AN:/ Hello! Sorry for the wait! Thank you to everyone who favourited and followed! As always, a HUGE thanks to Lena2244, Nastytashy, SpIdErbite20, LillianMarie2, CrazySlytherin, Jess6800, lunarose87, cbrendible, Smithback, purplehedgehog13 (your Bedknobs and Broomsticks comment made me laugh very hard :D ), flearambo, Arendora, girlX901, and FrancineHibiscus for reviewing, this chapter is for you. :)
Enjoy!
Chapter 12: Wedding.
Hermione removed her head from the toilet and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Harry hovered in the doorway and watched her through questioning eyes.
"Have you had sex with Snape?" He asked slowly.
"Harry, are you implying that I somehow got pregnant in less than 24 hours?" Hermione laughed, casting a breath freshening charm. "Do you have any idea how the female body works?"
"Oh," He blushed.
"I drank my body weight in alcohol. Severus' potions helped ease the sickness, but they've worn off now," She flushed the toilet and got to her feet.
She'd spent a long day at work with a glorious ache between her legs. Harry noticed the smitten look on her face the moment she returned home from the Love Chamber, but before he could ask, she raced from the living room to throw up in the toilet.
"You used protection right?"
"I'm on the pill Harry. Now, stop asking questions. I'm exhausted," She staggered over to the bed and dropped onto her stomach.
"Two letters came for you while you were at work," He pointed to her bedside table. "I think one of them is from Jenny."
Hermione sat up and took the first letter. That's definitely Jenny's handwriting. She broke the seal and read the words aloud.
"I'm staying at an old friend's house up in Warwickshire. Please do not tell Annette where I am, nor Lucius—I doubt he'd even ask where I am—However, I promise to talk to Annette when I'm ready. All is well, and I hope you keep in contact with me."
"At least she's safe," Harry sat down on the edge of her bed. "Can I read some of the book?"
"Sure. It's-" Hermione paused. "Oh bugger! I left it with Severus."
"Didn't he say you could floo into his quarters at any time?" He smirked.
"He's probably occupied right now. He didn't get much sleep last night because he was too busy looking after me...and doing other things," She giggled, and Harry cringed.
"I'm getting too many unwanted images in my head," He buried his face in his hands.
"It was amazing," She sighed blissfully. "If I weren't so tired I'd go and visit Severus."
Suddenly, a burning pain shot up her arm causing the letter to fall from her hand. Hermione cried out in agony and clutched her left arm. In her haze to reach for her sleeve, she knocked the other letter from the bedside table, and it slid down the back.
She yanked up the sleeve of her robe just in time to see her arm glowing with golden magic, then fade out to leave behind an image.
"W-What?" She panted heavily, clutching her forearm.
"What the hell is that?" Harry exclaimed, appearing at her side.
There was an illustration on her arm—like a Muggle tattoo—she rubbed it vigorously, but it wouldn't disappear. She cast detection charms, however, nothing showed up. Staring back at her was a golden lioness, her eyes were a deep brown, and a devious smile rested on her lips. The left side of the animal's face morphed into a black panther; eyes cold and dark, displaying a sly smirk.
Harry grasped her wrist to examine the mark, then looked up at her in bewilderment.
"I don't understand," Hermione shook her head and narrowed her eyes at the mark.
"Maybe it's a mate thing?" He suggested. "You should go and see Severus."
She nodded. "Do you want to come with me?" Hermione pulled down her sleeve.
"Didn't he say that I wasn't to use the floo to come into his quarters."
She smirked. "Very well. I won't be long."
Hermione made her way out of her room and flooed into Severus' quarters. She looked around the cold dungeon and saw that he wasn't in.
She pulled up her sleeve to inspect the mark. It glistened in the firelight, and she took in its beauty. I can't believe it. She wandered over to his desk and saw the book lying beneath some essays. Let's see what this says.
Markings. After consummation and soul recognition has occurred, each soulmate gains their brand. The mark reflects personalities, traits, actions, memories, all sorts of things that make up an individual. I've seen very unusual ones, while others have been plain and simple.
"That explains it," She whispered, chewing on her bottom lip. "Wait, Severus!" Hermione got to her feet. He must've experienced the surge of pain before the mark appeared. I wonder if he was with people?
She sunk back into his chair and waited. He didn't turn up for another twenty minutes. The door slammed open, and he stared at her in anger.
"Severus?" Her eyes widened, and she moved from his chair towards him.
Hermione took in the sight of him in his teaching robes and only hoped that he hadn't been surrounded by students when it happened.
"Something transpired today," She drew up her sleeve to show him. "I read the book, and it says that we will both get a mark like this-" Hermione paused when she saw the distraught look in his eyes. "Are you alright?"
He walked around her and marched over to his desk, then rolled up the sleeve covering his left arm. Hermione's eyes grew wider when she realised the Dark Mark was no longer on his forearm; a mark matching hers replaced it.
"Oh my..." She whispered, not able to imagine how he was feeling right now. "Severus, it's gone."
"Thank you for stating the obvious, Granger," There was no venom in his tone. I can't believe it disappeared. My scar! Hermione removed the glamour on her arm, but nothing appeared when she removed it. Wow...it's gone.
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Bewildered."
"Understandably," Hermione reached out to touch his arm, but he stepped back. She didn't take it as rejection and quickly smiled up at him.
"Is it a part of our bond?"
"Yes," She said, and he picked up the book and scanned his eyes across the pages. "It explains it clearly in there."
"Do every pair get a unique mark?"
"I believe so," Hermione stepped up next to him and leant into his side slightly. "It's a reflection of our personality and other things. I assume the lioness represents my Gryffindor traits and the panther reflects your days as a spy."
"Or maybe it shows that I'm sly," He returned, and she laughed at his attempt at a joke.
"How do you really feel?" She asked softly hoping for an honest answer.
"At least it has been replaced by something I'm proud to show," He whispered, and she blushed.
Hermione grabbed his right arm, pushed herself onto her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. She kept her lips close to his skin, and he moved into her touch.
"Are you tired?" He asked.
"Very," She whispered near his ear.
Snape shut the book with a firm thud and dropped it on the desk, then turned to face her.
"Have the potions worn off?" He asked, and she nodded her head. "And how are you feeling?"
"I was sick when I returned from work, but other than that I just need some sleep," Hermione tilted her head back a little to look at him. "Are you not tired?"
"I'm used to not getting much sleep, Granger," He leant down, so their lips were almost touching. "You should return."
"Mhm," She murmured with a smile.
"I had a pleasant conversation with Minerva today," His voice was laced with sarcasm.
"Really?" She chuckled. "What did you talk about?"
"You," He breathed out, his eyes searching hers.
"All good things I hope."
"She defended your honour and said I was at risk of damaging it."
"And what did you say to her?"
"That any risk of your honour becoming damaged was destroyed early this morning when she was screaming in my bed, and begging me to go faster-"
Hermione inhaled sharply and placed her hands on her burning cheeks.
"And she reacted the same way as you, but she was more mortified."
"You're going to kill that woman if you keep embarrassing her like that," She smiled sheepishly.
Snape reached out and hooked his arm around her waist, pulling her front against his. He lowered his lips to hers in a toe-curling kiss.
It was different to the other kisses they'd shared. Hermione felt at peace with herself, even though the hunger and desire were still there, it's like her soul has accepted that her needs were going to be satisfied without hesitation by the perfect person.
Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck, and he deepened the kiss by pushing his tongue into her mouth, flicking hers gently. She moved her hands to his face, and lovingly stroked his cheekbones with her thumbs.
When their lips parted, she felt a warm feeling surround her heart, and it urged her to have more of him. Her eyes glazed over with lust and his dark ones pierced her soul.
"You should return," He repeated his words from before, and she nodded her head but didn't move away. I feel craved in his arms.
"I'll see you on Friday," She whispered and traced the lines near his eyes with her fingertips.
"Do you not listen to anything I say? Draco is getting married," He said huskily.
"That late in the evening?" She countered.
He nodded. "I'll be there on Saturday."
"Good," She smirked and stepped out of his arms. "I'll see you then."
With a final look over her shoulder, she flooed back home.
Crap, I forgot about Draco.
...
Hermione sat at the root of a tree, plucking strands of grass. She heard the comings and goings of people who resided in Hogwarts, but Snape wasn't one of them.
Friday had come around quickly, giving her little time to formulate a plan. She'd managed to transfigure one of her summer dresses into appropriate attire for a wedding and was using an old shawl to warm her shoulders.
Her eyes landed on her mark, and a radiant smile grew on her face. This past week consisted of giddy smiles and hearty laughs; Harry was growing bored of it, but her colleagues liked this new side of her.
I haven't seen Severus since Monday. I've caught up on my sleep now, so I'm ready for some action. They no longer shared dreams since their souls officially bonded, so her need for him was getting stronger with each passing day.
Two ideas were vocal in her mind: wait for Snape to exit and try to argue with him to take her, or latch onto him just before he disapparate's to the wedding venue. The latter was winning.
There was no way she could convince Snape to take her. He was as stubborn as she, and he probably wouldn't apparate until she left. On the other hand, latching onto him meant she was at risk of getting splinched, but she planned to hug his waist, so she didn't throw him off balance.
I'm officially a wedding crasher. It was a last minute decision. Harry didn't know what day Draco was getting married on, so she decided to go ahead and do something for her best friend. There is no way I'm letting Draco destroy Harry again.
Now that she knew what it was like to be with your soulmate, she couldn't allow Harry to lose out on such an experience. Even if it is Draco that can make him feel good.
Hermione hadn't told Harry where she was going this evening and asked him to go ahead to the whorehouse to check on Annette. I wonder how she's dealing with everything?
I hope she's OK.
Hermione heard the gates open, so she quickly used the disillusionment charm on herself and walked over to the iron gate. Severus and Lucius stepped out talking heatedly between one another. It was evident that Malfoy didn't wish to go and watch as his son ruined the rest of his life.
"Why aren't you bringing someone with you?" Lucius asked. "Draco said you were allowed a plus one. I believe he was hinting at Miss Granger."
"She's unable to attend tonight," He muttered through gritted teeth.
Liar. Hermione smirked.
"Do you not think it's odd that a girl like her spends most of her weekend at a brothel?" She rolled her eyes and stepped closer to them. Snape twitched then glanced over his shoulder and looked through her.
There is no way he can see me.
She stood still and contained her sigh of relief when his eyes moved away.
"If that is where she wishes to spend her time, then so be it," He grumbled. "Now let's go."
Hermione moved behind Snape and held her breath. She waited until he straightened his back and broadened his shoulders, then wrapped her arms around him just as he disapparated from Hogwarts.
He tensed immediately.
Their feet hit solid ground, and before she could blink, he whirled around to grab her arms tightly.
"Hello," She beamed up at him, anticipating the horrified look on his face.
"What the fuck are you doing here!?" He yelled, shaking her slightly. "You could've been splinched! Of all the stupid things you've done Granger-"
"Can you yell at me later," She chirped pulling away from him, and when he tried to grab her again, she stepped further back. "I've got something I need to do."
"Granger!" He charged forward, and Hermione chose the childish option of running away knowing well enough that he wouldn't chase her.
Hermione ran inside the Victorian Manor and hurried up the stairs. She heard the distant shout of Snape trying to get her to come back. He's going to scream at me later on.
She strolled past many doors and finally reached one that was open a fraction. It creaked when she nudged it wide, and her eyes landed on Draco who was standing in front of a full-length mirror. His eyes locked with hers.
"Hi," She whispered, shutting the door behind her.
Draco turned slowly, and she hesitated at the pale look on his face. He looks ill.
"Are you feeling alright?" She asked.
"Is he here?"
Hermione shook her head. "He doesn't know that you're getting married today."
"Oh," His eyes fell to the floor. "It's not like I want him here."
She sighed. "Why is it so hard for you to admit that you like Harry?"
"Why are you here?" He retorted. "I thought you'd be angrier after what I said."
"Draco," Hermione sat down on the arm of the sofa. "Your comment about Severus and Lily made me experience what Harry's been going through for two years. One day was too much, and I don't think I could handle feeling that way for so long."
"He could just move on."
"Severus and I slept together-"
"I don't want to know that!" He belched turning away from her.
"Let me finish!" She scolded. "I've only ever been with one person before him, and it was the worst experience of my life. However, the night I spent with Severus was beyond perfect. It put all those romantic tales to shame. Don't you realise that you'll never experience genuine passion, and love unless you're with him?"
His eyes landed on her left forearm. "What is that?"
"My Soul Mark," She smiled. "Isn't it beautiful? Severus has one too; it appeared after our souls officially connected."
"A lioness and a...panther?" He raised a curious brow.
"I reckon yours would be a lion and a snake."
He winced and turned to look at himself in the mirror. "Granger, I am getting married in less than ten minutes."
"I know," She stepped up behind him and admired his fancy robes.
"I'm doing this for my mother," Draco's blond hair fell in front of his face.
"I know," Hermione repeated.
"I have to move on and make her proud," He pulled on the seam of his silk robe and looked at her with glistening eyes.
"Have you heard of Paulo Coelho?" Draco shook his head. "He once said that 'Love is an untamed force. When we try to control it, it destroys us. When we try to imprison it, it enslaves us. When we try to understand it, it leaves us feeling lost and confused.' Sound familiar?"
He turned around to look down at her. She watched him open his mouth to say something, but somebody knocking on the door stopped him.
"I'm getting married," Draco grunted, then walked over to the door and greeted his mother, leaving Hermione behind in the old fashioned room.
I thought he would—was this a bad idea?
Hermione stalked out of the room and followed the wave of noise. It led her outside into a beautiful garden where a decorative arch was set up. Draco was standing beneath it waiting for his bride to walk down the petal aisle.
People moved to sit down just as the music started playing. A hand grabbed her wrist, and she was yanked down into an empty seat. Snape lowered his face close to hers. Crap.
"You and I will be having serious words after this," He growled menacingly. "It appears you haven't matured since your school days otherwise you'd know the serious risks of surprising someone while they're apparating."
Hermione couldn't stop the tears from filling her eyes. She wasn't upset because he was angry - he has every right to be—she just couldn't stand that Harry was going to miserable again; I just managed to get him back on track.
Snape visibly recoiled from the sight of her tears. His demeanour faltered then he swallowed hard. She noticed that his hand was shaking a little when he wiped her sudden tears away.
"Why did you do it?" He leant down, so his mouth was by her ear.
"I tried to talk him out of it," She whispered back. "For a second, I thought he wasn't going to go through with it. I was wrong."
Snape cupped her cheek and kissed her forehead. They both turned to see Draco's bride approaching. Her gown looked to be of the finest white lace; her blonde hair gathered on top of her head in an array of curls. Hermione envied her thin face and her bright blue eyes, Merlin she's beautiful.
Hermione smiled sadly as she passed, and Snape grabbed her hand. They watched Draco greet her under the arch, and the Minister stood between them. There's nothing I can do. Hermione looked over at Lucius who was sitting in the front row, knuckles white from the tight grip he had on his cane. I actually feel sorry for the sod.
The evening chill settled on the venue and Hermione nuzzled herself into Snape's side. She didn't know if he opposed to public displays of affection, but he wasn't showing any opposition to it at the moment.
It came time for Draco to say his vows. The Minister made them hold hands, then read the text aloud and awaited him to recite it back. Draco's eyes lowered to their joined hands, and Snape's grip tightened around hers.
Please don't do this...
Snape was tense beneath her touch, and she didn't know whether he wanted her to stop touching him, but she needed the comfort he brought her.
Draco's eyes found hers, and his lips thinned. Don't do it. He glanced back at his fiancée, then back at her. Hermione shook her head slowly, and he let go of his bride's hands. The sudden movement made everyone still, and Snape's grip eased.
"My boy?" The Minister frowned.
"I can't do this," He whispered, then looked over at his mother. "I'm sorry," Draco took off down the aisle and disappeared inside the manor. Hermione watched him go with a subtle smile on her face.
"Don't look so smug about it," Snape whispered, his voice velvety in her ear causing a shiver to shoot down her spine.
There was an uproar, and Narcissa rushed inside after her son. Hermione saw the relief on Lucius' face, and he casually strolled over to them.
"I'm glad you managed to talk him out of it," The blond said to Snape.
"You should be thanking Miss Granger," He returned, and Lucius narrowed his eyes at her.
"What did you say to my son?" His lip curled up in malice, and Hermione got to her feet, so she wasn't pinned down by his gaze.
"Does it matter?" She tightened her shawl around her shoulders, and Snape's hand rested on her back as he stood behind her. "I managed to stop him from going through with it."
"I hope that this doesn't have anything to do with that ridiculous book Madam Annette bestowed upon me?"
She nodded. "I'm afraid it does. You should start broadening your horizon on who you perceive as good enough for you Mr Malfoy. It seems that you've lost out on your one shot of happiness."
"Please do not belittle me, Miss Granger. I have no time to involve myself with mudbloods and whores," Snape laced his arm around her waist just as she lunged towards him. Lucius went on his way, chuckling to himself.
"I wasn't going to hurt him," She grumbled turning around to face Snape.
"Sure," He urged her forward and inside the manor.
Hermione heard the shouts of Narcissa claiming that Draco apparated somewhere, and she wanted people to go and find him. I bet I know where he's gone.
Harry's in for a surprise.
AN/: Part 2 will be up either tomorrow or Sunday! It will be a very juicy chapter...also, Hermione will discover what's in that second letter!
