A/N: Well, I seem to be on a roll. I think I like this whole writing in between classes thing. Right now I'm listening to Les Miserables through my digital download. I love this movie. Anyway, I decided….wlll more like the story, seriously, I'm writing what comes to me, I'm hardly in control….that the story is taking a sweet turn for the moment. Who knows, maybe after this it will be dark. But this chapter is just a sweet dinner between our not-so-happily married couple. And soon, the wedding!

Chapter 21

Hermione went up to her room and saw the lovely dress laying on her bed. It was very similar to the red strapless dress she bought for Bill's wedding, but this one was almost a better one for such an event. She lifted it and felt its silky texture and it fit her perfectly. She admired herself in the mirror. How could he possibly know it would flatter her body so well? She opened the jewelry box on the bed and found the beautiful golden chain and red gem flower. She gently removed the necklace from its resting spot and heard a knock at her door. She was shocked to see that she had left it open so forgetfully.

"I promise, I didn't see anything. But since I'm here, shall I," Severus asked holding a hand out for the necklace.

"Hermione handed it to him and turned around while pulling her hair to one side as he placed the necklace in front of her and pulled the chain back before closing the clasp. She turned around and he adjusted it so that it rested perfectly centered.

"Lovely," he told her in a voice just above a whisper.

Hermione felt her stomach tighten. This gentle side of him was becoming more apparent. And she didn't want it to change. If he was like this with her, and with their child, they could be happy.

And then that moment ended. The metal connected to her skin. And the space was filled with air.

"I'll meet you downstairs," and with that he was gone.

Hermione looked in the mirror, beautiful red dress, amazing red pendant, and messy hair. She didn't feel like charming it, or brushing it, or using an entire bottle of hair product. So instead she grabbed her hair, twisted it up and grabbed a clip. It worked for the night. She grabbed her red heels, he must have seen them at some point, and slipped them on before heading downstairs.

He heard her heels at the top of the stairs and looked up to see her. Severus was in awe. He hadn't paid much attention when he went up to check on her. But as she stood there, all dressed up in an outfit he had chosen without so much as a fight from her, he was stunned. Even in his dreams, Lily had never looked so beautiful. He pushed Lily from his mind. She was dead and buried and here was a beautiful woman that was married to him.

"Severus?"

He was dragged from his thoughts by her nervous voice. She was already standing in front of him, looking at him with a look of gentle fear.

"You're beautiful, Hermione. Absolutely beautiful."

She blushed and looked away. Severus took her hand apparated them away.

"Severus," Hermione said quietly, "We'll have to find a new way of transportation soon. The books say that disapparation has negative effects on unborn children if done past ten weeks."

He chuckled at her worry and cupped her face and said, "I know, and as much as you might hate it, death eater transportation is perfectly safe and just as quick."

She only nodded as he led them into the restaurant.

"We have a reservation, it would be under Snape."

"Ah right this way."

Hermione noticed that the hostess was the first person to not give them a dirty look. And she knew that right now it did not look like father and daughter pair. She saw herself in the mirror, and for the third time in her life she had felt adult and beautiful. She left her thoughts and realized they were in a private room.

"Thank you," Severus said to the hostess as he pulled out a chair for Hermione.

She sat down and he pushed her chair in before taking his seat across the table from her.

A waitress walked in and before she could even speak, "One glass of red merlot wine for each of us. After that glass, a bottle of sparkling cider will suffice."

"Yes, sir, right away."

"Well, Hermione? I figured this would make a good replacement of our interrupted first date."

"It's lovely, Severus. And thank you, for the dress and the necklace. They're beautiful."

"It's the least I can do."

"You don't need to apologize for anything. I chose. And, at least we're trying. Most of everyone else would be so much worse about it."

They sat in silence for a moment. Glancing at the menu, and looking at each other. The waitress brought in their wine, breaking the temporary silence as she asked if they were ready and Severus told her not quite.

After she left, Severus broke the silence, "How are you feeling about the musical?"

"Good. Nervous and excited. I really hope that Ron is recast. I'm terrified. Of facing him again."

"I shall go with you. McGonagall will have to listen to me."

"No. I can face her. I'm just scared."

"Well, then let's change topics. What are you thinking of having for dinner."

Hermione laughed, "I'm thinking ratatouille. But we have to get some escargot for an appetizer."

They apparated back to Spinner's end, Hermione leaning against Severus with a content smile on her face.

"Thank you Severus. I needed that."

"Of course, Hermione. You said you wanted us to try, and I couldn't agree more."

He cupped her face again leaned forward. Her eyes stared into his as he stared back, and he closed his eyes as he pressed his lips against hers. They were soft and a small hint of chocolate from dessert lingered there.

A/N: Well? I hope you liked the feels. I think first rehearsal is up soon.