-=I own only the plot.=-

Delving Deeper

Practice Makes Perfect

Snape "A toast! To Severus Snape for selecting an excellent dance partner." Snape raised his glass to himself facing the mirror. He drank the finger of fire whisky off, the only thing left to do is ask her.

Hermione picked up the Troublemakers' Stone*, "I'm afraid he'll never work up the courage to ask me." She set the stone down with regret.

You're the one who started this mess Hermione Granger, you'll be the one to finish this. You shouldn't warn yourself. "Filius, I can't wait for the ball, I'm so excited," Hermione said biting into a morsel. "Save a dance for me."

Flitwick bent toward her confidentially. "You've asked Severus?"

Hermione pulled a face. "No, dear man." Hermione shifted uncomfortably.

He encouraged, "What you waiting for? The ball is tomorrow evening."

"If he doesn't ask, I'm sure I'll dance with him at some point." Hermione reasoned.

"Logical sure, but not at all what you want. Though an owl and a Hippogriff both possess feathers, one will never be the other." Flitwick ever the Ravenclaw.

Hermione stood in the doorway peaking into the Great Hall as Flitwick decorated for the dance. "Amazing," Hermione turned away in a twirl, crashing into Severus.

"It looked all right until you almost knocked me down." Pressed into Severus where he'd caught her. After righting the witch, he reordered his posture. "Tomorrow is the ball; must be distressing not to have a partner. I would be pleased if you'd join me."

Indignant, "That's the best you can come up with? If it is, then no. I wouldn't want you to be 'pleased' to end my pitiable condition." Hermione stalked off. Why did I say that? Snape went to bust students out after hours. He told himself. "I'll ask her tomorrow." Severus, you are going to pander yourself shamefully to her again and again? You, Severus are going to be a laughing stock.

Snape waited out side her chamber for her to emerge. He checked his watch yet again, almost time to meet in the front hall.

Hermione stood down the hall away, watching Severus shift and straighten. She enjoyed the scene as Snape became more restless and banged on the door. "Professor, we must get going."

The charm inside her room went off. "Go away."

"Ms. Granger this is no time to play games." Snape shouted through the door.

"Leave me be," the charmed voice countered.

Snape pulled out his wand, "I'm going to hex your door to hell and back if you don't come out now." Counting; "One, Two..."

Hermione walked up to Severus. "There's no need for that Severus. As you can see, you've been shouting at my door for nothing. Are you ready?"

Dumbfounded, Snape stared at the elegantly attired Hermione. "No, I'm not ready." His brows knit in determination. "Hermione, this isn't exactly easy for me. I'm a man of many talents, but being the paragon of romantic gentlemen is not one of them."

Hermione stopped Snape with a hand on his. "Severus, please do me the honour of escorting me this evening to the ball. I dare say, it wouldn't be the same without you. You are an excellent dancer, proud though you are."

Snape bent low so no one could hear him, "Thank you Hermione. Yes please," taking her arm, they went down the hall. "Was that at least better?" Snape asked.

"Than yesterday, or last Yule Ball?" Hermione chuckled.

Snape groaned, "Either."

Hermione turned her focus away from his fingers dithering along her gloved arm. "Somewhat, I figure in a few years you'll work out how to ask me properly. Practice makes perfect."

-=FIN=