Chapter 9 - Here Comes the Bride

Chapter 9 – Here Comes The Bride

Severus sat in Lucius's library, deep in thought. He could still smell the warm sweetness of Hermione's skin when he had briefly kissed her. He knew that he was not in love with her, but there was something about her that made his pulse race. He did admit, only to himself, that he was getting used to the idea of marrying her. He was sure that, with time, they would be able to live together, somewhat peacefully. He just hoped that it was close enough to 'love' for them to be able to return to Hogwarts.

He was startled out of his private thoughts when Lucius entered the room. "Ah, it is almost time, Severus. I am very happy that you are marrying my little girl. No matter what happens, just remember, she is my baby. If any harm comes to her, I will be very displeased."

"Really, Lucius! She is not all that helpless. I will make sure she is as happy as she can be married to me."

"Good, I'm glad that has been settled. Welcome to the family, son!" said Lucius, chuckling as he embraced a very stiff Severus.

Severus could not have been more shocked had Lucius danced a jig in front of him naked. Why do things like this always happen to me? he grumbled to himself. First, I get involved with the Death Eaters, then I get suckered into teaching for Albus, next I get the Golden Trio for my students, after that, I end up in this lovey-dovey mess with Hermione, and now, I am being hugged by my lunatic of a best friend.

Meanwhile, upstairs in her bedroom, Hermione was pacing back and forth nervously. She was excited and very apprehensive at the thought of becoming the new Lady Snape. She looked in the mirror and did not recognize the woman staring back at her. She had to admit, Narcissa had done a marvelous job picking out the perfect gown. It was a beautiful ivory silk gown with little cap sleeves. Seed pearls lined the neck and sleeves. The gauzy overskirt reminded Hermione of wispy clouds. The same seed pearls were used to trim the scalloped edge of the overskirt. She had an ivory ribbon threaded through the lace of the bodice and under her breasts. A matching ribbon was threaded through her short curls.

"Mother, I think I am going to be sick! I can't do this!" Hermione could hear the panic creeping into her voice but could do nothing to stop it.

"Oh! My poor darling! You will be just fine. Every girl is scared on her wedding day. Whatever you do, if you think you are going to be sick, please try to miss the dress."

"No. Not that, I mean everything afterwards! I don't love him. How can I be expected to have a baby with him? See him every morning over the teapot?"

"But, Hermione, darling, you don't have to love him right away. It could happen after you get married. He is so caring and considerate, I am sure that in no time, you will be madly in love with him." Narcissa tried to soothe her daughter's frayed nerves. "Besides, I am sure you will enjoy the wedding night, and after that, everything else will look much better."

Hermione rolled her eyes and smiled weakly. And maybe I will become the next Potions mistress, she thought wryly.

Sometimes, Narcissa got the feeling that her daughter did not pay any attention to what she was saying. She was starting to get concerned, as Hermione did not look very well at the moment. They were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Ginny poked her head around the door and smiled at her best friend.

"You look beautiful, Hermione. He can't help but fall in love with you now."

"Thank you, Ginny," Hermione said as she picked up her little nosegay of pink and white roses.

"Of course, any girl would die to be in your shoes," she continued. "You get to marry an actual duke; there aren't that many our age, you know. Then add in the fact that he is richer than Midas! He is also so tall, dark, and mysterious. I can't tell you how many of my friends just adore that..."

"Ginny, enough! Please. Have you looked at him? A title isn't everything you know."

Ginny's brow wrinkled. "Well, I know he isn't as handsome as your brother, but there is something about him that is most attractive."

Hermione rolled her eyes and turned towards the mirror again. She had just looked into the mirror when the door opened again. Her father walked into the room and stood behind her. She smiled softly and watched Ginny slip silently out of the door.

Lucius looked at his little girl. He couldn't believe that she about to take her wedding vows. He had been very serious when he had spoken to Severus earlier. "Hermione, poppet, if ever you are not happy, just say the word, and I promise that by the next day, you will be," he promised.

"Thank you, but I am sure things will be fine," she said with a watery smile.

"Hermione, your father is right. If you are not happy, we are here for you. Just remember that every marriage has its ups and downs," Narcissa said, as she pressed a kiss to her daughter's head. She arranged the veil over Hermione's curls and left the room.

"Yes, don't move back too soon. I still have to get Draco married. Come, Severus is waiting for you," said Lucius, as he placed his daughter's hand on his arm.

They walked down the stairs and into Narcissa's parlor garden. It was a small, private wedding ceremony with just immediate family and close friends. Lady Minerva was seated on a small sofa with Uncle Albus. Harry stood next to the groom. Hermione let her eyes dance over to the other side of the room, as she was not ready to look at her soon to be husband. She saw Narcissa seated next to Draco and an empty chair. Behind them sat Molly, Arthur and Ron. Ginny stood up in front.

Lucius led her slowly up the short aisle and stopped next to Severus. Her breath caught as she took her first glance at him. He had on black trousers and boots. He wore a fine white linen shirt tied with a white cravat and a very dark blue waistcoat and black coat. His hair was neatly tied-back with a dark blue ribbon that matched his waistcoat. She shyly looked into his eyes, afraid that she would see boredom or even scorn. She was very surprised to see calm dark eyes staring back at her with just a trace of humor. Relieved, she gave him a small grin. Together they turned, and the ceremony started.

Later, she could not remember every detail of the ceremony. What she did remember was bits and pieces. She knew she had said, 'I do,' and felt a thrill at hearing his deeper response. She remembered that part because the priest had used the word 'obey.' It was only the slight tightening of Severus's grip on her hand that made her answer. She also remembered the feel of cool metal slipping onto her finger during the exchange of rings. And, of course, there had been the kiss. Ever since she was a little girl, she had dreamed of her wedding. The kiss, she had always pictured as soft, light, with just a hint of passion; it would definitely send a frisson of electric current down her spine. She had read romances; she knew what she wanted! But this, this was definitely not a dream. She did not feel soft, except for the softness of the skin of his lips. She felt the light brush of his lips and swore that she saw stars dancing behind her closed eyes. There was no light touch of passion. It was more of a spontaneous surge of passion through her body. The electric current she felt raced down her spine and speared her fingers and toes. She felt chills break out upon her skin.

She opened her eyes to see a small smirk on her groom's face, probably at her dazed expression. He himself was amazed at what he had felt when he'd kissed her. He was prepared to feel nothing except the weight of responsibility when he spoke his vows. He had grudgingly admitted that he might have felt a little tingle of warmth when he had kissed her. He was unprepared for the lurch his heart gave as he touched her soft, warm lips. He was unprepared for the strong desire to both possess and protect her. He could tell the kiss had affected her also. He fought for control so that when she looked at him, all she saw was his calm and slightly amused expression.

No sooner had the kiss ended than the family descended on them. They were kissed and congratulated by everyone. Finally, Severus growled into Hermione's ear, "If I get hugged by one more person, I will spend the rest of the day in the study." Hermione quickly started moving him towards the ballroom. She did not want to face all of the people by herself.

Hermione and Severus may have had their way on the ceremony being only family. Narcissa, however, had invited the rest of society to their wedding breakfast. Hermione could not believe all 400 of the wedding guests were in attendance. There were rows of tables lined against the walls with every type of fruit and vegetable and meat imaginable. Since the buffet tables took up most of the ballroom, more tables had been set up in the garden and the dining room for guests as they wandered through the house and around the grounds.

Severus took one look at the cramped rooms, groaned, and whispered to Hermione, "I don't suppose I could plead a headache and go to our rooms instead?"

Hermione mutely shook her head. "Mother would hunt you down, and you would lose your title of 'nice boy.'"

"Fine, you have half an hour, and then I will leave whether it is acceptable or not. Do not, I repeat, do not let anyone else touch me. I detest crowds. Now, you owe me another favor for being nice," he snapped.

"What happened to my 'loving' husband? And wouldn't it be nicer, if you had said you were doing this to prove your love for me?" she hissed back.

He fumed as he started wading through the crowd. He made a beeline for the food, stopping only to greet those people that he could not avoid.

"Sev! I just can't believe that you actually went through with it!" Harry said as he stepped right in front of his brother. Ron and Remus thumped Severus on the back and added their best wishes.

"Yes, do tell, Severus. What did you do to make her go through with the wedding?" Remus asked.

"I do believe that I won the bet. Pay up!" Ron chimed in.

Severus looked at the three in irritation. "You actually placed bets on whether I would marry?"

"No, dear brother, we placed bets on whether Hermione would actually marry you."

Severus glared at them and shouldered his way past. He ignored their laughing and grinning. He grabbed a plate and piled it with fresh fruit, toast and sausages. He had just made it to the door and was planning to sneak upstairs when he saw Lucius looking at him.

Sighing, he turned around and went to join his friend. "I know old friend, it seems like the day will last forever. Don't worry; I know Hermione will not last much longer, and then you two can say your goodbyes." True to his word, Hermione came storming up to them thirty minutes later.

"Oh, glad you were able to find something to eat, dear. I need to get out of here."

"You know, poppet, it would sound more like an endearment if you weren't glaring at him." Lucius chuckled softly.

"Father, please, I just want a quiet place to think. I would also like something to eat."

"Your mother has a tray for you in your room. Once you have had a quick bite, she will help you change before you leave for your little honeymoon." Lucius kissed her on the cheek as she hugged him. Turning towards Severus, he said, "By the time you get changed, the carriage will be waiting at the door."

Half an hour later, the newlyweds were in an open carriage heading for the country. Severus had promised her they would take a real honeymoon once the Season was over. With Parliament starting soon, he couldn't afford to be gone long. For now, they were going to spend a couple of weeks at his country manor.

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Author's Notes: A million thanks to my beta, Tinnidawg! To my readers, I am glad you are enjoying the story. Chapter 10 is in the works!