Chapter 12:

Hermione's seat was waiting for her again when she walked in to the Great Hall. As soon as she saw the Headmaster, he made an announcement about a letter he received that morning from the Ministry. He let Hermione announce the news of her scores and her Novice exams. They all congratulated her and were looking forward to having her as an apprentice. Professor Trelawney didn't seem to be bothered that she wasn't included in the list. Hermione did notice, however, that she had switched places with the Headmaster and was trying her very best to get Severus attention. She had spotted him roll his eyes once and discretely move Trelawney's hand from his thigh mid-way through the meal. He found that to be the perfect time to inform the Headmaster that he and Hermione would be out for the evening and would miss dinner. Trelawney pouted and drank deeply from her tea cup. Hermione was half sure that there wasn't only tea in there…

Severus excused them from the table and they made their way to finish up the potions stores the hospital wing needed for the opening of the school year. Hermione had done the bulk of the work, she just needed Severus to watch her finish and she could sign off on a few of her apprentice requirements.

Hermione excused herself half an hour early to heave extra time to get ready. Severus left as well, saying he had things to attend to as well before their date. She couldn't imagine what a man could be preparing for that long, but she was glad he wouldn't be waiting on her.

She washed and dried her hair carefully. Charms removed all the unwanted hair from her body and for that, she was thankful. Holding a razor right now would be dreadful and she wouldn't want to cut herself on a night like tonight. She chose the white and black underthings to wear under her outfit. If tonight was the night, then the symbolism wouldn't be lost on Severus. She chose a black, figure hugging dress that went to her knees. It had sleeves that went to her elbows and a boat neck that showed her collar bone. She looked womanly, older, and more mature. She grabbed her black and white spectator heels that made her look tall and her legs shapely. Over the top she decided to wear her black muggle trench coat. She checked herself over one more time and felt ready. Yes! She was ready to go out on a date with Severus Snape.

The clock turned to 7:30 and there was a knock on the door. When she opened it there stood Severus. He wasn't wearing his normal black frock coat and billowy robes. He was in black slacks, black button up shirt and black tie. Over top he wore a black suit jacket that matched his pants and a black trench coat similar to hers. Well, when one finds something to take comfort in, such as a signature color, who are we to take it from them?

"You look lovely this evening Hermione. Shall we?"

He held out his arm to her. When she was close enough he whispered, "It seems we have a bit of an audience tonight. Everyone just happened to have a reason to be near the doors or have a great need to run errands in Hogsmeade."

"Oh really? Well, it seems they picked a fine night for it. I myself am very excited to be out tonight."

"As am I. I just wish there were fewer spectators on our outing. Being watched makes my skin crawl."

"You never know, Trelawney may come along and try to bungle the whole thing."

Severus rolled his eyes.

"That woman. She tries that every once in a while. I swear she thinks I'm going out with you to make her jealous. That I'm playing some game of cat and mouse with her."

"There were many rumors that she was a jilted lover of yours."

She smirked at his amused snort.

"You bite your tongue Miss Granger. No such thing is true, and I'll thank you to stop any such rumor."

"And tell them what? I'm dating you?"

"That suits well. If you are willing to share the status of our relationship with the general public, then you are more than welcome."

"I think the entire population of the school would faint simultaneously if they found out."

"No, for that I would have to kiss you over morning tea in the Great Hall. Not a bad idea actually. Your mind comes up with the most devious plans."

"Don't you dare Severus Snape. I will not have our first kiss be in front of all and sundry."

"Oh that won't be our first kiss. I plan on having lost count by the time the students get here."

Hermione's stomach did a flip.

"Is that a promise?" she asked with more cheek than she felt.

"Oh yes," he pitched his voice and his eyes smoldered.

Hermione bit her lip to hide her smile. She quite liked him looking at her that way. She was so glad that she thought to get something sexy to go under her dress.

Severus walked her to Madam Puddifoot's and led her to a table in the back. He ordered tea and nothing else. When she asked why on earth they had to come here for tea he explained that it was to throw others off their scent. He was actually taking her to London for dinner after a few minutes there. He held her close when they were back outside and apparated them away.

He led her to a small Italian bistro where he insisted he order for her. She sipped her wine and they shared plates again because "it all looked so wonderful". She kept it to one glass of wine and switched to water so she didn't get tipsy and do something stupid again.

Conversation started with the usual pleasantries. He asked how she was feeling about her prospects now that her immediate future seemed a little more organized. She asked how his personal potions research was going. Then somehow it led to rockier places like family. He mentioned something about his mother's cooking, and trying to avoid the subject asked of her own parents.

It wasn't public knowledge that Hermione's parents couldn't come back, but she was willing to share with those she was comfortable with. She explained that even though she tried to find her parents, Death Eaters had found them and tortured them. The heavy shielding she had put around her memory charm had saved them from going crazy, but it was also damaged to the point where it was too dangerous for her to reverse it. In essence her parents had died and she had mourned their death, but it was still hard to take.

"A month in to the break my custody was given over to Albus and Minerva. I stayed with some family before that but it wasn't working out. Albus offered to let me stay at the school and Molly offered the Burrow. I moved in to Ginny's room and started working with the twins after that. You know the rest I'm afraid."

"Yes. I'm very sorry for it too. My condolences for your loss Hermione. I know it is no consolation that they are still alive."

The silence turned uncomfortable.

"My own mother died in my time at Hogwarts." He offered tentatively but didn't go in to detail. "I picked up fishing as a way to escape. There was a lake that I knew from a trip with Lucius and I would borrow the boat and equipment his family left there. I was even reading books on how to be better, really throwing myself at it. It helped."

"I never got the hang of fishing myself. I could never get past getting the worm on the hook. My father would have to do it for me while I looked away. Then I would never be able to get the fish off my hook and would insist on releasing it. That only lasted one summer for Dad and he refused to let me do anything but read on the boat after that."

They both laughed at her reminisce. Both had a feeling of calm now that they had shared something so intimate. Conversation continued to the most ridiculous holiday stories they had and the books they would read when they weren't making themselves look like fools.

By the time she was finished her coffee, she had three new books she wanted to read and Severus had promised to take her fishing. He payed the bill and walked her along the shops to do a bit of window shopping. It began to get late and Severus recommended they return to the castle. Her smile faltered but she agreed. She didn't want such a spectacular night to end.

"I had such a lovely time tonight Severus. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Thank you for coming. You have been most pleasant company tonight."

She spotted Professor Sinistra aiming her telescope at the front gates then rushing away when she no doubt saw them.

"They kept a look out. That's creepy."

"Remember what they have riding on this going well tonight. The evening is not over and there is speculation that I will kiss you tonight."

"Ah yes, that. I had almost forgotten."

"I'll try not to feel insulted," he answered sardonically.

"Quite honestly I've been trying not to think about it. We've had such a lovely evening; I didn't want to ruin it with my anxiety."

"For what reason are you anxious?"

"I think it boils down to my inexperience. I've kissed two boys my whole life and both times it was less than satisfying."

"Ah yes, I imagine that Mr. Weasley would be quite a dunderhead in the subject of romance."

"The situation wasn't exactly romantic, no."

Everyone knew of their kiss in the chamber because the heat of the moment. Ron had told everyone. When the adrenaline had worn off Hermione privately told him that she wasn't interested in him romantically and he accepted graciously.

"And Victor—bleh. I was sure he chewed on a head of garlic before he kissed me. It was awful."

"He very well may have. I hear he eats it for luck. So you were the one who didn't fall head over heels for the Bulgarian bonbon. He seemed so forlorn in the article when he spoke of that mysterious woman. 'The one that got away,' I think they called you."

"Yes, that was me. We still keep in touch and meet for lunch now and then, but he hasn't tried to kiss me again. So you see, with two kisses under my belt I feel dreadfully inadequate."

"I think all you need is the proper teacher. As it happens I am one, so it's very fortunate for you," he uttered enticingly.

They slowly stopped near her door. He turned to her and slowly backed her in to the wall beside her portrait.

"Thank you for joining me tonight Hermione."

She felt like she was being stalked as prey.

"I had a nice time and would like to repeat it." he offered.

She thought she heard something down the hallway, but couldn't look away from his eyes.

"Would you like to come out again tomorrow?"

She nodded shallowly. She was distracted by his what his hands were doing and could have very well been agreeing to licking his shoe much less another date. One of his hands braced himself against the wall, caging her between his arm and the portrait frame. The other was around her waist pulling her close, angling her hips towards his. Her hands rested gently on his chest, her head tilted up to see his eyes despite the extra inches her shoes gave her.

"Say yes, Hermione."

"Yes," she whispered.

"Good girl."

He nuzzled under her ear like he had before. Small, barely there kisses on her neck made her spine twinge. He wasn't even kissing her and she was highly aroused. She wasn't allowed to kiss him first, he had made it clear. She wasn't at all sure she wanted to kiss first. His dominating nature was sexy beyond belief, and the brief thought of it being a teacher fetish flickered through her head. No, it was just letting go of her control that felt so good. Oh! Yes, it felt very good.

"Hermione?"

"Hm?"

"Stop thinking so much."

"Mmm-hmm."

"Hermione?"

He sucked on her exposed clavicle—definitely a good dress choice.

"Hmm?"

Her breathing was getting heavier.

"Can I kiss you now?"

His hot breath across the wet marks on her neck sent shivers straight to her knickers.

"Oh Merlin, yes."

He cupped her face in his large hands and softly placed his lips on hers. It hardly matched the intensity of the moment but it was perfect. He pulled away but came back with more pressure. One hand made a trail down to her waist again and he held her against him as he came back for kiss after kiss.

Hermione fisted her hands in the lapels of his coat and stood on tip toe. Bright white fireworks were going off in her head and she was sure nothing could be better than this. Eventually he pulled away but kept her firmly to his chest.

"So, do I win for best first kiss then?"

"By leaps and bounds Severus."

"I think it's time to be off to bed. I'll take my leave now."

She held him closer for a moment before pulling away. She smiled and bit her lip.

"Thank you, Severus, for a lovely night."

"You're welcome Hermione. Sleep well."

She nodded and stepped inside her room. She kept smiling at him as she slowly closed the door then squealed and hopped around. Nothing beats a first kiss.

She went to her room in a haze and started getting ready for bed. She stood at the sink brushing her teeth in her knickers and bra and realized that she was the only one seeing them. Disappointment washed over her but then she remembered the bet. With a kiss like that there was no way she wasn't losing her virginity tomorrow night.

A/N: Sorry everyone for not posting last week. Time escaped me, the rascal. I hope the new chapter was contrition enough. I can't thank my beta enough for the work she does, and you wouldn't either if you knew what my chapters looked like first draft. Thanks to everyone who sent reviews and messages. They are like warm cookies on these snowy days. (Can you tell I have a thing for baked goods yet?) Anyway, see you all next week!