Chapter 10 - The Party

Chapter 11 – The Party

Understanding the importance of pretense under the circumstances, Severus looked at Hermione and extended his elbow in her direction. He had been wearing his customary black formal robes for the occasion, but when he had met Miss Granger outside of her Muggle flat, she had decided to bring him inside for a quick review and modification.

“Mr. Snape, I think for this evening we should present a degree of comfortable familiarity. I’d prefer if you call me Hermione. May I call you Severus?”

Severus had not heard his given name spoken from female lips since his tenure at Hogwarts, prior to his time as Headmaster, and then only from Minerva, Pomona and his female peers. Hermione’s use of it made him feel slightly uncomfortable. “Yes, Hermione, that is acceptable.”

Hermione offered a slight grin. “I’m having a glass of wine before we leave. Would you care for one as well? It may help you feel more at ease.”

Severus nodded and accepted the glass, enjoying its bouquet before sipping its warmth.

“Now, Severus, I hope you trust me. Your customary black robes need a change. That color makes you somewhat unapproachable. Will you allow me to transfigure just the color?”

Of course the black makes me unapproachable. That’s the bloody point, Severus thought. But he was willing to concede to her suggestion and gave a curt nod.

Hermione applied the appropriate swish and flick of her wand, and the robes were changed to a deep green hue. Not so bright or pale to offend him, and not so dark to intimidate others. Another swish and flick and the robes’ trim and buttons changed to thin accents of brown leather. The robes parted at his knee, exposing brown cotton slacks.

Hermione motioned to the door. “I think we’re ready. Are you up to this?”

Severus gave another nod and a nervous grin. “Let’s get this over with.”

~~SSHG~~

“Offer me your arm, Severus,” Hermione gently suggested as they approached the steps leading to Grimmauld Place’s front door.

Severus did so, and Hermione reached under with her left hand, knocking at the door with her right.

Within moments Kreacher opened the door, bowing low and extending a greeting. “Welcome to the Noble House of Potter. Guests are expected in the library.” The graveling hiss of Kreacher’s words confirmed to Hermione that she would still not have been welcomed if he had his way.

Hermione was careful to maintain a demeanor that would make both Severus comfortable and communicate to the other guests that he was no threat. She drew her right hand to cover her left at his elbow and entered the home with a smile on her face and her charge by her side.

Severus reminded himself that he had faced many more dangerous situations and allowed her to lead them to the party.

~~SSHG~~

“Hermione, Mr. Snape, welcome!” A very pregnant Ginny Potter came to greet her guests as they entered the home.

Hermione had written to Harry and advised him she would be bringing Severus as her guest and reminded him of his promise to help her in her endeavor. Harry told her it would be a small informal affair with only the Weasleys, Kingsley, and possibly Minerva in attendance.

Ginny had been filled in on those details and did everything she could to show the other guests that Severus was most welcome in their home. “You look smashing, Hermione! I love your robes.”

Severus had thought the same when he had met Hermione earlier. She had donned a midnight-blue dress robe, not too extravagant yet not too casual. She accented its high neckline with a cabochon emerald stone set in gold. The brooch’s kelly-green color and bright yellow setting looked striking against the dark palette of the robe. Replacing the boots that haunted his dreams were strappy high heels, and a glimpse of her toes and ankles peeked under the flow of her gown. He didn’t miss that her nails had been painted black. An unguarded thought registered, I imagine those toes might taste of licorice.

Hermione gave her friend a hug and a kiss. “Thank you for inviting us. Mr. Snape and I are looking forward to spending time with you and your family.”

As luck would have it, when Severus gave his nod to Ginny, the boy-who-simply-would-not-go-away made his way across the room.

“Hermione! Mr. Snape! I’m so glad you made it! Come on in.”

“I wouldn’t miss it, Mr. Potter. I’m glad Hermione invited me to escort her this evening.” Severus’ statement had been coached by Hermione earlier, and the deliberate use of her given name was noticed by everyone.

“I see you and your family are doing well.” These platitudes were not easy for Severus to express, but his years as a spy had honed his acting abilities.

“We are, Prof... Mr. Snape. Um, we’re having pre-dinner drinks in the library. Would you care to join us?”

Severus looked at Hermione, and her smile indicated her approval. Severus nodded to Harry, “Lead the way.”

~~SSHG~~

The evening had gone very well, better than Hermione had expected. Only she, Harry and Kingsley were privy to the proofs of Severus’ acquittal. Yet by the end of the party, everyone had spoken with him, if not with warm familiarity at least with proper cordiality. Molly had gone so far as to hug him, and Arthur had invited him to the Burrow for dinner and conversation whenever he wished.

Leaving Grimmauld Place and heading across the street to the Apparition Point, they continued the formal escort with her hand at his elbow. They both tried to convince themselves it was for appearances only. Yet neither knew the other was thinking the same thing: This is nice. Though it wasn’t necessary, Severus offered to escort her home. Hermione accepted.

~~SSHG~~

“I want to thank you, Hermione. This evening was not as unpleasant as I had expected. To the best of my knowledge, none of my beverages were poisoned by the other guests.”

“Severus, you may not realize this, but we did make progress tonight. Even though this was a private event, you were accepted by the Weasleys, Kingsley, and the others in attendance. We should try to continue to make an appearance at least once a week over the next month in a similar fashion and see how that acceptance transfers to everyone else.”

“I would not be opposed to this. You will owl me with your next plans?”

Hermione smiled. “Yes. You did well, Severus. Thank you for trying.” She extended her right hand to shake his but he took it in his left, bent slightly and brought her hand to his lips.

Even though his formal kiss on the top of her fingertips didn’t last but a brief second, time for both of them stood still. As his lips drew close to her knuckles, they felt a surge of magic pull each towards the other just as a magnet draws to steel. Their surreal moment was quickly disrupted by the ‘snap’ and flash of a camera’s light and the ‘pop’ of a quick Apparition.

A/N - Thank you, Dreamy_Dragon!