Love Thy Mother (in Law), Trust Thy Husband
Severus walked into the bedroom to see if Hermione was ready but all he saw was clothes all over the usually tidy bedroom.
“Hermione?” He didn’t even know where she’d gone then a frizzy-haired face poked out from the closet.
“I can’t find anything decent to wear!” Hermione tossed out another outfit. “I’ve already tried 10 things on and nothing looks good!”
“Calm down, you look fine like that-“
“What?” Hermione screeched at Severus as she looked down at her house pants and undershirt. “I can’t go in this, have you lost your mind?”
No, but I think you have…
....
“Hermione, she won’t care what you wear.”
“But she lives at Snape Manor, she’s ancient, she’ll despise me. I’ve got to at least look good. And look at my hair- I’ll never tame it in time!”
Severus frowned. Standing with his feet apart, he held up a summer dress. “Come here and don’t say another word.”
Hermione frowned but recognized his commanding tone as one not to be trifled with.
Severus handed her the dress and pulled out his wand. In a moment, her hair was pinned up neatly.
“Now put that dress on and be downstairs in 5 minutes.”
....
Hermione wrung her hands as they stood at the front door.
“Smile.”
Hermione grimaced.
Severus sighed. “That will have to do. Come on.” He took her hand and they apparated into the front hall of Snape Manor.
Hermione breathed out as she looked around the grand entrance. “Oh Severus… I don’t know that I can do this.”
“Are you or are you not a Gryffindor? Sometimes you make me wonder.” He greeted the butler as he approached. “Oswald, is-“
“Madam is waiting for you in the sitting room, sir. Follow me.”
Hermione took a deep breath and followed her husband.
....
When they entered the sitting room, Hermione barely noticed anything before something seemed to fly at her then Hermione was ensconced in Severus’ mother’s arms, breathing in a faint smell of rose water.
“Hermione, dear! It is SO good to finally meet you.” She pulled back and held Hermione’s shoulders. “Let me have a good look at you. You’re so lovely! Severus, why did you never bring her here before? Shame on you. I do hope he’s been treating you right, Hermione, but I’m sure you know how to handle him.” She laughed warmly and finally let her daughter-in-law breathe.
....
“Steady on, mother. You’ll smother her to death.”
“Nonsense, Severus. But you look well. I’m glad to see marriage agrees with you.” She smiled and gave her son a hug as warm than the one she gave Hermione.
“Yes, yes. Don’t you have some tea ready, mother?”
“Of course. Sit down. Hermione, you can sit by me.”
“Thank you very much, Mrs. Snape.”
“None of that. Call me Eileen.” Eileen patted Hermione’s hand.
“So, tell me everything, my dears.”
Hermione lifted her eyebrows and looked at Severus. She resisted the urge to laugh at her needless panic. Severus merely smirked.