Author's Note: Sorry about the wait. I have not been feeling well lately. I get bad headaches that I can normally get treatment for but since I am pregnant I can't take any of my good meds since they could hurt the baby. I just have a hard time writing or wanting to do a whole lot of anything when my head feels like it's going to implode! I will try to be more diligent in my updates as I want to complete the story before book 6 comes out! Thanks for your patience! Enjoy. Redfrog
Chapter 60: Paris
Ginny helped Severus with his surprise night out with Hermione. He also made sure to tell her parents where he was taking her and everyone thought it was a perfect idea. Fleur had suggested a few restaurants to him as well as an idea of where to apparate to. He was nervous about how she would react to everything and hoped it would all go well.
"Why exactly am I getting so dressed up?" Hermione questioned Ginny again that afternoon when they were getting ready. "I can't image a need to wear a ball gown on a date!"
"Just shush," Ginny told her as she styled her hair into an elegant twist, leaving a few curls out to frame her face. Hermione had completed her new 'Sculpt and Hold' product to hold hair like gel or hairspray without making the hair chunky. There was no way her hair would come undone without the counter charm. "I promised I would get you dressed appropriately and I am; you're just going to have to trust me on this one."
"Yes but who did you promise? All I know is that you told me that I had plans this evening and that both you and my mother have been smiling at me all week!" Hermione told her with a mock glare as she transfigured a handbag to match her dress. She was again wearing the navy blue and silver ball gown she had worn to the awards ceremony; it was her absolute favorite dress. She was very curious as to where exactly she could be going that would require such a fancy outfit.
"You will just have to wait and see, but I guarantee that you will have a fabulous time." Ginny told her before shrinking down a change of clothes and shoes to fit in the purse just in case they decided to stay the night in France. She made sure that Hermione had everything she could possibly need, even her passport and muggle ID. "There you go, now you're all ready. All you need is to put your wand in your bag, grab your wrap and wait for a knock at the door."
"When exactly should I be expecting my visitor?" she asked her friend, not appreciating all the secrecy. After finding out everything her parents had kept from her she was no longer a fan of secrets or surprises.
"Your date will be arriving within the hour," She told her with a grin before leaving Hermione to her own devices. She knew if Hermione was left alone for a while beforehand she would start to get excited, no matter how much she hates surprises.
"How do I look?" Severus asked Remus and Harry after he finished dressing. He had Minerva transfigure him an appropriate tuxedo and was hoping he looked alright. "Will I pass as a muggle?"
"You look wonderful," Tori Granger said from the doorway. "I thought you might be in need of a female perspective on things." She told him entering the room. He was in a black opera length tuxedo and looked very handsome. "All you are missing is a buttonhole flower."
"I believe we can pass on the flower," he informed her as he had never been a fan of adorning his wardrobe.
"Nonsense," she scolded him. "I assume you have flowers for Hermione so you should have one for yourself as well."
"I'll go get a small rose from the greenhouse," Harry told her and hurried off with a smirk on his face. He had seen the gorgeous bouquet of silver tulips Severus had gotten for Hermione. He had never seen such a flower before and knew Hermione would love them.
"Are you all set? Have everything you need to pass as muggle?" Remus asked.
"I have a passport and ID as well as plenty of muggle money, a credit card to pay for dinner and the tickets to the show." He told them as he double checked each item in his pockets.
"You will owl or floo if you decide to stay over?" Tori asked him with a raised eyebrow.
"I do not anticipate staying over unless we are too tired to apparate back," he told her. "If we do have to stay there is a wizarding inn not far from the theatre that will have rooms available and floo access to reach you."
"Have a great time; I am sure you are going to sweep her off her feet!" Tori told him with a genuine smile before leaving the men to finish up.
"I think she is rooting for you," Remus told him. "I wouldn't think she would give you advice on courting her daughter unless she approved of you. Maybe she does not want Hermione with whoever her betrothed is as well."
"They have not said anything about possibly breaking the betrothal," Severus told him. "I do not know what it will take to convince them to choose me over this other person but I will do everything I can to win Hermione's heart."
"I think you already have it," Harry told him as he returned with a small white rose to place in the buttonhole of the tux. "Now go have a great time."
Hermione was nervous and excited. She hoped that it was Severus who was taking her out tonight otherwise she was doomed to a miserable evening. She was excited thinking about the different reasons for her fancy outfit. She had tried to read to take her mind off things but it kept wandering to different scenarios of the evening. Her favorite mussing was dinner and dancing in one of the high class restaurants in London and then a carriage ride under the stars.
She was startled by the knock on her door and hurried to find her surprise. "Good evening," Severus told her with a formal bow. "You look absolutely enchanting." He told her and then handed her the bouquet of flowers.
Hermione had her breath caught in her throat at how perfect Severus looked. She couldn't remember a time, other than when she saw him in just his towel, that he looked sexier. The opera coat with the tux was like it was made to be worn by him. The flowers were simply amazing; she had never seen anything like them before. "Oh Severus they are beautiful, thank you." She said once she had found her voice again. She placed them in a vase by the door and then he offered his arm to escort her out of the house.
"I have the evening all planned out if you will trust me to apparate us there?" He asked her, making sure she was willing to go with him.
Hermione smiled sweetly up at him and his heart missed a beat as she whispered, "Always." He loved the trust she gave him as he had never had that with anyone before. He pulled her into his arms and apparated them to the spot Fleur recommended, very near to the Eiffel Tower.
"Oh," she said in awe as she opened her eyes to find herself in the heart of Paris, the city of love, and in the arms of the man of her dreams. It was almost surreal. "Paris! Oh I love Paris and haven't been here since before my second year."
"I am glad you approve," He told her as they made their way past the sights and towards the restaurant he had reservations at. The nice thing with Paris was that no one looked at them funny for being so dressed up, something that would have garnered much attention in London.
The restaurant was beautifully decorated in silver and gold as it was one of the premiere dining establishments in the city and reservations were hard to come by. "This place is exquisite." She told him with a smile.
"It pales in comparison to your beauty," he purred in her ear, relishing the shiver that ran through her. They were led to a table in the back of the restaurant and had pleasant conversation along with their gourmet food. They talked for a while after dessert before Severus finally stood. "Come it is time to go, I guarantee you would not wish to miss the next part of the evening."
Hermione smiled and followed him out the door, already having the best night of her life and it wasn't even halfway over yet. She sighed as they approached the steps of the Opera house and gasped as he began to lead her up them. As she realized they were to see a show at the actual Paris Opera House she was stunned. It was the best surprise she could have ever hoped for. They were escorted to their box and she was overcome with the beauty of the old play house, it was magnificent. "This place is wonderful," she told him, her eyes alight with happiness.
Severus knew his surprise had made an impact at the awe on her face. He was glad that it was he who could make her so happy. "I trust you will enjoy the show?" He asked her as he handed her the program. He had to restrain a chuckle as her eyes almost bulged out at the name.
"The Phantom," she whispered and fingered the program delicately. "We're seeing The Phantom in the Paris Opera House, oh Severus this is… I can't even explain how wonderful this is."
"It makes it that much more special to enjoy it with you," he told her as he took her hand in his.
"I could not image being here with anyone other than you," she told him. "Ever since the mask ball I have thought of you as my own phantom and when I hear the music or think of the story I see your face."
"Hermione," he began, turning her face towards him. "You are my Christine, you always have been." The moment was perfect and he knew he had to tell her his feelings or perhaps never again be presented with such an opportunity. "I cannot imagine my life without you in it. I do not want to imagine such a future. If you would have me, I would be yours forever."
Hermione was in heaven, he did care for her. He had not spoken of love but the promise was there. She had not thought she could feel so good. She knew he was waiting for a response from her and placed her hand on his cheek. "You will always have me," she told him softly. "I have never wanted anyone but you."
His heart felt lighter than air at her answer. He had been right, she wanted him as well. Now all he had to do was work up the courage to tell her he loved her and hope she reciprocated as well. He only prayed that her parents would let them marry, he couldn't image watching her marry another, it would kill him. He smiled at her and turned his face to kiss her palm before taking her hand once again as the opening music began to play. He knew he would always remember this evening as the most perfect night of his life. He was here to watch his favorite musical, in the city of love with the woman of his dreams, the whole thing was magical.
The musical was performed to perfection and they were both saddened when it was over. "I shall never be able to see this show again without wishing we were here again." She told him as they slowly exited the building. "Being here with you in Paris is a dream come true and I wish the night would never end."
"Then let us walk through the city until we have to return," he told her pulling her closer to him. "I too wish the night were longer."
They stopped to watch the sights on a bridge over the Seine River. Severus wrapped his arms around her and she laid her head against his chest. The night was peaceful and they just enjoyed standing in each other's arms. Hermione knew their night was drawing to a close as she felt herself stifling a yawn; they would have to return soon. Severus could tell she was getting tired as well and knew he should take them home. "As much as I wish this night could go on forever I can tell you are tired. Perhaps we should retire."
"It is so beautiful here. I wish we could take this beauty home with us to view again and again." She told him with a wistful smile. "Tonight has been one of the best of my life, thank you for everything."
Severus smiled at the woman in his arms, it still surprised him how much he cared for her. Before she came into his life he had never imagined a life filled with love and happiness and now it was all he could hope for. "Hermione," he asked, "May I kiss you?"
Her heart soared at his request; she knew his heart belonged to her. It was as Ginny said; she would know she had him once he kissed her. "Please," she replied and then melted into the most amazing kiss they had ever shared as it was his kiss, his first real kiss with someone he cared about.
They walked back to the apparition point in silence; each thinking that to speak would ruin their perfect moment. Once back in England he escorted her to her room and they shared another perfect kiss before parting ways to meet again in their dreams.
Hermione woke with a smile on her face remembering the lovely night she had. She knew she needed to talk with her parents about the betrothal soon. She would not risk loosing Severus and would tell them so. "Good morning," her mother said walking into the room. "Did you have a nice time last night?"
"I had the best time of my life," Hermione told her with a smile. "It was absolutely perfect!" Hermione looked at her mum and the happiness drained from her face. "Mum, please don't make me marry this man I'm betrothed to. Please, I will never be happy with anyone other than Severus. I know he cares for me, I just want to be with him."
"It is not my decision Mia," her mother told her softly. "Your grandmother set up the betrothal and it cannot be broken without her consent. I know you love Severus and I will do my best to convince your father and Nana that he is the one for you. But baby you have to accept that it may not happen; you may have to stay with your betrothal."
"And just when are you going to tell me who this mystery man is?" Hermione asked getting upset.
"Once again, that is not up to me. Your father will decide when to announce your betrothal and once he does it will be magically binding. If we announce the name there is no way for you to get out of marrying him without loosing your powers." Tori told her.
"I would rather live my life as a muggle and be with Severus then marry anyone but him. I have worked too hard in my life to give it all up so I suggest you make Nana understand that I will do everything possible to get out of this betrothal." Hermione said, "I'll run away if I must and you'll never find me again. Or if you do force me to marry him I guarantee there will be no consummation and even if I am forced there will never be any children. I can't imagine Nana would want me miserable for life, but if she chooses anyone other than Severus then I will be."
"I know," Tori said holding her close as she began to weep. "I promise I'll do my best." She stroked through her daughters curly hair and kissed her forehead. She hated keeping secrets from her and knew this betrothal to a stranger was hurting her.
"So did he kiss you this time?" Ginny asked as Hermione sat next to her at breakfast. She already knew the answer from the way her eyes lit up and her whole body seemed to glow in happiness.
"It was perfect," Hermione told her quietly, not wanting the boys in on the conversation. "I have never felt so happy in my life.
"I knew it! He's all yours," Ginny giggled happily as they finished their food. Severus had not come down for breakfast yet and Hermione was anxious to see him.
She was going to have to wait most of the day to see him though as the headmaster had sent him out on Hogwarts business and Minerva wanted to work with her on her form.
"I know you are close to unlocking your form and think if we keep working on it we may get it before I go on holiday." Her former professor told her with a smile. "You truly are gifted in transfiguration."
They worked most of the day and by the end of the day she was finally successful. She couldn't tell what she was at first and was startled by Minerva's odd expression. The older lady looked shocked and even confused before she conjured a small mirror and placed it in front of her. Hermione was shocked as well; she had always assumed she would be some sort of cat. Instead she saw a sleek iridescent black body of a small snake. She still had her honey brown eyes, her tongue was silver and around her head were the markings of a purple crown. From looking at her form there was no doubt she was royalty. She didn't know what type of snake she was but she knew she was fast and powerful. She smiled at the thought that now she would be able to talk to Jade and perhaps that was why she enjoyed snakes so much even being a Gryffindor.
She changed back and Minerva congratulated her. "I was surprised at your form," she told her honestly. "But you do not seem to mind."
"I had always thought I would be a cat of some sort but the snake feels so perfect. I cannot wait to start exploring my new senses and see if I can talk to Jade." She told her with a smile.
"You should be able to communicate with like animals when in your form. I would even think that Harry would be able to talk to you while in form with his parseltongue. Remember that you will speak as a snake even though you can understand what is going around you. That is one of the biggest obstacles for anamagi, not being able to communicate with humans while in animal form."
"Thank you for all your help," Hermione told her, giving her mentor a hug. "I really wanted to complete the process before university since I opted not to take the course on it."
"Well now that we have completed your project we have more leisure time to ourselves!" Minerva chuckled, "Now tell me what it is I heard about Severus taking you to Paris last night?"
The two talked of Hermione's date last night and other things to fill up the afternoon. It was nice being able to talk as equals versus professor and student.
Hermione went up to the lab after finishing with Minerva to practice her form and talk to Jade while waiting for Severus. "Hello Jade, watch what I learned," Hermione told her and quickly transformed into her snake form. She was surprised when Jade bowed her head before greeting her formally.
"Good afternoon my lady," Jade hissed at her. "Your form is magnificent."
"Thank you Jade," Hermione responded in a hiss. "I was surprised at first but it feels so right. I hurried up here to talk to you. How do you like it living here with Severus?"
"This is a nice place for a house," Jade told her. "I like it much more than Hogwarts dungeons. I do wish I had more outdoor space to explore. I love being outside."
"Maybe tomorrow we can go to the park," Hermione suggested. "I would love to experiment with how it feels to move on the different surfaces. Besides I am sure there will be lots of new smells."
"Did you enjoy Paris last night?" Jade asked with a hissing laugh. "Severus worked so hard to make everything perfect."
"It was amazing," Hermione told her with a snake smile. She was about to tell more when Severus walked in.
"Well well, who is your friend Jade?" Severus asked as he approached the pretty little snake. As he saw the marking he smiled. "If you don't have an owner I know someone who might want to make you their symbol for their company. With your crown you are perfect for her line of potions."
Jade was careful not to reply to Severus as they were still keeping his gift a secret. "Well I will let you two ladies talk while I go shower," he said lifting them onto his bed and stroking their heads. Hermione felt her whole body shiver at his touch. Severus chuckled at the response to his touch from the little black snake. "You seem to be melting in my hands," he laughed before starting to take off his robes.
Hermione saw that he was undressing and knew she had to leave. As much as she might have liked the view it was very inappropriate. "Jade, I have to go." She told the other snake, not noticing Severus stiffen as he listened to her. "I wanted to surprise him with my news but I don't think that while he is changing is the best time." She moved to the edge of the bed, unsure of how to get off.
"You won't be able to get down by yourself the first few times," Jade told her. "Why don't you go hide under the pillow and I'll tell you when the coast is clear."
Hermione hurried to the head of the bed and burrowed under the covers, enjoying the feel of the satin sheets against her skin. Severus was watching the exchange with a raised eyebrow but knew he couldn't ask Jade about it until they were alone. He hurried into the shower so he could go see Hermione.
He finished showering and changing and lay down on the bed for a moment. "Come her little snake," he told it. "I want to see you again and besides, there are only two women allowed in my bed and you are neither one of them." He laughed again as the cute little snake popped out from under the other pillow.
Hermione slithered up his arm to sit upon his chest so she could look into his eyes. She wondered if she should transform and tell him or just see what he would do next. "You are a very pretty little snake," he told her and watched her melt again at his touch. "Very sensitive too, almost like you've never been petted before." She made sure to nod her little snake head in a 'yes' motion. "And smart like Jade I see," he commented. Hermione couldn't help herself and scooted forward and kissed his cheek, well all she really did was rub her head against his face, but for a snake it was close.
"Now now little one, I don't allow just anyone to kiss me," he mock scolded. "In fact the only woman allowed to kiss me is Hermione. Do you understand?"
Hermione smirked to herself and nodded in the affirmative, before kissing him again. "What did I just say?" Severus asked, raising his eyebrow at her, making both her and Jade laugh. She snake kissed him again and he could still hear Jade laughing and knew there was something fishy going on. "Well, since you do not have enough self control," he said pulling her away from his face and back onto his chest. "Jade next time you have a friend over, make sure they respect a man's wishes."
"Oh but I do respect your wishes," Hermione told him but knowing he couldn't hear her. "I just can't help myself, you smell heavenly, even more so when I am a snake."
That was all the confirmation that Severus needed to know that this was not a normal snake. He would wager a guess that whoever it is was an anamagi. "Alright ladies, the first one who can help me find Hermione gets an extra rub." He told them and was pleasantly surprised to find Hermione sprawled across his chest moments later with a big smile on her face.
"Surprise," she told him with a chuckle. "I finished my transfiguration project with Minerva today." She told him proudly, "Do you like my form?"
"Yes little one I do," he purred to her and pulled her close for a nice long kiss. He tangled his hands in her soft hair and enjoyed having her lying on him. Hermione was in heaven at his touch and kiss, she was surprised he was being so forward but then again she did just appear lying on top of him in his bed. She knew if he appeared in her bed she wouldn't let him go without a fight.
They were interrupted by a voice in his sitting room, making its way to the bedroom. "Severus are you in there my boy?" Albus asked. Hermione knew it would not be appropriate to be seen snogging on his bed and popped back into snake form just seconds before Albus walked into the room. "Sorry to disturb you," he said thinking that Severus had been lying down for a nap. "I just wanted to thank you for taking care of everything today."
"It's not a problem Albus," Severus said as he lazily stroked Hermione's back. His body felt boneless from their kiss and he wanted nothing more than to make her his. He was glad that she was back in snake form or he would have had to answer a lot of questions for the position they had been in. He knew it would get back to her parents if Albus found them that way and he wouldn't take any chances in his courting of her.
"So how was your date with our dear Hermione?" Albus asked as he began to pet Jade, while absently wondering why Severus had two snakes now.
"It was perfect," he told his boss. "I don't think anything could have been better. I believe we both had a wonderful time."
"That is fantastic my boy," Albus told him. "It's about time you settled down. I think Hermione is the perfect witch for you."
"If only it were that easy," Hermione sighed sadly in snake language.
"Ah, I see you new pet does not agree," Albus laughed, wondering what the snake had said.
"Perhaps she knows of Hermione's betrothal and thinks that it will be difficult to convince her family," Severus told the headmaster, knowing he needed to change the subject quickly before Albus put his foot in it. "Was there anything else you needed?"
"No my boy, I will let you get back to your nap," he said and headed back out the way he came.
"That was close," he told Hermione. "I don't think it would have gone over well if it had gotten back to your family." He lifted her up and carried both her and Jade into the sitting room, placing Hermione back in his lap where she curled up contentedly. "I am surprised to see that you are a snake. I never would have guessed that to be your form, but you are beautiful still, in any form." He opened his newest potions magazine and began to read, knowing that new anamagi liked to spend time in their forms.
"Oh Jade this is heaven," Hermione told the other snake. "He is so warm and smells so good. I feel drugged with contentment. I could stay here in his lap forever."
"I prefer being strung over his shoulders," Jade told her with a laugh. "But then you are his girl."
"Yes," Hermione hissed out. "I am completely his." She said lazily as she snuggled down into his black pants. "I guess if my parents try to marry me off to someone else I can just stay here as his snake. At least I'll be able to be with him." Hermione sighed as he stroked her again, not realizing that he could understand everything she said. "It's not fair Jade," she told her. "Why wouldn't they want me to be with the man I love?"
"I do not know as I have never had a mate." Jade told her sadly. "Maybe royalty are not supposed to marry for love."
"I would give up being royalty just to be his wife," she told her. "I would give up everything to be with him, and I am afraid that is what it will come down to."
"I don't understand," Jade said.
"Once my parents announce the identity my betrothed the contract is magically binding. If I refuse to marry him then I will loose all my powers." Hermione told her sadly. "I love being a witch but I love Severus more and will gladly give up my powers to be with him if he will have me."
Severus had never been so shocked in his life. Not only did she confirm that she was in love with him but he realized that she would give up everything to be with him. She would give up the crown and her powers just for his love. He knew he had to talk to her parents again and the Queen, he wouldn't give her up without a fight. He wouldn't give her up, ever. If they had to he would run away with her so they could be together, he too would give up magic for her.
"Come my darling, it is time for dinner. You must change back now." He told her softly after kissing the top of her snake head.
Her heart soared at his name for her, he had called her darling on their first date to scare off the boy who was hitting on her but she had not expected any terms of endearment from him. She popped back into human form and smiled at him. "Harry is taking Ginny out tonight and Minerva is dining with Albus so it may just be us and my parents."
"I shall endeavor to be on my best behavior," he quipped as they made their way down to the kitchen. He only hoped he could show her that he loved her as much as she loved him. He knew from that point on he would let nothing come between them.