Severus woke up from a restful sleep. He thought he would have trouble sleeping, overanalyzing the whole situation with Hermione. She accepted his date, yes, but had she done it out of pity? Did she like him or had she just accepted because they were colleagues, friends? Either way, he tried not to let it get to him and went on about his day. However, as time slowly passed, Severus started becoming more and more anxious. Maybe this is a bad idea? Maybe I should just cancel. There is no possible way that Hermione has feelings for me besides those of friendship. Severus made his way to the Great Hall for lunch and looked up to see Minerva frowning.
"Severus Tobias Snape, get that look off your face. You are NOT cancelling this dinner. If you cancel on Hermione I will have the house elves serve you up for dinner!"
"Minerva… I-, what makes you think I was cancelling."
Minerva looked him over and her face softened.
"Severus, the look on your face; you look scared and panicked. Besides, I know you well enough to know what you are thinking. Seriously, Severus, do not cancel. I beg of you."
Severus sighed. Minerva coughed and he noticed Hermione walk in. They both locked eyes and her face brightened and she smiled that mega-watt smile that seemed to be just for him. Severus relaxed and Minerva nudged him a bit. Severus returned her smile. She made it to the table and sat down next to Severus.
"Good afternoon, Severus, are we still going this evening."
"Uh, yes, yes of course, that is if you are still accompanying me."
"Of course, Severus," replied Hermione as she took a sip of her pumpkin juice and pulled out her book. She dug into her food with one hand and held the book with the other.
"We never got around to discussing your book," Severus commented, look down finding her eyes.
"Perhaps, we could discuss it over dessert this evening, Severus," Hermione barely whispered.
The way she said his name and looked into his eyes, he could almost swear there was something there. He shivered and returned to his meal. They ate the remainder in silence as Hermione got lost in her book and Severus was, once again, lost in his thoughts.
Hermione walked back to her room to get ready for the date when she noticed Minerva walking up in the opposite direction.
"Good evening Minerva," Hermione said to the older witch.
"Heavens, Hermione, I thought you would be ready by now. Your date is in thirty minutes, you are going, still, right?"
"Of course, I just got lost in my book and lost track of time," Hermione offered sheepishly.
"Well, I am free for a bit, let me help you get ready!"
"Thank you, Minerva."
They both walked into her lounge and Hermione took a quick shower making sure to shave her legs and wash her hair well. Once she was out of the shower she wrapped her hair in a towel and walked to her closet. She opened the door and pulled out her dress for the evening. She had brought one with her, just in case. Minerva helped the girl put it on and zipper it up. The dress was one shoulder and steel colored, the shoulder strap was bunched up and cuffed with white diamonds. Hermione turned and Minerva noticed the strip of open fabric in the back that showed off her back. The dress stopped just above her knees and up hugged her hips. Hermione searched her closet for her heels and once she was done she twirled in completion.
"Gods above, Hermione, you look beautiful," exclaimed Minerva, "you are going to give the old man a heart attack." Minerva winked at her.
Hermione scolded Minerva, and they both chuckled. She was so excited for this evening she could burst. Minerva came over with Hermione's hair brush and took her hair out of the towel and began to brush it.
"How 'bout a French twist."
"That sounds lovely, Minerva, thank you."
"My pleasure, my dear, you are like a daughter to me."
Hermione smiled, "and you are just like a mother to me."
Once Minerva was finished, Hermione went to her sink where all her make-up was stashed and put a bit on. Then she went over to the mirror and looked at herself. Happy with the outcome, she let out a breath and checked the time.
"Oh, no, I got to get down to the dungeons!"
"Relax, Hermione, I told Severus to meet you at the front doors."
"Thank you Minerva," Hermione let out a breath and kissed the old woman on the cheek.
"Good night Hermione, have a great time, and remember dear, do not be afraid to tell him how you feel."
Hermione grabbed her clutch and ran out of her rooms, knowing Minerva would lock up for her and raced to the front entrance, as to not keep Severus waiting. As she reached the front, she noticed that Severus was not there yet and breathed deeply catching her breath.
"Who knew you could run in heels," breathed Severus from behind Hermione.
Hermione whipped around to see Severus leaning against the corner and her breath caught. He was absolutely handsome outside his robes. He was wearing a pair of fitted khakis and a button down thin blue vertical striped shirt, untucked. Gods was he like a Greek god or what.
"I hope I have not kept you waiting for long," inquired Hermione.
"No, Hermione, you have not. I must say you look absolutely breathtaking," Severus said smoothly while looking at her from head to toe several times. Hermione blushed and said, "Well you don't look too bad yourself!"
Severus proffered his arm and she gladly took it and they walked out the front entrance. Once over the hill, he grabbed her by the waist, Hermione squealed as he pulled her close. "Hold on tight," he whispered and with that they apparated into the night.
