Christmas Magic (Snamione) **COMPLETED**

Chapter 4 - Getting to Know You

The next morning Severus woke from a restful slumber. He'd taken his sleeping draught the night before but felt surprisingly so refreshed that he wondered if he'd really needed it.

He and Hermione had talked late into the night, the firewhiskey they'd consumed had no doubt aided the fluidity of the conversation. When they finally bid each other a 'good night' Severus insisted she take a vial of the 'Sober Up' potion before she went to sleep and another of 'Rejuvenate' to take in the morning. She had agreed readily and thanked him by planting a large kiss on his cheek which had surprised him but didn't find it unpleasant.

The two met downstairs at 8.30 am for breakfast and they were both taken aback on entering the Great Hall for the first time in many years.  The bewitched candles danced below a charmed, snow laden sky.  Christmas trees twinkled along every spare part of the side wall.  It was truly magical.  There was to be no lessons in the castle until after the New Year and all of the children and staff who had stayed for the Yule Period were now dressed casually for the day's planned schedule of activities. Minerva met them at the breakfast table, fairly surprised that Severus had chosen a seat next to Hermione.

"Good morning you two" she said swooping in on them. "I trust you both slept well?" Not giving them time to answer she bustled on "Good.... good! Now the children have a full day of activities planned around the castle but I was wondering if you could chaperone a small group of  our older children into Hogsmeade for a bit of last minute shopping? That's wonderful. Wonderful! The party will be assembled by the main door at 9.45. If you can all return to the castle by 2.30pm that will give everyone enough time to get ready for the ball." And with that she was gone, leaving Hermione staring in her wake.

"Hogsmeade it is then" Said Hermione "I could do with popping into Scrivenshafts for some new quills." Severus said nothing but was secretly looking forward to spending time with her even if they were surrounded by a number of hormonal teenagers.

At a quarter to ten precisely the group of ten students and Hermione & Severus crocodiled their way out of the castle, down the snowy path towards the small village. Once arrived the students stopped to await further instruction. Hermione turned to Severus, who she thought looked rather fetching in his great coat, white sweater, jeans and brown dragon-hide boots. "Do you you want to say a few words to them or shall I?"

Severus gave a little bow. "Be my guest" he replied.

Hermione took a step onto a small wall so she could be seen easier by the group.

"Right." She said then repeated herself slightly louder so she could be heard. "RIGHT! Listen up people. Put each other down for a minute if you don't mind" She waited till she had everyone's full attention. "You may have full run of Hogsmeade but you will not - and I repeat will not imbibe in any alcoholic beverages. Anyone found doing so will be spending the whole of Christmas cleaning out the dungeons with Mr Filch. No leaving Hogsmeade for any reason. Professor Snape and I shall either be in a few of the small shops here or in a short while in Madame Puddifoots Tea Rooms should you need us. Please all be on your best behaviour as you are all ambassadors of the school but I'm sure you know that all ready. Oh and make sure you all meet back here by 2pm at the absolute latest. Any questions?"

One boy, of about sixteen, with tousled strawberry blond hair and freckles, gingerly put up his hand. "Is it...." he cleared his throat "Is it true Miss that you and Professor Snape saved the Wizarding world from Voldemort?"

Hermione looked a little stunned. "Well... Er.... that wasn't the type of question I was expecting but ok.... Professor Snape and I - more Professor Snape than me actually, were part of a large group of witches and wizards who helped defeat evil oppression, yes."