'You is the saddest bride Dobby has ever seen.'

The words of the house elf stabbed into Hermione's heart, twisting with every step she took. The rest of the Hogwarts brides filed in lines down the corridor and out into the massive temple.

The wedding ceremony was taking place in the Tamaris temple-a large, ornate dome building that had been used to wed wizard couples for centuries. The domed ceiling was bewitched just as the Great Hall was to look like the sky outside-Hermione was surprised to see that it was clouded and storming. Pillars ran the height of the building; beautiful sapphire tiles covered the floor.

The temple had been the place that the first wizard weddings were held-a grand complex that had hosted several thousand weddings. Never before, however, had it done so many en mass.

All of the betrothed Hogwarts students (and the one teacher), Durmstrang, Madam Maxine's and many other schools were going to be wed at the same time.

The grooms were all waiting about the floor; the house elves led the brides to the men, who shuffled to stand before them. Hermione wanted to scream and bolt out the door. Didn't they think that marriage was supposed to be more personal than this?! Didn't they think they deserved to choose their mates?!

Snape had combed back his hair and wore a three-quarter-length jacket, a deep violet vest underneath. He gave the smallest of smiles, but she didn't find it reassuring.

Hermione stared at her feet; she couldn't let him see how angry she was.

Dumbledore, Madam Maxine, Cornelius Fudge and several other headmasters and Ministry officials took their place at a high table, on the edge of the great space.

"Welcome, brides and grooms! I'm so happy that you're all here and about to embark on this wonderful journey together. House elves, if you would?" Fudge called out.

Missy, a house elf from Hogwarts came toward Snape and Hermione, a red scarf in her hands. Hermione didn't understand what to do, but watched as Snape lowered his arm and let Missy tie one end of the scarf to his left wrist. Missy turned to her and Hermione did the same.

All over the temple, red scarves were being tied by the house elves.

This isn't right! She screamed in her mind as Fudge began to recite the ancient Binding spell that would seal the marriage ceremony.

"Under the stars and the moon…"

Untie my hand! Repeal the law! Set me free!

"By the rose's thorn, the crystal waters…"

Let me go! Release me! I can't do this!

"They shall be bound by blood, bound by heart…"

This has to be a dream, it can't be real!

"They are one. Congratulations, everyone! Grooms, present your gifts to finalize the bond." Fudge called out to the crowd of newlyweds.

'No, keep your gift, I don't want it! I don't want you! Get it away, get away from me!' Hermione screamed in her mind as she watched Snape reach into his jacket.

He pulled out a velvet box and opened it. Hermione looked at the wedding charm, unable to take her eyes away. It was a silver chain with a single bauble. Twin serpents circled round a blue jewel. Colors swirled within the jewel; it was a colorful, dancing flame.

Snape took the necklace out of the box and moved behind her. Hermione numbly lifted her hair and felt the cold metal touch her skin as Snape fastened the chain. His fingertips lightly brushed her shoulders.

It was done.