Okay guys sorry for the long wait. I hate excuses but I had a beta and was waiting for the chap but I think she kinda left . . . . . .oh well
Gardenia and lavender scents were thick in the air, practically choked Hermione as she sat at the edge of the tub waiting to rinse the hair removing foam she had applied to her legs. Gently but firmly she scrubbed her scalp in a relaxing circular motion. Though her body was going through the movements her mind was miles away.
"You're what!"Ronald Weasley shouted across the Gryffindor common room.
"I'm marrying Snape." At this point Hermione was getting frustrated. She had explained the situation in a calm, stern matter and told them that this was the way it would be . . . . four times
"Ron leave her alone, can't you see she doesn't want to do it?" Harry harshly asked his best friend.
Hermione sent Harry a look that shouted 'thank you' even though her eyes had lost their sparkle.
"Me!" shouted Ron with a look of conclusion across his face, "You can marry me!"
Everyone knew that it was no secret that Ron liked Hermione but they also all knew that he had lost his chance with her through his immaturity, she just couldn't wait any longer.
"She can't," Harry offered the answer, "You're not 18 yet."
"I thought 17 was the legal age." Ginny put in.
"You're legal at 17 but you can't marry before 19 or 18 when it pertains to the marriage law." Hermione told the group.
"One of my brothers! Fred or George-"
Ginny cut her brother off, "Are engaged. I'm sorry to agree but I think Hermione would be the safest with Snape"
After a short, tense silent that seemed to go on forever Harry agreed, "Me too."
Hermione gave them a weak smile.
"I can't believe you guys!" the short tempered red hair whispered in disbelief before his voice grew a little too loud Hermione's liking, "I can't believe you letting her marry that greasy git! You letting our Hermione marry Snape! She's so amazing and brilliant and pretty, he'll be the end of her! He's evil don't you remember! How many times have we-"
SMACK
The noise echoed throughout the common room as it became disturbingly silent. All eyes were on the youngest Weasley who had smacked her older brother right across the face.
"Don't you dare say another word Ronald." she screeched in a voice equivalent to the sound of nails against a chalkboard, "Go to your room this instant before I have the chance to reach my wand. If I ever hear another complaint about this mutter from your mouth I will hex you into the next century."
With his eyes wider than saucers he slowly backed away and stumbled to his room, letting everyone know when he got to the seventh year boy's dormitory when he slammed the door with such force that some people say the staircase shook. Harry let out a sigh of relief as he let go of Ginny who he had been holding back ever since she tried clawing at her brother's face.
Ginny glared at all her housemates who had watched the scene unfold before turning to Hermione with large bright smile and asked in a cheery voice, "So Hermione can I help you get ready? What time is the wedding anyway?"
It was a knock on the door that interrupted Hermione from her thoughts.
"Who is it," Hermione called across the luxurious room.
The door opened just a crack and Ginny Weasly slid in. She was wearing a silk blue robe and silver satin slippers. Her beautiful shiny red hair was tied loosely in a ponytail and the base of her neck. The color of her skin was a healthy pink dotted with freckles where the sun had kissed her body.
"Where did you get those?" Hermione asked.
Blushing, Ginny answered, "A friend."
"Oh," the bush haired girl nodded knowingly at the squeaky tone of voice her surrogate sister had used, "Who is it?"
"I can't say." Ginny said shortly.
Hermione raised an eyebrow but let it go, sometimes everyone has to have their own secrets.
"Just let me rinse off," the older girl told the redhead as she pulled herself from the tub.
Ginny handed her a fluffy purple towel and told her that McGonagal had told her that they were going to prepare for the wedding in a small dressing room behind the painting of a butterfly garden outside the great hall and that the password was 'lily flower'.
Hermione wrapped herself in the towel surprised at how she wasn't being her modest self, then again she had known Ginny for a very long time. Every summer but the last Ginny and Hermione had shared a bedroom for a fraction of the summer. During Hermione's summer stays the girls spent the nights swapping secrets and munching on triple chocolate chip cookies. Sometimes, when there was a violent storm, Hermione would find Ginny curled up besides her, she was never that fond of storms but Hermione loved them. Every morning they got dressed in the same room and occasionally during a summer drought they would share the shower, trying to save what little water they had for such a large family. For hours they would spend time getting ready trying to impress the boys sleeping a few rooms over. They had become like sisters which was amazing for both of them because Ginny only had older brothers to look up to and Hermione had stayed an only child, both of them jumped at the chance to have a female friend to be close to so they could talk about 'girl stuff'.
The older girl made her way to the shower only to stop in front of the large full length mirror, "Look at me, I'm a wreck." She said out loud while her mind filled with thoughts of revealing her body to her potions professor later that night, she was positive that he would be completely repulsed by her.
Ginny came up behind her and placed her fairy princess hand on her shoulder, "You're beautiful Hermione. Tonight will be the beginning of a new adventure and I have a feeling that this chapter of your life will be absolutely wonderful."
For some reason Hermione could not explain Ginny's 'feelings' were always right. She sighed and nodded to her friend, "I'll meet you in the butterfly room in a quick second."
The more sensitive of the two gazed into the other's chocolate brown eyes and touched her perfect pink lips to Hermione's forehead before whispering to her that everything will be alright.
Hermione gazed up at the stars above her, she felt so small. During the summers before Hogwarts she would spend nights in the yard laying on her grandmother's quilt with her mother picking out constellations until they both fell asleep, now she just wished that her mother could be there with her on this special day.
Ginny came up to her and spun her in a circle, spilling some of her own flower petals. For the first time in what felt like forever Hermione laughed and the whole world stopped to listening to their happiness.
"I can't wait until the party!" Ginny smiled as her green dress twirled as she moved and the little silver bells on her shoes jingled.
That dress was made for her, Hermione thought as she watched her friend dance in the pale moonlight's eerie glow as they made there way to through the grounds to where the wedding was to be held. The dress was strapless and hugged her body perfectly until it reached her waist and it jetted out into a bell shape that spun as she did like a child's does. Green was definitely the color but it seemed to also shine hues of violet and blue. Large sapphire earrings dangled from her perfect earlobes and a matching oval pendant was set in the middle of her v-shaped neckline. Her hair had been charmed to stay in an set of elegant buns at the back of her head with blue jewels set in them, a few hairs had escaped before the charm was cast and had found their way to a perfect place framing her fair face. A light rose colored lipstick was the only make-up she wore, not like Ginny needed make-up, but her entire body had been sprayed with body glitter so she shimmered wherever she went. Ginny was gorgeous.
"Come on girls," Professor McGonagall called to them, "its just a bit further."
Ginny threw her head up and stared at the night sky before racing ahead and grabbing her teachers hand, "Dance with me!"
"Miss Weasley!" the older woman said sternly even though there was no doubt that a smile had found its way across her face as she was spun in circles by one of her top students.
Hermione looked down at her pure white, satin ballet flats completely unsure of herself but loving the way she looked at the same time.
When Hermione first saw the dress she was convinced that she wouldn't be able to move in it and that she'd have to be rolled like a boulder to the ceremony site. To her dismay it was strapless with a corset top that had 18 snap buttons on the back that she would not be able to undo alone, it then went out with many layers to make it round. The second to top layer was dotted with little red roses and the top layers was a sparkly sheer that shimmered but didn't sparkle, Hermione hated sparkles.
Luscious curls cascaded down her back from where they were pinned perfectly up in place by Ginny as Hermione fidgeted to the point that anyone but Ginny would have become so frustrated that they surely would have yanked on her hair. The curls reminded her of the maple syrup candy she once made with her uncle the winter her parents had gone off on a cruise to the Carribean, he was a bachelor living in the mountains who taught physics in a local school. He loved children, and Hermione never understood why no one would want him as their husband, he was sweet, witty, charming, and handsome but for some reason he never married and had children of his own, therefore having many reasons to spoil Hermione to death.
Ginny had insisted on doing her make-up as well while McGonagall painted her nails a deep crimson red. A tawny brown eyeshadow that didn't glitter but had some sort of a sheen was applied to her eyes along with a rich brown mascara and heavy brown eyeliner. With a big puffy brush that tickled Hermione's nose Ginny dusted on a light powder to even out the coloring of her friend's face. Then a natural blush was lightly brushed onto her cheeks and forehead to take away from her paleness. Lastly Ginny had Hermione put on a deep crimson lipstick that highlighted her feature perfectly. It seemed as if Ginny was amazing at whatever she did.
Looking up from her feet Hermione gasped at what lay a few yards ahead of the trio of women. They had wandered to the opposite side of the lake and came to a clearing beside the woods. A small waterfall of only five feet tickled down away from the lake and into a stream so clear you could see each pebble at the bottom. Even though it was fall it felt like a comforting August night, crickets and frogs sang their songs from the woods and stream as a black kitten batted at the water where tiny red fish swam past. Fireflies flew along followed by dragonflies and the occasional bumble bee. Daises popped up from the ground steering clear of a soft path up to an old weeping willow tree where a podium was set up in front of none other than Albus Dumbledore who wore plain blue robes, as was the tradition in the wizarding world not to take attention away from the bridal party.
"Gentlemen and gentleladies!" Dumbledore's voice boomed over the soft conversation the few guests were holding and gesturing to the to rows of white benches set in front of Dumbledore's podium, "If we could all find out seats so the ceremony may begin!"
Hermione felt Ginny gently tugging on her arm but she gazed on in awe until she heard her friend's gentle whisper tickle her ear, "We have to go."
Ginny lead her into what looked like a small tent from the outside but was many times larger on the inside.
"Ginerva!" a blonde boy cried out before quickly sweeping the giggling redhead into his arms and planting kisses down neck and she shrieked and swatted him on the head. "Watch the hair!"
As he pulled back with his arms still wrapped around her tiny waist. Hermione gasped, "Malfoy!"
"Uh-oh" Ginny muttered as her boyfriend answered.
"Yes?"
"Ginny?" Hermione questioned.
"Very good Granger, you know our names!"
Ginny broke free from his hold and put on the pout that Hermione knew was completely irresistible to most of the males and some of the females at Hogwarts.
"Ginerva?" he asked with his eyebrows furrowed.
"No." Ginny simply said and turned around.
"Ginerva?" he repeated with a hand on her shoulder.
"Nonononononono!" she replied in a cute childish voice as he spun her around, "I told you to behave! You promised you would!"
He bit her his lip as she pouted. Leaning in he licked her nose and she fell into a bust of giggling laughter.
Obviously, Hermione had caught on to what was going on.
"Since when. . . .when did . . . . how long have you two . . . . ." Hermione tried to sputter out.
Composing themselves the couple glanced at each other before Ginny answered, "About a year in a half I think. I was sitting-"
"Four days short of being exactly a year and a half my dear. You can fill Miss Granger in on the details later on this week if Serveus permits, right now we have a wedding ceremony to participate in."
It was at that moment that Hermione looked over Draco's spectacular green silk dress robes with black trimmings. His hair wasn't slicked back but able to fall into its natural form which was quite handsome. In his left ear a dazzling huge diamond that sparkled more than his smile His black dragon leather shoes had the traditional silver bells tied to the back like Ginny's were tied to the tips of her toes.
Ginny planted a loud kiss on her boyfriend's cheek before asking, "Where's Snape?"
"Serveus is fixing himself up," Draco laughed, "He's probably going to sneak out the back, it's not right for the man to see his bride before the ceremony!"
"That's followed in the wizarding world too?" Hermione asked thoughtfully, " I thought it was a silly muggle thing."
"Do you know why the groom isn't suppose to see his bride beforehand Miss Granger? No? It was thought that with all the magic in the air the bride might seduce her soon-to-be husband with her stunning beauty." Draco decided to add in something after seeing her reaction, "And might I say that you look gorgeous this evening, Serevus will be pleased with your appearance.
Hermione frown at that last part but brushed it aside as Ginny gave Draco a light kiss on the lips for his good behavior. Just as they broke apart the music began.
Draco smiled into "That's our cue darling."
Before leaving Ginny leaned in and gave Hermione a kiss on the cheek and whispered wishes of luck and happiness into the brunette's ear.
Trying not to fret about the event to come Hermione watched the beginning of the ceremony from a crack in the tent's flap. She watched as Draco escorted Ginny as she danced her way up the makeshift aisle, twirling and spinning as she shed the rose petals along the trail and the guests on the benches. A melody of flutes and other woodwind instruments played and grew stronger as they reached the top and took their places by the willow. Like any culture the wizarding world had adopted its own matrimonial ceremony, Hermione researched it awhile ago and found nothing too out of the ordinary.
Serveus stood there at the willow looking waiting patiently. He wore a black dress robes with silver trimming and plain black shoes, his clothes were not as elegant as Hermione expected them to be, but then again this is Serveus Snape we're talking about. Even though it wasn't as extravagant as Hermione had planned, he looked much better than he would have in anything else Hermione could have picked out. Somehow his hair was not greasy and fell so it framed his softened face in a manner that fitted him perfectly.
Magically the tent flaps pulled back as the music became stronger with more of what Hermione could only explain as magic and Hermione stepped out. With her head up she walked straight down aisle. Through the side of her eyes she the benches full of her professors, Harry whose eyes were shining with pride, a couple of some other close friends, a few redheads that could only be Weasleys, and some unfamiliar people she concluded to be guests of Serveus.
Everyone watched in gleeful delight as Hogwarts brightest witch walked down the rose petal trail to her spot under the willow tree. Flitwick's sobs were heard as he blubbered on about how she looked so beautiful and was comforted by Hargid who rubbed the small man's back with tears of his own gleaming in his eyes.
Serveus took his bride's delicate hand as they turned to stare deeply into each other's eyes as they recited their vows.
"Gentlemen and gentle ladies we have gather here today to witness the union of two of the brightest Hogwarts has ever seen. Let their lives be full of happiness as they share and grow together forever so mote it be." Dumbledore told the small crowd and continued after they all responed with a loud round of 'so mote it be's, "I now ask Serveus Safford Snape and Hermione Jane Granger to pronounce their devotion to each other and the bond they share."
Now it was all up to them
Serveus began, "I, Serveus Safford Snape, do take you, Hermione Jane Granger, to be my lawfully wedded wife, my constant friend, my faithful partner, and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our few family, and our many friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner throughout sickness and heath, during the good times as well as the bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."
One down, two and a half to go.
"I, Hermione Jane Granger, do take you, Serveus Safford Snape, to be my lawfully wedded husband, my constant friend, my faithful partner, and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our few family, and our many friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner throughout sickness and heath, during the good times as well as the bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live." Hermione replied back to him as she gazed into his dark emotionless eyes.
Serveus took both of her hands in his and squeezed them tight before letting the go loosely in his palm and reciting the next vow he had memorized, "I, Serveus Safford Snape will cherish you, Hermione Jane Granger, as my life partner and one true love knowing that I will love you more and more each day. I will trust you and respect you throughout our days no matter the circumstances. Regardless of sorrow or grief through any bad times we may encounter I will always try to bring a smile to your face as I continue to love you faithfully through this life and the next."
Hermione offered a weak smile that grew as his eyes seemed to tell her to go on, "I, Hermione Jane Granger, will cherish you, Serveus Safford Snape, as my life partner and one true love knowing that I will love you more and more each day. I will trust you and respect you throughout our days no matter the circumstances. Regardless of sorrow or grief through any bad times we may encounter I will always try to bring a smile to your face as I continue to love you faithfully through this life and the next."
"As your husband I, Serveus Safford Snape, I will respect you in your successes and in your failures, nurture you as you grow along my side as I eagerly anticipate the chance for us to grow together, getting to know the woman you will become. I take you, Hermione Jane Granger, to be my partner of all eternity loving what I know of you and trusting what I do not yet know. I will try my hardest to protect you, keeping you from all harm. I look forward to have you bare my children and watch happily as our family grows. I am sure that I will cherish you through all seasons of life forever and ever." Serveus paused and raised his brides hand to his lips and kissed them lightly after finishing his vows, "I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live."
Hermione was in shock. This was not what had been planned, she was sure of it. What was he trying to pull? Was this just an act for all those in attendane? As he stared deeply into her eyes and kissed her pale knuckles she forgot what to say next.
Serveus began to mumble "I, Hermione Jane Granger, affirm my love-"
"I Hermione Jane Granger, affirm my love to you, Serveus Safford Snape, as I invite you to share my life. You are the most handsome, clever, generous person I have ever known, and I promise to always respect you. With kindness I take you to be my husband, with unselfishness and trust, I will work by your side to create a wonderful life for us together. Today as I give myself to you in marriage I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of struggle and sorrow. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life."
Hermione felt his hand reassuringly squeeze hers as the recited on last vow together to symbolize their unity, "Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you, For where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. And where you die, I will die and there I will be buried. May the Lord do with me and more if anything but death parts you from me."
Dumbledore now spoke in an official tone but his eyes held a noticeable twinkle, "These vows are promises of commitment, love and trust as well as hope for a bright future. Now that you have declared your feelings for each other I ask you to become one before us."
Traditionally, this was the part where they were suppose to have sex right there in front of everyone. Sex was how the two were supposed to be joined in the wizarding world but thankfully the laws had changed, though they were not officially married until they had engaged in sexual activity there were now a charm that was placed over the couple that would legalize the document once they had intercourse. Now instead of having to share their sex life with the world they had to cut each other and press their blood upon the other's cut to 'become one'.
Serveus pulled long, skinny black box out of his pocket. Inside was a stainless steel knife with a silver handle that had all sorts of serpents and a lioness with her two cubs carved into it, all of their eyes were little rubies and emeralds. It had to be specially made to be personalized to their union and Hermione could tell that Serveus must have spent a hefty sum on this, a vital item for their ceremony.
"With this knife I shed thy blood for all to watch as we become one." Seveus announced in a clear, steady voice as he held out her wrist and quickly slashed a thin line around it so it looked like red pearl drop a bracelet. "Let this circle mark my everlasting love for thee, may our love flow on for eternity forever immortalizing you and me."
Hermione bite her lip and blinked away tears as she held her arm out so it wouldn't stain her dress. Never before had she physically harmed someone, she wasn't sure she could do it. Surely this was a barbaric thing to do to the person she was to spend th rest of the life with.
Hermione held up the knife and stuttered "W-with, this kn-kn-knife I shed thy blood-d for all to wat-ch-ch as we-e be-come one."
Serveus took her hands in the hand he wasn't holding out and helped her carve the circle in his sallow skin. He whispered to her, "Let this circle-"
"Let this circle mark my everlasting love for thee, may our love flow on for eternity forever immortalizing you and me."
Dumbledore came in and pressed the inside of their wrists together, "Serveus and Hermione have shared their blood with one another for all to see, let this magically crimson fluid flow through their fiery veins keeping a passionate life together." Dumbledore informed the people in the gathering before continuing to the next part, "If I may ask Draco Alexander Malfoy and Ginerva Molly Weasly to please present the rings to our happy couple."
Serveus stepped forward and tied a strip of thick white cloth around the mark he made on her and then producing a second strip he struggled to tie around his own until Hermione offered to do it for him. Before breaking away Hermione instinctively flicked the childishly big yet perfect and tight knot Serveus had made, Serveus then took her wrist to his lips and kissed it sweetly.
Clearly the sounds of their guesting awing were heard throughout the small clearing. Hermione blushed deeply and suddenly became very interested with her shoes.
Ginny appeared at Hermione's side with a slight jingle and blew Draco a kiss who caught it and slid it into his pocket for later use. On their shoulders sat a dove with a fine white gold necklace with a ring hanging off each.
"Mr Malfoy and Miss Weasly, please exchange the rings if you could be kind enough to do so."
Draco stepped over to Hermione and clasped the necklace around her neck and whispered into her ear, "You did amazing Miss Granger, and don't tell Ginny but I do think that you do look magnificently stunning tonight."
Hermione looked down and resisted to touch the small white gold ring with two smaller diamonds sitting in the sides if one large on, around the ring was a chain a flowers, each one different.
Ginny placed the necklace around her potions professor's neck and whispered to him as she stood on her tippy toes with her shoes jingling, "Take care of her Serveus Snape. She needs love and devoted, don't screw this up."
Serveus gave the slightest nod of his head as he inspected the ring Hermione picked for him. It was a simple white gold ring with gold swirls.
Draco and Ginny took their respective places on either side of the podium to let Dumbledore speak, "Gentlemen and ladies with these rings that symbolize everlasting life and the power invested in me by the Ministry of Magic I declare the union of these two lovers, Seveus Safford Snape and Hermione Jane Granger legally married and prestent them to you as Mr and Mrs Severus Snape. You may now kiss the bride."
As the small crowd of close acquaintances cheered their union with tears in the eyes of those who were closer to the couple. Severus leaned in to kiss Hermione. She felt like she was drowning in his scent, a musky cologne that made her weak in the knees as he kissedher softly on the lips. Hermione had expected his lips to be rough and chapped but they were softer than her own along with his hands that weren't as touch as a man who constantly worked with potions should be. As pulled away with his hand still against her cheek, his eyes looked into her and ripped open her soul. That wasn't exactly what she expected her first kiss as someone's wife would be like. Carefully she raised her hand to his cheek and pulled him back in, he rearranged his hands so that one supported her by being on the small off her back and the other at the base of her neck, both her hands had found their way to his neck. Hungrily she licked his lips and let her tongue enter his mouth as they parted for her. For a short moment in time they were together, trusting each other to be vulnerable to one another.
Dumbledore tapped each of them on the shoulder and gestured to the waiting crowd who cheering louder than ever.
They turned around and Hermione blushed as she walked hand in hand with her husband back to the castle where their midnight party would begin.
Yea not the greatest but its what I got. I'm more than halfway done with the next chapter Sorry for the long wait guys.
As always reviews are encouraged, a special thanks to all of you who have already reviewed, you guys are the reason I keep writing!
-Jacci