Title: The Point Of All Emotions
Author: ThePhantomsRedRose
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the Phantom of the Opera.
Summary: AU, 7thYear. The war looms in everyone's thoughts. To take their mind away they begin work on a Musical. Strong partnerships are established, but are they strong enough to win the war?
Authors Note: I hope you like it. Sorry for the foul language… It's there to convey a point.

The Point of Fist and Claw

The sun shone causing the trees to become bare again. There were still layers of ice upon the ground mixed with snow, but the sun made it pleasant. Hermione was exercising Caesar outside today, above the forbidden forest. She had agreed to meet Severus who was on his mount down below to meet up in the clearing. Hermione brought Caesar down into the clearing where he decided to roll over in the snow.

It was tasking for the poor animals living in the stables with out room enough to stretch their legs. She wandered to the little waterfall, calling for Caesar to get a drink. She was surprised that is was not frozen. After all there was plenty of snow on the ground.

"Hermione you be careful around that," Severus said as he approached from the forest paths.

"Why? What is it?" She asked skeptically, noticing no change in Caesar.

"That is the fountain of youth," He said simply.

"Really Severus how do you know," She asked cautiously.

"I use it in potions. It's not like the muggle thoughts of the fountain. It just helps to take wrinkles away and other aging elements. It can not keep your insides young forever. That's why Voldemort never used it," He responded.

"Do you ever use it?" She asked, noticing the lines around his eyes.

"No, I am fine with the way I stand today," He said proudly.

"So what are we going to wear to the Valentines Day dance?" Hermione asked eagerly, hoping she would not have to wear pink.

"We will not be going," He said simply.

"What do you mean Severus?" Hermione said, looking like she may cry.

"I do not wish to see all of the students love for each other. I get that enough on night duty," He explained.

Hermione had known what he was talking about. Last night on Head Girl duty she found Maureen and Ron in a broom closet in a very compromising position that may have scared her for life. She had wondered what happened to Maureen and Malfoy, but they were still chatting it up at breakfast.

"I suppose you're right, I just wish we could celebrate it," She said sighing.

"Yes well, I suppose we should be leaving now, after all rehearsals today.

"Today we shall be doing our first full run through. Places everyone," Dumbledore called. The first act went by smoothly with the exceptions of the Slytherins Italian accents, but they moved right into the second act. Hermione was beginning to have a hard time with the second act because she had to act as though she did not love Severus. Of course, she managed to pull it off. During Point of No Return, she savored every embrace.

"That looks all too realistic!" Said a voice from the back of the auditorium. There Maureen stood. In a short skirt and low cut top with black boots.

"Dress Code," Severus sneered.

"I am here to audition for the role of Christine, Hermione is not mature enough to handle the role. After all, she is with Professor Snape," She said to Dumbledore.

"Coming from you? The slut I've found in the broom closet each night with a different boy!" Hermione shrieked.

"LANGUAGE MISS GRANGER!" Dumbledore hollered.

"At least I am not fucking Professors every night!" Maureen yelled while walking closer to Hermione.

"I'm not fucking anyone!" Hermione said with a look of utter loathing on her face. She rushed towards Maureen and they began fighting each other. Hermione began scratching her with her nails, which were beginning to grow under the stress into her claws. Blood was flying every where as Maureen feebly swung at Hermione.

"Control yourself Miss. Granger," Snape yelled from the stage as he went down to break up the fight. He lead Hermione to her dressing room as everyone started to fuss over Maureen's bloodied body.

"Hermione, what were you thinking?" Severus said as he helped wash the skin and blood off of her claws.

"Charge!" She said.

"I mean about going into your form, even though it was just your nails it will be a hard one to explain," He said as they withdrew back to human nails.

"I simply did wandless magic to make it happen," She smirked at her alibi.

"How very Slytherin," He smirked.

"Oh shut up," She said.

"Miss Granger!" McGonagall said as she opened the portrait. "How dare you attack another student like that! I am shocked at how irresponsible you are. Detention with me, for the rest of the week!" The portrait opening behind her cut off McGonagall.

"That won't be necessary Minerva," Dumbledore said calmly. "What happened back there was a result of Hermione spending too much time in her dragon form. It would be best if you care for the dragonlings in human form for a little while Hermione. I know you had no control over it so you will not be punished. Please try to stay away from Maureen," Dumbledore said leaving the room, followed closely by McGonagall.

"Come, Let's go for a ride," He said as they left for the outside of the castle. He summoned two hippogriffs. Off they rode. Hermione was on a gray one named Napoleon and Severus was on a palomino one named Stratton. They were off above the clouds. The ride was not as smooth as the winged horses but Hermione was still rather comfortable. They circled the gates of the castle a few times then went back inside banishing their mounts to the underbelly of the castle.

It had been a long day and the stars shone from a black sky. The moon was full and wolves could be heard at a distance. Hermione pulled back her sheets and began to write a story that she knew she could never finish, but she would write it all the same.