Trading Places

TITLE: Trading Spaces 13

RATING: R (slash warning m/m)

PAIRING: HG/SS, HP/DM, HP/HG (friendship), RW/HG/HP (friendship)

A/N: We will be updating every two weeks, possibly with more than one installment,
depending on fate and life. Any constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.

A/N 2: Hermione's gown is pictured here: http://www.dresses.com/order/986.html.
Severus' tuxedo can be found at http://www.costumesandsketches.com/tuxedo.html
Draco and his friend are wearing simple black and white tuxedos.

SUMMARY: What do you call a cross between a Gryffindor and a Slytherin? A prefect!
Don't worry, it's not "what would happen if he had been sorted into . . ." Dumbledore
works in mysterious ways as Voldemort grows in power and daring. Other than that?
Shippyness, Snogging, Shagging, Snippy and Snarky! Trust me, it'll all make sense in a
little while.

GRATUITIES:


pinkcustard- What a wonderful compliment. Yes, we are trying to branch out into our
own fiction. Writing fanfiction is a great way to work on the writing skills. We've also
written in the Buffy and Labyrinth fandoms. Thank you! And we love our Griffy. He's
modeled on my cat, Wiley. Who would be that pissy if he could speak.


Severedscythe - We love to make people laugh. I'm glad! More funnies to come but
this part is rather serious. It'll lighten up again next time.


Lollylips3 -Thanks for reading!


Elbereth - More Ollie in this one. I think he's going to have a bigger part in the fic. We
love writing him. He's so darn cute and the brogue. . .gah!


Madampyro- Love the nic by the way. Wow! We have a fan club. We love it !
*beaming with pride* Troy's back, he's taking his duties as Fairy Godfather very
seriously. Olliver's back. And they're both taking a turn at being a bit snippy and
snarky to Sevvie.


Mecarkawan - You can't keep a pair of bad snakes down. They love the movies and
they love making fun of others.


Cjazz- We adore your song. *deep, throaty opera voice * Storyness, Oh Storyness. .
.Well, what do you expect? We're not that good at singing. Those who can't sing,
write. You made our day!


Scoobydee -Where's scrappy dee? Thanks!


AirliaStar- well, here's another helping. Eat up.

Snapegirl- I'm guessing its soon. Very soon! Thanks! And we're ratcheting up the
tension. I'm a snapegirl too.


Natzlin- Smooching aplenty in this chapter. And some funnies. A little more serious.
A god of HP funnyness. . .*head ballooning up*


Whitebearwrites- Thanks! Snip and Snark are a couple of bad snakes.


The Man Eating Dust Bunny- Gah! I laugh every time I write that. Yep, Troy finally got
it. And Ollie. . .well, you might be on to something. It's kiss time!


Sorceress aka ed ded death- Sure, you could clone your own and they could be. . .hmm..
Snappy and Snitchy? They are demonic muses, believe me. :) And Draco is delicious,
isn't he?


Diosa- Thank you! We're glad that you are enjoying Snape/Hermione. We're having a
lot of fun writing them. They'll be some more tension and some kissing in this one.


Rumhida- Ron has a girlfriend, Maddie. Hermione and Ron are just friends. And. .
.hmm...I think no one dies. We're glad you like the mascots and the actual people. :)


DarkOpalDragon - Don't cry *hands over kleenex* Here's more. And there is some
serious kissage in this one.


Lottalita- Ron is going to find out some of what's going on. He's in for a rude
awakening. Thanks!


Bre- Uh oh! We did leave the chapter there. *ducking Snape glare* But we made up for
it during this round.


LMic2001- Snoggin aplenty. More is here!


ChaosRose- *waiving* Hi there! Thank you kindly and here's the next part. I'm going
to have to spend a weekend perusing your library. We're honored to be in such
company. Yep, they pulled a prank on the old ceiling. More is here!


Kimirasarielle- We have some D/H goodness coming for you! We just needed to move
S/H along. And the Death Eaters will be throwing one hell of a party.


PhoenixMalfoy- Thanks! Here's more.


Canadian Weirdo - Nice to see you. And, yes, no kiss but we made up for it this time.
Thank you!

Vmorticia - Gah! Now, I'm thinking about a gay godfather. He will kiss you, shag you,
and then kill you. *laughs* Is that Sopranos meets Queer as Folk? Get me some cotton
balls! As always, thank you for reading!


Swing - Thanks!


Puppygal - That's too funny and I bet you do get weird looks but its so much fun! We
play a game where when somebody asks us a question we don't answer, we say, in a
serious tone, "fish bowl." It confuses and amuses. Thanks for reading.


Biblioholic - I'm one too! Thanks for reading.


Moxy - Yep, Sheldon is outta control. Thanks for reading.


Miseryslilwench- all will be revealed. Look for some sparks of the non-romantic
variety to fly between Hermione and Draco.


KeetaMaxwell- Your wish is my command. You didn't think we'd leave Harry out in
the cold, did you? *evil, maniacal laughter* We haven't seen that movie, is it good? I
sometimes say I loved it too though. Hmmm


LenaLovely- Thank you for clearing that up! *writes down a note* ha ha ha! Troy has a
wood fixation. Somehow I knew that. :) Thanks for reading!


Thanks for reviewing, guys. We LOVE it. More than Snippy loves Snarky. More than
the snakes love food! More than Troy loves wood. Teehee! You might say we have a
feedback problem.


And on with the story. . . .


***************************************************************************************************

Harry and Hermione marched down the hall, shoulder to shoulder, wands at the
ready. The school was deathly quiet. The suits of armor on the wall cast ominous
shadows that the two friends passed in and out of on the way to the meeting. There
were Aurors in every hallway and they all looked equally grim. They said nothing to
the Aurors or to each other. There was really nothing to say. They had both aged
twenty years in about as many minutes. Harry and Hermione had been summoned by
owl to an emergency staff meeting because, as prefects, they were now part of the staff.

Harry and Hermione had led their charges to the dormitories and proceeded to
process the event with them. The 1st years were very nervous and Harry offered some
comfort to them. He even went so far as to show his scar to them and give them an
edited version of his fights with Voldemort. This calmed them somewhat, after all, the
famous Harry Potter was protecting them. Hermione and Harry also performed a
ritual in the common room. The spell was designed to block harmful magic. Although
Harry and Hermione knew that most, if not all, the Death Eaters knew the accurate
counterspell. They simply needed to make the students feel safe. They also encouraged
the students to write home to their parents and discuss the situation.

Another duty was to look for traitors and Slytherin House had them in spades.
Many of the 7th years, were trying to mask gleeful expressions, including Crabbe and
Goyle. Harry made a list of suspects to give to Professor Dumbledore. The two prefects
had ordered everyone to bed after everything had been put to rights. The students
grudgingly agreed to go. Shortly thereafter, a Hogwart's owl arrived with the
Headmaster's message.

Harry and Hermione entered the meeting room, to find all of the other prefects
and Heads of House there. There were only a couple of staff members missing, Hagrid,
who had taken Fluffy out to do a grounds sweep, and Filch who was guiding the
Aurors through the 3rd floor.

"Five points a piece from Gryffindor for your tardiness," Snape aisheished as
he caught sight of them. He forced himself not to look at Hermione.

"Sorry, Professor Snape," Harry and Hermione both answered dutifully. They
took seats on either side of him, as was expected of prefects.

Harry fought the urge to kick the professor's chair. He glanced across the table
and saw Malfoy. He was seated next to Professor McGonnagal looking as smug as
ever. Hermione glanced over as well and flushed as Draco very deliberately winked.

For his part, Harry was appalled that Draco had attempted to openly flirt with him.

"Let us begin." Professor Dumbledore intoned. "I doubt many of us will be
sleeping much this night," He said pointedly at Snape. "As you know, the Death Eaters
have breached Hogwart's magical defenses in order to perform this prank. I think we
all agree that this was merely a warning shot." There were several nods. "However,
the Aurors have found no evidence as of yet of any Death Eaters on campus. This was a
stunt performed by in-house operatives."

"Junior Death Eaters," Harry clarified. "I have a list of suspicious students,
Headmaster." He pulled the note from his pocket.

"Well, if it isn't Sherlock Holmes," Severus mocked. "I believe I'll take a look at
those first, since *I* am Head of Slytherin." He snatched the paper from Harry and sent
him a nasty look. "Ten points for failure to follow protocol, Potter." Harry bristled but
said nothing.

"I think that would be wise since you are more familiar with them," Dumbledore
said. "I would like regular reports on your progress."

"As you wish," Severus agreed. He wanted to peruse the list of names and
compare them with his own notes. He seriously doubted that Potter knew anything he
didn't.

"This was merely a ploy to make us uneasy. To rattle us and make us let our
guard down. We cannot let that happen. I cannot stress that enough." Dumbledore
looked around the table. "We must be vigilant. To that end. . .I would like all of the
prefects to do a through sweep of their House tonight. I know it isn't necessary, the
Aurors have already made a thorough inspection but this will go a long way to
restoring the peace of mind of our students." They all nodded. " I would also like you
to make yourselves available in the coming days to talk with the students." He turned
his attention to the elder members of the staff. " I ask the same of the faculty and staff.
In addition, I want the professors to work on a series of protection spells and potions
that we can use to reinforce the ones already in place. We must protect Hogwarts. . .at
all costs." There were murmurs of assent. "Excellent. I bid you all goodnight."

All of the staff got up from their chairs and exchanged stunted pleasantries with
one another as they made their way to the door.

Dr. Troy pulled Hermione aside. "Let me guess, spontaneous redecoration is a
bad thing, right?"

"As a rule, yes." Hermoine managed a smile. "Are you alright?"

"Fabulous, apple dumpling. All of the screaming and running was interesting,
to say the least." His lips twitched. "All I could think was that everyone else thought
that mark on the ceiling was as ugs I s I did. Really, how biker-chic can you get?" He
reached out and took her hand in his own. "How are you?"

"Fine, I had a lot of scared students to take care of but I'm doing okay now."

Professor Snape stepped in between Hermione and Dr. Tatterton, removing
the other man's hand from her person. "I didn't think I had to explain this to you but
being so. . .familiar. . . with a student is out of bounds."

"You should know, Sevvie," Troy said sweetly.

"Troy, hello there," Oliver Wood said as he sidled up to the group. "I haven't
experienced anything that scary since Marcus Flint smiled at me." He deliberately
looked at Severus. "Or since. . .someone breathed on me." Yes, being an instructor and,
therefore, immune to losing points, was good.

Severus scowled. "Shouldn't you be," his voice was thick with insinuation,
"polishing a broom stick or something?"

Hermione nearly choked.

"Why, I do believe Sevvie is working on his double entendres," Dr. Troy
grinned, not in the slightest bit put out. He was rather handsome when he was angry. .
.too bad about the straight thing.

"Well, he can't run around scowling *all* the time," Wood joked. He looked at
Hermione, "I've missed the old gang. Why don't you bring Ron and Harry over some
night? We'll-"

"It's not appropriate for staff members to entertain students in their private
quarters," Severus interjected. He certainly didn't like the idea of Hermione alone with
three young men, even if the majority of them were gay.

"And you should know," Troy singsonged.

"Don't be silly, we're old friends. I'd love to, thanks, Oliver," She walked
forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight." She smiled at Dr. Troy.
"Goodnight."

"Why don't you come over sometime? We'll watch movies." He couldn't keep
the smile off his face at Sevvie's thunderous expression.

"I'll bring the magic popping corn," She waved as she walked over to Harry.

"Goodnight, peach pie," He and Oliver ambled away without a word to the
steaming Professor Snape.

"Fruitcake." Severus muttered under his breath. camecame up behind Harry and
tapped him on the shoulder a little harder than necessary. Potter was apparently busy
having a staring contest with Draco Malfoy. "Are you quite finished, Mr. Potter?
Follow me, I can't have you and H. . .Miss Granger falling into the wrong hands," He
sneered.

The perfects followed him down the darkened corridor . Watching Snape's long
robes billow about him a sta stalked down the hallway, Harry idly thought he
resembled a bat. It did nothing to decrease his anxiety or tension. He looked over at
Hermione, ready to make some snappy remark when he noted her watching the
professor with an appraising but appreciative eye. Harry recognized that look. It was
how he gazed at Gilderoy Lockhart until the man opened his mouth. It was the way he
watched Oliver Wood as he got ready for a game. It was the way he had looked at
Draco Malfoy the first time he saw him in that Death Eater's robe.

"Anything you'd like to confess, Hermione?" Harry asked as they started up the
stairs.

"Oh. . .about Draco-"

"No, not about Draco. I'm talking about another Slytherin." He hissed.

"We're Slytherins," Hermione replied obtusely.

"Snape?" Harry attempted to jog her memory.

At the sound of his name, Severus turned around. "This may come as a surprise
to you, Potter, but I can still hear you even when I'm not facing you. As for your rather
clumsy insinuation that I may have a non-academic association with Mirangranger, I
assure you the idea is ludicrous." He pinned Hermione to the spot with a glare. "It
would behoove Miss Granger to not form. . .attachments to any staff members." He
turned on his heel and entered his own apartments.

"Hermione?"

She started up the stairs with a gamine grin on her beautiful face. "Come on,
Harry. We better hurry if we want to get in bed at a decent hour."

*~*~*~*~*~


"Ah ha!" Sheldon yelled as he leapt into the great hall. Gilderoy's picture was
dressed in a ninja outfit. "Did you think I was afraid of you?! I was merely regrouping.
I am the Mascot of Evil!" He hopped up on a nearby table and stealthily padded down
the center, he did a high kick and knocked a bowl of chicken to the floor. "Come out,
evil ones! And face my-"

u rau rang?" Snippy's hissed from across the room. Snarky who was still
entwined with him snickered.

"Damn ninjas ruin everything." The two snakes hissed a private laugh.

Sheldon jumped to the next table. "And you call yourself evil mascots? Look at
you! Cringing in the darkness while I-"

"Make idle threats to an otherwise empty room?" Snarky heckled. He moved
away from Snippy. "And we weren't cringing we were-"

"Cold," Snippy finished, he slithered further away. "Where's Harry?"
eah,eah, we yelled and he didn't come! Sssome hero!"

"I don't care! I'm here to fight the Death Eaters! Come out you blackguards and
I will-"

"Shhhhh!" The snakes put their tails to their mouths.

Snarky slipped around to Sheldon's side. "Do you know what they would do to
a loudmouth little book like you?"

"I am not afraid for I am-"

"A book written by a prissssy pretty boy?" Snippy hissed as he too slid around
the book.

Lockhart's picture put his hands on his mouth and gasped in indignation. "He's
not a-"

"Ssssave it. We're going to do something really evil," ky sky said.

"Really? Like what?" Sheldon could never turn down the prospect of evil deeds.

"We know a lousy hero who's going to come home to a nassssty surprise."

The snakes laughed.

Snarky and Snippy surrounded the book. "Have you ever heard of short
sheeting a bed?"

***************


An hour later, Harry was feeling bad about his wild accusations. The very idea
that she would find Snape attractive! Maybe she'd been daydreaming about someone
else whiookiooking at Professor Snape. That seemed to be a bit more likely. Deciding to
provide a peace offering, Harry pulled a box of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans from
under the floorboard. He'd decided to use magic in order to safeguard his treats from
Snippy and Snarky.

Harry concealed himself in his invisibility cloak. It wouldn't do to have a prefect
breaking House rules on the first night of school! He quietly made his way to her room
and was about to walk in her open door when she walked out holding a garment bag.
She looked to the left and the right. . .the hallway was empty save for Harry. Then, she
took off to the common room. Harry couldn't help but follow. There were a couple of
students there and she glared at them reprovingly. "You'd better get into bed, its far
past curfew." They were about to argue with her when her expression became as
menacing as Snape's on a bad day. They gathered their things and made their way
back to their rooms. Mystified, Harry watched as Hermione then went to the portrait
and left. He rushed after her. Harry held his breath as she passed by Snape's private
rooms on the way out. To his relief, she didn't enter.

He was hot on her heels as she headed away from their dorms and headed
straight for Gryffindor Tower. Harry made sure to match his steps to hers even though
his stride was longer. She was nervous and made sure to be aware of her surroundings.
Hermione quickly walked to the portrait of the Fat Lady and murmured the correct
password. Harry neatly followed, managing to jump in before the portrait closed. She
put the garment bag over her shoulder as she ascended the stairs. Draco Malfoy was
lounging in the common room. There were several other students in the room as well.
A couple of them sat in chairs in front of the fire. A trio sat on the floor talking.
Apparently he wasn't a stickler when it came to curfew.

"Shnookums, did you come to say goodnight?" Draco crooned as she
approached the table.

She grimaced but knew she had to participate in their little charade. "Yes, I
missed you," Her eyes sent daggers at him, " my little ferret."

Harry nearly stumbled down the stairs. "What the hell. . .?"

"What was that?" Hermione turned around but there was no one behind them.

"Maybe it was that little pest, Griff-Gruff." He stood up and held out his arms to
her, determined to make her pay for that ferret comment and for putting him in this
position to begin with. "Give us a kiss!"

"Eww. . I mean, I can't." She pointedly looked at the other students. "I'm shy."

Unseen, Harry stalked over to the pair. He stood beside them, looking from one
to the other. He idly wondered if someone had spiked the chicken at tonight's dinner.
Then, he remembered Hermione's half confession from earlier. Was she involved with
Draco? And more importantly. . .didn't she know he was gay? Or bisexual? Or maybe
omnisexual. He was pretty sure Draco went after anything that moved.

"Fine, we'll go somewhere more private." He grabbed her arm and pulled her
towards the boy's dormitories.

"I don't want to go in there! I'm not *that* shy." Hermione held onto the table
as he attempted to drag her. "I'm good here."

"Let her go, Malfoy!"

Hermione looked up to see Ron racing down the stairs. She let go of the
hardwood table. "Hi, Ron." She flashed a false smile. "How are you?"

Ron ignored her. "Get your filthy hands off of her!"

"I would, except for the fact that she's MY GIRLFRIEND." The word echoed on
in the room "girlfriend, girlfriend, girlfriend." Everyone snapped to attention, some
jaws hitting the floor in the process.

"He's gay!" Ron said.

There were some shrugs. More or less everyone knew something was going on
with him and. . . most of Slytherin.

"No, no, he's not. He's just friendly." Hermione insisted. She looped her arm
through Draco's. "See?"

"Bloody hell!" Hermione heard it whispered to her left but saw no one there.

Draco couldn't keep the smirk off his face. "Yes, I'm very. . .very. . .friendly."

"Just don't get friendly with me, pal." Ron narrowed his eyes. "I wouldn't
touch him too much if I were you, Hermione. We don't know where's he been or what
he was doing when he was there."

Hermione fought the urge to drop his arm and get some cleanser. "I want you to
get along with him, he's my," she whispered, covering her mouth with her hand.
"Boyfriend."

"No! You can't! He's. . .it's Malfoy, Hermione." He walked forward and
pointed to the smug prefect. "Malfoy! Remember? He with the slicked-back Dracula
haid thd the sneering? We don't like him."

"Well, I'm not crazy about you either, Weasley." Draco replied.

Ron stubbornly crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't believe you! It's a spell.
Or. . .a curse. That's right! The Fourth Unforgivable. . .the one that makes you love
Malfoy."

"Oh yeah? Watch this!" Draco grabbed Hermione and kissed her, bending her
backwards over his arm, and putting all of his considerable experience into it.

Ron clapped his hands over his face. "My eyes! My eyes!"

A muffled curse and the sound of someone hitting the floor was heard to their
left.

Hermione pushed him and away and scrubbed her mouth with the back of her
hand. "Dear Merlin, that was. . .nice?" She gave him sickly smile.

"Come with me, schnookums." He picked up a garment bag from the table and
seized her arm. "Let's go to the Astronomy Tower." He leered at her.

"I can't wait. . .er, ferret face." Hermione managed as she grabbed her own bag
and flung it at him. "Carry that for me," She ordered as the left the stunned students in
the common room. Ron was making heaving noises on the floor.

Harry followed them closely. He couldn't quite believe what he had just seen.
As he scurried out behind them, he noticed that they stopped holding hands.

Draco tossed Hermione her bag. "I think you can carry this."

She caught it. "If you ever, *ever* kiss me again, I'll-"

"You'll what, Granger? You were the one who wanted to be my girlfriend."

"Pretend girlfriend, Malfoy," She reminded him. "Emphasis on *pretend*."

"Give over, I got the job done."

"Yes, everyone thinks we're using the Astronomy Tower for some human
anatomy extra credit. Well done," She said sarcastically.

"It'll throw suspicion away from you and the good professor if they think we're
shagging, right?"

A muffled curse was heard behind him.

They looked at each other and said in unison. "Peeves."

Hermione took up the argument again. "That's not the point. Severus and I
wanted something subtle, that was practically pornographic."

"I think he'd be grateful, you might learn something," Draco said with sly
insinuation.

Hermione made a sound of inarticulate rage and reached for her wand to
Flippendo him out a window but Harry felt compelled to take some vengeance on her
behalf. He ran along side of Malfoy and stuck his foot out, sending the other boy
sprawling on the floor. Draco shook his head and looked up to see Hermione smiling
down at him. "Learn to walk before you teach me anything."

*********


Severus flung open the door. "You're late." He was already dressed in his old-fashioned tuxedo, although the tie wasn't tied. He had tails and a cravat around his
neck. Of course, the color was black. It was twenty minutes to midnight and he
appeared to be at his wit's end. Harry followed Hermione and Draco into the
apartment. He had no idea what the hell was going on but he intended to find out.

"I'm sorry, Severus, but *someone* decided to put on a floor show for the
Gryffindors," Hermione accused.

"We needed them to buy it," Draco defended, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Simply holding hands wasn't going to get it done."

Snape glared down his long thin nose at his pupil. " hap happened?"

"He kissed me!" Hermione absently rubbed at her mouth.

"Will you stop that?" Draco snapped. "It's not like it was a thrill for me either."

"I said 'date', not molest!" Snape ground out. He threw up his hands. "We'll
deal with this later! We're going to be late as it is." He pointed to the left. "Draco,
change in the bathroom."

Harry couldn't stop himself. His feet simply followed the other boy on their
own. Draco swung open the door and Harry peered over his shoulder. The room was
opulent by anyone's standards. It had heated marble floors, an enormous claw-footed
bathtub, and a large lit mirror over the bowl-shaped sink. Draco shut the door, nearly
brushing against Harry as he did so. He hung his garment bag on the towel rack and
sighed. Draco placed a hand at the back of his neck and worked the muscles there. Out
of curiosity, he opened the linen cupboard and, as expected, within lay a wealth of
black towels and washcloths. There was also a delicate bowl filled with bath beads.
Amused, Draco picked one up and barely made out the words 'Obsession For Men'
printed on the white oval bead.

"Who knew?" Chuckling, Draco replaced the bead and shut the cupboard.
Draco began disrobing and Harry grew uncomfortable. He had followed the other boy
in here, ostensibly, to spy but this was out of the realm of espionage. Draco undid his
school tie and unfastened the buttons on his shirt. Harry couldn't seem to look away.
His chest was well-defined and smooth. Draco shrugged his shirt off. He unbuckled
his belt and undid his pants. Harry mentally went through the ingredients for
Quicksilver potion. Rationally, he knew that he saw other boys dress and undress all
the time. In the Gryffindor dorms and the locker room of course. It was nothing new.
But it seemed more intimate some how. Almost like a strip tease. Except that Harry felt
like a peeping Tom. Draco slid his trousers down and Harry stared at the ceiling.

Draco felt an odd sort of tension in the room. As if he wasn't alone. He scowled.
"So help me Merlin, if Snape's spying on me. . ." He grumbled to himself. Although, he
didn't think Professor Snape swung that way. And after watching him with Granger,
Draco suspected that there was more to their relationship than teacher and student. He
undid the garment bag and withdrew his tuxedo. He sneered at the Slytherin green
bow tie. Sometimes, his father could be so predictable. Why not pin a Death Eater sign
on his back and be done with it? He deftly dressed himself in the finery.

When he was fully dressed, he stood in front of the mirror to tie his bow tie. He
expertly tied it and then smoothed his collar down. Draco looked good and knew it.
He winked at his reflection.

Harry stifled a laugh. Leave it to Malfoy to hit on himself.

Suddenly, the mirror shimmered and shook. A set of features appeared before
him . The liquid face in the mirror belonged to a beautiful young woman. Her lips
were full and her eyes were wide although her form was silvery. "You died your hair?
Without consulting me?" The voice was metallic, strangely human, and distinctly
female. "You're not Severus. "S "So glad you noticed." Draco wasn't alarmed. Stranger things had happened.
"I'm Draco."

"Mmmm. . .you're much prettier than Severus. I'm Maven. Step back so I can
see you."

Draco obligingly stepped back, he even did a half turn. "Now, if you would
move to one side? You're distorting my view."

"Sorry." The tone was sulky. She moved to the right corner. "Tell me," she said
slyly. " Are you his *friend*? He seldom socializes."

"No, I'm just his student. Are you an enchanted mirror?"

"Yes, Severus made me as a school project." She watched him in the mirror.
"Unlike most magic mirrors, I was imbued with a personality, not just animation,"
Maven said proudly.

"I can see that. And you've been with him this whole time?"

"Yes," Maven pouted. "I wanted to move out on my own but he said mirrors
don't have careers in Muggle movies," She complained. Her demeanor was sulky, like
a child who was denied a treat.

"That sounds like him." Draco contemplated her a moment. "What do you *do*
for Severus?"

"Naughty boy!" Maven giggled. "I'll never tell."

"Alright," Draco smiled at her, liking the saucy mirror despite himself. "It was
very nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too." A feminine hand appeared in the mirror and she blew
him a kiss. "Can you do me a favor?"

"Why not?"

"Open the drawer below me." Draco did so. "Pour that hair grease down the
drain. That stuff is awful. It makes him look like he's swum through an oil slick."

Draco poured it down the drain and tossed the bottle into the waste basket.
"That should take care of it."

"Thank you, Draco. Will you visit me again?"

"Maybe. Goodnight, Maven."

"You know, this is a black and *silver* ball." She giggled. "Maybe you should
change your tie."

"I think so too." Draco withdrew his wand. "Transforment colour!" His tie
switched to silver. "That looks better."

"I think so too." Maven sounded sad. "Wish I could go too."

"Trust me, it won't be much fun."

Harry was listening intently. They were going to a party. And obviously Snape
and Hermione were going too. A Death Eater party? Maven's silver eyes fastened on
him and she rose one eyebrow. Harry put his finger to his lips and she smiled back at
him, happy to have a secret for once.

"Goodnight, Draco," Maven called as Draco left the room.

Harry followed after him but stopped in front of the mirror. "Thank you," he
whispered to the mirror.

"Anytime, Harry," Maven said impudently. "I've heard a *lot* about you."

Harry was about to ask her what Snape said but thought better of it. "G'night,
Maven ," He murmured.

**************


"Hermione, you may change in my bedroom." He escorted her down the hall to
his room. Severus opened the door to a Slytherin fantasy. A large fireplace dominated
the room. It was shaped like a serpent's head. Between its three foot long fangs sat a
neat row of logs. It was made of white marble. Its two red eyes winked in the firelight.

The bed was king-sized and swathed in emerald green satin. The bed itself was
wrought iron and four-postered. There were a couple of armoires against the wall and
a thick trunk at the end of the bed. Over all it was a beautiful if dramatic room.

"You imagined Salazar Slytherin was shy and retiring?" Severus smiled. "Get
dressed. We should leave soon." He closed the door behind himself.

Hermione laid her garment bag down on the trunk. It felt odd to be disrobing in
a professor's bedroom. Illicit. And conversely, exciting. Hermione's hand settled on
the green counterpane. She wondered what it would it be like to sleep in that big bed.
This might be her only shot. Shooting a look over her shoulder in case anyone were to
see her before she hopped up onto the bed and rested her head on a pillow. The
bedding smelled like Severus. Sandalwood and a hint of sage. Hermione sighed. She
could lay like this forever but she didn't have that luxury. Reluctantly, she got up.

Twenty minutes later, she was ready, thanks to some expensive beauty products
and a little magic. Hermione had her make-up applied. Her hair was piled on top of
her head and it lay in neat curls around her face. She had all of her undergarments on
and was in her gown but couldn't manage to get it zipped. Where was your gay best
friend when you really needed him? Resigned, she slipped her silver slippers on and
walked to the door.

Severus was in the hallway, leaning against the door. His mouth fell open as he
saw Hermione. The fire-light, the dress, and her dreamy expression added an air of
sophistication to her. She was no longer a little school girl in a uniform. He couldn't
take his eyes from her. She was a vision. "You look lovely," He managed, swallowing
the lump in his throat.

"Oh, thanks." She'd never been good at accepting compliments. She motioned
for him to come in. "I need your help!" Hermione presented him with her back. "I
can't get it zipped."

"Allow me." Severus placed his hand at the base of her spine. Hermione
trembled a little at his touch. He grasped the zipper and drew it up her back.
Disappointing to see that creamy skin slowly disappear from his sight. He took great
care not to pinch her skin and drew out the process longer. Why did touching her feel
so right? When he finished, Severus reluctantly removed his hands. "Done."

"Thank you." She turned to face him, her cheeks were suffused with pink.

Severus opened his jacket and withdrew a black satin pouch. "For you." He
handed it to her. Inside, were two elbow-length black gloves. "It will disguise the fact
that you don't have the Dark Mark yet."

"Thank you, Severus." She pulled them on her arms, grateful for the
concealment.

"We need masks." He pulled two simple black masks from the trunk at the end
of the bed. y wey were on a silver handle that could be placed against the face. They
only covered the eyes and nose. His was slightly larger than hers.

"What's the point? Don't they know everyone at the party?"

"That's part of the charm of a masked ball, Hermione. They get to pretend to be
someone else." He sighed. "Are you ready?"

"No," she admitted. She picked up her shawl from the bed.

"I understand," Severus took the piece of tulle from her and wrapped it around
her shoulders. "The first time is always like that." He rested his hands on her shoulders
and took a scloscloser.

"The first time?" Hermione was acutely aware of the bed against the back of her
knees.

"It's terrifying and exciting at the same time," Severus murmured. He wasn't
sure what he was talking about right now but it sure as hell wasn't Malfoy's party.

"I-I can see that." Her face was upturned, his breath was warm on her cheek.

"Trust me. I'll guide you, teach you. . ." His lips hovered over hers. "Follow
me."

"I'm ready." Hermione bridged the distance between them by placing her lips
against his own.

Severus closed his eyes. She was sweet and yielding and everything he imagined
she would be. He deepened the kiss and was gratified to see her respond in kind. She
relaxed against him, her small hand clutching his shirt collar. Somewhere inside, he
knew this was wrong, and the stronger part of himself didn't care. And, having tasted
her once, Severus was destined to want more. She was everything bright and beautiful.
He was unworthy of someone so innocent. He only hoped that he didn't corrupt her
with the darkness within himself.

Hermione was in the middle oflstrlstrom. This wasn't the pleasant kiss of a
teenage boy. He tasted of power and shadows. Things that made your heart beat
faster and your breath catch. She wanted more. . . wanted to drown herself in him.
Even the dark part of him. Here one only hoped that she could hold his attention.

When he lifted his mouth from hers, they silently gazed at each other. Neither
one of them could put words to what had happened. Severus took a deep breath and
when he spoke, his voice was hoarse. "Beware. You've entered the serpent's den,
Hermione." She noted that the scenery around them had changed. They were in the
foyer of Malfoy Manor.

"How?"

"A spell." Severus' smile didn't reach his bottomless black eyes. "Useful when. .
.transporting people." Hermione shuddered involuntarily. He hadn't been lying when
he said that he would be more evil here.

"Welcome," Lucius drawled. He was leaning indolently against the staircase, a
glass of champagne in his hand.

"Showtime," Severus murmured. He placed his hand in the small of her back
and pressed her forward.

***********


Draco stepped out into an empty room. "Bloody hell." He hoped he wasn't late.
His father wasn't going to like that at all.

Harry realized that Hermione and Snape must have already Apparated. Which
meant that Draco was leaving. Harry decided this was one party Draco wouldn't be
attng ang alone. He waited until Draco closed his eyes, and threw off the invisibility
cloak, it would do him no good at a Death Eater soiree. Snape had made it clear that
they were well versed in sensing cloaking devices. Stepping forward, he cupped
Malfoy's chin in one hand, putting his other hand on his arm, where the Dark Mark
should be, and gently brushed his lips over hisracoraco opened his eyes just as he
Apparated. "Potter!"


"Malfoy." Harry whispered as they appeared in the Malfoy Manor. "Nice place.
This yours?"

"What do you think you're doing?" Draco hissed.

"You didn't want to be the only one without a date, did you?" Harry smirked
back, trying to hide the fact that his heart was racing. "Speaking of. . .shouldn't Pansy
be here with you?"

"She's not allowed to go to Malfoy parties." Draco said, eager to close the
subject.

"Why? This looks like the perfect chance to mingle with murderers."

Draco let it slide. After all, it was the truth. "Let's just say her father doesn't
want her to get too close to mine."

Harry heard footsteps echoing down the hall and took a step into the shadows.

"I should let them have you." Draco scowled. Quickly, he drew his wand.
Harry flinched but the blond boy merely transfigured his school uniform into a tuxedo
and his glasses into a mask. "If you make it through this, Hero, I'm going to thrash you
within an inch of your life."

"Now, what concern?" Harry smiled. "Didn't know you cared."

"Just don't want anyone else to kill you, Hero. That privilege should be mine."

"Draco! So nice of you to drop in." Lucius' voice dripped sarcasm. "Ah, and
you brought a friend." He didn't even give the other boy a second glance.

"Friend?" Draco lifted a brow. "Yes, a very *close* and personal *friend*."

"Enjoy your. . .pleasures. . . while you can." Lucius taunted. "You still have to
marry a Slytherin debutante. you your duty."

"And here I thought all I had to do to be a Malfoy was get drunk and kill
Muggles." Draco sneered, grabbing Harry's arm and escorting him past the elder
Malfoy.

Lucius clutched Draco's shoulder. "I'll let that go, this time, son."

"Kind of you, *Dad*." They disappeared into the throng of Death Eaters. Draco
released Harry's arm and made his way to the bar. "Pumpkin juice," He ordered. The
bartender dutifully filled a glass and handed it to him. Draco made it a point to never
drink. He handed Harry an empty champagne glass. Harry stared at the crystal. "You
waiting for an invitation, Hero?" He pointed to the champagne fountain on the nearby
table.

"I've been known to invite myself," Harry rejoined before he drifted to the other
table. He filled his champagne flute. He almost felt sympathy for Draco. Merlin knows
his own home life hadn't been filled with hugs and cookies. Although, Harry had never
joined an evil club either.

"So? Did you want to join or were you just bored?"

"I told you Malfoy, I just wanted to save you from being a wallflower at your
own party."

"Your concern is touching," Draco said sarcastically, his lips settling into a smile
filled with innuendo. "But I never lack for company." He took a drink of his juice. "In
fact, Hermione and I are very close."

"Yes, I saw, ferret face." Harry couldn't help but laugh.

"Are you stalking me now, Hero?" He rose one eyebrow. "Who'd have thought
a little kiss would earn that much devotion?"

"Don't flatter yourself, Malfoy. I've forgotten all about it."

"Once more, with feeling," Draco insinuated.

"Actually, I only came here for Hermione. She doesn't belong here, she's going
to get hurt."

"Leave her alone, Hero. She doesn't need your protection. One less innocent for
you to save." He pointed out Hermione in a crowd where she stood next to Professor
Snape. "Come on, can't have you standing about and glaring at people. They might get
suspicious." He turned away and walked towards two chairs situated by the terrace.

Harry reluctantly followed. They sat down, the wooden chairs crackling as they
did so. "So, you *are* a Death Eater."

"That's jumping to conclusions, isn't it?" Draco drawled. "Is th cle clever ploy
to get me to take my shirt off?"

"Dammit! I forgot to look again when you were changing." Harry was shocked
to find out he'd said that out loud.

"You watched me change?" He watched Harry over the rim of his glass. "See
anything you like, Hero?"

"I didn't actually. . .no." He tried to look smug. "I've seen better."

"Well, we're not all Woode wee we?"

Harry spit out the champagne in his mouth. "Excuse me?!"

"Oliver Wood? Former Gryffindor keeper?"

"Right. Wood." Harry took a large sip. "Wait a minute, how do you know
wh-"

"This is hardly the place for kiss and tell, Potter. At least, on my part. " He
leaned forward conspiratorially. "So, how long have Severus and Hermione been
shagging?"

Harry sputtered again, spitting the champagne back out.

"Don't you have any manners?"

"Don't you? They aren't! Hermione would never. . .she had to. . .no one would
touch Snape for fun."

"Shows what you know." Draco pointed them out to Harry. They were dancing
very close to each other. "Oh, yes, she looks like she's being tortured."

***********


Hermione had been amazed when they had entered the ballroom. There was an
orchestra comprised of enchanted instruments. A crowd of sophisticates were on the
dance floor. There were ice sculptures in the shape of snakes and well-dressed waiters
had trays of hors d'oeuvres they were passing out to hungry party goers. Despite
herself, Hermione was intrigued. For just a minute, she was a girl in a beautiful dress at
a ball lovely enough for Cinderella to attend.

Severus had taken her arm as soon as they sighted Malfoy. She glanced up at
him and his face was set in grim lines. "What's wrong?"

He ignored her question. "Why don't we get a drink?" Severus snagged a
couple of full champagne flutes from a passing waiter. "Only one. We must have our
wits about us. And remember, no pate."

"How are you enjoying my party?" Lucius asked, coming up beside Hermione.

"We only just got here. It was five minutes ago," Severus said tightly. "Think
back."

"Would you care to dance?" Lucius asked Hermione, completely ignoring the
other man.

"No, thank you." It was polite but brooked no argument. Hermione filled her
mouth with champagne.

"Ah, keeps you on a tight leash, does he?"

Ewwwwww. "I haven't had a dance with Severus yet." She looked up at him
hopefully.

"So sorry, Malfoy. She's taken." With that, he led her to the dance floor. He
deposited their glasses on a nearby table before they took the floor.

"What a horrible man." Hermione said irritably. "No wonder Draco's so
awful."

"He's not so bad once you get to know him." He placed a hand on her waist,
pulling her a little closer than was necessary and they began to waltz.

"Yeah, well, he's not kissing you." She searched his face as a thought occurred to
her. "He's not, right?"

"No." He smiled. "And I might be the only person in Slytherin House to have
that distinction."

"Except for the snakes." Her brow furrowed "You don't think he's kissed the
snakes, do you?"

"Why all this interest in his sexual proclivities?"

"I just want to know how high-powered of a mouth wash to use, that's all."
Hermione smiled at him. "You almost sound jealous."

"What if I am?" He whispered.

"What was that?" She looked up at him.

"Nothing." His eyes caught a movement over her head. "Damn that boy."

"What is it?" She tried to turn around and look, but he held her fast.

"Let's just pray Malfoy's properly distracted." Severus frowned. He had talked
to Draco about deliberately baiting his father. "And doesn't see his flauflaunting his - "

"Sexual proclivities?" Hermione tossed back his own phrase.

"Yes." He whirled them away from the corner of the dance floor Draco was
approaching to avoid the fireworks.

********************


Draco stood up and bowed at the waist. "May I have this dance?" It was said in
a formal tone but full of mockery.

"What would your father think?"

"Who gives a bloody damn? Shall we?" Draco started away.

"Who's going to lead?" Harry was confused by the request. He wasn't
completely sure this wasn't a tactic to throw him off guard.

"I am." They reached the edge of the dance floor and Draco offered his hand to
Harry. "Unless you're afraid?"

"Of you?" Harry's tone suggested that he thought it was a ridiculous question.
He took Draco's hand, resting his other on his shoulder. Draco gripped his waist and
led them expertly through the dance. "Do this often?"

"I took dance lessons for three years. All Malfoys do," Draco commented,
moving lightly on his feet.

"Why are you dancing with me?" Harry asked, his green eyes piercing.

"You wanted to be my date, Hero." Draco smirked. "Thought I'd show you a
good time."

Harry ct sit sight of Lucius. His face was thunderous. "Sure it wasn't to piss of
your old man?"

"That too." Draco pulled him closer, smirking suggestively. "Know what would
really piss him off?"

"If you dumped champagne on his neoes?oes?" Harry suggested, suddenly
nervous. He didn't care if Draco wanted to make a scene, but he'd really rather not
draw a lot of attention.

"C'mon, Hero. How about a real kiss?" Draco angled his face over Harry's.

"Why don't we just take our masks off and go skipping hand in hand over the
cocktail bar?" Harry asked caustically. "Really, why bother hiding me at all if you're
just going to - "

"Shut up, Hero." Malfoy kissed him. He removed his hand from Harry's to bury
in the thick black hair, gently scratching his neck. Draco bit into Harry's lower lip,
noting the taste of champagne. He started to deepen the kiss when a large hand
clamped on his shoulder.

"If you wanted my attention, you could've asked for it." Lucius remarked icily.

"I've been asking for eighteen years. Got tired of wai." D." Draco jeered, as he
stepped away from Harry. He maintained a grip on his arm.

"Well, you have it now." Lucius slowly drained anotheass ass of champagne.
"Aren't you going to introduce your *friend*?"

"No, I don't think I am." Draco stepped in between the two, seeming almost
pctivctive.

Lucius addressed Harry. "You might as well give up on him. He's meant for
someone else."

"Like who I marry affects who I sleep with." Draco pointed out. "How is Mother
by the way? Tell me, did she bring Goyle's older brother again, or has she moved on
from him?"

"Watch your mouth. This isn't the place or time." Lucius instructed him coldly.

"Never is." Draco shook his head.

"I take it your companion is from Hogwarts?"

"Yes, I am." Harry stated firmly, beginning to feel sorry for Draco. His father
was obviously intoxicated and seemed to be getting meaner by the minute. He noticed
Draco had yet to let go of his arm.

"Are you in the same year?" Lucius narrowed his eyes. There was something
almost familiar about the boy's voice.

Harry was about to answer when Draco intervened. "Wondering if he's old
enough for me? Odd, not usually something you concern yourself with."

"Ah, Draco. Good to see you outside of school." Severus stepped to the side of
the father and son pair, Hermione's hand tucked carefully in his arm. "How are you
enjoying your father's party?"

"Very well, sir." He said respectfully, finally letting go of Harry.

"I was wondering if I might speak to your father for a moment. Perhaps your
friend won't mind if you dance with Miss Granger for a moment?" He didn't want to
leave her unattended. Draco nodded, formally extending his arm for Hermione to take.
Severus led Lucius out onto the balcony, and Harry made himself as inconspicuous as
he could, standing by the champagne fountain.

Severus glowered at Malfoy. "What did you think you were doing?"

"Conversing with my son."

"That's not what I meant." Snape hissed. "I thought I made it clear that all
attacks on Hogwarts should be cleared through me."

"Didn't you enjoy the show?" Lucius sneered.

"About as much as I enjoy your company." Severus folded his arms over his
chest. "And another thing, keep your hands to yourself, Malfoy. I've told you before, I
don't share."

*********


Hermione searched for Snape over Draco's shoulder. "Where is he?"

"Relax. They're just talking business." Draco assured her.

"Pardon my bluntness, but your father's a - "

"I know what he is." Draco whirled them around.

"He was very angry," She said.

"That was the plan." Draco grinned. "He doesn't like the idea that his only son's
gay. I don't like the idea that he's a lousy father. It's a trade-off."

"What about your mother?" She asked quietly. "Does she care?"

"Narcissa? Like she even notices me." Draco snorted. "She's busy with her own
. . .entertainments." His expression was carefully blank. " She had her assistant send
me a birthday card last year. Like I've never seen her handwriting. The inscription said
fondly."

"You're kidding."

"Hardly." Draco sighed. "That's alright, Granger, I had the best childhood
money could buy. And despite what he said tonight, he's proud of me most of the time.
Proud of what I'm supposed to be."

"And that is what, exactly?" She turned knowing eyes on him.

"I'll never tell." He grinned, his eyes finding Harry as they moved about the
dance floor. Hermione caught the look.

"So, who's you're friend?" She raised a brow.

"*My* friend?" His smirk widened. "Just another Death Eater in training."



A/N: Don't worry, children. The ball's not over yet. The clock hasn't struck midnight
and the 'entertainment 'is still to comeð