CLXXXI

Lord Donn broke through Hermione's shock with a question, "What is your story, Mrs Snape? I was not expecting you here tonight."

She sat tucked into the lap of a being who she suspected was an aspect of Death, the loping gait of his steed, oddly named "Binky Junior," lulling her into a sense of comfort. Shivering, she responded laughingly, "I am not accustomed to that name. Please, call me Hermione?"

He'd already wrapped a section of his wool kilt about her to help warm her, but a hand tugged the cloth closer about her. "Alright, Hermione. Continue your tale."

CLXXXII

"I was married in a Beltane ceremony. I'd hoped to avoid being forced to marry by producing a child under my own terms." Hermione's breath came out in puffs of steam as she spoke, "Imagine Professor…Severus' surprise when I proposed a true handfasting rather than the symbolic ceremony he'd expected. He didn't know who I was, nor had I recognised him. Somehow I knew that he would be a good choice."

Her heart lifted, a warmth spreading over her as she remembered how amazing her husband was as he danced. His dark eyes enchanted her as they'd spoken their vows.

CLXXXIII

The horse paused, turning his head to nicker in equine approval. Hermione poked her fingers out to pat the midnight coat. "He would like you. Severus always gravitated towards black."

Startling her, The God answered, "I can't say I'm terribly impressed. He let you get yourself killed, after all." Lord Donn wasn't entirely serious, for he was smiling when she turned about to look up at him.

"Dead?" Her throat was tight. "I… had hoped..." She didn't know what to say she'd hoped without it sounding incredibly ungrateful. She was fortunate that she was merely dead, instead of utterly obliterated.

CLXXXIV

A soft exhalation warmed her curls as The God reminded her of his original question, "Hermione, child. How did you come to be floating between worlds?"

"There was a door to hell, widened by the corruption from dark magicks used in the war. The Enemy's monsters were bent on destruction, chewing at the seams of my world. They would have ended everything. I couldn't save myself, so I stopped them and shut that door with the Goddess' help."

Tears sprung from Hermione's eyes as she exclaimed, "He was right there! Poor Professor Snape… poor Severus. What must he be thinking?"

CLXXXV

Lord Donn made a noise of consideration, one that ran so deep that Hermione thought it could be mistaken for thunder. She felt it in her bones. "He is looking for you. After all, what new husband wouldn't want to have his wife at his side, especially at Beltane?"

Pulling one knee up, Hermione turned halfway in her seat so she could see the God's face as she exclaimed, "And I wish to be with him, with all of my heart. This is not a proper wedding night!"

Her cheeks heated as the God of Death smirked down at her.

CLXXXVI

A feminine clearing of the throat broke the moment of awkwardness between Hermione and Lord Donn. "Welcome home, love. Have you brought us a guest?"

Thousands of confused thoughts, none of which could be articulated fled her mind. It was with gratitude and true joy that Hermione cried out, "Lavender! Is that really you?"

Squealing, Lavender rushed to greet Hermione and paused just short of where Hermione now stood upon the shore. "Oh, but aren't you gorgeous, Hermione Granger!"

The Lord corrected her, "It's Hermione Snape, now, my love."

"WHAT?!"

Hermione scowled. "Miss Brown. Must you screech?"

"Oh. My. Gawd."

CLXXXVII

Lord Donn patted the horse's rump, "Off with you, Binky."

Lowering her voice, Lavender leaned in to say, "What is going on? You…" She looked increasingly more nervous as she studied Hermione, looking her up and down. "You don't belong here."

"I don't know," Hermione said, crossing her arms over her chest. She was most definitely not adequately covered by her wet ceremonial robes.

Checking that Lord Donn was occupied, Lavender reached up to straighten one of Hermione's curls, but her insubstantial fingers passed through. Lavender whispered. "It isn't an insult, sweetheart. You're corporeal, Hermione. You really don't belong here."

AN:

Written for the grangersnape100 Spring Fever challenge.

Thanks to Qdrew for her beta and cheerleading skills!

As some astute readers may have discovered, I have caught up with my posting from the AO3 version, and will now be posting at the same time. I have written ahead, and the rule I've set for myself is that if I've finished a chapter I may post a chapter. The good news is that I've got half of 39 written. The bad news is that I probably won't be able to keep up my current frequent posting schedule. I will do my best, thanks for your patience.