AN: Unfortunately, I won't be able to post on Thursday. I'll be out of town for Thanksgiving in a place with spotty internet. I hope this was enough to tide everyone over.

If you celebrate Thanksgiving, Happy Thanksgiving! If you don't, have a Happy Rest of the Week!

Thank you for all the support! I am thankful for all of you and the encouragement you give me!

Judith stepped towards the dance floor, still clapping and cheering, "bravo! Brava!" Her gait was smooth, almost as if she was gliding on a stream of storm clouds. Hermione's stomach sank at the predatory gleam in the other woman's eyes.

Severus' muscles tightened as he sat up straighter in the wheelchair. He pulled Hermione further into his arms. She wondered if he was protecting her from any unpleasantries which would come her way, or if he wanted to better balance the chair so it didn't tip over.

"That was so wonderful. You two put on such a marvelous show," Judith began with a voice much sweeter than her expression. "It was a joy to watch you both waltzing around the dance floor, almost as if you were actual partners."

"Thank you," Hermione's throat was so constricted she could hardly breathe.

"I apologize for surprising you as I did. You two appeared to be having such fun. Still, it would be rude to come here in order to see Severus and leave because he was in the wheelchair of another woman." She gave Hermione's trembling left leg a pointed look.

"What are you doing here?" Severus barked.

"Isn't it obvious? To see you."

"How did you know I would be here?"

"Minerva was kind enough to invite me, and tell me where this party would take place. When I arrived, it had begun. Fortunately, a house elf was kind enough to guide me here."

"I'm sorry to interrupt you three but," Neville looked at Judith. "Who are you?"

"Judith Turner," she held out her hand. Hermione couldn't help but wonder how much how manicure cost. Probably more than she made in a year.

"Judith Turner." Neville shook her hand. "It's a uh, pleasure to meet you. Are you another potions researcher wanting to collaborate with Severus on a project?"

She chuckled. "No, I don't perform much academic research. Rather, I create skin care products and run my own business. I have a whole line of products if you're interested."

"Perhaps we can discuss them later," Neville released her hand. "If you aren't a potions mistress, what are you doing here and why do you want to see Severus.?"

"To answer your first question, Minerva invited me."

"Why?"

"She thought Severus would be pleased to see me," she glared at Hermione. "Though it seems he was getting along fine without me."

"He was," Neville lowered his voice as a new song began to play.

"Yes," she exhaled. "I don't mean to intrude where I am not welcome, but Minerva made this place sound so amazing. She couldn't stop going on about how wonderful all the Christmas decorations were. I couldn't resist looking around. After all, it isn't every day someone is invited to Hogwarts. If I got to see Severus, all the better for me."

"If you want a tour," Neville extended a hand. "I can give you a tour of the castle. I'm sure you'd love to see my greenhouse given how many different types of aloes are used in skin care products. We can discuss my latest herbology research, some of which you may find enlightening."

"You grow aloes?"

"Indeed he does," Hermione chimed in Severus stood. "I'd suggest you go along with him to see all of his plants. It's quite a collection. Between his knowledge of magical plants and his collection you could do plenty of worthwhile research with him."

"Hermione," Judith's mouth contorted upwards. "What a pleasure to see you again. I do hope your leg is feeling better."

"It's fine," she winced as her leg spasmed. "I'm doing much better than I was a month ago."

"Oh good, because I'd love nothing more than to speak with you when you're up for a conversation."

"And I'd love nothing more than for you to see Neville's aloes. You must be so curious about them."

"There are other things which capture my interest," Judith kept her eye on Hermione's left leg.

"Is there a reason you're staring at Hermione's leg?" Severus growled.

"No," she redirected her attention to him, the color gone from her face.

"I would hope so, because Hermione is worthy of respect. If you want to speak to her, you need to look at her face."

"Yes," Judith gulped.

"That being said," Severus' voice was low. "I apologize for you taking time out of your day to come to a place where you must feel less than welcome. Still, I do not believe the Hogwarts Staff Christmas Party is the place for socialization. Perhaps we could see each other at a later date."

"But Minerva said you were desperate to see me," Judith lowered her voice. "She also said you hadn't gone on a blind date this month and this would make up for it."

"Of course she mentioned that little fact," Severus muttered.

"Anyway, I wanted to give you a Christmas present. Since I don't know when I will see you next, I figured tonight would be as good a night as any," she pulled out a box from her mink coat pocket. Then, she enlarged it until it was the size of shoe box.

"How thoughtful of you," Severus cleared his throat. "Sadly, I neglected to buy you anything."

"Oh that's fine," Judith answered. "I know it's a little early in our relationship to expect too many gifts, but I thought you'd appreciate these. If they aren't your size, you can return or exchange them."

"I will open them on Christmas Day as I do with all my other gifts," he took the box. "That will build up anticipation."

Hermione felt a pang in her chest at the idea of Severus anticipating anything from Judith.

"Nonsense," Minerva stumbled over to them, her breath reeking of the double shot of scotch she'd been consuming. "It was thoughtful of Judith to give you a gift. Might as well open this while she is here to see you do so."

"Hello Minerva," Severus furrowed his eyebrows. "What a coincidence that Judith has come here."

"It very much is." Minerva winked.

"I really should give you that tour of the greenhouse now," Neville cut in.

"Nonsense, that can wait," Minerva began as Severus took the box. "Let her have some fun with her date."

"It can hardly be considered a date if her presence was not requested," Severus snapped.

"It's a blind date in December," Minerva folded her arms over her chest. "Just like you agreed to when you lost your bet."

Severus rolled his eyes as he opened his present. Upon seeing the contents, of the box, his eyes grew.

Hermione wheeled closer, only to gasp when she saw the contents of the package. Inside were a pair of new, designer dragon hide boots, the same ones he'd coveted. Two years ago, Severus had told her about his desire for that brand when his were becoming worn. They lasted three times longer than the ones he possessed, had wonderful arch support, but cost at least half a year's salary.

They were more than Hermione could ever hope to give him.

"I hope they're your size," Judith began.

He peeked inside at the tag. "They are."

"Oh good," Judith folded her hands and beamed.

"This is very thoughtful, of you," his voice was even. "I deeply appreciate the gesture."

Hermione glanced at her bracelet, wondering how long it would take for Severus to yank it from her arm and give it to her rival. One good gift deserved another. Since the bracelet was the most beautiful thing he'd ever gifted to another woman, it wouldn't surprise her if it found its way onto Judith's wrist within the next few minutes.

"There's no need to give me anything. I only want to make those I care for happy." She beamed.

"Indeed," Severus grumbled.

"Anyway, I hope you enjoy them. In the meantime," she flashed her bleached teeth. "I saw how excellent of a dancer you were with Hermione. I hope that skill extends to dancing with someone who is not in a wheelchair."

"I fear it does not," he returned the boots to the box. "In fact, Hermione and I were going to collect our drinks and sit the next few songs out."

"Indeed we were," Hermione answered in a weak voice. Her stomach was churning, and the spasms in her leg were increasing.

"Are you well?" Neville asked.

"No, I'm feeling as if I've had a little too much egg nog and should rest," Hermione replied.

"You've only had one glass," Minerva noted.

"Yes, but I have an early morning tomorrow and," Hermione pretended to yawn. "I should leave."

"Oh that would be so unfortunate," Judith frowned. "It seems every time I see you, you scurry away. I would love to speak with you sometime and get to know you better."

"That time won't be tonight," she began to wheel away.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were upset with me."

Hermione stopped.

"It seems that every time I appear, you're leaving because you are unwell," Judith continued. "It makes me wonder if you are mad or jealous of me, yet too afraid to face your feelings like a Gryffindor."

"No," Hermione forced herself to smile. "You have just caught me at two bad times. It isn't personal, I assure you."

"Oh," Judith answered. "Well if that's the case, you should see a healer concerning your leg. It cannot be good for you to always be sick and on the verge of hysterics."

"I am not on the verge of hysterics," Hermione retorted.

"Then why do you look ready to burst into tears?" Judith sneered.

"I am perfectly fine, just tired."

"Then why don't you stay and watch Severus and me dance?"

Tears threatened to spill from Hermione's eyes at the thought of him in another woman's arms. It would occur even if she left, but at least she wouldn't have to witness it. She could curl up in her bed, living in the memory of his body against her as they sat in her wheelchair.

"Why don't you stay and watch us dance?" Judith taunted.

"That is quite enough," Severus interrupted. "If Hermione does not want to stay, then she does not need to remain here."

"No, Hermione shouldn't leave. She has more of a right to be here than Judith does," Neville argued. "Judith should leave."

"They both have a right to be here, and neither woman is leaving," Minerva interrupted. "Judith is my guest, so she stays."

"But she is not my guest." Severus took the gift and put it back in Judith's hands. "I deeply appreciate the gesture. The boots are lovely. Sadly, I cannot accept them given how expensive they are and how unable I am to return the favor."

"I'm not looking for you to return the favor. They're a gift for a reason," Judah argued.

"Yes, but they cost far too much to give someone who is a casual date."

"Those boots," Judith laughed before shoving the present back into Severus' arms. "They cost me next to nothing. Please keep them."

"Yes," Hermione answered in a soft voice as she bowed her head. "You should keep them. They would look wonderful on you. They're what you've always wanted, and they're are very nice."

"Indeed, that gift is one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for you," Minerva answered. "Keep them."

Severus' eyes met Hermione's. She considered opening her mouth, but what was there to say? Sure, she could plead with him not to take the boots and to remain in her arms for always, but was that in Severus' best interest? He deserved a woman who would give him whatever his heart desired, one who could afford fancy boots and New York trips and walks along the beachside. All she could offer him was a dance and a flying partner. That wouldn't be enough for most people, and she knew it. If she loved Severus, she had to act in his best interests, even if it shattered her heart.

"I think it's time for that tour now," Neville grabbed Judith's hand and dragged her out of the ballroom.

"Where are you two going?" Minerva called as she chased after them.

Hermione took a look at Severus before shaking her head and wheeling away as fast as her chair would take her.

"Hermione." He threw the present onto the ground and chased after her. "Hermione, wait!"

"Why?" She cleared her throat. Once, her father said that would prevent tears from falling. She only hoped it worked. The last thing she needed to do was spend Christmas crying in front of her colleagues and the man she loved. "I need to go to Australia tomorrow. I'm tired. It's time to leave."

"You are not leaving like this." He ran until he was in front of her wheelchair. Then, he stood before her, far enough away that she didn't need to crane her neck but close enough where he could block her.

"I need to go," she cried before tilting her head so she could see past him. The castle had not made the stairs into a ramp. Even Hogwarts was on Judith's side and wanted Hermione to suffer further.

"No, you need to listen to me," he demanded.

"What do you have to say that's so important?"

"You cannot leave this ball the way you left your Yule Ball."

"My Yule Ball?" Her chest went cold at the memory of Ron sneering at her and saying, 'they get scary when they get older.'

"Indeed," he continued. "I saw how you left the Yule Ball in tears due to Mr. Weasley's antics. I'm not going to allow you to experience that again. I will not spoil everything for you, nor will I allow Ms. Turner to do so."

"You aren't spoiling anything other than my sleep schedule," she raised her voice. First he received a present from Judith, and now he pitied her. This night kept getting better and better.

"You don't sleep well when you're upset," Severus continued.

"So what, you're my father telling me to calm down now?"

"No, I'm just someone who knows you," his voice softened. "And someone who cares whether or not you have a wonderful holiday ball."

"Why do you care?" She choked.

"Because you are the most important person in my life."

She shook as a tear fell. "You don't mean that. You can't."

"Of course I do. Nobody has ever meant as much to me as you do."

She gulped, wanting to believe his words, yet being unable to do so.

"I," he shook his head. "I stumbled over the reason for why I gave that bracelet to you, but it's become clear I need to say it more eloquently than I did."

"Why? Because there's still too much jewelry in your family's vault and you're going to find a piece to give to Judith?"

"There's less jewelry in there than many would believe. Most of the Prince heirlooms were lost over the years. That bracelet is by far the most valuable piece of jewelry I could give anyone."

"Then why did you give it to me?" Her throat constricted.

"I gave you that bracelet because I can't imagine another woman wearing it," he took a deep breath. "I gave it to you because I want you, and only you, to wear it."

She blinked away her tears.

"I am not worthy of a wonderful present like Judith gave me, but you deserve that bracelet," he continued. "You are worthy of that bracelet and so much more. Please, keep it, knowing I gave it to you because I care for you more than I've ever cared for anyone else. When you wear it, remember how highly I esteem you, and how strongly I believe in you. Whatever you do, don't throw it away because you feel as though I don't care."

"I never planned on throwing it away," she answered in a soft voice. "In fact, I want to wear it as often as possible."

"You don't need to say that to make me feel better."

"No, I mean it," her voice was stronger. "I love the bracelet because you gave it to me, and I care more about you than I do anyone else in my life."

"You do?"

She nodded. "I care for you Severus, more than I've ever cared for anyone else."

"That is touching, moving, I appreciate it, I mean," he exhaled. "I want you to have fond memories of this night, not ones associated with an interloper's rudeness."

"I already have find memories of tonight," she relaxed and allowed herself to smile. "The bracelet was beautiful, as was the dance. I will remember everything about this night with nothing but fondness."

"Truly?"

"Truly."

"Good." He took a step away, only to notice the stairs had not become a ramp.

"That's odd," she muttered. "Usually they change by now."

"They will not change until we take care of that mistletoe." Severus pointed above her.

Hermione looked up at the fluttering plant. "Neville."

"Indeed," Severus grumbled. "I'll have a talk with him later about the dangers of charmed plants."

"Don't bother. He probably just released it into the castle, caring little where it went or who it hovered above."

"He does need to learn to be more careful with the mistletoe, lest someone do something regrettable."

"Like leaving without allowing someone to explain the wonderful gift he gave you?" She grinned.

He chuckled. "Like that."

Hermione glanced up the stairs. "It's impossible for me to climb those stairs. I could try to find another way up to my room."

"That won't be necessary." He bent down until he was at eye level. "We both know there's an easier way to get the castle to comply with our wishes."

"What would that be?"

"We give into Neville's whims," he whispered.

"Are you certain? I don't want you to do anything you'll regret."

"I've never been more certain about anything in my life."

Hermione parted her lips. Then, Severus brushed his lips against hers. Even though he did not deepen the kiss, there was an unspoken vow, a promise that when he gained his courage, when he accepted he could love a woman, when he wasn't so full of self-doubt, he would say the words she'd dreamed of hearing for so long.

They broke apart as the stairs became a ramp. His eyes glistened brighter than she'd ever seen them glow. He whispered, "Good night, Hermione."

"Good night, Severus," her entire body was warm.

He gave her a shy grin before allowing her to wheel up the stairs. When she was halfway up the ramp, she stopped and turned around. "For the record, I will only have pleasant memories of this night."

"As will I," he promised.

She gave him a small wave before continuing on towards her room, knowing she would have a pleasant night and a very Happy Christmas.