A/N: This will be one of my shorter stories. Thanks so much for the love and attention!

-TWIW-

"What jewelry are you wearing to the Valentine's Ball?" Ginny asked admiring the simple white gown Hermione had chosen for the occasion. It was slinky with slits on both sides, showing off her legs. The v-neckline was sexy without being scandalous and she was pairing it with white pumps that had been overlaid with crystals. She would at least look pretty even if the evening promised to make her miserable.

"I'm wearing the pendant," Hermione answered sharply knowing Ginny would disapprove.

Sure enough the mother-to-be grumbled, "Are you serious ''mione? Won't that just be a constant symbol of regret?"

The brunette fingered the necklace with a soft smile, "Believe it or not, but I regret nothing except the fact that it ended. Besides, this is the nicest thing I own."

"You could borrow something of mine, if you'd like…?"

Hermione glanced at the young woman and smiled, "Thanks Gin, but I'll be fine."

-TWIW-

Onyx eyes surveyed the crowded hall feeling nearly overwhelmed with nostalgia. Why Minerva insisted he attend, Severus couldn't guess. Most of the older staff, his former colleagues, had retired. And Snape was reluctant to interact with this new staff full of ex-students. And her. He had yet to see Hermione, but he had no doubt that she would appear.

Would she come alone?

Probably not. It might have been only a little over a month since their fling, but she was young and beautiful-yes, he could admit that-it was only a matter of time before she jumped in the saddle with another wizard. Regardless of what Draco said the young witch had made no moves to reacquaint herself with him, so Severus could only assume that her sentiments in Greece were the same here.

That goodbye had settled like ice over his heart. "Severus!" Headmistress McGonagall called out. "Good to see you came."

"At your request."

Minerva's smile dropped fractionally, "Yes well, I have a proposition for you. It's about the potions-"

"Are you going to ask me every year?"

"Yes because you're the best."

Severus smiled faintly, "I appreciate your praise, but I really must decline. I enjoy being my own boss far too much."

Minerva simply nodded and turned her gaze back to the dance floor. "Madame Granger certainly looks well this evening," she remarked idly and Severus followed her gaze to a heart stopping sight.

She stood out like a beacon amidst the sea of red and pink. Helena paled in comparison. This was the real Woman in White. As alluring as Aphrodite herself. She didn't smile. She simply glided across the floor, students and faculty alike parting in awe of the goddess who graced them with her presence.

Severus's hands fisted at his sides. He might have been in pain before but seeing her again was pure agony. And it was worse seeing Minerva calling her over. He tried to slink away, but Minerva bid him to stay. And suddenly she was before him and Severus felt powerless in this moment. Minerva seemed completely oblivious to his inner turmoil, and she proved it when she said, "I was just telling Severus how beautiful you look, don't you agree?"

Achingly familiar whiskey eyes regarded him with a practiced neutrality. Was she spinning out as well? Perhaps this was not as easy for as Severus assumed. Locking her gaze, he answered, "You look enchanting tonight, Madame Granger."

-TWIW-

Enchanting? Her? Not…..Helena? She smiled tentatively, "T-Thank you, Master Snape. You look very handsome." They stared at each other silently, until a cough from Minerva brought her back to reality. She cut her eyes towards her boss, "Was there a particular reason you called me over here, Headmistress?"

Minerva leaned towards Hermione in a conspiratory manner, "I was hoping you could aid me in persuading Severus in becoming our Potions Master once more."

"What makes you think I could hold any sway over the man?" Hermione retorted. "Besides I know for a fact that you wouldn't be asking me unless he already turned you down."

"Fine. Well then I must insist on you dancing Severus." Hermione watched the raven haired wizard sigh and offer the obstinate witch his hand. "No, not with me. Hermione will be a much better partner, I'm sure."

Hermione opened her mouth to protest, but one touch from him silenced her mouth. Had he felt that current too? She bit her lip, quite sure her heart would beat out of her chest. Wordlessly, he led her to the dance floor and the softest ballad began to play.

A love ballad.

Hermione wondered if this was all some sort of sick joke. How was possible to have everything you ever wanted in your arms, everything you ever dreamed of having right at your fingertips, but still not be able possess it? She felt like crying. His arm held her waist securely and she sighed as he thread their fingers together. Hermione would have given anything to melt in his embrace, but she had no idea if she would be welcomed. His compliment earlier made her dare hope but….

She was afraid.

-TWIW-

He could feel her tremble in his arms, though outwardly you couldn't tell. She was nervous. Just the same as he. The only problem was: how to bridge the gap? Their relationship hadn't lasted long by any means, but in that time Severus felt he'd spent decades with this woman. He loved this woman. At least, the part he knew. But the erratic beating of his heart told him that he could love her too.

So what if Helena was Hermione? Draco was right, that fact didn't make things worse-it actually worked in his favor. But how to regain her trust? How could he start the conversation that would determine how he spent the rest of his life? It seemed nearly impossible.

He guided her into a small spin, pulling her back to fit tightly in his arms. She gasped, so softly he almost hadn't heard it. Her eyes peered up at him through lovely lashes and the glint of her necklace caught his attention. Forgetting the others in the room, he fingered the cluster of gems nestled in the soft valley of her bosom. "I see you kept our necklace," he prompted returning his hand to her waist.

Hermione blushed, "Yes. I found that I couldn't stand parting from it. It holds a lot of memories…"

"Any…..regrets?" he inquired, fingers squeezing her waist meaningfully. He prepared himself for rejection, feeling for all the world like he would shatter at one hurtful word.

She seemed to be the one to crack instead, tears escaping her facade of unaffectedness. He was shocked by her tears, so shocked that he nearly missed her whispered answer: "Never."