Hey everyone. This chapter is for a specific reviewer. I was about to not write any more until this person gave me a review. This is for you, Dragon Dreamss!
Lets get it on:
"Do you think an infusion of jellyfish venom and rose essence would make for a good sneezing solution?" Hermione asked as they poured themselves over the parchment, trying to come up with a good potion.
"The rose essence would smell good enough. But I don't think the jellyfish venom would be enough. Maybe add some enchanted paprica."
"Maybe. Or see, we could create the shadow potion."
"What are the properties of a shadow potion. I don't believe I have ever taught you about them."
"I came up with one myself. It enchants a person's shadow to do what the person's mood says."
"Really? What is in it?"
"White Angelica for separation, an infusion of ninkypunk and asphodel for the enchantment, all in a base of white wine and orchid and belladonna."
"That really is an odd combination." He said, putting his chin in his hand. "But I think it has promise to actually work. Well done, Miss Granger."
"Hermione." she said, tucking strands of hair behind her ears with her wand.
"All right, Hermione." he said, giving her one of his very rare smiles.
"What are we going to do tonight?" she asked as they sat back and watched the potion simmer.
"I talked to Condoleeza and Jemina about going out on the town tonight but I think that they are staying in. So, I mean, maybe you and I, if you wanted to..."
"Go paint the town red?" Hermione asked, her face turning a pretty shade of pink.
"Red? I am more partial to green." He said.
"Are you asking me if I would like to go out with you tonight?"
"You are my student, Hermione. We must always remember that."
"So you admit you are asking me out."
"I could be. But either way, I am still your teacher."
"Whatever you say." Hermione said, smirking.
"Don't be so nonchalant about it all. This is a very serious matter. Do you think Dumbledore would ever approve?"
"So there is something to approve of now?" Hermione asked, knowing that she was agitating the man beside her.
"No. There isn't. But I can't help but think that Albus is trying to set us up. You know, with the whole bed thing."
"Now would that be so bad?"
"You have hated me for years." Severus said.
"I am starting to again." Hermione muttered.
"Please don't hate me. Let's go out tonight."
"Fine. I'll meet you in the lobby at seven thirty."
"Where am I supposed to get ready?"
"I'm sure you can find some place."
"Fine. But dress nice. Muggle nice. We're going out."
"Obviously. But where to?"
"My secret."
"Fine." she said, giving the potion a final stir.
~*~Back in the hotel room~*~
"Great. Only half an hour." Hermione mumbled as she toweled off her hair and body. She quickly poured a liberal amount of Sleakezy's Hair and Hangover Solution onto her hands and ran it through the curly hip length hair.
Going to her bag she pulled out a light fall dress. Frowning, she waved her wand and the light dress became a green one. Adding three quarter length sleeves to the off the shoulder bodice with a black and silver trimmed corset top, she topped the knee length circle skirt. Putting on a pair of boots and a simple pair of silver stud earrings she picked up her handbag and walked out the door.
"Are you ready?" Severus said as soon as he saw her. He was looking absolutely amazing in a pair of black velvet stretch trousers that showed off his impeccable thigh muscles and lean calves. He also wore an open necked white shirt with the top two buttons un done. His silky black hair fell about his shoulders, framing his aquiline face.
"Yes. You look very nice." Hermione commented, taking his arm at his offer.
"I can say the same about you, Hermione." he purred, his voice like silk over jagged rocks.
"Thank you. Where are we going?" she asked as they stepped out onto the street.
"I thought that we would go to the muggle theater. I got tickets to see the broadway production of "The Thorn Birds."
"Oh, you didn't!" Hermione cried, her cinnamon eyes meeting his obsidion colored ones.
"I did. Although, I did see the actress playing Justine and I think you would have done a much better job than her."
"I don't act, Severus."
"You are much prettier than her. In a very objective way."
"Thank you." she said, blushing.
~*~On the street after the Production~*~
"Oh, wasn't that heavenly!" Hermione cried, taking his arm again.
"I think that Fee was played very well in this rendition."
"Oh, yes, I agree. And Drogheda sounds so nice."
"Someday you will have your own Drogheda."
"Yes. I will. I'll have a big manor house and I will call it Drogheda."
"Will you?" He said, leaning closer.
"I am certain of it." she said, not concious that she was leaning in too.
"Make sure..." He trailed off as his lips closed over her's. Hermione put up a soft hand to his chest as she deepened the kiss. His had fumbled clumsily into her hair. Inexperienced lips met eachother in a jumbled, but passionate kiss.
"This is the beginning of the end..." Hermione thought
