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Hermione loved her friends, she really did. But it turned out that going on a girls trip as the only single person present wasn’t exactly the most fun ever. Especially during the holiday season. Oh god, the couples everywhere.
Of course, this was to be expected, considering they were in Paris of all places. It was the city of love or whatever rubbish they called it in the films. In fact, as soon as they stepped out of the French ministry, they saw a couple lovingly sharing a baguette on a bench.
“Is this a joke? Do they really love baguettes that much?” Ginny muttered under her breath as they walked by.
“I hear the French eat at least one baguette every day,” Luna mused aloud.
“Well, let’s first find our hotel to get settled and then we can acquire some baguettes too.” Pansy strolled ahead, presumably in the direction of said hotel.
Thankfully, she was also smart enough to find a place not too far of a walk. They were buzzed in through an ornate door on a seemingly quiet street. After a brief check-in process, they made their way up the narrow, winding staircase towards the very top of the building. It was supposed to be a nice, wizarding hotel that retained some of the quaint, Parisian-style architecture. In this case, it translated to their room being at the top of a long, spiraling set of stairs.
“Thank Merlin we have magic. Could you imagine trying to navigate this otherwise?” Ginny climbed ahead at her usual chaser speed as the others attempted to catch up.
“Yes, because I’ve traveled in the Muggle parts of this city with my parents before. And you’re correct. Believe me when I say it’s not fun to navigate the small spaces with giant suitcases and no lifts.” Hermione trailed behind her, grateful to have her favorite magically extended bag with downsized luggage conveniently stored inside.
When they reached the nondescript door at the very top, they stopped to catch their breath. Though the doorway didn’t look very inviting, they found the interior spacious and bright. A floor-to-ceiling bookshelf covered one entire wall of the flat and the books looked to be arranged by color. The result was a lovely rainbow spread across the shelves.
“Before you glue yourself to a chair, Hermione,” Pansy teased, “Remember we’re here to explore the city and not just sit inside and read. You can already do that back home.”
Hermione would be lying if she said she wasn’t already eyeing the shelf. But she scoffed and said, “Excuse me, Pansy. I’m well aware and I’m not that easily seduced by any pretty bookshelf.”
After belongings were situated (and one last wistful glance at the bookshelf), Hermione and the girls were ready to head out for their first evening of explorations.
After a long day of walking the streets of Paris the next day, the girls opted for a cozy night in. But it had somehow turned into quite a scandalous affair.
“Merlin, I swear if I hear one more word about the length of someone’s cock tonight…” Hermione tried to start her poor attempt at a threat in a serious tone, but couldn’t help dissolving in exasperated laughter. The other girls followed suit and everyone erupted in a variety of colorful sounds—gagging included.
“What about the girth? Because as you might already know, Ronald’s is quite—”
“LUNA, NO!” Hermione shrieked and covered her face.
Ginny once again started making gagging noises, but was also convulsing in laughter simultaneously and couldn’t speak.
“Anyway,” drawled Pansy, as one perfectly manicured nail hovered over the room service button on the table next to her. “I was going to suggest ordering some more drinks if anyone is feeling particularly thirsty. And before anyone can say anything to that, no more Weasley dick jokes, please. Some of us want to keep our dinner down.”
“And that is precisely why I gave up on cocks,” Ginny declared proudly as she reached past Pansy and promptly pressed the room service button.
Hermione smiled at the thought. She could only imagine the chaos that ensued in the offices of the Daily Prophet when the news broke a year ago. The Chosen One had broken up with his girlfriend only to be spotted cuddling up with the Malfoy heir! The Weasley princess was spotted smooching the Holyhead Harpies seeker!
At first, it was kind of surprising that two of Harry’s exes ended up together; but most of their friends had reached the point where they could have a good laugh about it now. After all, he had found comfort in Draco Malfoy, of all people.
Though the Gryffindors in their group seemed to be making a habit of finding a Slytherin, seeing as how Neville and Pansy were now dating as well.
While we’re on the topic of Slytherins in our lives… Nope, stop right there! She mentally smacked herself and forced her brain to focus on the present once more.
“Okay, what’s the consensus on our next round of drinks? Shall we end the night with a bottle of red?” Hermione glanced around the room and everyone seemed to nod in agreement. “Let’s also not forget to drink–”
“Yes, yes, mum. We’ll also drink water to stay hydrated.” Ginny rolled her eyes as she said this, but she was grinning as well. “Don’t want to resort to hangover potions unless strictly necessary.” She moved the bag of crisps that lay on her bed and took a sip of water from the side table.
“If the desire to wake up feeling actually human instead of dead inside means I’m the mum, then so be it.”
Hermione stuck out her tongue at Ginny and downed her whole glass of water.
Everyone (except Hermione) decided to take it slow the next day for reasons they refused to admit. But they managed to pull themselves together enough for a supposed girls dinner.
“You signed me up for what kind of dining experience?”
“It’s very high-end and fancy, I’ll have you know.”
“Dining in the dark?? So it’s essentially… a blind date?”
“Yes, but hear me out! This is Paris, Hermione. You’re in a foreign country. You’re single. Please, please let yourself live a little!”
“Yeah, Hermione, just give it a try! Even if the bloke ends up being a bore, at least the food’s supposed to be amazing!”
“I suppose it does sound like a unique experience…”
“And there’s a strict screening process to make sure no weirdos sign up just to mess with people. Don’t worry, we made sure to pick someone good for you.”
“You what?? You chose someone for me? Do you know who it is? Or what they’re like?”
“Yes, I did, and I’m a little offended at that tone. Do you have a problem with my taste? Or do you not trust that I would pick someone suitable for you? Hermione, please.”
“Of course I trust you. I just… This is a lot to take in all at once.”
“The age range they gave for the man is 30 to 50 years old, so he should be a bit older. I figured you’d be into that. And he works in academia of some sort, so the two of you can talk research. Whatever it is you nerds like to do–”
“Hey! I don’t only talk about research. I… also like to discuss books.”
“Oh, perfect. He listed reading as one of his hobbies. It already sounds like a match made in heaven. See? I’m a genius!”
“Well, he sounds alright on paper… We’ll have to see how the actual date goes.”
“I’m sure it’ll be lovely. Run along now so you aren’t late. Have fun, darling! Au revoir!”
A waiter led Hermione to her seat—blindfolded—after a relatively thorough introduction and explanation of how the night would proceed. She felt just a tad unsettled as she was directed to sit somewhere she couldn’t see. It felt like a very comfortable booth and she could sense a lit flame somewhere on the table.
“Your date will join you shortly,” the waiter spoke from behind her and she flinched a bit, not realizing they were still there. She murmured her thanks as she sat back in her seat to get comfortable. She removed her coat and set it next to her in the booth. She was grateful that it sounded like it was a relatively private affair and there weren’t too many couples in the room. That or maybe there were some privacy and sound spells around each booth. She could hear some orchestra music playing quietly as well as what seemed to be the sounds of quiet, muffled conversations around her.
“R-right here, sir,” the waiter stuttered as she heard the sounds of two people arriving in front of her. She heard a disgruntled response as she sensed someone sliding into the booth across from her. Their shoes bumped beneath the table before the person opposite her finally seemed to settle in.
“Can I take your drink orders first?” The sound of the waiter’s voice and a piece of paper being flipped broke the silence.
“Ladies first.” A deep, baritone sounded across from her in a way that didn’t quite seem like he really meant it. It sounded like he was also removing a coat and she was suddenly hit by a wave of familiarity.
Wait a minute… Hermione froze in her seat as her heightened senses took in the new sounds and… scent? She could smell a relatively strong herbal, smoky scent mixed with cedar and patchouli, as well as a hint of woody vanilla undertone. It reminded her of the Potions lab at Hogwarts. That combined with the voice that frequently haunted her dreams meant…
Shit, am I on a date with Severus Snape??
“Miss? Would you like to order a drink?” The waiter’s higher, nasally voice snapped her out of her reverie and she jumped in her seat for the second time that night.
“Oh! Yes, my apologies! Umm, I’ll have the uhh…” She tried to remember the menu they’d let her look at earlier before she donned her blindfold and entered the room. “Just a white wine, please.” She clenched her hands together under the table as she anxiously waited for the man across from her to speak once more. He must recognize my voice too, right?
“And for you, sir?” The waiter spoke first.
“Your finest red will do.” He sounded possibly even more cross than he was a minute ago.
“Please make yourselves comfortable and I will return with your appetizers shortly.” There was an attempt at sounding cheery as the waiter mumbled this line and left abruptly.
A silence fell over their booth.
“Please,” Severus started, and Hermione held her breath for a second as he did, “do tell what Professor Granger is doing on a blind date in Paris?”
She let out the breath along with a nervous chuckle. Merlin, how do I even respond to this without sounding entirely pathetic and single?
“Well, I could ask you the same, Professor Snape.” She tried to sound just as serious as he did but fell short.
He seemed to pause. She heard the sounds of him shuffling around a bit in his seat. When he next spoke, he sounded a little farther away, as if he’d leaned back into the booth.
“I suppose you win, Granger. I’m here as… a favor of sorts. For Minerva.”
“Oh.” She didn’t know what to say but waited to see if he would elaborate. He sighed and continued.
“She planned this trip for me as a Christmas gift and insisted that I go or she would consider our many years of friendship over.” She could almost imagine him rolling his eyes as he emphasized the last word.
“Oh.” Hermione tried to imagine Minerva scolding Severus and forcing this so-called gift on him. “So… the classic threatening you with a good time? I guess it must’ve worked eventually since you’re here now.”
“Yes, so I am. And what about yourself?” Severus paused, then murmured, “I can’t imagine you being desperate enough to willingly agree to a blind date.”
She could feel her cheeks heating just a bit, though there was no one to see it.
“I don’t think it’s that desperate of a move! It’s a perfectly unique, new way of dating in this day and age.” Hermione tried her best to sound calm and collected. “...Though I’ll admit, this wasn’t exactly my choice.” She cleared her throat and fiddled restlessly with the napkin she found on the table.
“You’ve been set up as well, I presume?” She could practically hear his eyebrow raising, though she couldn’t see anything.
“Well, technically yes. But it sounded like an intriguing experience,” she declared with all the confidence of someone who certainly did not get blindsided by her friends while on vacation. “And I trusted Pansy to choose someone suitable.”
“And what is your verdict on the date she chose for you?” His question came out sounding slightly hesitant, understandably.
“I could’ve done a lot worse, I imagine,” she said, grinning.
“I’m flattered,” he drawled.
The sound of the waiter arriving with their appetizers put a stopper in the conversation as they both felt around for their utensils and tried to figure out the blind eating situation.
They found that the food was excellent, as promised. It turned out that losing one of your senses did indeed heighten awareness in other areas.
The lemon and herbs on her salmon paired well with the crisp, white wine. Severus had a classic filet mignon that of course balanced his glass of red wine perfectly.
But more importantly, they discovered that eating a meal together outside of the Great Hall felt surprisingly… freeing. Especially in the dark where they couldn’t exactly see each other.
She found that she could even make her fellow professor laugh and wondered if that would cause a scene at the Hogwarts staff table.
As they were finishing up their dessert course (tiramisu for Severus and creme brûlée for Hermione), she heard the sudden clattering of utensils and his throat clearing.
“I have a proposition for you.”
Hermione choked on her sip of wine.
“I—Not like that, Granger!” he sputtered indignantly.
“I’m so sorry, please go on,” she mumbled as she felt around for her napkin then tried to wipe at her mouth with it.
“Would you do the honor of accompanying me on a few—uhh—outings?” She heard his smooth request stumble towards the end.
“Allow me to explain,” he started, sounding only a little strained now. “Minerva feels that I need to experience specific parts of Paris and she has planned out a few places I am to visit.”
“Mmm, okay, I see.”
“...I presume she intended for me to take a date with me,” He finished lamely and then fell silent. She tried to imagine what his face could possibly look like in that moment.
“Yes.” She smiled, though she knew he couldn’t see her expression.
“Yes?” He sounded pleasantly surprised and hopeful.
“I know Minerva usually has good tastes and I trust she wouldn’t lead you and any potential date astray.” She tried to speak with a light tone, though the truth was that she was a little nervous about her decision.
“I believe we can also play things by ear and shift accordingly based on how we’re feeling each day. You’re also here through the rest of the week, correct?”
“Mhmm.”
“Well then, I suppose I will send you the details for tomorrow later this evening?”
Hermione nodded then remembered he couldn’t see. “Yes, that sounds lovely.”
She proceeded to finish the rest of her meal in a daze.
Pansy was standing outside the restaurant waiting for her and she somehow managed to hold her tongue until after her former Head of House disappeared around the corner. Then she immediately descended upon Hermione like a predator upon its prey.
“Spill!”
And so she did.
“Oh Circe, this is even better than I could’ve imagined!” Pansy exclaimed gleefully.
“Excuse me?” Hermione glared back at her as they crossed the street to head back to their hotel.
“I mean, isn’t this wonderful? You wanted to experience Paris, right? You’re sick of seeing all the couples strolling around, aren’t you?” Before Hermione could open her mouth to protest, Pansy continued to say, “Oh hush, don’t pretend like you haven’t been scowling at all the lovey-dovey couples we’ve seen out and about.”
“Yes, well. My plan wasn’t exactly to become one of those couples.” She sighed.
“Well, no one’s asking you to go and fall in love with the man. Just go on a few dates. What could go wrong?”
Hermione scoffed. “I mean, he could decide he hates me and then it’ll be miserable when we return to our jobs.” She kicked a pebble on the sidewalk as they kept walking. “He could… I don’t know. I just. We’ve sort of worked out a good relationship as colleagues and I-I’m honestly a little—or maybe a lot—terrified of ruining that?”
“Oh Hermione, honestly.” Pansy reached over and linked arms with Hermione as they continued walking. “You know I usually don’t like to pull this one on you but where’s that Gryffindor courage your house so often boasts about? Trust me, Slytherins like it when you use that on them once in a while.” She finished her mini pep talk with a smirk.
“I guess you’re right. I do need to put myself out there more,” she said slowly. “And I guess this is as good a time as any.” She paused, then added, “And you don’t think the age difference will be a factor for potential awkwardness?”
“Hermione.” Pansy slowed their steps and turned to face her. “Let’s face it. You need someone older.”
Hermione almost tripped over her own two feet as they came to a halt. Okay, but she’s probably right.
How am I going to survive the rest of this trip?
Their first date was spent walking around Notre Dame and the surrounding area.
“Oh Merlin, I forgot about it still being under construction!”
“Yes, I believe they’ve been closed ever since the fire a few years ago. But I figured it was still worth seeing in person.”
The city had set up a platform in front of the cathedral. The makeshift bleacher seats served as a resting place for visitors to sit and gaze upon the majestic structure. The beauty of the cathedral could almost block out the view of the construction crane in the background.
“Are you religious?” The question came out of nowhere, but Hermione was curious as she gazed upon the place of worship and her thoughts turned to her companion.
“No,” Severus said. “Though my parents occasionally attended mass during holidays in my youth.”
“Oh! My parents were the same.” It was almost strange to imagine they had a similar childhood in that way.
“Clearly, we’re like two peas in a pod, Granger,” he drawled as if reading her mind.
She rolled her eyes, then said, “I was going to ask, if we’re going to be doing this together can we consider using each other’s first names? Severus?” She finished with an emphasis on his name and his cheeks reddened slightly.
“I believe that’s acceptable,” he murmured. “Hermione.” Her name slipped out softly from between his lips.
He only slipped up once the rest of the day.
Paris in the evening turned out to also be quite lovely.
Hermione discovered that Severus knew more French than he originally let on. And he discovered that she was very fond of walking.
They spent a lot of time just walking around exploring the neighborhoods.
“So when or where did you pick up your French?”
“There’s a French restaurant I frequent in London and it was in part due to my visits there.”
“Just from visiting a restaurant? How many times must you have gone then?”
“Well, it was quite often in the beginning. But I began conversing with the chef there and he started teaching me a bit about how to cook some French cuisine at home.”
“You can cook French cuisine??”
“Of sorts. I… like to explore cooking sometimes in my free time.”
“Ah, a man who can cook. Remind me again how you’re single?”
“Gra—Hermione, please. You’ve seen me. And you know my reputation.”
“Yes, and I don’t see how that’s a problem.”
He rolled his eyes as they continued strolling down the streets into the dark Parisian night.
“You know…” Hermione started, as they walked out of their second bookstore of the day. “This shop was founded by an American who was a Shakespeare fan. They say it was a gathering place for the great expat writers of the time—Joyce, Hemingway, Stein, and the like. And some French writers too, I suppose.”
“Fascinating.” He did not sound fascinated.
“Not a fan of any of those?” She laughed softly. “Do you even like Shakespeare?”
“I have not read extensively, but some of his works I enjoy.”
“Let me guess. Macbeth? King Lear maybe?” Hermione said wryly as she adjusted her bag containing her purchase.
“Should I be offended that you assume I’m a fan of tragedies?” A smirk flitted across his face, then it shifted as his tone softened. “Or perhaps flattered that you know me so well.”
“I won’t pretend to be all-knowing, but we have been colleagues for many years now. It’s only natural that I’ve gotten to know you a bit better.” She said this slowly as she tried to will away her blush.
It was true, she’d made note of some of his choice of reading material over the years. She may have occasionally stayed in the staff lounge a little longer than originally intended when she noticed him reading in the corner. She would sit in a nearby (but not too close) armchair with her own books and no one bat an eye. They’d sit mostly in silence for a couple of hours of reading.
And now here they were. Going on dates. In Paris.
She was nervous but also excited to see what tomorrow would bring.
As it turned out, the day ended up being quite eventful.
One minute they were exploring the Louvre and the next moment, they were walking through the Jardin du Palais Royal and Hermione was pretty sure that Severus was contemplating holding her hand.
It looked to be a quiet day and there weren’t many people walking around them.
She had just finished telling him about her favorite piece at the Louvre—Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People—and that the painting had always inspired her as a child.
“My parents at some point tried to tell me the fact that she was topless was a bit inappropriate—” Hermione laughed as she said this. “—but I never cared about that part. I just… I just loved how powerful and free she looked. Standing so tall and proud. I knew I wanted to achieve that sort of feeling someday.”
“I believe you did,” Severus murmured. In a sudden but smooth movement, he caught her gently swaying hand as he walked just a little closer to her. “You helped to free us from a tyrant.”
Hermione’s breath caught in her throat at the warmth of his much larger hand encompassing her smaller one. But she didn’t let go and squeezed gently and reassuringly in return.
“Well, I suppose you could say that,” she laughed casually, as if she wasn’t holding the hand of Severus Snape. “Can we sit down for a bit?” She guided them towards a bench under the trees, muttering a notice-me-not spell under her breath.
“Is this too much? Because if—” He sat and started to talk but was suddenly cut off as Hermione lunged forward and planted a kiss on his lips. It ended up surprisingly gentle considering how quickly she moved. Just as swiftly, she moved back and stared up at him, breathing slightly fast.
“I’m sorry! I felt compelled to give that a try,” she blurted out as a blush bloomed across her cheeks.
“Damn Gryffindors,” he growled, with no trace of malice. Then, it was his turn to swoop back down for another kiss.
Her eyes drifted closed as he leaned forward and their mouths met again. He tilted his head slightly for a better angle and she felt his hand reaching up to stroke her cheek. She opened her mouth slightly and he took the invitation to deepen their kiss, his tongue softly meeting hers with a slow lick.
She hummed a sound of approval and she felt rather than heard a low growl rumbling through him. One of her hands grabbed at his coat to pull him closer and the other reached up to rest on his shoulder for balance.
Oh my god, I can’t believe this is happening.
As soon as the thought crossed her mind, she felt him pulling back and they were both left panting slightly. She immediately dropped her head to his shoulder, feeling slightly shy all of a sudden. She exhaled and when her warm breath hit his neck, he shivered.
“Regrets already?” His voice came out low and slightly more calm than she would’ve expected.
“No!” She let out a muffled squeak into his shoulder. “I just—I can’t believe this just happened and I also can’t believe how long I’ve been wanting to do that and oh god, someone tell me to shut up!”
She found he had the perfect solution to keep her mouth busy.
As soon as their bags were packed the next morning, Pansy practically hauled Hermione down to the lobby for an interrogation.
“Well? Tell me what happened. I can tell something happened! Especially because you came back too late to even give me an update last night…”
Hermione once again spilled.
Pansy looked like she was about to combust—in a very prim and proper Pureblood fashion, of course. She took a moment to compose herself before speaking.
“Okay, before I get too ahead of myself… I do have a confession of sorts.”
—
Several months prior, in Pansy and Neville’s flat.
“So what you’re saying is that they’re perfect for each other? Right?”
Neville’s nose scrunched up and he furrowed his brow as if deep in thought. “I’m saying he seems to tolerate her very well. And I’ve noticed he even lets her sit next to him at some of the staff meetings. You can imagine Snape at a staff meeting, right? And Hermione? You know how she can be.” He paused to vaguely wave a hand up in the air. “I mean, she isn’t like she was back during school, but she can still be quite vocal about her opinions on certain matters. And he somehow accepts all of that! Directly beside him!”
“Oh my god, this is perfect! He’s totally in love with her!”
“Well, I don’t—”
“That’s it. It’s settled. We’re going to Paris!”
“Wait, no—”
“I’m going to have Hermione Granger snogging the man of her dreams. Merlin knows why she wants my former head of house, but apparently she does, so I shall make it happen.”
“Okay, yes, that’s a fine plan and all. But you’re not gonna say anything about what I told you, right? I don’t want this to haunt me later.”
“Don’t worry, love. I’ll just tell the girls it was my idea. They all know I love Paris. No one needs to know that McGonagall is also forcing her Potions Master to go to Paris as well.”
“Oh and on that note, I don’t want Snape on my arse either, so make sure he also doesn’t get wind of this plan of yours.”
“Not to worry. There’s only one arse he’ll be getting familiar with soon, and it certainly won’t be yours.”
“Bloody hell, Pansy! Why would you put that image in my head? Merlin, I swear the next staff meeting is gonna be hell.”
She ignored his complaints as she picked up a quill and made some notes in a small notebook. She paused as if considering something.
“Actually, you know what. Maybe I do need you to play the part of sweet Herbology professor who needs a favor from his favorite Head of House…”
“Pansy, please. This better not involve anything illegal and no fire involved this time.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, we don’t need to resort to anything of the sort. Hermione already pulled that one on him in our first year. Anyway, just remember, you’re my favorite Gryffindor!”
“And the only one who can tolerate you to this degree, love.”
“I both appreciate and resent that.” Pansy pocketed her notebook then leaned over to give Neville a peck on the lips.
—
“I can’t believe you knew all along!” Hermione sputtered as she held her coffee in one hand trying not to spill it. She sat in the hotel lobby, across from someone she thought she could trust just moments earlier.
“Well, I was overdue for a Paris trip. So that wasn’t a lie. I just knew a little extra info that others weren’t privy to…” Pansy examined her nails and then looked up and continued, “Plus, you should be thanking me! You finally got in your Potions prof—sorry, your favorite colleague’s pants, didn’t you?”
“Pansy!” The bushy-haired witch hissed quietly at her companion as she frantically turned to glance around the room. “First of all, I never had any inappropriate fantasies during school, unlike you”—Pansy let out the most delicate of snorts—“And secondly, I didn’t—we didn’t—” Hermione stopped and groaned. “Just shush or you’ll scare him off just when I’ve managed to maybe figure us out!”
“Ooooh, is he coming to pick you up this morning? Round two?”
“No!” Hermione almost spat out her coffee then reached over to lightly smack Pansy on the shoulder. “I’ll have you know, we’re going to get breakfast at a Hong Kong bakery. I discovered it in the neighborhood nearby and it looks like it has good reviews. I’m partial to their tea.”
“Well, that sounds lovely. I hope you don’t forget to—Oh! Hello Professor!” Pansy stopped mid-sentence to wave at a familiar figure who just walked through the front entrance of the hotel behind Hermione.
“Miss Parkinson.” Severus nodded politely at her before stopping next to where Hermione sat in her chair. She turned and smiled at him nervously.
“Hello, Severus,” she murmured as she stood awkwardly. He saved her from having to figure out her next move when he offered his arm.
“Hermione,” he intoned in an equally low voice as he leaned closer and she wrapped her hands around his arm.
Pansy’s eyebrows slowly lifted. She tried to maintain a neutral expression, but a mischievous smirk was starting to creep across her face.
“Do try to control yourself, Miss Parkinson. I’m sure I shall see you again next time you visit the castle.”
“Oh yes, yes. I’ll see both of you again soon, I’m sure.” She hid a grin behind her hand. “Have fun! I’ll tell the others goodbye for you.”
An hour later, Severus and Hermione found themselves sitting outside the bakery waiting for their food orders. The owner was a lovely Muggle lady who was happy to tell them all about the different pastries and drinks they had available.
“Well, I suppose this will be our last meal in Paris.” Hermione picked up her cup and happily took a sip from the straw. She was pleased that she was able to order her yuenyeung drink, a classic Hong Kong staple which was a mix of coffee and Hong Kong-style milk tea. “Sorry, I know it was maybe a bit of an odd choice, but I saw that it was nearby and people spoke highly of it.”
“I’m fine with it. After all, we’ve already had our fair share of French cuisine, and you said you missed this drink from your previous travels.” He gestured to the drinks sitting in front of them. She was pleasantly surprised that she managed to convince him to order the hot version of her drink.
“Well, are you going to try a sip? I promise I won’t be offended if you don’t like it.” She grinned at him from across the table.
Severus rolled his eyes but let escape a small smile just for her. He picked up his hot drink and very carefully took a sip. He seemed to savor the flavor in his mouth for a few seconds before speaking.
“It’s… not unpleasant. Though slightly on the sweet side, for my taste. The flavor combination is indeed unique.”
“I’ll take that as a win!” She clapped her hands together and beamed across the table at him.
Their pastry orders came out just then, the smell of freshly baked buns was impossible to miss. Hermione gazed down at the pineapple bun and chili oil bun in front of them.
“Which one shall I start with?”
He sat back in his seat and smirked at her indecision. “Does it matter?”
“Well, not exactly,” she said, frowning as she looked back and forth between the two buns. “Does it make more sense to eat the sweet one or the savory one first?”
He sighed and reached across the table to grab the plate with the pineapple bun. Without uttering a single word, he picked up the bun and took a bite out of it.
“There, I chose for you,” he grumbled through a mouth full of pineapple bun.
A few stray crumbs stuck to his face. Before he could pick up a napkin to wipe, she reached across the table with a sparkle in her eye and swiped up at the corner of his mouth.
“You got—hey!” She yelped as he reached up just as quickly to catch her wrist in his hand.
His tongue darted out and he licked the crumbs off her finger. She froze and felt warmth both on her cheeks and down lower as well.
“I was eating that,” he murmured, then turned her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her palm before gently setting it down.
Hermione opened her mouth, then closed it again. She settled on a laugh before picking up the chili oil bun in front of her. After assessing it for a moment, she finally carefully took a bite.
Cheese oozed out of the bun along with the red chili oil. She let out a muffled sound of panic as she felt it dribbling down her chin.
Severus chuckled across from her. “You’re on your own with that,” he said with a smirk as he handed her a napkin.
As she put down the bun and wiped her face, she noticed he had a strange expression on his face. While he was still smiling slightly, he also looked a bit more serious than a moment ago. If she didn’t know better, she’d say that Severus Snape was gazing at her fondly. And possibly questioning himself as to why he was doing such a thing.
“Is there still cheese on my face?” she tried to ask casually.
He shook his head. It was his turn to pause as if unsure of what he wanted to say.
“I just…” he started, then paused and reached out for her hand again. “I think I’d like to continue these dates. After we return to Hogwarts, I mean.” When she didn’t answer right away, he continued. “I’ve just realized… Perhaps, going on dates isn’t entirely intolerable. With the right company.” He finished softly, almost a whisper. He looked down and gently stroked her hand that lay between them on the table.
“Severus,” she started, as her heart beat a little faster. “Are you saying you want to… keep dating? For real?”
“Are you saying this hasn’t been real?”
“No, of course not! B-but this has been us in vacation mode. I was honestly worried about what you’d think once this was all over.”
“I think I’m finding the idea rather agreeable.” He smiled again. She returned it with a pleased grin of her own.
“Oh! And before I forget. Please, please go easy on Neville. I don’t know if he’ll survive the next staff meeting otherwise.”
“Longbottom? How was he involved in this?” His eyes narrowed.
Hermione laughed. Oh dear.
It was going to be an eventful first staff meeting of the year.