A/N: Thanks to Bri892 for being my beta and Welcome to our new readers who have just found this story. I love your reviews and input.

Chapter 34: A Date

They walked quietly. His pace matched hers, her hand in his. Warm, comfortable. Severus led Hermione to the grounds just outside the Hogwarts wards, and turned to wrap her in his arms. Her eyes met his and his grip tightened. They apparated away.

In the span of two seconds, they traveled out of the country. The tight, and squeezing sensation was lighter in his arms. She pulled closer to him instinctively and felt him sighing quietly.

Arriving on a quiet street, Severus loosened his hold on her. His hand dropped down and took hers again. A short walk led them to cobblestone street with store fronts and restaurants.

He opened the door to restaurant and ushered her inside. "Reservation under Snape."

The hostess escorted them to a private table and left menus and a wine list.

Hermione pulled the menu into her hands, slowing down her breathing and willing herself to be calm.

"Would you prefer a cabernet or a pinot noir?" His voice was low and husky.

She glanced up from her menu and locked eyes with him, Severus. She was on a date with Severus.

"A cab sounds wonderful, Severus."

The lines around his mouth relaxed as he allowed himself a small smile. He named the wine he would like to the server standing a little off to the side. Hermione hadn't even noticed he was standing there.

"This is a little awkward. I know first dates are about getting to know the other person but I feel like I know you already."

Severus laughed, "While we live together and spend time together often, I am sure there is more to learn about each other."

The server interrupted them to pour the wine and review the specials for the evening. As he stepped away, they looked at their menus. Hermione was leaning towards one of the specials as Severus decided on a simple porterhouse steak.

"You seem happy with Seamus' company. Once this project is over, what do you want to concentrate on?" He asked her as he dropped the menu on the table and folded his hands on top of it.

Hermione looked at his hands, wanting to reach out and caress them. She met his eyes and smiled, "The media player project will be ongoing as the technology constantly changes. I may step back a little in order to concentrate on my apprenticeship."

He sipped at his wine, "You have quite a few obligations. I can't imagine it has been easy on you."

Their server return to the table and placed a bread basket in the middle of the table. He added a little more wine to Severus' glass before taking their orders. Severus dropped his hands to his lap as the server took the menus and left.

"I have stepped back on the spell and charms work to finalize the media player. I thought I would have more time after Sabrina went to school. I found that is not the case."

He held out the bread basket to Hermione and then took a piece for himself. Dipping the bread into balsamic vinegar and olive oil, he placed a bite into his mouth.

A warm feeling spread through her body as her eyes rested on his mouth, his lips.

"Will you be attending the magical educators conference next month?" She asked him as she fiddled with a piece of bread.

"No, none of my counterparts will be in attendance. I am considering a visit to Beauxbatons to review their potions curriculum. Minerva is in discussions with their headmistress."

Hermione smiled at the memory of the giantess, "Is it still Madame Maxime?"

"Oh no, she retired a few years back."

They chatted throughout their dinner. Hermione had several glasses of wine and blamed the alcohol on the feelings she was experiencing. Alcohol led to feeling warm and tingly. It wasn't because he had offered her a bite from his dinner. It wasn't because he had lifted his fork and placed it lightly in her mouth, slowly pulling it out gently.

Flushed and flustered, Hermione declined dessert. Severus settled the bill and escorted her away from the table; her hand in his large warm one.

She stumbled as they stepped out of the restaurant. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, his fingers felt hot on the bare skin of her upper arm.

Severus stopped and let her go. "You are shivering."

He pulled her miniaturized coat from his pocket and cast a charm to return it to it's original size. As he wrapped the coat around her, Hermione grasped lapels of his coat, pushed up on to the tips of her toes, and kissed him hard on the mouth.

Severus dropped his hands from her shoulders to her waist. He grasped her body tightly, lifting her up a few inches. His tongue swept across her lips carefully and she opened her mouth a bit to allow him entrance.

They were lost in each other, not noticing their surroundings on a busy street.

Hermione pulled away and stepped back. She took in a deep breathe and locked eyes with Severus, "Oh wow!"

Stepping forward, he brushed his lips lightly on her forehead, "Wow, indeed!" and he apparated them away.