The Lord The Lady and The Land

Chapter 22 Wedding Day

Hermione packed her things she got for Christmas. Harry was making the last minute arrangements for the formal party in London. They got into the carriage and were off back to London.

~~

Hermione slept most of the way there. It had been a busy and exciting two weeks. She learned more about her own family and where the curse came from but she wanted to get back to school and get ready for her classes.

They got back to the apartment very late as it had been raining and they got stuck in the mud few times.

Hermione walked up the stairs and the unlocked the doors to the apartment. Harry had the baggage sent up via his wand.

Hermione took off her cloak and removed her boots and lay down on the bed. Harry followed her and the two fell asleep.

Hermione opened her eyes to see Harry unlacing her dress and freeing her breasts. He lay on top of her kissing and sucking on her nipples until they became hard in his mouth. He nuzzled them for a while and then he moved off the bed.

He removed his clothes and then, slipping his hands up her skirts, pulled off her knickers and stocking at the same time.

Harry settled himself between Hermione’s legs, pushing her skirts out of the way
“Open your legs for me my love,” he whispered.

Hermione opened her legs for him but Harry didn’t slide himself inside her. He kissed her thighs and folds. His warm tongue caressed her opening and made it way inside of her with a hungry moan.

Hermione let out a moan as his tongue danced around her swollen bud and inside of her.

Harry pulled off her skirts and then dove himself into her core. Harry moved in and out of her with long thrust. The tension slowly built in her body. She wrapped her legs about his body and that’s all it took to drive Harry over the edge. With a long hard moan he came, forcing himself deep inside her until he hear her cry out her release.

~ ~ ~

Hermione walked into her Potions class early and put her head into her hands. Her stomach was churning at all smells now. Her professor was looking over some books and glanced up.

“How are you feeling Miss Granger?”

“Fine,” she lied.

He looked at her and with his wand moved the trash can next her desk… just in time. There wasn’t a lot in her but it all came out violently.

The next second later there was a goblet on her desk,
“Drink it down Miss Granger. It will settle you stomach and give you the nutrients you just expelled from you body. I suggest you stop wearing corsets and other binding garments so that you can breath and your belly can expand comfortably,” her teacher explained.

“What are you saying?” Hermione asked.

“Come now Miss Granger you’re with child...” he said quietly as the rest of the students were walking into the classroom.

The teacher began class as he always did with giggle juice except Hermione who had the Nurturing potion.

The rest of her classes went well.
She went to Madame Promfrey’s class where the teacher sat with a huge cup of tea at her desk looking at a book.

The teacher looked up and smiled at her top student,
“Hermione, how are you my dear?” she said as she got up from her desk.

“How was your Christmas?” Hermione asked hugging her teacher

The teacher raised her arms in the air as she exclaim,
“Oh busy busy busy. I wasn’t home but a few hours when three ladies starting giving birth. One was simple the other two were not. I had to use a stretching spell on one of the girl the child was so huge, little boy.” She leaned forward and said quietly as though someone maybe listening,
“I don’t like using stretching spells they are only for emergencies, the skin don’t shrink back so well sometimes.”

Madame Pomfrey sat back down with a big relieving sigh,
“And the lady had twins which of course came early. The labor took two days. But they finally came out, poor girl was exhausted. I sent a wet nurse over to her house to help out with feedings. And now … You will be enjoying same thing oh in ...late summer?”

“What?” Hermione asked, “ How did you know?”

“Oh my dear, Professor Snape told me at the exams. Why do you think he substituted all of your ingredients?” the teacher asked.

Hermione shook her head.

“Most of them if inhaled or absorbed into the skin could cause a miscarriage. And if this little one has your intelligence we will be expecting her at this school as soon as she can. We do except students as young as twelve here,” she explained. “Perhaps you will be teaching here as well?”

The other student started filing in.

~ ~ ~

Hermione got home with Harry waiting for her.

“I’ve got great news. I got the church reserved for Valentine’s Day.”

“Harry that’s too soon. Nothing will be done in time.”

“No it’s not. Madame Rosemerta was here and she was helping another couple with their wedding when the girl called it off. So everything is set. Just invitations and I just sent them out by owl this morning. You just have to make your gown now.” Harry said enthusiastically.

Hermione had to sit down smiling at him,
“So everything is set?”

The week went by in a blink of an eye. As Hermione got fitted for her dress and picked her bridesmaids, Susanna and Madame Pomfrey, with Aunt Marie as the Matron of honor.

The formal party was held at Duke John Wilson’s estate. All of high society came to the party. Hermione never curtseyed so much in her life. She met princes and princess for Russia and Turkey who have estates in London. And once more Harry stated that they were engaged giving her another ring, pink sapphire with diamonds around the stone. Harry made the announcement that they were to be married on Valentine’s Day.

Lady Mary came of course and congratulated them. Susanna and Sir John also came up to the happy couple. Susanna gave Hermione a hug and whispered,
“Lord Geoffrey is here, he wishes to speak to you alone.”

“Alone?”

Susanna looked at her and said,
“Do not be alone with him Hermione he is acting strange.”

But Hermione didn’t see him at all that night at the party but got a note and a white rose from him instead.

Dearest Hermione
May you find happiness in your marriage.
Lord Strode

~ ~
Hermione studied and kept her grades up as the weeks went by. Harry wanted to Honeymoon in Paris but Hermione was too tired. Being in school and having to have to travel all the way back home to alter the dress and other the wedding arrangements on Friday evening and back on Sunday morning so she could finish her homework was wearing Hermione out. It was going to be too much for Hermione to do. Not to mention they had to spend their first night on the farm. So they decided to stay at Harry’s Estate and after the wedding night have the formal welcome to the Potter family ceremony, the pouring the ‘Honeymoon Love Dew,’ something his family has been doing for generations for good luck and prosperity.

Hermione arranged to have her class work sent to her by owl, though all of her teachers were invited to the wedding Hermione didn’t want to fall behind in schoolwork. Dudley, Harry’s cousin was picked as an usher to appease his aunt and uncle, Remus was the other usher. Sirius was his best man. They all got new robes for the wedding. The bridesmaids were going to be dressed in a deep red velvet with gold trim on the sleeves with a square necklace and white veils to match. Hermione dress was the same but a creamy white with gold trim and pearls around the neckline but a long train and white veil with pearls.

~ ~ ~

Hermione and Harry left Friday afternoon and flew to his estate.

Madame Rosmerta was popping in every other hour to give updates on the arrangements. The only thing that had to be done was the last fitting for the brides dress and that was going to be done a few hours before the wedding.

Harry and Hermione had a nice quite dinner together both nervous and excited about the wedding and talked of their future plans. Hermione was famished so she ate and drank. Filling her plate twice high with food and, finishing off the mint and lemon drink Maggie made for her, she went to the mantle to get a carafe of wine. She brought it to the table and Harry stopped her from opening it saying,
“No Hermione that’s not wine, that’s for tomorrow night. For us welcoming you to the family...” putting the bottle back on the mantle and getting a pitcher of berry juice from a small table.

Sirius came in at the moment shouting,
“Ah the bride and groom. Remember you have to leave here before midnight Hermione, it’s considered bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”

Harry drove Hermione home and said,
“The next time I see you, it will be at the church becoming my wife.”

“And you my husband,” Hermione said.

They kissed tenderly and then Hermione’s aunt came out of the house laughing,
“You were getting us nervous. We thought you might have run off and eloped.”

~ ~ ~


Hermione woke up to the sound of a cockerel crowing as the sun was well up and closer to noon. She got up and made her way down the stairs calling out,
"Dad, Aunt Marie … where is everyone?" Tying her sash around her robe. The kitchen door was open and they were in the yard looking up. Hermione walked out toward them.

"What are you doing?" she called out and then she looked up. Big grey black storm clouds were coming.

"Oh Hermione I'm so sorry. Well it’s just rain. Come on you’ve got to eat and then we have to got the get your dress altered just a bit more. You don't want to feel like you’re in a sausage casing now do you? You need room to breath.”
It only took Marie a few minutes to get Hermione toast and eggs and a few seconds more for Hermione to smell it and run to the bathroom.
Hermione manage to drink down some tea that Madame Pomfrey sent over and got dressed.
Marie and Hermione got into the carriage. Hermione looked up at the clouds that were slowly making there way toward the village.

"It might not rain. It’s just a cloudy day," Marie said hopefully.
"Yeah," Hermione lied.
~ ~ ~

They got to the seamstress across the street from the tavern where a lot of shouting could be heard. Marie just closed the door as they heard a rumble of thunder.
Hermione squeezed into the dress. The seamstress let out the sides and Hermione was able to breath.

"I dare not sew it any tighter for fear of her fainting from not breathing or the baby moving. How long is your veil?" the seamstress asked.

"Long. It's as long as the train."

“Does it need to be altered or mended?"

Hermione looked at Marie, who was letting Hermione borrow it from Annie’s dowry,
"Does it need to be altered?"

Marie shrugged her shoulders and looked at the veil, but it was too long to really see anything.
The seamstress asked Hermione to walk to the window and back again to see how well the dress felt.

Hermione took one step and yelled,
"OW Ow ow, pins."

"So sorry," the seamstress pulled out the pins from the gown around her waist.

Marie walked over to Hermione and said,
“Here, lets see if it looks right," handing her the veil.

Hermione put it on. A few of pearls were missing here and there.
Again the seamstress asked Hermione to walk to see how the dress felt.
She walked to the window and stepped up to the platform. Hermione looked out of the window and her brown eyes meet beautiful green ones on the other side of the pane of glass.
"Harry!" Hermione cried out, turning away,
"It's bad luck to see me before the wedding."

But he didn't hear her and he came into the shop drenched.
"Hermione you’re beautiful." Harry said with slur, his face pink from drinking over at the tavern across the way.
"Let's get married right now. I want to marry you right now. Someone get a preacher now."
He stood there dripping wet looking up at her.

"We'll be married this evening my love, nothing can stop that." Hermione said smiling at him watching him sway a little.

Sirius came through the door with Remus and said,
"Sorry he got away from us. We'll take him home and clean him up," dragging him out of the shop.

“And SOBER him up as well!” Aunt Marie yelled.

The seamstress sewed the dress so the bride could breath and walk with comfort and replaced the pearls on the veil. Hermione looked at herself in the mirror. She looked beautiful and even with a tummy beginning to swell she looked stunning.
Hermione got out of her dress and the seamstress put it in a large box.

“Come on Hermione lets get you home and rested. You’re going to be very busy tonight.” Marie commented.
They got in the carriage drove home.
Marie helped Hermione off with her dress and gave her some more tea that the nurse sent over.
Hermione got into bed with just her chemise feeling very drained and found horrible dreams in her sleep. She dreamt the house was on fire and that people were warring over land.

She saw women out in the field yelling in pain and cursing men’s names. The last thing she saw was Draco and Richard. Draco stepped toward her saying,
“Once you’re a Malfoy, you’ll always be a Malfoy.”

Hermione woke up with a start as the lightening flashing brightly. The sun hadn’t set yet as she lie there feeling restless. She opened the family book and looked at the names. So many women’s names. Daughters getting married and having more daughters. But she noticed some just had daughters and no different names. Girls who didn’t married and had illegitimate daughters. Perhaps they had love affairs, which resulted in children or maybe left alone on the farm with no one wanting a wife who would have only daughters, her aunts and great-grandmothers needing to have children or their family and farm would perish? So they had children out of wedlock. Many left and then came back but all lived worked the land and lay to rest here somewhere on the land.

Hermione heard voices downstairs and footsteps on the staircase. Susanna pushed open the door with a large box in her arms and plopped it down on the bed saying,
“This just came for you, it’s from Harry.”

Hermione got out of bed and opened the box. Inside was a creamy white velvet cape trimmed in gold, a perfect match for her dress. The note said,

This cape will keep you dry and warm on the way to the church.
love
Harry

Marie came in and started ordering Hermione into the bathtub and Susanna down stairs to get something to eat.
Hermione soaked her body for a while Marie hung up her wedding gown and Madame Pomfrey got the winkles out with a wave of her wand and asked Marie to make the bride some more tea.

Susanna was back up in the bedroom with a tray of food for Hermione to eat. Both girls nibbled at the plates of cheese, hot fresh bread, jam and sweet butter. Susanna helped Hermione get out of the tub and dry off.
There was a knock on the door and Robert walked in.

“Hello blushing bride,” as he pulled out massaging oil. Signaling her to lie down. Robert massaged Hermione then did Susanna and Marie Madame Pomfrey politely declined the offer.

Robert and Susanna helped to powder and lightly perfume Hermione. They helped Hermione into her knickers, stockings and chemise. He put her hair up in a loose bun and then helped her put on her petticoats then the gown. Hermione wore the pair of earring Harry gave her on their first night together. Hermione wore a simple cap that the veil went over.

Madame Pomfrey gave Hermione another cup of tea to keep her from getting sick.

The sun was down and the rain was getting lighter but Hermione put on the cape Harry had sent over and picked up the bouquet of red roses that Professor Sprout sent over for the bride party.

All the women got into the carriage along with Mr. Granger.

On the way there the women fussed over the gown for some odd reason trying to get Hermione from looking out for the carriage window. She looked to see they were driving by the graveyard.

There was an open grave and a funeral going on. Hermione looked at the women,
“That’s a bad omen an open grave and funeral.”

“It will be alright. See Hermione the rain is letting up,” Susanna noticed.

They got to the church and Hermione gathered her gown and stepped over the puddles and walked up the stairs. Marie kissed her niece and lowered the veil.

Madame Rosmerta came up the Hermione,
“How are you feeling?”

“I’m all right,” shaking with butterflies in her stomach.

“Good. We’ll begin then.”

The music started to play. First Poppy kissed Hermione for luck and then went down the aisle then Susanna. Aunt Marie sighed and said,
“It’s going to be mad but you will never forget this day.” She turned and headed down the aisle.

Hermione grabbed her father’s arm as the music changed.
They start down the aisle but Hermione gown got caught on a nail for a long moment until Madame Rosmerta freed it.
Hermione looked up the aisle to see Harry looking at her.
The bride and her father proceeded on their way toward Hermione’s love.

She looked at the people on the sides. Mr. Moody was there. Hagrid was standing blocking people’s view of the bride, she laughed to herself. She looked at Lord Geoffrey who looked annoyed for moment and then anxious.
Hermione glanced at the Lovegoods, Luna wearing peacock feathers in her hair, Mrs. Weasley waved at her smiling and the Longbottoms embraced each other sweetly.
Hermione looked up the aisle to find Harry wearing his black noble robes and a smile on his face.

Hermione’s father stopped in front of the preacher as the music faded.
The preacher started to talk and looked at Harry who was taking a deep breath, his eyes wide and bright gazing at Hermione.

The Preacher began, “Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Lord Harry James Potter and Hermione Jane Granger in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate, these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

Hermione remembered her dream of Draco saying,
“Once a Malfroy, always a Malfoy.”
But the Malfoy’s were not invited and she started to relax, until she heard somewhere in the church someone standing up and people gasped.

“I’m against this marriage,” a male voice echoed in the quiet cathedral.

Hermione looked at Harry who was looking into the crowd and spotting the protestor.
Hermione turned and looked as she saw a male figure dressed in high noble robes make his way out of the pew and begin to walk down the aisle.
Hermione lifted her veil to see it was Lord Strode.

Her eyes filled with tears as she tried to speak,
“Why my Lord? Why?” Hermione squeaked.

He looked nervous as he pointed at Harry and said,
“His Lordship is already married.”

There was another intake of breath. Shocked at the news Hermione dropped her bouquet of roses.
Harry shook his head and said,
“No, I’m not. That’s a lie.”

“Hermione I have to speak with you,” The Lord said, “alone.”

“The hell you will,” Harry said, moving in front of Hermione.

Hermione found herself in the middle of the two lords battling it out.
Suddenly a pair of huge hands grabbed the two fighting men and lifted them into the air.

“Ok Hagrid bring them in the back room,” the preacher said guiding Hermione by the arm towards the back room as well.

~ ~ ~

“Now can you please tell me why you are against this marriage my Lord Strode?” the preacher asked.

“I wish to speak to Hermione alone,” Geoffrey requested.

“I will not allow that,” Harry barked but couldn’t move do to Hagrid’s hold on him.

Hermione stepped in front of Harry making her the wall between the two.

Throwing her veil off her face,
“Why? Why my Lord. Have I angered you in someway?” Hermione asked Lord Strode.

“No,” he said with in a gentle tone, “I don’t want you to marry Harry if you …” and he stepped closer to her and whispered, “ if you are carrying my child inside your precious womb.”

He caught her hands and held them to his chest. Looking into her eyes he whispered,

“I will take responsibility to what I have done to you and marry you as soon as you are able.”

“My lord what are you talking about? What responsibility. This is not your child, it’s Harry’s.” Hermione explained.

“But Harry was taking a potion so as not to impregnate you. I heard you talking at the party as I left.” Geoffrey replied.

Hermione slipped her hands out of Geoffrey’s grasp and said,
“I was already pregnant when we met my Lord, but thank you for being honorable as to take responsibility for your actions.”

Shocked at hearing this Geoffrey yelled,
“My God woman you let me bed you without telling me you were with child.”

“Keep your voice down Geoffrey,” Hermione ordered, “tell me truthfully. If I said I was with child would you have believed me… or just think I was trying to trick you out of seducing me?”

Geoffrey looked guilty which made Hermione feel worse about lying to him.

“Geoffrey, you never had me. I’m a witch and I did a memory spell on you. We’ve never been together. I feel bad tricking you but I couldn’t let you …”

“You tricked me. All this time I thought I had seduced and impregnated you.” Geoffrey said angrily, “Both times?”

“Yes my Lord,” Hermione admitted, “both times.”

He became red with anger and he with clench teeth, he spat out,
“History repeats it’s self my pet. Just remember that when you say ‘I do’ tonight.” He turned left the room.

Hagrid let Harry go as Geoffrey left.

“He wanted to marry.” Harry said.

“He thought I was carrying his child,” Hermione clarified.

“He wanted you and now you’ve angered him, you hurt his ego,” Harry said rubbing his cheek and thinking.

The preacher coughed to get their attention,
“Now that that’s clear up shall we proceed?”

“Come on Hermione,” Harry said as he held out his hand to her.

She took his hand and they followed the preacher back to the altar.

Susanna gave Hermione her bouquet of roses she had dropped and lowered her veil saying, “Geoffrey was smiling as he left the church. He is up to something. What happened? We all heard you didn’t tell him you were with child and went to bed with him.”

“I told him I put a spell on him twice.”

“What did he say?”

“History repeats it’s self my pet. Just remember that when you say ‘I do’ tonight.’” Hermione repeated.

The girls looked at each other and Hermione said,
“My God he’s going to claim…”she put her hand over her lips as though it would prevent it from happening.

Susanna nodded, “That’s why he was smiling. He plans to claim you.”

Hermione turned to Harry who was wondering what the two of them were talking about.

“Harry,” Hermione start to say, but in a flash she knew if she told him that Geoffrey was going to claim the first night over her that Harry would challenge him to a duel, and if Harry got hurt or killed she would have to submit to Geoffrey.

She felt a little light headed and reached out to Harry leaned against him and properly passed out.

~~~

Hermione opened her eyes to a cool compress on her forehead.

“That is one way of getting out of a tight bind,” Poppy said.

Hermione looked around and saw she was in back room again on a couch.

“I wonder if I will ever get married to Harry. Something is always in the way. Getting caught eloping runs in my family apparently. Getting married off to someone else happens too,” taking the compress off of her head and giving it to Poppy.

“Just like your great great great great grandmother Lizzie,” the nurse commented.

“Why did you tell me about Lizzie and Bill?” Hermione asked.

“I wasn’t sure how you would respond. Some girls would have blamed Harry and his family.”

“Why would I do that, he didn’t cast the spell.” Hermione replied.

“Many girls would blame him for not having any sons, for being trapped on farmland and for some of your aunts and cousins not getting married because many people knew they’re name wouldn’t be carried on. But many knew if they married into your family they would have daughters and most likely have food in their bellies when others were starving. I feared you might turn your back on Harry, when Myrtle told me the story.”

“Myrtle?”

“The ghost in the old village hall she went on about Lizzie and Bill one day as I picked mushroom in the basement.” Madame Pomfrey commented, “ I think she heard someone tried to elope but got caught by their family, their uncle.”

“I got caught by my uncle.” Hermione said bitterly.

“Strange! How things work out. History repeats itself over and over.” Poppy said.

“Maybe I’m meant to stay on the farm,” Hermione said.

“You will marry Harry, you’re carrying his child,” Poppy reminded her.

“Not everyone in my family married in order to have children,” Hermione informed her, “Maybe I should do the same. Maybe the curse isn’t meant to be broken. We’ve always had a great harvest when others haven’t. If we break the curse will my farm turn to dust like others have?” Hermione wondered out loud.

Madame Pomfrey looked concerned.

“Where is Harry?” Hermione asked looking around.

“He’s told people to go to his estate and have a Valentines party with the food that has been cooked already, and dance to the music,” the nurse said.

“I better get there, but first I’m getting out of this dress,” Hermione thought aloud.

“Let’s go to the Estate and get you changed,” the nurse said.

~~~


Fun facts
Seeing the bride before the wedding is bad luck
Going past a funeral is bad luck for a wedding
Hearing a cockerel (rooster) crowing after dawn of the wedding day is a bad omen

Going past a funeral and an open grave is bad luck for a wedding

Hermione didn’t have anything blue.