Never Piss Off a House-Elf

Time passed quickly, as it has a tendency to do. Hermione neatly finished all the potions Poppy had ordered for her infirmary, and Severus had quietly worked on his own projects, forsaking the one Hermione knew he had hidden. She bided her time, but as the summer drew to a close, she saw that she'd have to carry her efforts into the school year and their wedding if she truly wanted to be a part of his little brewing faction. Fortunately, they'd only had to rebrew potions once. . . but each thought that interlude had been worth it.


Hermione and Severus quietly merged their lives, though Hermione tried valiantly to keep her own rooms. By the time they were readying to leave for Grimmauld Place en route to the Burrow, Hermione used her bedroom for little more than a glorified closet, as Severus was constantly gifting her with little things and fabrics she could ask Miki to turn into clothing and outfits. As a result, not only did Hermione have a large and varied wardrobe, she was beginning to look a bit like a kogal. Add to that the time that Hermione spent outside in the garden, and Miki teased her for being tanguro.


It was a time like that when Severus walked in, looking for Hermione so he could ask her when she wanted to leave.


"Miki, I simply can not wear something like those on my feet. I would fall flat on my face, and they are not practical," Hermione said, dropping bright orange platform boots on the floor of her bedroom. "I appreciate the clothes you've made me, and how they make me look and feel, but this is where I draw the line, Miki."


"On the contrary, I think you'd look quite cute in those boots, especially with that last little skirted outfit Miki made for you," Severus said, crossing his arms as he leaned on the beams of the doorway. "In fact, I think that as you have persistently put off shopping for a new dress to wear to the wedding, you should wear those boots and an outfit of my choosing to the wedding."


Miki nodded her head rapidly, and Hermione sent both man and elf scathing looks. "Hardly. Once we're settled at Grimmauld Place, I'll go into Diagon Alley or London and find a dress."


Severus uncrossed his arms and pushed off the doorway. "Miki, would you go help Satchel pack up the last few things we'll need? We won't be coming back here before we head back to school, so pack all we'll need until we come back for our holiday."


Miki nodded and winked out, leaving Severus and Hermione alone. Hermione looked from the boots to her sandals and sighed, turning around to take one last look at her room.


"That's the plan, then? Stay at Grimmauld Place until we go back to school?" Hermione asked, sitting on her bed so she could pull on her sandals. She was already wearing a Miki-designed outfit, from skintight, flared jeans to her strapless top charmed to stay up on its own along with a strapless bra. Hermione had added a small sweater that matched the colour of the top, just so she'd have some extra coverage, but she still felt as if she should be out on the street on the arm of a sugar-daddy, not going back to Grimmauld Place for the first of many weddings she'd be attending in the coming year or so, including her own.


"Well," Severus said, coming to sit next to Hermione, "We could stay at Grimmauld Place, or we could go back to the school early, which the Head students typically do anyway. I have to be there early to prepare my classroom, and 'greet' any new staff for the year. I assumed that you'd want to go back early with me, but if you prefer to stay at Grimmauld Place, I could stay for a while, leave, and then you could come to school with Ronald when the Head Boy and Girl are summoned."


"Um, have Miki pack for me as she's packing for you, and we'll figure that out, alright?" Hermione said, fidgeting a bit. Playing house was all well and good, but going back to Hogwart's would be a rude awakening: once the Christmas holidays started, she'd be married, and the world would see her differently; she would see the world differently.


Severus patted her knee and got off the bed, his footsteps soft as he left the room. Hermione was left with her thoughts, and the fact that she still had to find a bloody dress for the occasion.


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A few days later, Hermione and Severus were all packed, and Satchel and Miki had finished closing up the manor with preserving spells that would keep it safe and make it easier for making it livable again when they all came back. Severus had considered taking on one or two more elves to stay in the house, but Hermione wouldn't have anything of it.


"Severus, there's no need to keep the house staffed when we aren't even going to be there," Hermione said when Severus brought his idea to her.


"So you'll be going with me, instead of coming back here or staying at Grimmauld Place?" Severus asked, deftly changing the subject.


"Well, of course, I guess. The house would be empty with just me, and we can't separate Satchel and Miki, can we?" Hermione reasoned. Severus had hoped she might say that she wanted to go with him, but he somehow, he knew she wouldn't say it. "Do you mind?"

"No. We won't be able to take the train, though, and apparation onto the grounds can be tricky. I can because of. . . well. . . however, you don't have the clearance. I'll work something out for you, rather, us. Enjoy these few days here; once we get to Grimmauld Place, we'll be there for a few days but the wedding itself will be at the Burrow. I think you and I are apparating, while most of the others are flying or using portkeys."


Hermione nodded, digesting the information. She'd let her days get away from her while she worked and got to know Severus as best she could. The wedding was so close, but because of her removal from the wedding party itself, she hadn't heard much about it. She knew it was at the Burrow (no Weasley would think of marrying elsewhere), but she wasn't even sure if the wedding was in the morning or afternoon.


"Shall we retire to the labs for some recreational brewing?" Severus asked. He liked to brew when he wanted to relax; it was often more beneficial than drinking or whoring. Hermione led the way, thinking on a new project, one that might prove both profitable and interesting.


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A few days later, potions had been brewed, bags were packed, the manor was secured, and Satchel and Miki had already gone ahead to Grimmauld Place. Hermione and Severus had finished the walk-round to shore up any weakened defensive spells, and were ready to leave.


"Severus are you sure that we need to keep all these wards up?" Hermione asked, worried that she might forget a ward at an inopportune time and be subject to an automated levicorpus, perhaps when Severus wasn't around to drop the ward.


Severus shot Hermione a harassed look; she shrugged it off and let him lead her off the property so they could apparate a bit easier.


Hermione allowed Severus to apparate the both of them to Grimmauld Place at the appointed time. Satchel and Miki had gone on ahead, using their own magic. Severus hadn't wanted to risk mixing the elf DNA into his own or Hermione's, anyways, so he felt quite relieved. They arrived at the apparation point a bit early so they could ditch their escort.


"You'd think after all these years, Albus would understand that I can find my way to headquarters, even if it is under ward and charm," Severus groused at the witch on his arm. That had been the other reason he'd apparated them together. He liked having her holding onto him, as if she really needed him. Or perhaps even liked him, just a bit.


"I'm sure he orders it for the health of the muggles in the area, not for you," Hermione said, smiling. Severus was not a muggle-hater, but he did have a temper that was rarely checked for anyone one, even an ally. Hermione straightened the robes she'd thrown on over a new Miki creation, but the heat was too oppressive. "Sorry, Severus, but I'm going to have to shuck the robes. It is just too hot; you should, too. I don't want you to pass out due to heatstroke."


Severus grimaced at Hermione, who grimaced right back before she shook her head. She pulled her own robes off, and Severus had to stare. Miki had succeeded in getting Hermione into something quite interesting. He started at her feet and stared all the way up her body, making her squirm a bit in the added heat of his gaze.


She was wearing high-heeled platform sandals that made her feet look tiny; slightly flared painted on denims in a very dark color, and a scarlet top that only met the top of the pants briefly. The neck of the shirt dipped quite low, and Hermione had done something to her nails so they looked a bit like dragon claws, but the most inviting dragon claws imaginable. Hermione's hair was pulled back from her face into a strange knot at the back of her head, but strands were escaping. Severus assumed they were supposed to.


"Well? What do you think?" Hermione asked, blushing. "Miki's gone and got rid of most of my other things, saying they weren't well-fitted to my body. . . or your preferences."


"I think I need to find Miki some more fabric," Severus said, wrapping his arms around his fiancée. "And I think I should not allow any other men in the same room as you, my dear, for you are too tempting. We wouldn't want any Weasleys to lose their lips, would we?"


Hermione laughed, her nerves dieing away. Severus could be a bit spontaneous and nice when he tried, but she could already see his shields coming down. She knew he could read her thoughts on a whim, but she was disconcerted that she couldn't read his. A strange look crossed his face and he squeezed her one last time before casting a cooling charm on the both of them. Hermione blushed again and Severus laughed, draping the robes around Hermione's shoulders lightly, so she would have a bit more coverage without the heat.


"Minx."


"Snake."


"Glad you aren't afraid."


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The 'homecoming' went rather as Hermione had expected. While she'd made her peace with her friends, adding Severus to the mix proved more than a trifle difficult. Without meaning too, Ginny and Ron spoke almost entirely of things that did not ~-- could not~-- interest Severus. Every once in a while Harry would chime in with a more universal topic, but once someone mentioned the 'q' word, the boys were off and running.


"I tell you, the Cannons have a shot this year," Ron said irritably, for the umpteenth time. "New Seeker, new Chasers, and a new Keeper. Wood got transferred after that nasty blow to the knees last season. He's all they need."


"Why, suddenly, are you acting like Oliver is the 'be all end all' of quidditch, Ron? You thought he was a school mate with not much more left in him," Hermione said, and Ron looked bemused.


"Hermione, you must understand that Wood has grown these last few years, and gained many skills that someone who is not a Quidditch aficionado could never hope to understand," Ron said loftily, and Harry and Hermione laughed. Ginny rolled her eyes and turned her attention to the view outside the sitting room window.


"Yes, well, there, I'm told," Hermione said, smiling. Severus had been quiet for most of the afternoon, his gaze traveling the room, occasionally examining his students. Hermione was seated next to him on a couch, their bodies occasionally touching at hip or shoulder, but with her friends on the room, Hermione was wont to actually lean into Severus or touch him as she typically did back at the manor.


Severus picked up on Hermione's discomfort, even if her friends didn't. He felt the pull of her body as she chatted with her friends, but he fought it for her sake. Not only did she look utterly delectable in the outfit Miki had made for her, but her palpable dismay at the changes in her life made him ache to hold her. He let the conversation drift past him as he pondered the changes in his own actions and attitudes towards the young witch.


"Right, Severus?" Hermione asked, nudging him. Severus scowled for a moment before he let his face soften infinitesimally for her benefit. She waited for him to speak, but he hadn't heard the question. He felt the old shame from his school days creeping up on him, but he remembered that these were not the Marauders, and he was an adult. Severus grunted noncommittally, and Hermione sighed, rolling her eyes.


Severus needed a clue as to what was going on, so he carefully crept into her mind, barely brushing her consciousness.


We just want to know how our friendship is going to be affected. Couldn't he have just nodded, or something? The boys are terrified I won't be there if they need me. Gee, thanks, Sev. Hmph; I'm angry, but what I wouldn't do to have his arm around me. . .


Severus retreated even more carefully, so as not to alert her to his presence; he leaned back on the couch just enough to pat her back gently without her friends' notice. He saw her visibly relax and found himself drawn back into the conversation.


"Actually, Severus and I are going to be attending the wedding together. At first, we thought he'd be too busy, but we've maneuvered things so we can both be there for Bill and Fleur," Hermione said, smiling. Severus wanted to smile, but the murderous looks from Harry and Ron kept him from showing it.


"Yes, I find that appearances are necessary, and who better to escort my fiancée than myself? Besides, I'd already been invited. Surely you wouldn't begrudge your Potions Master his invitation?" Severus asked, watching the look on Ron's face disintegrate into a grimace. Hermione rolled her eyes.


"I'm not in the wedding anymore, so it will be nice to have someone to sit with. You three are in the wedding, so if Severus hadn't come with me, I'd have been alone," Hermione explained.


"Hermione, we'd'ave found you a date, ya know," Ron said, the look on his face sour.


"Yeah, 'Mione, you didn't have to fit us in," Ginny chimed in, and Harry put his hands up in the 'don't look at me' position. Hermione straightened her back and took a deep breath, but Severus spoke before she could even open her mouth.


"We did not 'fit you in'. We were invited, and you lot were supposed to have made peace. Shape up, or we will leave, and I will personally make sure that the rest of the bridal party ~-- and your mother, Weasley ~-- knows why," Severus said, standing. "If I can trust that you will not aggravate the situation, I will go speak with a few other acquaintances; otherwise, we will make our apologies and find lodging elsewhere."


"Stop this. Can't you bloody grow up?" Harry finally opened his mouth. Ginny glared at Ron, and Harry glared at her. "Both of you. We're all here for a bloody wedding, not for some battle royale over the Marriage Law. Ron, you mucked up all these years, acting as if Hermione were nothing more than a talking brain. Ginny, you're marrying someone you love, and loves you back. Can't you just let Hermione be?"


Everyone stared at Harry. The hero had been quite quiet and unlike himself since the Final Battle, and even before that, he'd never been one to get involved in others' relationships quite like that. Ron stared at his feet and Ginny licked her lips. Hermione quietly thanked Harry and Severus nodded to the younger man.


"I think that's some good advice, Potter. 'Tis a shame no-one ever gave it to your father and his friends," Severus said, but the malice that was usually there was absent. Harry nodded, finally accepting that he'd begun to pay his father's debts.


"Well, that's nice, but now I'm bloody hungry. Care to join us for lunch Sn~-- Severus?" Ron grunted out. Everyone but Ron and Severus laughed.


"Very well. But call me' Severus' again, and Gryffindor house points will be farther in the red than you could ever imagine."


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Lunch went as well as could be expected. Almost everyone piled into the magical sitting room that could never be completely filled with people. Only Sirius was strangely absent; Rosmerta said something about him feeling a bit under the weather, but everyone knew why he'd not joined the crowd. Sirius was quite vocal about how he felt regarding any possible Snape progeny, even if the child would be half-Hermione.


Molly Weasley had wrangled Minerva MacGonagall into the kitchen along with Fleur's sister, Gabrielle. Unfortunately, Molly was the only one accustomed to preparing food for a large group; Hermione had sent Miki and Satchel in early on to prevent any real disasters, and to bring back any gossip that might prove interesting or useful.


As everyone took to their seats, Severus slipped back into his reticent state from earlier; he let his mind wander again, brushing gently against the other, unguarded minds in the room, carefully avoiding Harry, Albus, and Remus in particular. He got a jolt when he brushed the group of Weasleys; one of them was a highly trained yet natural Legilimens and Occlumens. Severus was rudely rebuffed, but the owner of that mind was quite used to such intrusions. He knew it was one of the Weasleys, but not one of them gave that away.


Severus was dragged back to the table by the feeling of someone's gaze on his person. He turned to see Hermione gazing up at him from her seat next to him. She blushed when his eyes met hers, and for the first time since their arrival, Severus smiled briefly and laughed.


Silence dropped over the room as everyone turned to stare at Severus. He heard Hermione's breath hitch, waiting for the eminent explosion, and her expression was almost pained. For a split second, Severus considered roaring at the room as he might have before. The look of fear in Hermione's face stopped that, cold. Severus turned to address the room.


"I do believe that I have remembered how to laugh. Lupin, doesn't that mean that you've won the pool?" Severus quipped. Hermione's face broke into a broad smile, and the tension in the room disappeared with the giggling and eventual guffawing of their companions. For a moment, Severus had a terrible feeling that they were laughing at him. His stomach roiled and he tasted bile.


Hermione felt the shame washing off Severus, and she knew what he was thinking. She snaked her hand out under the table and rested it on his knee, giving it a reassuring squeeze. He looked in her eyes, and she held a thought in her head for him to read.


**They're laughing with you, Severus. And I couldn't be prouder of you.**


Hermione could feel Severus become calmer. The meal went better after that, with Severus actually interacting with everyone on his own. He still was not the life of the party, but Hermione was no longer afraid that he would blow anyone up or disapparate to some unknown place without warning Hermione.


As the day wore on, Hermione began to really look forward to Bill and Fleur's wedding, and going with Severus.


Their first date.


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The next day, it was time for Hermione to go shopping for a dress to wear to the wedding. Ginny was caught up in the last-minute preparations for the wedding, which Hermione found actually made her breathe a bit easier. Things were still a bit icy between the two girls. Hermione hoped that once they were each married things would get better. They had to; Harry apparently wouldn't allow them not to.


Hermione left Severus dozing in their room, though she found it rather difficult to get out from under his protective embrace. As Hermione dressed, she thought about him holding her the night before, and was fervently grateful that his silencing charms were second to none. Hermione stepped into a short denim skort, zipping it carefully. She was distracted by a random noise, and managed to catch her stomach in the zip.


"Fuck, that hurt!" she hissed, fixing her mistake and gently rubbing her tummy where it had caught. The area was red and a bit swollen. A tear came to her eye, and Hermione felt herself begin to sniffle. Unfortunately, once the sniffling begins, the crying is not far behind. Hermione sank to her knees and put her head in her hands, crying for many reasons.


Severus had been half-awake since he felt Hermione get up, but he didn't start moving around until he heard her exclamation and crying. Severus tossed back the sheet covering him and lurched out of the bed towards his fiancée. His eyes were still bleary with sleep, but he managed to put his arms around her, holding her while the tears subsided. He kissed her cheek softly, allowing her to pull back if she wanted. Hermione let him hold her for a while before she looked into his face and gave him a watery smile.


"People are going to think you've gone soft," Hermione said lightly.


"I'll tell them you've been hallucinating," Severus said. Hermione laughed, hugging him and getting up. "I wouldn't mind if you paraded around the manor like that, but you might want a top before you head out to find a dress."


Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes. She grabbed an emerald green halter top and slipped it over her head, around her breasts until she was comfortable. Severus enjoyed the show, bringing his hand up to cup her calf, trying to draw her closer to him. He ran his other hand up her leg, stopping just short of her hemline, teasing her. He licked his lips and inhaled deeply, closing his eyes and snapping them open, locking them on Hermione's.


She leaned into him, pressing her thighs to his head, her own eyes closing. She shivered and he finally released her legs, leaning away from her. She smiled at him, and he smirked back at her.


"Every time I'm upset and you help, we end up in bed, or damn near," Hermione said, trying to complain.


"What can I say? I'm not a man who can use words to fix things. I am a man of action. And sex is one of the most healing things a couple can experience and share; I use what I know," Severus said simply. Hermione visibly relaxed, but she still tried to look stern. She gave up and laughed. "I think I'll heal you later. . . we don't have to be up early tomorrow, do we?"


Hermione grinned and grabbed her sandals, purse and cell phone as she dashed out of the room. Severus couldn't follow because he was buck-naked, but Hermione knew that wouldn't slow him down long, and if he caught her, she'd never find a dress for the wedding. Which would suit Severus just fine; then he could keep her in bed all day long.


Putting that thought aside, Hermione raced down the stairs, pulling on the sandals as she ran. Once those were on and she was actually locking up, Hermione opened up her phone and hit the button for Raina.


Girls just wanna have company shopping.


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**cheesy cell phone ringtones**


A pale, slim hand snaked out and grabbed the phone, flipping it open and answering it fluidly.


"To what do I owe this bloody intrusion?" Raina groused into her phone, without checking the caller id.


"Morning, Sleeping Beauty," Hermione said, and Raina groaned. "I need some help shopping. You game?"


"Well, I haven't showered today, so yeah, I'm pretty gamy," Raina cracked, and that time, Hermione groaned. Raina laughed. "Sure. You can apparate to my place, and we can do London or Diagon Alley from here."


"Alright. I need you to give me an idea of your place so I don't end up splinched," Hermione said, chewing her lip while her friend gave her the lowdown. She trotted to the apparation point, flipped her phone shut, and concentrated for a moment.


POP!


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Raina was waiting in the living room of her flat when Hermione apparated in, misjudging her landing and ending up having to tuck and roll, coming to a rest by Raina's feet.


"Anyone ever tell you that you really know how to make an entrance?" Raina laughed, reaching down to help Hermione get to her feet. Hermione took Raina's hand and stood, brushing herself off. "I thought we might just stick to muggle London today; I'm sure you don't get out in it enough, especially since you've gone back with Severus to the wedding."


Hermione nodded. "It isn't that I can't go back, but I haven't really wanted to, and I really dislike the city on my own. Ever since someone told me dear old Jack was actually a wizard; even though he's dead, I still watch my back."


"Hermione, you amuse me, you know that? You act as if dear old Jack were in league with the Dark Lord himself," Raina said, standing and smoothing her own skirt. She reminded Hermione a bit of Severus, dressed all in black, with her long black hair; the difference was that Raina had a bit of color and was rarely not smiling.


"Don't tease me, Raina. I'm already a little on edge. I need a dress for the wedding that I'm no longer serving in, and I have today to find it. I need your eye," Hermione said. Raina nodded and motioned to the door of her apartment.


"Then we don't have time to waste!"


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After all day shopping up and down the boutiques, Hermione and Raina had nothing to show for their work, except aching, swollen feet, stomachs full of chocolates and pastries from the bakeries and confectionaries they'd visited along the way, and a modicum of despair. Hermione was ready to go back to headquarters empty-handed when Raina gave her shoulder a shake, pointing to a large building that made Hermione laugh.


"Right, Raina. I don't think that was what Severus had in mind when he gave me access to his accounts," Hermione said, shaking her head.


"We didn't find anything that fit, was appropriate, and was in stock in any other store. You can't go to the wedding naked, and you can't not go," Raina reasoned. Hermione sighed in defeat. As usual, the older girl was right.


"Alright. Harrod's it is."


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The legendary department store was awe-inspiring. Neither Hermione nor Raina had ever journeyed into the store, though Hermione's parents had gifted her with small things from the store before she'd gone to Hogwart's. The thousands of light-bulbs on the façade were just being turned on, and the four stories of the store rose above all else.


"Can we?" Hermione breathed. Raina nodded, grabbing Hermione's hand and leading her into the store.


"We can, and we will. Onward!" Raina led the charge, and the first thing they did in the store was find a clerk and a map. The clerk led them to the dresses, and politely stepped aside to allow the girls to find the perfect dresses. At first, Hermione gasped at the prices, but soon she realized that quality had a price, and for what she was looking at, the prices were rather fair. After a scant hour, Hermione was down to two dress choices, a black dress and a red dress.


"Which do you prefer, Raina? The black," Hermione said, twirling (they had secured a large dressing room so they could use magic without scaring the clerk) and flicking her wand. The black dress was a simple sheath, skimming from should to knee, and rather demure. Raina wrinkled her nose, making Hermione laugh. Raina flicked her wand at Hermione, and the dress changed to the red number.


Scarlet engulfed Hermione in a style not unlike that of the black dress, but . . . different. The bodice was tighter, the skirt a bit looser and shorter, but the back was the most interesting part. The back of the dress was non-existent; Hermione knew instantly there would be a trip back to Raina's shop for undergarments that would work under the dress. But something was missing.


"I've got it," Raina said, stepping over to the door and calling to the clerk. "Can you grab some of the crystal necklaces? The long one from that long table by the door? Thanks."


Raina grabbed the necklaces and shut the door. She motioned to Hermione for her to give Raina her back. Carefully, Raina murmured a few quick spells, gently binding the strings of crystal to the gown. She smiled at Hermione via the mirror and moved so Hermione could use the mirrors to view the back of her dress.


"Oh, Raina. That really is perfect. . . but the color is a bit much for a day wedding, you think?" Hermione said, her brow furrowing. "Hmm. . . "


Raina flicked her wand, and the dress morphed into an ocean blue color, which made Hermione's honey-colored eyes look like molten gold. Raina quirked an eyebrow.


"Done. And done," Raina said, smiling. "And I'll take the black one."


Hermione smirked at Raina. "Hot date?"


"Hardly. I just need something for a bit o'fun, you know? Besides, I think Severus would chase off the unworthy. And everyone is unworthy," Raina laughed.


The girls grabbed matching shoes and bags and made their purchases, thanking the rather bewildered clerk who'd been sure that she'd never seen such a color in Hermione's style of dress. They assured the clerk that she'd found the last dress in that style and color, and all was fine.


It was well dark when Hermione and Raina finally made it back to Raina's flat. The girls were famished, but neither particularly enjoyed the idea of cooking. They grabbed some crisps to munch on while they decided how to do Hermione's hair, but soon their stomachs were grumbling louder than they could talk.


"Pizza?" Raina offered, and Hermione nodded so fast she could feel her brain rattle. "I guess so. There's a new place a couple of streets over; I think they'll deliver. . . here's the menu!"


Raina ruffled through a junk drawer and dropped the menu in Hermione's lap, a large, glossy, gaudy thing.


"Salazar's Sandwiches and Pies?" Hermione asked, perusing the menu. Raina shrugged and Hermione pointed to a picture on the menu. "That looks wonderful right now. . . pizza. . . you don't see that too often at Hogwart's, you know?"


"Yes, I do," Raina smiled. "Here, you like cheese?"


"And hamburg. And green olives," Hermione said fervently, her passion returning at the thought of quick food.


"Green olives? How about just the hamburg for today, we can be adventurous later," Raina said, punching in the number and giving their order. "And yes, we'd like our food as soon as possible."


Hermione had just started to pin her hair up in another style when the buzzer for Raina's number went off.


"How strange," Raina said, hitting the button, "Raina here. Muggle?"


"Food's coming," a tinny voice responded without answering Raina's question, and immediately, someone apparated into the apartment.


"You!" Raina shouted immediately, wand drawn.


"What do you mean, me, you nasty little piece," Halain shouted, drawing his own wand. "D'you call me here on purpose?!"


"Why would I ever call you here, you wretched little," Raina started, but Hermione got between her two friends. Raina glared at her, but Hermione stood firm, one hand on each Raina and Halain, keeping them from drawing wands, but not from sticking their tongues out at one another.


"Very mature, both of you. Number one, why are you delivering pizzas, Halain? With the last commission you got from Severus, you surely don't need money from a job like this, do you?" Hermione admonished, worrying that her friend was in some sort of trouble. She considered trying to get Severus, but she didn't want to spill Halain's secret, if he had one.


"I'm helping out some friends. They needed someone who knew the area, and I volunteered to help for a few days while one of their delivery guys stays with his wife; she just gave birth at St. Mungo's, and there have been some problems," Halain explained. "Salazar's is a fast food joint run by wizards, but it serves muggles, too. That's why I could apparate up here. We have a charm that lets us know if the people in the apartment we're delivering to are magical or not, and if they know it. Ministry and whatnot, you know."


Raina snorted. "A likely story. You probably did just squander the money Severus got you, and making up this story doesn't become you."


"Raina, that's appalling," Hermione said. "Be nice. You, too, Halain. Look, suddenly I'm not hungry. Here," she said, plunking the money in Halain's hand, "I'll be going, now. I have a wedding to be ready for, and I can't waste time watching the two of you bicker. Have a good ~--"


"You, too?" Halain said, pocketing the money.


"A guess tomorrow's a good day for weddings. Does Severus know your friend who's getting married? Should I pass along a message?" Hermione asked innocently.


"Uh, Bill Weasley, as a matter of fact ~-- won't you be there?" Halain asked, a quizzical look on his face. "I thought you used to go out with his youngest brother. That was part of why I was so surprised to see you with Severus. Bill had said you were gonna be a Weasley."


Raina shot Halain a look before turning to Hermione. "Look, I have a few things to say to Halain. But rest assured that you will see him tomorrow at the wedding, relatively unharmed. G'night, Hermione."


With that, Hermione found herself outside Raina's door and waiting for the fireworks to begin. When they didn't, Hermione trudged out the building with her purchases, making a beeline for the nearest public apparation point. It had been a long day, and now she'd have to go back to headquarters and scrounge for dinner.


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It was quite late when Hermione arrived back at Grimmauld place. Almost all the lights were extinguished, for which Hermione was fervently grateful. She just couldn't cope with the Weasley energy when she was so tired, and the well-meaning teasing by Sirius and lecturing by Remus were completely and utter unappealing.


"Lumos," Hermione whispered, and a faint glow emanated from her wand as she entered the dark house. She saw Miki and passed off her bags. Miki took them with a bow, disappearing upstairs. Satchel was nowhere to be found, and Hermione headed into the kitchen.


Hermione hummed tunelessly as she rummaged through the cupboards. For a split second, she felt a bit bad because she couldn't remember if she'd promised Severus she'd be back for dinner or not. She'd finally found some bread and peanut butter when hands clamped around her waist.


"Eek!" Hermione screeched, turning to face her attacker. "Severus! You scared me nearly to death!"


His gaze hardened on her face, and the scant light cast harsh shadows on his face, scaring Hermione for a moment. His breathing was deep and even, but she knew that meant he was getting ready for a fight.


"What's wrong, Severus? Did I promise to be back for dinner? I'm sorry; I got hung up at Raina's, and you wouldn't believe how hard it was to find a suitable dress," Hermione tried explaining, but Severus shook his head. "What?"


"I was unbelievably worried about your absence. The cellular I have wouldn't turn on, so I couldn't contact you. I thought you'd be home earlier. Those loyal to Voldemort are still around, and you would be quite the example for them to make," Severus said, his voice ragged. "All evening, I've worried, but . . . "


Hermione looked straight into his eyes. "What?"


"I knew how angry you'd be if I came rampaging through muggle London looking for you. I filched Molly's clock and have been watching it since I could find some privacy. For a moment, your hand was on mortal peril."


Hermione laughed. "I came between two volatile bodies, to say the least. Never mind; are you hungry? I imagine you didn't eat while you waited for me."


Severus nodded, though he kept his arms around her. Hermione squirmed a bit, struggling even, before she realized that he wouldn't let her go until he felt like it. Sighing softly, Hermione let herself relax into Severus, inhaling his scent and letting it wrap around her. She realized, somewhere, that physical presence was important to Severus; she wondered why, exactly. But she already knew. . . it was how he could protect those he cared for. And she'd pushed that enough for the day.


"Can you believe their wedding is tomorrow?" Hermione asked, wrapping her own arms around his waist. Severus stiffened before he let her hug him tightly. "On the bright side, I did find a dress. Raina has quite the eye. . . "


Severus quirked an eyebrow at his fiancée, smirking. "How much did the eye cost me?"


Hermione stuck her tongue out at Severus, much like Raina had done to Halain earlier. The thought of those two in any situation even close to the one she was in with Severus almost made Hermione laugh aloud. "Not too much, and besides, you're the one who gave me such access to your funds without a budget. Don't worry, it wasn't astronomical, and it isn't as if this will be a regular occurrence."


"Hermione, as your husband, I will be your main means of support. I will not begrudge you pretty or needful things. But if your purchases are very large, or will impede on my living space, give me fair warning," Severus said, his voice suddenly tired. He didn't want to think about the pregnancy they would have to endure; he just hoped Hermione didn't nest the entire manor. He wanted to provide for her, in a way that he'd not known as a youth, and he wanted to make sure any heir would be well taken care of.


"I know, Severus, but I will contribute as much as possible. I was actually thinking that we need to speak about that. When I find a position, do you want to throw funds together, or should we have separate accounts and a joint one that we both contribute a bit to?" Hermione asked. Severus heaved a great sigh; he did not want to discuss such things, not when he'd worried half his day away. "And you don't want to do this now, do you? Alright. Sandwiches sound good, don't they?"


Severus nodded, finally releasing Hermione. She smiled and turned to the counter and grabbed a knife to make the sandwiches. Severus had moved slightly to the side, reaching for a jar of jam; Hermione stifled the urge to ask him to sit and wait for food. She reached for a bag of corn chips, but Severus reached it first, bringing it down for her. She took the jam from him, and they stood at the counter, munching on peanut butter and jam sandwiches and corn chips, staring out the window.


Sirius Black had come downstairs to grab a drink when he saw the couple standing just like that, touching from hip to shoulder. He opened his mouth to say something snide, but the clouds outside the window shifted, allowing the starlight to bathe Severus and Hermione. The ethereal scene took Sirius's anger away, for the time being, and he turned and left without saying anything, or getting that drink.


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The next morning, the great house was eerily quiet. Fleur and her bridesmaids had left in the wee, barely lit hours of the morning for a Veela ritual that would last until noon. Bill and his groomsmen had left for the Burrow after dinner the previous night. In fact, the only people left at Grimmauld Place were Severus, Hermione, Sirius, Rosmerta, Remus, Tonks, Minerva, and Albus. Breakfast was quiet; eggs, mash, toast and tea.


Conversation was relegated to asking for condiments and passing things around the table. Tonks and Hermione dished a bit about what gossip Satchel and Miki had brought Hermione; even Minerva joined in. The men good-naturedly allowed the women to chatter quietly. Roz was a bit busy watching Sirius, who was in turn examining Severus and Hermione. Severus was attentive, but not overbearing, while Hermione seemed to know intuitively when Severus needed something.


At eleven, Hermione, Tonks, Rosmerta, and Minerva headed off to get ready. The men were nervous, for the ceremony was to be Veela; it had to start exactly at noon, and any guest not there in time would be turned away from the ceremony itself. The women reassured their men and trotted off to dress.


Fifty-five minutes later, the women were ready. Tonks was wearing a tweed, skirted suit glamour over her real outfit: a skin-tight, camel-coloured leather dress that fell to the floor (her excuse was that the Veela were a sensual race, and she wanted Remus to feel a part of the ceremony). Minerva had opted for somewhat more sedate matte scarlet robes, draped over a gold sateen sheath (her excuse was that the reception would be in the evening). Roz had sheathed herself in royal purple (she had no excuse, save that she loved purple), and Hermione charmed a piece of lace doily into a lacy shawl she could wear with her dress.


"Hermione, I find that even I feel that I'm competing with you," Minerva said, and the women all laughed.


"Damn, 'Mione, that dress is something nasty," Tonks said, fanning herself. "Do me a favor, and stay away from Remus. I daresay that if any of the Veela so much as sweat near you, it will rub off and we'll all be doomed."


"Don't let both Sirius and Severus too near you at the same time. I don't think we need any murders to add to the festivities, do you?" Roz added, smiling.


"Really, you lot. I'm sure you're all overestimating this outfit," Hermione said, reaching up to secure her hair. She'd finally decided to wear her hair half-up, letting it curl and wave on its own. She decided to lead the charge, with Tonks right behind and Minerva and Roz bringing up the rear.


"Lupin, stop watching me like dinner. I'm not up for eating and I'm not going to entertain you," Severus's voice floated up the stairs, and Hermione giggled. "I hear you giggling at me, Hermione. Get down here, or we will all be late and will have to wait for the reception to give our best wishes."


"You asked for it!" Hermione called, stepping one peep-toe shod foot first and letting her momentum carry her into the room, the dress floating around her.


"Damn," all heads in the room swiveled to see Albus Dumbledore wiping his glasses on his formal robes for the occasion. "What? I'm old, not dead, thank you, and I have someone that I love. But to see a girl that I helped raise step out as a woman. . . well, damn."


That broke the tension, and the other women entered the room. Sirius half-heartedly warned Remus off his cousin, but Roz kept him occupied, while Minerva lovingly scolded Albus. Severus stared at Hermione, feeling young and gawky in his height, which was still quite a bit more than his fellows, and Hermione, with little bilk to it.


"Hermione, I fear that I'm but a youth again, asking the belle of the ball for a short dance," he whispered in Hermione's ear. She smiled, and he relaxed a bit. "You won't step on my feet, will you?"


"So long as you don't step on mine," Hermione teased. She took his hand in her own, turning to their companions. "Come on, we'll be late!"


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They arrived just in time. Bill and Fleur hadn't bothered trying to separate the bride's guests and the groom's guests. Most of the people wee seated, but spaces had been saved for the last of the guests from Grimmauld Place. Hermione searched for Halain in the crowd, but she didn't know if or who his date was, which complicated things. Quickly, everyone was seated, and an old yet subtly sensual woman glided up the aisle.


"That's the celebrant. At a Veela wedding, an older Veela woman must always preside. The ceremony will be in French, but you'll be able to tell when we're going to do something. Mostly, we're witnesses," Tonks whispered, shedding light on the rather unknown rites. "There will be lots of French that we don't need to understand, then Bill and Fleur will share a cup of aged rosewine, from the rosebush planted by Fleur's parents on their own wedding day. They will plant a rosebush together, which will provide the petals for the rosewine their own children will drink on their wedding days. Oh, one last thing ~--"


Tonks was cut off by the ethereal music that Fleur's cousins were producing. Their voices rose high and strong, and gave off a strong sense of unity and strength. Hermione raised her eyebrows at Tonks, who shrugged. There was no more time for explanations and warnings. The wedding had begun.