**DISCLAIMER** I own none of the characters in the following story. All copyrights belong to their respective owners. No infringement is intended.
Author's note: the following story does not follow the canon (read: books and/or movies) version. At all. Only one plot element is borrowed from "Deathly Hallows," but it doesn't faithfully follow what Ms. Rowling intended. I tweaked it to better suit this story. I initially intended for this to be a one-shot, but after thinking over what I wanted to include I determined that that route wouldn't be at all doable. Thank you for reading and please rate and review.
Severus Snape paced nervously about "their spot" whilst anticipating the arrival of his lover of those past eleven months. Protectively fingering the velvet box tucked secretly within his black robes, the Potions Master shivered as the chill of an early winter blew back the raven strands from his face. He damned himself for being so ill-prepared for the weather.
Then, as if on cue in some Muggle romance, she emerged from the shadow of Hogwarts, her crimson winter robe billowing about her.
Hermione Granger couldn't help but smile as she stole a glimpse of her beau at the spot where their relationship commenced, shivering like a lost boy on a wintry Muggle London street.
She treasured the spot – which stood secluded from other, more visible parts of the lake which neighboured Hogwarts – more than perhaps even the halls of the school itself. It was there that, at the end of the first term of her final year as a student (and his Potions apprentice), he called her to the spot to ask her to dinner in Hogsmeade.
"Just a casual dinner, really," she remembered him telling her. "No motive at all behind it."
Of course it didn't end up that way, as she became so enamoured by his hidden charm, his patience and tolerance, and his strong and caring attitude toward her, that upon his inquiring about the possibility of a relationship a few weeks after the initial dinner, that she so enthusiastically replied with a "yes."
Severus turned around and faced the staring Gryffindor. Hermione ran toward and allowed for him to collect her in his arms.
The lovers nuzzled and Severus placed his forehead against hers.
"How are you this evening, my love?" Severus whispered, his fingers tangling with hers.
Hermione winced. "Your hands are like ice," she replied.
The Slytherin couldn't help but let a grin slip. "Are you truly so concerned about the state of my hands, or was your day so without incidence that you have nothing to report?"
Hermione grinned in return. "It's a little of both, darling."
"Well then, I do believe that I can make your day a little better," Severus said. "Or, at least I can attempt to do so."
"And how will you attempt to make me happier?" Hermione asked, giggling.
Immediately Severus dropped to one knee and took her hand. Once Hermione registered the situation playing out before her, Severus pulled the ring box from its secure spot and presented the ring – with a brilliant ruby set in white gold – to the shaking woman who stood before her.
"My hands may be cold, but this has been burning a hole in my pocket for weeks," Severus said. "Hermione, I was but half a man before you came into my life. I considered myself incapable of loving anyone until you consented to be my lover. Now, I must ask for you to consent in becoming my bride."
Tears streamed down Hermione's face as she stared into Severus' dark eyes. "Severus, nothing will make me happier. I will become your wife."
A tear formed in Severus' eye as he slipped – with trembling hands – the ring upon Hermione's finger. He stood to once again gather her into his arms. He held onto her as if he never intended to let go.