Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe is the property of J.K. Rowling I'm only taking them out to play.
Chapter Two: The Ball.
Saturday flew by in a flash, a little before six o'clock Severus began to get ready. He showered, spell dried his hair and dressed himself in his new suit. He fastened his cufflinks and adjusted his jacket. He brushed out his hair, pulled it back and tied it with a length of black ribbon. He stepped out into his sitting room and walked over to his desk where two black boxes rested. He passed over the smaller box and picked up the large flat one tucking it into his inner pocket. He did a quick check to make sure he had everything then picked up his cloak and walked out the door.
He moved down the dungeon corridor at a brisk pace, he hit the stairs and worked his way up, thankfully the stairwells were being cooperative this evening. He headed towards the portrait of the Fairy Queen and knocked. He could hear what sounded like cursing before the portrait opened to admit him. He stepped inside noticing she wasn't in the main room.
"Hermione?" he enquired.
"I'll be just a moment Severus; I'm just putting the finishing touches on my hair." She called out from her bedroom.
He took a seat on her sofa to wait; he was a little bit early so she still had plenty of time. He didn't have to wait long, five minutes later she emerged from her bedroom in her beautiful new gown with her hair swept up leaving only a few curls to frame her face as the rest cascaded down her back. She was a vision and he was in awe.
"How do I look?" she asked as she turned around in a circle.
"You look like a vision of loveliness, but there is something missing." He replied as he moved towards her with his hand reaching into his inner pocket.
He stepped around behind her and flipped open the box he was carrying. Setting the box aside he drew out an exquisite diamond and emerald lace necklace. He carefully fastened it around her neck and then guided her to the mirror.
"Now you are perfection my love." He turned her and kissed her softly.
She blushed and smiled fingering the necklace. "I'll take good care of this for you."
"You'll take care of it for yourself, it's yours now." He picked up her cloak and draped it over her shoulders before offering her his arm. "Shall we?"
She took his arm and they both made their way through the castle, out to the main courtyard and into the carriage thoughtfully provided for them. They were soon on their way.
They were greeted at the door of Malfoy Manor by a house elf and were ushered inside. The house was impressive. The center of the main foyer was dominated by a black marble staircase. The snake theme was prevalent throughout the room, as was the use of green and silver. Hermione appeared to be a mix between overwhelmed and disturbed. Severus clasped her hand and led her towards the main ballroom.
He leaned down and whispered. "The snake theme is a bit over done, buts common enough in most Slytherin households."
She coughed discreetly. "That's a bit of an understatement Sev; I hope your home isn't done anything like this."
"Oh I think you will be pleasantly surprised when you see my home. Now come along we must properly greet our hosts."
They moved through the crowd of people towards the center of the room where the Malfoys were holding court.
"Severus, Darling you're looking well these days." Narcissa gushed. "Isn't he looking well Lucius?"
"Yes quite." Lucius shook his hand then turned to Hermione. "Miss Granger, you're looking lovely this evening, you shall have to save me a dance."
Severus eyes Lucius warily while Hermione blushed.
"Of course Mr. Malfoy, that is if Severus will be willing to part with me," she replied.
"We'll see. Now if you will kindly excuse us, Lucius, Narcissa, I'd like to take a turn on the floor with the most beautiful woman in this room."
He bowed taking Hermione's hand and leading her out onto the dance floor where the orchestra was playing a waltz. They slowly moved across the floor to the sound of the music.
Narcissa watched the couple as they waltzed. "I don't know what he sees in her Lucius."
Lucius took Narcissa by the hand and led her out onto the floor. "What does it matter darling, He has her and is content. While I have you and am feeling inspired."
"Inspired Lucius?" she gazed up at him adoringly. "Do tell darling."
He pulled her close and whispered in her ear. "My angel, that discussion is better left for our chambers after this event is over."
She smirked, smiled, then leaned forward to whisper. "You know love, your reason for this party isn't the only reason to celebrate."
"Oh?" he enquired with a slight look of confusion
"Oh Yes." She pressed her lips to his ear and softly whispered her secret, leaving him wide eyed in shock.
Severus spent the evening dancing the night away with the woman he loved. He held her close to his body during the Tango; swept her away through the waltz's and couldn't help but think that she was most assuredly the most wonderful woman in the world.
"Attention everyone!" came the magically magnified voice of Lucius Malfoy.
The entire room turned to face him full of curiosity. Severus and Hermione were no different; they turned their attention to Lucius but still remained in extremely close proximity to each other.
"As I am sure you are all aware, this evening's festivities are being held so I can share with you all some Brilliant news." He paused briefly looking at Narcissa. "However I've just been informed that I have an additional thing to celebrate."
He watched the crowd for a brief moment before continuing. "First of all I'd like to announce that I am formally running for Minister of Magic in the next election." He held up his hand to halt any applause; then held out his hand to his wife drawing her to his side. "Though more importantly, my lovely wife has just informed me that we're expecting another child."
The room burst into applause. Shouts of congratulations and well wishes were offered over both pieces of news.
Severus and Hermione made their way back to the other couple.
Severus shook Lucius' hand and smirked. "Seems you've been busy old friend, though I will admit I'd like to know more about your plans in politics."
Lucius flashed a charming smile. "Why Severus I was hoping you would ask. Shall we go to the study and discuss it?"
Severus leaned down and whispered to Hermione. "I'll be back soon darling, we have unfinished business you and I."
She blushed as the two men walked out of the ballroom together leaving her alone with Narcissa. She turned to the older woman with a smile. "Congratulations Mrs. Malfoy, another child is such a gift."
"Narcissa please, If you are going to be a permanent fixture in Severus' life then we shall have to become friends." She replied.
Hermione smiled hesitantly. "I would like that Narcissa. So are you happy about Lucius' choice to run for minister?"
Narcissa laughed. "Well he has always been ambitious; He wouldn't be the man I married if he wasn't. I think he'll do well."
Hermione grinned. "Well at least we can be sure that he'll be better then Cornelius Fudge."
"Of that we can be sure my dear." Narcissa glanced around the room. "If you'll excuse me I see someone I've been meaning to talk to." Without another word she swept away leaving Hermione alone.
An hour later Severus re-entered the ballroom, his eyes swept over the crowd trying to spot Hermione. He couldn't see her anywhere, slight panic swept over him as he moved through the crowd. He walked the room and when he couldn't find her he sought out Narcissa.
"Narcissa, have you seen Hermione?" he asked, concern thick in his voice.
"Oh I saw her about twenty minutes ago; she mentioned something about needing air." She replied flippantly.
He turned on his heel and headed towards the large double doors that led outside. He walked through and stepped to the edge of the balcony. Looking over the garden he spotted her sitting by the fountain in the center. He moved down the outdoor stairs that went to the garden.
"Hermione?" he called out softly.
She looked up at him with a soft smile lighting up her face. "Hello Severus."
"What brings you out here?" He asked as he moved to sit on the bench beside her.
"I was just thinking…" her voice drifted off into the silence of the night.
"Thinking about what?" he enquired.
"Us, I've been thinking about us." She replied softly.
"What about us love?" his voice wavered nervously.
She chuckled at his nervousness. "Nothing bad I assure you. I've mostly just been thinking about how being with you makes me happy."
He relaxed visibly; then took her hand in his, caressing it with the pad of his thumb. "Hermione, do you ever think about the future?"
She nodded her head. "Sometimes I do."
"Do you ever think of a future with me?" he asked quietly.
"Yes Severus, I think and dream of a future with you." She turned to face him. "What's brought this on?"
"I've been thinking on the future for a while now Hermione and I've reached a few conclusions."
"What conclusions have you reached?"
He caressed her hand and looked into her eyes. "I've concluded that you are a very special witch, you are more beautiful then the sun and that I can't imagine my life without you in it."
She gasped softly at his admission, his words touching her heart deeply. She started to speak but was silenced by the light touch of his finger to her lips.
He shifted down off the bench so that he was kneeling before her, looking up into her warm chocolate eyes. "What I'm trying to say Hermione is that I love you, I can't live without you, and I ask you if you would do me the great honor of consenting to be my wife?"
She wiped her eyes with her free hand, a smile on her face as she threw her arms around him. "Yes, oh yes Severus I'll be your wife."
He rose to his feet and drew her up with him, kissing her soundly on the lips. He tucked her head under his chin as he held her close under the pale moonlight. "I hope you can be a little bit patient with me love."
She smiled up at him. "What do you mean?"
"Well you will have to wait until we return to Hogwarts to get your engagement ring, its sitting on the desk in my quarters." He kissed her forehead softly.
"I'm glad you didn't have it with you actually, I can wait."
"Shall we head back inside? I suddenly have the desire to dance with my fiancé"
"Yes lets, I have the desire to dance with mine as well."
They dusted each other off and made their way back inside. Once there, he took her into his arms again and he didn't let her go for the rest of the evening.
It was well after midnight when they apparated back to the gates of Hogwarts. The castle was dark except for a few lights in the upper towers. They made their way across the grounds. They were almost to the doors when suddenly Hermione fell crying out in pain.
He crouched down next to her. "What happened love?"
She winced as she pointed towards her ankle. "My shoe must have gotten caught on something causing me to fall; it feels like I twisted my ankle."
He carefully slipped an arm under her legs then picked her up. He straightened himself up then carried her the rest of the way to the main doors. With a quick flick of his wrist the doors opened as he re-adjusted his hold on her before making his way through the entrance hall and down the stairs to the dungeons.
"Severus, my rooms are upstairs."
"I know Hermione; however I'm not taking you there until I've taken care of your ankle properly." He smirked. "Besides it gives me a valid excuse to hold you as well as get my ring on your finger before tomorrow morning."
She laughed. "Well when you put it that way."
They reached his office and he set her down for a moment as he drew his wand to lower the wards. The door opened and he swept her back into his arms as he moved through the room to the bookcase, he stated the password and the bookcase opened up revealing his quarters.
"I didn't know you had an entrance to your quarters in here."
"Well I didn't exactly feel like taking the long route to the entrance near Slytherin. "He replied as he set her gently on the black leather sofa.
He slipped of her shoes and carefully rolled down her stockings. Her ankle was swollen and bruised. He pulled out his wand and cast a diagnostic spell and then nodded to himself before speaking. "Thankfully it's only a bad sprain." He cast a quick charm and the pain eased.
She nodded and then breathed a sigh of relief at the healing charm. "That feels much better."
He got up. "I have a balm for the bruises, I'll just go fetch that and be right back."
He quickly left the sitting room, then returned a couple minutes later with the balm. He scooped up a little of the mixture on his fingers then gently applied it to the bruise forming on her foot from the fall.
She relaxed under the feel of his fingers on her skin, it was so soothing. "Thank you Severus."
He rose to his feet, pressed a kiss to her lips, and then walked over to the desk. "You're welcome." He murmured.
He retrieved the little black box he had left sitting there then moved back to the sofa, lifting her feet and sitting down, placing her feet in his lap. He handed her the box and waited for her reaction.
She opened the box with a soft gasp. Inside lay a round cut diamond ring, flanked by tear shaped emeralds on each side in a platinum setting. She removed it from the box and offered it to him while holding out her left hand. "Would you put it on me?"
He took the ring and slipped in onto her ring finger before kissing her hand. He drew a deep breath. "I should probably be getting you back to your quarters."
She sighed softly. "I wish I didn't have to go."
He helped her up and pulled her into a hug. "I wish the same thing love, however I wish to honor you and wait until our wedding night to finalize my claim on you. I hope you can understand that."
She reached up and drew his head down so his lips met hers briefly. She broke away and smiled. "Of course I do, though I will say one thing."
"And what is that?" he enquired with a raised eyebrow.
She picked up a pinch of floo powder and tossed it into the fireplace. "We're going to have a very short engagement." She then called out her destination and disappeared through the flames.
He was once again left standing alone in his quarters, but this time he just couldn't stop grinning.