Chapter 1 - Entree

Brief Author's Note: This is written in response to the WIKTT "Love in four stages" challenge. Details on the challenge are as follows...

(A) Basic Idea: Some people speak freely of "love at first sight". Neither Severus Snape, Hogwarts' cruel Potions Master nor Hermione Granger, resident know-it-all, believe in such a thing.

(B) Point of the story: Your task is to make them fall in love GRADUALLY, with a growing certainty, moving from acquaintance (teacher/student relationship), to a bit of mutual (although not necessarily simultaneous) respect and admiration, and then to mutual trust, and finally, to love. These two characters must learn to love each other as the reader learns about the inner workings of their hearts and minds. The problem is that you won't have all the time in the world, just 4 chapters (plus an optional epilogue) to put them together in a believable way.

(C) Requirements:

(i) Each chapter originates from one episode involving both Snape and Hermione which has happened in canon (e.g. the Yule Ball), which could have happened in past books (e.g. a conversation at Grimmauld's Place) or that we could see in future books (e.g. the Final Battle). So, as J. K. has stated that she hasn't the intention of writing books about the future of our dear Dream Team, your fan fiction can't portray a twenty-five-year-old Hermione, for example.

(ii) Each chapter can be any length you want.

Even though the fic must focus on the Hermione/Snape relationship, you can include other characters from J. K.'s rich universe.

(iii) Keep everything "in canon", please: be realistic and faithful to J. K.'s work. If you want Snape and Hermione to develop a sexual relationship, I won't stop you, but don't transform two normal people (or wizards, in this case) in sex gods.

(iv) I'll value descriptive and original responses, but use dialogue too.

(v) You'll get bonus if you include in your story:

- Mentions of: The theft of Potions supplies in Hermione's second year, Hermione setting Snape's robes on fire in first year, the "insufferable know-it-all" remark, Hermione's enlarged teeth in fourth year, the Trio's attack on Snape in the Shrieking Shack... The Room of Requirement, the Astronomy Tower. Snape's past. Snape's work for the Order.

- The line: "I'm afraid of death".

- The idea of betrayal of some kind.

- Avoid time-turners and unnecessary fluffiness.

- Go for the Angst!

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Pas de Deux

Chapter 1 – Entrée

Damnable Black! Miscreant Potter! Bloody Lupin! Miserable existence! Damn! Damn! Damn! Sirius Black has escaped, I am sure Potter had a hand in this! Potter and his friends took me, a Hogwarts professor, out! Remus Lupin is an ungrateful wretch and the Order of Merlin has slipped through my fingers! To be outwitted, no, stunned by mere children wasn't enough; I had to see them get off scot-free while old man Dumbledore has a 'talk' with me. Potter had a hand in aiding that villain, Black's, escape. Is everyone so blind to his true nature? He is a charismatic, avaricious liar and cheat. He had caused the death of a perfectly innocent woman! To think he wanted Lily Evans when she was in school. Ha! Black wanted everything Potter had; he probably thought he could have Lily if old Potter was out of the way. I wonder how Black managed to communicate to the Dark Lord if he wasn't in fact one of us. He had never been to anyone of our meetings. He must have told someone and that idiot must have passed it on to the Dark Lord. I have nothing against his wanting to kill old Potter; frankly, I think he was doing us a great service in eliminating him. To own the truth, I was rather glad when old Potter was dead. But to go for a child, an innocent child, a babe? I remind myself daily that that babe is now Harry Potter and I hate him because he is the splitting image of his father. Regardless of how much I despise him, I do not condone the mindless slaying of innocents. Whatever happened to the concept of honour? We Slytherins do cheat I confess but the well brought up and well educated self-reflective ones know that you must at least give your opponent a fair chance to have an effect on you. Look at Moody, a fine example of an honourable Slytherin. Harrumph! I wonder if my disapproval for the slaughter of innocents had a hand in my humiliation two evenings ago? I told myself they were only children and they attacked me – Potter, that mousy Weasley and the usually sensible Granger. Damn it! I will not allow children to get the better of me!

The Headmaster had, of course, demanded to see me in a bid to explain so that he could palliate my irrational rage. I wonder which is worse – dealing with a class of dunderheads who have no idea what they're doing and for whom, the appreciation of potions brewing is completely lost or a meddlesome all-knowing old man who only reveals half-truths? Whoever said that Gryffindors were incapable of lying convincingly and subtly should be dragged out to Azkaban and be kissed by a Dementor! Albus Dumbledore is a bigger know-it-all than that Granger girl; he is capable of lying with a smile and you wouldn't be the wiser. I tolerate it, as matter of fact, I have to; he has taken me when no one else wanted to. He gave me a home and an occupation so that I would not run amok out there. He has saved me from lunacy and a fate worse than death. All in all, Albus Dumbledore is a forgiving man. But one wonders whether he has any ulterior motive. He has called for me to meet him 'for a chat, Severus' or so he claims. I have my suspicions that it is a tête-à-tête and I don't like tête-à-têtes. What's his motive, I would like to know. And to what end? Here I am waiting in his office; he's late and his phoenix is staring apologetically at me. At least the phoenix is capable of displaying some humility and tact. Potter would do to take a leaf from Fawkes.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting, Severus," said the Headmaster as he entered the room. "We have to discuss your behaviour."

"What about it?" I challenged, watching him ruin his teeth with that sickening sweet confectionary called 'skittles'. Without waiting for any further invitation from me, he launched into a tale as to why Black was innocent and how he had been unjustly incarcerated at Azkaban. Bah! As much as I hate to admit it I informed the Headmaster that I was wrong. I own I was taken aback when the Headmaster announced Pettigrew as Wormtail. That fiend! That foul unnatural sycophant! Hanging on Black and Potter's words and deeds wasn't enough – he had to be ensnared by the Dark Lord's lies as well. It should not be surprising given that he is a diminutive slovenly creature. But Black is still not to be trusted, not when he is allowed to influence Potter and turn him into a carbon copy of himself and his father. Potter, thankfully, does know how to plead with his eyes. He is uncertain of himself – that is good, but his presumptuousness annoys me! Sneaking around the castle past midnight, breaking into my private stores, goading his friends into mischief, challenging his betters without a valid reason! Bah! Youngsters!

Young Weasley is just as bad as Potter; insensitive and puffed up with Gryffindor courage. Granger is different though – why she puts up with them, I don't know nor do I want to know. Fortunately, she seems to be the voice of reason among the lot of them and I hope, for their sakes, they pay more heed to her than to Potter.

When Dumbledore spoke on the imminent resurrection of the Dark Lord, I was uneasy. I could feel it in the mark – the effects of my foolish knavery, no doubt. Ah, but one of my mottos is to regret nothing. I will not wallow in more self-pity. Apparently, Dumbledore wants me to resume spying for the Order as and when the Dark Lord returns. It will not be something I enjoy, but it will have to be done. I must be a weak sort to crave acceptance and recognition at my age to be doing something as stupid as this, risking my pathetic life. Damn it all! I want to sit in my library at the family seat at Leicestershire or be in my office, reading and researching alone – is that too much to ask? The Dark Lord has no consideration for his Death Eaters, then again, he is a horrible bastard, more sickening, more scheming, maniacal and temperamental than Lucius Malfoy. Very well then, I agreed to the Headmaster's request – entirely at my own peril, of course, but this blasted need and desire to prove myself and to atone for my past sins propels me thus. Bidding the Headmaster goodnight, I hastened to return to my chambers where I will be left alone and in peace. I want to enjoy the quiet lull before the storm – after all, who knows how long the impending storm will last?

* * *

Severus Snape stormed back to his chambers silently cursing the Dark Lord, his students, the Malfoys, the Death Eaters, Wormtail, the Golden Trio and his lot in life. The dark clouds on his brow threatened to release a heavy and violent torrent when he reached his office and his mood was further exacerbated at finding a third of the Golden Trio seated cross-legged on the cold stone floor outside his office reading a book.

"What do you want? This had better be good or ten points will be deducted from Gryffindor!" he threatened, arms akimbo, staring down at the little bushy haired student. To his surprise, she did not quiver. Instead, she quickly scrambled to her feet without any semblance of fear. Hermione Granger met Severus's calculating look and instinctively felt that he was in a dangerous mood. Still, dangerous mood or not, she was well aware of what she had done and what she ought to do to remedy her situation. She did not want the Potions Master to grade her unfairly because she had attacked him.

"Well?" Severus demanded, tapping his foot, studying the girl's expression and thought processes.

"I am sorry, Professor Snape," she quickly said starting out of her panic and self-reproach. "We should not have attacked you; we were wrong. On behalf of Harry and Ron, I apologise."

"So," he sneered, curling his lips with disdain as he slipped into his office. "Miss Granger has become a spokesperson for the little group. If you must apologise, let it be for yourself. I doubt Potter and Weasley care very much as to whether they have abided by the school rules." He sat down, trying to look through his papers. He noticed that the girl was still standing at his door, biting her lower lip in uncertainty. "Speak up, silly girl!" he bellowed, his voice thick with annoyance, anger and impatience. "Will that be all or do you wish to antagonise me further?"

"Are you better, sir? You were bleeding and..." she said weakly, deciding against telling him of her theft of his potions store. "I'm sure you have your reasons for doing what you did, but you could have considered the other side of the story."

Severus shuffled a stack of parchments in front of him and glowered at the girl. "Ten points from Gryffindor for your cheek, girl! I've been told the other side of the story already. Get lost before I decide to fail you in your final examinations!"

Expecting nothing less from her truculent Potions Master, Hermione quietly wished him goodnight and fled to Gryffindor Tower. Angry that a chit of a girl had taken it upon herself to apologise when the other two of the trio clearly wanted him dead, he poured his frustration into marking the potions exam scripts. It would be the end of the school year soon and he could be left alone once more, he thought as he graded the parchments with a flourish of vindictiveness. "Damn!" he exclaimed to himself when he came upon Potter's papers. "The boy actually passed!"

He looked through it again to see if he could deduct any more marks but after half an hour, he gave up. It would not do him any good to get increasingly cross. He then took up Hermione's paper. The girl knew what she was about; even he could find no faults with her answers. He was thankful that at least one third-year Gryffindor spent more time in her books than in heroics. Surprisingly, he found that he was a little calmer after going through Hermione's examination answers. He was still incensed with Black for that childish prank to kill him years ago but he was no longer irrationally and excessively so. "Damn!" Severus cried flinging away his quill. "And I who pride myself on my logical abilities!" He laughed in a lowly bitter and dangerous tone. "An insufferable know-it-all had to tell me I was being illogical and irrational! How could I have allowed my base emotions to get the better of me? Damn! Damn! Damn!" He pounded the table. "I will try as far as possible to be cold, calm and resolute. I will think before I act rashly. Never again!" he vowed with vehemence. Feeling better after that promise to himself, he returned to marking the rest of the examination scripts.

* * *

The Great Hall was decorated in the colours of red and gold for the Leaving Feast. Excited students were running around the place without causing either infectious mayhem or themselves grievous harm. "Pity," mused Severus, frowning at the scene. He had always held that red and gold were ostentatious and vulgar colours, so different were they from the stately colours of green and silver. He strode purposefully in and deliberately walked by the Gryffindor table.

"Snape's a loony, 'Mione. He wanted to kill Sirius and look at the way he treated us!" complained Harry.

Hermione sharply rapped both Ron and Harry's knuckles before informing them in a disapproving voice, "Professor Snape is an impartial man!"

Ron sniggered. "Oh, please..."

"Did he fail any of us in potions? No. Did he harm any of us? No. Did he make any actual move to do anything horrible to us while we were at the shrieking shack? No. He is a Hogwarts Teacher and as such, his duty is to see to the welfare of his students," she interjected before Ron could continue. "No, you two listen!" she insisted in a commanding tone and fierce look that silenced the boys. "I can tell he hates Sirius but that sort of hate doesn't come without a reason. Disliking a person doesn't necessarily equate to a desire to kill that person. His hatred has a deeper reason – I could see it in his eyes while we were at the Shrieking Shack. I think it's something that scarred him terribly."

"But he hates everyone except the Slytherins!" said Ron stoutly.

"Especially me," said Harry.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "All this is blind prejudice! He is callous, yes. But have you wondered what made him this way? Professor Snape dislikes us; he doesn't actively seek to hate us. Hate is expressed in the way he looks at Sirius. He dislikes us in the same way that he dislikes Professor Lupin. You don't see him trying to kill any of us or Professor Lupin, do you? He dislikes Neville, but you don't see him allowing Neville to blow himself up. We should give him the respect that is due to him as a Hogwarts Professor!"

Severus mulled over the conversation that he had overheard at the Gryffindor table and covertly made his way to the staff table unnoticed and unheard by the Golden Trio. It disconcerted him slightly that the Granger girl could dissect his actions so plainly. She was actually defending him before her friends! Severus did not know he was capable of eliciting such a cool psychological appraisal from a student. It was almost as if she could peer into his soul, pluck out the heart of his misery and explain it to him. She was more than just a good well-read student; she was observant and analytical. He would have to push her in the right direction then. He would see her excel academically. At least one of his students wasn't an absolute dunderhead!

"Severus, a word if you please," Dumbledore said as he approached the younger wizard's seat, ignoring Severus's hardened and thoughtful gaze at the Gryffindor table. "Have you sent the consignment?"

"I have, Headmaster. Lupin should be receiving the Wolfsbane today. If he needs any more, he can owl me," answered Severus coldly.

Dumbledore placed his hand on his shoulder, pleased that it wasn't flung off. "Severus, my boy, learn to forgive and you'll be more content."

Severus managed a weak nod at the old man before seizing his left forearm suddenly. "It's throbbing," he said matter-of-factly, staring straight into Dumbledore's blue eyes. They both knew that it could only mean that Voldermort was slowly regaining his strength.

Footnotes:

Pas de deux or grand pas de deux is formal five-part ballet sequence for two dancers: (1) the entrée (2) ballerina's partnered adagio (3) male solo (4) female solo (5) coda.

I know the scenes may appear a little discordant or 'choppy' but bear in mind that I wrote the chapters as I would direct a ballet piece. For the first chapter, the entrée, I introduce the male lead, then the female lead and a little of their interaction before concluding the first movement with a brief hint of the ballet plot that will shortly unfold.

This first movement opens at the end of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.