Becoming Familiar with a Man of Misery

Chapter 67 ~ The Wedding

The morning of the wedding found the guests milling about the grounds of Hogwarts. A few white folding chairs had been set up, an aisle in the center which led to a small white dais on which had been erected a white wicker arch decorated generously with baby blue and white roses cascading down. A white decorative podium stood before the arch.

On the far right, a white piano stood as well as several music stands, a drum set, a violin and an electric guitar resting against its case. Ginny Weasley and two other witches stood discussing the processional song they would sing when Hermione was ready to proceed. On the left was a long table covered in baby blue and white where brunch would be served. A large three-tier wedding cake stood on the table with a surprisingly realistic scowling Severus and smiling Hermione on top. The cake was white with baby blue trimming and blue and white roses made of frosting.

A small tent had been erected, and Hermione whooshed into it at eight o’clock in the morning by Isadora, who was determined that her son see neither hide nor hair of his wife-to-be until the ceremony. Isadora, dressed in a dark blue dress, her long ebony hair brushed out and gleaming, put the finishing touches on her daughter-in-law. As good as her word, Isadora had found a blue and white belt to cinch the dress slightly, and a lovely necklace of baby blue sapphires to grace Hermione’s neck. The witch wore matching sapphire earrings. Isadora swept Hermione’s hair up into an elaborate roll and topped it off with a garland of baby blue and white roses. Hermione looked absolutely lovely.

“Severus is going to faint,” Isadora said, smiling as she looked at Hermione, who stood up and waddled to the tent opening, though because of the glamour she didn’t seem to waddle at all, and peeked out. She saw Severus.

He was standing next to Dumbledore near the dais, who was talking to him animatedly. The Potions Master looked paler than usual and was running his finger around the collar of his dress robes as if it were choking him. Raucous was on his shoulder. The raven wore a little sparkly tie that Isadora found for him. The raven loved sparkly things. He looked quite dashing, in his and Isadora’s estimation.

“He looks close to fainting now,” Hermione observed.

Isadora laughed.

“All wizards look like that before they get married. Come to think of it, muggle men do too. Now get back here before someone sees you,” Isadora said. Hermione obediently returned and sat down. Isadora smiled at her.

“Nervous?” the witch asked the bride-to-be.

“Yes,” Hermione said.

“Don’t be. You’ll do fine,” Isadora said.

“There seem to be a lot more people than we invited,” Hermione mused.

“Yes, wedding crashers are to be expected. It’s bad form to throw them out,” Isadora said, attacking a strand of Hermione’s hair that had come loose. Then she looked at her watch.

“It’s a quarter to ten. The ceremony will be starting soon. Are you ready?” she asked Hermione.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Hermione replied nervously.

Isadora smiled.

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Ron, Harry and their girlfriends were seated behind Hermione’s parents. The wizards looked at each other nervously. Both Hannah and Gretchen had a frightening glint in their eyes. Harry and Ron became aware of it shortly after receiving invitations to Hermione’s wedding.

“That’s the “I Want to Get Married Too” look,” Ron informed Harry one night when they all went out to eat, and the women had excused themselves to go powder their noses.

Harry went white.

“It’s because Hermione’s getting married. She’s opened the door,” Ron continued in a low whisper. “We’re in for it, mate.”

“I’m too young to get married,” Harry said, his glasses fogging slightly. He picked up a napkin, removed his glasses and cleaned them before putting them back on his face rather crookedly.

Ron grimaced.

“You? It’s worse for me. I’m going to get it from both ends. Mum and Gretchen are both going to be after me,” Ron said glumly. “I’m doomed, Harry. Doomed.”

Now the young wizards sat beside their marriage-struck girlfriends, wondering what would happen after the ceremony.

“Snape looks kind of nervous,” Harry said, looking at the wizard, whose black eyes were darting back and forth looking from the watch on his wrist to the tent that held Hermione.

“Yeah,” Ron agreed, “His last few minutes of freedom. Never thought I’d feel sorry for Snape.”

Gretchen elbowed Ron.

“It’s the happiest day of his life,” she hissed at the redheaded wizard.

“Yeah, he’s absolutely brimming over with joy, Gretchen,” Ron said sarcastically.

Remus Lupin stood quietly by the banquet table, sipping some black coffee. He was dressed in worn dress robes, and looked a bit tired. He ran his hand through his graying brown hair and looked at all the guests. Severus marrying Hermione. It had been a bit of a shock at first, but then again, it made sense Hermione would be drawn to someone as intelligent as the Potions Master. Plus, Severus deserved some happiness.

Remus noticed a rather tall, stately pale woman walk up the aisle and speak to Hermione’s father who rose and walked back to the tent where Hermione was. The werewolf looked at the woman. She was beautiful, with long, black hair, dark eyes and a large but handsome, aristocratic nose. She looked a bit like…Severus. Who was she? His sister? Remus noticed the guest taking their seats and hurried over to take one of his own. He watched as the woman walked up to Severus, said something to him and placed a hand on his cheek gently. She then kissed him and walked over to a chair in the front row and sat down. Remus couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley arrived and sat behind the woman, Mrs. Weasley looking around and smiling in approval. All of Hogwarts staff was present. Draco Malfoy and his father settled in the back row to witness the Potions Master’s branding. Marcus also sat in the back, his violet eyes on Severus.

“So the old boy gave in after all,” Marcus smirked to himself. Ah well, Hermione was officially off the wizard’s list of “potential witches-to-fuck”

Daily Prophet photographer Bozo Baggins had managed to crash the wedding too, hiding his camera under his bulky robes. He had kept the knowledge of the wedding to himself, hoping to scoop the newspapers with the first and hopefully only photograph of the couple.

Colin Creevey was also there, in the capacity of wedding photographer. Little did Bozo know, Colin planned to sell a photo or two himself.

There were a few of Hermione’s classmates present as well, who had heard about the wedding through Ron. Dean Thomas, Neville Longbottom and Seamus Finnegan among them. The Patil sisters arrived, seating themselves next to Neville, who blushed furiously as they greeted him, smiling.

Finally, Ginny and the two witches took up their places as Professor Flitwick climbed onto the piano bench, and several students appeared, settling themselves in and picking up their instruments in readiness.

Severus took his place by the dais, turned facing the tent, watching for Hermione to appear. Dumbledore stood behind the podium dressed in all white robes, his hair and beard blending with them. He too looked expectantly toward the tent. Then the music began.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE WEDDING SONG

Ginny placed her wand to her throat, invoking the Sonorous charm, and began to sing Shania Twain’s ballad, “From this Moment On” in a clear, lovely voice.

From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on

The door to the tent opened and Hermione emerged on the arm of her father, looking lovelier to Severus than he ever remembered. They marched slowly up the aisle, the smiling faces of the guests on them. Draco almost let out a low whistle. Hermione looked delicious, though it was plain she was expecting.

Molly Weasley had tears streaming down her face, and looked over at Ron, nodding approvingly. Ron’s eyes were glued on his friend, his mouth open. She was beautiful and looked more grown up than Ron could ever remember. The wizard turned and looked at Snape, who was watching Hermione, his eyes soft. He looked like he really loved her. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.

Mr. Granger stopped next to Severus, put Hermione’s hand in his, and patted the wizard on his shoulder, before returning to his seat and wrapping his large arm around his sobbing wife.

“She looks so beautiful,” Hermione’s mother sobbed, “but shouldn’t she be showing more?”

Severus stared down at Hermione.

“You’re beautiful,” he breathed, his dark eyes locked on her. Hermione blushed prettily, then turned her eyes toward Albus, who was beaming at both of them. They waited for the song to end, and after Ginny and the band members took their seats, Albus began the ceremony. At the last minute Raucous winged in and perched on the back of the chair next to Isadora, his bright eyes locked on the couple in front of him. He had to admit, Hermione looked very nice, though it was really tempting to shit on her at this moment. But the raven knew he’d be in a world of trouble from every side if he did that. He cocked his head. Hermione wasn’t as round as she should be either.

Isadora looked at her son and his bride, her heart swelling with happiness for them. Severus looked extremely smitten with his witch. She hoped with all her heart they would have a marriage full of love and understanding.

Severus had asked that the vows be kept short for Hermione’s sake. Albus said a few words about the sanctity and permanence of marriage, and how it should not be entered into lightly, then had the couple repeat their vows. Molly honked loudly when they said their ‘I dos”, Arthur patting her reassuringly. Hermione’s mother also collapsed into tears.

Severus gave Hermione a long, passionate kiss that elicited wolf whistles from the guests.

“Gods, let her go, man,” Ron said, Gretchen elbowing him again.

Finally Severus released Hermione, staring into her eyes passionately for a moment.

“Mrs. Snape,” he whispered.

“Mr. Snape,” she responded softly.

Then both turned to face their guests. Albus raised his hands.

“I give you Mr. and Mrs. Snape!” he declared joyfully.

Cheers and applause followed as the couple walked back down the aisle, covered in thrown rice and confetti, Severus scowling as he was hit in the face by a handful of rice thrown by Neville Longbottom, who grinned rather evilly. He had waited years to do something like that to the Potions Master.

When they reached the end of the aisle, the ceremony was over and the guests approached them to give their congratulations. Harry, then Ron kissed Hermione and shook Severus’ hand. The three wizards stared at each other a moment, then both Harry and Ron smiled at Severus…who allowed himself to give them a small smirk. It seemed peace had finally been made.

Molly Weasley blubbered all over Hermione and Severus and had to be led away by Arthur. After all the congratulations had been made, Isadora prompted Severus and Hermione over to the table to cut their wedding cake.

“Speech! Speech!” the guests cried, looking at Severus, who scowled. He hadn’t wanted to give a speech.

Hermione nudged him.

“Say something, Severus!” she urged him.

Severus looked at her, then at the guests.

“She’s mine now, and if anyone comes near her, they’ll have to answer to me,” he said snarkily, glaring at the crowd, which fell silent for a moment, then burst into enthusiastic applause.

“Severus!” Hermione scolded him.

“What? I said something,” he responded as they both cut two pieces out of the cake. Hermione picked up one and Severus picked up the other.

Hermione held her piece of cake up to the Potions Master’s mouth. He took a slow, sensuous bite, his dark eyes glittering at her as he chewed. Hermione looked mesmerized, as did most of the women in the group.

“Wow,” breathed Ginny.

Then it was Hermione’s turn. Severus held the cake to her mouth…then mushed it into her face, grinning broadly. The crowd burst into laughter as Hermione spluttered, wiping cake out of her eyes. She promptly smashed the rest of the slice she was holding into her husband’s face. The two started throwing cake at each other madly, totally destroying the first tier. Isadora had to break them up.

“Enough!” she cried before getting a faceful of frosting from Severus. She stood there, wiping frosting from her face, before whipping out her wand and scourgifying herself and Hermione.

“Really, Severus,” she said. Isadora got curious looks from the crowd. “This is your wedding day. Act your age.”

Then she scooped up a bit of the remaining first tier and smushed it firmly into her son’s face before racing away.

“Who is she?” Ron asked Harry as they watched her run laughing to a safe spot near Remus Lupin, licking her fingers.

“I think she’s Snape’s sister,” Harry responded.

“Wow, so that’s where all the looks went,” Ron said admiringly. “Ow! Stop it Gretchen.”

Severus scourgified himself, and helped Hermione hand out pieces of cake to the guests. Eli helped serve the rest of the buffet, smiling broadly at being able to be of service to so many people at once.

Bozo Baggins surreptiously pulled his camera out from under his robes, but Isadora spied him and her eyes narrowed.

“Blinking paparazzi,” she seethed.

Remus looked at her as she whipped out her wand and flicked it toward Bozo’s camera. A puff of black smoke rolled from it.

The puzzled photographer took the camera away from his face, looked it over, opened it and cursed. It was completely fried, and he didn’t have another with him.

“Nice bit of magic there,” Remus said, smiling at the witch.

Isadora turned and looked at him.

“Why thank you,” she responded. She held out her hand.

“Isadora Snape,” she said. Remus took her slender, pale hand in his firmly.

“Remus Lupin,” he said, giving her a small smile.

Isadora paused. She had heard that name someplace before, but couldn’t put a finger on it.

Remus looked at her eyes. They were dark and lovely. He swallowed.

“You are Severus’ sister?” he asked politely.

Isadora smiled at him and thought he had the gentlest eyes she had ever seen.

“No. I’m his mother,” she replied.

Remus’ eyes widened.

“His mother…surely you can’t…” he began.

“I assure you, Remus…she is my mother. And I’d appreciate it if you took your furry paws off her,” Severus said, glaring at the wizard’s hand, which was still holding Isadora’s.

Remus let go rather guiltily.

“I’m sorry, Severus. I…I …didn’t mean to offend,” he stammered.

“Well you have offended,” Severus growled.

The Potions Master had spied the two talking and excused himself from the serving table to run interference. The last thing he wanted was his mother mixed up with a werewolf.

“Severus! What in the world are you doing?” Isadora said, frowning at her son. “How dare you be so rude!”

Severus kept his eyes locked on Remus.

“I dare, Mother, because I care,” he said evenly, taking her arm. “Come along and let me introduce you to the other guests. Remus will understand…won’t you Remus?”

The werewolf nodded, his eyes on Isadora.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Snape,” he said as Severus led her away.

“Isadora,” she called back. “We’ll talk again.”

“No you won’t,” Severus growled under his breath.

Isadora pulled her arm out of Severus’ with a black scowl.

“I can’t spank you, but I can surely hex you, Severus Arsenius Snape! Now tell me, what’s going on?” she asked him, frowning.

“That’s Remus Lupin. He’s the werewolf that almost killed me,” Severus replied.

Isadora looked back at Remus, who was standing alone, looking at the other guests.

“That’s Remus Lupin? He doesn’t look like he’d hurt a fly,” she said.

“Wait until the full moon. Flies won’t interest him then, I assure you,” Severus replied. “He’s dangerous, Mother. Not the kind of wizard to become friendly with.”

Isadora’s eyes flashed dangerously as she looked at her son. She didn’t like to be told what to do.

“Severus, you will NOT tell me who to associate with. I am your mother. You are not my father. You’ll do well to remember that,” she said stiffly. She tossed her long locks and stalked away toward the buffet table and Hermione.

Severus sighed, then looked back at Remus, who was watching Isadora. The Potions Master scowled. He hadn’t seen the werewolf look interested in any woman in a long time. He certainly looked interested now.

Severus didn’t like this. He didn’t like this one bit.

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A/N: Well, they are married. Nice wedding. Notice I put the wedding song up too? That’s the nice thing about having your own site. So…Isadora met Remus…rather briefly. Heh heh. Severus was bristling. Seems he’s quite protective of his mom. But it was just an innocent meeting after all. Nothing untoward. <g>. The cake fight was pretty funny too. Anyway, please review.

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The Burning Pen

Becoming Familiar with a Man of Misery
by Ruth Solomon

 

The story content is adult in nature and can contain graphic sex and violence. Those under the age of 18 are asked to leave this site immediately. You are not welcome here. The author is not responsible for those under-aged who view these works.

CHAPTER 68

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.
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