Disclaimer: I do not own the wizarding world of literary material. But I will play with the pieces. Hope you've enjoyed the appetizers because it's time to get into the entree. I tire of speech descriptions, so when they get into continuous conversation, I will just do dialogue. Hope it's easy to follow.

Severus,

I hope this letter finds you well. I apologize for the brevity of this message, but I think we need to discuss the situation in person. Would you be available to meet tonight at seven? If so, then please let me know where you would prefer to meet.

Looking forward to seeing you,

Hermione Granger

Hermione paused with quill in the air as she looked over the message once more. It was the best she could do under the circumstances. She felt utterly exhausted from a night of restless sleep and an early morning. At dawn that morning, she arose to the pecking of a Snowy owl at her window. As the events of the night before dawned on her, she quickly threw on a dressing gown and took the scroll from the waiting bird. It flew off at once, not needing a response. She read his response and smiled. If Snape were able to see her tonight, she had better get some rest. She must look like hell. She was actually kind of nervous to see him. Who knew what his thoughts were on all this.

Granger,

Yes it seems that a discussion is in order. If you have no objections, let us meet at my cottage. I would prefer privacy if we are to have an in-depth conversation. The address is on the envelope.

Until then,

Severus Snape

It was the best he could do under the circumstances. He did not want to sound sentimental, but he did not want to come off as his former disagreeable self either. His sharp language was often a defense mechanism. If they were to be married, then he must learn to curb this habit with her. If he was going to do this, he would try to give it his best shot. The lingering memory of the Amortentia was always at the back of his mind now. He longed to see if what it promised came to fruition. He would try not to be a complete bastard and make a failure of the thing before it even began. Severus paced in his study until a ridiculous thought passed through his mind.

What in the hell am I going to wear?

At 7pm sharp a knock came at the door. He was not surprised by her punctuality, as she struck him as the "early means on time" sort of person. He checked himself in the mirror by the door and scowled at what he saw. His skin was less sallow than it was in war times, but he would never be conventionally good-looking. His inky black hair hung lank around his face, and his hook nose mocked him through the reflection. He ended up going with all black robes that were slightly more fashionable than his work set. Blaise had insisted he have some alternatives to the woolen dungeon bat look. He still looked stark, but perhaps less intimidating. He opened the door to find Granger smiling as though this were a regular visit. Brave Gryffindors, they always put on a brave face.

"Good evening, Severus! I brought biscuits." She offered him the tin. He took it with a nod and gestured her inside.

She hung her cloak by the door, and he saw she wore a long-sleeved dress the color of merlot. The material clung to her and in ways he had not noticed on her before. She was rather attractive. And she was stuck with him. He grimaced.

"Tea?" he offered.

"Yes, please." She replied. He poured hot earl grey into two teacups as she settled into an armchair near the fire. If she pulled out a book and threw her feet over the side, it would be just like his vision. Before sitting, he offered her a small bowl with sugar and a spoon with her tea.

"No, thank you. I like my tea dark and bitter."

Severus inwardly groaned at the accidental implication.

If only she liked her men like she liked her tea. What had gotten into him? That blasted dress was messing with his head. She leaned forward to set her tea down and he forced himself to look away.

Ever the Gryffindor, she began the uncomfortable topic of conversation.

"So…you and me."

"Us."

"What do you think?"

"I think Potter will have my head."

"You mean you are willing to go through with it?"

"I entered the program, did I not?"

"Yes, but that was before…"

"Before what?"

"Before you knew who, I mean, before you knew it was me."

"Why should that alter anything?"

"Because – because I can't pretend that we have had the best history."

"Nevertheless, I am content with the arrangement."

"Content with the arrangement? Who are you, and what have you done with Severus Snape?"

"What do you mean?"

"This is not how I expected you to react."

"And what did you expect? A brooding former Death-Eater threatening your life and limb?"

"Well, not quite that dramatic, but certainly more on the side of threatening than 'content with the arrangement'."

"A lot has changed in the last decade, Miss Gr –Hermione. You may find that when I choose to be, I am not an unpleasant man. Unfortunately, I rarely find myself having the occasion to make that choice."

"I suppose by that you mean your two former masters?"

"I have never been considered an agreeable man. War and guilt have a way of wearing on a person."

"Yes, I understand. I really do."

"I believe the true question is whether you object to the pairing."

"I –"

The room went silent. Hermione needed a moment to collect her thoughts. Taking a deep breath she continued;"I find myself lost in the shuffle of this entire ordeal. The idea for the Amortentia pairings was my big break into the Ministry hierarchy, and I forgot that my own personal life would be affected. I do not object to you as my match, sir, but I am not sure I am ready for the steps ahead. The truth is, I haven't had a genuine relationship in years, and I'm anxious."

"I see."

"However, you are an honorable man, and I see no reason why we shouldn't move forward."

"I will not force you into this, Miss Granger. I am not an easy man to live with, and I would not blame you in the slightest for deferring to your second or third match."

"Well, that would not be possible. I have no other matches."

Again, the room filled with silence as the two stared at each other. The wizard pursed his lips in consideration before speaking.

"Then I suppose the matter is settled whether we like it or not."

"I suppose it is, sir."

"How would you like to proceed?"

"I guess you should meet me at the Ministry on Monday."

"For what?"

"For our wedding!"

Silence rang through the room once more.

"Oh." Snape choked out." So soon? You do have a month. There is no need to rush on my account. Would you not prefer to wait out the time? It is possible that another match could emerge. One more suited to you."

"What could be more suited than 99.7%?" She said with a smirk. He could feel the tension in the room alleviate. She was certainly bold. And decisive. He liked that in a woman.

"In that case, would you care to have dinner here with me tomorrow?" Her cheeks turned red at his question.. He enjoyed making someone blush out of something other than embarrassment or scrutiny.

"I would love to. Would it be alright if I brought some things to leave here when I come? My flat is tiny, so I assume you would rather live here after we wed." His brows drew together in astonishment. It was obvious that she did not look back once she made a decision.

"Of course. I will set about making room for you."

"Thank you. I'm grateful for your understanding. I was afraid that was far too presumptuous of me, but I would rather go headfirst into this and not look back."

"Their daring, nerve, and chivalry set Gryffindors apart." Severus quoted the Sorting Hat's annual opening song with a smirk.

"Was that a joke, Professor?" She chortled.

"I do make them on occasion."

They talked about less intense topics of academia and mutual acquaintances until the grandfather clock struck the ninth hour. Only after she disapparated outside the front door, did he realize she had left her cloak. He reached out to touch it and gently breathed in the scent. It was even better than he remembers.

This will be an interesting week.