Hermione worked hard all week, looking forward to relaxing and having fun over the weekend. She wasn't completely sure how Severus would be at the ball – he might be moody or he might be pleasant. You never really knew with him. She'd just have to wait and see.

She met Ginny for tea partway through the week and they discussed nothing but the upcoming party – who was going to be there, what everyone would be wearing, who would bring who, etc. Ginny was positively glowing, talking excitedly about what she and Harry would be wearing. She had purchased a golden gown – body hugging and one shouldered. Harry would be wearing a golden tuxedo vest and bow tie. Hermione had to stifle a giggle imagining his glazed over look as Ginny was shopping for them.

"So who are you going with?" Ginny asked. Hermione swallowed hard. She knew this question was coming, but didn't want to answer it.

"I… uh, well –" Hermione stuttered. Ginny's hands flew to her face.

"Oh Gods, you don't have a date do you? We'll fix it. We've got a few days. Oooh, what about Victor Krum? I'm sure he'd love the chance to dance with you again." Ginny teased.

"Oh, um, no. I do actually have a date."

"Who is it?"

"Okay, I'll tell you but you have to promise not to freak out – or tell the boys, alright?" Ginny nodded enthusiastically and leaned forward.

"Promise."

"Severus Snape is my date to the ball." Hermione said slowly. Ginny's eyes widened until she thought they would pop out of her head. Hermione could tell the younger girl was trying very hard to keep calm, and barely holding it together.

"How did this happen?"

"It's a long story." Hermione sighed.

"Give me the summary, then."

"Okay. Well, there were a few run-ins while we were still at Hogwarts. And then I was the one to discover he was still alive. And, now we're roommates in his house." Ginny just stared bug-eyed at her. "Oh it's all rather messy and confusing isn't it?" Hermione dropped her head into her hands.

"So you like him?"

"I do."

"Well, I have to be honest. It's really strange." Ginny said. Hermione opened her mouth to object but Ginny cut her off. "But if you are happy, you know we'll all stand behind you and be happy for you." Her friend smiled encouragingly.

The rest of their visit had been back to normal and Hermione was relieved that Ginny hadn't judged her for her choice of date. The rest of the week she felt lighter and happier, having been able to tell her secret to someone. Soon, everyone would know and she wouldn't have to worry about it anymore.

Saturday morning she woke with a smile, rolled out of bed and rushed downstairs. She found a hot plate of bacon, scrambled eggs, toast and hash browns and a large cup of tea. She sat down and noticed a small card tucked under the edge of her plate. Pulling it out, she smiled at his familiar scrawl.

Hermione-

I hope you slept well. I have many errands to run but wanted to leave you something to eat. Enjoy yourself today and I will see you this evening.

-Severus

She smiled. He could be so sweet when he wanted to be. Tucking the card back under her plate, she dug into her breakfast – it was delicious. By the time she finished, she was completely stuffed and had just enough time to shower before getting to her appointment.

As she stood outside Twilfitt and Tatting's, she couldn't help but feel a bit out of place in her jeans and plain top. It looked very high-end. Nervously, she pushed the doors open and stepped into a beautifully decorated shop. Everything was made of dark, polished wood and a vague leathery smell was lingering in the air. Lit by lanterns placed every so often on the walls, she made her way through the store to the counter. The exquisitely dressed woman who helped her gave Hermione the distinct impression that she smelled bad until she gave her name. At that point, the woman snapped to attention, conjuring up a magically refilling glass of champagne and leading her to a private dressing area.

She tried on multiple dresses and had started to lose hope until she turned around in the 15th dress and became speechless. The dress was a midnight blue satin with a drop waist and off the shoulder. The back laced up and it was floor length. It was stunning – just the right equal amounts of sexy and classic. She knew this was the one she needed. She changed back into her regular clothes and went to pay, finding it had already been paid for.

"Are you sure?" Hermione asked, stunned. The woman gave her a look as if she were insane.

"Quite. Shoes were included. Would you like to see our selection?" Hermione smiled and nodded. A half hour later she walked out of the store with her packages, smiling ear-to-ear.

"Oi! Hermione!" She whirled around to see Ron running up behind her.

"Ron! What are you doing here?"

"I was just getting a fitting for my dress robes for the ball. I can finally afford some that aren't hand-me-downs." Hermione giggled remembering his dreadful outfit from the Yule Ball.

"I just got my things for the ball as well." Ron nodded with a smile.

"What are you off to now?" He asked. Hermione shrugged.

"I don't know. I was thinking about maybe stopping in to look at some books or something." Ron rolled his eyes.

"Listen, why don't we grab a bite at the Three Broomsticks?"

"Is it that late already?" Hermione was shocked – had she really spent so long trying on dresses? Sure enough, it was nearly 12:30. She happily agreed, and they Apparated to Hogsmeade – Hermione noticing a familiar swirl of a black cloak across the way as they disappeared.

Severus stood outside the window at Twilfitt and Tatting's, Hermione just visible in the back. He saw her in dress after dress and hoped she'd find something she liked. Finally he saw her face light up. It was hard to see from where he stood, but he knew it was a beautiful, dark shade of blue. He waited patiently for her to finish up and then snuck in behind her as soon as she left to pay for her things.

Once he was through there, he made his way up and down Diagon Alley looking at the different Vendor's stalls. He spied a beautiful assortment at a jewelry stand and made his purchases, knowing she would love them. Once he was through, he did a bit more shopping for everyday needs, picked up his own clothing for the ball and headed home. He couldn't wait to see her.

Upon arriving at The Three Broomsticks, Hermione was shocked to see Harry and Ginny at one of the tables. She and Ron went to greet them and were invited to their table so they could all eat together.

"What a happy coincidence!" Hermione smiled. Something in Harry's expressions threw her off, but she dismissed it. They had a wonderful time eating and catching up. The excitement in the air about the ball was contagious. As she got up to leave, she saw Ginny nudge Harry out of the corner of her eye. Knitting her brows together, she grew suspicious.

"What's going on?" She asked. Ginny nudged Harry again.

"Oh all right!" Harry hissed at her. "Hermione, we all planned to meet here for lunch."

"Really?" Hermione asked, though it all made much more sense now. "And why is that exactly?"

"Well… you see… we were… well I…" Harry seemed to struggle to find the right words. Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Oh for goodness sake. Hermione, Snape – I mean, Severus, actually set all this up. You're to go to the hair salon next – he's made an appointment for you." Hermione gaped at them. Severus did all this? Ginny smiled happily at Hermione.

"He… he did?" She breathed. The boys and Ginny all nodded.

"He really cares about you," Ginny said quietly as she gave her friend a hug. "Now get going or you'll be late. We'll see you at Hogwarts!" The boys waved as they all headed out.

Hermione walked slowly to the salon, hardly able to believe Severus would go to this much trouble for her. The women at the salon greeted her enthusiastically, though the shop was quite busy. She did indeed have an appointment and was taken back immediately.

By the time she left, she was on cloud nine. The skilled woman (and a liberal dose of Sleekeazy's Hair Potion) had worked wonders on her curly mess of a mane. It was now in an elegant twist, tendrils falling delicately in just the right places. They even did her make-up, creating a smoky eye look with the exact shade of blue to compliment her dress.

"Severus!" She called as soon as she walked in the house. "You are unbelievable!" He stepped out from the sitting room and raised an eyebrow.

"Is that a good or bad thing?"

"Terribly good." She dropped her packages and ran to him, hugging him tightly. "Today was perfect and it's not even over yet." He embraced her warmly, careful not to muss her hair.

"Shall I make us dinner?" He asked. Hermione shook her head.

"No, let me. You've done so much for me today." He nodded at her, tenderness in his eyes.

She got to work immediately, making a small meal of Shropshire Pea Soup and a garden salad. There would be plenty of hors d'oeuvres at the ball and she didn't want them to be too full to dance. They ate quickly and retreated to their own rooms to dress.

At a quarter to nine, Hermione looked in the mirror and felt gorgeous. Her dress fit perfectly and her hair complemented it perfectly. She wished she owned some nice earrings or something to accessorize with, but the dress was beautiful enough to stand on its own. With a final smile at her reflection, she left her room and descended the stairs. Once she reached the main floor, she found Severus in the sitting room. Upon seeing her enter, his eyes widened and he stood. She looked him over appreciatively. He still favored old fashion, but looked glorious in black tie with the tails and all. His eyes roamed over her body in wonder.

"Do you like it?" She asked quietly. He raised his eyebrows.

"You are absolutely stunning." He replied sincerely. She smiled and felt her face flush.

"You look quite handsome yourself."

"Thank you." He said politely. Raising his finger to his lips, he paused and she immediately felt self-conscious.

"Do I have something on my dress?" She asked worriedly.

"No, but it seems as though something is missing." He said cryptically. She looked at him in confusion. He pulled out a square velvet box from his pocket and walked towards her, opening it as he approached. Inside were a beautiful set of diamond and pearl earrings and a necklace to match. They weren't overly flashy, but simple and antique looking. She gasped as he opened the box and looked up at him, speechless.

"I think these will do you justice." He helped her put them on and stood back, admiring the final look. She wanted to cry – she felt like a royal. He had spoiled her completely.

"Severus, I-" She started, searching for the words to describe her gratitude.

"Shh," He put a finger against her lips and gave her a small smile. "You deserve it all." With that, he leaned over and kissed her softly. It was all so perfect; she thought for sure she must be dreaming. He held out the crook of his arm after putting the box away and raised an eyebrow.

"Shall we?" He asked. She nodded, smiling widely. She took his arm and off they went.