Thirteen

Hermione felt as though she had aged ten years within three days. The night before, she had held Snape while he confided what had happened to his father's shop and how he felt about it. After that, they went to his parents and apprised them of the situation. His father had been devastated, she was sure, but he tried his best to not show it. His mother was a different story all together. She began to cry and fuss over Snape as though he were three years old. Hermione had a hard time reconciling this emotional woman to the cool goddess she had met the week before.

In the end, plans had been made by Tetricus to have the shop repaired and replenished while Snape honeymooned. Tetricus also offered to set the flat that Snape had bought to rights so that the newlyweds could come home to a comfortable home, but Snape and Hermione had both declined.

After that, they had stopped by Hermione's parent's house and sorted that mess out. Hermione naturally apologized for not writing sooner, and her parents both apologized for having overreacted. Her mother even went so far as to kiss Snape's cheek, and her father shook his hand.

After that, both Hermione and Snape had felt rejuvenated, especially since Mrs. Granger had fed them a wonderful meal, and they ended up being able to sort most of their flat that night. Hermione, unfortunately soon realized that they had been foolish to buy a bed, but no linens. They had no towels for the shower, either, and by that time, it had been far too late to do anything about it. She had transfigured her robe into a bottom sheet, and Snape turned his into a blanket.

They slept in their underwear for the first few hours, but then Snape had accosted her and kissed his way down her body, removing her bra and panties as he did so. The memory of what he had done after that with his mouth and fingers was such that Hermione found herself gasping for breath as her hand moved up to her chest.

"Did I pull too hard, love?" the witch behind her asked.

"No, you're fine," Hermione said with a smile. If the friend of Madam Malkin knew what thoughts were currently running through her head, Hermione was sure that she would leave.

She was in a small room in a wizard temple with Madam Ezmerelda Albert, the friend of Madam Malkin. She had been more than happy to do both Hermione's and Ginny's hair for the wedding and like Madam Malkin, had not charged extra for the short notice.

"You're a bit nervous, I'd expect, marrying an ex-Death Eater and all," the old witch, Madam Albert, said.

"He's saved my life more times than you can imagine," Hermione said sternly. "He's also saved Harry Potter's life. The Wizarding World owes Severus Snape a great debt, Madam Albert, though few people know it. Rest assured, he is a wonderful, honorable man, and I am lucky to have been paired with him."

Hermione looked in the mirror and saw that the woman was regarding her with a bit of shrewdness mixed with slight surprise.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said. "I've had a rough couple of days."

"That's all right, love," the old witch clucked, arranging roses in Hermione's hair, now twisted like a crown on top of her head with just a few tendrils of curls falling down from it.

"You do look lovely, though," Madam Albert said kindly.

Hermione blushed, remembering how Snape had told her the same thing after he kissed his way back up her trembling body the night before. They had then talked for a long time about the wedding, and what it would entail. Snape explained that Wizard weddings were far more spiritually binding than Muggle weddings, and that the promises made were like a Wizard's Agreement, they were expected to be upheld. Even so, Hermione still had little idea about what was expected of her, other than to say "I do" at the correct moment.

"There you are, have a look at yourself."

Hermione stood and took in the full effect of herself in a wedding dress. She gasped.

"Wow, Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed, walking into the room. "You look fantastic."

Hermione turned and saw that Ginny looked rather fabulous herself, and told her so. "Harry won't know what to think."

Ginny shrugged. "I've almost given up on him," she admitted. "He's really brilliant when it comes to defeating Dark Lords, but when it comes to love, he's an imbecile."

Hermione could sympathize. Ron was the same way in their sixth year, and looking back, she was glad that they were both so awkward and unable to fully express their feelings. Ron made a much better friend than lover, she was sure.

"Are you scared?" Ginny asked.

"Just a little. I wish it was all over with, and that Severus and I were on our honeymoon."

Ginny laughed. "Off to Iceland to find rare potion ingredients."

Hermione shrugged. "It's not all that bad, you know. Finding someone who actually shares your interests is...sexy."

Ginny wrinkled her nose. She looked as though she were about to comment when the door opened, and Thalia walked in, looking just as imposing as her brother. In her arms, she held a silver-wrapped package.

"Hello, Hermione," she said with a smile.

"Hello, Thalia. Meet my friend Ginny-she's standing up with me today."

Thalia held out her hand. "I was told that a Weasley would be in the ceremony. Nice to meet you."

Ginny nodded, her eyes narrowed. Hermione knew that the Weasleys weren't very well liked among most Pureblood families, but Thalia's comment was not snide.

"How long do we have?" Hermione asked. She had taken off her watch as it clashed with her gown.

"About ten minutes. Here, this is a gift for you. For tonight."

Hermione took the package from Thalia and sat down at the only table in the room.

"No one has given me anything for my trousseau," Hermione said with an odd feeling in her stomach. This was really happening...

Inside the box, underneath about a pound of tissue paper, was a silvery, silky nightgown with soft embroidery around the neck and hemlines. A deep slit went up one side, and the thin straps crossed in the back. Hermione gulped audibly.

"It's gorgeous," Ginny breathed.

"I can't tell you how bloody odd it was to buy a negligee that my brother will enjoy," Thalia quipped, changing the mood of the room immediately. "God, I feel downright filthy."

Hermione managed to give a small laugh and put the nightgown back into the box where it was out of sight and shrank it so that it would fit in her pocket, and then hugged Thalia closely.

"Thank you," she whispered, giving her cheek a kiss.

"If he ever tries to be a bastard to you-and he will-don't you let him get away with it. Punch him if you have to. Or better yet, put on that negligee and settle down with a good book and ignore him completely."

Hermione laughed again. "Don't worry, I won't give him even an inch."

"Good," Thalia answered. "That's the way with men, Hermione. Keep them guessing, always on their toes. If he seems to be settling in, rearrange the furniture. If he doesn't like it, then make it worse. Keep him fighting with you."

Hermione could tell that she was joking, but she could also tell that there was sound advice hidden in her sister-in-law's words.

"I promise I will."

"Good. Because it's time now. Where are your orange blossoms?"

Hermione leaned over and lifted her small bouquet of fragrant flowers, believed to bring a new bride fertility. She smirked, knowing what Severus would think of such a silly superstition.

"Let's go, then."

The temple was shaped like a circle, and all of the spectators-friend and relatives-stood against the walls, all in their best dress robes. Thalia entered first and took her place next to her husband with the rest of Snape's immediate family. Ginny entered next, walking up to the altar to stand next to the priestess who would perform the ceremony. On the other side of the priestess stood Remus Lupin, a shocking choice for best man, Hermione thought. Next to Remus stood Snape, dressed in dark green velvet robes. They were just as nondescript as his every day black robes, but for a beautiful silver clasp at the neck.

Hermione stood and looked at the room for a long moment, wanting to remember every part of it for later. She then stepped into the room, and the circle of people completed itself, everyone joining hands as Hermione walked towards the altar.

Once there, she knelt and acknowledged the power of the priestess to bind two human lives together. As she stood, Snape came forward and took her hand, and Hermione felt an odd twinge in the magic around her. She knew what it was: Snape took her hand with intent, and she accepted his intent. They would be bound together all their lives and, some believed, all eternity thereafter.

The priestess began to speak, but Hermione barely registered what she said, she was far too intent on the hand holding hers and the way it felt. Looking into Snape's eyes, Hermione saw the great power he possessed and she shivered.

"I do bind myself to this woman," Snape said.

Hermione looked back at the priestess, realizing that she would be addressed next.

"And woman, what is your pledge?"

"I do bind myself to this man," Hermione answered, taking Snape's other hand and looking into his eyes again.

The magic around them stirred once more, and like with the Wizard's Agreement when Snape bought the flat, there was a brief flash of light and a slight ripple in the atmosphere. Hermione had to will herself to stay standing as the magnitude of her pledge swept over her. They were bound. Only the Ministry could break their bond, and even then only after a Wizengamot.

As if sensing her inner thoughts, Snape pulled her to him and placed one hand on her cheek. "It is done now," he said.

Hermione smiled weakly. "Good."

"You look as though you're about to be sick."

"I'm not, I promise."

He pulled a simple gold ring from his pocket and placed it on her finger. "I use this ring to seal my promise."

Hermione pulled a similar ring from her pocket and repeated his actions. Then the priestess closed the ceremony and blessed the new couple. Still feeling overwhelmed, Hermione practically collapsed against her husband, resting her cheek against the softness of his robe.

"You're not going to throw up on me, are you?"

Hermione laughed. "I'm not going to be sick, you great gawp!" She looked up at him and gave him a very large smile. "I'm just fine."

To her surprise, he looked down at her and the corners of his mouth lifted ever so slightly. He fingered her hair gently and then, slowly, he lowered his head and kissed her softly on the lips. She held onto him even tighter, and the crowd began to surround them, offering congratulations and asking about when the feast would begin.

"Hermione, Professor, over here!" Colin Creevy called out, holding his camera up to his eye.

Hermione and Snape both dutifully turned and stood still while Colin insisted on capturing the moment.

"Did you have to invite him?" Snape whispered in Hermione's ear.

"He was part of Dumbledore's Army. You don't just throw away people like that. Besides, he's all right once you get to know him."

Snape snorted in response.

"Do we really have to attend the feast?"

"It's part of the ceremony," he answered. "I know it probably doesn't seem like much, but breaking bread over our pledge will fortify our bond."

Hermione nodded. "That doesn't mean we can't skip out whenever we want, though, right?"

He gave her a peculiar stare, but agreed with a slight nod.

"Let the bride and groom pass," Iona Snape called, motioning that the happy crowd should part. "They should go out first."

Hermoine and Snape linked arms and began to walk towards the exit of the temple. From there, the entire group would go back to Snape's family house where the feast was prepared. Naturally, however, the Weasley twins would not allow Hermione's wedding to end so serenely, and as the couple exited the building, a great fireworks display exploded in the sky. It was not quite as magnificent as it could have been, as it was the middle of the day, but the noise was deafening.

"Confounded! Fred! George! If those things start chasing us around, I'll have your heads!" Snape yelled.

His outburst was only met by the laughter of the boys in question, however, and Hermione stood close to her husband, watching the colorful explosions with a smile on her face.

"Good luck, Hermoine," Fred said, rubbing her arms as he came up behind her.

"Yeah, good luck," George echoed. "You'll need it."

Hermione raised her eyebrow at them. "Don't think that I can't still bring you both down," she threatened.

"You never have," Fred commented with a laugh, before Apparating away.

"Never will," George said, Apparating as well.

Hermione sighed. "They'll never grow up."

Snape only grinned at her in response.

The rest of the afternoon practically flew by for Hermione. She had forgotten how full the guest list was, especially since there were so many people from Hogwarts who came-teachers and students and ghosts alike. There were also people from Snape's family's acquaintance in attendance-proud wizards and witches who said very little other than the obligatory congratulations. Their gifts, however, were of money rather than the small trinkets and books that Hermione's friends gave, and Snape mentioned later that the money would be of great help, especially now that his future seemed to be so uncertain.

After what seemed like only a few hours at the feast, Snape drew Hermione aside and showed her his timepiece. "We must leave soon, dearest. The hour is growing late, and I wish to arrive in Iceland before too long."

Hermione couldn't believe her eyes. Had they really been feasting for over five hours?

"Hermione! One more picture!" Ron called. "Come on!"

Hermione looked up at Snape. "All right. One more picture, and then we'll leave."

He nodded. "And you thought that you would have to drag me away."

She laughed at him. "No wonder you gave me that look! Come on, you need to be in the picture, too."

He protested only a little, but he relented in the end, sitting between Ginny and Hermione, Harry and Ron standing behind them, Fleur and Bill holding each other tightly, and Fred and George kneeling in the front. After that, it was a quick farewell as Snape lifted Hermione into his arms and Apparated them away to Iceland.

Snape had procured a cabin for them, small, but cozy, made with warm wood and decorated with strong, masculine wooden furniture. Hermione spent the first fifteen minutes simply exploring while Snape lit the fire and watched her. She could feel his eyes on her, but it did not make her uncomfortable. She opened every cupboard and door and familiarized herself with her surroundings, calling out any little amenities that she found in her search.

"Oh, look! They've got tea and scones stocked in here!" and "This bathtub is huge!" and "My goodness, there are a lot of blankets-oh! There's a bottle of champagne next to the bed!" and "Our luggage is here! Jolly good!"

When at last she made her way back to Snape, he was leaning against the dining table, his arms crossed over his chest, an odd smirk on his face.

"Happy? Does it suit you?"

"Very much," she breathed, wrapping her arms around his torso. "It's beautiful."

He stroked her back, moving his fingers to her bare neck where he began to tease her sensitive skin. "Good. I thought it looked beautiful, but one never knows where a woman's fancy will stray."

Hermione felt her body responding in an odd way to Snape's touch. She knew that they would consummate their vows shortly, she could feel it in his touch. It was as though he were speaking through his fingers.

"My fancy will never stray," she promised.

He moved his hand to her head so she would tilt it back, and lowered his lips to hers. Again, the intent in his actions was such that it almost overwhelmed her. She could feel his power all around her, as though his aura was cloaking her somehow. She wondered if he felt her the same way, and asked him.

"Yes," he murmured, his lips against her neck. "I feel you acutely."

"Will it always be like this?"

He pulled away from her and took both her hands in his. "I honestly don't know."

She nodded, then leaned up and kissed him again. "Wait here for me, okay?"

"Where would I go?" he smirked.

Hermione shook her head and dragged one of her bags into the bathroom with her and closed the door. She then took the box containing her new negligee out of her robe and began to undress after restoring the negligee to its normal size. Once naked, she began an assault on her hair, undoing the spells that Madam Albert had used to keep it in place, setting each rosebud down on the sink in front of her. Once her hair was down, she gave it a few swipes with her brush, but she was very careful as to not disturb the potion that was keeping it smooth and silky.

When that was done, she lifted the nightgown over her head and felt slightly scandalized at how revealing so much fabric could be. Still, it wasn't as though he hadn't seen any of it before, and she pulled on her dressing gown before exiting the bathroom.

Snape was sitting on a bench at the foot of the bed, his head resting in his hands. Hermione walked up to him quietly and waited as he lifted his head to look at her. He smiled and drew her between his knees, his hands possessively set on her waist. He was also clad in a dressing gown, but Hermione had a feeling that he wore nothing underneath. She could feel her body flushing at that thought.

He stood and her breath caught in her throat. She felt once again that she would faint, but his strong arms were around her, keeping her upright. His mouth claimed hers once again, and she answered him eagerly, her arms snaking around his neck as her breath continued to go shallow.

She felt pressure on her arms, and she lowered them as his hands pushed her dressing gown away, revealing her negligee to his gaze. He stood back from her for a long moment, simply drinking her in, as though he were memorizing the moment. She smiled nervously, and he pulled her close once more.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered against her hair, smoothing his hands over it. "So beautiful..."

His lips found hers once more, and this time he began to direct her towards the bed, maneuvering her so that she was laying atop it. He joined her, sliding into place by her side, his fingers brushing lightly over her stomach, up to her breasts, over her collar bone, and back down, over her hip, circling her knee, and then pulling her against him strongly, his mouth kissing, nibbling, and licking its way over her exposed skin.

Hermione gasped when he took one of her nipples into his mouth through the silky fabric of her nightgown. His hand was working its way up her thigh, and she parted her knees instinctively for him, urging him on with words until his mouth closed over her, silencing her as his hand moved between her legs and began to stroke her clitoris, his fingers teasing her opening, but not quite entering.

Hermione attempted to tease him in the same way, but he would not let her.

"My time will come," he promised, his teeth grazing against her shoulder.

Her only answer was a shaky sigh as one of his fingers finally entered her, sliding in and out slowly. A second finger was added, and she once again felt the slightly uncomfortable stretching of tissue. She couldn't exactly say that it hurt, for it felt too good to call it painful, but it was a sensation she was not accustomed to, and it made her slightly frightened as well, for after holding his length in her hand, she was sure that he was much larger than even three of his fingers. She wondered how he would fit inside of her. She also wondered if he was frightened about it as well.

"You're so tight," he whispered. "So very tight."

Hermione licked her lips and lifted her hips against his hand. He felt so damn GOOD!

"I'm sorry," she managed to mumble.

"Oh no, my dearest," he chuckled, "this is a good thing."

She turned and looked at him, her hands reaching for him, feeling dazed. "Severus...take me...please..."

He licked her lips before driving his tongue into her mouth, but his hand stayed where it was. She cried out and arched her back as his ministrations became more intense, and she knew that she would feel the same release he had brought her to those times before.

"Do you wish me to stop?"

"No! Oh god, Severus...I just want you..."

He smirked at her and moved so that he was lying between her legs. Hermione knew what would happen and she whimpered in anticipation, moaning deeply as his mouth clamped down on her clitoris, his fingers still pumping in and out of her. The sensation was intense as her pleasure built, and she found it impossible to stay still. Thankfully, he did not seem to mind, he simply moved with her. When at last she felt as though she could not take any more, she felt a familiar twinge, and then the explosion of sensation as she climaxed, shouting out her pleasure loudly.

Feathery kisses rained down on her, over her thighs, her twitching clitoris, her stomach, her breasts, her neck, all the way up to her lips as he slid her negligee over her head. She felt his fingers continue to tease her, causing her to groan in agony as he prolonged her orgasm. Then, she felt him push against her and she looked down to see that he was poised at her entrance, his erection looking even larger than she remembered it.

Looking at his face, she noticed that he was smirking at her, but not unkindly. He looked almost triumphant.

"Relax," he commanded. "I'll try not to hurt you."

She nodded, and he moved closer to her, thrusting in at the same time. Hermione couldn't help herself, a shriek escaped her lips. Snape grunted. She whimpered.

"Relax for me," he groaned out as though he were the one in pain.

"It hurts," she whispered, a few tears trickling down her cheeks and into her hair.

As quickly as the pain began, it stopped, leaving a dull throb in its wake. Hermione also felt conspicuously empty. She looked up at Snape apologetically. "I'm so sorry..."

He shook his head. "My fault. I thought I had prepared you well enough."

Hermione gulped. Was this it? Had she ruined it? She looked up at Snape, tears still in her eyes, but he did not look angry. Instead, he kissed her tears away and held her close.

"Do you still feel me?" he whispered. "Do you feel me like you could before?"

Hermione concentrated. "Yes." His aura was becoming overpowering again.

"Feel me," he whispered, his hands caressing her body. "Feel me around you." His lips were wet as they nipped at her cheeks and neck. "Feel how much I want you, Hermione."

Hermione took a deep breath and relaxed against the mattress. She could actually feel his concern for her, not disappointment at all. She looked up at his eyes and pulled him to her. Once again, she felt him at her entrance. She was sore, but determined that they would consummate their marriage. He entered her slowly, and though she couldn't say that it felt as wonderful as his fingers had, she couldn't say that it hurt, either.

His large hands moved over her body again, caressing, loving, massaging until she gradually grew accustomed to his size.

"That's right," he murmured, pulling her head back so that he could lick and kiss her neck. "Yes, Hermione..."

Slowly, he began to move, setting a tempo that her body quickly accepted, and she relaxed even more as the feeling became familiar to her. Familiar soon turned to pleasurable, and she was once again moving beneath him, thrusting her hips up to meet his movements. Her nails scratched at his shoulders, her feet caressed his thighs, and her lips locked onto his as he continued to ride her, his pace quickening with every thrust. Hermione barely registered her own moans as his were louder and deeper, and every word that sprang from his mouth was scandalous and exhilarating, words that would make her blush under normal circumstances. In bed, however, they drove her wild, and she wondered just how far she could go when she felt his fingers against her once more, stroking and caressing her clitoris in time with his movements.

She came first, screaming in ecstasy, and he followed closely behind her, his hot breath on her ear as he groaned her name and a few well-meaning epithets as he did so. He thrust until he could no longer, and Hermione felt his size waning inside her until he pulled out completely, still shaking and breathing heavily.

She looked at him questioningly as he pulled her against him, cleaning and drying the bed with a few flicks of his wand. He then lowered his head and kissed her a few more times, but she hardly registered it as sleep began to claim her.

TBC

AN: Okay, this chapter is a little shorter than the others, and it's all about Hermione. I also totally glossed over the wedding ceremony and reception. Reason being: I hate weddings. If I ever get married, away to Vegas I will go so that a Captain Picard look-a-like can perform the ceremony. But that's just me. I just couldn't describe the wedding, and I'm sorry. I did get to the smut, though, and I feel good about keeping this chapter focused on Hermione. The next chapter will, naturally, focus on Snape, but this is Hermione's important day in many ways.

Ah well. Hope you liked it.