Christmas Magic (Snamione) **COMPLETED**

Chapter 14 - The Last Dance

Hermione was in a great deal of shock by the time the ordeal was fully over.  Poppy looked her over and wanted her to stay in the infirmary for the night but she point blank refused.  Severus took her up to their suite and she went into her room to pack her bag.  She'd decided she wanted to leave the School immediately and Severus couldn't say he blamed her.

She sat on her bed with her belongings around her in a kind of daze, saying very little. Eventually Severus spoke.

"I'm so sorry Hermione." He said sitting beside her on the bed; his tone strangled in grief. "I should've been there for you. I ran away like a petulant fool. I'm so very sorry."

Slowly her eyes flicked upwards towards him and met his sorrowful gaze. "It's not your fault" she replied flatly and added no more. "I want to go home now."

"I shall see you home."

"No. I want to go home alone."

Severus nodded slowly. "As you wish." He swallowed the lump in his throat as turned on his heel. He didn't know how to help her.  Yet again in his life he'd failed the woman he loved.  Love? Yes. I DO love her.  He couldn't stop the tears that started to fall.  He could understand why she was shutting him out but the pain was almost too much to bear.

Unclear where he was going he stormed from his suite and ran head long into Minerva who was coming to see Hermione.  "Ooof!" She said as the ex-potions master collided with her "Severus where are you going in such a hurry?"

"Anywhere" he replied with a strangled sob. "Any fucking where!"

"Wait Severus" sensing his distress, she grabbed his sleeve to stop him. She pulled him to her and he clung to her as a mother would comfort her son. "Whatever is the matter? Tell me. Is it Hermione?"

"She hates me. I failed her."

"Nonsense! You didn't fail her! You didn't know Rattigan was going to do what he did. How is it your fault?"

"But I should've been there. If I hadn't stormed off after our row.... I should've been there for her and she would never have been alone with the boy. I let her down just like I let Lily down."

"But you saved her Severus. Look at me." She stood back and waited until he met her gaze "Look at me! You saved Hermione. No one else could do that. So what if you'd had an argument and you walked away? So what? We all have arguments. The difference is you came back when I called you. You saved her life. Do you love her Severus?"

"Yes" he replied simply.

"Then go back and fight for her. Tell her Severus. Don't let her leave. Go." Severus stood for a second taking in all the matriarchal witch had said. She was right, he thought, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand and having given her a curt nod walked back towards The Suite.

Hermione was still in the room but she hadn't moved other than to lay on the bed with her knees tucked up and her arms hugging them. She had clearly been crying and looked so wretched when he saw her he thought his heart might break.

All he could think to do was to lay on the bed behind her and hold her tightly. As he lay down he felt her stiffen for a second. He prayed at that moment she wouldn't send him away. His prayers were answered when she unfurled herself and turned to face him. Not sure what to do next he just pulled her to him and she moved quickly into his waiting arms like she was back home where she belonged. He placed his head onto hers as she cried into him; great heaving pitiful sobs like a wounded animal. Finally, her tears spent, she looked up at him. Her face was so open and vulnerable and all he could do was gently put his hand to her cheek and bring his lips down to meet hers. The kiss started light and tender but seemingly not content she placed her hand to the back of his head and deepened the embrace, neither hurrying to break apart.

Finally he spoke, "I'm so terribly sorry my darling. I should've protected you and..."

She brought her finger to his mouth, to quiet him. "Hushhh." She said with a smile ghosting her lips "you saved me Severus. What I'd said to you was unforgivable, and I don't blame you for leaving. But you came back when I needed you. Merlin only knows what would've happened if you hadn't. I shall be indebted to you for always."

He hugged her to him and breathed in her scent. "I thought I'd lost you" he said "I thought you didn't want me. Do you still want to go home?"

She thought for a moment and shook her head. "When I said I wanted to go home alone I wasn't thinking straight. I knew once you'd gone I wanted you back. I don't want to spend Christmas alone and I don't want you to spend Christmas alone. I think we were meant to spend it together.... if you'll have me?"

"Oh my precious darling" he sighed smiling at her "There is nothing I would like better."

"Severus, it's nearly eleven, do you fancy seeing Christmas Day in at Minerva's party? I'm sure we could both do with a drink."

"Only if you're up for it?"

"I think so.  Give me fifteen minutes to freshen up and I'll be with you."

True to her word, with a little help from magic and some 'Glamour Charms' to hide her unsightly bruising, she stepped into the lounge wearing the most elegantly cut black silk dress with organza overlay. She wore her hair up in a French pleat which tamed her sometimes unruly locks perfectly. At her throat she wore a simple string of pearls.

Severus caught his breath when he saw her. She was the epitome of elegant chic and exquisitely stunning. "You look absolutely beautiful." He said, taking her hand and kissing it "Breathtaking."

Hermione smiled at him blushing slightly, at the compliment. They cut an handsome pair as they walked through the corridors of the old castle to a Minerva's suite. The door opened for them as they arrived and they were met by music and laughter and the general babble of a number of people having a good time. Minerva's hawk like gaze spotted them immediately. She came over to embrace them, delighted they had made it. "Oh my word!" She enthused, embracing them both together "it's so wonderful to see you. Are you ok Hermione? Please help yourself to a drink. It's nearly midnight and we shall be seeing in Christmas with a glass of champagne." She held them out at arms length for a moment "It really is super to see you here and together" she smiled and then hugged them again. "Now go and enjoy yourselves... The bar is over there."

Heading towards the bar Severus took hold of Hermione's hand and gave it a squeeze. He looked back at her once more taking a sharp intake of breath when he took in her beauty. "Dance with me" he said into her ear, so she'd hear him above the music "We never got the chance at the Yule Ball. You'll not get away from me this time Professor." Hermione grinned and accepted readily.

Once on the dance floor they seemed to melt into one another; it was as if time stood still and they were aware of no one and nothing but each other. It was the most sensuous and romantic moment of both of their lives and if it hadn't been for Minerva breaking the spell with a Sonos charm they may have stayed swaying together in time to the music forever.

"Witches and Wizards" boomed Minerva "The clock has just struck midnight and I would like to wish each and every one of you a very Happy Christmas!"

A cheer went up from all and Severus grabbed two glasses of champagne from a young house elf's tray.

"Happy Christmas my darling" he said to Hermione as they clinked their glasses together. He gave her a small kiss which she returned readily.

"Happy Christmas Severus. Cheers!"