WHAT SHE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS IS NOT A NEW BOOK
AS ALWAYS THE CHARACTERS ARE NOT MINE, THEY BELONG TO JK ROWLING AND FOR INSPIRATION I OWE A DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO ALL THE WONDERFUL WRITERS OF THIS LIST.
"Absolutely not, Albus," snapped Snape. "I can't conceive even the remotest possibility of having a good time at this function, besides which, I am more than quite content to remain a bachelor." { No thank you, at least remaining one insures no frivolus intererruptions in my already busy life as a teacher to a group of pathetic students. No, I don't need any thing. I haven't for twenty years so why would now be any different.}
"Come now Severus, it will be fun and I know that some company of the female persuasion can't be all that distasteful to you. Really, I've already put you down, and besides, it is for charity." Dumbledore just gave him a look that tried to hide his smile, though his eyes betrayed his customary twinkle. "Besides Professor Snape, how could Hogwarts host such an event without having a entry of their own." He said this in a tone that would not take no for an answer. Dumbledore decided to re-read the announcement to be sent out the next day.
THE ANNUAL POTION MASTERS' BACHELOR AUCTION
PLEASE COME JOIN IN A NIGHT OF FUN AND FROLIC THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AS WE AUCTION OFF A FINE SELECTION OF THE WORLDS MOST PROMINENT POTION MASTERS. ALL OF YOU WILL HAVE THE DELIGHTFUL PLEASURE OF HAVING A CHANCE TO BID ON THE ELIGIBLE BACHELORS THEREBY SECURING THEIR DEVOTED ATTENTION FOR AN ENTIRE WEEKEND! PLEASE ACCEPT THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE A MASTER OF POTIONS. THIS EVENT WILL FUND THE RESEARCH IN POTION CURES FOR TODAY'S WITCHES AND WIZARDS. TO BE HELD AT HOGWARTS ON THE NIGHT OF THE 26TH OF DECEMBER, THIS PROMISES TO BE A NIGHT TO REMEMBER. DON'T MISS THE CHANCE TO BID ON THE FOLLOWING LUCKY BACHELORS:
Xi Shang from the Mystical Magical Palace, Pierre Gustave from the Paris Conservatory, Professor Severus Snape from our very own Hogwarts Freidenberg from Zuftlot, and John Smith from America.
RVSP in care of Albus Dumbledore , Headmaster of Hogwarts, Master of Ceremonies.
{That should do it thought Dumbledore, now to insure that Severus gets bid on, but I don't think that will be a problem. Severus never had a clue, even as a student, how the girls and now ladies admired his dark demeanor. Of course, he didn't exactly go out of his way to get noticed either. No matter, I think that a certain 'of age' student will open his eyes to this very soon, now where were my lemon drops?}
The following morning found Hermione, Harry, and Ron along with most of the seventh years at breakfast when a flurry of flapping wings and parcels came crashing through the Great Hall. Looking up, Hermione reached out for the letter that was floating down to her before it could land in her juice. Curious, she was about to open it when she noticed that a similar letter had landed on top of, and in some of the dishes of her fellow classmates. More curious than before she hastily tore it open and began to read.
ANNUAL POTION MASTERS' BACHELOR AUCTION..
Quickly skimming down the page she found what she was looking for..
THE FOLLOWING LUCKY BACHELORS :
Xi Shang from the Mystical Magical Palace, Pierre Gustave from the Paris Conservatory, Professor Severus Snape from our very own Hogwarts....
A little shriek escaped from Hermione, unlike the many little gasps that were slightly audible around the Great Hall, Hermione in unison with countless pairs of eyes turned unrelenting to look towards the High Table where now sat the teacher. The one that had garnered a few startled looks from the High Table itself.
Feeling the stares from the entire hall, Professor Severus Snape stood gracefully, giving the Headmaster a look that had in the past broken many, turned and strode out of the the Great Hall , robes billowing in his wake.
Watching Professor Snape exit, Minerva leaned towards Dumbledore trying not to cackle as she said quite audibly, "This is going to be fun!"
Shortly after his departure from the Hall, the noisy clatter of the the students and teachers resumed as everybody continued their breakfast. Most were laughing over the business of the auction set to be held during their Christmas break, not all were laughing though; one Hermione Granger was mentally tallying her budget, as a playful smile crept across her face. Hermione knew what she wanted for Christmas and it wasn't a new book.
The holidays came too fast for Severus, soon it would be December 26, and his night of humiliation would inevitably catch him like the exploding cauldron that Neville Longbottom guaranteed him each and every year since he was admitted to Hogwarts. Dumbledore had even managed to get the female staff members in on his little matchmaking endeavors, securing bids from them in hopes to roust Snape out of the Dungeons. If Minerva and Trelawney even so much as bat an eye at him, they will find their drinks holding more than just ordinary pumpkin juice.
Two more days to go, alright Granger relax, you can't lose. Really, how could she, instead of going home for Christmas, like quite a lot of others in her class, Hermione had owled her parents that she wished to stay at Hogwarts explaining that there was going to be an event to raise funds for a noteworthy charity. Hermione knew her parents wouldn't refuse to let her stay. Now all she had to do was wait and hope that the bidding didn't go to high. She wanted Snape. She had wanted to pick his brain for too long now, not to mention other things. Secretly she wondered what he really wore under all those voluminous robes. Hmmmm. this would be interesting.
"Hermione its going to start, come on!" called Parvati, as she and Lavender Brown hurried down the stairs from the girls dorm. Hermione was just finishing her hair before she too grabbed a very heavy satchel from her nightstand, Mrs. Granger, bless her bleeding heart, had sent a sizeable donation/christmas gift for Hermione to give to the charity. Like mother, like daughter, the Granger women loved to give to a good cause and quite generously too. Hermione was thrilled to receive the extra capital. She was sure to win since her mother hadn't specified how to deliver the donation. Hermione added it to her own, totaling just over 400 galleons; besides, who would bid higher? Briefly checking in the mirror one last time, Hermione followed her friends down to the Great Hall.
The Great Hall glittered with all the house colors decorating every spare inch. Where the High Table had been now stood a stage with a runway ending with stairs that allowed access to and from the remainder of the Hall. Replacing the house tables were a multitude of smaller round tables, all of which were nearly full, all except one right at the front. Waving frantically, a very harassed Harry and Ron signalled Hermione, Lavender and Parvati over.
Harry and Ron had decided to stay for the Christmas break after finding out that their two girlfriends were planning to stay for the auction. Jealousy aside, Harry always preferred to stay during the breaks as he did not like his Uncle Vernon and family at all, and the feelings were mutual. Ron, however, couldn't go home since his parents had decided to visit his brother Charlie in Romania again. Staying at Hogwarts suited both boys just fine allowing them to spend more time with the girls before they all graduated. After finding out that the boys were both staying, the girls gleefully enlisted them to reserve a table at the auction so that they would have more time to get ready. The boys grudgingly agreed.
"About time you three got here, I don't think we could have held off the cannibals much longer" gasped Harry with a very weary Ron sitting down next him. "Yeah, that one-armed man nearly took my arm off trying to get our table, kept mumbling something about 'payback,' I hope you girls are happy with the table."
"Oooooh, thank you!!!" all three responded at once, then laughing seeing the boys looking appalled at the idea that their friends were about to bid on their Potions teacher.
With a sick feeling in his stomach, Harry looked at Ron who nodded to him, before asking a question that had been bothering the both of them since the letters had arrived two weeks ago. "Parvati, why are you girls bidding on Snape? Don't tell me you like him, I mean really its not like the Headmaster is going to say ' you just won a NEW CAR!!!', I mean it's Snape here. What's the deal, Lavender? Parvati? Shoot, Ron and I are your boyfriends and your here to bid on Snape?!"
Parvati looked at Lavender and the two girls broke out in giggles, "Oh no Harry we just wanted to have fun with him. Think about it, the fearsome Head of Slytherin forced to be told what to do by a Gryffindor. Just think of all the torment we can have fun with for all the time he made fun of us in class. The best part is if we win, NO DETENTIONS. It's a charity fund raiser, not a school event." At this the boys laughed along with the girls, not noticing Hermione had remained quiet during the entire conversation. Hermione had other plans for her dear Potions Master. Smiling, Hermione reached in her pocket to make sure her precious silk cord was still there.
"Shhh....look here comes Dumbledore" murmured Hermione as the Great Hall quickly became silent.
"Ahem. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Hogwarts. We here at Hogwarts are happy to host this years' Annual Potion Masters' Bachelor Auction." Everyone applauded enthusiasticly when right as the word auction left the Headmaster's lips, the doors on either side of the Hall flew open and with a flourish of colorful robes, filed in the six lucky bachelors.
"Ah, here we have our Potions Masters for your viewing pleasure. to get a closer look at what, I mean whom, you will bidding on the Bachelors will circulate amongst you before they assemble along side me here on the stage. Do not be afraid to ask to speak to them on what they have to offer. I'm sure all will be delighted to give you their undivided attention." Albus then gave Professor Snape an encouraging look as he continued to enlighten the crowded Hall with the wonderful attributes of each of the Bachelors. Ignoring his looks, Severus gloomily walked through the small tables noting that both colleagues and students were among those in attendance. Hoping against hope that whoever bid on him would at least be a Slytherin, at least then he wouldn't be bothered with the endless prattle that would drive him insane. Severus Snape began to wonder why had he let Albus talk him into this. {OUCH! What in Merlin's name, who in the hell would pinch me! } Turning around Snape's glare met the eyes of none other than an enebriated Minerva McGonagall and Sybil Trelawney.
"Well, Minerva, boxers or briefs?" giggled Trelawney, at which Severus turned his glare fully on her, causing her to drop her goblet of 'suspect pumpkin juice'.
"Let me get that for you Sybil." Reaching down Snape retrieved the goblet, quickly adding a liquid from a vial that he had been carrying to show as part of his qaulifications, before refilling it with pumpkin juice. Handing Trelawney her goblet, Snape leaned over the two witches and using the silkiest voice in his arsenal whispered, "Boxers, my dear ladies," and with that he turned with his robes flaring about him leaving a rather flustered pair, and headed for the stage to join the other unfortunate victims of this fiasco.
Dumbledore had just finished auctioning off Freidenberg of Zuftlot who garnered a tidy sum of 150 galleons to the rather triumphant man with one arm, when Severus heard his name being called. Gads, here I go . what is the old fool sayng . special qualifications? WHAT?!
"Yes Ladies, here we have our very own Professor Severus Snape. He's quite an enigma really, but perhaps the lucky lady who takes him will have what it takes to get under his skin...Hmm? As for his "special qualifications" let it be said that he has a 'slow hand,' or so I have been told . at least that is worth your immortal soul? No? Then how about a few galleons then, let's start with a bid of 50 galleons. Ladies? Ah yes in the back.. Good do I have 60?
Snape couldn't believe his ears or eyes for that matter, as he saw so many ladies bidding on him. {Who would have thought, me, of all people? Well let's see who I will 'belong' to for the duration of an incredibly long weekend.} Looking out into the crowd, Snape notice Sybil Trelawney struggle to bid, but failing as her hand fell and her eyes rolled backwards as she slumped down into her chair. How nice that little potion was, her Inner Eye will surely be clouded over from that little bit. Severus could hardly contain a derisive snort thinking how he was going to taunt her about not seeing that coming. Pondering this he barely noticed Minerva McGonagall who continued to outbid every other woman and student. {Now why had the students been allowed to even be here, it's not likely that Albus would actually encourage that kind of company? He couldn't bloody allow it, could he?} Idly he watched as McGonagall got a gleam in her eye with her final bid of 250 galleons over Patil/Brown leaving them dissappointed at having been outbid by a teacher. {Well what could they expect, really, they were only students. It's better for them to save their galleons for something more rewarding. I wondered what Minerva has gotten into her head. she looks positively wicked.}
Albus Dumbledore was just about to close the bidding, although he was taking his sweet time about it, when at the last minute a small voice called out "300 galleons!" Hermione couldn't believe she had done it, she was about to forget the whole thing but couldn't give up the chance to have Professor Snape all to herself. Looking at her friends who had just turned to stare her in stunned silence she heard the Headmaster say "SOLD TO MISS HERMIONE GRANGER! Please come forward to collect your prize.er. Bachelor," before anyone could blink.
Ron was the first to speak up, "Hermione, how. why. Do you like Snape?!"
"Oh Ron! Really!!? Why don't you take a poll if you really want to know the answer to that!"
Harry just looked at her as she got up to collect her 'prize'. Passing a slightly miffed Professor McGonagall, Hermione made her way to the side of the stage, where she found an amused looking Snape waiting for her. Quickly exchanging her galleons, Hermione took the contract and placed it in her pocket before taking his hand in hers and escorting him back to where her friends were waiting, Returning to the table with Miss Granger, Snape looked with contempt towards his dinner companions. { Just bloody great, if not one Gryffindor (Minerva), I have to sit with a tableful, none of whom could remotely be worth holding a conversation with, well maybe one. Miss Hermione Granger, top of her class, Headgirl and now the proud 'owner' of me for next 48 hours. Will joys never cease? Why did she bid on me and why is she looking at me with such a feral grin? Whatever she is planning.can't possibly be good. well I suppose it could be worse, I could have belonged to Miss Patil and Miss Brown, at least I can thank Minerva for preventing that.}
"Professor Snape." the Headmaster called. Looking up he hadn't noticed that Dumbledore was calling for the Bachelors to stand. Slowly rising along with Hermione and the other hapless couples, Snape listened to the Headmaster with trepidation. The Headmaster cheerfully announced that not only did the winners of tonight's auction win a weekend with their respective bachelors, but to spend that weekend on the tropical island of their choosing.
{ That's the last straw, Albus, I am not going to "paradise" with anyone, let alone a student.} Making the decision to find a way out of this infernal contract, Snape turned towards the stage where Dumbledore stood looking quite happy with himself, when he found he couldn't move. Looking around to see what was restraining him, he found Miss Granger watching him gripping the end of a silk cord and grinning like the cat that caught the canary. Seeing the other end securely attached to his wrist. {Just when did she managed that! } He noticed the looks of shock on her classmates faces. Turning to Hermione while trying to regain some of his dignity and firmly yet quietly he rasped, "Miss Granger, release me this instant!"
Hermione just looked at him, smiling sweetly before saying, "Oh Professor, I think we have some packing to do."
A/N: I hope that enjoy reading this as much as I have had writing it.
AS ALWAYS THE CHARACTERS ARE NOT MINE, THEY BELONG TO JK ROWLING AND FOR INSPIRATION I OWE A DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO ALL THE WONDERFUL WRITERS OF THIS LIST.
"Absolutely not, Albus," snapped Snape. "I can't conceive even the remotest possibility of having a good time at this function, besides which, I am more than quite content to remain a bachelor." { No thank you, at least remaining one insures no frivolus intererruptions in my already busy life as a teacher to a group of pathetic students. No, I don't need any thing. I haven't for twenty years so why would now be any different.}
"Come now Severus, it will be fun and I know that some company of the female persuasion can't be all that distasteful to you. Really, I've already put you down, and besides, it is for charity." Dumbledore just gave him a look that tried to hide his smile, though his eyes betrayed his customary twinkle. "Besides Professor Snape, how could Hogwarts host such an event without having a entry of their own." He said this in a tone that would not take no for an answer. Dumbledore decided to re-read the announcement to be sent out the next day.
THE ANNUAL POTION MASTERS' BACHELOR AUCTION
PLEASE COME JOIN IN A NIGHT OF FUN AND FROLIC THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AS WE AUCTION OFF A FINE SELECTION OF THE WORLDS MOST PROMINENT POTION MASTERS. ALL OF YOU WILL HAVE THE DELIGHTFUL PLEASURE OF HAVING A CHANCE TO BID ON THE ELIGIBLE BACHELORS THEREBY SECURING THEIR DEVOTED ATTENTION FOR AN ENTIRE WEEKEND! PLEASE ACCEPT THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE A MASTER OF POTIONS. THIS EVENT WILL FUND THE RESEARCH IN POTION CURES FOR TODAY'S WITCHES AND WIZARDS. TO BE HELD AT HOGWARTS ON THE NIGHT OF THE 26TH OF DECEMBER, THIS PROMISES TO BE A NIGHT TO REMEMBER. DON'T MISS THE CHANCE TO BID ON THE FOLLOWING LUCKY BACHELORS:
Xi Shang from the Mystical Magical Palace, Pierre Gustave from the Paris Conservatory, Professor Severus Snape from our very own Hogwarts Freidenberg from Zuftlot, and John Smith from America.
RVSP in care of Albus Dumbledore , Headmaster of Hogwarts, Master of Ceremonies.
{That should do it thought Dumbledore, now to insure that Severus gets bid on, but I don't think that will be a problem. Severus never had a clue, even as a student, how the girls and now ladies admired his dark demeanor. Of course, he didn't exactly go out of his way to get noticed either. No matter, I think that a certain 'of age' student will open his eyes to this very soon, now where were my lemon drops?}
The following morning found Hermione, Harry, and Ron along with most of the seventh years at breakfast when a flurry of flapping wings and parcels came crashing through the Great Hall. Looking up, Hermione reached out for the letter that was floating down to her before it could land in her juice. Curious, she was about to open it when she noticed that a similar letter had landed on top of, and in some of the dishes of her fellow classmates. More curious than before she hastily tore it open and began to read.
ANNUAL POTION MASTERS' BACHELOR AUCTION..
Quickly skimming down the page she found what she was looking for..
THE FOLLOWING LUCKY BACHELORS :
Xi Shang from the Mystical Magical Palace, Pierre Gustave from the Paris Conservatory, Professor Severus Snape from our very own Hogwarts....
A little shriek escaped from Hermione, unlike the many little gasps that were slightly audible around the Great Hall, Hermione in unison with countless pairs of eyes turned unrelenting to look towards the High Table where now sat the teacher. The one that had garnered a few startled looks from the High Table itself.
Feeling the stares from the entire hall, Professor Severus Snape stood gracefully, giving the Headmaster a look that had in the past broken many, turned and strode out of the the Great Hall , robes billowing in his wake.
Watching Professor Snape exit, Minerva leaned towards Dumbledore trying not to cackle as she said quite audibly, "This is going to be fun!"
Shortly after his departure from the Hall, the noisy clatter of the the students and teachers resumed as everybody continued their breakfast. Most were laughing over the business of the auction set to be held during their Christmas break, not all were laughing though; one Hermione Granger was mentally tallying her budget, as a playful smile crept across her face. Hermione knew what she wanted for Christmas and it wasn't a new book.
The holidays came too fast for Severus, soon it would be December 26, and his night of humiliation would inevitably catch him like the exploding cauldron that Neville Longbottom guaranteed him each and every year since he was admitted to Hogwarts. Dumbledore had even managed to get the female staff members in on his little matchmaking endeavors, securing bids from them in hopes to roust Snape out of the Dungeons. If Minerva and Trelawney even so much as bat an eye at him, they will find their drinks holding more than just ordinary pumpkin juice.
Two more days to go, alright Granger relax, you can't lose. Really, how could she, instead of going home for Christmas, like quite a lot of others in her class, Hermione had owled her parents that she wished to stay at Hogwarts explaining that there was going to be an event to raise funds for a noteworthy charity. Hermione knew her parents wouldn't refuse to let her stay. Now all she had to do was wait and hope that the bidding didn't go to high. She wanted Snape. She had wanted to pick his brain for too long now, not to mention other things. Secretly she wondered what he really wore under all those voluminous robes. Hmmmm. this would be interesting.
"Hermione its going to start, come on!" called Parvati, as she and Lavender Brown hurried down the stairs from the girls dorm. Hermione was just finishing her hair before she too grabbed a very heavy satchel from her nightstand, Mrs. Granger, bless her bleeding heart, had sent a sizeable donation/christmas gift for Hermione to give to the charity. Like mother, like daughter, the Granger women loved to give to a good cause and quite generously too. Hermione was thrilled to receive the extra capital. She was sure to win since her mother hadn't specified how to deliver the donation. Hermione added it to her own, totaling just over 400 galleons; besides, who would bid higher? Briefly checking in the mirror one last time, Hermione followed her friends down to the Great Hall.
The Great Hall glittered with all the house colors decorating every spare inch. Where the High Table had been now stood a stage with a runway ending with stairs that allowed access to and from the remainder of the Hall. Replacing the house tables were a multitude of smaller round tables, all of which were nearly full, all except one right at the front. Waving frantically, a very harassed Harry and Ron signalled Hermione, Lavender and Parvati over.
Harry and Ron had decided to stay for the Christmas break after finding out that their two girlfriends were planning to stay for the auction. Jealousy aside, Harry always preferred to stay during the breaks as he did not like his Uncle Vernon and family at all, and the feelings were mutual. Ron, however, couldn't go home since his parents had decided to visit his brother Charlie in Romania again. Staying at Hogwarts suited both boys just fine allowing them to spend more time with the girls before they all graduated. After finding out that the boys were both staying, the girls gleefully enlisted them to reserve a table at the auction so that they would have more time to get ready. The boys grudgingly agreed.
"About time you three got here, I don't think we could have held off the cannibals much longer" gasped Harry with a very weary Ron sitting down next him. "Yeah, that one-armed man nearly took my arm off trying to get our table, kept mumbling something about 'payback,' I hope you girls are happy with the table."
"Oooooh, thank you!!!" all three responded at once, then laughing seeing the boys looking appalled at the idea that their friends were about to bid on their Potions teacher.
With a sick feeling in his stomach, Harry looked at Ron who nodded to him, before asking a question that had been bothering the both of them since the letters had arrived two weeks ago. "Parvati, why are you girls bidding on Snape? Don't tell me you like him, I mean really its not like the Headmaster is going to say ' you just won a NEW CAR!!!', I mean it's Snape here. What's the deal, Lavender? Parvati? Shoot, Ron and I are your boyfriends and your here to bid on Snape?!"
Parvati looked at Lavender and the two girls broke out in giggles, "Oh no Harry we just wanted to have fun with him. Think about it, the fearsome Head of Slytherin forced to be told what to do by a Gryffindor. Just think of all the torment we can have fun with for all the time he made fun of us in class. The best part is if we win, NO DETENTIONS. It's a charity fund raiser, not a school event." At this the boys laughed along with the girls, not noticing Hermione had remained quiet during the entire conversation. Hermione had other plans for her dear Potions Master. Smiling, Hermione reached in her pocket to make sure her precious silk cord was still there.
"Shhh....look here comes Dumbledore" murmured Hermione as the Great Hall quickly became silent.
"Ahem. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Hogwarts. We here at Hogwarts are happy to host this years' Annual Potion Masters' Bachelor Auction." Everyone applauded enthusiasticly when right as the word auction left the Headmaster's lips, the doors on either side of the Hall flew open and with a flourish of colorful robes, filed in the six lucky bachelors.
"Ah, here we have our Potions Masters for your viewing pleasure. to get a closer look at what, I mean whom, you will bidding on the Bachelors will circulate amongst you before they assemble along side me here on the stage. Do not be afraid to ask to speak to them on what they have to offer. I'm sure all will be delighted to give you their undivided attention." Albus then gave Professor Snape an encouraging look as he continued to enlighten the crowded Hall with the wonderful attributes of each of the Bachelors. Ignoring his looks, Severus gloomily walked through the small tables noting that both colleagues and students were among those in attendance. Hoping against hope that whoever bid on him would at least be a Slytherin, at least then he wouldn't be bothered with the endless prattle that would drive him insane. Severus Snape began to wonder why had he let Albus talk him into this. {OUCH! What in Merlin's name, who in the hell would pinch me! } Turning around Snape's glare met the eyes of none other than an enebriated Minerva McGonagall and Sybil Trelawney.
"Well, Minerva, boxers or briefs?" giggled Trelawney, at which Severus turned his glare fully on her, causing her to drop her goblet of 'suspect pumpkin juice'.
"Let me get that for you Sybil." Reaching down Snape retrieved the goblet, quickly adding a liquid from a vial that he had been carrying to show as part of his qaulifications, before refilling it with pumpkin juice. Handing Trelawney her goblet, Snape leaned over the two witches and using the silkiest voice in his arsenal whispered, "Boxers, my dear ladies," and with that he turned with his robes flaring about him leaving a rather flustered pair, and headed for the stage to join the other unfortunate victims of this fiasco.
Dumbledore had just finished auctioning off Freidenberg of Zuftlot who garnered a tidy sum of 150 galleons to the rather triumphant man with one arm, when Severus heard his name being called. Gads, here I go . what is the old fool sayng . special qualifications? WHAT?!
"Yes Ladies, here we have our very own Professor Severus Snape. He's quite an enigma really, but perhaps the lucky lady who takes him will have what it takes to get under his skin...Hmm? As for his "special qualifications" let it be said that he has a 'slow hand,' or so I have been told . at least that is worth your immortal soul? No? Then how about a few galleons then, let's start with a bid of 50 galleons. Ladies? Ah yes in the back.. Good do I have 60?
Snape couldn't believe his ears or eyes for that matter, as he saw so many ladies bidding on him. {Who would have thought, me, of all people? Well let's see who I will 'belong' to for the duration of an incredibly long weekend.} Looking out into the crowd, Snape notice Sybil Trelawney struggle to bid, but failing as her hand fell and her eyes rolled backwards as she slumped down into her chair. How nice that little potion was, her Inner Eye will surely be clouded over from that little bit. Severus could hardly contain a derisive snort thinking how he was going to taunt her about not seeing that coming. Pondering this he barely noticed Minerva McGonagall who continued to outbid every other woman and student. {Now why had the students been allowed to even be here, it's not likely that Albus would actually encourage that kind of company? He couldn't bloody allow it, could he?} Idly he watched as McGonagall got a gleam in her eye with her final bid of 250 galleons over Patil/Brown leaving them dissappointed at having been outbid by a teacher. {Well what could they expect, really, they were only students. It's better for them to save their galleons for something more rewarding. I wondered what Minerva has gotten into her head. she looks positively wicked.}
Albus Dumbledore was just about to close the bidding, although he was taking his sweet time about it, when at the last minute a small voice called out "300 galleons!" Hermione couldn't believe she had done it, she was about to forget the whole thing but couldn't give up the chance to have Professor Snape all to herself. Looking at her friends who had just turned to stare her in stunned silence she heard the Headmaster say "SOLD TO MISS HERMIONE GRANGER! Please come forward to collect your prize.er. Bachelor," before anyone could blink.
Ron was the first to speak up, "Hermione, how. why. Do you like Snape?!"
"Oh Ron! Really!!? Why don't you take a poll if you really want to know the answer to that!"
Harry just looked at her as she got up to collect her 'prize'. Passing a slightly miffed Professor McGonagall, Hermione made her way to the side of the stage, where she found an amused looking Snape waiting for her. Quickly exchanging her galleons, Hermione took the contract and placed it in her pocket before taking his hand in hers and escorting him back to where her friends were waiting, Returning to the table with Miss Granger, Snape looked with contempt towards his dinner companions. { Just bloody great, if not one Gryffindor (Minerva), I have to sit with a tableful, none of whom could remotely be worth holding a conversation with, well maybe one. Miss Hermione Granger, top of her class, Headgirl and now the proud 'owner' of me for next 48 hours. Will joys never cease? Why did she bid on me and why is she looking at me with such a feral grin? Whatever she is planning.can't possibly be good. well I suppose it could be worse, I could have belonged to Miss Patil and Miss Brown, at least I can thank Minerva for preventing that.}
"Professor Snape." the Headmaster called. Looking up he hadn't noticed that Dumbledore was calling for the Bachelors to stand. Slowly rising along with Hermione and the other hapless couples, Snape listened to the Headmaster with trepidation. The Headmaster cheerfully announced that not only did the winners of tonight's auction win a weekend with their respective bachelors, but to spend that weekend on the tropical island of their choosing.
{ That's the last straw, Albus, I am not going to "paradise" with anyone, let alone a student.} Making the decision to find a way out of this infernal contract, Snape turned towards the stage where Dumbledore stood looking quite happy with himself, when he found he couldn't move. Looking around to see what was restraining him, he found Miss Granger watching him gripping the end of a silk cord and grinning like the cat that caught the canary. Seeing the other end securely attached to his wrist. {Just when did she managed that! } He noticed the looks of shock on her classmates faces. Turning to Hermione while trying to regain some of his dignity and firmly yet quietly he rasped, "Miss Granger, release me this instant!"
Hermione just looked at him, smiling sweetly before saying, "Oh Professor, I think we have some packing to do."
A/N: I hope that enjoy reading this as much as I have had writing it.