CHAPTER TWENTY- Here Comes the Bride
After an extensive process of hair and makeup, Hermione was buttoned into her gown. "Turna 'round," said Concetta holding out a full-length mirror. Concetta wasn't wrong, she did not look like herself at all.
The first word that came to Hermione's mind was snowflake. Her heavy dress was white as snow covered with lace, pearls and diamonds. The intricate designs with all of the embellishments reminded her of how each individual snowflake was beautiful with it's own pattern.
This was not what Hermione ever wanted for her wedding but she did look beautiful. The dress was astounding and the team managed to get her hair into romantic curls down her back.
The makeup was much gentler than what Narcissa had done. Still covered in it though, she looked dreamy and glowing. "Perfetto," said a very proud Concetta. "Ah! Listen!" Concetta said.
Music began to play outside as guests began to fill the pavilion. Hermione went to the window to be sure she wasn't dreaming. A band was ushering the guests to their seats and dancing, magical fires were all around the garden to keep everyone warm.
Hermione almost collapsed with panic knowing her wedding was less than an hour away. "Leave us," Narcissa instructed all of the girls when she entered. Carrying their boxes and bags they hurried out leaving Hermione and Narcissa alone.
"I knew it was worth the money hiring Concetta. Sit down, Hermione." Narcissa said. She had never called Hermione by her name before and did not want Draco's mother to see her tremble.
"I was nervous before my wedding as well," Narcissa said clearly noticing how scared she was. Taking a key from her pocket she opened the only box left in the room. Inside of the chest were fabulous jewels.
"I trust your Muggle mother has prepared you for what will happen tonight," Narcissa asked gently putting large diamond earrings on Hermione. Too scared to speak, Hermione nodded her head as Narcissa continued to adorn her with sparkling diamonds. "Good, I won't have to explain it to you. A girl of your age should know," she said.
After she finished putting jewelry on Hermione she grabbed her veil. "If you please Draco tonight, I will arrange for you to see your parents before you go on your honeymoon," she said slipping the veil on.
The veil over her face was long with pearl embellishments giving the full illusion of a snowflake. "If you do not act joyful tonight and mirror that of a happy bride, I will see to it personally that you never see them again," Narcissa whispered.
A knock on the bedroom door dragged both women out of the uncomfortable moment. Without waiting for an answer, Professor Snape opened the door. "Everyone has arrived and Draco is heading to the alter. You must go find your seat next to Lucius," he said.
As calmly as she could, Narcissa hurried out to the wedding reception. "Ms. Granger, shall we?" Snape said offering his arm to Hermione. Reluctantly she took his arm and with each step closer to the garden her heart beat faster and faster.