Lucia smoothed the front of her dress for the third time in a row, fighting the slight shake in her hands. She was not a nervous person. In all her life no one had ever described her as nervous. Often brash, impulsive, irreverent, but not nervous. And yet there she was, standing in front of a mirror debating if she looked like she cared but didn't care about a date that wasn't really date with a man who barely acted like a man.

"Pull it together, Sometimes." She muttered.

Her skirt was knee length, a novelty print of piano sheet music in a warm brown and orange color. The sweater she paired it with was an earthy orange, ribbed and fitted to her torso. She was thankfully it was not a formal opera, requiring her to wear a formal dress and heels. Instead she could pair her outfit with her long orange coat without concern. It was perhaps a bit more casual than she would have done if Severus wasn't on such thin ice, but as he was she didn't see the point to ravish him with some of her more glamorous cocktail dresses.

Nuit meowed at her feet, rubbing the side of her face against Lucia's boots.

"Yeah I know, I should stay home with you." Lucia said, kneeling down and picking up the feline. "I've been feeding you too much." She said, noticing the heft of the cat who was never particularly light but was now especially heavier.

"Actually, I have been giving her treats when you are not looking." Said a voice from the doorway.

Lucia turned to look at Severus. She couldn't say she was surprised. After the third time he had just appeared in her chambers she had asked if he was removing her locking charms and he explained that the doors would open for him with no resistance. The castle was meddling, as it apparently did like to do.

"I didn't mean that I-" Lucia started. "No nevermind, I did mean it. I am still not sure this is a good idea."

Severus looked disappointed for a moment before she continued.

"I'm not cancelling I just don't necessarily think I forgive you at this point." She explained.

"The goal of tonight is to prove I can be a better person than what I have shown you."

"Giving treats to my cat is a good first step."

"She is beginning to prefer me."

"That is fundamentally untrue." Lucia scoffed. "You do not have breasts. I know for a fact she loves breasts. She nurses on me nightly."

"Ahh yes, my first test. I can assure you I am not jealous of a cat enjoying your breasts."

Lucia let out a genuine laugh. "Thank god, because you will lose to her every time."

"I suppose losing to a cat would not wound my pride too deeply." Severus looked her up and down, assessing that she seemed ready for dinner. "Shall we apparate? We will have to return to my chambers."

Lucia examined herself in the mirror once more. Messy hair and all, she looked fine. A bit of regret shot through her. Severus had put a lot of effort into this evening and she was intentionally feigning indifference despite being anything but. "Yes I suppose." She said, conjuring a necklace quickly to dress up the outfit and turning to Severus.

He could read her smile: she was reluctant. He had tried to be optimistic, knowing he was skating on thin ice but the look on her face nearly made him want to cancel the entire evening. He felt that way, that is, until she reached out for his hand.

He noted that hers felt exceptionally small in his. When he had taught her to dance before he had been more focused on the proximity of her body. He hadn't noticed the callouses on her fingertips from her stringed instruments, the thin fingers bare all but the tattoo on her ring finger.

Lucia looked down at the clasped fingers between them as they walked and let out a small chuckle. "There's my olive branch. I promise not to be a bitch."

"The same fire that fuels your anger is what fuels everything I enjoy about you." He said. "Besides, I have earned your ire."

"And you got it. Now let me put out the flames."

Severus nodded, leading them into his chambers. Three apparations and a loud pop later, they had arrived in London, specifically an area called Shoreditch. Lucia noted the eclectic shops around them as well as the street art, feeling instantly reminiscent of her neighborhood in Brooklyn. It only took them a few blocks to find the tiny Italian restaurant based in the ground floor of an older brick building.

"Oh this was a bad idea." Lucia said.

Severus looked concerned for a moment, afraid she was about to cancel the date.

"I have a hard time controlling myself around pasta." Lucia clarified, cracking a smile.

"That seems like it would be a good thing." Severus said, relieved she was not intending to cut the date short and ask to head back to the castle.

"Just wait until you see me with a plate in front of me." Lucia winked.

"If this is a kind of innuendo, I am not sure how I feel about it."

"Nothing a quick scourgify can't fix." She said.

They were seated rather quickly. The waiter spoke broken English but Lucia had a working knowledge of food related Italian.

"Thank you for picking an actual authentic Italian restaurant. I can't tell you how many first dates I've been on where I get taken to a place that only serves spaghetti and lasagna." Lucia said, looking through the menu. "Not that there's anything wrong with those two things, but really. A whole country and those two dishes are the highlights?"

Severus had to push down the insecurity that statement raised in him, instead choosing to accept the compliment. "I doubt you would accept a cheap imitation of anything."

He met her eyes and she looked back at him for a moment before cracking a smile. "I don't know, I have a history with cheap imitations of wine."

"Speaking of-" Severus started.

"Nope. I'm standing by it. Not drinking."

Severus was surprised, hoping he would be able to share a bottle with her, in part because he wanted to take the edge off himself and also because he thought it might make the evening more romantic.

"Don't worry, it's not forever. Just until I get… well everything figured out." Lucia paused for a moment. "Which will probably take forever if it even happens."

The waiter approached, offering to take their drink orders. Lucia opted for a water and Severus followed suit, watching as she carefully scanned her options for food.

"What are you leaning toward?" She asked.

"It's in Italian." He replied, genuinely unsure what he was looking at.

Lucia shuffled around the table, taking a seat next to Severus and leaning in to guide him through the menu.

"Bucatini is a hollow spaghetti pasta, which they are serving with a red wine and tomato reduction, pici is like a thicker spaghetti and they are serving it with a fried pancetta, fuck that sounds good, in egg yolks-"

Lucia was about to continue when he stopped her. "That sounds adequate."

"Merlin I hope you don't describe sex like that. 'Yes dear, that was quite adequate.' Hard not to take that as an insult."

Severus flushed at the comment, quietly pleased that she was joking with him and teasing once again.

Lucia went back to her seat, once again opening her menu. "I think I will go for the pappardelle with short ribs." She closed the booklet, placing it on the table and crossing her arms in front of her. "Now I must warn you, I genuinely meant it when I said I lose control of myself around pasta. It's an intense experience, almost sexual. If you feel threatened by a gay man, I can't imagine how you're going to feel about a plate of the most divine food ever created."

Severus noticed the bite in her words and the slight jab at him. Choosing to ignore it he said "I will enjoy getting a preview of what's to come."

Lucia raised an eyebrow. "I appreciate the confidence. Very attractive."

The waiter returned, taking their order. Lucia ordered for the both of them, her Italian barely getting her through a short conversation with the waiter.

"What did you two discuss?" Severus asked.

"He asked if we were on a date."

"And what did you say?"

"I told him I was kidnapped. I think he's calling the police right now." Lucia said, her eyes not leaving her glass of water as she swirled it in front of her.

Severus laughed, something that caught him off guard. Lucia smiled warmly at him, happy to hear his deep voice envelope her.

"No he asked if I was Italian and I told him I have family in Tuscany. He's from Milan." She explained.

Severus felt a little jealous for a moment, wondering if the man was trying to flirt with her.

"He also asked if we were on a date and I did say I thought you were going to propose."

"Why on earth would you say that?"

"Because, and I say this as a Slytherin, he offered a complimentary dessert."

"Oh you are sly."

"Wouldn't like me if I wasn't."

The food came and indeed Lucia's interest in speaking with Severus dwindled significantly, instead focusing on the plate of pasta that absorbed the rich sauces of the pork. Severus's meal was similarly exemplary.

"Fuck this is good." Lucia moaned out, putting a forkful of pasta into her mouth.

"Clearly." Severus said, raising a bite of his out dish to his lips.

"I wish I could cook. I would make pasta and sauce and eat this any chance I got."

"I have been known to be a skilled cook. Perhaps I can attempt this dish for you sometime."

"With what kitchen?" Lucia asked through a mouthful of food.

"Either the Hogwarts kitchens, though there is little privacy there. I also have a home we may apparate to. I occasionally visit during the year to ensure my wards are holding. Perhaps we can go together."

"That's a bit forward for a first date."

"Apparently I'm already proposing to you."

"It's fine. If you don't I will just feign disappointment and we will still get a free dessert."

"I assume that means you don't want to see my home."

Lucia sighed, thinking she had successfully avoided the question. "I'd just like to make sure things are going well between us before… well before I get any more involved in your life. It's easy to keep my life separate. It's across the world from here. Everyone I know, everyone I love is an ocean away. It would be huge for me to even think about taking anyone to my home."

"I never said anything about meeting your friends."

"Yes well that's the next step isn't it? I've met your friends. They already think we are madly in love for Merlin's sake. My friends just think I'm experiencing the existential doom of my mid twenties and I'll get over it, move back and meet another American guy."

"Is that what you want?"

Lucia sighed, feeling the weight of the conversation steadily increasing. "No. But I don't really want anything besides happiness. Whatever that looks like." She put her fork down, no longer feeling hungry. "I've learned pretty thoroughly that plans usually find a way to crash and burn around me. Best to just not have them."

"I have never allowed myself to plan. My life was never mine to choose." Severus began. "Though a second chance is something I don't think I deserved, I have it and I want to do something better than what I have so far."

"You do deserve a second chance though." Lucia said, reaching across the table to grasp his hands.

"Then give me one." He said, looking her in the eyes.

Lucia's brow creased as she thought about what he said. "Ok. Dinner at your home."

"On Valentine's day?"

"Oh for fucks sake, please don't subject me to that holiday."

"I thought women liked Valentine's Day."

"I like the discounted chocolate on the day after Valentine's Day."

"How could anyone ever think you were anything but a Slytherin."

"You bring out the best in me."

The waiter returned and looked expectantly at Lucia. She pretended to be disappointed and the waiter nodded, taking their plates away.

"You are, what is that muggle saying, throwing me under the bus." Severus said.

"Sympathy cake. Congratulations cake. They taste the same to me." Lucia said dismissively before looking at the dessert menu that the waiter had placed in front of them.

"I suppose my opinion on which dessert holds no bearing."

"Maybe it would have if you had proposed." Lucia deadpanned, not looking up from the menu. "I'm leaning toward the Tiramisu, unless you have a strong aversion to espresso flavor."

"Indeed I do not."

The waiter returned a moment later, took their order and promptly returned with the plate and two clean forks.

"My mother in law told me this used to be considered an aphrodisiac. A weird thing for her to say but whatever." Lucia took the first bite, letting out a muffled moan.

"I take that to mean it is up to your standard."

"Absolutely. Eat some!" Lucia insisted, pushing the plate toward him. For a moment she considered forcing a fork full of the dessert in his mouth but opted instead to just verbally harass him. "I can't finish it myself."

Severus took a bite, immediately tasting the rich espresso and cocoa powder. "It's soggy." He said.

Lucia sat back, crossing her arms across her chest. "You eat British food. Most of the things you consume are boiled beyond recognition and seasoned with salt only. I hardly think you can criticize food."

Severus smirked at her, taking another bite. "I never said I didn't enjoy it."

Lucia narrowed her eyes before taking another bite and smiling at him. "Remind me to never cook for you."

"Were you planning to?"

"Not even remotely."

After they had finished dessert in the restaurant the waiter returned with their check, placing it in front of Severus. Lucia reached out to pay but Severus stopped her hand.

"I picked the restaurant so I will pay." He said.

"I insist on paying half." She said.

"No." He replied in a terse manner, grabbing some muggle money from his jacket.

"I don't let people pay for me."

"You will tonight."

"I really will not."

Severus sighed. "Lucia, allow me to make things up to you in ways that I feel comfortable."

Lucia was mid reach, grabbing for the checkbook when she retracted her hand. "Fine." The pout returned and she crossed her arms. "But next time I'm paying."

"Next time?"

"Oh shut up."

The pair left the restaurant, walking quickly to the venue. It was a renovated space, likely a former warehouse, made to look like a modern event area. The walls were stark white in contrast to the warm wood furniture and metal lighting fixtures. It was clear the event was targeted more towards musicians than music enthusiasts, as the space was advertised as an art space for artists.

Lucia and Severus sat down in the third row, patiently waiting for the event to begin. The stage, so to speak, was just a rug with a piano and a microphone with chairs set up in front of it.

"This reminds me so much of an event I used to go to every month in New York." Lucia said, leaning over toward Severus. "It was partially for networking, but also just a really amazing opportunity to hear more experimental compositions. Although there were always some duds."

"Not everyone is a prodigy like you." Severus teased.

"Oh trust me, I worked hard to be barely competent. Natural talent only gets you so far."

A woman walked through the aisles and grabbed the microphone, introducing the event. She explained that it was a monthly event where they highlighted talented musicians and encouraged collaboration and creativity. The speech ended with her encouraging those who wanted to be involved to leave their phone number and address to get information on future events or inquire about performing.

The first singer was a man, a rich baritone. Lucia leaned over and made a comment about him being "quite impressive".

Throughout all the performances Lucia would make commentary, either explaining the meaning of the piece quitely after the performance or complimenting the performance. Severus was entranced, not so much by the music in front of him, but by the clear passion Lucia held for classical music.

The final song of the evening began, a poem called "Nuit d'etoiles" set to music by Debussy.

Lucia immediately grasped Severus' hand and whispered in his ear "This song breaks my heart every damn time."

The singer began, her voice piercing above the piano accompanying her in graceful arches and crescendos. Lucia clutched her necklace, trying not to cry. She felt she had cried in front of Severus enough for an entire lifetime.

"Nuit d'étoiles,

Night of stars

Sous tes voiles,
Beneath your veils
Sous ta brise et tes parfums,
Beneath your breeze and your perfumes
Triste lyre
Sad lyre
Qui soupire,
Which is sighing
Je rêve aux amours défunts.
I dream of bygone loves

La seriene Mélancolie
Serene Melancholy
Vient éclore au fond de mon cœur,
Comes to blooms in the depths of my heart
Et j'entends l'âme de ma mie
And I hear the sound of my beloved
Tressallir dans le bois rêveur.
Quiver in the dreaming wood

Je revois à notre fontaine
At our fountain I see you again
Tes regards bleus comme les cieux;
Your gazes, blue as the heavens
Cette rose, c'est ton haleine,
This rose is your breath
Et ces étoiles sont tes yeux.
And these stars are your eyes

Nuit d'étoiles,
Night of stars
Sous tes voiles,
Beneath your veils
Sous ta brise et tes parfums,
Beneath your breeze and your perfumes
Triste lyre
Sad lyre
Qui soupire,
Which is sighing
Je rêve aux amours défunts.
I dream of bygone loves"

Severus squeezed her hand, noticing her sniffling. The song had reflected a past love, but also a hope for the future. The sentiment had always hit her as sweet, but after Ryan's death the song had taken on a new meaning.

"I'm sorry." She muttered, wiping away a rogue tear that had made it onto her cheek as they exited the building, wandering the streets of London. It was well past 11 pm. Normally at this point in the evening she would be in bed with a book, if not completely asleep.

"It was a moving performance." He replied.

"You hardly seem phased."

"I am more concerned that the evening was ruined."

Lucia let out a laugh. "No not at all. It's just a sad song, but there is a bit of hope there still."

"Perhaps it is an omen."

"We already have enough omens. Speaking of, I know you spoke with Harry regarding possession but I was hoping I could speak to him."

The mention of Potter immediately sobered Severus. "I can't imagine why you would want to speak with boy wonder. I already told you how he escaped Voldemort's possession."

"You did but I still would like to learn more about it. How it felt. What he focused on." She said.

"I hardly think he will tell you about it for no reason."

"What if I told him the truth."

"That would be very unlike you."

"I stopped drinking. Perhaps it is time to stop lying too."

Severus paused for a moment. I will have McGonagall reach out to him on your behalf. I am not inclined to owl him myself."

"Nor would I expect you too." Lucia yawned a high squeak of a yawn.

"What in Merlin's name was that."

"It's what people do when they're tired."

"It sounded like a cat's tail being stepped on."

"Oh shut up." She smacked his chest lightly. "I am tired though. Shall we apparate back?"

Severus sighed, not wanting the night to be over quite yet but conceding that he was also quite exhausted. "I suppose."

Lucia allowed Severus to wrap an arm around her as they apparated back to the castle.

Severus reluctantly let go of her waist, noting the way she tucked her hair behind her ears and glanced up at him.

"Thank you for tonight. I really enjoyed it." She said, still standing close to him.

"I am glad that I did not disappoint you."

Lucia smiled gently, reaching up and pushing a stray hair away from his face before standing on her toes and placing a kiss on the side of his mouth.

"I can't wait for next time." She said, and exited his chambers.

Severus touched the corner of his mouth where she had kissed him and smiled.