She smacked her lips together to make the lipstick stay on better. A lick of her fingers and a smudge just – there! She was done. She smiled at her reflection and shook her ringlets. Getting up from her vanity, she grabbed the light evening coat on her bed and walked out the door of her bedroom into the parlor. She had almost made it to the front door when a voice stopped her.
"Going out with the girls?"
She turned to where Severus sat, his eyeglasses give him a distinguished air as they reflected the fire in the hearth. His trademark black robes were lying on the side table next to him as he read his evening edition Daily Prophet.
"Yes, dear. Just a quick bite to eat and a little get-together at Ginny's flat."
"Don't be long, love."
She made her way over to his chair, kneeled on the lush Gryffindor red carpet and kissed him on his cheek.
"Won't be long at all, dear. Don't-"
"bother to wait up since you'll probably be late. Yes, yes, I know."
She smiled prettily at him, a subdued version of the fondness she had felt on her wedding day glimmered in her eyes. Her hand rested on the side of chair for a few seconds as she got up; he suddenly grabbed it.
"Don't go." he whispered quietly, "I'd like you to stay."
"Don't be silly, dear!" She laughed politely and uncomfortably at his antics, "You know I go out with Ginny every Friday night."
"Can't you miss it for once?" his voice was barely audible above the crackling fireplace.
"No."
"But-"
"I go out with Ginny every Friday, and I'll be going out tonight. You knew I was social when you married me, Severus. What's gotten into you? If you love me, you'll stop badgering me about this like a sentimental Hufflepuff. Honestly, you've been going on about this for months now!"
"If I love you-"
"Yes?"
"Of course I'll stop bothering you about seeing your friends."
"'Exactly." Her voice softened, "Good night, dear."
"Good night, my love."
She had placed her hand on the doorknob when she heard his voice again.
"I'll see you in the morning?"
"Of course, dear. Where else would I go?" She was about to close the door.
"Sweetheart?"
"Yes, Severus?" Her head popped out from behind the oak door.
"I love you."
She smiled prettily at him again, "I love you too, Severus."
She shut the door quietly and walked down the steps to the edge of the wards. She looked back at the twinkling Christmas lights on her beautiful home and smiled. It had taken weeks of pouting to make Severus put them up in time for the actual holiday.
Hermione smiled again and Apparated to a bachelor flat in downtown Wizarding London. Her lover had promised to have white roses and wine tonight.