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Count Your Blessings	By : LadyOfTheNight Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Lucius/Hermione Views: 39965 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 5
Disclaimer: I do not own or make any money off of this fan fiction because Harry Potter belongs to a Ms J. K. Rowling and not me! ^_^

Chapter List
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Count Your Blessings

<><>{Chapter Six: A Pardon, Proposal and Parole?}<><>

Hermione was flustered, to say the least, but she was absolutely pleased with the way her conversation with Severus had gone. She honestly expected to be ridiculed and scoffed at when she was disclosing her secret crush.

When he had expressed his own feelings towards her in return, she had been both terrified and elated. Every woman, no matter how brave, fears rejection when announcing their feelings. In Hermione’s case she was prepared for the inevitable rejection, so when she was met with a reciprocal announcement from her mentor she was totally unprepared for that kiss.

Hermione was now thinking about their meeting tomorrow morning. She had no idea how to act around him. Their parting earlier had been an awkward affair and she really didn’t want to relive that. She had actually curtsied to him!

It was humiliating. She got up and stood in front of him, trying to decide if she should hug him or not, and realized that more than a few minutes had passed. She saw his amused smirk and couldn’t help but blush under his gaze. She did the first thing that came into mind and gave a small courtesy and quickly left the lab.

She was still reeling from the experience when she apparated to the Burrow for the Sunday Family Dinner. Calling it a dinner was a disservice, it was more like Family Day, where all of the members of the Weasley family, both extended and adopted members, would come spend the day together.

When Hermione arrived at half past the noon hour she was the last of the family members to arrive. Harry and Ginny were waiting by gate with her son. Harry was distracted by Benny practically jumping out of his arms, however Ginny noticed the flustered look on Hermione’s face and flashed an inquisitive look her way.

Hermione just mouthed a quick ‘Later’ at her friend and took her laughing son into her arms. “Oh Darling, Mummy missed you!” she cried out as they embraced fiercely. “Were you a good boy for your godfather?” She questioned her son, taking the opportunity to gaze lovingly into his silvery grey eyes; he returned her question with his signature Malfoy smirk while Harry answered for him.

“He fussed for you constantly but he calmed down when Teddy came over. I think Benny likes him. He watches Teddy’s every move and then tries to copy him. It’s really very cute.” He explained putting his arm around Ginny and smiling at his friend and Godson.

“Did you make a new friend?” She questioned her son as he began to smile holding her cheeks in his pudgy little hands. “Is Teddy your new friend?” she asked him as he began to laugh and clap his hands together, bouncing in her arms. Before, when the two boys interacted they hardly noticed each other. They stuck to their own toys and caregivers. Now that they were a little older it seemed they were becoming fast friends.

“Oh, that reminds me,” Harry interrupted. “I wanted to ask you something, I was thinking that since my two godsons are getting along so well, I was wondering if I could have them over for the night once a week. Sort of like a man’s night, for male bonding. I know first-hand how important it is for a young boy to have a positive male influence.”

“That sounds like a great idea, but are you sure you can handle two toddlers Harry?” She questioned him warily.

“Who better to try then the Chosen One?” he jested and flashed a cheeky smile.

Ginny promptly smacked her boyfriend upside the head, lightly, and rolled her eyes in Hermione’s direction causing Hermione to giggle. “Thanks Ginny, my arms were full.” She gestured to her son with her eyes causing both witches to erupt in more laughter.

“Ha ha ha, laugh it up ladies, you jest to avoid the truth.” He taunted as he ran ahead of the two witches trying to avoiding the inevitable smack for his latest cheeky response.

“But dear, it is our jobs to keep you humble.” Ginny cooed, chasing after him. “If we don’t do our job then I am afraid your ego would inflate to gargantuan proportions.” She had finally caught up to him and delivered another light smack, he so rightly deserved.

Harry turned to Hermione, “Come on Hermione, let’s just try it out. I was thinking we could do it Friday! Andromeda already said yes…” Harry rushed out, flashing her his most pleading look.

“Alright, Fridays Benny is all yours, but I will be back Saturday mornings for breakfast!” she conceded causing her friend to burst out in a huge smile. “Honestly, it will be nice to have a night off once a week. Raising a child alone is a lot harder than I thought it would be.” She confessed smiling wearily at them.

“Oye! Hermione!” George interrupted in a sing-song voice. “Welcome Back! Let’s see your leg?” He called out to her with a lecherous look on his face, waggling his eyebrows.

“I hope you’re inquiring about my injury…” she called back mischievously. “Because if that’s how you pick up ladies it’s no wonder you are still single.” She teased him back turning the group of assembled Weasley’s laughter on him.

After answering many questions about her health, she found herself in the Weasley living room with Andromeda, Teddy, Ginny, Fleur, Victoire and her son. The two young boys were playing on the floor with some stuffed animals. Teddy had his hair the same color as Benny’s and was changing his facial features to resemble the stuffed animals Benny would hold up. The women would take turns naming the animals Teddy was turning into for the children to learn. The youngest Weasley, Victoire, three months old, was lying on her stomach and playing with some toys on a baby blanket.

They watched the two boys play together for a while. If Benny wanted something that was out of his reach he would point at it, then Teddy would crawl over and get it for him. This would always result in making the younger boy laugh and clap. Every time Teddy would put a toy down Benny would then pick it up and start to play with it after. Andromeda commented on how sweet the two boys played together and they all laughed when Teddy started to refer to Benny as ‘Nee nee’.

Andromeda watched the boys play and commented overtly about Benny’s Slytherin tendencies. “Look how we watches and waits for the right moment to distract Teddy so he can play with the toy.” She remarked. “He is such a quiet little guy; he holds his cards close to his chest, that one does.” She finished, smiling knowingly.

Hermione knew that some of the extended family knew what had happened to her, but she never bothered to figure out which ones knew. She guessed the rest of the family thought it was some type of Romeo and Juliet thing between Draco and herself. Her young son’s features were undeniable Malfoy, that was for sure. Andromeda, being a Slytherin Alumni herself, could spot a future Slytherin a mile away, or at least she boasted she could. Hermione couldn’t help but think the older witch was trying to bait her for a reaction.

She took another sip of her tea before replying evenly. “Yes he does, Benny surprised Harry and I the other day with a ‘Mama’ when he saw me.” She replied. “He never utters more than a cry or a laugh and he pulls a ‘Mama’ out of nowhere.” She replied laughing. “And it’s like pulling teeth to get him to say it again.” She finished looking over to her son. He had heard them talking and was grinning at them. Andromeda seemed satisfied with Hermione’s response and dropped the subject when the young children on the floor started to fuss and whine.

“Ladies, I think its nap time!” Hermione announced to the group of women. With three children and two cribs they decided to double up Teddy and Benny in one crib and they put Victoire in her own crib. On the way downstairs Ginny grabbed Hermione and pulled her into Hermione’s old room.

“What was with that look earlier, you looked like you’d seen a ghost!” She inquired after her friend as she quickly shut the door. Hermione’s cheeks began to flush all over again. There were no secrets from Ginny Weasley; she could spot one a mile away, especially if Hermione was the one trying to keep it. For this reason, it was always good to keep the young witch on your side, plus she was really good at keeping them, when she felt like it.

Hermione went to sit down on the bed and Ginny joined her. “Oh man this is a good one isn’t it?” Ginny questioned her friend noticing her hands fidgeting with her sleeves and the bright red cheeks Hermione was sporting. Hermione nodded in affirmation. “Yes, I can tell you I have a date on Friday night,” she paused as Ginny released a squeal of excitement. “but I can’t tell you who, not yet at least.” Ginny’s face went from excited to disappointment in two seconds.

“What? Why not?” she asked indignantly, crossing her arms like a petulant child. “It’s a delicate situation and I think discretion is best for now, but I promise to tell you first when the time is right.” She conceded and that made the younger witch lighten up.

“Well if you can’t tell me who it is, you can still give me all the dirty details. Just leave out descriptive bits.” She said poking her friend in the shoulder to get her to talk.

“Alright, alright,” she cried as she swatted Ginny’s finger away. She hated being poked and the younger witch was well aware of that fact. “just stop poking me. There are no ‘dirty’ details; we are only going on our first date Friday.” She instantly blushed as she thought of the kiss they had shared and Ginny began poking her again. “And…” Ginny prompted knowingly.

“Well we did kiss, before he asked me out.” She conceded causing her friend to squeal again.

“What kind of kiss was it? Did you get any tongue action?” she asked waggling her eyebrows and causing her friends blush to deepen. “I will take that blush as a yes to the tongue!” She cried out laughing at her friend’s embarrassment. “I am totally coming over before-hand to help you get ready.” She admitted to her still blushing friend.

“Yes, that would be great Ginny; I am really nervous about this, you know I have almost no experience with men.” She admitted to her younger friend.

“So are you excited about your date? I guess Harry’s ‘boy’s night in’ idea came at just the right time huh?” Ginny teased good-naturedly.

“Yes, it came at just the right time, but I am more nervous than excited. How am I supposed to act anyways? What if he expects a certain type of women and I disappoint?” She asked her friend worriedly.

Ginny just held a finger up to her friend’s lips and shushed her. “Dating is easy Hermione, just be yourself, I don’t know who your bloke is but I am sure that he is attracted to you for more than your rocking new body!” Hermione blushed again. “Ginny!” she cried out in shock.

“What? Having Benny gave you amazing knockers! If that happens to me I could be so lucky!” She said indicating her own modestly sized chest. Hermione giggled and responded, “You mean, Harry would be so lucky!” she teased causing Ginny to laugh too. They were interrupted by George knocking to tell them Harry was gathering everyone in the living room. They got up and followed George down the stairs to join the group assembled in the living room. Hermione was thinking that Harry was going to be proposing to Ginny and she took one of the available seats in the middle of the room between Charlie and George on the couch.

“Alright, now that everyone is here I wanted to say something.” Harry started. “We are a family, bonded together by love and friendship. When one of us stumbles, there is always someone to catch them. We forgive when apologies are made.” He looked pointedly around at the members of his family then he looked behind them and motioned for someone to come forward. “We love unconditionally.” Harry reminded them as Ron walked up to stand next to Harry. “He has something he needs to say to us and I think we should all listen.”

The group was quiet but most of the members assembled held stern or in George’s case out right glaring looks at Ron as he stepped out in front of the group to face them alone. Hermione and Ron caught each other’s gaze and held it. Hermione had worry and fright in her eyes and was silently thanking Merlin that her son was asleep upstairs.

“Hermione, I am so sorry, I was a complete arse to you when you needed me most. I was wallowing in my own self-pity and self-loathing; I was not able to be there for you because I was too busy being self-absorbed.”

“Understatement of the year.” George muttered, causing Charlie to chuff and Molly to shoot them a nasty look.

“I don’t expect you to forgive me. What I did was mean and selfish, and possibly the worst thing I have ever done, but you need to know it had nothing to do with you.” He pleaded.

“How can you say that?” Ginny interjected and everyone turned to look at her. “You told her that her son was evil. You abandoned her when she needed you most; how can that have nothing to do with her?” She questioned her brother on her friend’s behalf with George nodding in agreement.

“I was embarrassed that I couldn’t protect her that night, my pride was hurt enough when I saw her arm, but when I found out the truth about what happened that night, I was too busy beating myself up to even realize how my actions were hurting you. That is the last thing I would ever want to do Hermione.” He defended to the assembled group.

“Ron, what you said to me really did hurt. I might not ever fully get over the pain your words caused me but I can take a step towards forgiveness. You will just have to pardon me if I don’t want to become best friends right away either.” She finished warily. “As far as earning my forgiveness, the best way to do that is to give me time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of the family again while I heal. Just give me my space.”

He nodded his agreement “I can accept that.” Then he turned to his parents. “Mum, Dad, I know I let you down, and the rest of the family too, with my horrible behavior and rotten choices. I hope that one day we can all be close again, and I understand if you need time to heal as well, but I wanted you all to know that I am sorry, for leaving and for being a prat and a git.” He told them. Ron caught George’s still harsh look and immediately looked down so he didn’t notice his mother leaving her seat and coming towards him. Hermione watched as Molly enclosed her son in a fierce hug and was followed by her husband, Bill, Harry and Percy. “Of course you’re forgiven son.” His father responded, patting his son on the back.

Andromeda and Charlie stood neutrally near the group of people around Ron while Ginny moved into the chair next to Hermione, with George on the other side, acting like human shields. Once everyone, who wanted to, greeted Ron, Harry got the assembled group to sit back down; Ron took a seat next to his mother and Percy on the opposite side of the room from Hermione, to which the young witch was grateful.

Harry cleared his throat to gain the family’s attention again. “So you know that I have loved being an adopted Weasley Family member and having a loving family like yours’ in my life has meant the world to me, but I gathered us all together to let you know that I want things to change.” He reached out for Ginny’s hand and pulled the confused girl up in front of her family.

“Ginny, you are the other half of my soul, my love and my best friend. I can’t imagine a life without you in it. I want to have children with you, raise them together, watch them grow, and eventually grow old together.” He got down and kneeled in front of the young witch, causing her to blush and look around at her family excitedly. When he pulled out the ring Hermione was trying to hold in her tears. She was so happy for her friends but she couldn’t help but be a little jealous too.

Harry was a great surrogate dad, but he was about to start his own family. She knew that Harry would always be there for her son, but over her months at the Burrow, she had really leaned on him emotionally. It wasn’t fair to either women and she knew it was time for Harry to start his own family.

“Ginerva Molly Weasley, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He asked her his eyes shining brightly. They all heard an excited squeal come from Molly until her husband silently placed a restraining hand on her arm, causing her to cut her excitement short.

Ginny pulled Harry up till he was standing and threw her arms around his neck giving him a huge hug. “I love you Harry Potter and the honor would be all mine!” she cried pulling out of her hug and snogged him senseless right there in front of everyone. It wasn’t until George started to complain loudly about having to watch his baby sister snogging that the newly engaged couple separated reluctantly, both sporting matching blushes.

The rest of the day went by smoothly; when the children awoke Hermione made sure to ignore Ron’s presence. She knew he was watching as Benny and Teddy were playing together outside on a blanket. Percy had taken Ron under his wing, helping to ease him back into the family atmosphere of the Burrow. Percy brought Ron over to Fleur and Victoire and introduced his brother to his niece. Molly was hovering around Ron, trying to make up for the lost months of mothering. After dinner was over Hermione made her excuses saying she and Benny had to get home for an early meeting with Severus. Using his given name earned her a round of jeers from Charlie and George which she laughed off as she Flooed home.

<><>{Chapter Six}<><>

The next day found Hermione Granger up hours earlier than necessary. She had awoken from her sleep in a cold sweat; she hated her reoccurring nightmares. It was still hours before her son would awaken so she decided to pick up that book she had borrowed from Severus. Just thinking his name made her flush and thinking of that kiss left her wanting more. She was in very unfamiliar waters, she thought as she began thumbing through the pages of the book, inhaling the comforting scent of cedar.

Hermione was nervous and excited about her meeting with Severus. She defiantly did not want a repeat of their last morning together. With that thought in mind she put the book down and made her way back into her room. She carefully selected a dress that flattered her new curves and was still practical and modest. When her son awoke she promptly had him fed and cleaned before carrying him into her shared work space. Severus was already seated at one of the work stations with a bunch of parchments spread out over the table top.

He barely looked up as she approached him, a fact that her confidence could not ignore. Faltering a little she came closer and cleared her throat to gain his full attention. Succeeding in her task, he looked up at her and motioned her over. “I am very busy Hermione so let us make this quick. Every Monday I will ask that you perform an inventory of the storeroom; you will also be given a list of the potions that we will be required to make throughout the week. It will be your job to make sure that we have the necessary ingredients. I do not like to miss deadlines, especially if it is because of lack of preparation.” He paused to hand her the list for the inventory.

“Every week we will go over the orders I have from the apothecaries. I will ask you to make all of the basic level potions and gradually add in more of the advanced potions. For the first week it is a short list, all of which I am sure you are more than capable of brewing on your own.” She flushed at the small compliment until he handed her the list of potions that a third year could handle, of course she was capable of completing this list.

“The apothecaries expect the shipment by the end of the week, so do not feel the need to rush the order.” He handed her another list of texts and chapters that she was expected to read. “I want you to review the noted chapters in these books on antidotes and be prepared to provide me with a vial of Veritaserum Antidote by the end of the week. You have a week to perfect the potion.” He gave her a pointed look implying that turning it in early would not be an option, to which she grinned sheepishly back.

“Try to come up with your own additions to the potion. Potioneer’s must learn to think outside the box. Be liberal with the recipe, and see what happens; make notes on your results and add your own flair to the potion.” He advised her.

“I am afraid that I will be very busy this week, with the start of the new term and the student’s arriving later on this evening, but I am available anytime the door is open. Do you have any questions?” He asked as she looked over the list of texts, being careful to keep it out of her young son’s grasp.

“Are all of these texts I need on that bookshelf?” she inquired gesturing to the wall of books on the other side of their work space.

“Yes, anything I ask you to read will be provided on that shelf.” He responded neutrally.

Hermione was trying to decide if she should say something about the kiss and future date, but was unsure how to go about it. “Anything else?” he questioned her while organizing his paperwork.

“No, that’s all.” She finally confirmed and he hastily said his goodbyes and made his exit. She was left sitting on the stool clutching her son, confused. Was that really the same man that snogged her senseless last time she saw him? “I believe that is what they call the brush off.” She told her son as he reached for her book list again. She hoped he was just distracted and was not really planning on being so cold all the time, but then she really didn’t know the man that well.

By Wednesday afternoon Severus had still not paid much attention to her, it was driving the young witch mad. She had even worn an overtly low cut top in an attempt to get his attention and still nothing. He hadn’t even mentioned their upcoming date once. She hopped he hadn’t changed his mind about it and kept clinging to the thought that he was trying to maintain professional boundaries, but that didn’t mean that he had to completely ignore her.

She was so distracted by her thoughts that she almost missed her Floo call. “Hello?” she heard the disembodied female voice call. “Hermione, are you there? It’s Andromeda.” She heard the voice call again.

“Hold, on Andromeda.” She called back heading to the fireplace and looking down to see the women’s face in her fire. “What can I do for you?” she asked the older women.

“Did you have a minute to chat I have a favor to ask of you.” The older women called back.

Stepping out of the way, Hermione called back, “Sure, you should just come over, you can bring Teddy, Benny just got up from his nap.” She offered. In a flash of green smoke both Andromeda and Teddy appeared in the hearth which caused Benny to laugh and clap on the floor. Seeing Andromeda for the first time was always an interesting experience. Her appearance was so much like her sister Bellatrix that it often caused Hermione to do a double take. She knew that Andromeda did not like to be compared to her murderous sister, especially because her sister caused the death of her cousin Sirius, and her daughter Nymphadora, among countless others, but it was easy to see how people could compare the two witches’ facial features.

“Nee-nee!” Teddy called out, wiggling in his grandmother’s arms to get down. Hermione had to laugh at the over exuberant way Teddy toddled towards Benny. The two young wizards wrapped their arms around each other fiercely and had the biggest smiles on their faces. Benny immediately surrendered his favorite stuffed dragon over to his new friend.

“They are so sweet together.” Hermione commented to Andromeda who nodded in agreement.

“That is actually what I wanted to talk about.” Andromeda started, standing idly by the fireplace.

“Here, have a seat.” Hermione said to the women gesturing to the couch. “Would you like some tea?” the young witch offered her guest hospitably. Andromeda politely refused the tea but smiled warmly at the gestures.

“Well you are lucky that your son hasn’t started speaking yet because right now it is non-stop at our house. Teddy has been pretty persistent in his requests since Sunday. He keeps asking for his Nee-nee.” She paused to laugh at the statement. “I was wondering if we could arrange a permanent play date schedule. I was thinking that I could take the boys on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and you could have your son back by dinner.” She suggested. “Unless another day would be better…”

“That sounds wonderful, and if you ever need a Saturday to yourself you could always drop Teddy off with Benny and I.” Hermione offered. “Us single caregivers have to stick together after all.” Hermione joked, causing the older witch to laugh.

“Yes, especially since Harry will soon be busy starting a family of his own. I know I have leaned on him a lot in the past.” Andromeda admitted. “I never would have thought I’d be raising another toddler at my age, but life is never predictable, at least not for long. I have been lucky to have such a good support system in Harry and the Weasleys. The first time around it was just Ted and I. Ted’s family all passed early and my family, well they didn’t care for me once I married Ted, he was Muggle-born too.” She explained to Hermione very nonchalantly. “I believe they used the term ‘blood-traitor’” she said laughing in pity.

Hermione took a moment to admire the older witch’s strength. Her husband, daughter, son-in-law, sisters, and her favorite cousin were all dead, but here she was laughing and living her life. She was seeing this Bellatrix look-a-like in a whole new light; they had a lot more in common then she had previously thought and had an instinct she could trust this woman.

“At least they didn’t carve it into your skin.” Hermione replied lifting the sleeve of her shirt to reveal her scarred arm to her guest. Andromeda leaned forward to inspect the scar.

“Just like my Bella to place some type of permanent mark charm on the blade. I feel the need to apologize on my sister’s behalf.” She heard the older witch say softly. “No, that’s not why I showed you my scar,” the younger witch interrupted suddenly. “You had nothing to do with it, apologies are completely unnecessary. I wanted to ask you something though, what do you know of Benny’s father?”

Andromeda watched the young woman carefully, trying to gauge her reason for the questioning. “No one has ever said anything to me about his father.” she responded evenly, while keeping her eyes trained on the young boys. Just like a Slytherin to give a half answer.

“Andromeda, what do you know?” she questioned her new friend again and effectively catching her gaze.

“I know that his father must be Malfoy.” She finally surrendered. “His hair and eyes give it away, but I also know that the father is not welcome here because no one speaks of him. I know that my Nephew and his father are incarcerated in Azkaban and that several order members spoke out in their defense at their trial, but I sense that might have been out of obligation.” She finished.

Hermione nodded and took a deep breath, “Harry, Ron and I were caught by snatchers and taken to Malfoy Manor. I was questioned for information and when I refused to speak they… raped me, both Draco, and… his father, it would have been more men if Dobby hadn’t saved me, or us.” She admitted to Andromeda. It was weird how the more she told people the easier it got. “I didn’t even know I was pregnant until Benny arrived.” Hermione looked up to see Andromeda starring at her speechlessly. She continued to stare for about 30 more seconds before pulling the young woman into a fierce hug.

“And I thought I had it bad raising my dead daughter’s son, named after my dead Husband, at my age, but you win; your story is much worse.” She teased while soothingly rubbing the girls back. Her joke effectively lightened the mood and caused Hermione to erupt into a fit of giggles. Hermione had never taken the time to converse with the women one on one before and she was realizing Andromeda had a really witty and well-timed sense of humor.

“But your sister killed your daughter and your favorite cousin!” Hermione defended, pulling out of the tight embrace. “So you story is just as sad, just in a different way.” It was weird because nothing either of the women said was overtly funny, but they were both tired of pity and were in need of a good laugh. Both witches were so distracted in their laughing that when they looked over at their young charges both of the boys were gone.

“Andromeda, do you see the boys?” Hermione questioned looking frantically around.

“What? They were just right… there!” she called pointing in Benny’s room. Both boys were sitting next to Benny’s toy box and Teddy was leaning so far in his feet were not even touching the floor. Andromeda rushed over and picked up her grandson causing him to shriek in excitement. Hermione was laughing as she watched Andromeda toss the young boy around in the air causing him to laugh. That was when she received a knock at the lab door.

Hermione knew that only one person ever entered her quarters through the lab, Severus. “Come in.” she called at the door getting up to meet him. When the door opened she felt her heart race a little at the sight of him swooping in the room, dressed in his signature black robes. She quickly remembered that she was not pleased with the man for ignoring her for the last couple days, and set her face in a cool, even expression.

“Did you need something Severus?” she questioned innocently as he shut the door behind him and pulled her into his arms. Before she knew what was happening he had his mouth firmly pressed against her lips. She let out a gasp and he took full advantage of her parted lips and his tongue was tracing tantalizing patterns against her own. His left hand was firmly placed between her shoulder blades while his right was on her lower back pulling her body against his.

“Hermione, is it alright if…” Andromeda had entered the room and was so shocked by what she saw that she stopped mid-sentence and stride. Severus was quick, but not quick enough and Andromeda got a good look at the two of them snogging, before Severus jumped away from his young apprentice. Andromeda had to turn a chuckle into a cough at Severus’ deer in headlight look.

“You did not mention you had company,” Severus said to Hermione in a stern voice.

“You never gave me the chance!” she defended hotly, still flushing from being caught like a common fifth year. “Severus, I am sure you know Andromeda,” she introduced.

“Dromeda,” Severus greeted averting his eyes and returning to his normally prickly demeanor that he reserved for students and Order of the Phoenix meetings. “Hermione, could I have a quick word, when you can spare a minute. I’ll be in the lab.” He nodded in Andromeda’s direction and hastily made his exit. Andromeda had been holding back her laughter and finally let it lose. “So you and Severus…” she trailed off still snickering.

“Severus and I nothing, we haven’t even gone on our first date yet.” The younger witch confessed. “And truth be told, he has been very icy to me the last couple days. That display of affection you witnessed was a complete shock to me as well. I thought he had changed his mind about our date on Friday, apparently I was wrong. I wonder what he wants…” She mussed interrupted by Andromeda’s playful chuckle.

“Judging from what I walked in on, I know exactly what he wants.” She teased causing her new friend to blush. “Go and see your man, I will watch your son, but as payment I want to hear all about it.” She declared causing Hermione to laugh. The older woman practically shoved her into the lab and slammed the door behind her, causing Severus to look up from his cauldron.

“That was extremely embarrassing.” He told her frankly while casting a status charm on the cauldron.

“YOU are the one who jumped me like a horny fifth year, after practically ignoring me for the last couple days.” She finished, coming over to stand on the opposite side of the table from him and pouting slightly.

“I told you I was busy; the first week of a new term is the second worst week of the whole year.” He told her grasping the bridge of his nose. “There are a couple of first years that are giving me constant grief. I have already had to look for the missing boys five different times. They keep getting stuck in trick stairs.” He sighed and rolled his eyes. “One of them keeps getting stuck on the same step, he is always easy to locate.” Hermione had to laugh at the thought of Severus rescuing little first years from the trick stair steps.

“Those poor boys, I hope you don’t deduct too many points from them.” She said pityingly, knowing the extent of the man’s patience.

“I didn’t ask for your time to discuss first years,” he interrupted. “Friday night, is eight O’clock alright for you?” He inquired, “I made a reservation at Enchanted. It has the best food in Hogsmeade.” He affirmed.

She nodded, “Eight is perfect, I have a sitter for the whole night so I have no time constraints.” She told the man and then blushed when he rose an eyebrow at the suggestion of the witch being free all evening. “Um… well Eight is fine.” She finished lamely.

“Well I don’t want you to keep Dromeda waiting; I just wanted to confirm our plans for Friday…” He trailed off and she came around to stand next to him.

“Is that all you wanted?” she asked innocently as she took one of his large hands into hers and began absently tracing ancient runes into his palm. She watched him look to her door and then back at her before she mussed up the courage and closed the distance between them. Her lips pressed firmly against his. She felt his shock for only a second before he began moving his lips slowly against hers. His hands found their way around her waist resting just above the curve of her back. As she moved to deepen the kiss he did not hesitate to respond by pulling her body up against his own lean and firm frame. She felt his hands slide down lower to rest against her bum and felt his mouth slowly move down her neck, leaving a trail of kisses as he descended down to the hollow of her throat.

His tongue was tracing the most delicious patterns on her collarbone and she was surprised to her a soft moan escape her lips. “If you go back to ignoring me tomorrow, I may just have to hex you!” she whispered causing the man to pause briefly to chuckle. He kissed his way back up to her lips and slipped his tongue into her waiting mouth before pulling away from the young witch slightly.

“I’d like to see you try.” He teased, before withdrawing completely from her grasp. “I have a potion to finish and you have your guest.” He reminded her as she scowled back at him.

“Damn your self-control.” She told him as she marched back into her residence.

Friday night came so quickly Hermione didn’t have time to get nervous until Ginny Flooed over at six to help her get ready for her date. Harry came by earlier to get Benny for their boy’s night in, so it was just the two witches. Ginny Had brought over a vast array of dresses for Hermione to borrow and Hermione wasted no time in getting rid of anything pink or to frilly. She had no interest in looking younger on this date, no need to flaunt the age difference.

She ultimately choose a beautiful silver evening gown with a halter top, floor length and completely backless. Ginny quickly arranged Hermione’s hair expertly on her head in a simple series of loose knots on top of her head. Hermione argued that she could just as easily wear her hair down but Ginny countered that if she wore it down no one would see the back of her dress. As always, when the two witches argued, Ginny got her way and it resulted in Hermione looking fabulous. It was a good thing Enchanted was a formal restaurant because she was defiantly over dressed for an evening in The Three Broomsticks. Putting on her elbow length white gloves, she was ready to go and early too. Before she could finish saying her goodbyes to Ginny, Severus rushed into her living room via the Floo Ginny was just about to use.

“Severus, what in the world…” Hermione started but he quickly interrupted her.

“Draco has been granted a parole hearing.”

<><>{End of Chapter Six}<><>

A/N: Whew! That was a long one… ^_^ Hope you enjoyed and thanks to anyone out there reading! A big hug to all reviewers too!

I know it's not quite their first date, but life happens sometimes... if i kept going the chapter would be at least another four pages and it was already sitting pretty at twelve pages... lol
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Count Your Blessings