"You sure you'll be okay?" Hermione paused at the door.
"Yes, Hermione. Honestly, your parents are friendly, normal dentists. What could possibly go wrong?"
Hermione smiled and kissed her fiancée. "I'll be back in a few hours."
/
Hermione walked into the living room and put down her last minute Christmas shopping. She then went in search of Severus.
A minute later, the Granger household echoed with a loud scream.
"Severus! What in Merlin's name have you done?!" Hermione fought back tears. She stared in horror at Severus' mouth.
Severus frowned. "I thought you would be pleased," he said with a slight lisp.
"Severus, you're wearing braces!" Hermione pointed out in horror.
"Your father persuaded me it would make you happy… for the wedding…" He trailed off.
Hermione shook her head and walked up slowly to him. She put her hands on his shoulders and looked into his eyes. "You really don't get it, do you, Severus? I love you just the way you are," she emphasized slowly. "I wouldn't change a hair on your head… or a crooked tooth in your mouth." She gave a small smile.
Severus tried to smile back but his mouth ached. "Do you want me to ask your father…"
"Yes, please, Severus."
Severus was inwardly relieved and immediately headed back to the dentist surgery attached to the house.
He was a lucky man indeed.