AN: Thank you for all the support! It is very deeply appreciated!
The dress was so impressive nobody could utter a word. It spoke to how perfectly everything was constructed. And people said it would be difficult! Ha! Being a seamstress with magic was so easy anyone could do it!
Hermione's smile was wide as she strolled towards her future husband and those around him, feeling every bit the confident bride she'd always envisioned herself to be. Perhaps this wasn't the man she'd envisioned herself marrying, but that couldn't be helped. She was going to make him as happy as she was at that moment. Everyone deserved to be as happy as she was.
Ginevra's eyes were wide, and Draco's mouth was open. Minerva bit her lower lip as Lucius choked back something which may have been laughter. Narcissa poked him with her elbow, but kept her eyes on Hermione.
It hadn't been difficult to create the dress. She'd taken an old nightgown and transfigured it until it looked brilliant. The skirt was difficult to shape, so only half of it was in the desired mermaid cut. The part she could not shape was a long slit that went to her upper right thigh. There were only a few threads hanging from the slit, which was an improvement over what it had been that morning. At the top of the slit was something Hermione had meant to shape as a rose with several rhinestones, though the petals drooped more than she would've liked. The neckline plunged, though Hermione did not believe it to be an excessive amount. The sleeves weren't spaghetti straps, but they weren't wide either. Still, the dress was whiter than anything she had seen. That must be why the Malfoys were so impressed with it. Even they couldn't have designed something so wonderful, nor could any of their rich designer friends outdo Hermione.
If Hermione ever needed a new career, she knew where to turn.
"Hermione, your dress is uh…" Ginevra swallowed.
"Lovely," Severus cut in with a gleam in his eyes. "You look absolutely lovely."
"Thank you," Hermione beamed.
"Hermione, where did you get that dress?" Ginevra asked, so in awe her eyes remained wide.
"I found an old nightgown I haven't worn in years, so I made it white and shaped it the way I wanted," she continued. "I couldn't quite get the straps as wide as I wanted, but the sleeves don't look terrible if I do say so myself."
"It's very, uh, unique," Draco admitted, which had to be the highest praise he'd ever given a dress.
"Yes, it's quite unique for such a unique circumstance," Narcissa replied, her expression unreadable.
"Hermione, uh, do you want me to go and help you get into something more comfortable, or at least get you a coat?" Ginevra asked.
"Why? I'm comfortable in this." She shuddered from the cool of the room.
"Yes, but I think I could find something you may feel is less…"
"Beautiful," Hermione laughed. "No, I want to wear my best for my wedding. This dress makes me feel beautiful. It is beautiful."
"Okay, but your shoes," Ginevra glanced down at her friend's feet. "Don't you want something a little warmer so your feet don't freeze?"
"No, I have my white flip flops, so I'm fine," Hermione giggled. "They're the only white shoes I had, and they are so comfortable. I think they look great with my gorgeous dress."
"You look stunning," Severus' eyes were soft, and his voice gentle. "You did a wonderful job creating your own dress."
Lucius shot him a look.
"Thank you," She returned his expression.
"So long as you enjoy the dress and feel comfortable, that is all anyone can ask for on their wedding day," Narcissa replied, almost in concession.
"Indeed it is," Ginevra smiled, though it seemed forced. She must be so jealous she could hardly contain herself. If she asked nicely, Hermione would show her how to create a wedding dress like this one. It would need to be very nicely though. Creating a dress like this took time, and there were so many things to do, so many things which took time.
"So, you're uh, you're marrying Uncle Severus," Draco cut in.
"Yes," Hermione began to fidget as energy crackled throughout her body. She always knew she'd be excited on her wedding day, but nobody could've prepared her for the euphoria of the moment. Even if her parents weren't there to see her get married, someone was bound to take pictures. Then, they would see their daughter in her beautiful dress. Oh she couldn't wait to show them how beautiful she looked! They would be so proud of her dress, how she created it, and the way she accepted her fate and married such a sexy man. Yes, they'd approve of her husband, assuming he didn't snark at them too much. Severus could be a gentleman though. If she asked him nicely, he'd be good for them. She was sure of it.
"Hermione Granger? Severus Snape?" A man poked his head out of the doorway to the courtroom.
"That's us!" Hermione took Severus' hand and squeezed it.
"Indeed it is," he swallowed before lowering his head.
"Don't be so sad. You look handsome," she softened her voice.
He looked at her.
"You look as sexy as you did the other night. I like your new robes."
"You noticed they were new?"
She nodded. "They are darker, and give you a shape. I like that."
"Thank you." He had a slight blush.
She rubbed his hand with her thumb as she strolled in the courthouse with him. The Malfoys and Minerva followed without a word, rendered speechless by the joyous occasion.
"Is this the couple who is to be married?" The judge pointed to Severus and Hermione.
"Yes," Hermione's voice was louder than intended.
"Indeed we are to be wed," Severus gulped.
"And these are the witnesses?" The judge intoned.
"Yes," Lucius stepped forward. "I will be the witness for Severus Snape."
The judge turned to Hermione. "Who is your witness?"
"Ginny Malfoy, er, I guess it's still Weasley for a few more days," she answered.
"Yes, I will be the witness for the future Hermione Snape," Ginny stepped forward with her hands folded.
"Thank you for stepping in for me," Hermione whispered. "I asked Harry to be a witness, but when he heard I wasn't marrying Ron, he cut the floo connection. I got too distracted with making this dress to call him back, so I'm glad you're here."
"Yes," Ginny gave her that forced smile again. "I'm happy to help."
"I believe we can begin then." The judge left the bench and approached Severus and Hermione. "Please, clasp each other's hands."
Severus took Hermione's hands. His touch was firm, yet gentle. His skin was soft as well. For some reason, she always thought it would be more calloused from the fumes of potions and working all day. Then again, potions fumes shouldn't cause hands to get rough, right? No, they could if they were dry though. How she hated dry hands! She needed to create a lotion which worked well for her, as well as something that worked better for her hair than Slekeezy's. It took her forever to get her hair right! At least that worked well. She'd never been into fashion or hair care before, but today was inspirational and made her want to try more new things. Once her parents' memories were restored she would begin work on these projects, or she could work on them now. She had enough energy and intelligence. She could do this! If she put her mind to it, she could do anything!
"Ms. Granger?"
She startled.
"It's time for the exchange of vows," the judge continued.
"Oh right," she grinned. "Don't worry, I created my own vows."
Behind her, Draco groaned and Minerva put her face into her hands. They must be very eager to hear what she wrote. She was sure to inspire awe I them, as well as make Severus know how cared for he was.
"I promise you," she looked at Severus. "They're very beautiful. I spent all night working on them, so you'll love them."
"I suppose there's no harm in allowing you to say something," the judge mused. "Just make it quick so we can get to the proper vows, the ones the Ministry cares about."
"Okay then," she took a deep breath. "Severus Snape, I really like you. I've always really liked you some level, even when you were an arse in school. Sometimes I tried to impress you, but you were fair and honest with me. I appreciated that honesty and the fact you weren't afraid to correct me. I need that in my life. Also, I've always loved your speeches and your voice! Merlin that voice could make any woman putty in your hands. I really love hearing you speak."
Severus relaxed.
"What I love most of all is that you care about others. You saved my life on numerous occasions, and you don't always get credit for it. In fact, people don't give you the respect you deserve, which is wrong. I want to give you the respect and care you deserve though. I want to make you happy. I don't know how to do that yet, well, I kinda do, but I won't know how to make you happy in every circumstance until I live with you for longer, maybe a century or so. I want you to be happy with me. Whatever happens, I only want the best for you. We may not have married for the traditional reasons, but if I can make you happy, then I've done something good in the world."
"You've done a lot of good in the world," Severus replied in a soft voice.
"Are you happy?" She asked.
"I'm as happy as I thought I'd be on my wedding day," he admitted.
"Then I'm succeeding," her face lit up.
In the back, Narcissa chuckled.
"Anyway, that's all I had to say. I want you to be very happy with me."
"I suppose if we are exchanging vows, it is my turn," he replied.
"If you must," the judge replied, his irritation sinking through. Really rude of him to be so against these heartfelt vows, but Hermione could ignore him in favor of listening to Severus.
"Hermione, I do not always excel at expressing my emotions. A lifetime of deception has deadened certain parts of me, including the parts which control tact and openness to my own emotions. If I fall into one of my moods, please do not take it personally. If this speech falls flat, I apologize as well. Please be patient with me, for none of this is natural to me."
"Okay, but you're doing fine now." She clasped his hands tighter.
"I want what is best for you. Perhaps we do not love each other, but there is care on my end. I do care for you, and I want you to always know that. No matter what happens, never doubt that I want what is best for you. If you ever desire your freedom, I will willingly hand it over to you. Otherwise, I will never abandon you. I care for you, and will always do what is in our best interests."
"Thank you," she shifted her feet.
"That is all I have to say. No matter what happens, I am on your side. I will always care about you."
"I'm on your side too," Hermione promised. "And I care about you too."
"Wonderful, now for the proper vows," the judge cleared his throat. "Do you, Severus Tobias Snape, take Hermione Jean Granger to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," he answered in a strong voice.
"Do you promise to remain faithful to her so long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"Do you promise to keep her safe from all dangers, and support her efforts to provide for the good of your household?"
"I do."
"Do you promise to take her in sickness and health, til death do you part?"
"I do."
"And for you" he turned to Hermione, ""Do you, Hermione Jean Granger, take Severus Tobias Snape, to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," she answered as her grin grew.
"Do you promise to remain faithful to him so long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"Do you promise to keep him safe from all dangers, and support his efforts to provide for the good of your household?"
"I do."
"Do you promise to take him in sickness and health, til death do you part?"
"I do."
"Then," the judge pulled out his wand and began to intone a phrase Hermione could not translate. Yellow bands formed around her and her future husband's hands until it touched them. Then, the magic coursed through her body.
Her entire body was awash with warmth and relaxation. All that inhabited her world was Severus and the affection they had for each other. It may not be much affection, but it was there. She knew that with her whole heart, and felt it with her whole soul.
"I now present to you, Mr. And Mrs. Snape!" The judge announced.
The others in the courtroom gave their polite applause. It mattered little that most of them appeared as if they'd just watched the Hogwarts Express full of students collide into a hundred car freight train. She was euphoric, and was ready to begin her life as a married woman.
In the end, the love she and Severus were developing was the only thing that mattered.