A/N: Don't know if I've mentioned this, but I of course, do not own Harry Potter. Don't want to forget that little disclaimer although I'm not sure why it's even necessary at this point, but people like to point these things out…. Anyway, enjoy!
That evening, Hermione received a note from Severus inviting her to the Manor that night for dinner and to discuss what was on her mind earlier. The formal sounding invitation made her smirk, they were way past formality but she rather liked the Slytherin/pureblood influence that made him lean towards such verbiage when he wrote something out. Although he could be downright filthy when they were in bed. She wondered if his sister was staying with him and if he would be comfortable with her staying overnight while family was around. Sure, he introduced her as his girlfriend but she had no idea what such a title meant to Severus Snape. Hopefully she could ask him at dinner.
When she arrived it was Lola who came to answer the door. She smiled down at the elf, and greeted her saying, "Master Snape invited me over for dinner. Is he ready for company?"
"Yes, especially for his special friend!" Lola answered excitedly. "Master is waiting in the dining room, I'll show you the way," the little elf insisted, and Hermione followed behind dutifully, her heels clicking softly along the wooden floor. When she entered the dining room Severus rose and pulled her into his arms. There was a brief moment when she registered that his sister, Salome, wasn't in attendance, but Hermione's thoughts were interrupted by a kiss.
"I have wanted to do that all day," The raven haired potions master confessed, his voice husky and low. "Now, I believe you had something you wished to discuss with me?"
Hermione froze, not wanting to ruin the bliss she felt from finally being in his arms. "Oh yes, I...uh, well, Harry and Draco have been asking about you. About us. They want to meet you. Or rather, my boyfriend, they don't know that it's you. But they are curious about who's making me so happy…." Warily she looked up at him and bit her lip, "So, what do you think? I mean I know that it'll probably be awkward and I know that-"
He silenced her mouth with his fingers, causing her to blush and then sigh when he removed them. "The answer is yes, Hermione," Severus replied, smirking down at her. "I mean, it was bound to come out eventually. And the longer we hide it, the more illicit the affair could seem. You and I have nothing to hide, and I for one, cannot wait to walk around Diagon Alley with you proudly on my arm."
"Really?" Hermione inquires a bit breathless. "I thought you'd be totally against this. I know you don't like Harry much…."
"True, but my hatred is gone," Severus replied with finality. "Potter can be annoying, but even I can see that he's matured and obviously more forgiving than either of his parents. Just look at him and Draco. Arch enemies turned lovers. He of all people should be able to understand. Plus, I know that this means a lot to you and I am quite happily wrapped around your finger…"
Hermione grinned, "Mmmm, and I'd like to be wrapped around your-"
A cough was heard and both Hermione's and Severus's head snapped up, "Am I interrupting something?"
Hermione, who was beet red, was silent, and Severus sent a glare towards his smirking sister. "Salome, how nice of you to finally join us. Lola should be bringing in dinner shortly." On cue, several delicious-looking dishes floated into the dining room, and Lola was waving her arms, a bit like a conductor as they settled onto the table gently. "Lola, what have I said about going overboard?" He chided gently, a glint of humor clearly in his eyes. She must have known he was teasing because the elf simply carried on in her task while Severus pulled out a chair for both women, with Hermione and his sister seated at either side of him and him at the head.
They all contented themselves with fixing their plates, but after a while the silence was too much for Hermione, "So Salome, what is it that you do? Severus says you came here on business?" She asked, partly to make conversation but also out of her pure curiosity.
The sleek haired witch nodded, "Ah yes, that is part of the reason I'm here. I'm a Charms Mistress and I was meeting with some people about a new line of charmed combs and barrettes. Not particularly exciting stuff but it makes loads of galleons," she smirked. A trait which was obviously common for Slytherins and the Snapes, Hermione observed. "I decided to stay in town because it's been so long since I've seen Severus. He writes letters religiously but it's not the same."
"Well I'm glad you're staying a while this time. I've missed you too Salome," Severus replied, pausing as he cut his steak. "And now you and Hermione have a chance to get to know each other. The timing is fortuitous."
This time Hermione cut in, "Oh yes, and I hope to hear some embarrassing stories about you when you were younger, you know, to even the playing field," she teased. Severus huffed, obviously put out, but Salome let out a belly laugh. She then began to tell a rather cute story (amid Severus's many protests) about her and Severus going swimming one summer and him losing his swim trunks after a cannonball. It was hard to imagine adolescent Snape, but Salome painted a decent picture. As dinner went on she learned that Salome was five years younger than Snape and would've gone to Hogwarts but Severus feared for her safety and convinced their grandfather Cassius Prince to take her in so she could attend the magic school in Rome. And then of course, with Voldemort at large she found it nearly impossible to visit Snape. It seemed like it was only recently that they really reconnected. Hermione almost felt like she was intruding.
Except Severus didn't seem upset in the slightest that she was monopolizing his sister's attention asking about different charms and giving her opinion. Hermione felt like they were becoming fast friends. And she couldn't help but feel like a real adult with the two Snapes and their biting wit and intelligent conversation. Sipping wine, sharing thought provoking ideas and opinions while also laughing wholeheartedly at their shared dry humor. It was like meeting kindred spirits. Plus Severus was being unabashedly affectionate, holding her hand when dinner was over and dessert was set in front of them, his thumb brushing over her dainty fingers. Or his eyes sparkling at her in an acute tenderness that nearly took her breath away. Would it be like this when they are with Draco and Harry? Or would he retreat into his usual reserved countenance. Hermione hoped not.