Playing the Game

Disclaimer: All hail JK Rowling who owns these characters. I have just borrowed them for some fun.

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Chapter 2. All’s Fair in Love and War


Sitting once again at the High Table for dinner some days later, a prickle travelled across the back of Severus’ neck. He knew instantly who it was. Granger and Potter stood behind him.

“May we join you?” her words were a polite formality, as she obviously intended to occupy the seat next to him regardless.

Severus merely inclined his head in polite acknowledgement, starting a little as she placed a hand on his arm as she sat down. His eyes fell on the pale hand now resting against black wool. He could feel the heat emanating from her. She was close enough that he could again smell her unique perfume. His carefully trained nose was extraordinarily sensitive. The scent was that tantalizing blend of violets and something that was uniquely her. He found it warm and compelling, and had a vision of himself burying his nose in the exposed curve of her neck.

The absurdity of the urge left Severus momentarily nonplussed.

Within moments of that thought entering his head, Hermione turned her attentions away from an obviously unhappy Potter and on to him. She asked him about his classes; she asked after his health; she started telling him about what the Weasleys were doing. Gods preserve him from mindless small talk! And in between it all he discovered he was uncomfortably sensitive to her presence.

He was sure his unexpected responsiveness was only because she had raised the subject of intimacy; otherwise this would never have become an issue. It was her fault for making him aware of her.

Severus was both amazed and suspicious watching the young woman trying to catch his attention. She was smiling warmly at him, casting him little sideways glances as she ate her meal. Her scent tantalised his nose. He was starting to feel like he’d swallowed a rabid doxy. His stomach was doing little flip-flops and he suddenly wanted to retreat to his orderly sanctuary.

He had observed this type of behaviour before between students and acquaintances but never towards himself. Was she flirting with him? He banished the suspicion as ludicrous. Women didn’t flirt with him and Severus certainly wasn’t giving any credence to her bizarre declaration about wanting him.

Then why on earth was she…? Oh right. Trying to make lover boy jealous, are we? He barely repressed a groan of utter boredom. No wonder she was acting so strangely towards him. It certainly explained a lot. Perhaps he should just employ that marvelous bat-bogey hex that the youngest Miss Weasley had performed so adeptly. The thought of hexing Potter pleased him no end. The thought of hexing Granger, well…he didn’t think Minerva would let him get away with it, so he was just going to have to ignore her. After all, they were colleagues now, however much the thought disturbed him. At least now he knew how things really stood. I can handle this.

Hermione persisted in trying to drag him, albeit kicking and screaming, into conversation. It takes two to play that game, miss! And Severus considered himself a master of manipulation. Keeping his answers deliberately noncommittal, barely bordering on polite, but hardly more than an indifferent grunt, he kept his eyes on his plate and his fork in his mouth as much as possible. He had so successfully managed to avoid looking at her that he nearly choked when her gentle hand touched his sleeve once again in an attempt to capture his attention. What on earth was she doing? He looked up into warm hazel eyes that were swimming with undefined emotion, an emotion he had never seen before. Not from her, not from anybody. How odd. Over her shoulder, Potter was frowning at him, almost angrily.

What the hell-? It occurred to Severus that Potter thought he was monopolizing his girlfriend, despite the obvious fact that Granger was the one doing all the talking…as usual. Severus concealed his surprise, after all, it’s not as if Granger would ever take any real interest in him, but then, he suppressed a grin; wouldn’t it be wonderful to see Potter squirm? Imagine seeing your lover’s attentions given to a man old enough to be her father…especially one she never really liked! The image was tantalising. Maybe he would have a little fun with this, after all, he may not be a handsome man, but charm was something he knew a lot about.

Severus suddenly began to make a concerted effort to return Hermione’s conversation attempts with civil and protracted replies. She looked at him oddly for a brief moment but quickly recovered, rewarding him by steering the previously ordinary conversation into areas he unexpectedly found most interesting. Severus was more than pleasantly surprised to discover that her mind had matured right along with her body. She spoke of her Arithmancy research, and asked about his. Of anyone, Miss Granger Smarty-Pants was the most likely to understand what he might tell her about the work he was doing in the potions lab…and, happily, Potter would not! How droll. Severus used his most technical terminology to wrap the conversation around the two of them as snug as a blanket, enjoying the sight of Potter’s frown getting blacker and blacker as he discovered himself excluded.

Severus used his smoothest voice. He remembered, to his shame, a girl in his Fourth Year who had said that his voice was like honeyed velvet…only wasn’t it a pity he had the nose and personal habits of a mountain troll. He vaguely recalled hexing her dramatically for her troubles. But, she had complimented him on his voice and he had learned to use that voice well over the years. Still, Severus was slightly bemused at how Granger’s eyes widened slightly and her breathing changed in response.

His eyes flicked to Potter who was now sitting sullenly silent by her side, knowing a moment of triumph. Stupid boy, won’t even fight for the woman you want? Severus returned his attention to Granger and saw again that she was smiling at him, and it was an odd, different sort of smile that had his own body tightening unexpectedly with need. Gods, what was wrong with him! He hadn’t been surprised into reactions like this since…well, since he’d given that insulting cow a face full of boils back in Fourth Year.

Suddenly he lost his nerve. Severus did not consider himself a coward by any means, but this young woman seated beside him was affecting him in ways that he had not experienced in a long time, and did not want to experience, especially with her. It was one thing to get a rise out of Potter, but another thing altogether to get a rise out of…well, it was time to end the game. Bidding her and Potter an abrupt goodnight, and ignoring the expression on her face, was that disappointment?, he swept from the table and made his way out of the Great Hall, holding his robes closely around him. He had never been so glad of the privacy of his dungeon chambers.

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Before Hermione knew it Halloween was upon them. Life had settled into a new routine of daily classes and weekly staff meetings, regular Head of House activities and the occasional detention. The object of her affection was a stubborn man, and she knew she needed to give him time to adjust to the idea of her being in his life. She also had to admit that her patience was rapidly wearing thin. She had made several attempts to spend time with Severus, but that man was more than a Master of Potions, he was a Master of Invisibility as well. She’d no sooner catch a glimpse of him and, poof!, he was gone. He was regularly absent from meals, he was the last one to arrive and the first to leave no matter what the event – staff meeting, meal, social event. It was both infuriating and frustrating.

Hermione had to keep reminding herself that anything worth winning was worth waiting for.

As usual, the teachers were required to supervise the Halloween Ball. Minerva had agreed to a fancy dress ball and the students were busily borrowing and transfiguring costumes throughout the castle.

Hermione decided to join in the spirit of the occasion. Professor Flitwick had, after all, decided to dress up as a pumpkin this year, and it would be impossible to look any sillier than that. Instead, Hermione had managed to transfigure an old summer dress into the most exquisite Victorian corset and dress that wickedly emphasized assets she hadn’t even realised she had. Assets? Weapons, she hoped! The corset was made from soft black velvet that contrasted wickedly with her pearly skin. The matching dress was a silky, burgundy, layered concoction that hugged her hips and positively shimmered as she walked.

“Wow, nice outfit, Professor!”
Hermione smiled her thanks at the group of Griffyndor boys who were having trouble keeping their eyes above her shoulders, as she made her way towards the Great Hall. It felt good to be admired.

Perfect! All’s fair in love and war…and this is a little of both. Admittedly, if she worked this right, they would both come out winners.

The Great Hall was decorated with the traditional floating pumpkin lanterns and live bats flying around the ceiling. Hermione, for once, did not even see the decorations. Her eyes sought and found her target within a few seconds of entering.

***

She walked towards him with infinite grace.

Severus allowed his gaze to wander freely over her svelte curves. Convinced she was too far away to notice him, standing as he was in the shadows, his face an implacable mask, he watched her unwaveringly. Black eyes couldn’t help but roam over the honey brown curls that shimmered as they tumbled in controlled disarray over one, almost bare shoulder, framing a face that was starting to haunt his thoughts. Her hair trailed the top of her dress.

Severus took a deep rasp of air. Every curve of her body was outlined and accentuated by a scrap of fabric that ought to be outlawed. The dress was a provocative combination of the sensuous wanton combined with the Victorian straight-laced. How very appropriate. It covered her more than adequately, but the way it covered her actually made it even more revealing than the skimpiest of outfits, which usually left him unmoved. He grimaced fleetingly as his body responded automatically to the disturbing sight. Gods, she definitely wasn’t a child anymore.

Severus noticed that he wasn’t the only one watching her fluid walk with interest. A gentle hush had fallen over the room and more than one male student was having his ribs poked or his foot stepped on by an irate female.

Suddenly he wanted to throw his cloak around Hermione’s near naked shoulders and hide her tantalising curves from lustful male eyes. He shook off the feeling as quickly as it had come. This was ridiculous.

She made no immediate attempt to approach him as the evening wore on, beyond a couple of direct smiles from across the room. It made him nervous. After her bold declaration, she didn’t even bother to come near enough to say hello. He watched her make her rounds, using quiet confidence to beguile obedience and compliance from the students she spoke with. He watched her dance with Potter and then with Hagrid, laughing and chatting as she looked up into their faces. Again, he suppressed the urge to go over to her and draw her out of their grasp and into his own.

This was stupid. He didn’t want her, so why was he bothered by other men’s interest in her?

As she stepped out onto the dance floor with Lupin, his patience finally snapped. The sight of the werewolf’s paws wrapped around that slender waist, the sight of her gifting him with her beautiful smile left Severus feeling rather abandoned.

Seeing that the room of rampantly hormonal students was well under control and feeling the need for more control himself, Severus retreated to the gardens for some fresh air. Passing silently through the grounds he came across some 6th Year Hufflepuffs practicing a romantic variation of the liplocker curse on each other. One look at his face had them leaping out of his way. Severus almost savagely enjoyed deducting points from both of them, and then turned his back on them as they desperately tried to get their lips unstuck.

Finding a quiet spot beyond the rose bushes wasn’t hard. Once the first points were loudly deducted by him, a stream of couples hastily scurried from the gardens like a pack of terrified nifflers. This was standard practice. They’d give the gardens a wide berth until the signal went around that Snape had returned to the Great Hall, and in the meantime the space was his.

Severus found himself on a stone bench, gazing out across the lake, trying to clear his mind and traitorous body of any thoughts of Hermione Granger. He took several deep breaths and practiced clearing his mind, just as his occlumency training had taught him.

She manifested behind him, as though she had been conjured out of thin air.

“It’s a beautiful night” Her voice was soft and caressing, causing him to tense all over.

She was standing right behind him. He could almost feel the warmth radiating from her body. His jaw clenched, but did not turn his head.

After a moment, soft hands touched his shoulders, sliding over the dark fabric and gently squeezed the muscles at his neck. He flinched, but innate stubbornness made him hold his ground. Don’t react, don’t react, don’t— Her hands began to knead his neck and shoulders in slow languorous movements. Her fingers were supple and attentive as she squeezed and coaxed his tense muscles to relax. Slowly she worked her fingers upwards and threaded them through his jet black hair. He almost groaned at the personal contact, fighting the urge to lean into her hands.

Severus could not recall the last time he had been touched with such willing tenderness, and his senses snapped back into focus. What on earth am I doing, allowing her to touch me like this? He stood abruptly, forcibly breaking the contact, and turned to stare silently at her. The light of the waxing moon was reflected in her tawny eyes, accentuating the curve of her cheek, and made the pale softness of her skin take on a luminous quality. It also made his hands ache to touch her.

She moved around the stone bench to stand before him. They stood staring at each other for several long moments. Her eyes warm and liquid, his black and unfathomable. Finally it was he who broke the moment. When it appeared that she might speak to him, he wordlessly turned on his heel and disappeared silently into the shadows.

He didn’t hear the soft sigh that escaped her.

***

The sun rose on the day of the first of the Quidditch matches for the season. The crisp November morning was clear and beautiful. Perfect flying weather. Severus made his solitary way to the Quidditch pitch to watch, he hoped, Slytherin trounce Hufflepuff. As usual, his silent step and graceful walk enabled him to move almost undetected amongst the students. It was his favourite way of catching students up to mischief, and deducting house points. Ah, it was the little things that brought such pleasure to his otherwise meaningless existence. He was in quite a good mood. Granger had made herself scarce, caught up in her teaching commitments, which meant that his days of the last week had been relatively peaceful. If this kept up, he could quite happily manage the rest of the year.

He was still troubled by the memory of her innocent touch. The recollection burned him as he struggled to get to sleep at night. It was something he chose not to dwell on though it had a tendency to appear just when he least expected it. Perhaps it would have been easier to forget if she wasn’t regularly proving herself to be an entertaining and intelligent dinner companion as well. Severus had to acknowledge that she certainly was persistent, even if he couldn’t bring himself to admit just how enjoyable he was finding her company. It certainly wasn’t something he had ever expected.

At the Quidditch Ground Severus disdained the Staff Stand, preferring to sit amongst the Slytherins. And he did exactly that, casting sharp glances at several students who weren’t quick enough to conceal their wands. Apart from the fact that his presence kept students in his House from casting discrete hexes at their least favourite Quidditch players, it also meant that he would continue to avoid…her. Severus sat himself comfortably in his usual seat. The feelings she had evoked still disturbed him. He did not wish to explore it any further.

Banishing the young woman from his thoughts, he proceeded to reinforce the wards on the stands that prevented the Bludgers from flying in and hitting the spectators. It was standard practice for the Head of House to ensure the safety of their students, and today was no exception.

“Bloody hell, what’s she doing here?” - “Isn’t she Head of Gryffindor?” The words were whispered behind Severus’ right ear. He turned in the direction of the voices and-

“Good day, Severus.” It was Granger, taking an uninvited seat beside him. Gods! What on earth was she doing in the Slytherin section? And was she wearing a…?

“What are you doing?” For once, Severus’ legendary civility was nowhere to be seen. He almost bit his tongue to stop revealing how off-balance he felt.

“Do you like it?” she asked, ignoring his question. ‘It’ was a silky green and silver scarf that was slung loosely around her neck.

Something uncoiled in Severus at the sight of his House colours around this distracting woman’s neck. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to stroke them or strangle her with them. Both options held equal appeal.

“As Gryffindor aren’t playing, I thought I might give your side some support. They appear to need it.” Her words were teasing. “Since Slytherin still haven’t won the Quidditch cup in the six years since Harry left Hogwarts, I guess you can’t really blame him anymore, hmm?”

The curious, suspicious glances of the Slytherins around them felt like fire against his skin. A few abrupt glares from Severus caused the area directly around them to clear rapidly.

“Are you and Potter an item?” Gods, he hadn’t meant to say that out loud.

“Harry? Gods, no! In fact I should probably tell you that Harry knows about – er- us. He’s not exactly thrilled about it, but he’ll get over it once he sees how happy we are going to make each other”

The woman is certifiably insane! Another one for St Mungo’s.

“Am I making you uncomfortable?” Granger asked into the silence as the match below kicked off the ground under Harry’s watchful eye, “I’ll go if I am; I just haven’t had many opportunities to see you lately.”

“That was the general intention.” He cocked an eyebrow at her.

“And what is the use of avoiding me?” she whispered under the noise of the cheers around her. Slytherin were first to put points on the board. “How will you decide if you want to be with me if you don’t spend more time with me?”

Severus didn’t like where this conversation was going.

“I assumed, Professor, that you were under the influence of one of those annoying Weasley twins love potions, and that you would by now have come to your senses. I was trying to save you some embarrassment!” There, you have an out, now take it!

“Well that was very sweet of you,” Sweet? I am going to vomit.

“But I assure you, Severus, that I am perfectly sincere.” He almost groaned aloud. In trying not to let the students hear their conversation, she was leaning in towards him. He could feel her warm breath tickling his ear, and feel the warmth of her leg presses up against his own as he stared straight ahead. It was generating a tingling that he was desperately trying to ignore. Someone must have put her up to this. And he was going to murder them with his bare hands when he found out who it was.

They passed the rest of the game in silence: strained on his part, attentive on hers. It was punctuated only by his subtle attempts to create additional distance between them, and her unsubtle insistence on stopping him. His attention was drawn to where Potter was loudly berating one of the Slytherin Beaters who had developed a penchant for hitting the Bludger at Potter himself. Snape smirked. Old habits die hard, and Potter still wasn’t popular amongst the Slytherins.

Otherwise, the game was the usual fast-paced event, in which Slytherin scored again and again, to loud boos from the Hufflepuff Stand. When the Slytherin Seeker finally caught the snitch, a huge roar went up in the Slytherin Stand. Severus’ relief was almost greater than his pleasure at his House’s win. It meant he could escape the disturbing presence of the young woman at his side. Everyone rose to their feet cheering, ignoring the groans and hisses of disappointment from the rest of the school. Granger disentangled the scarf from around her neck and slung it unexpectedly around Severus’ neck. A quick tug on the ends of it pulled his face down to hers.

“You see I was right,” she whispered so close he could feel the words rather than hear them, “I bring you luck! Just imagine what else I might be right about.” She pressed a fleeting kiss of congratulations to his unmoving lips.

Not many things surprised Severus Snape, but this was one of those rare moments.

And with that she was gone. Obviously at some point in the past five years she had read a book on how to make a dramatic exit, blasted woman. The scarf was still warm and smelled of violets. He should have ripped it from his neck, but some strange impulse stayed his hand.

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A/N: Thanks to StormySkize for pointing out the mistake I made with Lupin and the moon phase. I've fixed it now. See, this is why I need a beta. Any volunteers?