Disclaimer: Not mine.
A/N: Hey everyone! Well, I didn't know I'd get so many comments about my Ginny/Severus idea. Just to clear up a few things; 1- I'm not the least offended by those who said they would never read a Ginny/Snape fic. To each their own, right? 2- I never had any intention of making this story end with Ginny/Severus, and Hermione/Percy. I told y'all it'd be Hermione/Snape, and it will be, as you'll read below. 3- if I did do the whole Ginny/Snape thing, it would be a completely separate story, though it's beginning would be like an alternate ending for Playing Pretend. And 4- I firmly believe that Hermione and Severus are perfect for each other, but I do like odd ships, such as Hermione/Lucius, Snape/Ginny, and so on. I think it's interesting to see how some authors can create these ships so realistically, with everyone in character, as well as an intriguing plot. And for those who felt bad for Percy, I think I will write the Ginny/Snape story, so you'll want to read that if you're upset about Percy getting hurt. For now however, content yourselves with reading the conclusion!
Playing Pretend
Chapter Twenty Seven- The Wedding, an End, and a Beginning
"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning- The end is where we start from." – T.S. Eliot
The last few months of Hermione's seventh year flew by. Between studying for NEWTS, and spending the Hogsmede weekends with Percy, she stayed busy. She also began planning her wedding, though she knew that would occupy most of her summer. She and Percy had settled on the date August 1 for their wedding. Quite different from the December wedding she had initially thought of, but Harry and Ron would be going into auror training, not to mention Ginny would be in her seventh year at Hogwarts.
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"Congratulations graduates!" Dumbledore smiled out over the crowd as the last student walked off the stage, diploma in hand.
There was a rousing cheer as they all threw their hats into the air, their family members and friends clapping and cheering for them. A certain group of red-heads was conspicuously loud in the celebrating as the trio hugged. Harry and Ron were soon swept into hugs from their room-mates as Lavender and Parvati pulled Hermione into one also before running off to find Professor Trelawney. Hermione felt like someone was watching her, and turned slightly to see Severus looking at her from the stage. Meeting his gaze curiously, she was surprised when he gave her a proud smile. About to walk over and speak to him, she was suddenly picked up by someone with shockingly red-hair.
"George! Let me go!" She squealed, finding her self being carried in his arms.
"Well, if you insist," he shrugged, and before she could say anything, she found herself being physically tossed up and over, landing right in Fred's arms.
"Hey, congrats sis," Fred kissed her noisily on the cheek.
"Pass her here," Charlie called, and held out his arms as Fred tossed Hermione towards him.
"You guys!" She tried to scold them, but she was laughing too hard.
"What?" Charlie smirked as he threw her to Bill. "We're just having fun playing Mione-ball. Even better than Gin-ball."
"Who says it's fun?" She questioned. "I bet you've never had to be the ball before!"
"Fun for us then," Bill chuckled, kissing her cheek. "Congratulations sis."
"Hey, who's turn now?" Ron called out, laughing, as he and Harry finally joined the group of red-heads.
"Snape's," Harry said with a grin as he caught sight of Severus walking past.
"Hey Severus, catch!" Bill called out, and once he saw he had Severus' attention, threw Hermione to him.
"Sorry," she apologised quickly, and moved to get out of his arms. He wouldn't let go though, and she looked up at him, confused.
"You have nothing to be sorry for, you never have," he said softly, then brushed a kiss over her temple. "Congratulations."
Hermione didn't have a chance to say anything, because the next thing she knew, she was being tossed once more, this time to her fiancé. She barely glimpsed Severus walking back to the castle before her attention focused on Percy.
"You look beautiful," he greeted her with a kiss, referring to the red and gold graduation robes she wore.
"Thank you," she smiled, linking her arms around his neck as he kissed her again, longer and more passionately this time, bringing whistles and cheers from his brothers and a few friends.
"Get a room you two," Harry laughed.
"Good idea," Hermione waggled her eyebrows slightly as Percy set her on her feet.
"Oh ew Mione," Ron blanched. "That gave me a mental picture I really didn't need."
"Funny, gave me one I rather liked," Percy countered with a grin, bringing laughs from everyone as Ron paled further and pretended to gag.
"Now, get together you three, I want a picture of Hogwart's trio," Arthur called once the laughing had died down.
Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her over to stand between him and Ron for a quick picture. Once that was done, they joined the crowds of people moving into the great hall for a special dinner. Hermione talked and laughed with everyone, but in the back of her mind, she couldn't quite forget what Severus had said, and what he had meant by it. Yet she didn't want to go ask. She knew that if she did, the feelings she had felt for him might overwhelm her. She had done her best to repress them- tuck them in a dark corner in the farthest depths of her mind, but had never been able to completely forget how she felt about him.
Shaking her head mentally, she ignored where that line of thinking would lead her. Focusing back on the conversations at hand, she promised herself she would focus on the upcoming wedding. After all, there were only two months to finish planning the seemingly infinite details.
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"Oh Mione, that's the gown for you," Ginny gasped as Hermione stepped out of the changing room, clad in a muggle wedding gown.
"You really think so?" Hermione bit her lip slightly as she walked out further to stand in front of the three paneled mirror.
She didn't even notice as the other occupants in the store all began whispering about how stunning she looked, she was evaluating her appearance in the mirror. She was wearing an ivory, slinky chiffon gown that felt wonderfully cool and smooth against her skin. The spaghetti straps and lace bodice were exquisitely detailed with tiny glass beads. The bias cut skirt fell to the ground, with the final touch being a cathedral length train. It was simple, it was elegant, and it was very much her.
"Definitely," Ginny nodded. "If you want more proof, I could just floo Ron and have him come look, and I bet you he'd pass out."
"Well that settles it then, this is the perfect gown for me," Hermione smiled, satisfied, and walked back into the changing room to carefully change back into her everyday clothes.
"Good."
"Now how about you? Did you find any gowns you want to try?" Hermione asked, coming back out.
"Actually, I already found my gown while you had been looking earlier," Ginny grinned. "Want me to try it on?"
"Yes please, I want to see so I know what flowers to get for the bouquets."
Ginny nodded and disappeared into the changing room after grabbing the garment bag that had been beside her. A few minutes later, she stepped out in a beautiful gown in a light shade of lavender. The gown had dark lavender straps of braided silk cord, crisscrossing in back. The bodice was snug on her figure, emphasizing her trim waist. The silk skirt was the same light lavender of the gown, and darkened as it neared the bottom, ending in the same dark lavender as her straps. It looked stunning on her, with her pale skin and red hair.
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"All right, Charlie and I have our dress robes," Percy made a mark on a piece of paper in front of him. It was July thirtieth, and they were going over the final details of the wedding.
"And Ginny and I have our gowns, as well as the flowers for our bouquets," Hermione said, watching as he marked those off also. "And the boutonnières and corsages."
"Invitations were sent out."
"Okay. Wedding is going to be held here at the burrow, the reception at Hogwarts, with the house elves cooking."
"Albus is performing the ceremony, and Lee Jordan is DJ-ing the reception."
"Colin Creevy is doing the photography."
"And I have our portkey set up, and hotel reservations made for our honeymoon," Percy nodded, satisfied that everything was ready.
"Well that's everything. All that's left is for Ginny and I to pamper ourselves at the spa tomorrow, and get our nails done," Hermione smiled. "And of course, Luna will be coming over to do our hair and make-up, and help us get ready."
"Just one more day, and then the wedding."
"I know. I love you."
"I love you too," Percy smiled slightly. "I just hope I can make you happy."
"You already do," she assured him, furrowing her brow in confusion. "Why wouldn't you?"
"Well, I guess there's a part of me that knows that I make you happy," he conceded. "But I also know there's a part of you that won't be able to forget your mystery-love. And I think there will always be a part of me that's sorry you'll have me when you love him."
"I do love you Percy," she said, not quite sure how to respond to that comment.
"I know you do, and I love you for it," he quirked his lips in a small smile. "We're good together, and we'll be happy, won't we?"
"Yes," Hermione said firmly, wondering where this was coming from. "We will."
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"Oh Merlin I can't do this!" Hermione fretted, pacing back and forth in Ginny's room, finally stopping in front of the mirror to look over her appearance yet again.
Her gown looked wonderful on her, and went well with the low-heeled sandals she had chosen. Her make-up was very light, and very natural looking. Luna had smoothed and straightened her hair before pulling it back and up, securing it with invisible bobby-pins, and tucking sprigs of babies breath into her hair. She had opted not to wear a veil, and instead had a delicate silver tiara.
"Of course you can," Ginny laughed as Luna put the finishing touches on her hair. "You're just nervous."
"I know, I'm being silly," Hermione sighed, flopping down into a chair.
"Stand up!" Luna immediately shouted, and Hermione obliged quickly. "Much better. You don't want to wrinkle your gown."
"Thanks," she smiled, just before a knock sounded on the door and it opened a crack.
"May I come in?" Harry called. "It's about time for the ceremony to start."
"Done," Luna announced, casting one last holding charm on Ginny's hair.
"Yes," Hermione called, and turned around to face him as he entered.
"Wow," he breathed softly, walking over and taking her hands in his.
"I guess I clean up pretty well, huh?" She laughed, leaning in and kissing his cheek quickly before pulling back again. "You look fantastic Harry."
"I'd say the same for you, but that wouldn't even come close to describing your beauty," he chuckled, pulling her arm through his.
"Such a charmer, aren't you Harry?" Ginny giggled, grabbing her bouquet of purple and white roses, before handing Hermione hers.
"Anything for Hermione," he nodded. "Shall we?"
Harry escorted both of them downstairs and into the kitchen where he nodded to Fawkes. The phoenix then flew out the door to a perch by the Headmaster, and began singing softly. That was Ginny's cue to walk out and down the aisle, coming to a stop at the other side of Professor Dumbledore, across from Charlie and Percy. Both were looking extremely handsome in the rich black dress robes they wore, though Percy looked both excited and nervous.
As Ginny took her place, Fawkes softened his singing even more, and Harry and Hermione appeared at the end of the aisle. Everyone rose, staring at her in awe as Harry led her down the aisle. As she walked, Hermione could see Molly was already crying into Arthur's shoulder. Looking across at her family and friends as she walked, she finally let her gaze come to rest on Percy. Her soon-to-be husband. It felt so surreal that they were finally here after all the planning.
"Who gives this woman to wed this man?" Professor Dumbledore asked as Harry and Hermione reached the end.
"I do," Harry said proudly, then leaned in and kissed Hermione on the cheek before placing her hand in Percy's.
"This is the time that you have chosen to become husband and wife," Professor Dumbledore began with a smile. "We are here, not only to witness your commitment to each other, but also to wish you both every happiness in your future life together. Within its framework of commitment and loyalty, marriage enables the establishment of a home, where through trust, patience, and respect, the love and affection which you have for each other may develop into a deep and lasting relationship. We who are witnessing your marriage hope that despite the stresses inevitable in any life, your respect for each other, your trust and understanding of each other, and most of all your love for each other, will increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living."
Percy and Hermione shared a small smile.
"First Corinthians chapter thirteen, verses four through seven states, 'Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited, it is never rude or selfish, it does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's faults, but delights in the truth. It always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres'. It is always ready to endure whatever comes. True love does not come to an end. " Professor Dumbledore paused a moment to let the meaning of those words sink in. "Every day you live, learn how to receive love with as much understanding as you give. Find things within yourself, then you can share them with one another. Do not fear this love either. Have an open heart and a sincere mind. Be sincerely interested in each other's happiness. Be constant and consistent in your love. From this comes security and strength. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us on this day of your marriage and you commit yourselves fully and freely to each other."
Hermione felt a slight tightening in her chest as the weight of the words weighed upon her heart. Was this what she should be doing? Marrying Percy when she truly loved Severus? Were Draco, Blaise, and the others right when they said she had given up too easily, hadn't fought hard enough, hadn't valued his feelings for her enough?
"Marriage is togetherness if two are caring as they share life's hopes and fears, and if the music of laughter outweighs sadness and tears. Marriage is freedom if both derive pleasure from the mere presence of each other, yet when parted, no jealousies restrict, worry, or smother. Marriage is respect if achievements mean more when they benefit two and consideration is shown with each point of view. And if togetherness, freedom, and respect are combined with a joy that words can never fully define, then marriage is love," Professor Dumbledore smiled again. "Before you, Percy and Hermione, are joined in holy matrimony in my presence and the presence of your friends and family, I want to remind you of the serious and binding nature of the relationship you are now about to enter. I will now ask you to make your marriage vows to one another."
"Do you Percival Ignatius Weasley, take Hermione Jane Granger, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, honour, and cherish, to keep in sickness and health, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?" Professor Dumbledore directed the question to Percy.
"I do."
"And do you Hermione Jane Granger, take Percival Ignatius, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honour, and cherish, to keep in sickness and health, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?" Professor Dumbledore now directed the question to Hermione.
As she listened to the words, and evaluated them with her heart, she knew she couldn't say it. Taking a deep breath, she looked Percy in the eye, silent. His eyes seemed to search through hers a moment, before he nodded sadly.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, tearing her gaze from his.
"I understand," he replied, then leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Straightening up, he turned to face their family and friends. "I apologise for the last minute notice, but I'm afraid the wedding is cancelled."
A shocked silence seemed to take over everyone as the enormity of his words settled in. Ron was the first to react, yelling with surprise.
"Bloody hell!" He shouted. "Why?"
"I'm in love with someone else," Hermione answered, after holding her hands up for silence. "I love Percy, but it's more of a friendly love, like what I have for you and Harry."
"Please, no one be angry or upset, I knew, and I had asked her anyways, knowing there was a good chance this might happen," Percy interrupted.
"So do we all go home now?" Seamus asked aloud, somewhat randomly. It was a good question though, everyone was wondering what to do now.
"Nope. I mean, why waste a perfectly good wedding?" Fred spoke up suddenly, jumping onto his chair.
"Of course, why waste it?" Ginny rolled her eyes. "Except for the fact there's no longer a groom or a bride. Forgot about that, didn't you?"
"Not quite," Fred laughed, then turned to Alicia Spinnet who had been his date to the wedding, as well as his girlfriend for the past two years. "What d'ya say Licia? Fancy a walk down the aisle?"
"Fred!" Molly screeched at him. "That's no way to propose!"
"YES!" Alicia yelled out, throwing herself at him, kissing him. "Merlin help me, but yes, I'll marry you, you git."
"See, we got a bride and groom," Fred turned back to his sister, smiling cheekily. "So what do you say everyone, come to our wedding which will be…right now?"
Loud cheers, laughs, and applause rang out at this impromptu wedding invitation. Hermione turned to walk back up the aisle, but caught her heel on the edge of her gown and tripped, falling into Percy's arms. At that moment, Severus appeared with a loud pop at the end of the aisle, attracting everyone's attention.
"Please tell me you didn't marry him," Severus called out desperately upon seeing Hermione in Percy's arms. He didn't care that everyone was staring at him in confusion.
"I didn't marry him," she said simply, taking a few steps away from Percy.
"Thank Merlin," he breathed, and not caring about the crowd around him, strode down the aisle, grabbed her face gently with his hands, and gave her a searing kiss. He pulled back after a moment, though his hands never left her face. "Come back to me."
"My heart never left," she whispered, tears filling her eyes. "I love you."
"I love you too," he whispered back, the words coming without hesitation as his heart let go of the past and turned to embrace his future…Hermione.
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A/N: Well, that's the end. Kinda fun I think, what with Fred and Alicia, but that's just something I can see him (or George) doing. I thank you all for sticking with me throughout the journey this story has taken me on. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did, and I hope you continue to keep an eye out for any more writings I end up doing. Take care! Yours, A.J.