Now that the cat is out of the bag, Severus finds himself curious about how much teasing she can handle at a ministry party.

Severus: (whispering near her ear) Playing wallflower doesn't suit you, pet.

Hermione: (glares) 'Pet'? Really? As for being a wallflower, pot, kettle, Sev.

Severus: (sighs, leaning toward her as the music grows louder) You've already shot down 'sweetheart', 'darling', and now 'pet' without even making a comment about my hair or bat wings. 'Sev' is juvenile at best and boring at worst.

Hermione: Maybe I respect you enough not to poke fun at you.

Severus: Sod respect, you wanted to be 'friends', and I know I am correct in stating that teasing is normal among friends.

Hermione: (rolls her eyes) We are friends. I'd just rather not be called sweet names in mockery. It's already glaringly obvious that everyone thinks I'm going to end up a spinster.

Severus: Hermione, you're as likely to become a spinster as I am to become Minister of Magic.

Hermione: Such confidence in my feminine wiles. You flatterer.

Severus: If a brilliant young woman like yourself could have a crush on me, then a dozen suitors are already wondering how to approach you.

Hermione: You really won't let that go?

Severus: and miss out on the various reactions when I use it as an icebreaker with our unfortunate mutual acquaintances? I think not.

Hermione: insufferable man. All we need is Rita to hear you, and there will be an article the next day of how I seduced you or dosed you with a potion. "Mr. Tall, Dark, and Deadly"

Severus: (grumbling) Must you constantly bring up that fraudulent biography? I am still receiving unseemly mail from even more psychotic witches. I'd take your offensively long essays over another letter telling me I need a woman's touch to heal my battered heart.

Hermione: Oh, yes. (Grinning madly) "Poor Sev needs a soft touch" as if you haven't fed everyone enough snarky comments for them to want to spank you rather than coddle you. Can you imagine what those women would think if their brooding, dark hero was bent over my lap and spanked for all his snark? (Giggling uncontrollably)

Severus: Be quiet, woman! (Uneasy and stepping closer) Do you want Rita to write a fraudulent article about your affinity for spanking grown men?

Hermione: Who says I don't?

Severus:...I-I didn't...hmmm

Hermione: Look who can't handle the teasing now. (Pulls his chin so he looks down at her, faces a few inches apart.) I'll stop if you stop with the pet names.

Severus: Fine...kitten. (smirks)

Hermione: (glares then smirks. Voice sultry) Actually, I think I had it wrong. You're hardly a glutton for punishment. But you do like to serve, if we take in your history. I've noticed some things about you, Severus.

Severus: (eyeing her suspiciously as his heart rate increases very aware of how they are nearly chest to chest)

Hermione: Did you know that you have a tell when you're pleased about something? You look to your left and pinch your cuff. And I've only ever seen you do it when I smile at you after you do something for me.

Severus: I'm quite sure I have no idea what you're talking about. (Gulps)

Hermione: (whispering in his ear, pressing up against him) I think you do. Now, be a good boy and fetch your Miss a drink.

Severus: (flushing brightly) W-what did you say?

Hermione: (still holding his chin, pulls him down to whisper in his ear) Sev, be a good boy and fetch your Miss a drink. No more teasing, love.

Severus: Yes, Miss. (Looks to his left)

Hermione: (Smiling brightly) Good boy.