A/N: Hi everyone, I'm back with another chapter. Sorry about the time it took to upload, but I've never wrote passionate scenes,or anything of the sort, and it took quite a bit to write this chapter. I know it's not perfect, but it's the only way I could describe what I wanted. Hope you understand what feelings I wanted to pass, and hope you like it. Thank you all for your reviews.

Chapter 14: Christmas ball.

''May I help you?'' Hermione asked, trying as hard as she could to hide her disgust towards the seventh year.

''Well, I don't think I've seen you before, although it's supposed to be a school ball. Has the old cot invited foreign students without telling us?''

Hermione didn't need her Legilimency to know what he was thinking, the boy simply reeked with lust, not to mention Firewiskey. This guy was not to trust, and not to mention he was a Death Eater according to Draco.

''Well, no, headmaster Dumbledore wouldn't do that now would he. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to find my partner before midnight.'' Hermione flashed him a toothy smile and turned to walk away.

Why did she have the idea that it would be easy to walk away, she didn't know, but her hope proved wrong. She had identified the seventh year as a Slytherin named Flint. Knowing his habits of both verbally and physically some times, abuse his peers, Hermione wasn't too surprised when his hand shot towards her, grasping her upper arm in an iron grip.

''Where do you think you're going doll? How do you know I'm not your partner?''

''Well, I know for sure he's not rude as you are. Now, let me go before you regret it.'' Hermione snarled.

''Now, now, my sweet. I saw you first, and if you care for your partner, you better hope he doesn't recognize you, because you're not leaving my side tonight.'' Flint shot her a malicious grin and pulled her towards his torso, moving his grip from her arm to her waist.

At this point Hermione was beyond disgusted, not to mention the fact that his 'sweet talk' was reminding her too much of the bastards that had killed her parents. Her eyes quickly searched for Harry's disheveled blonde hair in the crowd. This was something she had to settle, and it wouldn't do for Harry to get in trouble in case he recognized her. Although, knowing Harry, it wouldn't mater who the girl was.

''Let. Me. Go. Now! Or else…'' Hermione hissed trough gritted teeth.

Flint laughed.

''What are you going to do? Duel me? I don't see a wand on you…''

Having enough of him, Hermione forcefully pushed her body into his, pushing him out of the Great Hall, and away from the professors' eyes. Once there, she slammed the back of her head as hard as she could in his face, feeling satisfied when his nose started bleeding after the crack. Shoving her elbow in his stomach and quickly lifting her knee, making contact with his nose again, she managed to get out of his grasp.

''Told you you'll regret it didn't I?''

''You broke my nose you bitch, and I'll be damned if you get away that easily.'' Flint growled and launched himself at her.

Hermione was quicker though, having had both her hands on her hips, she swiftly pulled out a dagger with each hand and took a defensive position. In his drunken haze, Flint totally ignored the sharp knives and extended his arm towards her. Dodging his hand, Hermione smoothly kicked him in the back, sending him towards the wall. Moving quickly, Flint only had time to turn around before Hermione's foot connected with his neck, her heel digging painfully in his collarbone.

It was quite the image, Flint being taller than her, his face still holding the mask but bloody and grimacing in pain, and Hermione with her perfectly extended leg, her right hand pointing the dagger at his chest, her left hand holding the blade on her forearm. Not to mention the fact that she was totally dressed in black leather.

''Touch me…or any other girl again…and you're dead. Do I make myself clear?'' Hermione growled.

Flint nodded. She could feel the fear rolling off of him, but she hit him again on the side of his face, just to be sure.

Fighting the urge to spit on the unconscious idiot, Hermione placed her daggers back at her belt and proceeded towards the Great Hall, in her anger, totally oblivious to the smirking man in the shadows.

Hermione tried as best as she could to mix with the others, but she couldn't quite ignore the stares she was getting, nor the desire and lust that spiked the air. She was actually mentally kicking herself again and again for deciding on such a daring outfit. It would have been easy to just look for Harry and stay by his side, but she wanted to see if he could find her.

Sitting beside the snack table, Hermione lifted a glass and poured herself some of the obviously spiked punch. To any other it would seem the usual drink, but to her high scents she could clearly smell the Firewiskey. It didn't matter though, at the moment it was exactly what she needed. It was sweet, cool and it could calm her nerved. Just the thing.

She was in the process of pouring another glass when a body came just behind her. 'Not again' she thought, feeling the heat emanating from said person, but what she didn't expect was the powerful shiver that traveled down her spine as his warm breath and silky voice caressed her ear.

''Did you know that attacking students in the corridors is strictly forbidden Hermione?''

If she didn't know any better, she would have believed him to be anyone else, but his voice and the sandalwood scent were only his. It made her dizzy. Of course she blamed the dizziness on the punch, although she had had only one glass, but she couldn't just up and go to her professor and tell him he was driving her crazy every time he was near now could she?

''He attacked me first, I only defended myself.'' Hermione answered. Taking a deep breath, she turned around to look at him.

His hair was still black, but longer, passing a few inches over his shoulders, he had a half black, half red mask that covered his face, leaving only his curved mouth to be seen, his usually black eyes were now a striking silver. Looking down, she followed the red pattern that was sewn on the hem of his black shirt. The first three buttons were opened, allowing his neck and the top of his chest to be seen, oh, it was just begging to be touched. He wasn't wearing a certain costume, but it remembered her of Zoro…and it suited him. His silk cloak was clasped around his shoulders allowed anyone to see his fit frame, the tight shirt left little to the imagination, seeing as every time he moved, his muscles were almost ripping the material. Hermione could honestly say she couldn't take her eyes off of him, and damn that sexy smirk of his.

Severus' mind was doing a victory dance as he watched her tilt her head and look him up and down. He had been anxious to see what she was wearing as he entered the Great Hall that night. Of course, he didn't doubt Dumbledore had ordered everyone to wear costumes just to spite him, but it was also a chance to have some fun without the students knowing who he was. (mind out of the gut, I didn't mean it that way)

His now silver eyes darkened a bit as her tongue licked her lower lip and her teeth captured it afterwards, biting the tender red clad skin, Merlin, if she only knew what her actions were doing to him.

He rolled his eyes at Dumbledore's outfit, honestly, Merlin was indeed a great wizard and if the old goat ever thought he could reach that level, he was gravely mistaken. He had to smirk at Minerva's choice, she hated Slytherin with a fiery passion, and yet there she was wearing emerald green…oh, the irony.

It was easy to recognize most of the students, especially the Slytherins, in their expensive clothes, the Hufflepuffs with their less than perfect wand work, the Ravenclaws with their smart ideas of gods and famous wizards, and of course the Gryffindors with their bold and daring outfits. For example, it would be a miracle if Ginny Weasley wasn't accosted tonight in her very short red skirt and almost inexistent top. Honestly, that kind of clothing should have been forbidden on a student.

Sighing, his eyes started scanning the room for the one person he truly wanted to see…and his heart stopped as he recognized her being manhandled by one of the older students. Without attracting attention, he quickly made his way towards the exit as Hermione started pushing backwards…or was she dragged out?

Severus knew very well that she could take care of herself, but he couldn't control the desire to protect her. He sighed in relief as he watched her put the bastard in his place and stride back towards the Great Hall.

She was breathtaking, honestly, did she really think she wouldn't have every male on her with that outfit?

It wasn't difficult to find her in the crowd, seeing as almost every male was walking towards her like moths towards light, it made him want to just play the caveman and haul her out of that room thrown over his shoulder.

''You called me Hermione, does that mean I can call you Severus?''

''Well, we're not in class, and as you shouldn't have known who I am…why not?'' Merlin, his name on her tongue sounded more like a purr than anything else.

Hermione was sure her feet had already started to melt under his gaze. Whatever the color, Severus Snape's eyes were as piercing as ever. Wanting to make sure that Harry hadn't seen her yet, she looked around the hall, only to be met with glares from almost every girl from fifth to seventh year. It was obvious that they didn't know who the man was, but they were all attracted to him. She mentally grinned.

''If I may give you my advice…Severus, you shouldn't take your mask off tonight…that is unless you want every single girl after you once classes start again…''

She could see the surprise in his eyes as he also looked around, but then he quickly looked back at her with a breathtaking grin. ''Well, I do believe you should take your own advice, seeing as these hormonal dunderheads are practically drooling…''

Hermione grinned in return and shrugged. ''Or maybe I could accept one of them…who knows…'' She knew she was teasing him, she honestly didn't expect him to look at her the way she wanted…but she could play with him…

Taking a sip from her glass, Hermione's eyes traveled towards the dance floor where students in different costumes and colors were waltzing awkwardly. Honestly, she had expected an all wizards music tonight, but it seemed that Dumbledore had a soft spot for muggle music also…or maybe he just wanted to prove a point? She didn't know, what she did know though was that the band had started a new song, a new beat that none of the students seemed to know how to dance. One that she knew well.

''What do you say we give them something to look at?'' Hermione suddenly asked.

Severus snapped out of whatever train of thoughts he had and looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to elaborate.

''Do you know how to dance that?'' Hermione looked at him listen to the daring music and grin at her. ''Whatever my lady wishes.''

Hermione nodded and started walking towards the band, Severus behind her. After exchanging a few words with the band members, the music suddenly stopped and Hermione walked back to her dance partner. Having a moment's inspiration, she pulled out her wand and transfigured her leather pants in a variation of the traditional Spanish skirt, only hers was cracked high up her thigh, and her boots in high heeled sandals, as he unclasped his cloak and threw it on the floor. Her steps faltered a little at the site of his tall, muscled, strong frame…Merlin…

''Ladies and gentlemen…it seems we have a pair that knows how to move with the passionate steps of the famous muggle Passo Doble…'' the singer's voice boomed in the silent room, making Hermione's cheeks color. Her eyes had until then looked either at their positioned feet, or somewhere over his shoulders, but she was the one that had suggested them to make a show, so what was she afraid of?

Taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders, Hermione lifted her eyes and locked them with his. At that moment she was grateful for the darkness of the room. His eyes had darkened considerably, almost reaching his true black color, and his jaw was set. But the look in his eyes was almost more than she could take, it made her knees buckle under her, but his arm tightened his grip on her waist, holding her in place.

Hermione heard the singer say something else, but she wasn't listening anymore. The only important thing at the moment was the man in front of her. And then the music started.

Harry had been looking all around for Hermione, but she was nowhere to be found. He'd had to deal with Ginny at one point, and he couldn't understand what exactly he had seen in her. Her costume tonight disgusted him. Honestly, she looked like a cheap one night stand. Now Luna Lovegood was another story entirely. She had kept her long, blonde hair only adorned with a golden leafed crown, and her costume was a simple roman toga. She was beautiful. What confused him though, was the fact that it was almost ten o'clock, and she didn't have a partner.

After debating with himself for a few minutes, he had offered her a drink and started chatting. It hadn't come as a shock when she called him by his name, but it did anger him when she said she was indeed alone.

Well, if Hermione wouldn't mind, there wasn't any reason he couldn't be her partner. For about an hour they had talked and danced, but he only knew that much. When the Passo Doble had started, he quickly returned her to their table, but stopped short middle way when a dark pair stopped on the dance floor and the music stopped.

To anyone who didn't know her 'other self', she would just be another gorgeous girl, but Harry knew better than that. That could only be Hermione…with Snape.

Honestly it was mesmerizing to look at them as they started moving, and sure enough, if anybody else knew the steps, they wouldn't have dared to put then in practice in front of the school staff. They were practically on top of each other. But he had to admit it…they moved beautiful together, in perfect synchronization, and never did they lose eye contact. Any fool could see the attraction between then, not to mention the air was cracking with tension. Although Snape was quite unrecognizable, he surely cleaned up good. Filch would surely have to wipe the drool off the floors when it will all end, seeing as every male was looking at Hermione like a piece of meat, and every girl was red faced and panting while looking at the potions master.

''They make a great pair, don't you think?'' Luna's dreamy voice forced him to snap out of his thoughts and look at her.

''I don't know.''

''Well, I do. They're perfect for each other. If only they could see it themselves…'' she sighed.

Were they? They both loved books, that was the understatement of the century, they were both great fighters, they were both very stubborn and quick tempered, they were both…Oh, Merlin. They were indeed.

Hermione's senses were on fire. There wasn't any other way to explain what she was feeling. His touch was burning her skin, the intensity of his eyes was driving her crazy, she could feel her body vibrating under his hands, her breaths were coming out in pants, Merlin what was he doing to her…even her magic was reacting , and that wasn't such a good idea at all.

It had been a good idea to make a show of themselves, especially since Dumbledore always teased Severus, and the boys always teased her every time there was a dance, but now…now she really didn't know. It had been intended as a dance, to have fun and laugh at the other's expressions, but it was too intense.

She was actually thanking any god, or demon, that had listened to her pleas when the song had stopped. They were both sweating and panting, but they hadn't once took their eyes off of each other, more importantly, right now he was so close that their noses were almost touching.

Hermione could hear the others cheering, whistling and shouting, but it seemed far away.

Just a few inches…maybe if she leaned a bit forward…maybe if he pulled her a bit closer…Oh God…just a bit closer…

''Beautiful…I've seen other couples dancing this particular song, but I can honestly say I've never seen it so intense, so passionate, so perfect. Let's give our Dream Couple a big cheer…'' the singer's voice once again boomed over the students' shouts, but both Hermione and Severus were unbothered.

Hermione swallowed a lump in her throat and closed her eyes…leaned forward and felt his breath caressing her lips…felt his hands tightening around her waist…felt his desire pouring over her…and Dumbledore's hand on her shoulder.

Mentally cursing the old man in every language she knew, Hermione reluctantly pried her arms from around Severus' neck and turned to glare at Dumbledore.

He was smiling. ''Beautiful performance my dears. Fifty points for your house, or houses, for such a show. Why, we haven't had something like this since my days…''

Of course, Dumbledore seemed oblivious to their true identity, so she played her role. Stood by Severus' side, listened a little to the pathetic story Dumbledore wanted to pride himself with, then excused herself.

Abandoning any idea of finding Harry, she quickly made her way towards the gardens. The night was cold, but she didn't care, it was exactly what she needed at the moment to cool down.

Would he had kissed her? Did he really want to? Was it just the heated moment that allowed those feelings to escape his shields? Did it matter anymore?

She sighed.

He was too good for her. Whatever her juvenile imagination was creating in her head, Severus Snape was a honorable man that would never look at one of his students, especially one he had hated for almost six years.

It didn't matter that she desired him more and more each passing day, nothing else mattered if he wasn't interested in her…

Looking up, Hermione saw Venus shine more brightly than ever and a smile stretched on her lips, thinking of what the centaurs would say about it, of what Lillith would think of her at this moment…

Her breath hitched when she felt a warm body press against her back. How the hell did she manage to be so ignorant tonight? Of course she knew who it was, but she didn't dare turn around. Whatever she thought about him, he was still her teacher and he would surely reject her…

''Look at me…'' his warm breath caressed her ear and her body shuddered.

''No.'' she whispered closing her eyes.

''Look. At. Me.'' he said more forcefully.

''No.''

Keeping her eyes closed, she felt him step in front of her. Gods, he was too close. Her breathing stopped altogether as his hands snaked around her waist and pulled her to his chest.

''Look at me…''

What was she afraid of? Rejection? Yes. But were his actions at the moment hinting towards rejection? No!

Inhaling deeply, Hermione opened her eyes and felt a shiver run down her spine. Although he still had the mask on, his eyes had returned to the familiar black pools that she often got lost in. Except for the clothes and hair length, it was all him.

Ignoring any argument that the logical part of her mind would have started, Hermione grabbed a handful of his shirt with her right hand and pulled him forward…He was either going to accept her or reject her. At least she tried…

A/N: Liked it? Hated it? Leave me your thoughts, or any idea you might have. Thank you all.