Forever more my Lioness

Chapter 8

Harry and Hermione returned to her room after lunch under the watchful supervision of Nagini.

"A dress I believe is a good place to start. But what does he expect us to do? Search the wardrobe for something suitable? I don't think going to Diagon Alley is an option is it?" Hermione said exasperated. " I should leave my muggle clothing on for the ceremony..."

An elvin POP! Was heard nearby. "Good afternoon Miss! Ipsy is here to help with planning!" The little elf beamed. "Lady Narcissa is coming. She has lots of dresses for Miss, lots indeed!"

Hermione let herself be dragged by the exuberant little elf. She showed Hermione ribbons, napkins, lace, colors combinations, plates, invitations. She asked Hermione to write out a list of people she wished to attend, then told Hermione that she was instructed to give the list to The Dark Lord for approval. It was mid evening when Narcissa Malfoy finally arrived, Hermione was surprisingly relieved for the break from the all too excited Ipsy.

"Good evening Miss Granger... I have a collection of wedding gowns for you to try on. We also have to discuss your color choices, and flowers." The Malfoy heiress was professional at best. Sounding very annoyed at having to assist a Mudblood. "Let's begin."

With a snap of the elder woman's fingers dresses appeared all over the room. Her eyes shifted nervously at Harry. Hoping he would say something on her behalf.

"It's okay Mione, I'm here..." he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

The gowns were extravagant and might as well be made of galleons. "Something simple, yet still classy?" Hermione instructed vaguely.

"Yes well... try this..." Narcissa levitated a dress that was floor length, long sleeved, and delicate lace work throughout. The illusion neckline gave it added allure but still maintained a conservative feel. It's slightly pearlized fabric gave it a delightful elegant shine.

"If I'm forced into marrying the devil himself, I suppose I can have a decent dress..." Hermione thought to herself.

Narcissa ushered the bride-to-be into the en-suite where she began fitting the dress to the unwilling Hermione.

"Ouch! No you've made it too tight I can't breathe!" She exclaimed.

" Miss Granger, your dress does contain a corset and traditionally you do pull it right in order to accentuate-"

"I don't care about tradition, I care about my impaired breathing and the compression of my vital organs... loosen it, at least slightly so I don't lose consciousness walking down the aisle, please?" She pleaded. Hermione barged out of the en-suite to hopefully gain some support and comfort from her best friend.

"Well... what do you think Harry, it's not completely atrocious, is it?" She asked, as she gave a half-hearted and unsteady twirl in the gown.

Harry's mouth opened but no noise came fourth except for an inaudible squeak. He floundered for a minute seeming to be waging an internal war within himself.

"You look, absolutely gorgeous 'Mione... every bit as beautiful as I imagined you would look and so much more." His voice strained for a moment and cracked. A stray tear running down his face.

Hermione couldn't help it. She let reality sink in, all of the horror and realizations consuming her like a tidal wave. She would not marry the love of her life. She would not marry the savior of the wizarding world, her best friend, her Harry James Potter. Tears obscured her vision, and the sobs she no longer had the strength to fight shook her body. He would be safe though... Her sacrifice would be worth it if she had bought him more time to figure out how to kill Voldemort, and if he could find happiness himself. She let her mind wander to a possible future where Harry would finally vanquish Voldemort, and she would be free once more. She ran full force into Harry, securely wrapping her arms around him and squeezing him like her hold would keep him from popping out of existence.