Chapter 9 Preparations

After watching the glorious fireworks at Epcot, Hermione returned to the Animal Kingdom Lodge and her suite with the Potters. She found that the children were sleeping while Harry and Ginny were enjoying a glass of wine on the balcony.

“Hermione, you’re back. How was your evening?” Ginny inquired.

“Very nice. In fact, unexpectedly pleasant in a number of ways,” Hermione replied.

“Any time that someone could find Snape pleasant would be unexpected,” teased Harry.

“Did you lot have a good evening?” Hermione asked.

“The children adored it, and I adored watching them light up at all their favourite characters. We got back in time to have a good view of the night parade and the fireworks. At the end of it all, Tinkerbell flies off Cinderella’s castle. The kids got all excited and wanted to know how she was flying without a broom and why they were allowing magic in front of Muggles,” said Ginny.

“I didn’t want to spoil it for them by letting on that Tinkerbell was on wires. So, I just told them that Muggles have their own ways for making things magical. They seemed to buy it,” explained Harry.

“What are the plans for tomorrow?” Hermione asked.

“Since we took care of meeting Mickey Mouse today, we thought we’d begin in the Animal Kingdom tomorrow. The safari ride is supposed to be worthwhile, and they have many animal exhibits we’d all enjoy,” said Ginny.

“I know that I’m here with all of you, but I hope you don’t mind my breaking free for the evening the night after next?” Hermione said, while hoping to avoid too much scrutiny.

“Are you having a holiday romance, ‘Mione?” quizzed Harry.

“I don’t think I’d call it that, but I have an interesting invitation, and I’ll need a bit of shopping time tomorrow, to prepare as well. It’s a formal event, and of course I haven’t packed for anything like that,” Hermione explained.

Harry and Ginny looked at each other, a bit puzzled. “Hermione, you’re free to do want you want. You don’t need to feel obligated to be part of everything we do, but it would make us feel better if we knew who you were really with. This Snape story is funny and all, but you don’t expect us to believe it, do you?” Ginny replied.

Hermione looked at her friends’ concerned faces. She wasn’t sure she wanted them to know that it really was Snape. Harry wouldn’t like it, and she didn’t want to stir up old angers, or potentially ruin her chance for the night out with Snape. For reasons she wasn’t at all sure she wanted to admit, she was really looking forward to more time with him.

“I love you two, and it is so sweet to know you care,” Hermione began. “I assure you that I can take care of myself just fine, and I’ll be with a perfect gentleman, whom I know I can trust.”

“Well, that makes it final, then. No one would use that description for Snape,” Harry retorted.

Hermione just rolled her eyes and said, “Good night to you two. I’m truly knackered now.”

She entered the room she was sharing with Molly Rose and noticed that the child had a new Mickey Mouse doll clutched to her as she slept. Her enchanted marble was lying on the bedside table.

“What I would give for the simple innocence of youth some days,” she thought as she drifted off to sleep.

The following morning found Hermione in the lobby talking to the concierge about where to shop. When she explained what she needed the dress for, the young woman, with an impeccable French accent and a nametag denoting her country of origin as Cote d’Ivoire, exclaimed, “Every Presidential Suite within the Magic Kingdom is occupied by dignitaries here for that event. Mademoiselle must have the perfect dress. I will send you to Francis at the Victoria Boutique in the Grand Floridian. They have some lovely gowns direct from Paris. There is no better place to find an evening gown in the Magic Kingdom.”

Hermione gratefully accepted her help and soon found herself being driven to the Grand Floridian, a Victorian era inspired resort that gave the impression of perfectly manicured wealth and privilege. Once there, Francis was only too eager to help. “Most of the women at these corporate functions are far older than you, my dear. We must find you a gown in which you can shine,” Francis pronounced.

“No, Francis!” begged Hermione. I really don’t want to stand out. I just want to look like I belong there.

Francis gave her an appraising look and, in a conspiratorial tone, murmured, “Well, let’s see what we can do.”

After a number of trials, Hermione found her gown. She had worried over colour and in the end decided upon a basic black.

“Well, Severus shouldn’t find fault with the colour,” Hermione mused to herself.

The floor-length gown started with a scooped, sleeveless neckline. A gauze ruffle accented the neckline on an otherwise plain bodice. A cinched, belted waistline called attention to Hermione’s small waist. The skirt consisted of a cascade of chiffon ruffles, which provided a trim and attractive silhouette, yet nevertheless appeared ethereal. As Hermione faced her vision in a mirror, she was pleased with the picture she painted, as a little voice inside her head whispered, “What will Severus think?”

Francis helped her to complete the outfit with simple, yet elegant, black heels and a matching clutch, along with all the necessary undergarments. He talked her into an exotic Asian scent. “You aren’t completely dressed without perfume.” And finally a deep blue and green peacock coloured silk shawl. “You must have a splash of colour.” When he asked about jewellery, Hermione told him that her escort would be providing that, to which she earned a raised eyebrow worthy of Severus himself.

After the outfit was complete, Francis helped her book appointments back at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Spa. He talked Hermione into getting a massage before her hair and nail appointments. She decided to indulge since she wasn’t going to put the beauty regime on Severus’ bill. “I would have ended up doing something like this for myself during this vacation anyway,” she told herself.

Once Hermione was sure that she had accomplished everything she needed to for the next evening, she joined up with the Potters. They spent the rest of the afternoon touring exhibits and taking in shows at the Animal Kingdom. Hermione’s favourite was a theatrical production based on the Lion King. The Potters too, adults and children, enjoyed the vivid costumes and talented performers.

For the evening, the group took the monorail to Epcot. It was the Potters’ first visit to this park. They dined at the Moroccan Pavilion, where the whole family enjoyed the experience of dining sans utensils. Hermione thoroughly enjoyed her couscous. Then they found themselves a good spot for enjoying the fireworks display that had enchanted Hermione the night before. Hermione was surprised at how much her mind was wandering. She kept thinking back to the night before and ahead to the next night. She couldn’t help feeling an excited tension about it all.

Interrupting her reverie during the fireworks, little Molly Rose muttered, “I love Disney World,” as she clutched her new Minnie Mouse doll to her. Hermione leaned over, and after lifting Molly up, she held her tight.

“Yes, I love it too. Especially because I get to be here with you,” Hermione replied and then gave the child a kiss on her chubby, sticky cheek.

Whatever came from this strange encounter with Severus Snape, Hermione knew that the friendship of Harry and Ginny, plus their wonderful children, was a constant in her life that she could always count on.