-=JKR is Mistress over the Harry Potter Dominion.=-

Delving Deeper

Her journal was balanced delicately in her hand as she oversaw study hall, Professor Granger reviewed the last seven entries. It's been a long week. By the third entry a pattern was emerging. Reading through the other four entries she was certain. It's a classic profile. Insecure attachment issues.

Pressing that inconsistency between the beliefs one holds and one's actions. Hypocrite. Hermione chastised herself. Tap into the intellectual pathway. You need people to need, you because you don't know how to need in return. You let yourself be used by others to assure yourself of your importance. That's why you do whatever is 'asked' of you, even if you do grumble a bit. Hmm. Sound familiar?“No can't be,” Hermione mocked herself.

The students were dutifully studying or at least passing notes quietly. Stewing in her own mental Amortentia Hermione executed a happy twirl. She was brought up short by the Head of Slytherin House. Smiling too cheerfully at Snape, he reminded her that this was study hall and not a dancing exhibition. Hermione playfully whispered, “if it were, would you leave me a wallflower?” Twirling again, she glided away. She wouldn't be a wallflower whatever the circumstances.

Snape thought with a mixture of disdain and amusement that even her robes jostled cheerfully. Dancing, I tell you. “Back to work Ms. Smith. Your essay on the proper method for binding a poltergeist had better be exemplary if you have time to waste.” Snape hissed at the third year Gryffindor.

~*~

The bell was nearly ready to ring when The Potions Mistress made an announcement. “After tea this evening there will be dance lessons here in the Hall. You may chose a partner in advance, if not you will be paired tonight. The Yule Ball is only a month away, you'll want to be ready. Dismissed.” She vanished her journal and waved the students out. She walked to the stony Professor Snape, “how long do you think it would take for Mr. Krum to apparate from Bulgaria? I'm going to need a partner.”

Snape had to remind himself he wasn't going to dance with the upstart Potions Mistress. “Not long, provided Mr. Krum can turn smoothly.” Snape demonstrated a perfectly learned turn as used in apparition and dancing.

“Hmm, I see your point. Perhaps Mr. Weasley would do better.” Walking toward the door she left Snape where he stood. With great effort she withheld her laughter until she was safely in the empty Potions classroom.

-

Readying her next lesson she received a visitor. “Professor, homesick for your old classroom?” Snape walked up to her without saying anything, looking impressive as always.

“Professor,” wincing internally as he was loathe to call her that. “As a Gryffindor I realize your pride is incredibly overdeveloped, however you could lower yourself to ask someone nearer at hand.” Snape winced visibly at the tripe fountaining from his mouth.

You want me to want you. Looking thoughtful Hermione rubbed her chin. “I suppose I could ask Filius, though I'd have to compensate for the difference in height. I could dance in my stockinged feet, that would be quite decadent. I'll make sure there is a couple of roaring fires and a thick turkey carpet.” She looked pleasantly at Snape, “ward off the chill. Wouldn't do to get laid-up in bed with a cold. That's an excellent idea Professor, thank you.” Hermione sighed deeply. She went back to preparing for her class, Snape left bad tempered. It's not just Gryffindors who have an over-developed sense of pride, is it Professor? Though he had come to see her, that was something. “I think we're making progress.”

~*~

“Can't help but love...you know...dancing. It's so natural.” She smiled at Filius. “So you'll partner me tonight?” Hermione forked up a bite of the savoury spinach cheesecake.

He patted her hand reassuringly. “My dear, any time. You need but ask. I love to dance. We're born to dance I think. Like you said, Hermione, it is very natural. Why, children dance without ever learning how.”

Snape stabbed moodily at his lamb chop. “Severus you should join us. I'm afraid I may not have enough vigour to keep up with Hermione.” Flitwick was always looking for ways to include others.

I've got some vigour for Hermione. “Filius, I wouldn't want to step on Ms. Granger's toes. I'm far too clumsy.” Snape's sarcasm was discretely expelled.

“Nonsense, Severus I've seen you dance. You are excellent with a partner. You don't mind Hermione?” Flitwick nudged Hermione.

Serious and pleasant, “no. Not at all Filius, Severus is a welcome addition.” She blotted her lips clean, and stood to ready the Great Hall as the younger students cleared out.

Everything in place, Hermione slipped her shoes off and pulled up her robes enough to see her toes. Wiggling them she grinned at the approaching men. Shortening her robes so they could see her footwork, better.

Professor Flitwick conjured a Victrole and a selection of music. “Pairs, line up. Singles pair up, then join the line.” Hermione ordered. “Professors Flitwick and Snape have agreed to help with instruction.” This got more than a few frightened expressions. Just like fairytale Alice, Hermione took a measured bite from a biscuit and magically shrunk. She was only slightly taller than Flitwick. The students chuckled, until Snape glared at them. “Yes, quite.” Professor Granger chuckled too, not at her stature change but from Snape's reaction. She was eye-level with the tall man's most intimate details.

“Professor Flitwick show the leads how to handle their partners please.” Filius grasped Hermione's waist firmly and held his hand up to clasp hers. “Waltz please, Professor Snape. The waltz will likely be the easiest dance for many of you. You don't look into the face of your partner, but slightly over their shoulder. Both will need to have a clear view for the right effect.” The music was cued and Flitwick lead Hermione expertly into the dance. “Note how Professor Flitwick leads with his body, you don't tug your partner around the floor.” They demonstrated dancing in an elegant loop for the remaining song.

“Now spread out and assume the first position.” Hermione said as she and Flitwick moved among them correcting and suggesting. Standing out-of-the-way Filius started the music. They watched as the students tried to mimic the waltz. They seemed to be doing an admirable job of not falling over so Hermione and Filius joined.

“Hermione dear, you are very clever. As is our Severus, he knows what you are up to.” Since both were experienced dancers, they had no trouble conversing while they danced. “Severus looks dreadful. You shouldn't be so exacting for his sake. Ask the man for a dance.” Flitwick chided.

Hermione responded flatly. “No, he's positively cranky. He needs to loosen up. Wouldn't hurt the man to smile once in a while.” Hermione's champion smile still firmly in place. The song came to an end. Louder she announced to the students. “We'll do two more waltzes, then we'll leave it there until tomorrow evening. And Practice.”

Filius and Hermione lead them for two more songs, then dismissed them. “Filius lets dance another song. You call it.”

He flicked his wand to the Victrole. “Charleston.” Hermione grinned. As soon as the music started they bounced right in energetically.

They hugged when the dance was over. Flitwick gave Hermione a knowing look and made his escape. Hermione saw Severus sat in a chair with his arms folded aristocratically. She walked up to where he sat.“There's not much left of me, but we can try to dance anyway.”

Snape scowled. “You mean to tell me you don't have an antidote to this,” gesturing at her diminished form. Hermione allowed herself a blush. “That's absolutely repugnant. How do you expect me to dance with a titchy little Professor?” Then it hit him with the force of a Bludger. Snape stood in a very dignified manner. “You never expected me to dance with you. I see.” Standing as close as he was Snape had to crane his neck to remain upright and look down at Hermione. “Good evening Professor.” Snape strode abused from the hall.

~!~

“Back again?” Hermione asked Snape when he turned up at her office the next day. She shuffled the papers she had been marking, giving Snape half of her attention. Snape said something she hadn't heard. “What was that? Sorry.” She put everything down, and squared herself.

“I took the liberty of speaking with Filius about replacing him as your partner tonight.” Severus was quite frank about it, “so don't eat any of those blasted biscuits.” Turning to go, “if you do I'll make you dance on the table.”

Yes! What an exhilarating feeling. Severus took matters into his own hands. He needed this.