Hermione laid in bed remembering the night before. It had been so nice talking to Severus that time had seemed to slip through their fingers and before she had known it, it was well past midnight. She was glad that he was opening up around her more and hoped that he would consider her a friend.
She was certainly beginning to think of him as a friend, and maybe even something more. He wasn't classically attractive, but then again, neither was she. He was mysterious and had dark obsidian eyes that seemed to look right into your very being. And his fingers! His hands seemed impossibly large when compared to hers, but he still showed such precision in brewing. It made her wonder how they would feel wrapped up in her hair or touching her...
Hermione blushed and sat up. She couldn't just lie in bed all day fantasizing about Severus.
Severus stood in front of his wardrobe. He had absolutely nothing to wear for his date the following weekend and he had no idea what to do about it. Although he didn't have any particular plans or hopes for the evening, it would be nice to meet an attractive young woman who was interested in him.
Whether Isla Rowle would be that woman remained to be seen. But it didn't mean that he didn't want to make a good impression. He hadn't been on a date in years. He had dated a little when he had first joined the Dark Lord's cause, but then...Lily had died, his role had changed and he never had the time or the heart to bring a woman into his hectic life.
He needed help now though, with the clothes. He couldn't very well ask Narcissa. She would be entirely too pleased with herself and her taste was much too gaudy for him. He couldn't ask Minerva unless he wanted to show up in red tartan dress robes. Just then an idea popped into his head. He could ask Hermione! She was a young woman and she had some sense of style. She would be able to help him pick out an outfit that could entice Ms. Rowle.
Exiting his room, he found Hermione enjoying a late breakfast of eggs and toast and a spot of tea. She must have slept through breakfast in the Great Hall. "Hermione. I need your assistance with something today."
Hermione looked up, shocked that he was there. She almost choked on a piece of crust. When had he slinked into the room and how long had he been there? More importantly, he was asking her for help outside of their assigned hours of apprenticeship? "What are we brewing today, Severus?" She asked in return.
"Oh, sorry, this will have nothing to do with brewing. It seems that my wardrobe is inadequate for an event I will be participating in next weekend and I would like your assistance in procuring a new outfit." He said, trying to keep his face as disinterested as possible.
Hermione's reaction was priceless. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise, but she quickly regained her composure. "Oh. Of course, I can help you with that." She was surprised that he would ask her for help on such a personal matter, but she was also flattered. Hopefully it was a sign that he was embracing their friendship. That he saw her as a confidant of sorts. "Well, I will just finish breakfast and then go change. Shall we meet back here in thirty minutes? Then we can take Minerva's floo to Diagon Alley."
He nodded and returned to his own room to change into more casual robes.
Hermione was punctual as always and dressed again in Muggle jeans and a thin sweater. It was getting late into September, so it was colder, but not so much to need more than a light jacket. Her hair was pinned back with a moonstone barrette, that he had to admit suited her perfectly. That must be the gift from her admirer, he thought sourly.
"New hairstyle?" He asked his much shorter companion, trying to sound nonchalant. He watched as an uncharacteristic blush blossomed on her cheeks. But there was no mistaking the small smile that appeared on her face.
"Oh, my secret admirer...he sent me a pair of really lovely barrettes and I just couldn't help but try one out today." She paused before continuing. "I can't imagine who he could possibly be, but his handwriting seems oddly familiar."
"And you're sure it couldn't be one of your friends...Weasley perhaps?" He asked, again trying to be nonchalant. It had been mused for a long time that Hermione and the youngest Weasley boy would end up together. Severus had always had his doubts, though he never expressed them, thinking that Hermione was far too...academically minded for the boy.
Hermione giggled beside him. "Ronald? No! He is too much like a brother to me. You know, we kissed in the Chamber of Secrets after he destroyed one of the horcruxes. We were both embarrassed to admit that we were simply not suited to each other. And besides, my secret admirer is too smart to be Ronald."
"What do you mean?"
"Well...he has been sending me hints about his identity, in the form of arithmancy. So whoever it is, knows how much I enjoy arithmancy. Hmmm...maybe it was someone from my sixth year class. There were only about eighteen students total in that class." She seemed pleased with herself. "I will have to make a list when I get back."
They had arrived at the gargoyle, guarding the Headmistress's office and gave the password, before heading up the stairs. "Good morning Minerva!" Hermione greeted her cheerfully. "Mind if we use your floo to pop over to Diagon Alley for a few things?"
Minerva nodded, and watched the pair enter the floo. The older witch was so surprised she didn't think that she could form words at the moment. If she didn't know any better...she would say that Severus and Hermione were behaving like...friends?
When the pair emerged into the Leaky Cauldron, Severus was reminded of why he hated shopping in London. It was ungodly busy, but Hermione navigated them through the crowd with ease, until finally, the crowd had thinned out and they could walk side by side comfortably. "So, what is this event you are attending?" She asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I fail to see how that is any of your business."
Hermione huffed. "Severus, how am I to help you find suitable and appropriate clothing if you don't tell me what it's for?"
She did have a point there. "Draco has...finagled me into accepting a date with his cousin. Narcissa could never resist meddling into my love life and now that I have been rejuvenated it seems she is more persistent than ever."
Hermione was silent for a few steps. She felt her smile fade from her face thinking of Severus going on a date, enjoying a date with some, some harpy! She tried to compose herself. "I wasn't aware that Draco had any cousins besides Tonks."
"Well, she is apparently a very distant relation. His grandfather's grandfather's brother's something or other. I can't imagine what she will be like, but Draco has assured me she is beautiful." He mused, not noticing the negative reactions of his companion. Maybe this date wouldn't be so bad. Why shouldn't he have a beautiful witch?
Maybe he could initiate sexual relations with her and finally be relieved of his nearly constant arousal. It seemed that the most innocent of female behaviors could produce a reaction in him again - Hermione bending over to retrieve an ingredient, Hermione's grasp on a stirring rod as she mixed ingredients, Hermione reading on the couch, the toned thigh that was revealed when Hermione wore a skirt. He didn't remember being so hormonal the last time around, but then again he was under several pressures then.
Hermione couldn't think of any reason why Severus shouldn't date lovely women. She had no idea of why it bothered her so much. She just hoped this cousin of Draco's was good enough for him. "Well, let's try this shop then."
They ducked into a shop that sold moderately high end men's clothing. There were several other patrons looking at clothing. "Well, what are the chances that you will wear anything but black?" Severus gave her a look that had her nearly laughing out load. "Alright, let's start with some jeans."
Hermione helped him pick out several pairs of very dark wash and black jeans. She also picked out a white dress shirt for him to try on with the pants. "You go try those one. I am going to pick out a sweater for you." Severus dutifully trudged back to the changing rooms.
Hermione walked over to the sweater area. She was rifling through the soft cashmere sweaters looking for the correct shade of dark gray, when someone else's hand bumped into her's. "Oh, I am sorry." She told the stranger, embarrassed.
"No problem." He had a familiar Scottish accent. "Hermione Granger?" The stranger asked, causing Hermione to really look at him.
Hermione was surprised to recognize her old housemate, Oliver Wood. "Wood? Oh wow, it's been months since I've seen you last! How've you been?"
They made small talk for a while before Oliver asked what she was doing in men's clothing store. "I am actually here with Professor Snape. He had a potions accident earlier this year and...well, he is in desperate need of some new clothing." She told him, seeing the surprise on his face. "Speaking of which, I should bring him this sweater, I am sure he is getting impatient in the dressing room. It was nice to see you Wood, have a good day."
Hermione walked back into the dressing area and saw no sign of Severus. "Severus, are you still getting dressed?" She asked. One of the doors clicked unlocked, but didn't open. Hesitantly, she pushed open the door and entered.
Severus was standing, feeling uncomfortable in the slim fitting white shirt that actually showed his shape, tucked into well fitting black jeans. Hermione was shocked. He looked really good. "I've brought you a sweater to try on over the shirt."
Severus took the garment into his hands and was immediately pleased by the smooth cashmere and the dark color. He lifted the fabric up over his head and pulled it down. It was also fitted, showing off his slim physique. He looked at himself in the mirror and caught Hermione staring back at him. "Well, what do you think?" He asked.
"I-" she stopped herself short and cleared her throat. "I think it looks very nice on you. I think you should get it." Severus nodded in agreement before removing the sweater. He stopped and looked at her pointedly before removing any further clothing.
Hermione blushed prettily and stood up. "Oh, of course, I'll go wait outside." Hermione was suddenly aware of how small the changing cubicle was and exited the small space so that he might change in privacy.
Meanwhile, in the little box, Severus was feeling rather good about himself. Was it just him or had Hermione Granger wanted to watch him get undressed?
Later that night, at dinner in the great hall, Severus had quietly thanked Hermione for her assistance. She told him that it was no trouble at all and hoped that he had a good time on his date. It was hard for her to say that, but she really did want him to be happy. She was his friend and she wanted happiness for all of his friends.
Severus was then absorbed in a discussion with Professor Flitwick, and Hermione turned to speak with Neville for the remainder of the meal. It sounded like he was doing a really good job with the students, especially the younger ones.
"Say, Hermione, want to join me for dinner next Friday at the Three Broomsticks?" Neville asked her.
Hermione paused. That's when Severus would be on his date, so she supposed that she would have nothing else to do besides read. Plus it would be nice to get out of the castle for a drink. "You know Neville, that sounds great!"
A/N: thank you to all of those of you who reviewed, followed, and favorited after last chapter. Especially thank you to those who went back and re-read the old chapters! I know it was a long time, but like I said last time, I am sure that updates will be regular now, essentially once a week.
Please let me know what you thought of chapter seven! What do you like? Where do you think it's going to go? Who do you think the secret admirer is? Thanks for reading and be on the look out for chapter eight soon!
