80- Epilogue

Disclaimer: I just play with JKR's toys, and make no money off them. All hail JKR!

Author's Note: Well, you lovely readers who have stuck with me for six long years... we've reached the end of this journey. As always, profound gratitude to Ladyofthemasque for beta and cheerleading, and thanks to Becky, Ladyinthecloak/Lady Karelia, and Horserider for boosting my confidence and for feedback. My deepest thanks go out to all you who have supported me in this exhausting adventure, reading, reviewing, emailing, commenting on my LJ, and sending fanart. This has been one of the most rewarding ventures I have ever attempted, and I've made so many wonderful friends in the course of it that I will always cherish my memories of writing this behemoth--even if the fact that I finally finished it is largely put down to sheer pig-headed stubbornness! LOL I do hope that the conclusion of this tale lives up to six years of build-up, and that you enjoy the fate of our couple in this epilogue--which I fervently hope is NOT an Epilogue of Doom (tm). ;) Thank you again for reading my labour of love. I love you all.

~Nicole aka Good_Witch aka pern_dragon

Chapter 80- Epilogue

Nine months until the wedding

Hermione's birthday was on a Saturday, and they had opened Spinner's End to their family and friends for a celebration. The back garden now sported a picnic table and benches, and balloons and lanterns were festooned all around. The Grangers, the Weasleys, McGonagall, Dumbledore, Harry, the Longbottoms, the Lovegoods, Fern, Parvati, and Susan were all crowded into the house, spilling out into the back garden and milling about in high spirits. Everyone kept reminding everyone else to keep their wands out of sight in the Muggle neighbourhood, but it became rather a standing joke, so no one took offence.

Snape, stepping away from a conversation with Fern and the twins, looked for Hermione but couldn't find her. That was when he realized that none of the other women were in sight. Striding through the house, he paused at the bottom of the stairs and heard feminine giggles and squeals from upstairs. Wondering what was going on, he trekked on up to see Dione, Minerva, Molly, Ginny, Parvati, Luna, Susan, and even Augusta all crowded into the office, blocking Hermione from view where she sat at the computer.

At his wary, "Hermione?" they all spun around, looking like they had been caught with their hands in the biscuit tin, and Hermione voiced a startled, "Oh!" before shooting up from the chair and blocking the screen.

Snape, bewildered by their sheepish and guilty expressions, said, "What's going on?"

Hermione, flushing hotly, said, "I was just showing them some of the websites that had dresses I liked."

Frowning in confusion, Snape echoed, "Dresses?"

McGonagall cleared her throat delicately and said, "The kind you're not supposed to see."

At that, Snape realized what they were talking about, and he backed away, cheeks warming. "Ah, I see."

Ginny instantly retorted, with a saucy grin, "You better not have!"

Snape snorted and kept edging backward. "Indeed. I'll send Fern up; it's not fair for her to miss out on this 'girl stuff.'"

Hermione cried, "Oh, do! We'll be back down in a little while, dear. I promise."

"No worries." He took the stairs two at a time in his haste to be clear of all that concentrated femininity and sent Fern on her way up. Then he retreated to the back garden where he watched the younger fellows throwing darts and talking about Quidditch, eager to restore his masculinity.

*** ***

Six months until the wedding

It was just a week before Christmas, and Spinner's End was once again opened up for a holiday party. Snape reflected that he had never expected to have so many people over so often, but, as Hermione enjoyed being social with their close-knit group of friends and family, he endured the sometimes-overwhelming celebrations with a minimum of fuss.

Unlike on Hermione's birthday, the weather was quite cold, which kept the crowd inside, filling the living room, dining room, and kitchen with joyful people. The fire crackling merrily in the hearth, combined with the heat of 20 bodies, pinked everyone's faces and fogged the snowy windows.

Hermione and Snape had discussed their ulterior motives for having the party, as they planned to use it as an opportunity to speak to several people about whether or not they would be willing to be a part of their wedding. One by one, they stealthily drew each person away from the cheery group and posed their questions until they reached the end of their lists.

Finally, as the evening drew to a close, and they were all passing around eggnog or hot chocolate, Hermione joined Snape in front of the hearth where they lifted their cups in a toast.

Snape's velvet voice filled the living room and the dining room as he said, "May we have your attention, please?"

Conversations stopped and all eyes turned their way, several people crowding into the doorways from the dining room and entrance hall.

Hermione continued, "Severus and I have been speaking to you privately, but now that we have our answers, we just wanted to thank you..."

They exchanged a fond look and lifted their drinks high as Snape said, "To Minerva, who has agreed to stand by my side as my witness..." McGonagall sniffed primly, still looking smug as she smoothed her robes, then flashed a flattered smile at Snape.

Hermione smoothly cut in, "And to Ginny, who has agreed to the same for me..." Ginny smirked widely, giving a little mock-curtsey.

Snape took over, "To Ron and Harry, who, as always, will back Hermione up in this adventure, and have agreed to stand with us as well..." Ron's ears promptly reddened, and Susan hugged him while he rubbed the back of his neck. Harry flashed a sheepish grin and ran a hand through his messy hair as he shrugged.

Hermione beamed and said, "To Neville and Fern, who will collaborate to provide floral decorations and bouquets..." Augusta turned a proud look on her grandson, only to see Parvati twining her fingers through his as she whispered approval in his ear. Neville blushed but exchanged an eager look with Fern, who smiled back.

Snape added, "To Fred and George, who are brave...or foolhardy...enough to learn how to use Muggle video cameras as well as still cameras to commemorate the occasion...though I still worry what sorts of shots they might take..."

There was a general burst of laughter at that pronouncement. The twins affected offence, then their outraged expressions changed to identical smirks of mischief as they raised their eyebrows in anticipation.

Hermione continued, "To Molly, who has generously agreed to contribute her formidable talents in cooking to make our wedding cake..." Several "Mmm"s of delight rippled through the group, and Molly preened.

Snape said, "And to Albus, who has graciously agreed to broker an arrangement with the Hogwarts house-elves to provide the food..." Dumbledore twinkled and bowed, and surprised murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Hermione wrinkled her nose a little at that, but went on, "To Luna and Mr. Lovegood, for designing and printing our invitations..." Both Luna and her father nodded serenely, beaming impartially at everyone.

Snape added, "And to Arthur, for agreeing to serve as the officiant at the ceremony, once he completes the Ministry's requirements to do so..." Arthur nodded nervously even as he grinned back at them, and everyone else looked on in pleased surprise.

Hermione smiled at her parents and said, "And to my parents, for being so wonderful and understanding, and for loving Severus almost as much as I do..." Another burst of laughter followed her teasing, but the Grangers flushed modestly and smiled back, eyes bright with unshed tears.

Snape paused for a beat, then said, "To all of you, who have expressed true friendship through our trying times and have enriched our lives... Once again, thank you."

As he inclined his head, everyone lifted their cups and cried, "Cheers!"

*** ***

Four months until the wedding

Hermione came bustling down from her office with a stack of printed papers, approaching Snape with an air of pent-up excitement. They had just spent the entire Valentine's Day weekend virtually attached to each other, having gone to see Phantom of the Opera again Saturday night and not even dressing all day long Sunday, only taking time out to replenish their flagging energy with food and bathing. While neither had been keen on returning to work Monday, they both secretly knew it was a good thing...if only to let their bodies recover from prolonged debauchery.

It was late Monday evening, and Snape was sprawled on the couch reading a potions magazine when Hermione hovered over him, eyes glowing. Casting a curious glance at the stack of papers, Snape said, "What's got you all worked up?"

Hermione beamed and said, "I know where I want to go on our honeymoon."

Snape sat up at once and said, "Where?"

Hermione thrust the papers at him and said, "The Paris Opera House."

The papers were printouts of online information about the site, and Snape's lips spread in a delighted smirk, favouring Hermione with an appreciative look. "What a lovely idea, dear heart. I daresay we can find a few other things that might be worth seeing in Paris as well..."

At that, Hermione laughed and dropped beside him on the couch. "As much as I'd rather spend our honeymoon staying in, I'll make an exception to go out for this."

Snape's wicked chuckle was muffled by Hermione's lips as she pushed him back on the couch and pressed her body along his. The stack of papers was forgotten in favour of much more interesting things.

*** ***

One week before the wedding

Hermione was sitting at the dining room table, talking on the phone.

"So, how early can we get in there to decorate and set up? ... All right. ... And you're sure they'll leave us be like we've asked? ... Honestly, Dad, I'm just afraid we'll have to get Ministry Obliviators out there if they don't give us our privacy. ... If you say so. ... And you're certain that we can spend the whole day before in there? ... Well, I don't want to rush decorating...although, if we do have privacy, we can always use magic to make things go faster. ... Yes, Dumbledore has given Ginny leave to help, since the Leaving Feast isn't until that evening. She and Minerva will be there with the rest of us. ... Harry and Ron have sworn blind that they'll be guarding the door to the kitchen so Dobby can Apparate in with the food. ... What? ... Of course I'm excited! How can you even ask that?" She laughed.

"Yes, everything is scheduled and approved; we leave that evening and arrive in Paris. ... Well, since I used all the proper channels, they couldn't do anything but approve my holiday time. Besides, my crew knows what they're doing now, so I don't need to hover over them anymore. ... Hmm? ... Oh! Well, Severus has been working overtime these last few weeks to try to stock up against our absence. He's downstairs right now, up to his elbows in preparations and cauldrons with potions in varying stages of completion. ... Yes, Fern has been nothing but supportive and accommodating. ... Indeed. Of course, I think she's just grateful that Severus managed to not only brew her stock and secure dedicated clients in Fred and George but also sent her a brilliant assistant. ... Well, she had taken him on as a sort of unofficial apprentice, but once she saw how good he was at Herbology, she worked out a contract. ... Mm-hmm, Neville officially began at the start of this month. Augusta couldn't be prouder, really. And Parvati...well, she and Neville have got quite serious these last few weeks. I wonder if it's just the effect of the wedding." She paused in thought, then sighed, a faint smile on her face.

"At least Susan hasn't been smothering Ron, even though they're still going strong. I swear, she's been just the sort of steady, calm anchor he's needed, particularly now that he and Harry have begun Auror training. ... Indeed! Molly can't settle on whether to be proud or worried...what? ... Oh, no, she'll have the cake; don't worry about that. And Arthur claims that he's been practicing the ceremony, for all that we remind him that he can read it and doesn't have to have it memorized." She laughed again, shaking her head as she smiled fondly.

"Everything really is ready. ... I've had the dress for weeks now, and, honestly, not having to worry with alterations and sewing...magic really does make things easier. ... You keep asking if everything is ready, Dad...what's the matter? Are you not ready? ... Well, you are the one who'll be walking me down the aisle and giving me away. Think you're ready for that?" She smiled, cheeks blushing as she stared unseeingly at the tabletop.

"Dad, you know that; I've been ready for over a year now. ... As lovely and wonderful as it will be, this is all just a formality. ... Severus and I have been as good as wed from the moment we fell in love. ... Yes, Dad, your little girl is all grown up and happier than she ever thought she could be. You got your wish, even though you don't realize it." Her lips trembled as she smiled, and her eyes went glassy in response to her father's words.

"Thank you, Dad. I love you too. ... All right. We'll see you soon. ... Yes, Saturday morning at your place, and we'll drive over from there. ... And please thank Mr. Campbell again for arranging everything with the golf club; it's absolutely perfect for a small wedding like ours. ... I will. Bye. Love you." With that, she crossed into the kitchen to hang up the phone, then descended into the basement.

Snape glanced up. "I could hear your voice up there. Who were you talking to for so long?"

Hermione smiled and said, "My dad. He's anxious about the wedding, and it's just getting worse the closer it gets. Honestly, you'd think he was the one getting married!" She chuckled, then added, "And he said to tell you 'hi.'"

Snape nodded in response, his eyes fixed on the potion he was stirring. "My dear, it's much more important than him getting married, his daughter is doing so!"

Hermione snorted. "Whatever you say, love. Will you be much longer? Shall I start dinner?"

Snape peered at several other cauldrons and said, "I should be at a good stopping point in about... 40 minutes."

Hermione nodded and climbed the stairs. "Then dinner will be served in 45 minutes!" She ducked back to blow him a kiss and he smiled, watching her disappear.

*** ***

Twenty minutes before the wedding

Ginny knocked on the dressing room door and said, "Hermione? Can I come in now?"

Hermione's muffled voice said, "Yes, come on in."

Ginny opened the door just wide enough to enter and flicked a wary glance around, making sure no one could see inside before she shut it with a snap. Turning around, she saw Hermione in front of the floor-length mirror, adjusting her gown while her mother fussed with her hair. At the sound of the door closing, Hermione spun, her skirts swirling around her ankles. Ginny's eyes went wide and she breathed, "'Mione, you look amazing!"

Hermione beamed at her friend and bobbed a curtsey, chuckling. "Do you think Severus will like it?"

Ginny and Dione exchanged exasperated looks and Ginny said, "Hermione, he would think you're beautiful if you wore a burlap sack. This is beyond gorgeous."

Dione added, "I'm sure Severus will be quite satisfied with how you look, dear."

Hermione laughed again and said, "You look lovely yourself, Ginny. I'm sure Harry won't be able to take his eyes off of you."

Ginny crossed her arms and shook her head primly, saying, "No, today is your day, and by rights, no one will be able to take their eyes off of you...though I am glad you think I look nice, as I'd hate to ruin your wedding pictures looking a fright!"

On impulse, Hermione hugged Ginny, unable to stop smiling. "Thank you. Well, I'm ready. Do you have the flowers?"

Dione piped up, "They're right here in this box, dear. Now, shall I go fetch your father and get this show on the road?"

Gathering the delicate bouquet of magically enhanced flowers that Fern and Neville had arranged, Hermione said, "Indeed. As long as everything else is ready..."

Dione crossed the tiny dressing room and edged out the door, saying, "I'll make sure of it."

*** ***

Standing in the corridor just outside of the front room that led to the main room, Snape peered through the cracked doors to watch the guests filing through and into the main room where the wedding would take place. Minerva stood beside him, nervously poking at his hair, smoothing strands as he absently waved his hand to swat her away.

"Minerva, that's enough..." He jerked his head to one side and frowned.

Huffing, she retorted, "I'm just trying to make sure it's perfect!"

Snorting and rolling his eyes, he cut an aggrieved glance at her and said, "It's fine; leave off already."

Ron came jogging up the corridor. "Harry's still at the kitchen, but Dobby's all but done. He'll stick around until everything is served, but the rest of the house-elves are gone."

Snape nodded. "Good. Thank you. And has Molly secured the cake?"

Ron flashed a lopsided grin. "I don't think much could get past the protective charms she's got around that thing. She's rather outdone herself, I'd say."

Snape inclined his head and smiled. "I'm sure it's lovely." He peeked through the doors again, noting that the queue of people entering the main room had cleared. Neville was standing at the doorway with the twins, ready to escort anyone else, and the twins both carried cameras: Fred with the video, and George with the still-shot. Arthur bustled up to them and muttered a few words, then hastened to the doorway where Snape was spying.

Snape backed away just in time, as Arthur burst through the doors, quivering with nervous energy. "Ah, Severus, it's nearly time. Is everything ready?"

Minerva said, "We're fine, Arthur. We're just waiting on word from the bride at this point."

Bobbing his head, Arthur said, "Yes, yes, very good. Well then, here comes Harry now. Excellent..."

Harry bounded up to the group, grinning. "Dobby has everything under control in the kitchen, and Dumbledore is about to join the guests. Isn't it almost time?"

Snape nodded, his pulse speeding up in spite of himself. Suddenly, the doors opened again, and Dione poked her head through. "I've just sent Geoff to Hermione. We're all ready if you are."

With that, they all exchanged excited looks, and Arthur said, "Very well then, come along. Dione, you should go take your seat. And remember: there are Muggle guests, so keep your wands out of sight and try to blend in!"

There was a general murmur of acknowledgement. Dione ducked back out and crossed to Neville at the doors, muttering to the twins, who sidled into the main room, cameras at the ready. Arthur led the way down the side corridor, entering near the front of the room where the decorations were arrayed for the ceremony.

As Arthur took his place in the centre, Snape followed, breathing shallowly and feeling his face pale in anticipation. Behind him, Minerva followed, with Ron and Harry in tow. Snape took his place in front of Arthur, Minerva and Harry stopping a pace or two to the side, and Ron continued on to the other side, where he would stand beside Ginny when she arrived.

A susurrus of whispers rippled through the assembled, and they looked back to see Dione being escorted to her seat by Neville. Then, at a signal from Geoff just outside the door, Luna started the recorded music, and Ginny walked down the aisle, carrying her bouquet but also strewing flower petals on the floor for Hermione to tread on. She reached Ron and stopped, spinning to face the back of the room, and everyone in the audience stood as Hermione and Geoff appeared in the doorway.

A collective gasp and murmurs of appreciation swept through the room, and Snape's lips parted, his eyes widening in astonishment at the dazzling radiance of Hermione beaming at him as she glided down the aisle on her father's arm.

He had no idea what her dress would look like, and he hadn't been prepared for the rightness that flooded him at her choice. She had eschewed contemporary Muggle bridal gowns in favour of a more mystical flair, and Snape thought she looked as if she had stepped out of a medieval painting.

Her dress was of silver silk, with gold embroidery edging along the neckline, cinching the sleeves high on her upper arms, trimming the edges of the belled sleeves and the full skirt, and girdling her hips to a vee from her waist, which trailed to the hem at the front of her skirt. Within that gold trim, garnet-coloured gems sparkled in the light, echoed in the jewels and crystals nestled in her curls, the dainty combs gently keeping her hair out of her face. Matching earrings and necklace of silver and gold coiled around garnets completed the ensemble, with her bouquet of gold-tipped gardenias, silver-tipped plumerias, and crimson-veined carnations wrapped in silver and gold ribbons adding the finishing touch.

Snape suddenly understood why she insisted on him wearing a darker pewter-coloured version of his opera suit, instead of his preferred black, with a rich red carnation boutonniere. Ginny's gold gown with garnet-hued accents and bouquet served as a warmer counterpoint to the cool beauty of their silver attire. The rest of the wedding party, Minerva included, wore the darker pewter of Snape's suit, with lighter silver accents and crimson flowers.

The effect was such that Snape marvelled at how she had managed to take the ring he had chosen and extended its singular look through their entire wedding party. Nearly overwhelmed with the force of his love for her and the appreciation for her homage, he sucked in a deep breath, swallowing against the lump that insisted on lodging in his throat.

Geoff responded to Arthur, presenting Hermione to Snape and taking his seat by Dione in the front row, but Snape was deaf to Arthur's recitation, all senses focused on his bride before him beaming up into his face. Although they had spent the past year together under one roof, the wonder at what was truly his reality...that she loved him enough to be his wife...nearly overwhelmed him with joy.

One part of Snape chided him for not paying more attention to Arthur's performance, as he was doing quite well, but the rest of Snape's consciousness ignored that reprimand in favour of devouring Hermione with his eyes...and thinking ahead to how much he wanted to devour her later that night.

Hermione's whole being buzzed with the excitement of the event and the connection she still shared with Snape. She looked into his fathomless black eyes and saw the burning love and desire crackling within them. The answering thrill that coursed through her veins made her almost dizzy with rapture and the hunger to become one with him in body as well as soul.

Among the wedding party, although they were trying to focus on Arthur's ceremony, the witnesses kept finding themselves distracted, turning to look in awe at the couple between them, as they felt the magical currents surrounding them like a static-y aura. The charged atmosphere merely served to accentuate the joy of the occasion, reiterating what they had all come to realize: that the relationship between the unlikely couple was one of exceptional beauty and strength.

Arthur paused, looking expectantly at Snape and Hermione, who both promptly realized that they had no idea what he had just said. Turning sheepish eyes on him, they flashed apologetic smiles, and he smirked as he repeated, "It is at this point that the betrothed would like to share with us their own sentiments."

Nodding faintly, Snape locked eyes with Hermione again and began what they had adapted to their purpose, his voice low but full of emotion as he said, "All I want is freedom, a world with no more night... and you, always beside me, to guard me and to guide me..."

Hermione responded, "No more talk of darkness, let daylight calm your fears. I'm here, with you, beside you... those years are far behind you..."

Snape continued, "Then say you love me every waking moment... say the word and I will follow you..."

Hermione said, "Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime... let me lead you from your solitude..."

Snape said, "Say you need me with you, now and always... anywhere you go let me go too..."

Hermione added, "Share each day with me, each night, each morning..."

Then, in unison, they said, "Say you love me and 'I do.' Love me...that's all I ask of you."

The silence following their recitation was profound until the assembled guests shook themselves from their rapt observation and exhaled all at once, sounding as if the room itself had sighed.

Arthur, unable to keep from beaming at the blissful pair before him, said, "Who has the ring?"

McGonagall fished the gold band from her pocket and presented it to Arthur, who lifted it in front of him and said, "This ring serves as the ageless symbol of eternity, with no beginning nor end. It is presented in this union as the tangible reminder that the vows pledged here today shall also have no end."

He dropped the ring to a level with their clasped hands and said, "Severus Donovan Snape, here in the presence of these witnesses to your troth, do you promise to love, honour, and care for Hermione, unwavering in the face of adversity, for as long as you shall live?"

Snape replied, "For as long as there are stars in the heavens, I do."

Arthur looked at Hermione, who, with trembling lips, was gazing adoringly at Snape, and said, "Hermione Jane Granger, here in the presence of these witnesses to your troth, do you promise to love, honour, and care for Severus, unwavering in the face of adversity, for as long as you shall live?"

Hermione tilted her head to one side and said, "For as long as there are hours to count, I do."

Arthur laid the ring in his outstretched palm and said, "Then, as a sign of these vows, Severus, you may place this ring on Hermione's finger."

Snape lifted her left hand and slid the outer ring with the garnet off her ring finger, fitted the gold band within it, and slipped both back on, smiling proudly when he both watched and felt them magically tighten to a snug fit. Then, his eyes flicking up to Hermione's, he brought her hand to his lips, bestowing a reverent kiss on the ring.

Arthur, slightly taken aback by Snape's unscripted gesture, cleared his throat and said, "Well then, ah, having exchanged partnered oaths of devotion, we bear witness to your plight. And, by the authority vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your promise with a kiss."

Snape and Hermione grinned merrily at each other, then she stepped forward into his embrace, her hands lifting to frame his face as he leant down to meet her in a searing, soul-binding kiss. Around them, spurred to action by the intensity of magic crackling around the couple, the wedding party and guests burst into cheers and applause until Snape and Hermione finally separated enough to press their foreheads together, flushed and gasping. They came to their senses with a start, and turned dazed eyes on the assembled revellers.

Behind them, Arthur cried, "May I present to you, Severus and Hermione Snape!"

At that, they exchanged abashed grins and began their trek down the aisle, arm in arm, followed by their wedding party, who were beaming almost as much to rival the bride and groom.

As soon as the wedding party exited into the front room, Fred and George began directing them to pose for pictures, while Dumbledore, Neville, Parvati, Susan, and the Lovegoods bustled about, placing the chairs that had been set up in rows around the tables along both sides of the room. Once they were done, the centre section was open for a dance floor, and the tables were ready for guests to be seated to partake of the food provided by Dobby and his accompanying crew of house-elves. They then made several trips in and out of the kitchen to bring everything in and set up along the long buffet tables on the side wall.

While the guests milled about and the twins kept the wedding party and the Grangers busy with their cameras, Molly and Fern moved the flowers and decorations from the front area where Arthur had performed the ceremony, placing them on the table behind it, setting it up for the wedding party to sit in the place of honour, at the head of the room.

Finally, as the others finished displaying all the food, Molly and Fern rolled out the small table with the cake, setting it in the front corner, between the head table and the buffet. The wedding cake was a sumptuous tiered confection with golden frosting and silver beads draped around, punctuated by crimson flowers. The cake topper was blown glass, twisted and twirled in the form of a circle, within which hung an enamelled Phantom mask.

Molly muttered to Fern, and the other woman spun to scan the room, blocking Molly's actions from view as she took out her wand long enough to release the protective charms shielding the cake from damage.

Soon, the guests were herded into the main room to take seats at the tables, the wedding party hurrying in and standing behind their chairs at the head table. Arthur stationed himself at the doorway, announcing, "Esteemed guests, please welcome Severus and Hermione Snape!"

They entered again, arm in arm, nodding and smiling at the crowd standing and applauding around them. When they took their seats at the head table, everyone else sat as well, and Luna once again started the music for atmosphere.

The celebration continued, with everyone enjoying the food and music, appreciative laughter bubbling up at the way the younger members of the cast changed the music to "Masquerade," demonstrating how well they remembered their choreography from over a year before. Snape, not to be outdone, imperiously stood as the music changed to the ominous sound of the Phantom arriving, and gestured to Luna to start the song again. When she did, he bowed to Hermione, taking her hand and whisking her away from the head table to show that he, too, remembered that which he hadn't even been required to perform.

The others backed away from them as he spun a laughing Hermione across the dance floor, applauding as they came to the end and Snape gave an exaggeratedly haughty bow.

Later, when Hermione tossed her bouquet, there was a mad scrum amongst the younger women, but Parvati emerged from the clutch victorious, brandishing the flowers, a triumphant gleam in her eyes. The boys crowed, turning to tease Neville, whose cheeks had gone pink, but were taken aback to see him watching Parvati with an air of suppressed elation, a faint smirk hovering on his lips. Augusta nodded, beaming benevolently over the younger crowd.

Eventually, the cake was cut, and the decadent layers of chocolate cake were separated by mousse, of both Snape's and Hermione's recipes. The afternoon wore on, and it was evening when Hermione leant close to Snape at the head table and said, "I daresay we've stayed long enough. We should be at liberty to leave any time now."

A tingle of anticipation swept over Snape, ending in his trousers, and he murmured in her ear, "Then let's say our goodbyes and go," nuzzling her curls and purring as he nipped her earlobe.

Her gasp was answer enough, and she shot to her feet, swallowing hard. Snape rose more circumspectly, but the ferocity of his grip on her hand belied his more sedate façade. They first went to the Grangers, where Hermione muttered to her mother, "It's been hours, and we've done everything scheduled, right?"

Dione's brows rose and she said, "The cake was the last thing scheduled, dear. Why?"

Hermione flicked a glance at Snape and attempted a demure expression, but was not entirely successful, from the awkward expressions on her parents' faces. "We're about to head out, then."

Geoff ducked his head and coughed faintly, rubbing the back of his neck as he mumbled, "I'll let everyone know..." and hurried away.

Dione rallied and said, in a quite businesslike manner, "We'll make sure to Floo all the gifts over to Spinner's End, and...yes, dear, we'll look after Crookshanks. And Ginny reassured me earlier that she would pop over periodically to check for post as well. Everything is in good hands."

Hermione hugged her, then backed away and twined fingers with Snape again. "Thanks, Mum. For everything."

Dione smiled fondly and sighed. "It was a lovely wedding, and you both are quite stunning. Congratulations again."

Hermione beamed up at Snape, lifting a hand to smooth a lock of hair behind his ear. In homage to their times together before, his suit, albeit of a different colour, was the same style as the opera coat he had previously worn, and he had pulled his hair back into a ponytail, leaving the shorter strands to fall forward and frame his face, as Hermione had done for him on the night of the play. Snape pinned her with a smouldering look and caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm before releasing it.

Geoff returned, saying, "All right, we're ready to see you off!"

As one, they all turned and crossed to the doorway into the front room, where the guests were all crowded on either side, extending out the front door and down the walkway, where the wedding party led them up to the car chauffeured by Fern. When Snape and Hermione stepped into the pathway, the group around them either tossed flower petals or blew soap bubbles to float around them, speeding them on their way.

Laughing, Hermione dove into the car, shaking petals from her hair, and Snape climbed in beside her. Fern grinned back at them and said, "Once we get to the end of the road, that should be far enough, don't you think?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes. The only reason we even have this car is because of the Muggles who are here. If it had all been wizards, we would have just Apparated from there."

Fern winked and said, "All right then, let's go!"

True to her word, she drove them to the end of the road leading away from the golf club, then parked on the shoulder. Snape and Hermione exchanged a mischievous grin before he cast a concealment charm over them and they clambered out of the car, their disembodied farewells making Fern chuckle before they Disapparated.

Five hours after the wedding

They had arrived at Spinner's End, ended the concealment charm, grabbed the luggage they had already packed, and Apparated to the quaint wizarding inn tucked away in the heart of Paris, where they were met by a genial witch who immediately led them to the bridal suite, tendering her congratulations as she left them to their privacy.

They were in the tiny dining area, and a stunning flower arrangement graced the table, surrounded by candles in crystal holders. Snape sent their bags flying into the luxurious bedroom, then embraced Hermione, purring, "Shall I carry you over the threshold, my dear?

She smirked up at him and said, "Oh, there's no need for that. I'm quite willing to go into the bedroom, so I don't need to be carried in." Snape snorted. "As a matter of fact, if you wanted to do that, you'd have to..." and she broke away from him, spinning and hiking up her skirts "...catch me first!"

Dancing away from his belated grab, she raced across the living room, breathless giggles trailing in her wake as Snape darted after her. As soon as he entered the room, he slammed the door behind him, leaning against it and eyeing her with predatory intent.

Hermione had backed against the edge of the bed, breath shallow at the lascivious promise of his expression. Snape drew his wand with a languid air, casting charms to lock the door and silence the room. Then, he shrugged out of his opera coat and the accompanying waistcoat, tossing them to one side as he watched her eyes widen. When he began undoing the buttons at his cuffs and throat, he heard her faint sigh and saw her pupils dilate. Leaving the rest of the shirt buttoned, he crossed to her, and she shivered under his heated gaze.

Stopping mere millimetres from her, he carefully removed the delicate combs from her hair and laid them on the bed, letting her curls settle into their natural state. Then, he lifted his hands to the clasp of her necklace, opening it and slipping it from her neck. Once he had laid it with the combs, he bent to trace his lips over her bare throat, his hands cupping her shoulders. Her head fell back to give him easier access, and he breathed in her ear, "Turn around."

She spun, and Snape brushed her hair over one shoulder, nuzzling and nipping along the exposed cord of her neck as his fingers traced the edge of her bodice, pausing at the top of the column of tiny buttons that ran the length of her spine. With each button undone, he pressed a kiss to the newly-bared flesh, making Hermione squirm with growing need.

When he reached the end, he smoothed his hands up her back and guided the sleeves down her arms. The gown pooled around her, resting on the bed in front of her knees. Wrapping one arm around her waist, he urged her to step out of the dress, holding it with the other hand until he was free to flick his wand to send it to hang in the wardrobe. Holding her there, he trailed feather-light kisses over her shoulders and neck as he finished unbuttoning his shirt. When he released her to remove his shirt, she heard the rustling and came to her senses with a start.

She started to turn around, but he stopped her, saying, "Not yet."

Remembering his "not yet" in her room at Hogwarts, her eyes closed and she exhaled a long note of anticipation and desire. Snape made quick work of stepping out of his boots, socks, and trousers, adding slow swipes of his tongue to the kisses and nips along her shoulders. When he was clad only in his shorts, he cupped her shoulders and turned her around again, descending on her with an urgent kiss.

Hermione reached for him, sliding her hands over his bare chest and twining her fingers in his hair, tugging it free from the elastic. Her nipples dragged against his torso, and she moaned.

Abandoning her mouth, Snape pressed kisses along her jaw and down her throat, dropping to his knees in front of her to suckle each breast in turn while his fingers sought the closure of the suspender belt. As soon as it sprang free, he hooked his thumbs into the thong riding her hips, pulling it down to join the suspender belt and sliding her stockings down her legs. His nose traced languid designs along her belly and hips as he guided her to step out of her shoes and lingerie. Her gasps and breathy moans served as music to his ears while her hands raked through his hair, sending shivers over his scalp and goose flesh down his body.

When she was completely nude, he pressed her hips back, and she sank onto the edge of the bed. He dropped onto his heels and leant forward, parting her knees with his arms and parting her curls with his thumbs as his tongue delved into the glistening treasure before him. Hermione fell back onto the bed with a keening cry.

Laving from cunt to clit and back again, Snape gloried in surrounding himself with essence of Hermione: her taste, her scent, her moans, her warm wetness, the dusky pink of her delectable flesh.

Hermione felt the sizzling shocks coursing through her body and wanted more. Gripping his hair, she tugged him away from his feast, panting, "Enough for now. My turn."

She struggled to sit up, and Snape backed away. She grabbed at his arms, urging him to rise. When he got to his feet, her gaze travelled from his face to his tented, damp boxers, and she slanted a wicked grin at him as she pulled his pants past his knees. He stepped out of them and nearly choked on his hastily indrawn breath when she leant forward and sucked his cock in as deep as she could go in one motion. The hissed string of obscenities pouring from his lips made her want to grin in triumph, but she was too busy bobbing along his length to do so.

Her hands slid around to squeeze his arse while she sucked him, and she could feel the trembling in his muscles as he tried to control his urge to thrust. Finally, she couldn't wait any longer and backed away, peering up at his dazed expression. Her voice was hoarse with desire as she said, "Gods, Severus, I need you..."

She pushed to her feet, pressing herself against him. He pounced on her with a demanding kiss, then said, "I need you, Hermione."

Breaking apart, they scrambled onto the bed, crawling into the centre, where Snape guided Hermione onto her back beneath him, moaning as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Her hand snaked down her body to stroke his cock before he sank into her, and she slid her fingers back, circling her clit as he plunged deep.

His hair fell forward, serving as blinders, keeping his gaze locked with Hermione's. With every thrust, she gasped or squealed or moaned, and his grunts and groans answered her. The fervour of their coupling mounted, until Hermione's eyes widened, boring into his as she panted, "Oh gods... Severus... yes... I love you... yes... gods..."

Snape felt her impending orgasm in the squeezing of his cock, and he rasped, "Yes... Hermione... love... yes... I love you..."

Then, as her words dissolved into an ululating cry of ecstasy, he dropped onto his elbows, sealing his devotion with a kiss, his roar of satisfaction muffled by her lips meshed with his.

As their breathing slowed, Snape let his body melt against hers, and Hermione relaxed her legs around his hips, sliding her feet down the backs of his thighs. The fierce kiss that crowned their climax gradually shifted to gentler, worshipful kisses of affection. Snape moved enough so that he rested his hip on the bed instead of crushing her beneath him. After several minutes, Hermione rolled forward until they were on their sides, entwined. She ducked her head as a yawn ambushed her.

Snape, smirking, said, "Have we worn you out already?"

Hermione cut a reproachful glance at him and said, "It's been an eventful day, and I'm just so deliciously sated and comfortable..."

Snape's dark chuckle vibrated against her temple when she nestled against him. "Well, we don't want to sap your energy this early...we've got three weeks of honeymoon ahead of us." She purred and held him closer. "But," he conceded, "today was quite eventful..." He pulled back and sought her gaze. His voice was rough with the force of emotion filling him as he said, "This has been the greatest day of my life, Hermione. You truly are my salvation."

Hermione's eyes misted with happy tears and she whispered, "And you are the best thing that has ever happened to me, Severus. I love you..."

She was interrupted by his murmur as he joined her to say, in unison, "Always."

Four weeks after the wedding

Ginny, Dione, and Molly were seated on the couch, with Hermione leaning over the back, all looking at the photo album in Dione's lap, oohing and aahing at the pictures Hermione had taken during their honeymoon in Paris.

Severus was ensconced in his lab, busy concocting one of the twins' newest products, and Fern and Neville were standing at the far end of the long counter, preparing some exotic magical plants for brewing.

Fern had wanted to learn more about preparing plants for potions ingredients, and, while Snape was clearly the expert, he didn't have enough time to teach her, what with all the stock he had to make to keep up with sales. So, he allowed her and Neville to work in his lab, where Neville could direct her, and Snape could be on hand if they needed his help.

If someone had ever told Snape that he would not only be working in the same potions lab as Neville Longbottom, but recommending him to train someone else, he would have told that person to lay off the hallucinogenic potions.

Neville, for his part, reflected that he would never have imagined not only not being terrified of Snape, but also enjoying working with him in a professional setting. But, as he had acknowledged several times over in the past year and a half, his life...no, he...had changed quite a bit after being cast in the play. The understanding he and Parvati had come to a few days after the wedding attested to that fact. His newest goal as he worked for Fern was to be able to afford a ring with which to make their understanding official.

He wasn't the only one looking for a ring, either. Back upstairs, after the women had finished looking at all the pictures, they sat around the dining room table with a tray of tea and biscuits while Hermione fired question after question at Ginny and Molly about the distant plans for Ginny and Harry's wedding.

Apparently, after Snape and Hermione had disappeared from the golf club, Harry had pulled Ginny aside and murmured something to the effect of hoping their day would be as nice, and they were as good as promised from that moment on. Ginny made sure to let Ron know what she liked so he could pass it on to Harry when he took Ron with him to peruse ring choices.

Of course, as the two young men had recently begun Auror training, Harry and Ginny were going to wait until it was over, so they had almost three years to plan their big day, at least.

Hermione, basking in the bliss of her union with Snape, was ecstatic to come back from three weeks of unabashed splendour and find her dearest friends beginning the same joyous journey she had taken. She knew that, even though he would grumble and pull faces at going to their weddings, Snape would undoubtedly feel the same fond memories of their own celebration, and she resolved to use them as opportunities to renew their own pledge to each other.

Twenty years after the wedding

"Severus, dear, it's time to go!" Hermione checked her appearance one last time in the mirror before she exited the bedroom and strode down the hallway to the office, where Snape was still at the computer, inputting data for Vial and Vessel on a spreadsheet.

Snape saved his work and took off his spectacles, tucking them in his shirt pocket as he rose to join her. "All right, let's go."

They bustled down the stairs and Flooed to the headmistress's office. McGonagall looked up and smiled in welcome. "Severus, Hermione, so good to see you! Come on down, the show will be starting in about 30 minutes."

McGonagall led them through the castle to the theatre annex that had been added two years after the inaugural musical competition. As they took their seats, they opened the programmes and nodded fondly at the photos and bios of the students they had come to see: their godchildren, Harry and Ginny's sons, James Sirius and Albus Severus.

Both boys had apparently inherited their parents' knack for performing, as James was playing Bert, and Albus was playing Michael in the Hogwarts production of Mary Poppins.

The show was a success, and, after congratulating their godsons on a job well done, Snape and Hermione rejoined McGonagall on the trek back to the headmistress's office. McGonagall said, "I can't believe it's been over 20 years since our first performance here. I say, it was quite the momentous event...for a number of reasons."

She cut a wry glance at Snape and Hermione and they exchanged an amused look, chuckling. Hermione said, "Yes, well, it's hard to remember what Hogwarts was like without the fine arts curriculum. My department has doubled in size several times over these past twenty years, what with all the other fine arts deserving their own experts as well."

McGonagall smiled as they entered her office. "Hogwarts has certainly had to adjust to all the additions and changes, but at least we were prepared for that. Albus made sure of it."

At her statement, all three paused and looked up at the portrait above her desk, where a dozing Albus Dumbledore leant against the frame, snoring lightly.

Snape inclined his head toward the portrait and said, "Well, I'm just glad he managed to get Conroy and the rest of the Ministry to allow me to at least come to the performances. I know I could have used the mirrors, but I'd rather be here in person to support the boys."

McGonagall and Hermione voiced noises of agreement, and Hermione hugged his arm. McGonagall looked at them and said, "I'm certainly pleased to have you here as well. Although, I am glad your legendary reputation has faded as the new generation has come along. Particularly in light of what's coming up next year."

She pinned them with a shrewd look, and they frowned in confusion. Hermione said, "Why? What's happening next year?"

McGonagall's eyes suddenly seemed as if they had stolen their twinkle from Dumbledore as she said, "Why, haven't you heard? We're doing The Phantom of the Opera."

Snape and Hermione whipped their gazes to each other, eyes wide. Then, identical smiles blooming on their faces, they said, in unison, "We'll be here...definitely."

The End

A/N: Hermione's wedding dress is largely modelled after this one-- http://www.drclean.co.uk/WeddingDresses/Images/MedeavalSleeves.jpg