The next day, in preparation for that evening, Hermione disappeared right after lunch, saying that she'd be busy until it was time to leave. Snape had nodded, then rolled his eyes. Whatever women did for so many hours before an outing was beyond him, but he figured he'd get to reap the benefits when she finally finished. He spent the day reading Voltaire, eventually hopping into the shower, tying his hair back and donning his evening attire without too much thought. Then he had Minny go grab a black rose from the garden. When it was time to go, he knocked somewhat impatiently on Hermione's door. "I'll be downstairs!" he yelled. "Just hang on a minute! I'll be right down!" was her reply.
When Hermione started descending the stairs, his back was to her. She cleared her throat, and he turned slowly to admire her. His jaw nearly dropped. Hermione had expertly applied her makeup tonight, and had managed to tame her hair enough to create an elegant updo. Wisps of hair framed her face attractively. She saw him gulp as she moved towards him, which made her smile brightly. Then she got a good look at him.
Severus had never looked more elegant in his life. His black slacks and jacket fit him perfectly, making the lines of his body look very sophisticated and smooth. Snape was attractively thin, and he looked years younger with his hair pulled back sleekly. His black eyes locked with hers, and she thought her knees might buckle. With a small grin, he produced the rose seemingly out of nowhere, and handed it to her with a dashing grin. Laughing musically, Hermione took the rose and smelled it coyly. Severus held out his arm, and she took it. Talking amiably, they walked through the doors of the mansion and apparated.
Dinner was a pleasant affair. The young, attractive waiter flirted shamelessly with Hermione, and she worried that Severus would attack the poor boy. He held his temper, though, when Hermione made it clear she had eyes only for him. After a few glasses of wine and a light meal, they proceeded to the theater, where they had truly excellent balcony seats. Hermione was proud to show off her date, feeling just a little smug when she noticed other women blatantly admiring the oblivious Professor.
"You could be a real ladies' man if you tried, Severus," she whispered. He snorted, and she laughed. "You see those women over there?" A cluster of girls around Hermione's age were staring at them and glaring at Hermione. "Smile at one of them." Severus did, and winked, which made the girl blush and all of her friends eye her enviously. They were all disappointed, however, when Snape promptly turned his attention back to Hermione. "That is rather....unusual," he whispered to her.
"Of course it's not unusual, you silly man! Hermione Granger takes nothing but the best!" He only laughed and they sat together on their balcony, which turned out to be reserved expressly for them. "I'm not sure whether I should be grateful or furious with Albus," Severus grinned. Hermione replied, "You should most definitely thank him." Finally the lights dimmed at the music started.
Right from the first chords, Hermione was enthralled. She listened raptly as the woodwinds spun a delicate tune, and as the theme was passed expertly to different sections of the orchestra. Her lips parted slightly as the pace of the music picked up, then slowed, then reached a fantastic climax. And that was only the first movement. Her true favorite was the second.
Hermione took Severus's hand as the first chords of the second movement were formed sweetly, and she beamed at him. He leaned forward, too, caught up in the oboe's delicate melody. He watched Hermione as she closed her eyes reverently, and eventually he was captured by the music as well, riding the beautiful melodies with her and enjoying every moment of it. As the strings crooned, the two completely forgot where they were. There was only them and the music, their hands entwined like the chords that flowed from the orchestra, and Hermione wished they could stay that way forever. She felt Severus watching her, and it only made the performance more enjoyable. When the second movement came to an end and flowed into the third, they still rode the beautiful strains of sound.
By the time the symphony came to an end, they were both slightly dazed, as though waking from a pleasant dream. Hermione turned to Severus, her face flushed beautifully, and gave him a quick kiss as they rose. She took his arm again and this time Severus noticed the attentions of the muggles around them. Many of the men were gazing at Hermione and glowering at Snape, but retreated quickly when he gave them even the mild version of his patented Snape glare. Hermione was also reveling in the jealousy of other girls, especially when Severus leaned to kiss her temple and whisper in her ear. "Hermione you look dazzling. We shall have to do this again sometime." She only looked up at him with laughing eyes. Hermione had plans for them when they returned home.
Once they were inside, she pulled him into a passionate kiss--one that hinted that there was more to come. He bent to kiss her neck, and she whispered in his ear, "Let's take this upstairs, Severus." Grinning, he hoisted her easily into his arms and carried her up to his rooms, where he placed her on the bed. Hermione sent a telepathic message to him that must have been very naughty. He turned to look at her and raised an eyebrow, a grin spreading across his face and his eyes burning with lust. Severus placed a powerful locking charm on the door (just in case), as well as a silencing spell. Then, forcing himself to take his time, he transferred his attentions entirely to Hermione and their most amorous endeavors to date.
*A/N* No smut for you! Sorry! That is, unless the desire for steamy scenes is so overwhelming that I will be forced to relent and beg for smut lessons. Hope you're all still liking the fic! There's much more to come!