Title: Requiem of a Dream
Author: Requiem of a Dream
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters.
Summary: Hermione now knows how the rest of her life begins.
A/N: I know a Requiem is usually a mass held for the dead but, I'm using the secondary meaning for Requiem – which is basically deja vu. (Since I can't remember the word used.)
In front of a large group of guests, to couples stood on a platform with Albus Dumbledore between them. One girl, with fiery red hair, was dressed in beautiful white satin gown. It was off the shoulders, with lace sleeves that came to a point over her hand. The bodice was form fitting, stopping at her hips, and the skirt was full and voluminous, making her waist appear even smaller. The train, which extended a few feet and had a lace overlay, started at her waist at a point and spread to form a triangle. Her hair was down, but had been curled and then brushed to give it some wave and body, she choose not to wear a veil. Next to her stood a boy, of about the same age, with platinum blonde hair, slicked back. He was wearing a black tuxedo, tailored and cut to fit his body perfectly.
On the other side of Dumbledore stood another girl, with honey colored locks. Her dress was a white silk concoction. The gown was strapless and so bared her shoulders. It was cinched under the bust and looked to be held that way by a length of lacy ribbon. The back of the dress had a long row of buttons down the back. The dress went to the floor and a couple of inches pooled around her feet. Her hair was up and seemed to have been tamed into a high sitting bun, but curls were surrounding it, giving her a halo look. A thin veil, adorned with tiny pearls, seemed to pour smoothly from her curls, and went to the floor. Next to her stood a man, about twenty years her senior, with raven black hair, combed and tied back by a leather strap. He too was wearing a black tuxedo, tailored and cut to fit his body perfectly.
"Dearly beloved; we are gathered here today, on August 2nd, to celebrate and confirm the union of two couples. I would like to take a moment to first comment on these two couples, and the example that they show to all of us. They have shown us that love and fate do not care what house you were in at school, nor blood-status, wealth, or the animosity you may hold for someone. Now on with the ceremony."
"Do you Severus Tobias Snape, take Hermione Jane Granger, to be your lawfully wedded wife and bonded mate? To stay loyal and faithful to her, to honor and obey her, to care for her in sickness and health, from now through eternity?" Dumbledore asked, looking at Severus.
"I do." Severus said; looking down at Hermione.
"And do you Draco Lucius Malfoy, take Ginerva Melody Weasley, to be your lawfully wedded wife and bonded mate? To stay loyal and faithful to her, to honor and obey her, to care for her in sickness and health, from now through eternity?" Dumbledore asked, looking at Draco.
"I do." Draco said, beaming at Ginny.
"Do you Hermione Jane Granger, take Severus Tobias Snape, to be your lawfully wedded husband and bonded mate? To stay loyal and faithful to him, to honor and obey him, to care for him in sickness and health, from now through eternity?" Dumbledore asked, looking at Hermione.
"I do." Hermione said; looking up at Severus.
"And do you Ginerva Melody Weasley, take Draco Lucius Malfoy to be your lawfully wedded husband and bonded mate? To stay loyal and faithful to him, to honor and obey him, to care for him in sickness and health, from now through eternity?" Dumbledore asked, looking at Ginny.
"I do." Ginny said, beaming at Draco.
"Very well then. I pronounce you both, husband and wife, bonded mates. You may kiss the bride." Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling. Hermione and Ginny wrapped their arms around Severus and Draco, respectively, and brought them down to their level; kissing them passionately.
"Masquerade . . . . . . paper faces . . . . . on parade . . . . ." Severus sang sadly and slowly as he held the cymbal playing monkey in his hands.
He set it down on a dresser, next to the white mask. He got up and walked to a row of four mirrors, all covered with red velvet curtains. He picked up a golden candelabra and smashed it into the first mirror, causing it to crack, but not shatter. He did this to the second and third ones as well, then finally the fourth one shattered. He walked through the frame of the mirror, taking one last look over his shoulder at the musical monkey, and then drew the red velvet curtain behind him as he stepped through the mirror frame.
The audience erupted into applause as the heavy theater curtain fell over the stage. They stood from their seats as the cast came back onto the stage. First the extras, then the ballerinas, then the secondary main characters, and then finally the main three characters. Severus, Hermione, and Draco stepped onto the cleared stage. They took their bows, with roses cascading down around them. They each caught one and bowed again, before the entire crew took the stage and bowed one last time for their audience. They all exited the stage after the curtain had fell once again, talking excitedly. Hermione felt someone grab her hand and lead her away from the gathering crowd of parents and students.
"Severus, the Headmaster said that we have to stay and talk to all of the parents." Hermione said as soon as they were clear of the crowd back stage.
"I have the Headmaster's express permission and blessing to leave that gathering. Now follow me; quietly." He said with, excitement in his voice. Hermione did as told and followed Severus silently down the many halls of Hogwarts, and then that was when she realized that he was taking her to the Astronomy Tower. They arrived in the Tower ten minutes later and Severus walked to the window.
"Severus! I can't climb that ladder in this dress." She said, pointing to the costume wedding dress that she was still dressed in.
"That will not be a problem." Severus said as he stepped onto the window sill and then stepped down, onto a platform. Hermione ran over and looked out the window.
"You created a staircase?" She asked.
"Only for tonight." He said and then took her hand in his again. He drew her out onto the platform with him and then led her up the stairs.
He led her to the roof of the Astronomy Tower and they stood at the edge of it, just looking out onto the lake. Severus stepped behind Hermione and wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin atop her head. She never notice the minute flick of his wrist, of the hand that held his wand. She watched the reflection of the stars in the lake, and then that's when she noticed that the reflections were moving. Severus felt her tense in his arms as she intently watched the glittering water. Then she gasped.
'Marry me Hermione.' Was spelled out in the glittering water.
Hermione turned in Severus' arms and searched his face, searching for clues as to whether or not those words were a joke. Severus let go of her and lowered himself onto one knee, and drew out a small, square, black velvet box, and opened it.
"Will you marry me?" He asked. Hermione looked deep into his eyes.
"Yes." She whispered. Severus gave her a small but genuine smile. He took the ring from the box and slipped it onto her finger. She admired the yellow gold band, that had a 1 ½ carat square cut diamond on it. She threw her arms around his neck and drew him into a passionate kiss; then from below the tower on the ground she heard a familiar voice.
"Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!" Hermione heard Ginny cry out, she felt Severus chuckle.
"It seems that Malfoy had the same success." He said against Hermione's shoulder. Hermione smiled.
"I love you Severus." She said.
"And I love you."
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