A/N: I have not given up on this story. I write out the chapters by hand, go through and edit, and then I type the chapters onto the computer. Thanks go out to all the reviewers.

Chapter 3

The next morning Hermione woke to a tapping on her window. An owl came in, landed on the desk and held out its leg that had a note tied to it, which Hermione took.

Miss Granger,

Meet me in the Entrance Hall in fifteen minutes. You do not need to wear your school robes. We will be eating before heading into Muggle London. The Headmistress has excused you from your classes today.

Professor Snape

I'm excused from my classes today. I wonder what is going on? Hermion equickly got dressed and ran down into the common room. "Harry, Ron, pay attention in any classes that we will have together today. I have to go. I'll see you in the evening." with that said, she hurried out of the common room.

"We better wait for Ginny and let her know where Hermione went. I do not want to have to deal with her temper. I may be her brother but she is so like mom." Ron said, sitting back in the chair he was in.

"Have you seen Hermione? She's not in her room." Ginny asked ten minutes later when she came down for breakfast.

"She came down about ten minutes ago, told us to pay attention in any classes she would have with us. Then she told us that she would see us in the evening. Next thing I know, she racing out of the portrait hole." Harry replied, turning around to face Ginny.

"Oh, okay. I'm surprised Ron has waited for me before going to the Great Hall for breakfast, but let's go. I'm starved." when she finished Ron jumped up.

"I wonder what classes we have today." stated Ron as they walked down a flight of stairs.

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Hermione slowed down to walk as she approached the Entrance Hall. "Professor Snape,sir, I recieved your note. May I inquire on where we will be going?" she requested as she walked up.

"We are going to Diagon Alley for sure and then a few shops of your choice. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, are we flooing or apparating?"

"Apparating, of course. It's so much faster." Severus replied as he opened the door. Once both of them were through, he offered hermione his arm. Very soon the two of them disapparated to Diagon Alley. "First thing that we are going to do is eat breakfast, then I'm taking you to a jewelry store. I'll explain why later. Where should we eat?"

"The pub leading to Muggle London from Diagon Alley is fine, Severus," Hermione answered. "But first I have to do this." she turned and faced him, took his face in her hands and kissed him softly. Instantly Severus pulled her closer to him and deepened the kiss. Once both of them decided that they wanted to breathe again they stopped.

An hour later, the couple was walking towards a jewelry store in Muggle London. "How may I help you, sir, miss?" asked the shop keeper.

"We're just looking for now. Hermione, want to look over there? You can pick out anything you want. Call me over when you have found something."

"All right." soon both of them were browsing through the glass cases.

"I'll take what is here in the front. Will you hold it for me? You see," Severus' voice dropped. "It's for my girlfriend and I want to surprise her today. Could you write down the price a slip of paper? I will be back to pay in a few minutes."

"Yes, sir." replied the clerk.

"Severus, I found what I wanted. Do you want to see it?"

Severus strode over."That will be absolutely beautiful on you, my dear."

"Thanks," she smiled."There's a bookstore next door. Be along in a few minutes?"

"Of course. Wait for me there. Minerva doesn't want the school's Head Girl hurt." he kissed her lightly. As soon as she left, he turned to the clerk and asked for the price of the ring trio and what Hermione picked out. when he was given the price, Severus pulled out a wallet and paid the exact amount in cash.

"Thank you, sir. I hope she loves the ring." the clerk called as he pushed opened the door.

"Hermione, where are you? Just call my name and I'll come to where you are." Severus said as he walked into the bookstore.

"I'm back here, Severus." came the reply from the woman he loved.

"Do you want to go and have lunch with your parents? I'd like to meet them."

"I know where their practice is that way we can go as fast as we can, except I want to show you someplace first. Walk with me?"

"It would be my pleasure." taking her hand lacing it with his, Severus replied silkily."Lead the way."

A short walk and they found themselves in a good sized park. In it there was a small, but heavily wooded, grove of trees. Also leading through the park were paths with benches placed every so often. "I would have us sit on a bench, but what I want to do wouldn't be appreciated, so we'll have to make do with this." Hermione led the way into the trees.

"How did you find this place? It's absolutely magical." Severus exclaimed.

"It was completely on accident. I was walking through this park with my parents after my first year."

"I was trying to decide on how to ask you this but you have made coming here to Muggle London perfect. Please be my wife?" he had turned around, reached into his pocket and was now kneeling in front of Hermione, who had tears in her eyes.

"I think we better set a date,don't you?"

"So that's a yes?"

"Yes, it's a yes. Get up here, you." laughing, Hermione kissed Severus."Ready to go to where my parents work so that they can meet my fiancé?"

Grasping his hand Hermione apparated them away. "Since it is almost lunchtime, they will usually order from a local deli, but I snuck down to the kitchens before meeting you and got a picnic lunch. Come on; I know that you're with me so who has your classes?"

"Minerva took the transfiguration classes and the transfiguration teacher took my classes. After you." Severus then let Hermione lead the way into the office.

"Miss Hermione Granger! Your parents said that you were at boarding school. What are you dong here?" the Granger's secretary asked.

"Hello to you, too, Cassaundra. We are going to my parents spare office. Tell them to come there, but don't say that it is me. Also, let them know that lunch is waitng."

"Yes, Hermione. I'll let you through. Aren't you glad that your parents installed curtains on the exam rooms?"

"Very. Will you please go get them?" Moments later Hermione parents walked through the dark wood panelled door.

"Hermione Marie Granger! Why are you here?" her mother exclaimed.