37.
Saturday
Lucius outdid himself. He and the house elves transformed an adjacent room into a dining section and a well-appointed sitting area. The room was quite similar to Snape's, but the padding was all of a dark plum. The hidden lighting was dimmer, there was no enchanted wall and a there was a deep fireplace with proper wards.
The elves made an archway type of thing to connect the rooms and additional lavatories secreted behind floor screens and plants. Lucius added a guard and checked and rechecked the safety measures.
When the students arrived bearing the food, the elves magicked the china and cutlery away. Instead, the food was born on sturdy wooden dishes with wooden spoons for utensils.
Ginny frowned at the roast and asked the elves if they could at least cut the meat as they couldn't have knives. The elf gave a growl and a snap and the roast was in perfect bites. Ginny nodded with much approval at the precision.
The meal was set and they walked to the table. Hermione maneuvered herself to be next to Snape. He instinctively held the chair for her as Draco did for Ginny which startled Ron into trying to seat Luna.
The food was incredible and the conversation fast. They seemingly talked about everything.
Snape thought they were outdoing themselves, affecting false interest and cheer. He gradually realized it was the effect of good friendship. It reminded him of when he first joined the Slytherins, before the rivalries and jockeying for position began.
He effortlessly followed the conversation while following the movements of Miss Granger. Since she asked him about Draco's arm, he considered the girl might have developed an interest in the boy. Snape didn't see her pay any more attention to Draco than she did to Mr. Weasley. Snape did not notice the extra attention Miss Granger was paying to himself or he chose to ignore it.
Neville and Luna stood and formally announced their nuptials. Champagne was passed and everyone drank a hearty goblet full.
He observed Miss Granger's sluggish movements. She'd also slurred a few of her words. He would have Narcissa owl McGonagall to ensure the sleeping draught was being prescribed. Perhaps she needed the potion nightly?
The elated couple asked Snape if he would attend the wedding if the Malfoys allowed them to hold it at the Manor. Snape tried to decline, proffering more appropriate and desirable locales, but he graciously ceded their request.
Dessert was cut and passed on plates. Hermione handed Snape his share. As he took the proffered plate, his hand cupped and held hers.
The sensation made her mouth go dry and her heart was beating very fast and very loud.
He stared into her with those black eyes noticing her disconcertion.
She could see his mouth moving, but she could only hear the blood thundering in her ears. She tried to focus on his eyes. If she could keep focusing on...
Miss Granger fainted.
Snape was familiar with fainters. He said Miss Granger's name, then set the plate onto the table while reaching his other arm around her waist. He caught her as she collapsed into his shoulder. He quickly lifted her and carried her to a sofa in the sitting area. All the while the diners erupted in distress and concern.