Chapter Fourteen: Just When Things Are Going Right

It was a happy evening. All the inhabitants of Hogwarts School were in a stupendous mood. Happening today was an event that many of believed they would never see. The bat of the dungeons, the heartless git, the greasy- haired, mean, unfair and nasty, Severus Snape was getting married.

The weather seemed to be celebrating. The sun shone brightly against a forget-me-not, Chrystal blue sky, laced with soft fluffy clouds. There was a steady breeze rippling across the grounds of Hogwarts School, cooling the glaring sun. Birds were chirping merrily as they flew in and out the Forbidden Forest collecting food for their hatchlings, as bees zooming to and fro different plants, spreading pollen as they went.

It was a beautiful day, and Hogwarts was even more gorgeous, as the live-in staff and elves alike went out of their way to celebrate the union of two of their very own. The Great Hall was spectacular. All the house tables were gone and instead replaced with several round tables that were big enough to seat six comfortably. The tables were dressed in fine starched linen accentuated with gold lace and embroidery that had been in Severus' family for generations. Above each table was a beautiful chandelier set that was made of pure gold. The candle wax had been charmed sapphire blue to match the wedding colors. On the center of each of the tables was a small gold vase filled with charmed sapphire or white roses. Lucius Malfoy had lent them his great grandmother's very old china set that was white with blue embroidery. Each table was set with it along with pure gold silverware.

At the front of the room, where the staff table would have been, was a huge stage that was already set for Golden Jacket Band. The platform was also white, and was decorated with blue roses and trimmings. The only two house flags hanging were the serpent of Slytherin and the eagle of Ravenclaw. They were not in their customary colors however, but on a silk white background with the name and logo sapphire blue. It was truly beautiful.

The entrance Hall outside the Great Hall was also beautifully decorated in white silk and sapphire blue. There was a long sapphire carpet leading from the Great Hall, out the front doors if the entrance Hall, and down the grounds to the Great Lake where there was a great white marquee. On either side of the carpet were cute little rosebushes that were supporting white and blue roses. The entrance to the marquee revealed rows and rows of fragile golden chairs set on either side of the long sapphire carpet. The supporting poles were entwined with blue and white flowers. Someone had fastened an enormous bunch of blue balloons over the exact point where Severus and Charity would shortly become husband and wife.

The guests were already piling in, and a host of white-robed waiters were showing them to their seats according to the seating plans. Everyone who was anyone was there including the three Malfoys, The Parkinson family, several others of Severus Slytherin housemates that had eluded Azkaban, Orion and Talitha Black, Avery, Mulciber, and Macnair. Severus' grandfather was already seated, as well as his uncle, aunt and cousin. Charity's family and friends were also already there and seated as well as the Ravenclaws that had come to show their support.

Albus Dumbledore was seated on the first row of the marquee on the groom's family side beside the deputy headmistress, Minerva McGonagall. Dumbledore was wearing dark violet dress robes with a match hat. His long silver beard was tied in a ponytail. Minerva was wearing pale blue dress robes with the matching hate. She was crying already, and the wedding hadn't begun yet. Other professors were present including Madame Hooch, who was wearing maroon dress robes, Professor Flitwick, who was seated on the other side of Professor McGonagall and wearing plain black dress robes and Professor Sprout who was seated in the middle of Flitwick and Hooch, wearing her best set of dress robes that had no trace of any dirt or grim on them. Professor Vector, who taught Arithmetic, was seated next to Madame Hooch. He was looking smart win his glasses and navy-blue dress robes. Sybil Trelawney was next to Vector looking as more like a giant fly than ever with her glasses that magnified her eyes and all her beads and shawl.

Other prominent members of the wizarding community include Dolores Umbridge, Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, the Minister himself, Cornelius Fudge, and Rufus Scrimgouer, head of the Aurors. Xenophilius Lovegood was there with his daughter Luna, as the editor of the Quibble,as well as Rita Skeeter and Micah Maloney, reporting from the Daily Prophet.

Seated together on the second row behind the teachers, were Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Ernie McMillian and Harry Potter. Harry couldn't believe that he of all people was seated with the 'family' of the bride and groom. Hermione had been allowed to invite one friend to the wedding. He didn't necessarily want to be there, but he was glad that Hermione had invited him. It was a truly beautiful sight. The four of them all was dressed in their best, Draco wearing five hundred galleons black dress robes with his initials sewn on his cuffs and collars. He was wearing Versace tailor dress pants that was charcoal grey underneath with the matching dress shirt and a silk green tie that nobody but Narcissa could have purchased for him. He looked like the heir to a wealthy throne.

Pansy was wearing a beautiful green dress that stopped at her knees with the matching heels. Ernie was dressed in plain black dress robes with a white dress shirt and yellow tie. He looked as pompous as ever, and he was practically swelling with pride. Harry, who had recently moved with his rightful guardian Sirius Black, was wearing brand new tailored dress pants as well. His was black, and he matched it with a red silk dress shirt, with a red and black stripped tie. He was not wearing dress robes on top of his clothes, instead, designer suspenders that were holding his pants up. He was wear dragon hind shoes. Harry too was looking like the wealth he'd recently acquired.

A sense of jittery anticipation had filled the warm tent, the general muttering broken by occasional spurts of exited laughter. Soon, Tobias Snape entered the marquee wearing impressive all black attire. His son looked extraordinarily like him.

A moment later Severus and Lucius stood at the front of the marquee. Lucius was wearing black dress robes with a large white rose is his buttonhole. Severus was just dashing. He'd agreed to the blue and white wedding color theme to appease his wife to be, and was looking impeccable in a formal white, single breasted, button lapel tuxedo, with a sapphire blue silk vest, and stripped sapphire and white tie on top of a silk white shirt. He had the matching handkerchief to his tie in his breast pocket and was wearing white dragon hind dress shoes. He looked so clean. Nobody had ever seen him in anything other than his customary black. A great collective sighed issued from the assembled witches and wizards as he took his place beside a small, tufty- haired wizard. The crowed fell silent as music swelled from what seemed to be the enormous blue balloons.

Hermione then entered the marquee dressed in a beautiful sapphire strapless dress that stopped at her ankles. She was wearing the matching heels. Her hair was pinned eloquently back in a bun. She was wearing a beautiful diamond necklace, earrings and bracelet set that had belonged to Narcissa's great- great grandmother. She was carrying a banquet of white roses in her hand. She entered on the arm of Charity's youngest brother who was 21 years old. He was wearing black dress robes with a white rose in his buttonhole like the best man. Together they made their way to the front of the marquee, where Severus and Lucius were standing. Hermione felt beautiful as the cameras flashed, capturing her and the groomsmen.

Charity's sister and brother followed them. Her sister was also wearing a sapphire dress, cut differently from Hermione's however, and her brother was wearing the same thing as the brother who escorted Hermione. Arthur McMillian the ring bearer and entered after the bridesmaids and groomsmen, carrying the wedding bands on a cute little sapphire pillow that was lined with white lace. Charity's niece was next to enter, dressed in beautiful white dress robes. She was the flower girl and dropped beautiful flower petals as she passed, which turned the sapphire carpet into a pearly white one. Everyone stood as she made her way to the front.

Another collective sigh issued from the audience as Mister Burbage and Charity came walking up the aisle, Charity gliding, her father bouncing and beaming. Charity was wearing a Duchess Satin gown that was adorn with timeless beauty with ornately embellished embroidery decorating the bodice and skirt. Elegant floral petals cascaded throughout the skirt and along the shoulders. Covered buttons elegantly draped down the zipper. Her tail was six feet long and her veil came passed her breast.

Charity's hair was simply done, being clamped to the left with spiraling curls falling. Her bangs were also swooped to the left and she was wearing a beautiful blue diamond tiara. Though no one could see them under the beautiful dress, Charity was wearing glass slippers that were plain beside the quarter size sapphire that was accentuated in the middle. On her neck was a beautiful five carat enhanced blue and white diamond double row heart pendant that was 14k white gold. She was wearing the matching blue diamond solitaire stud earrings set in 10k white gold. Her jewelry matched her tiara perfectly being that the crown was a glass tiara, accentuated with blue and white princess diamonds with a double heart center that was made of a pure sapphire. She wore a single diamond bracelet on her wrist. She looked simply angelic, and Severus felt his eyes begin to water as he watched his bride sashay sown the aisle.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," said a slightly singsong voice that belonged to the tufty-haired wizard that was presiding over the ceremony. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two faithful souls…"

The marquee was deadly silent apart from the wind blowing, trees swaying and birds singling merrily. Hermione, standing at the front of the marquee, found herself taking in all the guests in attendance. She would have never suspected her father or his bride to be this influential. She was still amazed at all the ministry officials that had showed up. She spotted her mother seated a few rows behind Draco, Harry, Pansy and Ernie. She looked sad although she was trying to hide it. Hermione felt sorry for her. She knew it had to be hard to watch the man she loved marry another woman. Isis was simply adorable however. She was extremely inquisitive, watching the wedding with great focus, almost as if she knew exactly what was happening. Narcissa had her dressed in a beautiful white dress with sapphire sandals that matched the sapphire hair bow on her head. It brought out the bright blue of her eyes.

"Do you Severus Snape take Charity Burbage…?"

In the front row, Allison Snape and Mrs. Burbage were both sobbing quietly into scraps of lace. Trumpet-like sounds from the back of the marquee told everyone that Hagrid had taken out one of his own tablecloth–sized handkerchiefs. Hermione eyes found Harry's. She beamed at him; her eyes too were full of tears.

"…. then I declare you bounded for life."

The tufty-haired wizard waved his wand high over the heads of Severus and Charity and a shower of silver stars fell upon them, spiraling around their now entwined figures. As Draco, Ernie and Harry led a round of applause, the blue balloons overhead burst: Birds of paradise and tiny blue bells flew and floated out of them, adding their songs and chimes to the din.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" called the tufty-haired wizard. "If you would please stand up!"

Everyone did. "I now present to you Mister and Misses Severus Snape!" There was another loud burst of applause and holding hands, Severus and Charity made their way out of the marquee on the following the white carpet back up to the castle, where the reception would take place in the Great Hall. Lucius fell in step a few steps behind them and Hermione and Charity's youngest brother got in step behind him, followed by her other siblings, and the ring bearer and flower girl.

As they entered the Great Hall, the Golden jacket band began to play up on podium. Severus and Charity immediately began a slow dance to their wedding song. It was truly beautiful. Neither Hermione nor hardly anyone else knew that Severus could dance and it was a rare sight that they would forever cherish. After the first song was over, other couples began to dance as well and soon there were many different couples dancing, and the others were seated at tables laughing merrily and enjoying each other's companies, or else they were eating.

Hermione found herself seated the table with her brother, cousin and best friends who was all eating. She grabbed a glass of Champagne from a nearby waiter and watched her father enjoy himself as she sipped.

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Hours after the wedding Lucius Malfoy parted from his wife and children. He was so glad that Narcissa had stopped pretending like she cared about where he went or did. She had not questioned his comings or goings since she came to his office back in December. Not that it would stop him, but he felt happier knowing that she was no longer pinning after him. He certainly wasn't pinning after her. He would have never believed that he would fall in love with anyone other than Narcissa. But he had, and now that he did, he realized that he had never truly loved Narcissa just like she had never loved him. He knew what love was now. He knew he was inlove now. Who would have thought that this girl would be the one to steal his heart? He shook his head, life was so funny.

It was nearing three in the morning, so he didn't expect to find his mistress awake. She was however. He entered the hundred thousand dollars condo he'd purchased for her almost a year before, and made his way to her bedroom. On the way, he passed the room of the three-year-old little blonde boy. His name was Zachary. He loved the little fellow. He was so cute. He flicked the light fixture own and watched the little boy sleep for a few minutes. He smiled and turned out the lights before continuing his way to the bedroom. He began to strip, readying himself to crawl in bed beside his lover when he heard retching sound coming from the master's bath. He stripped down to his black silk boxers and joined the young woman in the bathroom.

"Ashley," he said running forward to pull her hair out of her face. "Are you okay baby?" he asked.

Ashley shook her head as tears spilled from her eyes. She wiped her mouth and face with some toilet paper and flushed the toilet before closing the lid and sitting on it.

"I'm pregnant, Lucius," she whispered, not looking up at him. Tears continued to fall from her eyes. Lucius couldn't believe his ears.

"W-what," he stammered. "What do you mean?"

Ashley looked up at him. She had beautiful hazel-green colored eyes and light brown hair. She was a beautiful little girl.

Young womanhe snapped at himself. He hated the fact that despite him making love to her several times a week, he still found himself looking at Ashley Debar as a little girl. True she was eighteen where he was thirty-nine, but he age was truly just a number. Ashley knew how to talk to him, how to care for him and most importantly, she made him feel wanted. Her eyes literally shined anytime he was near her and she seemed to never get enough of him. She cooked for him. She ironed his clothing when he went to work. It did something to his heart as he watched her go out of her muggle way to care for him. He loved that; loved the sincere love she bestowed upon him. Narcissa had never cooked for him. She never tended to his clothing. She never massaged his body after a tiring day at work. She never showed that she loved him, not like Ashley did. Ashley left no doubt in his main that she loved him and that he would be missed if he died, if only by her.

"You're pregnant," he repeated.

She looked at him with tearful eyes. "Are you angry," she whispered. "I know you just had a baby not too long ago and I already have Zachary-"

"Shh," said Lucius as he embraced her. I'm not mad." He looked at her. He loved her. He really did, but he had to be sure, absolutely sure. "I just want you to drink something," he said. "It's not going to terminate the pregnancy," he said quickly after seeing the horror truck look on Ashley's face. He exited the bathroom and went for his robe pockets. He was glad he had gotten a bottle of Truth Potion from Severus before the wedding. He needed to interrogate some of his staff but Ashley would not need much.

He came back into the bathroom with the bottle. "I just need you to swallow three drops," he told Ashley. She did not question him but simply nodded, her eyes swelling from all the crying. She opened her mouth and he gave her three drops. Her eyes fluttered.

"What is your name," he asked her quietly.

"My name is Ashley Debar," she said in the robot tone that Truth Potion caused.

"How old are you Ashley," he asked.

"I am eighteen. I will be nineteen in November," she answered.

"Are you pregnant" he asked her.

"Yes," she responded. "I found out that I am three months pregnant this morning."

"Who is the last man you slept with?"

"The last man I slept with is Lucius Malfoy," said Ashley in the same robot voice.

"What do you know about Lucius?" asked Lucius.

"I know that he is twice my age," said Ashley. "That he is married. I know that he is a wizard and does magic like Hermione. I know that he is a millionaire."

"Is it Lucius' baby that you are carrying?" he asked.

"Yes," replied Ashley. I haven't slept with anyone beside him since the night he found me with John Grange, last August."

"Do you love Lucius?" he asked.

"Yes," said Ashley, her eyes unfocused. "With all my heart. He is the best man I ever had."

Lucius stared into her unfocused eyes. "Do you want to have this baby," he asked quietly.

Yes," said Ashley. "I would hate to kill it. I do not believe in abortions."

Lucius sighed. "We're going to have baby then," he said as he picked the young muggle up that he'd fallen in love with and carried her to the bed. He kissed her lightly on the lips as he lay beside her. His hands found her stomach and he found himself imagining with their child would look like.

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Hermione arrived at Malfoy Manor with her mother and siblings about one in the morning. She was exhausted. The wedding had been a blast. She had a little too much fun. She didn't realize it before Narcissa rudely pointed it out, but she had Draco were both happy drinkers. Narcissa was furious with them both for getting themselves intoxicated. They were both grounded.

Hermione found a letter on her bed. Drunkenly, she ripped opened the envelope as he sunk into the bed. She did not recognize the handwriting and there was no signature. She read the short note.

I'm watching you… All in good time…

She turned the letter over but that was it. She felt her eyes drooping. Before she had the chance to do anything else, she slipped into dreamland. The short note she'd been holding slipped from her fingers unto the floor, where her elf, Star, popped in and discarded as she removed her dirty clothes from the floor. When Hermione awoke the next morning, she'd had no recollection of the threatening note she'd received.

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Narcissa sent her two drunken teenagers up to bed, furious with the pair of them. She knew that they both drank, but she didn't expect them to get drunk in public in front of prominent members of the Ministry. She'd been so embarrassed to see her son falling over drunk and her daughter laughing hysterically at him. Pansy was also drunk, but that was no surprise. Pansy always had done just what she felt like. Narcissa sighed as she laid sleeping baby Isis down in her crib that was next to the master bedroom.

She headed downstairs. She found her sister, Bellatrix in the sitting room. Bellatrix was drinking. Narcissa sighed. She figured she would have a drink as well. She poured herself a glass of firewhiskey.

"How was the wedding," asked Bellatrix.

"It was beautiful," said Narcissa. Severus wore white.

Bellatrix smiled. "I wish I was able to see that' she said.

Narcissa nodded. She sat down in the large wing back chair. She sipped her beverage. "What have you been doing all evening" asked Narcissa.

"Thinking," replied Bellatrix, fixing he eyes on the beautiful blonde woman in front of her.

"Do you care to elaborate?" asked Narcissa, as she sipped more of the liquor.

"About Hermione," said Bellatrix, still not taking her eyes off Narcissa. Narcissa looked up into her eyes. She furrowed her eyebrows.

"What about Hermione?" she asked.

"I feel like she needs to be removed from the family tree." Declared Bellatrix.

Narcissa laughed. "What," she said. "Why would you say something like that?"

"She was raised as a muggle Cissy," said Bellatrix exasperatedly. "She's tainted. "We can only keep our line pure if we purge it of such iniquities."

"Hermione is a pureblood," said Narcissa setting her drink aside now as she focused on the mad woman in front of her."

"She is not," contradicted Bellatrix. "Everyone knows that Snape is a half blood."

"He is not," said Narcissa hotly.

"Is too," retorted Bellatrix. "His mother was a mudblood."

"She was not."

"Then why did Tobias kill her then," demanded Bellatrix. "I assure you that Snape is nothing more than a filthy half-blood perpetrating a pureblood, and that bastard daughter of yours is worst."

Narcissa stood. "You will not disrespect my daughter in my house Bellatrix," she said glaring at the other woman. "And Hermione will not be removed from the family tree. She is my daughter and she is a pureblood. If you don't like it you can leave Bellatrix," she said.

Bellatrix glared at her.

"So, this is how it's going to be," demanded Bellatrix. "You're going to turn on the family like Andromeda?"

"I'm nothing like Andromeda," snarled Narcissa. "But you have another thing coming if you think you're going to stand in my face and insult my daughter. She comes before you and all the rest of the family as far as I am concerned."

Bellatrix shook her head. "Like mother like daughter," she said. "I forgot, you're not my sister, you're my niece."

Narcissa rolled her eyes. "Sister or niece does not make a difference," she said. "What matters is I am surely Hermione's mother and I will protect her from my sister or aunt or whatever you want to call us."

Bellatrix narrowed her eyes. "Are you saying you are fighting against me," she demanded.

"As long as you are not targeting my children, we will remain on the same side," said Narcissa.

"I can't help that Hermione is tainted," yelled Bellatrix. "It's your own fault. What do you think the Dark Lord will say if he knew your daughter was raised as a muggle and then befriended Harry Potter?"

"Why should I care what the Dark Lord will say," demanded Narcissa. "He's dead."

Bellatrix marched furiously over to Narcissa and punched her in the face. "Don't you dare insult the Dark Lord," she screamed. "He is not dead. I will bring him back" she glared at her sister. "And you just picked the losing side Narcissa."

She stormed from the room leaving Narcissa holding a bloody nose.

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