It All Started with a Kiss

Chapter Two - Preparations

Hermione woke with a start. She was lying on something hard. She grabbed behind her and pulled a book from underneath her. Then she opened her eyes and she gasped.

She was lying on a bed, but it wasn't her own. It was a huge four poster with tasteful blue linen. Looking around, she found books everywhere, and assumed that she must be in Snape's bedroom. But the man himself was nowhere in sight.

Carefully, Hermione put the book down on a stack of books that occupied the bedside table, and got up. She opened the first door she came across, and was greeted with dozens of black robes. Snape's wardrobe. She closed the door again, and tried the next one. Bathroom. A nice one. The last door had to be the exit.

She went through the dimly lit hallway and entered the living room. Snape was lying on the sofa, sound asleep. His mouth was slightly open and he looked ridiculous. She giggled and he woke up.

"You're awake," he said, suppressing a yawn.

"Obviously," she said. "You should have woken me. That sofa looks uncomfortable."

"It is," Snape said, and stood up. He stretched, and his bones cracked loudly. From the glint in his eyes she could see he was doing it on purpose, just to get a reaction. When she didn't say anything, he dropped the act.

"Do you want breakfast? The house elf can bring it."

"House elf? Don't you know that we shouldn't use House Elves to satisfy our needs? It's exploitation of another race, and even if they are not human, they are still very much alive and have feelings. We can't just-"

"So, you don't want breakfast then?" he interrupted.

She rolled her eyes. "Tea and toast please."

Snape nodded and left for the bedroom. He would change clothes and order breakfast, she assumed. Frowning, she looked around. Her eyes fell upon the book she'd returned to him the previous day. It was now sitting on his desk.

Hesitantly, she took it in one hand and studied the cover. It was a very simple black leather book, with silvery letters craved into it. Beneath the title, the picture of a cauldron could be seen.

"You can open it, you know. It's yours."

Hermione turned around. "I know. Thank you."

"I told the house elf to bring some of your clothes, too," he said hesitantly. "I wasn't sure if you wanted to go back to Gryffindor tower just yet."

"Why not?"

He shook his head. She was already engulfed in the book, and he was sure that she wouldn't listen anyway. But he said it nevertheless. "Because you just spent the night in your professor's chambers."

Her head snapped up. "Merlin!"

"Indeed." He sat down at the desk. "I suggest that you change, and then we have breakfast. We can discuss everything afterwards."

She nodded and went back into the bedroom. Her favourite jeans and shirt were there. Happily, she changed clothes and thought about the turn of events. She had accepted that she would have to marry Severus Snape. What she still couldn't believe was that they had talked half the night and managed to be civil, friendly even. Of course, they had only discussed neutral matters, such as potions and, well, potions. There weren't much neutral topics for a seventeen year old Gryffindor student and her thirty-seven year old Potions Professor, who was also the Head of Slytherin House.

Still a bit disbelievingly, she joined her soon-to-be husband for breakfast.

***

"Hermione! Where were you?" Relief was evident on Ron's face.

Hermione rolled her eyes inwardly. Ron had a talent for making things worse, and by shouting across the common room he had accomplished nothing - only that now everyone was watching her again.

She gave him a look that clearly said "What do you think?" before saying, "I believe that's none of your business." She went over to her friends, who all stared at her. She knew they wanted details, but she couldn't tell them. But this time it was out of her own free will. Severus (as she was supposed to call him now) and she had decided that it would be best to keep quiet.

Right now, she was on her way to her room to make a list of things she needed. Severus would take her to Diagon Alley, and they would prepare everything for the wedding. Fortunately, Severus hadn't wanted a huge event, but only a small ceremony, which was perfectly fine with her. The only problem was to get her friends there without Ginny staring at her, Ron fainting and Harry threatening Snape.

She gave them a wink and headed down to her room, knowing that they would follow. As Head Girl she had her own room that was not upstairs with the other dormitories, but was situated one floor below the common room. She had access through a staircase that led down from the common room.

She said the password and left the door open for her friends, who followed her closely.

As soon as they were all there, Hermione closed and warded the door.

"I know you want an explanation, but I can't tell you just yet. You have to trust me on this," she started.

"But Hermione, you kissed him!" Ron yelled.

"I know," she said.

"On your birthday!" Ron started pacing.

"Well, from what Ron has told me, you are now engaged to Snape," Harry said. Ron made a strangled sound and sat down on her bed.

"Please, just... let it go. I can't tell you yet, but I will explain it to you. Later. I promise. But right now, I have to go." She charmed a piece of parchment so that it listed all things that needed restocking or replacement, pocketed the list and took her cloak.

"Hermione," came Ron's calm voice from behind her. "Where did you sleep last night?"

She sighed. She knew he wouldn't let it go. He would ask again and again, until it drove them both mad. She decided to shock him into silence, so she fastened her cloak, grabbed the door handle and, before leaving, said, "I slept in Professor Snape's bed."

***

"Ready?"

She nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be."

"What did you tell them?" He held the door out for her, and offered her his arm, which she took. They were well aware that probably everyone who had access to one of the windows on this side of the castle was now spying on them.

"That I slept in your bed tonight," she answered truthfully.

He shot her a surprised look.

"Well, it wasn't technically a lie. I did sleep there." She grinned. "But they don't know you didn't."

He felt the urge to roll his eyes - again. He didn't know why, but in the last two days, he had acted completely against his nature. Must be her bad influence, he decided.

"You know, you could have been Slytherin," he said pensively.

"No, I couldn't," she replied, suddenly sounding harsh.

He looked at her.

"I'm no pureblood." She sounded bitter, but he was sure that it was because of what he had said to her the previous day.

"Hermione... I'm sorry about what I said. I was angry at you and wanted to hurt you. I didn't mean it." He was surprised at himself. Normally, he wouldn't have apologised to anyone, yet somehow in the last two days, he'd apologised to her again and again.

"Severus, it's okay. I know you didn't mean it."

They were silent after that until they reached the gates. Quickly, Severus Apparated them into Diagon Alley.

***

"Give me your list," Hermione said, grabbing his list and studying it. "I think it's best if we split up. You can get the ingredients you need, and the quills I need. Then you can stop by at the pet shop and ask if they have that special Kneazle food I ordered for Crookshanks. I will go to Madam Malkin's and get the robes, that will probably take as long as you need for everything, and then we can meet up at Flourish & Blotts. What do you say?"

"I think that will be best," Severus agreed. He reached into his robes and pulled out a little leather sack. "Here's some money."

"But Severus, that's far too mu-" Hermione started to protest, but Severus interrupted her.

"Never mind. Just get some decent robes, alright? I couldn't stand Lucius Malfoy sneering at me because my bride wears cheap rags."

Hermione didn't know how to retort. She was pretty sure that Severus had just insulted her robes, but at the same time she was acutely aware of their situation. She really would marry him. Marry him! After a few seconds, she just settled for a lame "Sure."

"Good," Severus said, putting the lists away. "I'll see you in an hour at Flourish & Blotts, in the Middle Ages."

"Hmm." She turned away. To anyone else it might have sounded strange to meet up in "the Middle Ages," but she knew what he meant. He was referring to the History section of the bookshop, in the back, hidden from view. She smiled slightly at his choice of meeting place. She would have chosen the same spot, to be true. Come to think of it, she always had had a better inklings to his jokes than her classmates. Of course, most of his "jokes" were cruel jibes aimed at helpless students, but she had to admit - some of his wordplays and cleverly hidden double entendres were just hilarious.

Shaking her head, Hermione entered Madam Malkin's robe shop. Madam Malkin, dressed in her trademark mauve robes, a horrible colour in Hermione's opinion, greeted her with a warm smile, but Hermione could see the confusion in her gaze. After all, she was still a Hogwarts student, and as such it was unlikely for her to come wandering into a shop in Diagon Alley all of a sudden.

"Good morning, Madam Malkin," she said, smiling at the smaller witch.

"Miss - Granger, wasn't it?"

Hermione nodded.

"Well, dear, what can I do for you?"

"I, er, need new robes. For a special occasion." Hermione felt awkward. It was the first time that she would admit her "engagement" to anyone besides her friends - and she hadn't even told them, not really anyway. Severus had taken over the task of speaking to the Headmaster, if only very briefly. She knew that several conversations were waiting for them once they returned to Hogwarts. "For a wedding," she added upon seeing Madam Malkin's inquiring gaze.

"Oh, how exciting. What colour should they be? Did the bride specify anything?" Madam Malkin took out a heavy booklet with fabric samples, opening it and pointing at a sample of a sickly yellow colour.

"Er, well, I am the bride," Hermione said, feeling her cheeks flame.

"Really? I suppose you'll be wearing white then, dear?" Madam Malkin studied her a moment, and Hermione knew she wanted to ask whom she was marrying. Stubbornly, Hermione returned the gaze. You'll learn soon enough, she thought.

"Now, let me take your measurements and I'll see if I have something in your size." The plump witch raised her wand and a small army of tape measures fluttered around Hermione's body, Madam Malkin "hmm"-ing from time to time. Finally, the tape measures stopped and flew back into their case.

"Yes, I think I have the perfect robe for you," the older witch said, smiling secretively. "Wait here a second." With that, she scurried to the back of the shop, and Hermione inspected some of the robes on display.

"Here, dear," Madam Malkin said, breathing heavily, as if she'd run all the time. "Look at this - isn't it beautiful?"

She was holding a creamy white robe, only it wasn't a usual wizarding robe. Hermione could make out a flowing silk skirt and bodice, embroidered with black pearls. The shoulders were free, and Hermione was sure that the bodice would hold up purely on magic. A cape, not unlike a robe, was also attached to the dress. The cape was a slightly darker, champagne white colour, with fine, golden and silver threads woven into the fabric. It was shimmering in the light.

Hermione was breathless. It really was a beautiful dress. "It's... wow!"

"Yes, isn't it? Go on, try it one, Miss Granger, let's see if it fits. And don't worry about the cape, I'll have to help you with that."

Hermione, carefully not being too rough, quickly stepped into a small changing room off the main shop and changed into the wedding dress. At first she wasn't sure if the bodice fit - it was awfully tight - but Madam Malkin explained to her that it was supposed to be like this.

Hermione tied her hair up to give Madam Malkin better access to her neck, where she expertly fastened the cape. It still left a huge portion of her shoulders free.

"You should take it," her mirror image advised her when Hermione was staring into the magical mirror.

"You look beautiful in it," Madam Malkin said.

Hermione sighed. "I'll take it," she finally said. Modesty and practicality be damned - it wasn't as if she'd get married every day, so she could as well make the best out of it and look stunning.

"Now you only need matching underwear," Madam Malkin said, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Hermione changed back into her normal robes, while the shopkeeper went to fetch "something special."

"No," said Hermione. "No way I'm going to wear that." She eyed the small strip of clothing warily. She wasn't going to wear anything with less fabric on it than a sock.

"But it's very popular; all the young witches wear them," Madam Malkin tried to persuade her. "Witch Weekly says it's the newest fashion. Even the Muggle have something similar, although theirs are a lot more uncomfortable - they don't have spells to make them feel like old boxers." The witch burst out into laughter, but Hermione still shook her head.

"No," she said again. Finally, she settled for something more conventional, but by no means prudish and old-fashioned.

"So, is that all?" Madam Malkin asked, bagging the selected items.

"Er, no. My, er, fiancé needs new dress robes for the wedding as well."

"Well, he'll have to come and let me get his measurements," Madam Malkin replied.

"He said you have his measurement already."

"Well then, who is it?"

Hermione knew the witch had wanted to ask that from the very first minute she'd announced to be getting married, but now she couldn't stall any longer.

"Severus Snape." Madam Malkin gasped.

Hermione ignored her. I will have to get used to that reaction, she sighed to herself.

"But he's..."

"I know. But I still need to get him new dress robes," Hermione said, politely ignoring Madam Malkin's gaping mouth.

"Of course," the shopkeeper replied, walking to the back of the shop in a daze. She returned with a selection of black robes, and Hermione was thankful that the woman at least hadn't forgotten that Severus would never in his life wear anything colourful. Eyeing the shocked state Madam Malkin was in, that was indeed a surprise.

Hermione chose a set of completely black dress robes, only distinguishable because of the silver fastenings and the tastefully embroidered back.

Ten minutes later, when she left for the bookshop, she felt exhausted already.

***

"You're here already," Severus said, turning the corner in the bookshop. "What did you buy?"

Hermione let him see the dress robes she'd bought for him, but wouldn't show him her own dress.

"You can't see it. It's bad luck," she said.

"You only bought one dress." Severus sounded almost amazed.

"Of course! Why would I buy something else?" she said, handing him back the rest of the money.

Severus took the sack, but didn't put it away. "Hermione. This was the money I had intended for you to spend on yourself, minus the money for my dress robes. And I still wish for you to spend it."

"But, Severus! There must be over fifty Galleons in there!"

He raised his eyebrows. "So?"

"SO?" she echoed, slightly louder. "I have no use for that much money!"

"You don't?" he said, grinning. Two seconds later, he held up a book. Hermione eyes swayed to the title, and she gasped. A first edition of Experimental Potions -Cauldron Explosions That Led to Great Discoveries by Douglas Stewart.

Severus moved the book slightly to the right, and her eyes followed it, almost hypnotised by the cover. "You could buy it - but as you said, you don't have much use for money, so I'll just put it back and--"

Hermione snatched the book from him and opened it eagerly.

"That's what I thought," Severus said, beginning to look through the shelves himself.

An hour later, they accidentally met in the Potions section, and then decided to move on. They still had a few things on their list.

After a quick lunch in Muggle London (neither of them had felt like eating in the Leaky Cauldron - everyone kept staring at them), Hermione and Severus made their way to the jeweller's.

Funkle's Jewellery was an elegant and expensive shop, but Severus was adamant on buying their wedding rings there, so Hermione agreed.

Mr Funkle himself was a short man with expertly groomed grey hair and expensive-looking, unobtrusive glasses. He greeted Severus like an old friend, and Hermione soon realised that the two men actually were old friends.

"Severus Snape! What can I do for you? It's been a long time," Mr Funkle's low, pleasant voice said. "And you've brought someone, too."

"Yes, William, my fiancée, Hermione Granger. Hermione, an old friend of my family, William Funkle."

Hermione felt her cheeks burn again at the insinuations that introduction brought with it. Fiancée sounded so official. They shook hands.

"Congratulation, Severus, Miss Granger. I hope I do get invited to the wedding?" William Funkle's smile was genuine, and Hermione relaxed a bit.

"Actually, we were planning a very private ceremony, with only our relatives present. But I'll make sure to invite you over sometime, how is that?" Severus said, also smiling.

"Very well, I understand your wish for privacy, Severus. But be sure that I will hold you to that invitation..." William turned to Hermione, now grinning mischievously. "And if he is ever mean to you, my dear, don't let him get to you. Underneath it all he is just a lonely child that wants to be loved."

Severus scowled at that, and Hermione had to laugh. She immediately liked William.

"So, I assume you want to buy wedding rings?"

Severus nodded, the scowl still in place. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Yes, but nothing fancy. Just simple gold or silver gold rings, no stones," she said, following William to a glass case nearby.

"No stones?" Severus said. "You don't want a stone?"

"I don't need one," Hermione replied.

"Practical, as always," he said dryly.

"I don't need one," she said firmly. "Besides, we just spend half a fortune on books."

William laughed at that. "I should have guessed that Severus would marry a woman who can hold her own in a battle of will. And one who's as intelligent and beautiful as you," he said, smiling at Hermione.

She smiled back, feeling herself blush once again. She really liked William.

After another argument about stones, they settled for two silver gold bands, with the simple inscription "Severus & Hermione, September 29^th, 1997."

Exhausted, they left Diagon Alley and Apparated to Hogsmeade. On their way back to the castle, they discussed what they would say to everybody else.

End Chapter Two