AN - I own nothing! I'm just borrowing from J.K. Rowling!

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Chapter 6

"So Samuel, what do you do?" Adam asked. He, Julie, Hermione and Severus were seated around one table, along with a few other people that were engaged in their own discussions.

"I used to do some research before, and then retired early, becoming a private investor, into several kinds of markets," Severus replied. It was true; he became an investor right away when he moved to New York.

"What kind of research?"

"Chemistry." It had its similarities to potions.

"I always hated science," Adam sighed.

Severus looked over at Hermione, who seemed to be pushing her food around her plate. She had barely eaten her food he noticed. He placed a hand on the skin of her back, and leaned towards her. "Don't you like your food?" he whispered.

"The salmon has a very fishy taste that's disgusting," Hermione replied in return. "There were even a few scales that I found on the skin."

"So much for a hundred-thousand dollar a plate. Even I'm not enjoying my food."

Hermione raised her empty glass and signaled the waiter to give her another strawberry margarita.

"You're ordering another one?" Severus asked. "Don't you think you should slow down? You've already had three."

"Trust me Severus," Hermione whispered. "The party hasn't even started yet. After the auction is done, it's an open bar."

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Hermione was seated sideways on her chair as she faced the stage. She had her number paddle in one hand, while the other held on to her usual cocktail drink. She raised her paddle up, bidding at the colorful painting that she thought perfect for her living room.

Severus was seated behind Hermione, and saw Adam slightly laughing with his date. For some odd reason, the blond girl already seemed dazed and out of it, and she had less to drink than Hermione. He most certainly was not interested in the auction. He turned in his chair, and moved closer to Hermione, setting his chin on her shoulder.

"What is it?" Hermione asked softly as she turned to face him.

"The press—the photographers. I don't want my picture printed in the Daily Prophet or anything wizard related," he said.

Hermione kissed his nose and then said, "Don't worry. If anything is to get published in the wizarding world, I handle those things. I contact Colin Creevey myself."

"You kissed me this time," Severus frowned.

"I only kissed you on the nose, and before on the cheek. Have I crossed the line?" When he didn't answer, she just stared at him. "You're handsome," she suddenly said.

"And you're drunk, if not, you've gone insane woman," Severus answered back. No woman in his life ever called him handsome. Surely it was the alcohol that was getting to Hermione. "If I wasn't here, I'd be having myself a fried Twinkie."

"You're the one that's gone insane," she answered back. "Who in the world would fry a Twinkie sponge cake?"

"You don't go to the Chip Shop for authentic fish and chips in the city?"

A shake of her head is how Hermione replied.

"My God's woman, you're English, been living in the city for years, and never heard of it? They dip the Twinkie into the batter and deep fry it as well. It's then served with some berry sauce. Delectable," he said as he stared at her lips. They too seemed delectable, remembering how sweet they tasted.

"Oooh… take me, please," Hermione begged. It sounded delicious and she hadn't had a good batch of fish and chips since she was last in London.

"Another forced date?" He quirked a brow up. "I think not."

"Fine," Hermione snapped as she turned her head back to the attention of the auction.

"I'll take you, but your treat. You owe me."

Hermione nodded as she turned to smile at him. Her smile then faded as she scowled at him. His hand was on her back, sliding lower on her skin. "Watch your hand Snape!"

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"No it's alright," Severus said as Henry, Hermione's chauffer offered to carry her. "I got her. Just put her purse up on her will you?"

Henry got his boss's purse and did as told. "She was never one to hold her alcohol well," he said.

"So this has happened before?" Severus asked as he looked down, and shook his head at the unconscious woman in his arms. Good thing that she had passed out in the car, and nothing bad happened after the auction, or rather, the after party.

"Just a few times," Henry replied.

"Henry," the doorman said as he rushed out the apartment building. He sighed when he saw one of his building tenants in a strange man's arms.

"This is Mr. Snape, Bruce," Henry said. He then turned to Severus and said, "He's got a set of keys. He'll take you upstairs."

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Severus walked into the penthouse unit soon after exiting the elevator. Bruce told him where the master bedroom was as soon as he opened the front door. After Severus thanked him, he said his good nights, and went down stairs to the lobby.

After staring at Hermione's sleeping form on the bed, Severus asked himself if she was comfortable in her gown. He had taken care of her shoes, having taken them off her earlier. He rubbed his chin a few times, before he decided to go into her walk in closet and look for decent and more comfortable night wear.

"Hermione, come on, up woman," he said as he pulled at her to sit up straight.

Hermione whined and groaned and then sagged against him.

With much difficulty, Severus managed to get her into her sleep wear, which was a pair of female boxers and a spaghetti strap top that he had found earlier. He couldn't help himself as he glanced at her nipples and knickers covered crotch. After all, he was a man and he was next to a nearly naked and attractive woman. Of course, he quickly set certain images aside and dressed her up. When he was done, he tucked her beneath the sheets.

"Severus…" Hermione moaned as she looked up at him, her eyes trying to keep open.

"Yes Hermione?" he whispered.

"Kiss me," she said.

How could he refuse? Severus lowered his lips slowly, and kissed her gently. He could taste the sweetness of the strawberry and the alcohol on her lips and tongue. He only felt her respond for a brief moment, and stopped. When Severus pulled away, Hermione was snoring softly, sound asleep.

"Sleep well Hermione," he said softly before he shut off the lights, and walked out of the room.

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AN – A quick chap where a lot has happened. This time, there's some actual sweetness. Review!