Welcome back - thank you for the reviews and favourites. Please enjoy the next chapter. The song is Kate Bush "Hounds of Love" and is worth a listen. It's quite apt for this chapter.

Hermione sat on her bed staring at the dress before her. It was a brilliant white with lace detailing all the way up to the neck. The arms were laced all the way down to where a small loop would be placed around the middle finger on both hands in order to keep the sleeves in place. Mrs Weasley had done well to tailor a dress to her shape and in a short space of time.

She sighed and looked at Crookshanks who was busy grooming his ginger fur.

"Well, this is the last night Crooks. From tomorrow we will be in Professor Snape's quarters or perpetual doom as I would call it," She said as her cat looked at her in mid lick.

She knew that Ginny had planned almost everything and she was grateful for that but it saddened her as she felt like she was saying goodbye to the life she knew and loved. It was meant to be a happy day but Hermione could only see misery and it was made worse as he hadn't said anything to her since he shouted at her a few nights ago.

She picked up her photo of her parents and tears began to form as she thought of what they would have done to remedy the situation. Crookshanks instinctively snuggled up next to her and began purring deeply.

"At least I have you Crooks," she said and sniffed back her tears.

XxX

"So, shall we have a celebratory drink?" Enquired Remus when he saw Severus in his Potions room.

"No. There is nothing to celebrate,"

"You are marrying Hermione tomorrow. No more bachelor life for you!" Remus replied jovially slapping Severus on the shoulder which he instantly regretted as two black eyes pierced his soul.

"Lupin. Your upbeat attitude is quite sickening. Kindly put a stopper in it," the old wizard replied through gritted teeth.

The werewolf cleared his throat and put his hands in his pockets. "Hmm. Married life might be the making of you. Hermione is a lovely woman with a cracking smile,"

Severus became increasingly irritated by Lupin and the final straw had been broken. He immediately stood up and withdrew his wand. "Lupin, get out of my room and do not say one more word. I'm getting married tomorrow and I do not need reminding. Now please leave and don't let it hit you on the arse on the way out!"

Remus put both hands up and hastily left the Potions room. Severus fell back into his chair and put his head in his hands. It soon dawned on him that he hadn't apologised to his fiancé after losing his temper with her only a few days ago. His eyes focused on he clock, ten past ten at night.

Far too late to remedy things, he thought shaking his head. He would have to leave things till tomorrow night.

Severus quickly made his way to his living quarters and almost tripped up on his black teaching robe causing a small tear.

"Bollocks!" He said out loud causing a few disgruntled looks from the paintings in earshot. Once he was in his room he bundled up the robe and left it in the 'rag bag' for Dobby who would find good use for it.

The wizard pulls out his suit for the impending arranged marriage. Black frock coat, black trousers, black dragon scale boots, and a crisp burgundy shirt which was a change from his usual white shirt. He pulled out a black silk cape with delicate embroidery and a drAgon headed cane which was a gift from Lucius Malfoy.

He stood back and looked at everything. He was pleased with his official outfit and deep down he also hoped that his future wife would appreciate it too. Tiredness began to catch up with him as he yawned and looked at his bed which was neatly made by Dobby.

Severus got undressed and slipped under the covers for what would be his last night of sleeping alone. Tomorrow night he would have a female in the same bed who he would have to be intimate with. He shuddered at the thought of attempting to form a relationship when in the past he had got his satisfaction from a half hour session in a whorehouse.

The wizard closed his eyes and gradually drifted off to sleep.

XxX

Hermione was still in her nightdress when Ginny burst into her room.

"Happy wedding day!" She said and hugged her best friend who remained motionless.

"No Ginny. It's not happy at all. From one 'o' clock today I will be Mrs Snape and I will have no happiness in my life ever again,"

Upon seeing her friend look a combination of pissed off and sad, she put her hand on her shoulder. "I'm just trying to lift your spirits. Ron is coming later and Harry should be here soon as he is giving you away," her voice trailed off as she watched a solitary tear drip onto Hermione's lap.

Hermione wiped her eyes and stood up. She took a deep breath and gathered what was left of her sanity before heading to the bathroom. She smiled at Ginny to reassure her and disappeared behind the door.

Before climbing in, she cast a hair removal spell over her legs but hesitated at her intimate area which had been left to grow at its own free will.

Whip it off or leave some? Bugger it! He has to sleep with me regardless.

She opted to tidy it up so it looked as presentable as it could be. As the water fell on her she began to think about the night that was ahead of her. Sleeping with a man nearly twenty years older than her made her understandably anxious but she was curious too. Yes, she had the occasional teenage love but that was all. It never went further than awkward kissing and cuddling.

She was always aware of her needs as she grew older. There were those times during the month where she would of loved to have been with a proper man who could satisfy her urges but she got used to ignoring them with studying or school work.

Sighing deeply again she continued her morning routine as she heard Ginny tune in her old Muggle radio. Kate Bush became audible through the door - "the hounds of love are hunting,"

XxX

The clock chimed at twelve-thirty and was standing in the Great Hall with Lucius Malfoy at his side. Teachers and students were gathering in order to witness this event and it made Severus unusually anxious.

Lucius leaned closer to Severus while keeping both hands on his cane and whispered in his ear. "Well Severus, at least your guaranteed a good shag tonight! Your bloody fortunate, I'm lucky if I get it once a damn month!"

Severus gripped his cane more forcefully in order to prevent him from snapping the blonde wizard's neck. They had been 'friends' for years but Severus saw him as more of an undesirable acquaintance that he kept at arms distance. Lucius had knowledge of the underworld that was of value to him.

"I'd rather not think about it Lucius. It's not going to be the highlight of my evening," he whispered back still staring at the lectern in front of him.

"Oh for goodness sake man! Have those whores taught you nothing over the years! Get the wench back to your room and get her over that desk. Before you know it she will be squealing and you will be in ecstasy. Virgins are deliciously tight," the blonde wizard continued in his lecherous whisper.

The mention of the whores brought back many unsavoury memories for Severus. It was easy for him to pay the money and get his needs fulfilled without the commitment. Over the years he did develop a working relationship with some but he didn't learn anything from it. It was more of a case of jump on jump off. He didn't know how to love and was embarrassed by that, especially at his age.

His attention became drawn to his mother and yet again he remembered her protesting when his father forced himself on her. He shuddered and took in a deep breath.

"Professor Severus Tobias Snape? You are to be married to Miss Hermione Jean Granger?" Came the squeaky voice of the registrar holding a piece of parchment. Severus nodded in agreement and proceeded to sign the document.

"Marvellous. Now it is customary for the bride to be late so judging by that we probably have a few minutes to spare," said the registrar as he rolled up the parchment. Severus remained expressionless which made the small official laugh nervously before taking his place at the lectern.

XxX

"Bloody hell Hermione '," said Harry taking in the beautiful sight that was before him. His best friend was dressed in an elegant white silk and her hair was pinned up showing off the lace detailing that encased her long neck.

"Please Harry, can we just go and get this over with?"

Harry nodded his head and held out his arm which she took. They made their way down to the Great Hall with Ginny following behind.

They approached the door and Ginny adjusted her veil and dress. Harry and Ginny hugged Hermione to give her one last vote of reassurance. The door slowly opened, revealing a hall full of students and teachers. Severus stood at the front while Lucius turned to stare at Hermione before whispering something to Severus.

Music began to play as she walked up to the lectern. Before she knew it, Harry had shaken Severus's hand and took his seat. Ginny remained at her side waiting on the bouquet of cream roses to be handed to her when the binding was to begin.

As the registrar started his ceremony Severus and Hermione looked at each other. He could just about make out her face as her veil was still over it. He noticed how she kept looking at the ground and when their eyes met she looked away. Severus knew she didn't want to be going through this and neither did he.

"At last we come to the binding. Will you take each other's hands," grinned the registrar as he gestured to the unhappy couple.

Severus reached out and took both her hands. He saw how delicate they were when his were locked with hers. He added some pressure to which she returned.

"By the power invested in me from The Ministry Of Magic, I now bind you together into a long, happy, and fulfilling marriage. May you love each other from now until the end," he said in a holy fashion. As he said the words he waved his wand and glowing yellow ribbon began to wrap around their entwined arms before disappearing into tiny sparks.

The registrar grinned while everyone else remained silent. Severus noticed a tear fall from her eye and that she was blinking severely to hold back what he thought would be a flood.

"You may kiss your bride,"

They released their hands and Severus felt a nudge from Lucius. He took a deep breath and lifted the veil to reveal a very beautiful Hermione and she certainly took his breath away. He gently placed the veil behind her head and looked at her doe like eyes watching his.

Slowly he took her hands and leaned in placing a kiss on her delicate mouth. He felt her respond with her own mouth that ignited a long lost spark within him.

Hermione felt him pull away from her while cheers erupted from the hall, encouraged by Albus Dumbledore who looked like he had already had one too many Fire Whiskeys. She was surprised at how gentle he was and thought it was his own way of apologising for the shouting session he gave her a few days go.

Dumbledore placed his wand to his throat and his voice boomed over the spectators. "The celebration can begin,"

He clapped his hands and tables of food magically appeared adorned with cream rose centrepieces. Hermione looked at Severus who gave a very small smile before walking her back down the aisle.

XxX

The afternoon quickly ran into early evening and Severus was nursing a whiskey and a full stomach. He watched as Hermione acted happy and spoke to well wishers. Out of the shadows Lucius appeared wiping traces of lipstick off his neck. Severus notes that he smelt strongly of perfume.

"I will not require three guesses as to where you have been,"

Lucius ran a hand through his blonde mane and had a glint in his eye. "Sev! Come on! All these stunning young witches gagging for it. How could one resist! There's a stunning brunette who has the most fantastic breasts!," He said gesturing the shape of the woman.

"Oh do spare the details. Ido not need to hear of your latest conquest," Severus replied through gritted teeth.

"Remus! You have been quiet all day. Tell me, are you still itching incessantly?" Enquired Lucius as Lupin walked past him. The werewolf looked to the floor and scuttled off not wanting to cause a fuss.

The band began to play and the announcement came over asking for the new couple to take to the floor. Severus necked back his whiskey and went over to Hermione. He took her hand and led her to the floor.

A traditional waltz was played on violins as the couple swept around the floor. Hermione relaxed in his arms slightly as her mind took her elsewhere. She remembered the radio from earlier on.

"Now hounds of love are hunting

I've always been a coward

And I don't know what's good for me"

Clapping could be heard as the couple finished in the middle of the floor. For a split second Severus forgot himself and held her for a bit longer. He looked at her and whispered in her ear.

"We have to go now. It's time for...you know,"

Her expression was one of loss but she squeezed his hand.

As they made their exit, Hermione caught sight of Ginny who gave her a thumbs up to which she smiled back. The clock chimed eight pm and the two of them made their way in silence to his room.

"Oh here I go

Don't let me go

Hold me down

It's coming for me through the trees

Help me darling

Help me please

Take my shoes off

And throw them in the lake

And I'll be

Two steps on the water"