The Colour of Magic

by Amortentiaz

The war is over, and and The Dark Lord defeated. Hermione Granger returns to Hogwarts and is thrilled to find someone she thought to be dead. But something dark is looming over the horizon.. This is a full-fledged SS/HG romance novel. Severus Snape most definitely did not die, and I have disregarded J. K. Rowling's epilogue. Angst, humour and action! Oh, and there will be lemons..

16. New Year's Eve

Disclaimer: I own nothing! Just playing in J. K. Rowling's amazing universe!

Thank you all for leaving me reviews, and putting me on favorite and follow. I grab my phone like a crazy person every time I get a new mail, to see if it's from fanfiction. People are giving me weird looks xD So thank you! It makes my day, every day!

This is the longest chapter so far. It is the last Christmas Holiday chapter, so I decided to give them a nice New Year's Eve before the term starts, and they have to go back to reality. Reality. Sigh. xD

I hope you like it!

~o~

Severus' POV
Severus woke up the next day with a sense of euphoria. He had to admit, even to himself, that he was painfully aware of the reason. When stepping out of the bathroom and into the hall after taking a shower he could actually hear the reason, singing softly to herself and shuffling around in her bedroom.

He sighed. He didn't exactly know what it was he felt for Hermione, but there was definitely something there. Something, indeed.

Hell, even his Patronus knew before he did. She had changed him, and of course the Patronus followed suit. Though, it wasn't so much that she had changed him. But she had helped him find his way back to a man he didn't know existed anymore. He had been sure that side of him had perished long ago.

She was leaving Hogwarts in a few months, though. He felt chilled to the core by the thought of it. He did feel something for her. But he had no idea what to do about it, or even how she felt about him. He knew she enjoyed spending time with him, and the way she glowed when he touched her should probably tell him something. But that didn't necessarily mean anything. He had no idea what to make of it.

Maybe you can work around the fact that she is leaving, by making her take a full Potion Apprenticeship at Hogwarts? That would give you a lot more time. Maybe something more can come of it? He shook his head. Christ, what are you thinking? Even if she wanted to, would you really let her bind herself to you? She is young, with hopes and dreams, and has so much potential. She is a young, brilliant, unique witch. You are an old, stubborn, angry man. Don't be selfish.

He sighed, and walked towards the sound of Hermione singing.

Hermione's POV
Hermione was in a bubbling cheerful mood. She had expected to have to wait at least a few days before there would be any hope of going to London. But here she was, getting ready to leave with Severus. She couldn't believe it.

The thought of spending New Year's Eve with him made her positively giddy. She had been more or less skipping around her room ever since she got up. There had also been dancing, singing and giggling whenever she thought about the evening. She had loved it the last time they went to London, but since then, they had grown more accustomed to each other, so she wondered what kind of effect wine would do to their dynamics this time. She suddenly felt really nervous. Get a grip, it's not like you're going on a date, she thought. It felt like a date, though. Oh my God. I wonder if he feels the same. I have no idea what I am doing.

Hermione Granger hated not knowing. She sighed. Maybe he doesn't feel anything at all. Not like I am at least.

What if she got friendzoned? By Professor Snape none the less. She almost had to laugh.

Christ, just stop thinking. At least about that. Think about what to wear instead. Oh Gods! What the hell am I going to wear?

She almost ran over to her closet, desperately pulling out several dresses, skirts, tank tops, whatever she could find that looked decent. What are you doing? This isn't helping! She looked around. Great. Her room looked like the apocalypse had decided to stop by. In her panic she had also started to try on things. Which turned out to be virtually impossible.

She had put on two scarfs, one in red and one in pink. She had somehow managed to pull on a light blue tank top over the purple sweater she was wearing. She also had a jacket on one arm, and she was holding a dress in one hand, and a high healed shoe in the other. I am losing it, she thought, just as Severus poked his head in the door.

Severus' POV
Severus had heard the singing stop, and the shuffling had increased. Drastically. And he could hear Hermione muttering to herself. She didn't really do that, so it made him really curious. Whenever she talked to herself, or Crookshank, she talked. She didn't mumble or mutter words under her breath. He poked his head in the door. "Hermione?"

Nothing could have prepared him for the sight before him. It was with extreme difficulty he kept himself from laughing. The only reason he managed was that her expression was so.. He didn't know, desperate maybe? Panicked?

He stepped in to the room. "Hermione, what exactly are you doing? What happened?" He cocked his head at her. "Spell gone bad? Rogue tornado perhaps? Freak accidents like that happen all the time." He smiled at her, and she looked slightly less panicked at that. Her expression started to change, and he realized she was embarrassed. He raised an eyebrow. "Now, with that expression I really want to know." She rolled her eyes. "If you laugh, I will throw you out. I'm pretty sure I can manage it. If I can lift a bookshelf, I can surely lift you. Consider yourself warned." He chuckled. "What if I promise to voluntarily walk out myself?" She narrowed her eyes and he held up his hands in defeat. "Okay, okay, I promise to try."

Hermione sighed and flopped down in a sitting position on her bed. The shoe and dress she was holding dropped to the floor. She lifted her head and gave him a deadly stare. "I can't figure out what to wear." She crossed her arms over her chest in a defensive way, which was hilarious, considering she had a jacket on one arm, and it swung around her with the movement. He didn't know what to say; from all the reasons he had considered, this was not one of them. She didn't know what to wear? He was actually too surprised to laugh. Though, he suspected he wouldn't be able to stop himself from mentioning this at a later date.

He looked at Hermione. "You don't know what to wear? Out of all the things… So, you don't know what to wear, and the obvious logic response to this is of course to demolish your room." She started to fidget and looked really uncomfortable. "Severus! Shush! Go away!" He didn't move. "Go away? I believe that is usually my line, Miss Granger." She gave a furious sound from her nose.

He took a step towards her. "Hermione, why do you panic about this? You will look fine not matter what you wear." He thought about it for a second. "Well, almost. But that would be the clothes fault, and not yours. Anyway, you will look fine." She actually stomped her foot on the floor at this. "I don't want to look fine. I want to look fantastic!" She raised her chin demonstratively, and pouted at him. He had to laugh this time. "I'm sorry, but I have never seen you pout before. Not in many years at least." She sighed. "I know. I have no idea what I am doing. It seems I'm using my girl-brain instead of my real one." He chuckled. "Your girl-brain instead of..? What does that even mean?" She tried to answer but he interrupted her. "Never mind that, Hermione. No one would give any doubt to your gender." He gave her an unwavering stare. "In any way. Now, maybe you could merge your girl-brain with your real one, and figure out what to wear? Don't panic and you will figure it out, I'm sure. We should leave soon. I have sent word to Minerva, and everything is in order. I'll go change. See you in thirty minutes?" She took a deep breath, and nodded. "Yes, sir." She smiled. "Thirty minutes."

Severus left the room, trying to figure out what just happened. He had just not laughed at someone panicking over what to wear. Maybe it's because you can relate, a voice whispered in his head. He shushed himself. He had most certainly not looked through almost all of his clothes to figure out what to wear. Not at all.

His next thought baffled him, as he realized that Hermione was putting a lot of effort in figuring out what to wear. She wants to look fantastic. And she is spending the day with you. She wants to look fantastic for you? He dismissed the thought as unlikely, before he went to get dressed.

Hermione's POV
Hermione went through her clothes in a less panicked fashion, and in the end she was pleased. She had found a black lace dress; the lace was see-through over her shoulders and down her back. It showed a perfect amount of skin. She had put on makeup before panicking over her clothes, and the only thing remaining was her hair.

She used magic to fasten small crystals all over her hair, and put the hair up with the beautiful comb Severus had given her for Christmas. It held her hair up in a most flattering way. She let loose a few curls, and they bounced when she moved. She was ready to go, except for a jacket. And it was cold. She picked out a dark grey winter coat, with black, fake fur. Pleased with the result, she went to find Severus.

She entered Severus' sitting room with a déjà vu; he was standing with his back at her, back straight and arms crossed over his chest. Bloody Hell, that man. He was wearing a coat in similar fashion to the one he wore when they went to London the last time. This one was dark purple, so dark that it almost seemed black. It was beautifully tailored, and fit him perfectly. She wanted to go over there and just touch him. He looked like a piece of art. His posture reminded her of the royal paintings. His hair was shiny and smooth like black silk, and she could see that even his pants were a piece of tailor-art. His coat reached his knees, following the contours of his body all the way. She realized that, he too, had made an effort to look nice. And succeeded with flying colors. That man!

Realizing she had been standing there way too long, she went over to him and he turned around. His eyes widened as he took her in. She had waited with putting on her coat because she wanted to see his reaction when she saw her. His reaction exceeded all her expectations. He was staring at her without a word before finally meeting her eyes. "You succeeded." She didn't understand what he meant and gave him a confused look. He raised an eyebrow at her, obviously hating that he had to say the words out loud. "In looking fantastic. You look amazing. Shall we?" He held out his arm at her and she took it with a smug smile on her face. "Thank you for the satisfying compliment. And yes, let's go. Oh, and you look truly fantastic as well." He looked surprised at her praise. "Thank you."

They arrived in London and spent a few hours shopping for furniture. Hermione was really effective; she wanted to start the dinner-and-wine part of the trip as soon as possible. Knowing all the stores from the last time they were here, she managed to find everything she wanted in just a few hours. She sighed with relief when the last item was bought.

Turning to Severus, she could see him looking at her with an expression that made her heart skip a beat. She smiled at him. "Let's go eat?" He smiled back at her and nodded. "Indeed. Where do you want to go?" She had no idea. "You choose. You did well last time." He gave her a small bow, which made her giggle. "Very well. We will apparate."

They were in a crowded street, and she expected him to just take her hand, but he didn't. Instead, he put one hand on her back, and guided her smoothly into his embrace. She leaned into him with closed eyes. She could feel him giving her a kiss on the head just as the world twirled away.

The world spun in place again, and Severus pulled her closer for a second, which she appreciated, she always got so dizzy from apparating. She leaned her head on his chest for a moment, and then he slowly released her. God, she wanted to just grab this dark, majestic, graceful, wonderful man and kiss him. He made her head spin, and her heart beat so fast it was hard to breathe. He made her loose her breath. Oh my God. That's where the 'he left her breathless' expression comes from. I did not know it was a real thing. But he really did leave her breathless, and where did that put her? Oh, I really do like him, don't I? I'm so screwed.

Severus was still holding her hand, and she was surprised to see that he didn't release it. He linked his fingers with her and gave her a happy smile that made her positively melt. "Come, I think you will like this place." They walked hand in hand towards a beautiful building, and she gasped. He gave her a smug smile. "Yes, I figured that would be your reaction. It is truly beautiful though, even I have to admit that. Once upon a time it was owned by the royal family. But in later times it has been turned it into a restaurant. One of the best restaurants in the city in my opinion."

Still holding hands, Severus and Hermione entered the restaurant. It was magnificent, with high ceilings and large windows, which had a view to a beautiful garden. It looked crowded, and Hermione worried for a moment if they would get a table. Her worries were answered when Severus let go of her hand and walked over to talk to the host of the restaurant. He has made reservations. How very Slytherin of him.

A waiter walked them to their table, and Hermione gave Severus a look, and whispered furiously as they walked. "You made reservations? That is very Slytherin of you, Severus Snape! Why did you even ask me where I wanted to go?" Severus looked at her with a smug smile and whispered back. "You are quite predictable at times, Little Lion. Now stop yelling." Hermione was about to retort, but didn't have time as the waiter stopped and gestured towards a table.

They were placed at a beautiful table beside a fireplace. The restaurant was quite crowded; it was New Year's Eve after all, but they were placed at a table in the corner, and this restaurant valued privacy. The tables were spread out in such a fashion that they could sit almost completely undisturbed.

Severus' POV
Severus helped Hermione take off her winter coat, and standing behind her, he noticed there was more to her black lace dress. A see-through triangle started from each of her shoulders, and narrowed down to stop right where her lower back came to an end. It was like she had an arrow pointing at her very nicely shaped behind. And the see-through lace was quite distracting; it was so thin that it almost wasn't visible, except from a beautiful trail of embroidered black roses. If he had taken a step back, it would look like she only had the trail of roses on her back, and it was beautiful. He snapped out of it, and put away her winter coat, pushed in her chair when she sat down, and went to take off his own coat and sit down.

He had to admit he had put a lot of effort into choosing what to wear tonight. Having Hermione tell him he looked fantastic made it worth it though. And she kept giving him small compliments, followed by a blush. Severus felt a bit bemused.

Hermione picked up her menu. "I'm famished. Anything to recommend this time? He picked up his menu and opened it. "I would say anything. They have some of the best chefs in the country on staff here. Every dish is carefully chosen, and they always try to find ways to improve what they make and how they make it. The kitchen is always kept up to date, and these chefs always make an effort. Order whatever you please."

After a while the waiter came and took their orders. Hermione wanted Severus to choose the wine, but he didn't want to pick an expensive wine since she would be paying. He never had any real intentions of letting her pay, but when she had realized, she had been furious, telling him he could forget about it; and rather quickly at that. He had tried to convince her otherwise, until she had stopped in front of him with arms crossed over her chest, and her face had turned stony and relentless. And he didn't stand a chance faced with a relentless Hermione Granger in the middle of all her literally glowing fury. He caved, and rolled his eyes with a sigh, and promised not to try to pay for anything.

At first he tried to point at a decent, much more fairly priced wine than they'd had the last time in London, but she had stopped him with a stare that said don't you dare. In the end he picked out four different wines, two very pricey and two decent priced ones, for her to choose between. She had, of course, instantly chosen the most expensive one, making him wince. He hated this.

Hermione ordered the salmon, and remembering her declaration of not eating fish on the first date, Severus felt a bit unhappy. Which again made him feel like a complete moron. Christ, you know this is no date. You are being ridiculous! Just the word date made him inwardly cringe. He most certainly did not date. The small tinge of sadness wouldn't go away though.

The waiter arrived with the wine, and it was delicious. Hermione did her famous mmmmmh when taking a sip, and it made him want to do unspeakable things to her. He settled with raising one eyebrow at her, and she blushed furiously when she noticed. "Severus! Stop that! Just say something instead of sitting there with that smug look on your face." He leaned back in the chair, looking smugger than ever. "Now where would the fun be in that?" She gave him a sarcastic smile. "Yes, of course. That would be no fun at all." He grinned. "Exactly."

He sipped his wine while thinking. "What do you want to do tonight?" She thought about it for a bit before answering him. "I have no idea. What do people do in London on New Year's Eve? Oh! I have one thing I want to do; may we go to the book bar? If it's open on New Year's Eve that is." He nodded. It was a good idea. It was nice place and usually less crowded than other places. "I see no reason why it would be closed. We can go there after dinner. I'm guessing you want to see the fireworks at midnight?" She nodded and he continued. "Very well, we will do that. And I know where to go to get a great view as well." She looked pleased, and he was surprised to discover how happy he was about that. He had never really felt the need to please anyone before, but with Hermione, it suddenly felt extremely important.

Hermione's POV
Hermione couldn't stop looking at Severus tonight, he looked so amazing that her heart skipped a beat every time he met hear gaze. She couldn't stop herself from commenting on his clothes, and inwardly cringed every time from the puzzled look Severus would give her.

The food arrived and they ate, and more wine was consumed. Hermione scowled at Severus every time he failed to stop her from moaning at her food or wine, but the food tasted fantastic, so she couldn't stop herself. Not that she had the option, really. She usually didn't notice doing it until she saw Severus' smug face. When she scowled at him he laughed, though. So it was almost worth it just to hear him laugh.

He seemed happy tonight, more than usual. Not that anyone would count his usual state of mind as happy, but she had learned to know him, and read him to a certain degree, so she knew better. But tonight he seemed happy. He laughed a lot, and he had even smiled to the waiter. Twice. She enjoyed it, though. He was lovely when in this mood. He laughed and smiled, told her stories and listened to hers, teased her; and when she got annoyed, he would grin, and look at her in such a way that she couldn't help but laugh in the end. They talked, discussed interesting subjects, and in the middle of a lengthy conversation about her magic, she found that she could not remember the last time she had enjoyed herself like this.

She was absorbed with listening to him; his stories, his voice, his clever and thought through theories, and his intelligent conclusions. She was absorbed by him. He had such a sexy brain. Can you define a brain as sexy? She decided that; yes, definitely. The rest of him as well, though. The whole man was dead sexy in her opinion.

Severus' POV
They had finished eating and were now waiting for the waiter to come get their plates and let them order dessert. The wine bottle was almost empty, and Severus found himself to be in a very good mood. He saw Hermione studying the painting hanging on the wall next to them. "This is a nice place, wouldn't you agree?" She turned to him and smiled. "Yes, it's wonderful, really. And the food was amazing. I don't think I have ever had salmon that great before." Her smile turned playful and she said; "Thank God this isn't our first date, I couldn't have ordered it then."

He didn't know what to say to that, he was already painfully aware that this was no date. He didn't need her to remind him. Ugh, there was that word again. Date. His voice sounded, even to him, icy cold when he answered, heavy with sarcasm.

"Thank God, this is no date indeed. That would have been just awful." He looked at Hermione, whom was looking truly surprised by his harsh words and icy cold voice. But of course, in default Hermione Granger fashion, she surprised him with her answer. "That was not what I said." He looked at her and he could see her surprised expression turn playful again. "I said this is not our first date. This is our second. You should learn to count." She grinned wickedly at him before she took a sip of her wine, still looking at him over the glass. He realized he probably looked like an idiot; he was just staring at her without saying anything. He tried to recover. "How many dates does it take before you stop shopping for furniture?" There wasn't a trace of ice in his voice now. Gods, can I be more obvious?

She looked surprised, but quickly recovered as well. "You're in luck; the furniture shopping only goes on for two, maybe three dates at the most." She gave him a smile that made him weak in the knees. He gave her a half smile back. "And when you have enough furniture, then what happens?" She propped her head on one hand and gave him an unwavering look. "Then it's up to my date to decide." He had no idea what to say to that. Luckily the waiter arrived just then, taking their plates and they ordered dessert.

They hadn't come back to the date-subject after the waiter left. Which was just as well, because he had no idea what to say about it. Or think even. They finished the rest of the wine and chatted about less dangerous subjects while eating dessert. The waiter came and gathered their plates, and a moment later, the bill. Severus automatically reached for it, but was abruptly interrupted when Hermione slapped his hand and gave him a predatory, stare. He held his hands up in defeat and rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes, go ahead." Hermione paid the bill, and they left the restaurant.

Hermione was beaming. "That was great! Are we apparating to the book bar now?" Severus smiled at her enthusiasm. "Yes, we are." He was about to step closer to her to take her hand, but she skipped over to him and wrapped her arms around him, putting her hands on his lower back and her head on his chest. Well, I guess that works too. He put his arms around her, rested his chin on the top of her head, and apparated away.

They arrived at the book bar a moment later, and Hermione tightened her embrace. His breath hitched when he saw her lift her head and quickly kiss his chest, before she let go of him and skipped in. He watched her go with an ache in his heart, before he took a deep breath, and followed.

Hermione had taken the same table as the last time they were here. He walked over to her. "May I get drinks, or do you plan to be difficult about that as well?" She almost looked offended for a second, but smiled. "Sure, sure, get drinks. But only because I'm in such a good mood." He rolled his eyes and went to get drinks.

Hermione was looking at the books in the shelves next to them as Severus returned with drinks. He sat down across the table from Hermione, and watched her as she searched through the book titles. She was beaming. "They even have muggle books here!" Suddenly she lit up, and snatched a book from the shelf. She turned to him and grinned while holding the book in the air, then she exclaimed; "Poetry! I promised to read you love poems, did I not?"

Hermione's POV
Hermione was quite pleased with her find. Muggle-poetry even! She opened the book on random, and started to read.

"There is a Lady sweet and kind,
Was never face so pleased my mind;
I did but see her passing by,
And yet I love her till I die."

She glanced up at Severus, and discovered him staring at her with burning eyes. She blushed and instantly broke the eye contact. She was just about to continue reading, but looked up and met his eyes when he spoke.

"Her gesture, motion, and her smiles,
Her wit, her voice my heart beguiles,
Beguiles my heart, I know not why,
And yet I love her till I die."

Hermione just stared at him in awe, mouth slightly open. He didn't break eye contact, and the way he looked at her left breathless. She could feel goose bumps rising all over her body from the sound of his smooth, enchanting dark voice. His words were like silk on her skin, and she felt something stir inside her, touching every nerve in her body. She gripped the book harder as he continued;

"Cupid is winged and doth range,
Her country so my love doth change:
But change she earth, or change she sky,
Yet will I love her till I die."

She would never look at poetry in the same way again. She often found poems silly, especially love poems, and didn't really understand why it was such a big deal. But after having Severus Snape recite love poetry to her by heart.. It left her head and heart spinning, and her body burning.

She realized she was still staring at him, but her thoughts were incoherent and it was like she had forgotten how to speak. He started to look a bit uncomfortable, but he was still keeping eye contact. She tried to remember how to speak, searching for something, anything to say. She finally recovered a trace of brain function and her voice returned. She did not intend to give a lengthy monologue though.

"I will never find poetry silly again. And if me eating chocolate cake is a crime, what you just did should be declared a crime punished by death. In that voice, I would gladly spend the rest of my life listening to you reading Quiddich for Beginners – Basic broom maintenance, over and over again. And I don't give a flying fuck about quiddich. Bloody Hell, even your storage room inventory list would do!"

It was Severus' turn to stare with an open mouth. His black eyes were wide open and he had slowly leaned back in his seat as she spoke, like her words were physically pushing him back.

She drew a breath, and continued her rant.

"Not that you would ever consider using such a thing as love potions, but should the occasion occur, just forget it. You will never need anything of the kind. Bring a poetry book, and you'll have even Dolores Umbridge begging on her knees before you finish two poems. Sirens got nothing on you. Bloody Hell!"

Her brain thought it was a good time to reveal why she had been commenting on his clothes all day.

"Oh, and you know the way I have been commenting on your clothes all day? That is because I pretty much find you to be the sexiest man on earth today." She waved her hand dismissively. "Generally every day, mind you. But the sight of you today? Christ, Severus!"

Hermione's brain was slowly returning to something resembling normal, and she started to realize what she was saying.

She returned to reality with a harsh snap when her mind suddenly crashed in to place. Severus was now white as a sheet, and staring at her like she was antichrist incarnate. It was like ice water suddenly replaced the blood in her veins. She abruptly stopped talking, and smacked her hand over her mouth. I will never recover from this. He will never recover from this. What do I do, WHAT do I DO? There is nothing I can say that will restore this. She lifted her hand from her mouth and said in a desperate voice. "Oh, fuck." And then she promptly planted her head face first on the table and hid under her hands.

Severus' POV
Severus Snape sat wondering what the Hell had just happened. The burning, awestruck expression Hermione had had on her face had shocked him, but nothing could have prepared him for the words that then had poured from her mouth. He had considered literally running away, but was unable to do so, frozen to the spot. He had never heard Hermione use such crude language before. Hell, he had never heard anything like that from her. Or anyone. He was at a loss for words. His mind was racing, trying to make sense of what just happened, what it meant, how to react, what to say, how to deal with it. He couldn't though. She finds me sexy? The thought was so absurd he almost had to laugh.

After sitting there, catatonic and utterly lost for about two excruciating long minutes, his mind began picturing the different situations she had described. He pictured himself sitting beside Hermione in his chambers, passionately reading his inventory list to her over and over again.

The image revived him from his frozen state. He could feel a small bubble of laughter emerge from somewhere inside. When the next image popped up; he saw himself standing tall with a poetry book in hand in front of a kneeling, begging Dolores Umbrigde crying for his love, he cracked. He exploded with laughter, unable to control himself in any way. He laughed so hard he couldn't even breathe.

Hermione's POV
Hermione, flat faced on the table had been listening to the torturing silence, not daring to move. She had decided to never move from the spot on the table if that could help avoid the impending doom she felt. Death by dehydration or starvation seemed like a decent option at this point. Mortified didn't even begin to describe what she was feeling, and she knew she could never look at him again.

Then she heard a curious sound from the other side of the table. A moment later she heard Severus Snape burst into a laughing fit unlike anything she had heard from him before. He's gone mad. I flipped his crazy-switch and he has officially lost his mind.

The laughter didn't stop and it sounded like it never would. She decided to take a peak and see if he maybe had grown horns or something equally disturbing.

He hadn't. He looked like Severus Snape, laughing his arse off. She on the other hand still felt petrified. He noticed her looking at him, and that made him laugh even harder. How that was even possible she couldn't fathom. She heard her own, shocked voice talk.

"You've gone insane. I made you lose your mind." He looked at her, filled with suppressed laughter and managed to croak out a "no" before howling with laughter again. She just sat there, watching him laugh with her elbows propped on the table, her head limp in her hands.

After a while Severus started to calm down. Still filled with mirth, he managed to at least form some sentences. "You are unbelievable. I have absolutely no words." And no, I haven't lost my mind as far as I know. But picturing reading passionately from an inventory list made me start to crack, and the image of a pleading Dolores Umbridge on her knees broke the dam."

The unbelievable wicked grin Severus Snape sent Hermione made her lose it as well. The situation was beyond surreal, and she just gave up. She gave him a smile back, but in the end she was flat faced down on the table again. This time from laughing hysterically.

When the laughter started to fade she lifted her head, and met the eyes of one Severus Snape with a smile so devilish it made his eyes virtually glow. She rolled her eyes, and put her head in her hands. "Oh come on!" She groaned. "Just say it, whatever it is you are thinking! Stop tormenting me!" She glanced up at him, and his smile actually widened. He narrowed his eyes, which made him look even more devilish. She braced herself as he opened his mouth. "So, Miss Granger, when can I expect your declarations of undying love? Hmmm?"

She was back to feeling mortified, so she gave a groan and hid her strawberry-red face in her hands again for a moment. She would not be surprised if the blushing would be a permanent thing from now on. Reclaiming control of her emotions, she saw him still smiling at her. She shook off some of the embarrassment, rolled her eyes and grinned wickedly back. "Well, that would depend on your inventory list wouldn't it? The more exotic-sounding items, the faster you'll have me worshipping the ground you walk upon. The level of engagement from your side will of course factor in, and may or may not speed up the process depending on how you choose to play your part." Still smiling, she leaned back and crossed her arms over her chest, cocking her head. For a second he actually looked a bit taken aback and slightly flustered, but regained his posture almost instantly. He grinned. "That is very useful information indeed, Miss Granger. Thank you."

Severus' POV
Severus was enjoying himself. He had positively loved the way she answered his teasing. He had only meant to tease her, and did not expect her to actually retort in the same tone. He found it highly amusing, and a bit disconcerting.

He was snapped back to reality when Hermione gave a snort of laughter. He raised an eyebrow at her and she gave him another wicked grin that made his heart skip a beat. "What?" She giggled again before answering. "Following suit the absurdity of the last hour, I will recite a poem for you. I actually know a few by heart, and one of them is just way too perfect to the current mood not to recite. This is unfortunately not my declaration of endless love, even though I have to admit I heartily agree with some of the lines. She grinned at him again, before clearing her throat, and with a voice that made his heart twinge, she locked eyes with him, and began.

"Your voice is like a golden song that has soft refrain

A spring would whisper to the trees beneath the gentle rain

It's a melody of love that lingers in my heart

Long after I have left your side and we are far apart

I hear each echo in the dawn and when the sun is high

Until the silvers if the stars is all around the sky

Your voice is like a magic wand that makes my dreams come true

Because I know inside my soul that it is really you

And just to be with you my sweet, is paradise to me

Oh, let me listen to your voice for all eternity"

Severus was again at a loss for words faced with Hermione Granger. He had also temporary forgotten how to breathe. The whole –she left him breathless- concept is an actual concept. Interesting. Great. Now breathe. Normally. He knew he had to say something, and soon, because Hermione was looking at him expectantly. He cocked his head, and smiled wickedly at her. "And you are sure that this was not a declaration of love?" She giggled. "You wish." Oh you have no idea, Severus thought.

The mood now relaxed, Hermione picked more books from the shelves, and drank another martini. She also convinced Severus that he just had to try apple martini, and he was surprised to find that it was actually quite good. They were both getting way too tipsy though. It's New Year's Eve, Severus thought. It is allowed to indulge, is it not? Yes. He decided to ask Hermione what she thought.

Hermione's POV
"Miss Granger, we are getting way too tipsy. Do we find this to be a problem?" She giggled at him. "Nope! When are we leaving to see the fireworks?" He smiled at her. "Soon. Actually, we should leave now to be honest." She nodded. "Where are we going?" He gave her a smile she did not know how to read. "You will see." Then he got up, and she followed him out of the bar.

Severus looked excited, and it warmed her heart. He looked at her and smiled wickedly. "We need champagne. Come, Little Lion." He pulled her into his arms, and apparated.

They were outside a building Hermione hadn't seen before. It looked like an inn of some sort. Severus let her go, and walked to the door. "Come along then." Entering, Severus went over to the counter and asked something Hermione couldn't hear of the woman standing behind it. She smiled, and turned to get a bottle of champagne. Severus took the bottle, looked at it, and smiled. "This will do. Do you have champagne glasses?" The woman nodded and brought two glasses. Severus paid, and they left.

Hermione looked at the smiling Severus Snape next to her. Who would have thought he could be like this. She was amazed.

They were walking.. somewhere. She was at this point just following him. "Where are we going?" He gave her another wicked smile. "Patience, Miss Granger, really. She rolled her eyes at him. "Well, you have to tell me at some point!" He gave her the champagne glasses to hold, and she smiled when she realized it was so he could take her hand. "I will. You will see."

There was only a few minutes remaining until the time reached midnight. They were standing a bit outside the centre of the city, but didn't have much view here. She wondered what Severus had planned. She could hear the fireworks starting, and she looked at Severus, puzzled. He gave her another of the looks she couldn't read. His hand tightened around hers, and he gave her a piercing stare. "Do you trust me?" She gave him a confused look. "Of course." He shook his head. "Hermione, do you really trust me?" She gave him a direct look this time. "Yes, Severus. I truly do trust you." He smiled. "Good. Then don't be afraid and just know trust that I know what I am doing."

He took out his wand, and shrunk the bottle of champagne and put it in the pocked of his coat. He looked at her, his eyes glittering, as he stepped closer to her and put one arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. "I suggest you hold on." She didn't have time to respond before he lifted them off the ground.

The first thing Hermione did was scream, and drop the glasses to throw her arms around Severus' neck. He chuckled. "Yes indeed, I hated those glasses as well. Good riddance." Hermione clung to Severus, burying her head in his neck, trying to breathe the panic away. She managed after a minute or so. With her face still buried in the crook of his neck, she spoke. "Severus?" He hummed a sound that was supposed to be a yes. "You can fly? I mean.. You can fly?" He chuckled again. "Yes, Hermione, I can. Do not worry, I will not drop you." She could feel him put both arms around her, pulling her into an embrace that made her wish he would never let go. Next she felt him kiss the side of her head, and heard him whisper. "I suggest you lift your head and take a look, Little Lion. It's midnight in less than a minute." She slowly lifted her head and looked.

It was a stunning sight. They were high in the air, and she could see the whole of London. She was awestruck, and sure she had ever seen anything this beautiful. She could hear Severus' voice in her ear. "Happy New Year, Hermione." She made a decision, and turned to look at Severus.

"Do you know what people do at midnight on New Year's Eve?" He looked bemused. "No, but I'm sure you will tell me." She met his black eyes, and whispered. "They kiss." His eyes widened, but Hermione didn't notice anything else, because her lips were on his.

Severus' POV
Severus Snape was kissing Hermione Granger. Or, Hermione Granger was kissing Severus Snape. He had almost lost his concentration when she said the words, and leaned in to kiss him. And that would have been pretty catastrophic considering their current position. He couldn't believe this was happening. He couldn't believe Hermione Granger would kiss him. Him. And he had no idea what to do now.

Her lips were soft, and his whole being marvelled in the feeling of her. Unfortunately the kiss only lasted for a few seconds before Hermione pulled back and whispered. "Happy New Year, Severus."

He just looked at her, unable to speak at first. All he wanted to do was to kiss her again. And never stop kissing her preferably. After a moment, he found his voice. "Hermione.." She closed her eyes and sighed. "I know. I should not have done that. It was stu-" He interrupted her by kissing her. He couldn't help himself. He didn't know if he ever would get the chance again, and had no intention of letting it go to waste. She tasted like apple martinis, and her lips were soft as satin. Severus wished the moment would never end; that he could stay like this, holding Hermione Granger, and kissing her until they were both out of breath.

They descended with Severus still kissing Hermione. Their feet hit the ground, and Severus broke the kiss. He looked at Hermione. "This isn't a very good idea." She sighed and looked away. "I know." He thought about it for a second. Why exactly wasn't this a good idea? Was there any specific reason for them not to do this? It was like Hermione had heard his thoughts, because she turned to look at him again, with defiant look. "Why though? Why is this not a good idea?" He really wanted to tell her she was completely right, that there was absolute no reason for them not to do this. But he couldn't. "Hermione, you know why. This can't happen. Come on, we should get back to Hogwarts." It pained him to say the words, and to see Hermione's saddened face, but he had to. For her sake.

The champagne bottle was still unopened when they went to bed that night, each of them lying awake in their separate bedrooms. They both fell asleep in the end, feeling unfulfilled.