' ' are thoughts. Ok, on with the story!
The refreshed feeling she felt could only be due to the prospect of attending church. Much like Severus, Hermione had gone often when she was a child. But that all changed quickly as the harsh realities of war pressured her. It was inevitable that she stopped going. There was no time. And after the war...Her spiritual man was very malnourished. It was one thing to pray and read the bible, it was quite another to actually be in a holy dwelling. That's what she was mostly looking forward to.
Her recent stint of non attending had also robbed her of the ambivalent pleasure of deciding what to wear. She had packed for the holidays, but it was without the knowledge that she would be attending church. Surely, she must have something suitable. Ah, ha! She had packed her rust pencil skirt. And she could just top it off with her cream blouse and leopard heels. 'Success!' she thought, as she stepped into the hot spray of the shower in her private bathroom at 12 Grimmauld Place. She dried off quickly and went about her routine. Mindful of the cold weather, she slipped her skirt over the thick nude tights she was wearing and finished off her ensemble with a black wool pea coat.
They'd agreed to meet at the gate. Not only did it allow for some means of privacy, Hermione wouldn't have to travel all the way down to the dungeons. Severus groaned. Although he had greatly appreciated Hermione's willingness to go to church with him, he could not help but feel a bit uneasy about returning to his old church home. The place where he and Sal had the funerals for both their mother and father. But Tobias's death did not affect him the way his mother's had. No, when Tobias died he mainly felt relieved. His death had signified the end of him getting beaten; and watching his mother being beat as well. His mother's death, had broke his heart.
Oddly enough, this was not the most discouraging thing that brought about his reluctance. It was barrage of questions that he would be confronted with. Especially because of Hermione. To be honest, he was afraid they'd think him a lecher for carrying on with a woman nearly twenty years his junior. Nevermind that she possessed intelligence beyond many of his age. Oh well...
He had forgone the usual "black bat" get up. It could only help his cause if he seemed more, approachable. His teaching robes are too severe. They made look stern, anal retentive, and more importantly old. That would not do. He turned a skeptical eye on his closet of muggle suits. 'Black or gray?' 'Definitely black.' Now he only needed to find a tie...There! On a hook in his closet was an old rust colored one. Actually, it was a gift from Albus. Which also explained why he'd never worn it. Once it was on he warded his quarters and went to meet Hermione at the gate.
First they apparated to Spinners End, his childhood home although he had no inclination of taking her there. They walked the rest of the way in companionable silence and Severus was glad he would not have to face the old ladies at his parish alone. As luck would have it they entered in behind another group of people and were able to snag a seat in the back.
In a word, service was great. Their hearts were lifted and they were filled with the kind of hope you feel when a newborn baby enters the world. Or when the first flower of spring pushes through the newly thawed ground. But when service was over...
At first, Severus thought that perhaps they hadn't been spotted, but then he heard those fatal words: "Is that little Severus?"
He turned to the voice. "Hello, Mother Buchanan, it's been a while," he uttered with the utmost civility.
"It certainly has," the elderly woman said with a tone of disapproval, then she turned around and beckoned, "Marjorie! Come here, it's little Severus! "
An old woman who appeared to be in her seventies came over. She had graying curly red hair and the same probing eyes as Mother Buchanan. "Oh my! Little Severus how delightful to see you again. And who is this lovely girl?"
"Oh don't tell me our little Severus has finally gotten married!" Mother Buchanan exclaimed whilst taking the liberty of pinching Severus's cheek. Hermione stifled a laugh.
"Actually, we're not married y-" he started to say.
"Oh, but what a smart match you make!" Mother Buchanan carried on.
"What did you say your name was dearie?" Marjorie cut in.
"It's Hermione. I'm very pleased-"
"What a pretty name. Don't you agree Marjorie?"
"Well she seems awfully young, Severus," Marjorie said snidely.
"Oh pooh. He'll need a young bride to keep up with all the children!"
"You'll be sure to bring them to church sometime won't you?"
Finally hearing enough Severus interrupted their verbal onslaught with a stern, unwavering voice. "Ladies, enough really. With your incessant babbling how can we be expected to get a word in edgewise?"
Seeing the ladies appalled visage, Hermione stepped in quickly. "Now, now Severus, they weren't trying to be rude, they're just excited to see you. Mother Buchanan, Mother Marjorie pay no attention to little Severus's outburst. I'm sure you remember him having quite the temper." She said smiling sweetly.
Marjorie spoke first, "I'll say. But it seems he was fortunate enough to find someone who can deal with him."
"Yes, and you are so pretty Hermione. Right, Marjorie?" Mother Buchanan said her happy mood returning.
"Oh yes. And what a lovely blouse you're wearing!"
"Oh. You're both too kind. I for one am just dying to know where you got that pretty broach you're wearing Mother Buchanan," Hermione said.
"Oh, this old thing-"
Severus stood there in a state of awe at how well Hermione had dealt with the elderly women. Thankful for her presence he slipped away from the ladies and found a quiet place to think.