Chapter 8 - A Long Engagement

Chapter 8 – A Long Engagement

In all the romance novels Hermione had read, the time leading up to the wedding day would fly by. It would have flown by had Hermione and Severus been madly in love. As it was, they were not madly in love; it was usually mere tolerance. The time leading up to their wedding proved to be the longest three weeks either of them ever remembered.

It was towards the end of the first week that Hermione discovered her main passion, reading mountains of books, was not acceptable for a well-bred young lady. To Hermione, books were both of a form of relaxation and education. She also found reading a great way to pass time. While wandering around her father's library, she found a book on magic during the Regency period. Being a curious person, she started reading. She usually read in the privacy of her bedroom at night; but had become so engrossed in the text that she had pocketed the book on her way to one of the numerous fittings for her wedding dress. While the seamstress was pinning the hem, Hermione took the book out and started to read. Narcissa came into the room, took one look at her daughter reading and admonished, "What do you think you are doing? Stop, before you give people the wrong impression! You are a lady!" Hermione was not able to do more than gape at her mother before the book was plucked from her hands. Holding the book between her thumb and forefinger, Narcissa placed the book in her reticule.

"Mother? Why did you do that? I was reading that book. There is nobody in here." Hermione was utterly flabbergasted. The book didn't really contain any real information, it mostly told the gentle reader how to recognize a dangerous witch or wizard, but she had found it highly entertaining.

"It would be one thing if you were reading something appropriate for a lady of your station. Something like poetry or a light novel would be fine. That, however, is highly inappropriate. What will people think! Besides, you will ruin your eyesight poring over books. You do not want to ruin your posture, do you? Now, stand up straight and let us not hear another word about it. I think a new pair of dancing slippers will help you forget all about that dry pile of papers. That's my darling girl." And with that, Narcissa went back to looking at the various silks the dressmaker had for her wedding dress.

"She did not even return my book once we returned home. In fact, she won't even let me read anything that she hasn't approved first," she snapped later that evening. She was relating the event to Severus but was becoming rather peevish as he continued to sit in silence.

"Well, what did you expect? It was just a useless book." Hermione's head whipped around when he said that. She had always believed him to be a great lover of books and knowledge. "Hermione, just because it is a book does not mean that it is of great import. Honestly, you act as if every dusty tome is full of a mountain of knowledge." Severus really did love books, but he couldn't help teasing her. Besides, he thought she looked very much like a cute, aqua gowned owl at the moment. He wondered if her eyes could get any larger. I wonder how she would react if I offered her a treat, he thought. He never thought he would receive such enjoyment from taunting and provoking anyone.

"Fine! I can see that you don't care how my day went, how did your day go, dear?" she asked sarcastically.

"Humph. How can you expect me to fall in love with you if you are so sarcastic? You should try to be, at least, a little nicer. Even I am not as acidic as you are." Hermione was sure her jaw hit the floor. He continued, "My day was absolutely horrific. My week was worse. My Mother has decided that I need a new suit of clothes for the wedding, get a new hair cut and spend some 'quality' time with her and Harry. By the way, I discovered that Minerva calls Harry her 'Little Hedgehog' because of his hair when he was a child. She also has this foolish idea in her head that we should travel after we are married. She has been busy gathering a list of places I might want to take you. That reminds me, here is the list of people she is inviting to the wedding."

Hermione was still giggling as Severus looked around for his coat. Not seeing it, he shrugged and sank further back into his chair. He felt a crinkle in his pocket, reached in with his hand, and withdrew a crumpled piece of paper. He handed the paper to Hermione and enjoyed watching her eyebrows disappear into her bangs.

"Two hundred people? Is this just your side of the family, or does it include friends?"

"Just my side of the family from what I understand." He had been just as appalled when he had first seen the list. He was a very private person and had hoped that she would be able to stop Minerva from inviting the majority of these people. Her next words caused him to groan in dismay.

"Well, that about matches Narcissa's guest list. Mother will be very happy."

"I am going to call it an evening. I have developed a horrendous headache. Harry wanted to go to some club but he will have to torture somebody else tonight." Severus got up and walked into the hall. Hermione followed and waited while the butler retrieved his hat and coat.

He turned around and saw her gazing at him. "Erm, well. Tell Lucius I will see him tomorrow. Good night." Not knowing what else to do and not liking the feeling of being unsure, he reached out and patted her awkwardly on the top of her head, and stepped out the door.

Hermione, stunned and feeling equally awkward, stuck out her tongue as the door closed. She then whirled around, stormed up to her room, and did not reappear until the next morning. She would never admit to hoping that he would kiss her.

Despite their awkward moments, Hermione and Severus continued to spend their free evenings together. Interestingly enough, they started to miss each other if business or wedding plans kept them apart for more than a couple of days. Of course, they would rather have helped Albus make taffy than admit this. Hermione was starting to feel comfortable in her surroundings and even enjoyed spending time with her new family. She felt ready to face any new challenges on their journey to freedom.

It was during the following weekend that Hermione vowed to enter therapy as soon as she got back to Hogwarts. Late one night, she was sitting in the parlor reading an approved book before bedtime. Draco, kissed her forehead, patted the top of her head and said, "Good night, Hermne. Don't wait up for me." And he headed out to his club. After a briskly rubbing her forehead with her handkerchief, she decided to go upstairs to bed as she was tired.

Going past Lucius and Narcissa's bedroom doors, she heard, "OH, GOD! LUCIUS! DON'T STOP!" She immediately clapped her hands over her ears and ran for her bedroom. The words of her mother echoed in her mind, The marriage bed is not all as bad as they say. When she tried to tell Severus what had happened the next evening, he started laughing so hard that she got very angry and stormed out of the room, vowing that she would never talk to him again.

Severus endured the silence treatment for exactly three days. On the third day, he dressed with care and went to visit the Malfoys. Lucius had told him that they would be home for the evening. Narcissa was doing needlework, and Lucius sat next to her reading his book. Draco and Hermione were playing a game of chess, Hermione was very happy to see that it was the Muggle version. Paul, the butler, stepped into the room and announced Lord Snape.

"Lucius, Lady Narcissa. Good evening. I was wondering if I might have a moment with Hermione." Severus hoped she had forgiven him for laughing at her. He really needed to talk to her.

Hermione was just getting up to plead a headache when she heard Narcissa say, "She would be delighted to. Draco, please escort your sister and Severus to the blue parlor. And stay with them," she added.

Not one to disobey, Draco went with them to the parlor. However, as soon as they entered, he turned to Severus and said, "Look, say what you want. I need my beauty sleep. I am starting to get shadows under my eyes. I can't let my little sister start looking better than I, can I? If you need me to restrain her, I will be lying on the divan over in the far corner." With that, he turned and proceeded to lie down, ignoring the daggers that shot from Hermione's eyes. "By the way, Hermne, you might want to stop grinding your teeth. You are a little young for false teeth."

"He is such a conceited bore," she muttered under her breath. "What do you want, Severus? To laugh at me some more?"

"No, I just needed a quiet place to rest." He threw himself down in the nearest chair. He really didn't want to argue with her. All he wanted was a brandy, relaxing company and sleep. Or maybe, brandy and relaxing company to sleep with. Severus choked that thought off before it went much further. He blamed it on his nerve-wracking day.

He had woken up and gone to his club with Harry. It was becoming a routine with him. Unfortunately, he was starting to become used to spending a lot of time with Harry. He vowed that as soon as he got back to Hogwarts, he would lock himself inside his quarters for an entire month. That way, he would stand less of a chance of running into Harry, Ron and Remus.

Today, he had received a letter while at the club. It was his mistress, begging him to come see her at teatime. Well, no time like the present to get rid of the frump, he thought. So at teatime, he arrived at the address that was included. It was an attractive brownstone in a respectable neighborhood. He was ushered into an overheated and over stuffed room. It was a clean room but cluttered with fragile knick-knacks. He gingerly settled himself on the edge of a fluffy chair.

"Oh! Severus! I am so glad you agreed to come. It has been so long." Without looking up, he knew just to whom that whispery voice belonged.

"Sibyll. Yes, I am glad you sent for me..." was as far as he got. He was prepared for a frumpy, brightly colored, untidy mess. What he actually saw brought him to a crashing halt. Standing before him was a tall, willowy blonde. She was dressed in a lightweight, sky blue silk gown. Her ample bosom was almost spilling out of the tight bodice. Her golden hair was gathered into a loose knot at the top of her head and her blue eyes gazed dreamily at him. Hmmm, he thought, I might have to rethink this mistress thing.

"Yes, darling. I was consulting my star chart, and it foretold of a life-altering event for me. It also told me that you would be creating a union of some sort?" she lilted as she drifted closer to Severus. He stood in mute fascination as she wound her arms around him and reached up to lightly kiss him on the lips.

At the touch of her lips, he started and swiftly drew back. As much as this creature fascinated him, the reference to a star chart reminded him that this was Trelawney. The last thing he wanted was an involvement with her. What happened if somehow this Trelawney and the Trelawney from Hogwarts shared memories? The thought made him grimace. Best to keep things professional; but how to do that with one's mistress?

"Yes, well, the union you are referring to is going to be between myself and Hermione Malfoy," he bluntly said.

"Humph, I can see why you came to me. Why go to that broomstick when you could have all of this," Sibyll said, as she ran her hands up her sides and cupped her generous breasts.

Severus swallowed hard and continued, "That is another thing. I have decided that I will not be seeing you anymore." Do I really want to do this? He idly wondered as he watched her hands continue to massage her breasts. He could see her nipples start to pucker through the thin fabric.

She looked at him in disbelief. "What did you say? What do you mean? After the last couple of years we have shared? You aren't going to just leave me, are you?" She was not going to give him up easily. "I have been available to you at any time for the past three years. I think I am worth much more than a mere brush off."

Severus had investigated his relationship with Lady Trelawney earlier in the week. Heck, he had done some checking as soon as he had found out that she was his mistress. He had been very generous over the years he had been with her. "I will turn the deed to the house over to you. It appears you have earned it," he sneered. "I will pay your bills up to this day and no more."

"But, Severus, I care for you. More than you know. I... I... I love you." She started to cry softly, a few delicate tears formed in her eyes. She had been picturing herself as the new Duchess of Walforth for the past year. Somehow, her calculations and charts had gone horribly wrong.

Severus handed her his handkerchief and strode to the door. "I doubt that very much. Good day, madam," he said as he walked out of the door. He always felt uncomfortable around women who cried. Had he looked back, he would have felt extremely uncomfortable for an entirely different reason. Sibyll had pulled a corner of the parlor curtain aside, and her eyes glittered like twin chips of blue ice as she watched him climb into the carriage.

"I seem to be plagued by women who want to marry me," he said as he finished his story. "First, you and now, Sibyll. Who next? Ginny?"

Hermione shook her head sympathetically. It was hard to get angry with someone so deluded. Of course, she did live with Draco, but he suffered more from self-love than delusion. "Have some tea, Severus. I am sure it isn't as bad as you make it out to be. Come, play chess with Draco. I can't manage another game," she said as she poured him a cup.

Finally, the week before the wedding rolled around. Hermione started thinking that they just might survive being married to each other. By now, she had become used to spending the evening with him, either at her house or being escorted by him to one of the various social functions around town. Narcissa, determined to have the wedding of the season, continued with her wedding plans.

Hermione was more than happy to leave the planning to her mother as she was then free to spend time with Severus. They discussed what might be happening at Hogwarts during their absence, if there was a duplicate of them running around there. Occasionally, they tried to think of ways to help themselves fall in love with each other. It was a purely academic discussion as neither Hermione nor Severus had ever been in love. Hermione did not count Victor as it was a very short-lived romance, and the fiasco with Ron was more infatuation due to surging teenage hormones than anything else. Severus did not count Sibyll, as he was not very sure of their relationship prior to his arrival, and his previous encounters with females were either platonic friendships or stress relief.

Out of idle curiosity, Hermione decided to question Draco for a man's point of view. "Draco," she started, "what would you do to make someone fall in love with you?"

Draco, looking up from his paper, answered, "What do you mean? What makes you think I would have to do anything?"

"Oh, say you liked a girl, but she didn't necessarily like you?"

"What?"

"You know, what would you do to make somebody notice you and find you attractive?" Hermione was starting to get very annoyed.

"Hermione, I can hear you. I just don't understand what you are asking. I mean, look at me. What makes you think a woman wouldn't like me or fall in love me? Why would I have to do something?" Draco was starting to think his cute twin sister wasn't as smart as he once thought she was.

"Draco, not everyone loves you on sight."

Draco frowned at her. "Yes, they do."

"Oh, I give up!" she said, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "Fine then, what would a girl have to do in order for you to fall in love with her?"

Draco's brow smoothed out, finally, a topic he could relate to. "All the women I find interesting are beautiful. They have to possess a good disposition, not be vain or selfish, and of the right class."

"What?" Hermione shrieked. "How can my twin brother be such a big snob?"

"What? Do you know how tiresome it is to have to cheer a girl up who is always sad? How irksome it is to have to play to a woman's vanity? How annoying it is to have someone on your arm that detracts from your entrance? Besides, it is our place to make advantageous alliances, in order to increase our land holdings, wealth and social position. Sometimes, Hermne, I just do not understand you." Draco got up and folded his paper. He decided he would get more peace at his club. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head and continued into the hall.

Hermione was too stunned to do anything else but stare blankly after him. A small part of her was afraid that he might be speaking for most men. Merlin, she hoped not. Severus did not act like her brother at all and that alone gave her some hope. If she was truly honest with herself, but she was still struggling to deny this, a part of her liked seeing him in black pants and white shirt with a dark colored vest. The way the wind tugged at his tied back hair reminded her of the pirate gentlemen in her romance novels. But, she squelched those thoughts before they were able to do more than pop their heads up. She refused to fall in love with him before he fell in love with her.

Interestingly enough, Severus was having a similar conversation at his own house. However, he was talking with his brother, Harry. Luckily, for Hermione, Harry was more considerate than her narcissistic brother.

"Harry, I know there is nothing wrong with me, so why isn't she in love with me yet?" Severus asked idly. As it was still early in the day, both men were sprawled in chairs in the parlor. They had been out late the night before and had engagements later that evening.

"What makes you think she doesn't already love you?" asked Harry. He could see this conversation becoming very entertaining.

"She has not professed her love. She isn't always underfoot. She doesn't try to anticipate what I want or need. She doesn't hang on every word..." He trailed off as Harry started laughing.

"Sev, old boy! Do you honestly expect her to do that? Any woman to do that?" Harry asked as he wiped tears from his eyes.

Severus scowled at his brother. "Every woman that has had a crush or interest in me has always gone out of her way to be agreeable. They stare at me like addled cattle and bat their eyelashes. They think that every word I utter is law. Why should she be any different?"

"Would you honestly be happy with a wife that behaved like that? Hermione is pleasant to look at, can carry on a conversation beyond clothing styles and does not expect to have a man wait on her hand and foot. Besides, you are not the most handsome gentleman." Harry, himself, had considered paying court to her if his brother had not beaten him to it. Who knows, if things don't work out with Severus, he thought, I might marry her.

"Hmmm, you have a point. I do have the tall, dark and brooding look down, though. But, I still need her to fall in love with me; you saw that ridiculous contract her father had me sign."

"If I remember correctly, you have to fall in love with her too. Are you telling me you love her?" Harry was surprised at this.

"Don't be ridiculous," Severus snorted. "When I know that she loves me, I will attempt to love her. If she proves to be a good wife, I will let myself love her." He glared at Harry when he started laughing again.

"Sev, you can't make yourself fall in love. Where did you get an idea like that?" Harry couldn't keep from chuckling every few seconds. This was just too funny. "A good piece of advice, do NOT tell Hermione that she has to fall in love with you. Maybe you should talk to mother." However, if he does, I just hope that I am there to see it, he grinned to himself.

"Maybe he should talk to me about what?" Minerva asked as she came into the parlor. She was glad to see her sons getting along again. The past week Severus had acted very peculiarly around his brother, almost as if he did not like him.

"Oh, he wants to know how to make Hermione fall in love with him. I am going out to the club for a while. I will be back later, mother." Harry knew when to beat a hasty retreat. As much as he would have enjoyed staying around for this discussion, the looks he was receiving from his beloved older brother were threatening enough.

Severus glared at his brother as he strolled through the door. He did not want to know how to make Hermione fall in love with him. However, he was trapped now and the last thing he wanted right now was a lecture on love from Minerva McGonagall.

"Oh, how wonderful! I am so glad you are going to try to make this a love match, dear. I was afraid you would let it be just an arranged marriage. Let me see, to make that lovely young woman fall in love with you..." Minerva paused to think. She so wanted to see him happy. She also wanted to be a grandmother by this time next year.

"First of all, dear, there are always the small gifts that you can bestow on her. Small tokens, such as flowers, jewelry and trinkets are good presents. Second, talk to her and with her about a variety of subjects. Find out what her interests are; show her you care. Third, spend time with her; let her know that she is the most important person in your life." Minerva warmed to her subject. She started thinking back to her late husband and their courtship. She stopped, however, when she heard a strangled gasp.

"Mother, please, I can not take this discussion. I DO NOT need to know how to make her fall in love with me. The actual conversation I was having with Harry was WHY she was not in love with me yet." Severus was desperately wishing he had never brought up this topic. He did not think he could take much more of these talks.

"You were what?" she asked. "If that is the way you see it, then I can be of no help. I hope she owns a strong cast iron skillet." Minerva got up and started towards the door.

"What do you mean? Why wouldn't she or at least the kitchen have one? I assume she won't need one for cooking my meals. That is what the staff is for." Severus was starting to get very annoyed. Why couldn't people just leave him alone and stop telling him that he had to get her to fall in love with him.

Minerva whirled on him. "I hope she has a skillet so that she can beat some sense into you." She then stalked out the door. She needed to dress and go visit Narcissa; they had some plotting to do.

Severus rubbed his eyes and sank back into his chair. He had a musical to attend this evening with Hermione and his headache guaranteed that it would not be a fun night.

The week of the wedding saw a very nervous Hermione. She was starting to worry that they would never fall in love with each other. They had not kissed or even held hands yet. She decided that this was the week that she would introduce Severus to romance, or at least a little lust. If it did not work out, then she prayed he would agree to a Memory Charm when they finally returned to Hogwarts.

"Good afternoon, Severus," she said as she came into the entryway. They were on their way to a picnic with Harry, Ron, Draco, Ginny, and a few other young people. Hermione took extra care getting ready. She chose a soft pink muslin gown. It had a low, scooped neck and a darker pink ribbon just under the bosom emphasized her breasts. She had even stooped to dampening her skirt, just enough so that it hugged her curves and emphasized her legs. She prayed fervently that her parents did not see her like this.

"Yes, Harry and Ron are already there. They wanted to see if the Lovegood twins were going to be at the picnic. I do not think they are the same Lovegoods we know..." Severus felt his mouth dry out as he looked at Hermione. The sun was behind her and turned her dress semi-transparent. He could see the outline of her slender legs and hips. He quickly averted his eyes and prayed he did not run into her parents. He did not want them to see her dressed like that and make her change.

"Yes, that is good. Do you think I need a heavier wrap than this silk shawl?" she asked, oblivious to the fact that Severus was staring at her.

He blinked quickly. "No, you are fine. Shall we go? The carriage is waiting."

He handed her up and then got in himself. He was more than shocked to feel the soft material of her glove slide into his hand. Looking down, he saw her smiling shyly up at him. He nodded softly and Hermione grinned to herself, glad he was being agreeable, so far.

The ride was short, and once they reached the picnic site, they were joined by Ginny and Draco. "Hermione! I am so glad you came. Your Grace," Ginny bobbed a greeting to Severus and linked arms with Hermione.

"Ginny. Did you come alone, or did Ron bring you?" Hermione did not see Ron or Harry.

"Actually, Draco brought me. Ron and Harry are around someplace, but they were more interested in Laura and Luna Lovegood," she said with a grimace.

Hermione looked at Severus in surprise. He in turn raised an eyebrow. He was curious as to just how many people they were going to run into on this adventure. He and Draco fell into step behind the girls as they strolled around the picnic area.

"So tell me, Hermione, are all of the wedding details finalized? Narcissa came to see mother yesterday. She wanted to see if our peaches were ripe, something about a punch?" Ginny's mother had one of the most noted gardens and was frequently asked to supply fruit for special occasions.

"Yes. She has never been happier. I do believe she has planned most of the wedding. But I really don't mind; she has such a good eye for detail," Hermione explained. She really was glad that Narcissa did most of the work on the wedding details. She, herself, was not good at planning such a big event and it had even made Hermione feel closer to Narcissa.

"Good. We will all be there for the wedding breakfast. I am just not sure why you want to have such an early wedding. Sunrise is really early, ten would be more acceptable," Ginny said. She was not a very good morning person.

"That is what we wanted, Miss Weasley," Severus said quietly. He may not be having a wizard wedding, but he wanted to pick one of the most magical times, midnight was not acceptable, and there was no full moon anyway. Hermione also wanted to observe some of the magical traditions; both had agreed not to tell anyone why.

"Don't worry, Ginny. Mother was not happy about it either. Nevertheless, in the end, she let me have my way. It was the only thing I was adamant about." By this time, they had found Harry and Ron.

"No luck, Harry?" Severus smirked. He did not see the twins anywhere.

"They were going to attend but came down with colds. Rotten luck, heh?" Ron said.

"Well, you boys can all discuss it as you fetch our plates," Hermione said. "Come on, Ginny. There are a couple of blankets under that big tree."

Severus grinned as he came back carrying two plates of food. Hermione was seated on a blanket barely big enough for two people. It looked like close quarters, and he intended to take full advantage of it. He had become quite warm following Hermione around. He could see the gentle swell of her bottom as she walked, and though her dress was drying, it was still a very lightweight fabric and could not block the suns rays.

He was also amused to see Ginny holding court on an equally small blanket next to them. Draco was bringing a plate to her and did not seem in the least surprised that she was saving him a spot. Harry and Ron sat on the grass between the two blankets.

"Here you are, Hermione. I got a sample of everything for you," he said as he handed her a heaping plate.

"I hope you don't think I can eat all of that," she said.

"Then you can feed me what you don't like," he said. She looked up at him to see if he was making fun of her. When she saw him gazing at her with calm black eyes, she blushed and looked back at her plate.

She was sitting with her legs tucked slightly under, so he settled down beside her. He lay down in such a way that he ended up leaning against her curled legs, with his head near her knees.

"I say, Severus, that does look comfortable," said Draco, as he copied the position next to Ginny. Both girls looked at each other, blushed, and then grinned.

"Ugh! Come on, Harry, there are a couple of single ladies on the other side," Ron said as he got up to refill his plate. Harry waved and followed Ron across the grass.

The rest of the picnic also went smoothly. The girls finished eating and rested. Then after a short stroll around the park, they decided to head home. Draco offered to take Ginny home, which she readily agreed to.

Severus helped Hermione up into his carriage for the ride home. He was pleased that she had placed her hand in his once again. This time, without the glove on. When they pulled up in front of her house, he escorted her to the door. Since they were in front of the public street, he lifted her hand and brushed her knuckles with his lips. The feel of his lips, velvet soft, caused Hermione's knees to shake slightly, and she closed her eyes. She opened them again when she heard his voice next to her ear saying, "I'll see you later this evening," and felt his lips again as they brushed her temple.

She could only nod wordlessly as she went into the house. Maybe there was hope after all, she thought.

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Author's Notes: Many thanks to my readers! Tinnidawg, you are awesome! Hope you all enjoy this chapter. I am truly honored to have my story included in the featured section!