~Friday

At noon Severus met Hermione at the phone booth and went in to muggle London. They found a nice grey suit and a white button up shirt. 'Um, you are going to be the sexiest man there tonight.'

At 7 o'clock she walked down the stairs to Severus, whistling at her, 'No ball gown?'

'Nope, I want to enjoy this.' spinning around in a white with small flowered sun dress. Her hair pinned up at the sides and flowing down the back. 'My, my you are going to be the sexiest man there, but a small change here.' as she removed his jacket, tie and undid a few buttons, rolled up the sleeves and conjured a silk hankie to match her dress and put that in the vest pocket. 'Damn you look good! Are you ready?' as she kissed him. Lucius was watching from the balcony.

They strolled in late, Hermione's idea and yes everyone stopped to watch them enter. They heard the whispers and she smiled and nodded as she passed the crowd.

'Wow, Hermione you look simply gorgeous,' Ginny cried. 'And Severus you look just delicious!' licking her lips.

'Well if I have to do this, I will bloody well will be comfortable.' as she giggled.

'And if I remember right Mrs. Potter you are a Mrs. now.' Severus said a little embarrassed his former student was drooling at him.

'That is right, Severus but I can still look, just can't touch, what a shame!' wiggling her eye brows, as Severus blushed.

'Well let's get this over with.' as she reached for Severus's hand to dance. Everyone was watching them.

'Well I was right you are the most beautiful woman here. I feel privileged to be your date for the night.' he whispered in her ear.

'How does it feel to have more than half of the wizarding worlds' witches wanting to scratch my eyes out so they can dance with you?' she giggled, as they looked out to see all of the drooling witches and even a few wizards. She thought she saw Lucius up on the second floor watching. Severus never left her side they spent time visiting a few of her friends and time visiting his friends. He did allow Harry and Kingsley a dance. He did take Ginny for a spin around the floor at Harry's request.

'Now this is what a date is supposed to be.' Hermione said as she put her arms around Severus's neck for last dance. He looked at her puzzled. 'Lucius went off for a while to schmooze his business associates. I only got 3 maybe 4 dances out of him and half of his attention the whole night.' they apparated home after the last dance and finished their conversation.

'I'm sorry, he is a very nice man but has just been in his own little world for so long, he needs a strong woman like you to break the habits he has falling into.'

'So you are backing out to let your friend have me?'

'Oh no, I'm just saying he will need a woman LIKE you to straighten him out.' as he leaned in for a kiss. 'I can only hope you will pick me, we won't be able to live like Lucius but we can find a nice house in muggle London and enjoy the rest of our lives together.'

'I've told you it's not about the money. We have had fun this week and hardly spent anything have we not?'

'Yes, so why are you writing yourself off?'

'I just figured...'

'Stop it. Why do you not see yourself as good enough for me? Too old, too poor can't do this or that. Severus you have to think higher of yourself to get the woman of your choosing. Goodnight.' as she turned to her hallway.