Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, I'm just playing with them for a little while.
Author's Note: I'm so sorry this chapter took so long to get up, I've been sooo busy!. Special thanks to my new beta readers - J H, Emily, and Heather, as well as to all who emailed me about the job. You guys are the greatest!
Chapter 6 - La Belle Mariée
Thoughts and worries plagued Hermione and she laid in her bed that night in the Gryffindor tower. The room seemed so empty without her roommates there, giggling and talking as usual while all she wanted was to get some sleep. Although she knew many other witches would be facing a similar fate as herself, she felt entirely alone. Even though she and Professor Snape had reached somewhat of an understanding, it seemed like it would be impossible to live with him every day for the rest of her life. And the thought of sleeping with him...she shuddered. Having never been intimate with anyone before, let alone a grown man, nerves wracked her terribly when she thought about it. After what seemed to be decades, dawn came as the horizon turned grey, and Hermione rose after a restless night. She showered and dressed, then headed down to the Great Hall for some breakfast, the castle more quiet and peaceful than she had ever experienced before now that the students had returned to their families. At 9 o'clock, she met Professor McGonagall in her quarters to go over arrangements, after all, there was a lot to get done in just two days time.
Minerva McGonagall's comforting, mothering smile was just what Hermione needed after such an ordeal with her parents the night before. "How did it go, child?" she asked softly.
"Not well," answered Hermione with a sigh. "Mum was pretty distraught, but my dad was especially upset - he blew up at Professor Snape."
"Oh, dear. Do you think he'll ever be able to accept him after some time?"
"I hope so. They both agreed to come to the wedding, although I had to persuade my father a little. I think that's at least one step in the right direction."
"Definitely. You are their only daughter, Hermione, they just want what's best for you. And I believe that over time, they will accept your marriage and come to see that estranging you and your husband from the family will only hurt you. Anyways, yesterday while you were gone, I took the liberty of trying to find quarters for you and Severus to live in - you will have to dwell here at Hogwarts, as it is unrealistic for him to live elsewhere while he is Head of Slytherin House. However, I talked to him last night and was able to convince him to move out of the dungeons so that you could live in a more pleasant environment - believe me, it was no easy feat either. Your quarters are now on the second floor, at the east corner. They are quite spacious, I believe you will enjoy them."
"Thank you, Professor."
Upon her return to the common room, Hermione was bombarded when Ginny ran towards her, arms outstretched. "Oh Hermione, Harry and Ron told me everything...I'm so sorry," she gushed as she pulled Hermione up towards the Head Girl's dormitories. "You must be heartbroken, I mean, to think, being stuck with that horrible man".
Managing a weak smile, Hermione spoke softly, "He's not horrible, Ginny. He's unpleasant sometimes, and rather socially inept, but still a good man. He's promised to treat me well and to protect me. I can't say I'm happy about the arrangement, and I don't think I'll ever love him, but I won't be miserable like I would be with Malfoy."
"That's why people like you so much, Hermione. You see the good in everyone. I don't know how you can be so calm about this."
"I wasn't always, trust me," said Hermione with a wry smile. "Believe me, I've had more heated arguments with Snape in the past few days than I've had in the past 6 years I've been going to this school, and that's saying something. Anyways, why are you still here, Gin? Weren't you supposed to be going home by the train Saturday with everyone else?"
"Well, technically yes, but Ron and I talked to Mum and Dad and asked to stay until after you were married to be...moral support, I guess. I hope you don't mind, we thought you might need some. Harry's staying too, his Aunt and Uncle were of course happy to let him stay as long as possible here. Dumbledore didn't mind at all."
Hermione reached out and hugged her friend. "Thanks so much, Ginny, you're right, I'm going to need moral support."
Ginny smirked. "You've got that right. I talked to Professor McGonagall earlier today, she told me our job for this afternoon was to find you a wedding gown. Since you will be a virgin bride, your dress needs to be white - its tradition in the wizarding world and the muggle world both, and the pureblood Ministry officials wouldn't settle for anything but tradition, of course. There's a place in Hogsmeade that I know of, called Belle Mariée. Its owned by some French woman named Mariette, and known to be one of the nicest places in town to buy a wedding dress."
"Alright," said Hermione with an exaggerated sigh. "But I don't want anything frilly or too fancy, just a nice, plain, simple dress will do."
Three hours later, Hermione found herself inside the white wonderland of Belle Mariée, surrounded by a landslide of white gowns, each of which probably contained enough material to cover a Quidditch field twelve times over. Ginny and Mariette had spent the past two hours throwing every dress imaginable at her, making her try every one on, even if she insisted she didn't like or want it. Finally, she was about ready to succumb to Ginny's ventures and just select a dress out of the accumulating pile. "Just one more, Hermione," begged Ginny, bringing over yet another gown. "This will be the last one, I promise."
"You said that 5 dresses ago," argued Hermione, but even as she spoke she carried the last dress into the fitting room. Zipping up the back, she turned to the mirror, rather astonished by what she saw. The dress was simple, not too frilly, just as she had wanted. It was a stunning satin A-line, with a round neck, short sleeves, and some lace and beading, but not too much. It looked fantastic on her, fitting perfectly, as if it had been designed specifically for her body. Stepping out of the fitting room, she turned to Ginny and Mariette, both of whom gasped in awe.
"You look beautiful, Hermione," Ginny said softly. "Now we have to get you some accessories to go along with it," she said, smiling slyly.
Two hours, a pair of white shoes, a pair of earrings, one necklace, and one bracelet later, Hermione and Ginny emerged from the store. Upon entering the castle, Hermione almost collided with Professor Dumbledore, who stood there awaiting their arrival. "Miss Granger, could you come to my office for a moment? I need to have a word with you."
"Of course, Professor. Ginny, could you put the gown in my room, please?"
"Of course, Hermione," said Ginny with a smile. "Good night, Professor Dumbledore."
"Good night, Miss Weasley," Dumbledore answered, his eyes twinkling.
Once in his office, Hermione turned to the Headmaster. "What were you wanting to see me about, Sir?"
"Well, Hermione, I'm afraid there has been a slight change of plans regarding the date of your wedding. We had originally planned for the ceremony to occur on Wednesday, I believe. However, due to certain...complications, it is imperative that the ceremony occur tomorrow evening."
"Complications? What kind of complications?" Hermione asked.
"Lucius Malfoy has called for a trial at the Wizangamot on Wednesday. He is distressed about your decision and wishes to address whether Severus' petition should be legitimate. I feel that, for your own safety, it is necessary that you and Severus should be married before this even occurs, simply because it would make the issue of your petition more complicated for Malfoy. The spells that bind two wizards together during matrimony are extremely powerful, it would be incredibly difficult to break them, and impossible for one less worthy of you to dissolve them. Since any member of the Malfoy family is, Miss Granger, less worthy of you, I have no doubt in my mind that your marriage to Severus is safe - IF you marry him tomorrow. I'm sorry it has to be this way, but it is the only solution I can think of that keeps you out of the grasp of Malfoy."
"Yes, sir, I understand. Did you tell Professor Snape...er, Severus?"
"Yes, he was actually the person to suggest it in the first place. Now, Miss Granger, I suggest you get yourself some rest. Your wedding will take place at 4:30 pm, tomorrow afternoon."
"Good night Professor Dumbledore," said Hermione, with a sigh. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Indeed," was the only answer he gave.