A/N: After this story is finished I fear I may have to give up writing fanfiction. Since I began all these horrible little unexpected issues keep arising. My husband was rushed to hospital as I was working on this chapter last week. Some of you lovely readers are aware of this as I was replying to reviews and chatting away when I got the phonecall. He is fine…well, he is home and not currently in any pain but we still have no idea what is wrong with him. Then my internet refused to cooperate and I had no way of posting. The good news is my week without online distractions allowed me to work on Chapters 12 and 13 and so as an apology I will be posting 2 chapters in the next 24 hours; this one and then Chapter 12. Chapter 13 still needs some serious work.

I would like to thank all of you who reviewed and I would like to say a big hello to all the new readers the last chapter brought to this story.

I have to thank my wonderfully efficient beta worrywart, who is super speedy and supportive. I adore you!

I have a busy week and a family wedding this weekend so Chapter 13 will have to wait for now…it is half-written though!

Chapter 12 to follow shortly…

Chapter 11

Hogwarts Festive Fundraiser

As Head Girl, your presence is required at a function the school is hosting on the 19th of December. The guest list will consist of distinguished alumni, the school board, faculty members and award winning students from each year group. Prefects must be fully briefed on protocol and visibly present around the school as all staff must be in attendance.

The dress code is formal; either dress robes or appropriate Muggle eveningwear.

All current students are expected to behave in nothing short of an exemplary manner.

X~X

Hermione sighed as her eyes skimmed the familiar words of the missive she had received that morning. She had managed to successfully avoid Severus all week. She had caught the occasional glimpse of him in the Great Hall but had managed to entirely circumvent any awkward altercations. She had even managed to miraculously avoid coming face to face with him in Potions; he had been dealing with an issue concerning one of his Slytherin charges when Hermione had nervously attended the first class of the week, and Hermione had been excused from yesterday's class in order to assist Madam Pomfrey.

Since the war, Madam Pomfrey had seen more and more students come to her suffering from some form of post-traumatic stress. Hermione had mentioned her breathing exercises when discussing her health with the dedicated Medi-Witch, and Poppy had instantly wanted to know more about this Muggle therapy. Hermione had jumped at the chance to avoid Severus and thought it possible that she just might make it to the end of term without having to deal with the increasingly uncomfortable situation.

With only a week left before she could escape Hogwarts, and the overwhelming emotions she was experiencing, Hermione had begun to feel hopeful that this problem would just fade away over time. News of this function had eliminated that pipe dream; she would see him, he would see her, they would have to be civil, and they must behave in a professional manner. Despite Hermione presuming that she would feel nothing but fear and anxiousness, she was thoroughly vexed to find herself experiencing what could only be described as excitement. She had even caught herself wistfully daydreaming about stolen glances, attractive gowns and even more attractive potions professors.

X~X

Despite Severus presuming that he would feel nothing but dread and uneasiness concerning the upcoming function, he was thoroughly vexed to find himself experiencing what could only be described as excitement. He would see Hermione, and she would have no choice but to face him. Despite the anxiety that this realisation stirred within him, he couldn't help but wonder how she would look, whether she would talk to him and how he would respond if she did. He had barely seen her this past week. He had caught the occasional glimpse of her wandering ahead of him in the corridors or eating meals with her peers, but there had been no real encounters. He had been half relieved and half disappointed when the week's classes passed by without him coming face to face with Hermione. He had forgotten all about the planned function and had just been considering how likely it was that Hermione would avoid him entirely until after the Christmas holidays when Minerva reminded him. He hated these functions with a passion, but the chance to observe Hermione's behaviour and reaction to him were tempting enough prospects to leave him looking forward to this one. The more he had thought about the events which had occurred recently the less sense the whole situation made. Despite all his natural instincts screaming at him that Hermione didn't care about him, there was a small part of him that thought she did; that knew she did. She was the one who had created this part of him; a part of him that wanted to trust people, a part of him that wanted to form bonds with people, a part of him that hoped for more from life. No, her sudden dislike for spending time with him didn't just appear out of nowhere. Something had to have happened, and Severus intended to find out exactly what that something was.

X~X

"I wish I could get all dressed up and party," Ginny whined as she threw herself down on the bench beside Hermione. The older girl merely raised her eyebrow before returning to her reading. Hermione sat at the table, her book was open and leaning rather precariously against a cooling teapot. She had a half-eaten sandwich on the plate in front of her and kept half-heartedly picking at a bowl of grapes. She felt Ginny's eyes boring into the side of her head, and so with a sigh looked up from her reading.

"I'm hardly going to be 'partying', or dressed up for that matter," Hermione muttered as she felt an oncoming headache.

"Hey, what's up with you? Are you ok?" Ginny's expression changed from concern to anger in a split second as her eyes flickered down to Hermione's plate. "Are you not eating properly again?

"No. I can't explain it," Hermione began sadly. "I just feel sick to my stomach, and I can't remember the last time I actually felt hungry. It's weird, but I promise you I'm fine."

"You don't sound fine," Ginny scoffed sarcastically. "Ha, you're not pre…" Ginny tailed off awkwardly as her cheeks turned red.

"No, Ginny. I don't have sex with my boyfriend, I hex him, remember?" Hermione groaned and rubbed her hand over her face.

"Yeah, and have I told you I love you for that?" Ginny asked with a wicked grin. "I still can't believe you told me!"

"Well, how else could I explain hexing your brother?" Hermione argued.

"True," Ginny concurred as she began picking at the grapes. "So, on to more interesting topics; what are you wearing to this party?"

Hermione stared blankly at Ginny and said nothing.

"Oh, don't give me that face, Mrs I-Only-Care-About-Books-And-Not-Fashionable-Looks," Ginny grumbled. "I saw how hot you looked that day the boys came to visit. Don't think I'm not seizing the opportunity to dress you up like my own little doll!" Ginny clapped her hands before tossing her hair over her shoulders. "I'm thinking we go for a Muggle dress, classy but sexy, in red or-"

"Ginny, stop, please, I beg you." Hermione winced as Ginny's mere presence seemed to cause her headache to worsen.

"Oh, Hermione, what's going on with you? You're all sad again. The last few weeks you've been so happy, what's changed?" Ginny rubbed her friend's arm reassuringly.

Everything. I'm obsessed with Professor Snape, and he was the cause of my happiness and now he doesn't even want to spend time teaching me, let alone…doing other things to me… mmmm all kinds of other things, Hermione thought wistfully.

"There, right there!" Ginny pointed at her face. "That look, that dreamy look! You've been walking around like that for weeks and now…" Ginny stopped and stared at her. Hermione just looked anxiously over her shoulder as if trying to puzzle out what Ginny was staring at. "You like someone!" Ginny exclaimed in delighted shock.

"What? That's preposterous! How could you think-" Hermione spluttered indignantly as her cheeks flushed spectacularly.

"Save it Granger; I'm on to you. You know, you and my brother really need to break up," Ginny murmured quite matter-of-factly as she got out her weekly planner and began sifting through it. "Yes! No homework due tomorrow. You, me; your room; tonight! You bring sweet things from the kitchens; I'll bring outfits to turn you into a sweet thang!" Ginny pointed between the two of them at the appropriate moments as she got up and began backing away from Hermione.

"But-"

"No buts!" Ginny shouted over her shoulder as she turned and walked away.

Damn, Hermione thought.

X~X

"Severus, could I have a quick word, mate?" The defence teacher, Professor Shardlow asked as he jogged along beside Snape.

"A. Quickest word there is as far as I'm aware," Severus drawled. Anything else, mate? He kept his pace brisk as he tried to escape. Why this dunderhead insists on calling me mate or speaking to me at all is beyond me, he thought.

"What…oh…A, I get it," the good-natured professor said sheepishly. "It's about Hermione Granger."

Severus ground to a halt in surprise, but recovered quickly with an eye roll. "What's the insufferable little madam done now?"

"Oh…eh, nothing. I was just wondering if I could borrow her tomorrow morning. My first years keep asking questions about her and her friends, and I just thought if I got her in for a quick question and answer session, I might be able to get them to move onto topics other than The Golden Trio," he explained with a nervous laugh.

"Am I the only member of staff who understands that Granger is a student here?" Severus asked incredulously. "She isn't a faculty member, and she has missed one lesson already this week 'working' in the school. She is here to learn." Severus let a little of his exasperation show.

The younger professor grinned cheekily at Severus. "I think we both know that there isn't much we could teach that girl. I'll admit it; she runs rings around me intellectually."

"Your point being?" Severus drawled without missing a beat.

"My point being," the dim-witted professor continued, not noticing the slight. "Does it really matter if she misses a few classes at the end of term?"

"In my opinion, yes. I will, however, leave that decision up to Miss Granger herself. If she wishes to teach your class on your behalf then she will receive no punishment or ill will about it from me. Good afternoon." Severus swept off down the corridor, robes billowing masterfully as he went.

X~X

"Hermione, could I have a quick word?" Professor Shardlow smiled at her as he ran his fingers through his hair nervously.

A. That quick enough? Hermione snorted at her own joke. "Yes, Professor Shardlow?" She tried not to let her exasperation show. Hermione found this year's defence teacher somewhat disappointing. He seemed like a nice enough man, and he wasn't bad to look at, but Merlin was he dim.

"I was wondering if you could pop along to my class tomorrow and have a chat about all your brave exploits with my first years; I can't get them to stop asking questions about The Golden Trio," he admitted with a laugh.

Gods, I can't imagine anything worse, she thought. "Oh, I'm afraid I have a full day of classes tomorrow, not to mention assisting with preparations for the party. Sorry sir," she offered apologetically as she began backing away.

"Ah, that's where you are wrong. You aren't needed in Potions tomorrow, and that just happens to be when my first year class is in session!" He grinned at her as if she should be pleased to be spending time with him rather than Severus.

"What on earth do you mean; I'm 'not needed in Potions'?" She let her distaste show as her frustration got the better of her.

"Oh, Professor Snape said if you have other commitments in the school and couldn't attend a few classes at the end of term, he wouldn't have a problem with it." Professor Shardlow's face fell as he took in the young woman's angry expression.

"How accommodating of him," Hermione sneered, not realising how much she was beginning to sound like Severus. "Fine, I shall see you in the morning. Good afternoon." Hermione turned and marched down the corridor, unaware that her school robes were rippling in just the faintest of billows.

X~X

Hermione lay on her bed, her stockpile of sweet treats surrounding her. She had just started nibbling on a piece of chocolate when her bedroom door flew open. Hermione merely raised her eyebrow at the sight that greeted her; either she was being attacked by some kind of sophisticated clothes demon or there was a Ginny somewhere under the rather excessive amount of eveningwear.

"Oh, don't get up or anything Mione," Ginny grunted as she peered around the clothes.

"I won't; it's not my fault you have no restraint when it comes to fashion. And might I remind you that I am wholly against this effort." Hermione popped a piece of chocolate in her mouth and let it melt on her tongue.

Ginny dumped the clothes on the floor and closed the bedroom door. "Oh good, you're eating!" She beamed at Hermione sincerely.

Hermione let out a soft snort. "It's a couple of squares of chocolate Ginny, hardly nutritious."

"Hmmm, you can't eat anything but chocolate, dreamy far off looks…you've got it bad! So who's the lucky fellow?" Ginny flopped down on the bed beside her and started checking out the calorific haul.

"You do remember I'm dating Ron; your brother?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, but you two are on the outs, and I've told you before he's not good enough for you! I haven't forgotten how much he hurt you with his deceitful bragging when he came here to visit." Ginny devoured a Cauldron Cake in three bites before starting to sort through the clothes. Hermione walked over to join her, fingering a grey, full length gown.

"How is it you, a pureblood, have ten times the amount of Muggle dresses I have?" Hermione was a little jealous.

"Girls are fickle, "Ginny shrugged. "Most of these are freebies from girls in my dorm who only wear something once.

"Maybe that's where I'm going wrong; a lack of female friends is seriously affecting my wardrobe."

"Well, I'm all you need baby! Your one stop shop to hotness." Ginny began laying clothes against Hermione, discarding certain shades and neckline styles. "Oh, and nice try, but I'm Molly Weasley's daughter; don't change the subject, who do you fancy?"

Hermione felt her palms begin to sweat, and she shifted nervously before focusing her attention on the clothes. "I don't fancy anyone."

"You're a terrible liar Mione. Fine, don't tell me who, just tell me what's happened, how you feel and whether or not he will see you at this party?" Ginny selected three dresses and placed them in Hermione's hands before nudging her towards the bathroom.

Hermione practically ran to the bathroom, glad to be free of Ginny's scrutinizing gaze. She looked at the three dresses, one full length and two not-enough length dresses, she went for the shortest first knowing she would never wear it and wanting to get it over and done with.

"Nothing has happened," Hermione mumbled from under the impossibly tight dress which was wrapped around her head. She slid the red dress down her body and began to zip it up at the side. "It's just a bit of a crush…really." Hermione cringed at the dress which barely covered her and walked back into the bedroom. "Ginny there are holes in this dress!"

Ginny let out a giggle, "It's a cut-out style dress Hermione, there isn't supposed to be fabric there."

"And what exactly did you hope to achieve by suggesting this dress? I'll get kicked out of Wizarding Britain for wearing this!" Hermione pointed at the little sections of her bare waist in exasperation.

Ginny cackled before spinning Hermione around. "Even I wouldn't wear this to a Hogwarts function Hermione, I just fancied a giggle. But can I just say you're looking fit, I totally would!"

"Would what?" Hermione asked as she willed the heat in her cheeks not to show.

"Shag you! Gods, you're such a little innocent." Ginny rolled her eyes affectionately before shoving her back into the bathroom. "So this crush…continue," Ginny demanded through the bathroom door.

"Well, what about it?" Hermione was standing in her matching underwear eyeing the next two dresses warily. "It's just…a kind of…friend or acquaintance really. I get a bit flustered around him sometimes because I find him attractive, that's all." Hermione went for the full length gown this time, she took a moment to admire it. It was a kind of antique rose shade, almost gold or bronze, but with a hint of something warmer. It was made from the most beautiful silk and as soon as she touched it, Hermione knew that it was a very expensive dress.

"Does he find you attractive?" Ginny asked kindly.

"I doubt it." Hermione slid the dress over her head and shivered as the cool material enveloped her body. It fit her like a second skin and the fabric skimmed over her curves before pooling around her feet elegantly. Hermione walked into the bedroom and took in Ginny's shocked expression.

"What? Do I have chocolate on my face?" Hermione nervously wiped at the corners of her mouth.

"Hermione, you look beautiful." Ginny continued to stare, and Hermione was horrified to notice that her eyes appeared a little misty. "How could any man not be attracted to you?" Ginny gestured for her to turn and face the mirror.

Hermione gasped at the sight before her. The woman staring back at her in the mirror looked like some kind of film star. The cut of the one shoulder dress was unbelievably flattering; she looked like a mature, sophisticated woman. Perfect, she thought as her mind drifted to Severus once more. "I look…nice," Hermione offered in surprise.

"Nice? You look freaking breath-taking Hermione," Ginny exclaimed passionately. "And that's without all the hair and makeup done!"

"I'd be terrified to wear it; what if I ruin it?" Hermione asked anxiously as she smoothed the fabric down with her hands before turning to admire the back of the dress over her shoulder.

"It's yours! " Ginny spoke firmly. "It was actually given to me by a girl who was too dumpy for it but she got it from her Ravenclaw friend…Cho," Ginny spat out bitterly. "I could never wear it. I don't like her thinking I enjoy her leftovers."

Hermione cringed at Ginny's rather unladylike way of describing Harry as leftovers but she could see her point. Hermione would certainly never wear a dress that had belonged to Lavender. "Those leftovers just happen to be madly in love with you Ginevra Weasley," Hermione chastised as she placed her hand on her hip.

"Ohhhh, it looks even better when you move and act all Hermione-like in it!" Ginny exclaimed, ignoring Hermione's disapproving look. "It's like it was made for you."

"Yeah, I know what you mean, it just feels right." Hermione looked at Ginny seriously.

"Why do I get the feeling you're not talking about the dress anymore?" Ginny asked as she took in Hermione's anxious expression.

"Okay, so maybe it's…more than a crush," Hermione admitted softly before she sat down on her bed. "I'm…I've-"

"Take your time," Ginny interrupted as she came and sat beside the girl who was like a sister to her.

"Gods, Ginny, I can't bear it. My heart, my breathing, my legs….my whole body is affected by just the sound of his voice," Hermione exclaimed, relieved to be finally getting this off her chest. "When I started getting closer to him this year I genuinely had no idea I would end up feeling like this."

"Hermione, it's not Dean is it? Not that I mind, it's just-"

"No, of course it's not Dean," Hermione interrupted with a laugh. "I mean, he's lovely and I must admit, he is attractive, but we've got even less in common than Ron and I do. This person… it's as if I could spend forever with him, and it still wouldn't be long enough. He's the most interesting person I know, and I just feel…complete when I'm with him." Hermione sighed as she stood. "It's never going to happen though, so I should really just get over him."

"Why is it never going to happen?" Ginny asked as she watched Hermione pace around the room.

"Where do I begin? He's not interested, he wouldn't exactly get along with everybody else in my life, our relationship would be seriously frowned upon by…everyone! Oh, and have I mentioned the part where he's not remotely interested?" Hermione let out a huff of frustration before returning to the sanctuary of her bathroom.

Ginny racked her brains, desperately trying to come up with anyone who fit the profile. Not liked by Hermione's friends, their relationship would be badly received by everyone, has things in common with Hermione, interesting, and has been getting to know Hermione better this year... Ginny was stumped; nobody fit the description. The only boys Ginny had even seen Hermione with this year was Harry, Ron and Dean. Determined to get to the bottom of this, out of sheer nosiness as well as a desire to help her friend, Ginny kept Hermione talking. "How do you know he's not interested? Have you told him how you feel?"

Hermione's answering groan was the only reply she got for several moments, followed by a tentative, "Sort of…"

"Sort of?" Ginny asked with a quirked eyebrow as Hermione reappeared in the doorway, this time wearing her pyjamas. "Hey, I gave you three dresses to try!"

"Yeah, like I'm ever going to wear any dress other than that masterpiece I just tried on," Hermione snorted before lying back down on the bed and reaching for the chocolate.

"I suppose not; you did look beautiful. Still do, even with those horrific socks on; what the heck is all that weird writing on them about?" Ginny scrunched up her nose as she tipped her head to the side trying to read the socks.

"It's the Muggle Periodic Table…chemical elements are organised on the basis of their properties. They're actually presented in increasing atomic number. An atomic number is also known as the proton number which is basically the number of protons that are found in the nucleus of an atom-"

"Woah, hang on there, missy!" Ginny raised her hand and waved it back and forth above her head. "That's way over my head with all your crazy Muggle intellect. Chemical elements? Is that chemistry?"

"Yes, that's right."

"We learnt about that in Muggle Studies, it's kind of like Potions in some ways isn't it?"

"Yes, it is a little." Hermione smiled at her friend.

Ginny let out a snort of laughter, "Gods I bet Snape would love those socks!"

Hermione sobered instantly but was determined not to alert Ginny to her reaction. She thought about his opinion of her socks in the past and managed a genuine smile. "I doubt it, he'd probably be horrified that I had something as important as the periodic table on some frivolous novelty socks."

Ginny giggled and nodded her head. "Miss Granger, how dare you sully the esteemed science of chemistry with your fancy footwear," Ginny sneered in her best impression of Snape.

"Those socks are an abomination!" Hermione mimicked perfectly.

Ginny wriggled about, laughing loudly. She sat up and wiped a tear from her eye, "That was classic Snape!"

Hermione desperately wanted to tell her friend that it was a direct quote, but she was terrified of drawing attention to Severus when Ginny had been so curious about her mystery crush today. So she settled for laughing along with her bubbly friend.

"Gods, everytime I see Snape I'm going to be imagining him wearing funny socks under his robes," Ginny squealed before launching into a rather impassioned plea. "Oh, please for the love of Merlin can we send him some silly socks for Christmas? Oh, oh, oh could we get him the same ones as you? Oh, do they come in pink? Ahhhh, I should not have so much sugar this late!" Ginny ranted in a hyperactive manner.

"Calm down," Hermione laughed. "What's gotten into you?"

Ginny smiled at Hermione before lying down beside her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I'm all giddy about you having a crush on somebody…it makes you such a girl." Ginny locked eyes with Hermione. "You're always so perfect and in control, it's refreshing to see you freaking out over hormones."

"I wish I felt giddy about it," Hermione sighed sadly. "I suppose I did at first. Now it's just…such a mess."

"I don't understand how it's such a mess? Is it because of Ron? I think even he knows it's only a matter of time before you two break up," Ginny offered reassuringly.

"Obviously Ron is a major concern in all of this, but even if I was single it would be a mess. It's never going to happen, Gin, and I don't know how I can move on."

"But why is it never going to happen? How do you know that? Has he ever actually said that he has no feelings for you whatsoever?" Ginny was desperate for her friend to open up to her.

"No but-"

"But what? If he hasn't ruled it out then you shouldn't either," Ginny stated firmly. She got up and began folding dresses. "Is he going to be at Hogwarts during this function?"

"Yes," Hermione said through gritted teeth. "I just know it's going to be disastrous. I may have…I may have said something to alert him to my…well, to my not strictly platonic feelings for him, and I've managed to avoid him but now…oh gods I can't avoid him when we're stuck in the same room together." Hermione groaned dramatically before planting her face onto her mattress.

"Well, at least you'll look smoking hot," Ginny offered with a shrug as she racked her brains trying to think of all the males attending the party. "Hermione, who is it?"

She heard a muffled rumble from the bed.

"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that?" Ginny laughed.

Hermione lifted her head. "I said," she began as she blew an errant curl from her face. "I would love to tell you, but I can't. It wouldn't be fair to him, or to Ron. Add to that the fact that you'll think I'm crazy and I don't want to lose you," Hermione whispered seriously. "Can't you just give me a little time?"

"Of course. I am always here for you; you Hermione, not the juicy details…although I do like those too," Ginny admitted with a grin.

"Thank you," Hermione breathed sincerely. She was relieved that Ginny wasn't pushing her on the matter. She knew it was only a matter of time before Ginny figured it out, and Hermione wanted to know exactly what was going on before that happened.

"I would like to remind you that no matter how much I support you, my loyalty to my family does require that I kick your arse if you let anything happen with this mystery man before you break up with Ron," Ginny laughed anxiously. She genuinely didn't think her brother and Hermione belonged together but she wouldn't stand for Hermione cheating on Ron. She encouraged the crush because she felt it was exactly what Hermione needed to realise that her and Ron were never going to last, but she would never condone Hermione being dishonest.

"I would never do anything to hurt Ron, he's…he's my best friend. I love him so much Ginny." Hermione pledged fiercely. "That's what's so frustrating, I adore him and I fancy him like mad but…he's just not right for me. He's not…oh I don't know what it is. It's probably me, he's probably too bloody good for me, and I'm screwing it up to do him a favour." Hermione vented in frustration.

"And what, this guy is not good enough? I don't get it." Ginny screwed up her face in puzzlement.

"No, but he's like me. Ron is fun and sociable and lights up a room whereas I would rather sit by the fire and read. This person is like me in that respect. It's not that I think Ron is better than us, it's that I would feel like I was holding Ron back in life, that I was causing him to miss out on things." Hermione deliberated as she watched Ginny gather her things. "This person is all I would need in life and I think…I think I could be all he needs," Hermione spoke tentatively. "Ron needs so much more than I can give him, he deserves so much more," she spoke more passionately now. "As a matter of fact, I do, too. I deserve someone who wants the same things as I do, who wants to discuss theories and research, who-"

"Hermione, I don't need to hear all this. I know all this, Harry knows all this and I'm pretty sure the rest of my family do. I think the only person that needs to hear all this is Ron." Ginny smiled sadly at the older girl.

"Your right, of course you are. It's just…" Hermione tailed off before bursting into tears. "What if I lose him Ginny? He's my best friend and I don't think I could live without him in my life. What about Harry? How awkward is all this going to be? And oh, think of my visits to The Burrow! Will they have to stop? Or will they be awkward? What if your mother hates me? What if I'm no longer welcome? You guys are my family and I-"

"Hermione Granger! You are acting like a hysterical Lavender Brown, pull yourself together," Ginny chastised crossly. "You will always be welcome in our home. When I say our home I mean your home as well as my home; you are part of my family, and nothing is going to change that, nothing."

"What if Ron hates me?" Hermione sniffed pathetically.

"He could never hate you, he loves you. He loved you for years as a friend, and he'll love you that way again. I'm not saying there won't be the odd awkward moment, but the bond you two have is so strong, I honestly don't think anything could sever it."

Ha 'sever', I bet fancying Severus would sever it, Hermione thought in amusement.

Ginny took her smile to mean she had cheered up. "That's better sweetie. Now here's what you're going to do. You are going to work out a time and place to have a serious discussion with Ron. You cannot do anything about that before this function, other than chucking him in a letter, which I do not recommend…" Ginny tailed off absent-mindedly as if recalling some past experience before shaking her head and regaining her focus. "So you go to this party, looking absolutely stunning. You mingle, you dance and you just go with the flow. If lover boy wants to talk to you, let him; you listen. Don't say anything unless you have to, but don't be rude either. Have a flirt if you must, but don't let it go any further," Ginny warned as she bared her fists to Hermione. "I don't want to have to fight a war hero."

Hermione laughed before raising herself up off the bed a little.

"No, I'll see myself out. You stay there with the chocolate and have a little think. "

"Ok, thanks Gin. I really needed that," Hermione exhaled shakily.

"I know you did, don't leave it so long next time before you talk to me, hmmm?"

"I won't, I promise," Hermione spoke assuredly.

Ginny left before poking her head back round the door. "Oh and Hermione, I know you're the 'brightest witch of our age' and all that, but you're bloody clueless about boys so…try not to make a hash of it!" Ginny hastily shouted before closing the door, luckily missing the pillow that was thrown her way.

X~X

"Turn to page 267," Professor Snape drawled dispassionately to his seventh years.

"Sir, sir?" Eleanor Heatherill simpered.

"Yes, Miss Heatherill?" He willed his frustration not to show, he couldn't stand this girl.

"Hermione Granger isn't here yet, she must be late or absent or something," Eleanor said in mock concern which fooled no one.

"How observant of you Miss Heatherill, thank you for pointing that out to me; I would almost certainly have failed to make that logical conclusion from the facts presented," he enunciated every syllable as he gave the Slytherin girl a withering look.

"It's just she wasn't in class-"

"Quiet. If I require your input I shall ask for it. Miss Granger's current whereabouts are none of your business."

She lowered her head instantly but Severus could see her scowling at her parchment. She really has it in for Hermione; she doesn't stand a chance against the Gryffindor witch. If she were here Heatherill would be verbally annihilated in mere minutes, he thought with a snort of amusement. He had noticed Hermione's absence instantly and didn't know what to think or feel. Mainly he felt angry and bitter; she had been avoiding him since Sunday, and he was torn between missing her presence and enjoying having the time away from her to think. She will have no choice but to see me at this function, and I intend on finding out exactly what she is playing at.

X~X

A/N: Don't let the lack of Severus/Hermione interaction get you down…the next two chapters more than make up for it *wink wink*.

Please review, it sounds petty but I like value for money and the same applies to my posting. I know I will sit here holding out for reviews before I post the next chapter because most people will only review the second one. Hey, at least I'm honest!

Special Mentions-

Honoo Moero actually e-mailed me constantly the first night my husband was in hospital and I love her for that. She has just began posting a new SS/HG story and I know it's going to be wonderful, so please check it out.

ConsciousCare- Thank you for your kind words; yes, the Ginny/Hermione sock interaction was created entirely for you!

MissRichTea- Since Hagrid is in this lady's 'Top Ten Hot Harry Potter Males' list please blame her for any future topless Hagrid scenes…I gotta give the people what they want!

ExMaloBonum- An extremely wise and mature young lady who is currently working on a SS/OC fic which I have yet to check out but I suggest you all join me in doing so.

Rasperryjukebox- I put your words in the mouth of Ginevra Weasley because I loved your review so much. I actually added that whole trying on clothes scene to fit it in! See, I told you I would…here's to making a hash of it and ingesting too much sugar late at night!

Thank you to all the other wonderful ladies who offered their support. I only individually mentioned the ones who have affected the content of the story or who are currently posting their own work, but there were many of you and it meant the world to me.

xxxx