There's No Place Like Hogwarts *COMPLETE*

Chapter 5- First Date

Ginny was sitting in the study when Hermione came barging in on Friday morning. “Well this is a pleasant surprise,” She smiled.

“Gin, I have a problem. Severus and I are going out on a date tonight,’ Hermione said.

“Um, how is that a problem?’ Ginny asked.

“I have nothing to wear,” Hermione groaned.

Ginny didn’t say a word. She simply stood up, grabbed Hermione by the hand and dragged her out the door to the car.

******************************************************************************

Severus stopped at the flower shop in Hogsmeade. He looked over the different flowers. No roses, too predictable. Daisies…nope. Tulips…no way. He had no idea what to get her.

“Can I help you young man?” The elderly owner asked.

“I’m taking a beautiful young woman out and I want to get her flowers. I don’t want to get her anything usual. She’s anything but usual,” Severus answered.

“Describe her to me,” The woman said. So Severus did. When he finished the woman wore a bright smile. “I think I have the perfect flower. Come with me,”

Severus followed her to the back of the shop. Behind a curtain he saw the perfect flower. The blossom was honey amber. The same color as Hermione’s eyes.

“This is a special hybrid I created myself. It’s a combination of a rose, gardenia and a lily,” She explained.

“It’s perfect. I’ll take a dozen and thank you ma’am. If all goes well tonight I think I’ll be coming here regularly for these,” Severus beamed.

“In that case I’ll be sure to have plenty of them available,” The woman laughed.

******************************************************************************

Hermione looked at her reflection. Ginny had really come through. Ginny had taken Hermione to a dress shop in London. After two hours, they found the perfect dress. Shoes, a clutch, matching wrap and hair clips were quickly bought as well.

They then returned to Godric’s Hollow where they flooed to Hermione’s chambers. After a shower, Ginny promptly began work on Hermione’s hair and make-up. Hermione looked good. Damned good as a matter of fact and she owed Ginny big time for this.

There was a knock on her chamber doors. “Well girl, here goes,” She whispered. Hermione took a calming breath and headed for the door and opened it.

“Wow, you look stunning,” Severus smiled.

“Thanks,” Hermione replied.

“Oh these are for you,” He said as he handed her the dozen flowers.

“Oh Severus. They’re beautiful,” She gasped as she let him in.

“I’m glad you like them. When I saw them I immediately thought of your eyes,” He smiled.

Hermione returned the smile as she put the flowers in some water. As she grabbed her clutch and wrap, Severus took in her appearance. She wore a knee length dress of lavender. It was sleeveless and low cut in the back.

“You ready?” Hermione asked.

“Yeah. I hope you like Italian and dancing,” Severus answered.

“I sure do. Let’s get going then cause I’m starving,” She grinned.

Arm-in-arm and laughing they left her chambers and headed onto the grounds. Once outside the gates the couple apparated away. From his office Albus and Minerva looked at each other and just smiled.

“What do you think Albus?”

“I think they make a charming couple Minerva,”

******************************************************************************

Severus led Hermione through the restaurant. He had surprised her by making reservations at the best authentic Italian restaurant in London. The waitress showed them to their table, took their drink orders, then left.

“Okay, who are you and what have you done with Severus Snape,” Hermione laughed.

Severus chuckled. “Hermione, after the war I left Hogwarts. The summer you graduated I took that summer off and left. I not only left Hogwarts but England too. I used those three months to rethink my life,”

“Where did you go?”

“I went to stay at a temple in Cambodia. I have a friend who’s a monk there. I realized I’ve spent most of my life doing what everyone else wanted me to do. When I came back in August, I was a changed man,”

“I’m glad you found peace Severus. If anyone deserved it, it was you,” She smiled as she reached out and covered his hand with hers.

After placing their order, Hermione told him more about living in Moscow. She told him how she enjoyed living there and working at the hospital there. When their meal arrived, they ate in a comfortable silence. For the first time in a long time, Severus found he was completely relaxed. Even at the temple, he wasn’t this relaxed.

“You looking forward to Harry’s party next weekend?” He smiled.

“I can’t wait. Ginny said Draco was surprised to hear I was back. She also said he’s looking forward to seeing me,” She nodded.

“I’m sure Harry and Ginny told you about the changes Draco and his father have made,” He replied.

“They did. I’m glad he’s finally happy. Of course Ron may be another matter,” She sighed.

“Don’t worry about Weasley. He wouldn’t be stupid enough to cause problems on Harry’s birthday. Now, let’s go dancing,” He grinned.

******************************************************************************

“So I hear Hermione’s going to be at your party next weekend,” Ron said.

“Yes. Ron, don’t start anything. Alright? She’s happy,” Harry stated.

“You thinking she wouldn’t have been happy as an Auror with us?” Ron asked.

“I know she wouldn’t have been. Just like you and I both know she wouldn’t have been happy if she and you had stayed together,” Harry answered.

“You don’t know that,” Ron countered.

“Yes I do. Hermione was not ready to be a mother and wife then. Even now I’m not sure if she’s ready for that,” Harry responded.

“Just watch. Friday night she’ll be happy to see me. Then we can pick up where we left off,” Ron stated confidently.

******************************************************************************

Hermione sat down across from Severus laughing. “Wow. I never took you for the dancing type,”

“I’m just full of surprises Hermione. Want a drink?” He chuckled.

“Um, bring me a Tequila Sunrise,” She smiled.

“Be right back. Don’t go anywhere,” He winked as he kissed her softly.

Hermione sighed happily. She watched as Severus placed their orders. She never expected to find him so relaxed when she took the job at Hogwarts. She had been quite surprised. She was smiling gently when he returned with their drinks.

“What?” He asked.

“Thank you for showing me a good time,” She answered as she brushed her hand against his cheek.

“I’m glad you’re having fun. We should go out again before school starts,” He replied as he took her hand in his.

“Just say when and where,” She nodded.

“Ready to dance some more?” He questioned as he finished his drinks.

“Actually, I saw a park not too far from here. What do say I finish my drink and we go for a walk? I could use some fresh and air and it’s such a beautiful night tonight,” She suggested.

“That does sound much better,” He replied.

Hermione finished her drink then they left the small club. Severus surprised Hermione again when he reached out and took her hand. The park was empty but peaceful. They found a bench and sat down across from a fountain.

‘I could easily fall for Hermione. Actually, I may already be falling for her. Still, I want to take this slow,’ Severus thought as he slipped his arm around Hermione’s shoulders.

“Severus, do you think one day you could take me to that temple?” She inquired as she laid her head against his shoulder.

“I would like that. Maybe we could go next summer,” He responded.

It was a little after one in the morning when Severus walked Hermione to her chambers. She unwarded her door then faced Severus. “I had a really great time tonight,”

“So did I. I’ll see you at breakfast,” He replied.

Then he did something he had wanted to do all night. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her fully. Hermione melted into his arms and returned the kiss.

“Um…uh…wow,” Hermione stuttered when Severus slowly released her.

“Sweet dreams Hermione,” Severus whispered with a smile.

“Oh I’ll definitely be having sweet dreams,” She nodded. ‘And some naughty ones too,’ she added silently.

Severus chuckled as he turned and headed for his chambers. He too was thinking of what kind of dreams he would be having about Hermione. None of them exactly squeaky clean.

T.B.C