Unbridled Ache | Remus x Hermione

CHAPTER THREE: HUSBAND

"I wonder how I got by this week

I only touched you once"

The day was cloudy, a kind of twisted grey that made people want to stay indoors and contemplate their own lives. Hermione wondered about the day she might have had in the safe confines of her home, safe and wrapped in her blanket before the fire. Yet here she was, preparing to get married to a wizard with whom she had never previously imagined a life with.

With a quick shake of her head Hermione chastised herself. Remus was a good match, much better than she had ever been hoping for. Perhaps it was just this bloody law that had her in such a state. Yes, she decided, definitely the law. Without it she hadn't seen herself getting married for many more years. She had always imagined herself getting married after attending school for something that interested her and then travelling the world learning more about her preferred area of study. Instead, she was pondering to herself on the day of her wedding why she hadn't done more with her education and her career than curating ancient artefacts at the Museum of Natural Magicks.

Sure Hermione had always appreciated uncovering the mysteries of new items that were brought before her, but she had so much more that she wanted to do in life. She wanted to make changes so drastic that wizarding folk would never forget the name Hermione Granger. She wanted to be known as something more than the Muggleborn best friend of Harry Potter who had helped bring down Lord Voldemort. Not to discredit the impressive achievement on its own, but Hermione wanted to be known for something she alone had done. She just needed more time. Something she didn't seem to have much of lately.

Here she was, having wasted years of her life battling the inevitable tooth and nail. And in the end, for what? To have to bow to the forces of the Ministry. Blasted all for her wasted time and wasted potential.

Hermione looked in the mirror before her and righted the veil on the crown of her head. A lacy thing with runes of love and fidelity sewn into the intricate and beautiful designs. She was grateful that her wedding had remained out of the news of the Daily Prophet. It would have embarrassed her greatly to be shown as the witch who was so outspoken and who had despised the W.E.R.O. getting married. Hermione would be forever grateful to Molly for planning a small ceremony at the Burrow with utmost discretion. Perhaps Hermione also owed a great level of appreciation to Remus, who had over the last few weeks remained steadfast in his dedication to planning the wedding.

Remus had faithfully owled Hermione each day with the minute details of the ceremony, even meeting with her a couple times to talk in person. Although much hadn't been said, they remained unanimous in their decision for a small event. For Hermione it was a matter of pride, and not wanting to be seen bending the knee to a law which she so obviously abhorred. As for Remus, she couldn't quite tell why he had been so adamant on a small wedding. She thought mostly of his quiet nature during his time as her professor and as a member of the Order. It just made the most sense that he wanted a quick and painless wedding. Hermione also tried to block out thoughts that he might feel embarrassed that he was marrying such a young and unlearned witch.

Hermione looked at herself in the charmed mirror, watching her reflection primp her veil and poof her skirts. She wished she could feel the same level of excitement in her appearance. However, despite their overall connection, Hermione couldn't help but wish that this whole thing would pass by quickly. After watching her reflection for a few more moments Hermione finally took to adjusting her appearance, taking it as a hint as to what she should be fixing. When her reflection finally looked pleased, she took a moment to take in the full effect of her appearance.

Her white robes shimmered from her shoulder to the floor, a kind of illusion that made Hermione appear much more refined than she felt. A shimmer of gold wrapped its way through the fabric and along her very skin, illuminating her in a way she had never seen before and making her feel as if she were some sort of goddess. Even her robes vibrated in a higher energy that seemed to compliment her very magic. Together the elements of her clothing integrated with the nature of her being. And for the first time in her life, Hermione felt truly beautiful.