A/N: Second update of the night…well it's actually 1am here and I have a busy day tomorrow but you lot are worth the effort. Make sure you caught Chapter 11 first!

The function begins…hmmm I wonder what might happen?

I don't own Harry Potter…or any of his chums.

X~X

Hermione glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Ginny, as usual, had been right about the dress; it looked even better now that she had her hair and makeup done. Ginny had wanted to help her get ready, but Hermione couldn't handle her banter; she was unbelievably nervous.

She was pleased with her makeup; she had been practicing earlier in the week and had managed to pull off a fairly professional look. Her eyes were smoky with a great deal more eyeliner and mascara than she would normally wear, her lips had a layer of gloss over a subtle slick of dusky pink lipstick and her cheeks were rouged delicately. Her curls tumbled down her right shoulder and had been tamed with copious amounts of Sleakeasy and hair charms. Ginny had suggested wearing her hair tossed over one shoulder; apparently it was the 'new style' and although Hermione had felt a little lopsided at first, she could now see the benefits. An up-do paired with this particular dress would have been a little formal and so with this style, Hermione felt more comfortable. However, the effect of the hair being pushed to one side meant that her neck and collarbone on one side were showing. The dress itself was rather conservative, but by wearing her hair like this she was drawing attention to the only bit of skin on show; she felt sexy and classy in equal measures and was pleased.

No matter how pleased she was with her look for the evening, she couldn't help but feel anxious about the party itself. She changed her earrings four times, settling in the end for a pair of chandelier style drops that were much more dramatic than anything she would normally wear. After realising she could procrastinate no more, she made her way down the stairs, her favourite pair of heels heralding her arrival. They were her staple shoes, she had originally bought them for Bill and Fleur's wedding and had spent an obscene amount of money on them in her fatalistic approach to the war. They were nude coloured patent-leather pumps with five inch heels and had she not discovered magic, she would never have been able to walk in them; as luck would have it, a combination of a couple of cushioning and balancing charms made these particular Muggle torture devices seem like a pair of comfy slippers. She spotted a few of her friends milling about by the fire and attempted to sneak out unnoticed, but was betrayed by the Ginger Menace known as Ginevra Weasley.

"Holy shit, Hermione…" she exclaimed loudly before tailing off suddenly speechless. Hermione cringed as she felt every pair of eyes in the room focus on her.

"Blimey, Hermione…" Dean muttered before also tailing off in shock.

She was then descended on by a group of younger girls she barely knew, all clambering to tell her how stunning she looked. She thanked them profusely whilst trying to escape their clutches.

"Oi, give the girl some space; if any of you ruin her hair or makeup I'll hex you," Ginny shouted through cupped hands before winking at her Hermione.

"I really should be going," Hermione offered apologetically to her new fawning fan club. "The party starts in 10 minutes, and I'm supposed to be there to greet the guests."

She managed to climb out of the portrait hole as elegantly as possible before she felt a hand grip her arm. She turned around and saw Dean looking at her curiously. "Is everything okay, Dean?"

"Yeah, I just wanted to tell you how beautiful you look," he spoke softly. "Fancy an escort downstairs?" He grinned roguishly at her.

"Sure, why not?" Hermione smiled at him. "And thank you," she said sincerely.

"No problem, I mean it. You look…I mean you always look pretty, beautiful even, but it's like…you look unbelievably good tonight," Dean stammered nervously as they began to walk down the hallway.

"Honestly Dean, I won't be able to fit my giant head through the door if you keep massaging my ego," Hermione teased as she fought the blush she felt creeping over her face.

"Nah, you're not that kind of girl." Dean took her arm to help her down a flight of stairs.

"Hmmm, what kind of girl am I then?" Hermione asked, feigning concern.

"The perfect kind," Dean spoke hastily before thinking.

"Hardly." Hermione rolled her eyes.

"No, you are. Look, Hermione, I'm not an idiot, I know there's something going on with you. It seems like you're interested in someone who isn't Ron, and I just think you should know that if you're out to impress someone tonight…well, mission accomplished I reckon."

Hermione was totally flattered by Dean's kind words, but was left a little uneasy by the vehemence in his voice. Why does he care so much?

"Dean…I don't, I mean there isn't anyone-"

"Don't, Hermione. I understand if we're not close enough friends for you to confide in me, but please don't lie to me. I just want you to know that you look stunning, and whoever he is would be an idiot not to see that." Dean leant forward and kissed her forehead before turning and walking back up the stairs. Hermione watched him for a moment before shaking her head and marching into the Great Hall determinedly.

X~X

Severus Snape strode down the corridor, his elegant dress robes billowing furiously. He had spent the last half hour working up the courage to show his face at this party, and now he was twenty minutes late. He was thoroughly disappointed to notice the strange swooping sensation in his stomach had not abated and was disgusted that Hermione Granger, his student, had shaken his resolve to such an extent.

He entered the Great Hall as confidently as ever, although inside he felt like an awkward teenager. He scanned the room, taking note of all the guests he should certainly avoid and those whose company he could tolerate for a brief discussion. In actual fact there was only one person who he was looking for, and he was surprised to note she was nowhere to be seen. He approached Minerva and noticed she was greeting the guests all by herself, a task usually shared by other faculty members or the Head Boy and Girl.

"Thank heavens; Severus stand beside me and start greeting your fellow latecomers," Minerva ordered as she grabbed his hand and pulled him into line.

"Why on earth would you have me greet guests Minerva," he whispered through gritted teeth as he saw a couple of School Board Governors approach.

"Because my Head Boy is arguing with his girlfriend round the corner, and my Head Girl is currently trying to stop them from killing one another," Minerva hissed back at Severus before smiling and making small talk with the guests.

As soon as the first group had passed, she looked Severus up and down before patting his arm. "You'll do for five minutes whilst I deal with this teenage heartbreak. Poor Hermione, I hope she hasn't been caught in the crossfire. I shall be back momentarily." Minerva marched out the doorway purposefully.

Severus felt sick to his stomach. Hermione Granger was going to walk through those doors any moment, and here he was, standing like a berk, making small talk with sycophantic morons. He spent at least ten minutes nodding terse greetings and shaking hands with people he could tell detested him before he saw Minerva marching into the hall looking furious.

"That poor boy is no match for his current love interest," Minerva sighed as she fell back into line with Severus. "Morag was completely wild with jealousy that she wasn't permitted to accompany Justin this evening, a matter which was only made worse by the appearance of Hermione. "

"Yes, well, Mr Finch- Fletchley has always been a little wet behind the ears," Severus offered knowingly. "I fail to see how Miss Granger being in attendance is remotely relevant to their issues; she is Head Girl and her presence is required. "

Minerva eyed him warily before deciding to give him a little warning. "Hermione is looking rather pretty this evening; I suspect jealousy is what caused Morag to lash out at her."

"I believe it was Lawrence Durrell who said 'It is not love that is blind, but jealousy,' wise words if ever I heard them," Severus managed to splutter as he fought the instinct to react to the mention of Hermione.

"Well, you'd have to be blind as a bat not to notice Hermione Granger's beauty this evening," Minerva said with a frown. "I think we are free to mingle now."

"Goodie," Severus drawled sarcastically before making his way to the quietest corner in the room.

He had only just managed to procure his first drink of the evening when Severus saw her. He lowered his goblet and willed his heartbeat to normalise. Hermione Granger was, at this moment in time, the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes upon. As he took in her stunning figure that was accentuated by an extremely tasteful, yet clinging dress, he found his thoughts heading down less than wholesome avenues. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her, and the longer he stared the more difficult he found it to calm his traitorous pulse.

He watched as she laughed at something Shaklebolt had said and was mesmerised by the way the flickering candlelight only increased the already ethereal quality of her beauty. In that moment, he knew that he was done for; there was no coming back from the place he now found himself. He was disturbed to note the feeling of longing he felt, not to ravish her, but to simply be with her. To talk with her, to be the one to make her laugh, to have her look at him in that utterly disarming way she had looked at him before. He would almost have preferred if he had wanted nothing more than to take her back to his chambers and indulge in all kinds of carnal acts; yes, he would have been disappointed in his depravity, but at least it could be explained away by biology. This longing to simply be around her worried him more; he was feeling attached, besotted and possessive, a heady combination of confusing emotions which left him feeling anxious and perplexed as to how to get himself out of this situation.

He watched from under hooded lids as she moved gracefully around the room, charming all who she encountered along the way. He fought a smile as he watched her relax and share a joke with Luna Lovegood; the bizarre girl had earned her invite by showing a rather unnerving talent in the subject of Divination. He struggled with the urge to rush over and wrap an arm around Hermione's waist as he observed several males undressing her with their eyes. He passed almost two hours watching Hermione closely, all the while drinking mulled wine as if it were Butterbeer.

He only noticed the foggy, alcohol-induced haze he found himself in as he attempted to make eye contact with a rather displeased looking board member. The man proceeded to make it quite clear that if he had anything to do with it, Severus would be in the cells of Azkaban rather than the dungeons of Hogwarts. Severus felt a muscle in his jaw twitch, and he tried to find something to focus on over the shoulder of the self-righteous imbecile, lest he hex the fool. He was momentarily stunned to find himself locking eyes with a concerned Hermione. He hadn't realised she was only a foot or so away, and he was unsure how to feel now that he knew she had most likely heard the dressing down he had just received. He watched as her cheeks flushed and he fought the urge to sneer at her embarrassment on his behalf. He was therefore left unreservedly dumbfounded when she marched straight over to him whilst glaring at the back of Mr Holsworthy's head.

"Gentleman, I hope you can forgive my interrupting what I am sure was a most illuminating exchange, but I simply cannot wait any longer to thank Professor Snape here," she spoke charismatically whilst plastering a false smile on her face.

"Ahh, Miss Granger. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Mr Holsworthy grovelled as he shook her hand before leaning forward and kissing it. While his head was downturned Hermione scrunched up her face in disgust before rolling her eyes for Severus' benefit. Severus' lip curled up in the slightest of smiles, and his dark eyes twinkled with good humour. "Whatever is it you need to thank Snape for?" Mr Holsworthy spoke as though Severus wasn't even present let alone worthy of her appreciation.

"Why Mr Holsworthy, I simply wouldn't know where to begin," Hermione said captivatingly as she placed her hand on Severus' forearm. "Not only did he spend the entirety of his summer rebuilding this castle, despite his poor health, but he also found the time to create that fine memorial monument that you passed on your way in this evening."

Hermione spoke as though Severus was the greatest man in the world and although Severus knew it was simply to wind up Holsworthy, he couldn't help but luxuriate in her words.

"Then there is all the wonderful support he has offered some of the most affected students, myself included."

Slight exaggeration there Miss Granger, since you are the only student to whom I have actually offered support, Severus thought as he admired her Slytherin cunning, she spoke no lies. No matter how many embellishments she added, her honesty could not be contested.

"I was struggling with a kind of depression after the war," Hermione began sorrowfully as she lowered her gaze to the floor, "and Professor Snape here, found a project for me to channel my energy into and has been allowing me the use of his lab and his books for research." Hermione stared up at him reverently and Severus found himself struggling to remember this adoration was all an act. "Oh, and let us not forget the numerous times he has saved my life as well as the lives of those I love."

Hermione began to ramble absentmindedly "Why even going as far back as my very first year at Hogwarts, he saved my dear friend Harry from what would have been a fatal Quidditch accident. You know Harry right Mr Holsworthy? The one who just defeated Voldemort?" Hermione asked her questions innocently enough, although it was clear to Severus that she was well aware what effect mentioning Harry would have on the man. "Thank goodness he was still alive to meet his fate. So I suppose, inadvertently Professor Snape is responsible for the death of Voldemort, isn't he?"

Hermione laughed; she was beginning to act like a bit of an airhead, which only added to the hilarity of her little speech when coupled with her flawless speech and arguments. "In my second year he brewed the antidote I required when I had been petrified," Hermione began ticking each item off her fingers. "In my third year he stepped in between myself and a werewolf, in my fourth year he followed Dumbledore's orders implicitly and returned to the Dark Lord to spy for the light, and what an inconvenience that must have been!" Hermione spoke as if it were nothing more than having to pop out to the shop for some milk, highlighting Holsworthy's ignorance concerning Severus' sacrifice. "During my fifth year he sent word to the Order when we thought Sirius was in danger, despite the fact that Sirius, rest his soul, was an insufferable, immature bully who did nothing but attack Professor Snape! Phew, excuse me, I can scarcely draw breath…" Hermione tailed off as she took the goblet of wine from Severus' hands and took a sip before handing it back to him.

"Eh…Miss Granger…I think I see what you are saying here. Obviously Professor Snape has not personally wronged you and I know what you order members are like with one another; defend each other to the bitter end and all that. It's just-" Mr Holsworthy began before Hermione stepped in front of him and smiled sweetly.

"Well sir, now you know never to ask me why Professor Snape is due thanks or respect," she offered with a tinkling laugh. To the casual observer it may have seemed that Hermione meant that she could go on and on talking about Severus' good deeds, but the underlying hint of steel in her voice, not to mention her earlier behaviour told Severus that what she was actually issuing was a threat. No wizard wanted to cross an irate Hermione Granger, and she had just made it perfectly clear to those directly involved in the conversation that Severus Snape was to be respected and appreciated. "That, Mr Holsworthy, was merely the tip of the iceberg. Don't even get me started on the fact that he has pretty much sacrificed his entire life to bring us all to this point. Where would we be without him, hmmm?" Hermione dropped her smile and her blank expression and flushed cheeks made her distaste for the situation evident. "Anyway, excuse me, I must be off. I'm sure Minerva needs me…" she tailed off as she walked away from the two shell shocked men.

"Yes, well. Have a pleasant evening Professor; it seems as though you've earned it," Mr Holsworthy stuttered from a place somewhere between angry humiliation and guilt.

"It does, doesn't it?" Severus sneered coolly as he turned and walked away from the traumatised man.

Inside he was completely rattled. Hermione Granger had just defended his honour, and rather passionately too. She had made it clear that she supported him, an unwise choice for a young witch about to embark on a career to do around a man as powerful and bitter as Holsworthy could be. It was more than that though; she had put aside their current differences to come to his aid. How many times had he wished Lily would defend him, even after their falling out? He recognised a quality in Hermione, which he had always sought in Lily yet never found, loyalty. She was still in his corner, she still believed in him, and he was furious at what all this meant. I'm falling in love with Hermione Granger, he thought in shock as he desperately hunted for a place to hide for the remainder of the evening.

X~X

"…lucky to have slithered your way out of a one way ticket to Azkaban if you ask me," a voice spat out cruelly and grabbed Hermione's attention. She smiled and nodded at the group of alumni students who were currently comparing legendary Hogwarts pranks, before letting her eyes scope the surrounding area for the owner of the aforementioned voice.

"I think you should know that not everybody here believes your lies; spying for Dumbledore for years? How convenient," a portly man scoffed in Severus face. Hermione took in his pained expression. She watched as a muscle twitched in his jaw and realised he was fighting very hard not to react. She moved closer in an attempt to overhear the brutal conversation a little better. As she listened to the man drone on and on about how untrustworthy Severus was, she felt her blood rush to her head. Her hands were shaking with anger, but the worst part was the look of sad resignation upon Severus' face. Her heart ached for him, she wanted so badly to make the awful man disappear and tell him that none of those things were true. But it wasn't her place; he wasn't her friend and he certainly didn't return her feelings. She studied him intently, preparing herself to come to his aid at a moment's notice. As she observed him, he raised his gaze and they locked eyes. She tried to convey to him how much she sympathised with him as the man continued sharing his terrible opinions, but Severus didn't seem calmed by her supportive look, if anything he looked more likely to lose his temper.

"Who here actually likes you Snape? What do you have to offer this school?"

Hermione snapped. That vile bastard, she thought as she marched towards him ready to forcibly remove him from the school. It was only seeing the puzzled look upon Severus' face that allowed her to see clearly how she should proceed. He agreed with everything this man was saying, he felt he deserved it, and he couldn't understand why she was coming over to help him. When I'm done with these two, both of them are going to know just what kind of man Severus Snape is and how much he deserves to be praised, she thought as she came to stand in between them.

"Gentleman, I hope you can forgive my interrupting what I am sure was a most illuminating exchange, but I simply cannot wait any longer to thank Professor Snape here," she spoke politely as she willed her temper to stay under control.

"Ahh, Miss Granger. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," The disgusting little man she knew to be Edgar Holsworthy; a pureblood who worked in the Educational Reforms department of the ministry, grovelled. He grabbed her hand with his own sweaty palm before leaning forward and planting a wet and lingering kiss on her hand. Did he just smell my skin? Hermione thought as she cringed in disgust. She looked up and noticed the amusement dancing in Severus' eyes and the slightest upturn of his lips. Noting the creepy man had yet to relinquish her hand, she looked at Severus and rolled her eyes with a slight smile on her face. The man finally brought himself back up to full stance and smiled at her in a sickeningly sweet manner. "Whatever is it you need to thank Snape for?" Mr Holsworthy spoke as though Severus wasn't even present let alone worthy of her appreciation and Hermione saw her opportunity and ran with it.

"Why Mr Holsworthy, I simply wouldn't know where to begin," Hermione said captivatingly as she placed her hand on Severus' forearm. She managed admirably well to ignore the way her hand burned as she touched him, and she resisted the urge to squeeze his arm or stroke it soothingly. Being this close to him, touching him, being able to smell him and to experience that overwhelmingly powerful presence he had, made her giddy. Gods, I've missed him, she thought before she launched into a speech about all the things he should be applauded for. She was disappointed that she didn't get to say half the things she felt before she actually had to pause and collect herself. She decided to take a drink in order to give herself a moment to catch her breath. She thought nothing of reaching out and taking Severus' drink, nor of returning it to him after her lips had been around the rim of the goblet. Holsworthy interrupted her before she could get going again, and as she listened to him, she watched Severus out the corner of her eye. He stared pensively at the goblet before taking a drink and smiling.

"…I know what you order members are like with one another; defend each other to the bitter end and all that it's just-"

"Well sir, now you know never to ask me why Professor Snape is due thanks or respect," she interrupted before laughing good-naturedly as she tried to lighten the atmosphere a little. She was disappointed that the moment seemed to have passed, and she was yet to say a great many things she admired about Severus. She began to panic at the thought of being left alone with Severus after Holsworthy made his excuses; nothing had changed; she still meant nothing to her professor. She couldn't excuse herself without making it clear to Holsworthy that she was not to be crossed on this matter again. "That, Mr Holsworthy, was merely the tip of the iceberg. Don't even get me started on the fact that he has pretty much sacrificed his entire life to bring us all to this point. Where would we be without him, hmmm?" She stared at him with an openly disdainful look before making her excuses and fleeing.

Bloody hell, good one Hermione, she thought as she ran over to Luna and asked her about whether or not Nargles affected Muggles, knowing she was in for a lengthy and entertaining distraction.

X~X

"So you see Hermione, Nargles do not differentiate between Muggles and Magical folk, they simply cannot bear the mobile phone signals in the air and the sound of Hip Hop music," Luna spoke as if it were the most logical thing in the world. "That's why they tend to avoid Muggle areas, although strangely enough, they seem to gravitate towards that Kanye West, he's surrounded by Nargles constantly…" Luna trailed off dreamily as Hermione smiled at her.

"Wow Luna, that's amazing. You really know your stuff; I'm sorry if I ever belittled your opinion in the past, "Hermione spoke sincerely. It was hard not to adore Luna Lovegood.

"That's ok Hermione, you weren't ready to have your knowledge challenged at that point. Now that you are more secure and feel as though you have earned your place in the magical world, you're much less threatened by differences of opinion."

"I think your probably right. You don't miss a thing do you?" Hermione admired her wacky friend.

"Oh no, Hermione…all the time. I missed breakfast this morning because I was looking for my Head Girl badge…but then I remembered I'm not Head Girl yet…that's next year." Luna shook her head and laughed at her silliness.

"Next year? How do you know?" Hermione asked in confusion.

"I just do. Just like I know that Professor Flitwick will get drunk and dance on that table before the night is through," Luna pointed at a small table by the entrance. Luna turned her gaze upon Hermione. "It's the same way I know that you have fallen in love with your soul mate and that tonight is going to be the start of a beautiful partnership which will bring you a lifetime of happiness." Luna murmured as if she was discussing something as mundane as the weather.

Hermione choked on her wine. "Luna…what are you-"

"Oh, fine, Hermione, don't believe me; but you're never going to get anywhere with Professor Snape if you sit here hiding all night," Luna stated matter of factly before humming along with the music and skipping off somewhere.

Hermione spent the next hour pacing around the room avoiding conversations with others. Luna knew she had feelings for Professor Snape, did anyone else know? Was she that obvious? Hermione didn't even bother getting excited about Luna's talk of soul mates. Yes, the girl was insightful but Hermione was sure that most of the time she simply said the first thing that popped into her head. Hermione's musings were interrupted by a loud drunken cheer, she looked up and spotted a crowd milling around the entrance. She walked over slowly before peering over Luna's shoulder and what she saw made her heart stop. Professor Flitwick was dancing on the small table Luna had pointed out earlier. Hermione backed away from the group slowly, struggling for breath as the implications of Luna being able to see the future hit her. I can't deal with this here, she thought as she located a cupboard she had every intention of hiding in for the rest of the night. She threw open the door and dived inside.

"Thank Merlin for broom cupboards," Hermione whispered as she clicked the door shut and locked and warded it.

"My sentiments exactly Miss Granger," came a silky voice from behind her. She spun around and drew breath to scream, reactionary of course, when her mouth was covered by a large, warm hand.

X~X

A/N: Sorry to leave you all dangling over a cliff but this was the original and only cliff-hanger I had planned when I started writing this.

I feel the need to tell you that writing Luna was the easiest part of the night and as soon as I wrote about Hip Hop music the thought popped into my head that Kanye West seems like he would be riddled with Nargles…so I said so. (I don't own Kanye West either…thank goodness!)

And I was nice and posted this as quickly as I could, even though I only got 1 review for Chapter 11 (I'm really no good at blackmail.) I would love it if you could review both; I know Chapter 11 might not be the most exciting but it was important nevertheless.

Chapter 13 I hear you cry…erm let's say will be posted in 2 weeks ( I have a much sooner aim in mind but after the last few weeks I don't want to let you guys down again.)

I am falling asleep as I type *snore*

See my livejournal for a photo of Hermione's dress- xpage394x dot live journal dot com (minus spaces and .'s instead of dot's...man why are they so against links!)

We're so close….

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