Nevertheless, the evening went well. Though some were clearly still surprised at the pair (Ron, Lavender, and Percy seemed the most bewildered), no one was remotely unkind to Severus and the majority of those present seemed to more or less take it in stride. After an initial few moments of awkwardness, the food and wine flowed and Severus was welcomed so thoroughly by Arthur and Molly that he soon relaxed in their company. To Hermione’s great relief, they passed the entire evening without event and, she dared to hope, it seemed to her that Severus was becoming more comfortable with her friends. When they finally retired back to his place after a long evening, she kissed him deeply.