"I can't believe you have never been to a movie!" Her voice was a little louder than he would have liked, and caused the surrounding tables' occupants to look at her. He rolled his eyes.

"Miss Granger, mind your voice, I would like to keep our conversation to ourselves." Those that were looking at the odd couple quickly looked away and resumed their own conversations, and dinners.

"Now, what is so odd that I never wished to join Muggles in going to the Cinema? " He speared a fork-full of salmon and chewed it thoroughly.

"Well, I am just surprised that you have never seen a movie. I mean, you did grow up half-Muggle."

"I never said I hadn't seen a movie, Miss Granger. I simply haven't seen one in the Muggle Cinema. How's your pasta?" He pointed with his fork at her plate, attempting to draw her attention back to it rather than him.

"Oh, erm- it's good. How's your salmon?"

"It's fair. However, I am slightly biased. I prefer my own seasoning when cooking salmon. "

Hermione's fork hovered for a moment. "You cook?" she asked, genuinely curious.

"Of course I cook, did you think I only ate what house elves prepared? Or perhaps did you think that my upbringing wouldn't have afforded me with the belief that I can do anything on my own?" His tone was slightly harsh, and she knew she had offended him. Touchy, she thought.

"No, I only was curious as you well- you don't seem much like the type to cook."

"On the contrary, I love cooking. It's much like potion-making. More wine, Miss Granger?"

"Mm," she said between a mouthful of pasta. "Yes, please." Severus grimaced, but poured her another glass.

Dinner went by, mostly uneventful. They ate, shared wine, talked about themselves a little, and genuinely had a good time. They both did. But as the date drew to an end, Severus found himself dreading going back to his home… alone. And Hermione found herself stalling as long as possible, without seeming obvious.

Severus, ever the gentlemen, paid for the meal, and escorted her out of the Italian restaurant. He couldn't help but try to find a reason to prolong their parting.

"Miss Grang-"

"Professor-"

She laughed and he waved his hand to let her continue.

"Well, I was wondering if you wanted to catch a movie? After all, you showed me this quaint little restaurant; I find it only fair that I now show you something."

He couldn't, and frankly didn't want to, argue with her suggestion.

"Lead the way, Miss Granger."

They chose to walk instead of Apparate, mostly Hermione's doing. This would provide them a little more time to chat and get to know each other, she said. She didn't notice that this date hadn't been her idea, nor had she wanted to go in the first place. But as the night drew on, she couldn't help but relax in his presence.

I mean, she thought to herself. He's intelligent, he reads, he knows a lot about both Muggle and Magical history and he is easy to talk to. What's not to like?

The part of her brain that always seemed to sound like Ginny whispered, and he's not bad looking either. Hermione chuckled, but shook her head in an attempt to un-think that thought.

"Something funny, Miss Granger?" Severus asked as they passed the park.

"Hm? Oh. No, not particularly. Just thinking."

"Care to think aloud?"



"Oh, well I was just thinking about… uh... about Harry and Ron's faces when they hear that I went on a date with Professor Snape." She said enthusiastically.

Severus smirked, something he did almost as well as sneer. "Yes, I suppose they will have a fit. Too bad I couldn't be there to tell them myself." He added as an after thought.

She agreed.

They walked for close to thirty minutes, neither caring as they both were in fit shape. They talked more about what movies and types they liked. She was surprised to learn that Severus enjoyed a great deal of movies, varying from the classics to comedy. When she mentioned horror movies, he furrowed his brow. "There has been too much horror in my life as it is, Miss Granger. I don't need to witness someone else's horrific experiences." And she agreed.

They grew silent for a little while, both lost in thoughts of the past. They walked across the street and up to the ticket window. Hermione ordered two tickets for the 10:45 showing of some comedy. Neither really cared what it was about, they both only needed a good laugh.

He held open the door for her, and half smiled at her. "After you, Miss Granger."

A/N: Ok, wow! I got soooo many reviews! WOW! Thanks to all of you. I am pretty sure that I replied to all of them, but if I didn't, I am really really sorry! This chapter feels slightly icky to me, but that could just be because my legs are cold and my nose is frozen, lol. I already have an idea for the next chapter, but it might take a few days to get it done. I am starting art school this week, and trying to get my room finished, so it might take a bit until it's up. Hang in there guys and keep those reviews coming! :D

Yours in Eloquence 3