I don't own anything, J.K Rowling does.
WARNING: Mature themes brought up so if you are less than 18 and/or easily triggered by mature content DO NOT READ THIS STORY. You have been warned.
Chapter 27
The whistling of the kettle made Severus shake his daydream away. He took a bit of ginger and jasmine tea leaves, and poured them inside an infuser which he placed inside a tea pot before pouring the boiled water inside the tea pot. He finished preparing the tray with marmalade and toasts. When he was done setting the try up, he levitated the tray wordlessly and wandlessly and made it follow him up the stairs and into the Master bedroom of the Prince Manor.
"Here you go my love" He said lowering the tray onto her laps.
She was sitting in bed, pillows propped behind her back, her long messy hairs falling in cascades of brown curls around her face and onto her shoulders. He nightdress covering her naked body all in the meanwhile underlining her curves perfectly.
"Thank you, Severus." She said giving him a light kiss on his lips as he joined her into bed and took himself the tray on his laps. "What time is it by the way" she asked looking towards the window.
"It's only 4 am, love. After you finished eating, we can go back to sleep" Severus said giving her a butter and chocolate toast.
They ate a little and he saw that she was getting sleepy. Careful not to disturb her, he took the empty cup of tea that was still in her fingers but laid on her lap above the bedsheets and placed it on the tray before banishing the tray downstairs in the kitchen. He took her in his arms and she settled on his bare chest, one arm across his chest the other on her belly on her now clearly swollen stomach. He looked at her like this, curled up into him a small smile on her lips.
They woke up a few hours later. Hermione rushed once again to the bathroom and puked the little food she had been able to keep in her stomach for the last few hours. Severus had immediately rushed by her side and held her hair as she emptied the content of her digesting organs.
Once again, Severus had given her a potion and prepared something to eat for Hermione. In the meanwhile, Hermione had dressed up in a small black dress that still fitted her and joined Severus into the large kitchen.
It had only been 5 weeks since Hermione had moved in with Severus in Prince's Manor. At first, it had been very difficult for her to navigate through the labyrinth of rooms as the Manor was doted of more than 50 rooms. When he had showed her around the room, he had finished by the grand library.
It was a 23 feet 3 stories room with reading space and even a small kitchenette. The books were classified by age, historical value, subject and authors. In the center of the room was a table with at least ten large volumes. Severus had led her to the table.
"This, my angel, is the record of every single book currently owned by the Prince family." He began before he had pulled his wand out of his robes and pointed it at the volumes. "If you want to find a book, all you will have to do is point your wand towards the volumes and enunciate the full title of the book. Then the volume containing the information about the book will get out of where it is stored and open in front of you. If you don't want to go and fetch it, you can simply summon it by tapping the title in the volume twice with the tip of wand."
"Severus, it's brilliant. Can I try?" Hermione had asked excitedly
"When will I be able to say no to such a charming witch?" Severus had said chuckling at how Hermione was looking at him. Her eyes had been wide opened in excitement and the smile she had had on her face had been priceless. "Of course, you can. Go on love try it. And by the way, there are both Muggle and Wizards book."
"Shakespeare's Sonnet" Hermione had said in a clear voice her wand pointed towards the small table in front of them. The 8th volume had come out of the neat pile and had landed softly in front of her before opening itself midway.
Shakespeare Sonnet's by William Shakespeare. L1 B24 R2. Currently at Prince's Manor
Hermione had read the line and tapped her wand twice on the title written in the volume. On her right, a book had come out of the bookshelf and had flown swiftly towards the table. The large registering volume had still been opened but something had changed. The line now had then read.
Shakespeare Sonnet's by William Shakespeare. L1 B24 R2. Currently in Miss Hermione Granger possession (Prince's Manor)
"It keeps track of where the book is located. You see, our library contains very rare books and many wizards are interested in being able to read them either for simple pleasure, personal interest of for research purposes. As we are led to lend those books, we have to keep track of where they are." Severus had explained to Hermione. "I really like Shakespeare. My favorite sonnet is number 130 and ever since I met you, it makes even more sense to me"
"Really, it's my favorite Sonnet too Severus." Hermione had said surprised by her fiancé's liking for Shakespeare's sonnets
"Come and join me to the reading corner, I'll read you a few one before dinner my angel." Severus had proposed lighting a fire inside of the chimney next to the two very comfortable looking armchairs and desk.
Hermione had sat opposite Severus and he had opened the book to sonnet 130.
"My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;
Coral is far more read than her lips' red;
If show be white, why then her breasts are dun;
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
I have seen roses damask'd, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks;
And in some perfume is there more delight
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know
That music hath a far more pleasing song;
I grant I never saw a goddess go;
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
As any she belied with false compare."
When Severus had finished the poem, a long silence had hung into the air letting. She had felt so calm and peaceful at this moment, his deep voice sounding so husky to her ears that she wondered if she would still find it sensual if he read to her the recipe for the Draught of Living Dead.
"Hey love. You really do look lovely my love. Come and sit with me, breakfast's ready my sweet love. I prepared you some more tea. We have to leave in one hour to meet up with the wedding planners and then I'll leave you with Madam Malkin for your wedding dress and robes." Severus said coming towards her and pulling one of the chairs for her to sit on.
"Thanks darling." Hermione responded when she was sitting at the kitchen's table.
One hour later, they were standing in the main foyer and putting their shoes on. Severus grabbed Hermione's arm gently and they Apparated in the same little street near the Savoy. They went to the reception and a polite little man lead them to the suite where they will be having the meeting.
This time, the suite was a lot larger and it had a second room where Hermione supposed will be used for her fitting with Madam Malkin. There was no large table this time, only eight very modern Louis XV armchairs arranged in a circle around a coffee table with a tea tray on it.
"Miss Granger, Mr. Snape. Welcome back to the Savoy, if I daresay Miss Granger, pregnancy suits you very well" Candice said shaking hands with the both of them.
"Thank you, Candice. Even though it isn't easy every day. I am overjoyed in the idea of welcoming this little one into the world and with Severus by my side, I can do anything. He's been doing a great job in supporting me." Hermione said looking at Severus with love filled eyes.
"Well you do make a great couple and I am sure you'll make just as great parents." Candice said a large smile on her face.
They thanked her once again and then went to say hi to Sofia. As Sofia asked her if she could touch her belly, Hermione looked at Severus and when he nodded to her, she let Sofia hand onto her stomach and a few moments later Sofia removed her hand from her belly and began to speak.
"I presume you know Madam Malkin, she will be confectioning your suit, dress and robes." Sofia said showing Madam Malkin with her right hand. "Here is Mr. Millefeuilles, he is the French chef I think will suit best to prepare the reception banquet and cocktail of course." A small man bowed to the two of them.
"It will be a pleasure for me to prepare your reception banquet madame and monsieur. I can assure you that I will put my best sous-chefs on the task as well as myself." The little man said with a very thick French accent that made it difficult for Hermione to understand.
"Then we have Mr. Aydo who will be doing the bounding. And finally, Mr. Tagliani who will be in charge of the orchestra for the music." Sofia finished her presentation which left Hermione a bit overwhelmed.
"Thank you all for your investment in our wedding. I just wanted to express my gratitude for everything that you're doing. What do you want us to begin with?" Hermione asked a little bit overwhelmed by the whole thing.
"Let's take it one step at a time and begin with what you wish to be included in the bounding ceremony." Sofia said placing a reassuring hand on Hermione's arm.
"First, we have to define how you will enter the room. As you know, it is a custom to have someone leading the bride to her groom. Normally, it's the father of the bride, but with your situation, it's a little bit more complicated I'm afraid." Mr. Aydo told the couple
"I'd like for George to do this. He is the closest thing of a brother that I have and I think he will agree to do this for me. What do you think dear?" Hermione asked looking at Severus.
"As you wish my darling love. If you think he's the one for it then go ahead." He replied taking Hermione's hand in his own and feeling her relax to his touch.
"Then there are both of your vows and the actual bonding. Then the signing of the official papers and the ceremony is finished." The little man said joyfully to the couple.
"Sounds good to me" Severus said before looking at Hermione who nodded.
"See it is going fast after all." Candice said "Now, the reception. The wizarding tradition requires that the bride is fed by her husband. I hope this doesn't disturb you." She continued apagogically.
"No worries, I am sure Sev will make sure I don't die of hunger at our own wedding. Won't you love?" Hermione said chuckling
"Of course not, it won't be a problem at all. I don't intend to let my bride and child die of hunger or thirst." Severus said chuckling lightly at her wife's antics.
"So, what would you like for dinner?" Mr. Tagliani asked conjuring a quill and notepad out of thin air.
"A five-course meal with entrées, appetizers, main course, cheese and desert." Hermione said quickly before her cheek turned a shade of pink Severus found absolutely lovely. "I am so sorry, it's just that I have always had this perfect dream meal for my wedding and it involved a five-course meal and…"
"Hey, darling. That's what we are here for. As long as you are happy, I am happy and that's all what matters." Severus said rubbing his thumb against the hand he held in his own.
"Yes Hermione, you just have to ask and then we'll do all what is in our power to make all your dreams come true. We are here for the both of you so that you can enjoy your day fully without worrying about anything else. I know it must be overwhelming but we are here and most importantly Severus, for you to help you. Now what was this perfect dinner consisting of?" Sofia said squatting at Hermione's eye level and putting her hand on her knees.
"Thank you, Sofia, and all of you. As for my dream, the entrée was a tomato and lettuce salad with foie gras and toasts. For the appetizer gazpachos with asparagus and beef. For the main meal, I would love filet mignon with green beans. For cheese, an assortment of French and Netherland cheese and for desert a five layers wedding cake." Hermione said her eyes closing as she visualized the meals being brought out to the guests.
"I have got it covered. Do you wish to have a special presentation or have I got as I like to say carte blanche?" Mr. Millefeuilles asked laughing slightly.
"You have carte blanche Mr. Millefeuilles. I trust you completely." Hermione said smiling at the French chef.
"Perfect. I shall owl you photos of the dishes as soon as I can." Mr. Millefeuilles said bowing his head at the couple.
"Thank you very much" Severus said.
"Now music wise. What would you like for your entry in the reception area and for your first dance?" Mr. Tagliani asked to the couple.
"For the first dance, I would love a muggle jazz song I love and that means a lot to me. It's La vie en rose from Louis Armstrong. It was my mom's favorite song and she always hummed it to me to make me go to sleep. Are you ok with this song choice darling?" Severus asked gently.
"I love this song too. My mother used to sing it to me too." Hermione said clasping a hand on her mouth. She had just now realized just how much this war had costed her. It had coasted her her parents. Even though they weren't physically dead, it was just as if they were. She would never be able to see them again or if she would, she would be a complete stranger to the both of them.
She began crying softly and Severus stood from his chair and took her in his arms, placing soft kisses on her forehead and threading his fingers into her hair.
"Shhh my love, tell me what is it? What's the matter? If it is going too quickly for you. We can just cancel the whole thing and we'll bound when you feel more ready. I won't be mad at you. I won't…" Severus began soothing her one hand pressed on her rounded belly.
"It's not that Sev, it's just the fact that my parents won't be there in my life. They won't see me get married, they won't see their grand-child or grand-children grow up and lastly, I will not be there when they die. They will be alone." Hermione said as clearly as possible. As soon as she had finished
"I know it's hard my sweet love, I lost my parents at a young age too. My mother died from my father's hand who was locked up in Azkaban and died there. But you have me and our child now. I know that we will never replace your parents. But we will be there for you always." Severus said before kissing her lips gently.
There was not a dry eye in the entire room. They all looked at the sweet couple holding themselves as Severus comforted Hermione. When they pulled apart, they all took out a tissue made of fabric or paper.
"I'm sorry. Uggh these pregnancy hormones multiply all my emotions by one thousand at least." Hermione said wiping her own tears.
"Right first dance. La vie en rose from Louis Armstrong. Now for the entry one, I really don't have any idea. Let's just say you'll surprise us, I think that you will do your very best." Hermione said to the Italian orchestra conductor.
"I will do my very best Miss Granger. If you have any idea at all, feel free to owl me. Even during the night. I don't care. Just owl me and I'll make sure all is in order for the reception."
"I think we have now a very important thing to do Miss Granger" the cheerful high peached voice of Madam Molkin said trying to make Hermione understand she had to go and do the fitting for the dress.
"Right, I'll follow you." Hermione said addressing to the older witch. "I'll be right back love and no picking, it's bad luck. See you my love" she said to him before placing a light kiss on his lips trying to convey all the love she could. He responded to the kiss in the same slow and languorous manner before placing his hand on her baby bump and caressing it lightly.
"I'll be right there waiting for the loves of my life to get right back to me." He said before stroking one last time her rounded belly and letting her go with Madam Malkin for her fitting.
She entered the room and saw that the bed had been replaced with a small sofa and a modeling form was in the corner of the room. On it the most beautiful dress Hermione had ever set eyes. It was a white off the shoulders dress which had the waistline right under her breasts. The fabric then fell around the form which had been conjured up to resembled her body as truly as possible.
"It's beautiful" Hermione said just above a tiny whisper.
"I bet it will look one thousand times better when you have it on you." A voice said from behind her back.
"GINNY. You're here. How come? I didn't tell anyone about…" Hermione said holding Ginny as tight as possible without crushing the baby inside her womb.
"Sofia told me. She owled me yesterday and told me you were going to try your wedding dress and that you would probably like for someone to be with you. So here I am." Ginny said simply.
"I'll go and put it on then" Hermione said directing herself to the bathroom attached to the room.
When she got out of the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror, she almost felt as if her heart was going to burst from all the different emotions she felt. She was gorgeous in this dress. The fabric fell on her baby bump covering it lightly and falling to the ground. It outlined it but didn't show it extensively. The back of the dress had a long 20 feet train which was covered in hand sawn pearls and gems. The top of the dress was made out of sheen lace and cotton.
"You look gorgeous Hermione. I am sure Severus will love it. Although it's not black enough for him. Maybe add a little something black. A belt, a sash, I don't know." Ginny said one hand taking her chin in it and rubbing it with her its thumb.
"You're right. A sash will be beautiful. I will also wear the family heirlooms which are of black color so…" Hermione responded.
"I'll work on that immediately Miss Granger" Madam Malkin said with a large smile on her face "Just let me finish the marking on the dress and then you can go and rejoin Severus. I think he'll love the black accessory."
When they were finished, they all went back to the main room and Severus along with Ginny and Hermione said their goodbyes. They exited the hotel and went back into the alley the had Apparated into and said goodbye to Ginny before Apparating to Prince's Manor.