alcoholic choice; the other option being the celebratory champagne.
Wizards and witches were spinning around the room to the upbeat song being played by the live band. Severus himself had yet to take a turn on the dance floor, not because he didn't like to dance. He enjoyed it very much, indeed. But he couldn't possibly let it be known that the sour-faced, former Death Eater and double agent enjoyed a twirl or two.
"Professor Snape."
Hermione Granger had materialised next to him in soft periwinkle dress robes with a square neck front, the colour quite reminiscent of her attire at the Yule Ball several years ago. How he remembered what she wore back then puzzled him but he paid no heed to that fleeting thought.
"Miss Granger."
"What are you having?" The witch moved closer and tried to peep into the top of the flute.
Severus' gaze dropped to the glass he was holding and he tilted it so she could see. But he also got an eyeful of Hermione's bosom as it spilled out the top of her robes when she brought her arms closer in front of her. Small but perky, he thought. No, he should have the decency to point it out to her lest she was unaware of this slight mishap pertaining to her wardrobe.
"Do not take this the wrong way, Miss Granger."
She looked up, her face alight with curiosity.
He continued, "Your wardrobe is quite exposed when someone of my height looks upon your person."
Hermione's eyebrows knitted together for a second before her expression transformed into one of surprise as her head shot downwards in the direction of her chest. Then she looked back up at him, a mischievous smile on her face. "I don't mind if it is you," she replied. Her voice was unusually low and sultry, giving rise to images that he immediately pushed back.
"Pardon?" He probably misheard her through the thick curtain of his hair.
She stood on her tiptoes and raised her head. He could feel her warm breath tickle the sensitive area of his skin beneath his ear as she whispered, "I said, I don't mind if it is you."
He turned and met her shining, amber eyes that seemed to tease and laugh at him. He was in the midst of formulating an appropriate response – appropriate given their unnecessarily large age gap and relationship as former student and teacher – when the spell was broken by a mop of red hair that swung by and grabbed Hermione in a bear hug.
Hermione herself laughed out in delight as she was spun around in circles before both she and the Weasley boy came to a stop, panting in front of him.
"Sorry about that, Professor. Was there something you wanted to say to Hermione?" The Weasley boy asked.
"Nothing that would concern you, Mr Weasley."
He frowned but nodded. "Alright, we'll be going."
The boy took Hermione by the hand and pulled her towards the dance floor. The witch's brown curls bounced as she tried to keep up with the boy. She turned, as if sensing his eyes on her, and smiled. A smile that spoke of a secret that only they knew.
-.-.-.-.-
25 December 1999
He was loath to attend Christmas parties in general, let alone one held by the Order at Number 12 Grimmauld Place. Potter had taken up residence there with his wife, Ginevra, and they graciously volunteered to host the party there since it had been the headquarters for a period of time. Better than The Burrow any day, thought Severus as he tentatively nibbled the corner of a gingerbread biscuit in the shape of a cauldron.
"Merry Christmas, sir. Are those biscuits any good?"
Hermione Granger had materialised beside him in a colourful jumper over a pair of denim jeans. She peered at the tray of cookies while swiping two small muffins that had plenty of cream on the top from another serving tray. "I'm starved." She stuffed the first one into her mouth and chewed greedily.
"Merry Christmas, Miss Granger. I detect the spice but not much of the ginger flavour."
Silence ensued for several seconds until she swallowed audibly. "Ah."
Severus watched as her tongue darted out to lick the crumbs on her lips. "There are savoury dishes if you are starved."
"Later. I'll have to sit through rounds of Mrs Weasley's cooking when Ron finds me." She bit into the next muffin and it left some cream on the top of her mouth.
Severus thought it his duty to inform her of the mess. "Do not take this the wrong way, Miss Granger."
She chewed and looked at him expectantly.
"You've got cream on your mouth, by the way. Just there." He gestured to his face and then pointed at her.
"Oh. Thanks." Her mouth widened into a grin as she ran her tongue over her lips, catching the errant cream in the process. Then she licked the cream off the half-eaten muffin, all the while keeping her eyes on him.
Severus drew in a sharp breath. "That's not the appropriate way to eat a muffin."
Hermione smiled as she ran her tongue slowly over the bare top of the muffin. "I like to break the rules sometimes."
"Oi, Hermione!" The Weasley boy came flying from the other end of the room and threw his arm around her.
"Ronald." She bit a large chunk out of her muffin.
"I bet you haven't had the good stuff yet. Don't fill yourself up with those baked sweets first." Then, as if realising Severus was watching, he gave a sheepish smile. "Merry Christmas, sir."
"Merry Christmas." Severus attempted a smile but he wasn't quite used to smiling so he didn't think it came out very well if the look on the boy's face was anything to go by.
As the boy pulled Hermione away, she turned and grimaced before lifting her muffin as if in farewell. Severus didn't cross paths with her for the rest of the night.
