7

Hermione Apparated just outside the Hogwarts gates, a younger girl in tow. Snape strode toward the gate, wearing a mildly puzzled expression.

“Good morning, Miss Granger. I don’t think I’ve had the distinct pleasure of meeting your…”

“Cousin,” Hermione interjected, rather tartly. “Lord Snape, may I present my second cousin, Illiana Puckle?”

“Charmed, Miss Puckle. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?”

“Illy attends Beauxbatons, but she is here on holiday,” Hermione answered for the girl. “Oh, and Father asked if I would be so kind as to remind you of your first promise to him, Professor.”

~~~~

“Now, Miss Granger, if you will just tip the chopped rosemary into the cauldron, we will be finished here. You’ve been an excellent helpmeet.”

Hermione felt a blush rising to her cheeks as she added the fragrant rosemary into the experimental potion. The brew gave off an enticing scent in delicate swirls of silvery steam.

“Thank you, Professor. I do strive to exceed in all my endeavors.”

Snape set the cauldron aside and made to guide the two ladies out of the laboratory.

“Ladies, if you’ll just retrieve your cloaks, Minerva and Alastor are expecting us at the White Peacock.”

~~~~

The White Peacock was the current most fashionable dining establishment in Wizarding London. The supper hour was positively decadent, and the luncheon menu was absolutely avant-garde. However, the gustatory pleasures of the restaurant paled in comparison to the inestimable social clout of simply being seen there.

Severus hoped that his intentions were being read loud and clear. They had been photographed upon arriving by the Daily Prophet and would most likely make the evening social page. Speculation abounded as to why Lord Snape still remained a bachelor, and if this season would be when he would finally take a bride.

~~~~

Following luncheon, Severus escorted Hermione and Illy home.

‘Wait here,’ Hermione mouthed to Severus as she practically shoved Illy into the house.

Severus smirked inwardly as he waited patiently on the porch.

Hermione reappeared a few moments later.

“Father says we may have five un-chaperoned minutes if we do not leave the porch, Lord Snape.”

“Miss Granger. Hermione, if I may be so bold?” Her brilliant smile told him he most certainly could. “I am aware of the gossip surrounding my continued bachelor state. I assure you that I seek to rectify the issue before the end of the season.”

~~~~

Doctor Granger,

I find myself enchanted with your daughter. If you are amenable, I should like to have you around at the weekend to discuss the alliance of our families. Would Saturday afternoon at three suit? I await your owl.

Cordially,

Severus, Lord Snape

Lord Snape,

I am most amenable to such a discussion. Saturday afternoon at three it is.

Yrs,

Dr. Herbert Granger

Herbert leaned back in his chair after sealing the note and sending it off with Hermione’s owl, Camus. Lord Snape would be a fine match for his daughter, and wouldn’t be put off by her bookishness.