The Marriage Decree

Chapter 7: Fern's can be an Eucalyptus - Hermoine's POV

Her Mum wakes her up the following morning with a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea. She gives her Mum a tight hug then follows her downstairs into the kitchen where her Dad is sat at the table eating his own bacon sandwich whilst reading the newspaper.

"Look who decides to join the land of the living." He teases as she kisses her Dad's cheek.

"What time is it?" She asks biting into her sandwich.

"Just gone half past twelve." Her Mum answers as she washes up some plates and mugs.

Hermione groans annoyed. "Why'd you leave me in bed this late? Half the day's gone now." She complains sipping at her tea.

"We've got a long day ahead of ourselves today. We need to go dress shopping in London then your Grandma Betty's having a barbeque tonight so we won't be getting home until late." She explained their day.

"Great, will everyone be at the barbeque?" She questions excitedly.

"I should think so." She says drying her hands on the tea towel. "You should go get dressed. We're leaving in half an hour." She mentions taking Hermione's plate away to wash up.

Hermione takes her cup of tea with her back upstairs to her bedroom. She spends ten minutes just filing through her wardrobe trying to decide what to wear. She wants to wear something pretty and summery since it's a lovely warm day and she's going to a barbeque but she needs something warm in case it gets chilly later on.

She decides on a black flowery dress with a pair of thick tights and her heeled ankle boots. She brushes her teeth then takes the remaining of her tea, which has gone cold, down to the kitchen. He parents are already ready, chatting in the kitchen. She pulls on her leather jacket then grabs her handbag with her purse and book in it.

It takes them half an hour to drive into central London. Her Dad drops them off outside a wedding dress shop then drives off to park the car. They arrange to meet at the local pub in two hours.

Her mum opens the door to the shop for her causing a bell to jingle. A lady in a smart dress comes over with two glasses of champagne on a tray.

"Good afternoon. Are you Mrs and Miss Granger?" The lady smiles at them.

"Yes, we are. We have an appointment at half one." Her Mum announces.

"Of course. Congratulations Miss Granger. Here's a complimentary glass of champagne." She holds her tray out for them to take the glasses.

"Thank you." Hermione tries to smile at the lady but one look in the mirror shows her it's more of a grimace.

How is she supposed to smile when she doesn't even know who her husband is going to be?

"My name is Annabel and I'll be your assistant." She motions for them to sit on the deep purple loveseat whilst she sits on an armchair of the same colour. "What style of dress are you searching for?" Annabel asks with a pen poised over her notepad.

"Erm... I don't know." She shrugs. "I haven't really thought about it." She looks up at her Mum.

Annabel looks back and forth between them confused. "When's the big day?"

"Wednesday," Hermione answers trying to smile politely.

Annabel's eyes widen. "This Wednesday?" She places her pen and paper down on the side table.

"Er... Yes, we want a short engagement." Hermione tries to explain.

"Oh, are you..?" Annabel looks down at her stomach.

"No, no. We just don't see any point in waiting to get married." She says.

"Oh, sorry. Why don't you look at our racks and see if anything catches your eyes?" She offers. "I'm afraid if anything needs adjusting you'll have to pay a little extra since it's short notice," Annabel explains.