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Word Count - 718

A Brighter Outlook

The ball was to start soon. Severus huffed to himself as he arranged his cravat and waistcoat just so. He wasn't particularly looking forward to the ball, particularly when his mother, Queen Eileen of Hogsmeade, was expecting him to choose his bride.

She'd invited all the eligible ladies in the surrounding kingdoms—even though he'd vehemently protested the inclusion of those from Gryffindor. He'd had dealings in the past with the inhabitants of the Gryffindor kingdom, and he had no wish to entertain the thought of marrying one of them.

Checking himself in the mirror a final time, Severus sighed and then straightened his back. A prince never slouched after all—at least not in the view of anyone of lesser standing.

The royal ball's were always successful, and this one seemed to be no different. There was a lack of males present, but given the cause for the ball, it was somewhat understandable. Still, Lucius was holding court in the middle of the room with many of their shared acquaintances, and Severus immediately made a beeline for his long-time friend.

"Ah, Severus," Lucius greeted, a smile stretching his thin lips. "How are you this fine evening?"

"Just fine, Lucius. Yourself?"

"I am simply marvellous. You've met my Lady Narcissa?" he asked, guiding his fiance forwards with the arm around her waist.

Severus kissed her hand and bowed slightly to her, murmuring her name in greeting. "You look radiant as always."

"Severus dear, come and meet Lady Bones from the Ravenclaw Kingdom, won't you," his mother said, appearing at his elbow.

Exchanging a forlorn look with Lucius, who's eyes twinkled gleefully, Severus nodded. "Of course, Mother."

So followed a stream of women, each clamouring for a dance and the chance to charm him. It was exhausting.

Eventually, he escaped his mother's watchful eye and retreated to one of the corners of the room. Unfortunately, the corner was already occupied.

"Oh. Excuse me, Miss, I didn't expect anyone to be sitting over here."

He moved to step back, but then startled, the young lady looked up and he was suddenly gazing on the most beautiful brown eyes he'd ever seen.

"Sorry," the lady whispered. "I uh, I'm not…" she gestured down to the book in her lap. "I guess I'm not very good at social situations. I… my mother made me come. Sorry."

"There's no need for apologies," Severus said, voice soft. "What are you reading?"

She flipped the cover for him to see, and what followed was one of the most interesting and compelling conversations Severus had ever taken part in.

"What is your name, Miss?"

She blushed, her cheeks colouring lightly. "Hermione. Hermione Granger."

"It's been a pleasure, Miss Granger."

…

"Did you find anyone you'd like to pursue, Son?" Eileen asked, the following morning as they sat down to breakfast.

Severus nodded, a small smile on face. "Hermione Granger."

Eileen looked quickly through the list of attendees. "Hmm, of the Gryffindor Kingdom. You surprise me, Son. I expected you to choose one of the ladies of Slytherin, or perhaps Ravenclaw."

His good mood threatening to evaporate, Severus pictured Hermione in his mind. Gryffindor… possibly the last kingdom he would have expected from her, and yet…

"She is my choice, Mother."

Eileen nodded. "Very well. I'll have the horse and carriage prepared. You will leave after breakfast."

…

The street wasn't as obnoxious as some in the kingdom, Severus thought to himself, as they pulled outside a modest but nice house.

The door opened, and there she stood, just a step behind her parents. She had her hand over her mouth, and her mother was already tearing up.

"Miss Granger," Severus said, stepping down from the cart. "Of all the ladies that came to the ball, you were the only one to capture my interest. Would you do me the honour of allowing my courtship?"

Hermione stepped between her parents and looked at Severus' waiting hand. After seconds that felt like hours, she put her hand into his, and allowed him to kiss the delicate skin on the back it.

"I'd like that," she murmured sweetly.

Severus nodded, and stood, turning to greet her parent's as was proper.

He was most excited about the future, which, before he'd stumbled on the bright young lady, had been looking rather bleak.

Written for:

Auction - Royalty!au

365 - 98. Royal

1000 - 303. SeverusHermione