Marriage, Hogwarts Style

A/N: Thanks to all who left the wonderful reviews! I'm tickled to know how much you all are enjoying this fic! Also, thanks to my beta, MadBrilliant!

***

Snape had successfully diverted Hermione to the capable hands of Poppy. Madam Pomfrey all of a sudden came under a desperate need for certain items for the infirmary, insisting she wanted to be ready ahead of time before the fall term began. Hermione had been none the wiser, only shocked that Severus would entrust her with helping make potions for the students.

He made his way to Diagon Alley where he could look for a suitable wedding ring. He contemplated going into Muggle London, but decided that he would see what he could find in Diagon Alley first.

He stumbled upon a small store, out of the way, named Gemma's Gemstones. He looked at the display window and liked the simple designs of the settings. When he walked in, a middle-aged witch introduced herself as Gemma. She had just started in on her professional business of selling jewelry when she stopped and said, "Mighty Merlin! You're Severus Snape!" She went all aflutter and started stammering and fawning. Snape closed his eyes and tried very hard to maintain his composure.

"I am looking for a ring, a simple, yet elegant ring for a very busy witch. She doesn't like anything flashy, nevertheless, I want to see only the best quality you have on hand."

"Of course, Headmaster Snape!" the woman gushed. She practically genuflected in the worshipful looks she was giving him.

Two years ago, she would have had me arrested, drawn, and quartered! Now I manage to live to see the end of a battle, and I am a ruddy hero! More than that, I am a seducer of women. She probably thinks I have nothing more on my mind than to take advantage of her in this store!

He rolled his eyes as he waited for her to bring out her finest quality of rings. He ignored the yellow gold entirely. He saw many lovely rings. As he studied them, he said to the witch without looking up, "I am only interested in white gold. Platinum is too soft, dings easily. And no goblin-made items! The last thing I need is one of those little hairy tyrants on my back! 14 karat, nothing higher or lower."

She conjured a smaller box and magically transferred the ones that matched his specifications. There were nine rings. He debated whether or not he should even have a gemstone, just a plain band. Well, for himself, that would do, but not for Hermione. He saw a nice old-fashioned ring with a square setting. A blood-red garnet was in its center, surrounded by tiny diamonds. It was delicate, simple, but elegant. It was perfect!

He knew, as he left to Apparate, that the news of the Headmaster of Hogwarts buying wedding rings would be front-page news in the morning Prophet. He wondered if Hermione would mind being married immediately.

He decided to go to the Ministry of Magic and speak to Kingsley in private about the matter. He was nearly overwhelmed by the amount of people wanting to speak with him, if he had been with their child, brother, husband on the battlefield, while others merely stared open-mouthed or gasped in horror. He paid no one any mind. He was on a mission. He showed Kingsley the ring, and the wizard shook his hand heartily.

"Kingsley, I am concerned that the news of my purchases today will be front page news in the Prophet," he said gravely.

The older wizard became solemn. "I am sure it will, Severus. What is it that you want?"

Snape gave a smirk. "I do appreciate a wizard who can get right to the point," he replied as he sat down across from Kingsley.

"I want to marry Hermione immediately, or whenever she feels comfortable to do so. I do not want to pressure her, however, I wish to protect her reputation. At least hers is salvageable," he said ruefully.

"Shall I join you for dinner tonight?" Kingsley suggested. "We can discuss the matter, visit, and then we'll see where things stand."

"Yes. Thank you, Minister," Snape said as he stood up, shook the wizard's hand, and Flooed back to his office.

***

It was pleasant having Kingsley there for dinner. The four friends, who now were more like family than anything else, openly discussed Snape and Hermione's upcoming nuptials, and the question of when the marriage should take place was put to Hermione.

"Oh!" she exclaimed. "I haven't thought about it, actually. I mean, you did give us a week to even consider, but I suppose the sooner we marry then all the nonsense will stop. We would just be putting off the inevitable." She seemed to be discussing the matter over more with herself than with the others.

Snape sensed her uneasiness. He knew that she was very concerned with her lack of sexual experience. He asked the other two to excuse them for a moment, and he led his young fiancée down to the end of the Great Hall.

"I thought this matter would be best discussed between us," he whispered. "Hermione, we don't have to, uh, consummate the marriage until you are ready. There should never be a rush concerning that sort of intimacy. We could be married and have done with the nonsense, as you put it, and then you and I could carry on getting to know one another as gradually as you wish."

He looked her so intently and with such fervor, she couldn't help but blurt out, "If it were only up to you, would you want to wait? Wouldn't you want to make love on our wedding night?"

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He was very uncomfortable with that question. Of course, I would! I want nothing more than to...STOP!

"Hermione, I am a man." A pregnant pause lingered between them, and she looked at him with huge brown eyes, urging him to continue.

"It doesn't matter what I want, damn it!" he snapped. "It is a ludicrous question that has no basis in reality. Making love is about two people's wishes, not one. If you do not wish to make that step...and it is a HUGE step...I will understand and support that decision and will not hold it over your head." His stare grew softer and he exhaled. "Hermione, remember, I am a man. Living with me will expose you to certain things I cannot help."

He was getting flustered now. How the bloody hell am I going to explain this?

"Do you mean morning erections and all that?" she whispered.

He looked shocked. "What! I mean, how?" he sputtered.

Hermione smiled up at him. "Severus, I know about things. I've read about sex and listened to the girls talk about it. My problem is that I haven't experienced practical application of said knowledge," she whispered shyly.

"Okay," he began uncertainly, "well, I think we've discussed that enough. So, what say you?"

"Let's get married straight away," she answered.

He started fumbling in his pocket. "I bought these today for us. I hope you will like what I chose. This is the reason for our rush. Perhaps I should have waited to buy them..."

Hermione placed her finger over his lips. "You're babbling, Professor," she teased.

He blushed at her innocent flirting. "Such cheek. I should take off house points!" he said haughtily.

She giggled. He sighed. That's another thing! I'll be pitching tents all day long if she continues to do that!

He took out the box and showed her the rings. The garnet-diamond ring for her and the plain white gold ring for him.

"Oh, Severus, they're lovely. So lovely," she breathed.

He took out her ring and placed the box back into his voluminous robes. Then he led her just outside the hall where no one would see them. He glanced around out of pure habit; no one was around. Hermione beamed at the sight of Professor Snape being nervous. He got down on one knee and whispered, "Hermione, would you please do me the honor of becoming my wife and partner?"

"Yes," she whispered.

Severus looked at her and considered her response. "Hermione, we have been forced into a whirlwind relationship. Partly due to the fact we are the only survivors of a horrific battle that took everyone we loved from us. I would like to think we've discovered something more there than we had expected to find. I do enjoy your company, your brilliant mind, and I do find you very desirable. I want this marriage one day to be everything it should be, although I realize it will take time. I want to be clear from the start. I want to love you, Hermione. I want to work toward that goal. I believe it can be achieved...in time." He stopped talking and waited for her reply.

Hermione blushed. "I care for you, deeply. I also find you desirable, although I will need time. I do want this marriage to be everything it should be, as well. I want to love you, I think I may already be in love with you; I just don't know for sure."

She took his hands securely in her own and looked intently into his eyes. "I do know this: I respect you, Severus Snape. I was taught that if you can at least respect the man, love will happen in time. I believe this and need to know, Severus, do you respect me?"

Severus cupped her check in the palm of his hand and watched as she leaned into it. She wasn't afraid to be vulnerable to him. She wasn't afraid to try. He would not be either.

"Hermione," he said with difficulty. "I deeply respect your openness and the trust you have in me. I will never harm you. I will be faithful and completely yours. I have ghosts from my past that may be difficult to release myself from. You deserve as my future wife to know the truth. I loved a woman, for the better part of twenty years. However, the losses we have witnessed has changed something inside me. Being with you these last couple of months has made me feel more alive than I ever thought possible. I think I am ready to start again...with you. You need to know I will always love her... Lily. She was my first love, however, she is my past and you are my future. I shall never compare you to her or hold her over your head. I want to marry you, Hermione, because I feel we have something that could be magnificent one day. We are so different, yet so compatible...even complimentary. Can you accept this?" he asked with a touch of fear in his voice.

Hermione was touched. "I can, Severus. I realize you must have had a past; after all, you are nearly twenty years my senior; although, I'd be a liar if I didn't say I feel a little envious. She got the luxury of having your love just because you chose her. We MUST marry for the good of Hogwarts." Her face fell, sad and distant.

Severus stood up and cupped her face, turning it up to face his own. "Hermione, I will try to make this up to you. You won't regret marrying me. I'll work hard to make you happy. You give me more than Lily ever gave me. Sometimes, I think she was more of a dream than a reality. I think we have all the ingredients to make a successful marriage. We DO compliment one another. It will take time, but I am yours, Hermione, if you'll have me."

"I hope you can respect my wishes to wait on sexual intimacy until I'm ready," she replied shyly.

"Of course," he said reassuringly as he kissed her hand. "I think your innocence is lovely and refreshing. I will follow your lead."

He slipped the ring on her finger and kissed her tenderly on the lips. She stood on her tiptoes to accommodate him. She had not kissed him standing before! The height difference was intimidating, but they managed quite nicely.

They walked back in the Great Hall with smiles on their faces, holding hands.

Poppy and Kingsley stood and clapped happily for the couple.

"This deserves something special! Shall we adjourn to your office, Headmaster, for the ceremony? Poppy can be your witness, and we can go into Hogsmeade for some champagne! We can visit Rosmerta and spread the happy news!" said Kingsley.

Poppy clapped her hands together. "Oh, that would be so nice, to visit old friends and finally have something to celebrate!"

Severus looked concerned. He turned to Hermione. "My concern is for Hermione's feelings, Minister. I really don't want anyone prying into the privacy of our marriage or embarrassing Hermione."

"Have no fear, Severus. The marriage will be legitimate. You and Hermione can have your privacy. The Ministry will not be interfering. Now, I can't promise that others won't have a word or three on the matter. You'll have to face facts, Severus. You'll put up with good old-fashioned teasing on having such a young wife, and I'm sure Hermione will have to deal with some old gossips who may ask indelicate questions about your martial relations. All of which I cannot stop," he admitted with a smile.

"Hermione?" Severus asked.

"I think it would be good to go out and see some familiar faces, and we might as well get the word out on our own terms," she answered shrewdly.

Severus smiled at the tenacity of his bride. They all went up to Severus' office and Kingsley performed the ceremony.

It was a very romantic setting, with candlelight. In hushed tones, witch and wizard vowed their fidelity, faith, and charity to one another. As Hermione slipped Severus' ring on his hand, she realized how small her hand was compared to his. It frightened her, but excited her at the same time. She looked up into his eyes. He had become her friend, someone she trusted. Would it have happened if life had not forced them into the situation of being the sole survivors of the final battle? Probably not, but it did not matter. Not now. Life had brought them to this point, and she was not altogether sad that her once dreaded Potions master would now be her husband. She knew they respected one another. It was a good starting point, she figured.

Once they had been declared husband and wife, they kissed and that calm, lovely feeling came back to her. She could get used to this kissing thing. Definitely.

They went into Hogsmeade and retired to the Three Broomsticks. Rosmerta was ecstatic to see them. She hugged them both tightly. Hermione and Severus announced their marriage, and the pub burst into drunken cheers for the couple. Rosmerta brought out her finest and insisted they come upstairs with her while she gave everyone a round of free drinks.

They went up to Rosmerta's cozy sitting room and she said, "Let's Floo some of the old crowd! What say you, Minister?"

Kingsley smiled widely and said, "Why not? I know Amos Diggory is working tonight, along with Mafalda Hopkirk and Arnold Peasegood. Oh, try to see if Gawain is in, as well!"

Soon, the room was full of witches and wizards who knew the couple and were so happy to see familiar faces. Amos Diggory was very happy for the newlyweds and, with a tear in his eye, wished them the best of luck and many happy years and children.

Andromeda Tonks spoke with them through the Floo. She couldn't come, Teddy was in bed for the night. She gave them her best wishes.

Gawain Robards came in with Savage, the young Auror that had been training under Tonks the year before.

"I wish we could stay longer, we just can't spare anyone these days, not until the Americans arrive," he said sadly. "We have our patrol as well. Just could not at least stop by and wish you both well. That damned Skeeter woman is a right foul bint, but as along as you both are happy, well, that's what matters most!"

Severus and Hermione heartily thanked the Head Auror before he and Savage Flooed back to the Ministry.

The small gathering was a happy occasion for everyone as they reminisced about the old days. They all spoke about the re-building of the castle and the coming school year.

"I believe we all shall be relieved when our Wizarding friends arrive," said Mafalda nervously.

"You have doubts, Mafalda?" asked Peasegood.

"Well, I'm just saying that it seems the Americans work on their own timetable, and when they do show up, they have this aura about them that wants to just charge in and take over!" she said hotly.

"Gawain is a good leader," Kingsley responded. "He will keep them in line."

"What of the Hogwarts staff, Severus?" asked Diggory. "Have you and Mrs. Snape settled on who will be teaching?"

"Yes," began Severus. "I will be taking over Potions, as I want to take my time to make sure the right person is hired for the position. Madam Snape will be teaching Charms. Hopefully, next year we will have someone who can assist her in her formal apprenticeship. For now, she has the talent and the ability to handle the course load, I'm sure." Hermione squeezed his hand as he praised her openly.

Severus continued. "I also have contacted a very responsible young wizard who worked with Charles Weasley in Romania. He's British and was unable to return for the war, but it is just as well. He shall be our new gamekeeper and Care of Magical Creatures professor. Mr. Shunpike will be joining us as our school's caretaker. Then we have an American teacher coming to take over as Transfiguration professor. She is very skilled and comes highly recommended. Her name is Samantha Holden. Madam Maxine from Beaubaxtons has a group of capable young witches who have just finished their apprenticeships for Muggle Studies, Arithmancy, and Ancient Runes. Durmstrang will be sending us a Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, a Roman Selinski, and a Herbology teacher, Ivan Domansk."

"The young man that will be your gamekeeper... what's his name? If he's British, wouldn't we know him?" asked Rosmerta.

"Perhaps," Severus replied. "His name is Alun Ketsall. He was in Charles Weasley's year. A fair hand with Potions, but I can't seem to recall anything else from his school days. He comes with excellent references, though."

"What I am curious to see is how they shall be sorted!" said Hermione enthusiastically.

"Ah, yes!" said Peasegood. "Head of houses and all that! Well, Severus, are you going to take back your position as Head of Slytherin?"

"Not if I can help it, but it may be that I must. I am wary of any one coming from Durmstrang, for obvious reasons," he said darkly. "But," he said on a lighter note, "Mrs. Snape shall be Head of Gryffindor house!"

"Oh, well done!" said Mafalda. "I was a Gryffindor, you know."

Hermione smiled at the witch. She was getting very tired. All the alcohol and the excitement of the day was wearing her out. Severus felt a tugging on his frock coat. He looked down and saw his bride's tired eyes. He made their excuses, and they made for home. Sure enough, saucy smiles and feminine tittering rose into the air as they exited to Floo back into the Headmaster's office.

***

Hermione emerged from the bathroom wearing a long sleeved white cotton nightgown that fell to the floor. She sat at what was her own vanity...Lord, these house-elves work fast...combed her hair and plaited it. He watched as she did this and found it to be very soothing. He continued to look at her as she tentatively approached the bed and slipped under the duvet.

"My, this bed is so soft!" she exclaimed.

He smiled down at her as she snuggled into bed. Her gown revealed her collarbone and he could make out the outline of her pert and rosy nipples. They lay there in the huge cozy bed and the minutes ticked away.

Severus turned to his bride and asked if he could hold her hand. She placed her small, warm hand in his. She snuggled closer to him, her feet touching his legs. It was so intimate and innocent, he didn't want to spoil what seemed to be moving along, albeit, slow as a snail, but progress, nonetheless. She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed. She sounded content.

"Hermione," he whispered, "I am at a loss as to what you are expecting from me."

"I would just like to be close to you, get used to being near you like this. Is that okay?"

"Of course," he replied.

He drew his arm up and around her, pulling her close to him. She rested her hand on his chest and toyed with his nightshirt. She burrowed deep into the crook of his arm and fell quickly asleep. Severus looked at his sweet bride. His wife! He was overcome with happiness. It felt so nice, just having her warm, soft body next to his. He put out the lamp and fell asleep.

When morning came, he awoke to find his wife sleeping with one naked leg resting on top of the covers. She was deep asleep, and the sight of her naked thigh made him crave to touch her. His morning erection was screaming for attention, and he wished with all his might that he could just wake her up and bury himself inside her. Damn! He had to wait. He slipped into the bathroom, took off his nightshirt, and began to stroke his aching cock. He imagined her naked thigh and the outline of her breast and fantasized about taking her nightgown off, taking her breast into his mouth, and teaching her how to stroke him as he placed her hand on his erection. He was stroking hard now, panting and sweating. He was so close now, so close...

A/N: Lemons ahead! Sorry for being continuously evil! I hope I make up for it spades in the next chapter! *evil grin*