Is Love Blind?

Chapter 15 - Anything But Casual

Dearest, Hermione. 

I think a muggle establishment would be a more appropriate place to meet. Shall we converge at The Blue Unicorn, at 7pm on Thursday?

Regards,

Severus Snape. 

____

She was definitely overthinking. 

Hermione hadn't put so much thought into her outfit since attending the Yuleball when she was a fumbling teenager. She felt hopeless. Not exactly one to follow the latest fashions, Hermione always dressed for practicality and comfort. Of course, she always made sure she looked presentable, but that was more an act of pride than it was vanity. It wasn't like magical society had any blossoming fashion trends anyway - Madame Malkin had been producing the same style of robes for the past five decades. 

Hermione hadn't held an interest in muggle clothing in years, preferring the much more modest wizarding robes. She simply refused to wear crop tops, vintage fur coats or whatever the latest trend was. Mom jeans were the only trend Hermione had managed to get on board with. 

She stared at the acid washed denim in the mirror - they did make her ass look good, but did she look too muggle? Hermione and Severus could hardly turn up to a muggle pub in central London sporting full wizarding regailia. She sighed, changing her top for the hundredth time that evening. Usually neatly folded and stored, (almost) the entire contents of Hermione's wardrobe was currently strewn across her bedroom. It looked as though a bomb had exploded in a deparment store. 

Severus was a simple man - He would prefer simple. 

She opted for a v-necked Tshirt (that tasefully displayed her assets) and her mom jeans. Hermione decided to leave her hair down, hoping it made her appear casual. 

Casual 

Tonight's meeting was anything but casual. Tonight was to be the end of this whole cursed journey. Like everyone her age, Hermione had been affected by The Ministry of Magic's Postwar Population Planning Act - a glorified marriage law. Marketed as The Ministry's solution to the dramatic decrease in the magical population since the war, the act forced anyone of age to find a suitable partner to marry, or be forced to go on a series of dates until a partner is selected for them. 

Older members of society defended The Act, stating that the young people of today were lucky that the matches were not chosen for them. The Ministry could have easily assigned the matches themselves, obliterating any opportunity for a love match to be formed. Hermione also considered herself fortunate that there wasn't a reproduction clause. She happened to be aware that marriage laws in some countries forced couples to copulate weekly, with the goal of producing children. 

As Severus had said, the notion was strikingly similar to one presented by Lord Voldemort to ensure blood purity. 

 All of her friends had managed to find a love match. Harry had proposed to Ginny as soon as The Act had been passed, eliminating any need for either of them to date again. Ron had offered his hand to Lavender, shortly after Hermione had proudly rejected him. None of her friends had experienced the uncertainty and anxiety that Hermione was feeling now. If Severus didn't propose soon, she would have to begin the dating process all over again (or lose her last shred of dignity and beg Draco to take her back). 

____

Hermione was seated at the bar of the pub, 10 minutes before the agreed upon time. The bar tender had served her a glass of ice water while she waited. The establishment seemed as though it would suit Severus's taste. The lights were dimmed to give a cozy atmosphere, and the tables were placed apart to provide ample space for discreet meetings. Well-placed dividers, light fixtures and house plants provided plenty of cover for guarded interactions. Hermione leaned against the bar - which was not sticky, a typical indicator of a cheap tavern.