Chapter 51

The morning of their bonding finally arrived. Hermione took some time to soak in the bath, trying to calm her nerves, while Severus took a quick shower, gathered his clothing and a few other things to take with him.

When Hermione came from her shower, she was dressed in regular robes. She had a bag she'd packed the night before that held all the things she needed for the ceremony and some clothing changes. Severus had mentioned they might stay the night at Poppy's cabin.

They went to breakfast and found that Poppy was absent and a medi-nurse from St. Mungo's had come to take her place for the day. Hermione found she could hardly eat even though Minerva and Severus tried to get her to eat something. Her stomach was upset, and she had to return to her quarters to get the nausea medication for the morning sickness. Severus hovered over her nervously, hoping she would be okay. Finally her stomach settled, and they decided it was time to use their Portkeys to go to the Weasleys'. Severus wondered why they weren't Flooing or Apparating to the house, but he shrugged it off. He figured the Portkeys would probably take them to different rooms in the house so they wouldn't see each other until the ceremony.

Before taking ahold of their Portkeys, Severus pulled Hermione in his arms and held her tightly. "I love you so much. I am so happy that you are going through this bonding ceremony with me. Our Muggle wedding means no less to me; but in our world with this ceremony, we will magically be bonded in a way no one can tear us apart."

Hermione held on to him, breathing in the scent that was magically Severus. "I love you too, and I look forward to the extra connection. I wouldn't want it any other way."

He backed up and took a small box from his robe pocket. "Hermione, I would be honored if you would wear these earrings. They were my mother's. She had only a few things from her wealthy family, and she passed them on to me for my bondmate."

Hermione said, "Oh, Severus, I would be happy to." She reached for the box, hoping the earrings would not clash with her gown. Taking the lid off, she gasped. Inside was a set of gold, teardrop pearl and diamond earrings. "Severus!" she gushed. "They are beautiful and will go perfect with my gown." She replaced the lid and slipped it in her bag. Then she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. "Thank you. I've never had such beautiful things in my life."

Severus caressed her hair. "I'm glad you like them. I had little else to give you. There are the things from Albus, but these are the only heirlooms I have. They are a more appropriate bonding gift. You and I will go look at Albus' gifts soon and see what else you might like."

"I don't need jewels. I just need you. These are perfect." She hugged him tightly. "I love you so much. Come on, Molly will be having a fit if I wait much longer. Ginny is going to come help me get dressed."

Severus said, "You go first. I will follow." He bent to kiss her briefly and said, "I'll see you in a few hours."

Hermione pressed her hand to his face in a gentle caress and reached out to take the Portkey. She felt that tug at her navel and found herself standing in Poppy's bedroom.

"What?" she gasped, suddenly frightened. But then she saw Ginny and Poppy and relaxed. Poppy looked amazing. Her short blonde hair was free of the medi-witch hat and carefully styled. She had a bright red dress that seemed to shine bits of purple like it had magical lights beneath the fabric.

Poppy said, "Surprise! Molly had a infestation of garden gnomes from hell, and we decided my place would be the best alternative. The bonding will be on the beach. The magical wards are set so we won't be affected by the wind or salt air. I hope you don't mind."

Hermione came forward and hugged her, whispering in her ear, "It's perfect. You look beautiful." She saw the older woman blush as she turned away. She turned to Ginny and gave her a hug. "I hope your mum's not too disappointed. Where is she?"

Ginny laughed. "She was only disappointed momentarily. She's busy outside making sure the house-elves Minerva sent put on the finishing touches. You should see them. They are so excited to be helping the Professors Snape." Ginny wasn't sure about how Hermione felt about house-elf labor these days.

"I'm glad they are happy. I guess that's all that matters. When I was young, I could not imagine how one could ever be happy serving. But they are, and when I learned that, I dropped it all." She took her bag from her pocket and expanded it on the bed.

Ginny and Poppy came over to help her lay out her things.

Ginny blushed when Hermione laid out a white lace, strapless teddy and white lace stockings and garters. "Oh, Hermione you are going to have fun tonight."

"That's the idea," she said with a laugh

A long lace waist slip went over that. Then the gown came out.

Poppy gasped, touching the delicate white silk fabric. "It's beautiful. Severus will adore it."

Hermione smiled at the woman. "I hope so." She took the box that Severus had given her and showed them the earrings. "This will go perfectly, don't you think? Severus gave them to me. They were his mother's."

Poppy went to her dresser and pulled a box out. "I wanted to give you something, and now I know what will be perfect with the dress." She opened the box, and inside were two golden Greek key arm cuffs. "I got them in Greece when I did my medical training there. I want you to keep them."

"They are beautiful, Poppy, but I can't keep them," Hermione said. "This is too much, but I will borrow them."

Poppy said, "You'll do no such thing. They are yours, Hermione. I would be proud to have you keep them. You're my son's wife, and I have no daughters to pass these things on to. Please take them."

Hermione could see the sincerity in her eyes. She gave the woman a hug. "Thank you, I hope you will be a mother to me, too. I don't think one gets too old for a mother's support."

"I already am, dear," she said, patting Hermione on the cheek. "Now come on, Ginny. Let's get my girl's hair done."

As Hermione sat down at a mirrored vanity, she wondered what Severus thought of her wedding gift. She felt a few butterflies in her chest. What if he didn't like it? What if it made him angry?

Ginny, unaware of her thoughts, smiled and said, "I wanted to put it up like it was at the Yule Ball. It would fit the dress better, but Severus gave me some instructions."

Hermione turned to look up at her. "He did?"

"Yep. He loves your hair, Hermione. He wants it to be free and wild." She drew a comb and her wand and proceeded to fluff and expand. "You should see Mum, Hermione. She let me do her hair up, and I even darkened it a bit. You won't recognize her. I think she fancies it."

Hermione gasped when she saw her hair. She said, "It looks like It did 20 years ago. I look forward to seeing Molly. She's looked the same since I first met her. She gives so much of herself. She deserves to be pampered occasionally." Hermione turned her attention to her hair, staring at the wild mass. She rather liked it, and she was touched that Severus didn't mind the crazy mass.

"You look striking." Ginny said.

There was I knock at the door. When Poppy answered, a tiny female house-elf came in with a small, silver tray. It had a note on it.

Hermione opened the note, recognizing Severus handwriting,

Hermione, thank you. This is an

astounding bonding gift.

I love you,

Severus

Molly came in at that moment. "You caused a stir with your bonding guest, but I got them all settled." She laughed. "They promised not to murder him."

Hermione's eyes got big. "I should have warned everyone. I'm sorry. Is everyone really okay?"

"They are fine, my dear. They can see he's different. The evil is gone, and his eyes are like windows to his soul. It humbles him. They will nevertheless watch him like a hawk." She looked at Hermione. "Your hair is lovely. Ginny, you did a great job."

"Thank you, Molly. Ginny did a great job on you, too; you look fantastic." Hermione gushed, reaching up to touch Molly's hair. She saw a blush creep up Molly's face, and the woman fussed at the curl that fell from her forehead.

Molly hugged her and then turned to Poppy. "Poppy, can you come outside for a few minutes and make the last check with me?"

Poppy asked Hermione, "Do you mind? I'll be back in a few minutes."

Hermione said, "Of course not. It will give Ginny and I a few minutes to gossip about Harry." The bride giggled, looking far younger than her years.

Poppy smiled.

When the door closed behind the women, Ginny said, "Harry cried last night when he got the owl. He was so touched by Severus' gift. He's missed Hedwig so much."

Hermione smiled. "I'm so glad he liked her. It was Severus' idea. We went by Eeylops, and there she was."

"Severus? Why would he want to buy Harry an owl?"

"He cares about Harry. He just wasn't allowed to show it before. There was a war, Ginny, and he was undercover. Besides Harry is his best friend's child. He's let go of the past."

Ginny said, "Well, that was a nice thing for him to do. Harry kind of thought you might have put him up to it."

"No, it didn't occur to me before Severus said, 'Let's buy it for Harry.'"

Poppy returned and helped Ginny hold the dress over Hermione's head. It fell over her in a cloud of soft, white silk. Poppy fastened the armbands on, and Ginny magicked the earrings on. Hermione stood, looking like a goddess. Poppy waved her wand, and her feet were clad in gold sandals with straps that wound around her legs.

"Oh," Hermione exclaimed, "I'd forgotten shoes. These are wonderful. It looks like I'm all set. I wonder how Severus is doing. It probably took him five minutes to get ready." She laughed.

*****

In the meantime:

Severus watched Hermione Portkey away, and then he shouldered his bag and grabbed his. "Bloody hell," he exclaimed, as Lucius appeared in front of him. He ducked away, drawing his wand. Then realized he was in the study at Poppy's house. Then he noticed Grimmley and Harry flanking Lucius. "What the bloody hell is going on?" he growled in confusion.

Lucius drawled, "Severus, I thought we were friends. Calm down, I'm an invited guest. He smoothed his hand down a fine robe he was wearing. "It's nice to be out of prison garb permanently."

"Can someone tell me what the bloody hell is going on?" Severus demanded, looking at Harry.

Harry stepped forward and said, "Hermione invited him. She thought you'd like to have him here. I promise he's little more than a squib right now. He has no wand. He is warded magically with a dampening field. He's wearing the Muggle equivalent of tracking devices in the nature of spells. If you don't want him here, Grimmley and several others who are on watch will take him to his manor."

Severus realized that everyone else seemed more relaxed than he did, so he made himself relax and reached out a hand to Lucius. "It is good to see you, my friend. My wife has surprised me." He pulled Lucius into a hug. "I'm sorry for the welcome. I was surprised to find you here."

Lucius stepped back. "No apology necessary. I understand. I was wondering if you'd hex my head off before I could explain." He laughed.

Severus laughed then and turned to Harry, "Harry, it's good to see you. You out of all Hermione's friends, I think, belong here today with her."

Harry came to take Severus' hand, and Severus pulled him into a hug. "Your son is an amazing child. Forgive me for not seeing that his father was also an amazing child."

Harry hugged him back. "You have already apologized, and you are making it up by helping Albus. He admires you so much. His letters are full of your exploits."

Severus backed off, laughing. "I bet that rankles your hide."

"No, on the contrary, I'm very happy he is close to his name-sake. Thank you for the owl, Severus. I have named her Hedwig, as well. It was a very thoughtful gift."

"You're welcome, Harry." He gave Harry a clap on the back and turned to Grimmley. It's a surprise to see you here. Are you in here in an official capacity?"

"No, your wife invited me, and I thought I might guard this ruffian," he waved at Lucius, "and enjoy the bonding."

"Well, it's good to see you again, sir. I am sorry I was so harsh the last time. I was dealing with some issues." He turned away and set his bag on the desk and expanded it. "Well, gentlemen, do you wish to help me dress like the ladies are doing for Hermione? Or will you clear out and let me get ready?"

"I'd like to stay," Lucius said.

"Gentlemen," he said to Harry and Grimmley, "would you mind waiting outside the room? I think I will be fine with Lucius. I would appreciate you coming back in and helping me on with my robe, Harry." That was an honor bestowed on close friends and family.

"I'd be honored, Severus." Harry grinned, motioning Grimmley to follow him.

Lucius watched them go. "Well, old chap, you and Potter seem to have made up."

Severus turned to take out his shaving equipment and conjured a bowl of water to shave with. "Yes, I can't stay angry my whole life, Lucius, and he is Hermione's best friend. He has a very gifted son...as gifted as your grandson, Scorpius. I hope you are proud of that boy. He helped me with the potion that restored my arm and hand."

"I am. I haven't had a chance to see him yet, but I will tell him just that when I do. You are marrying an extraordinary woman." Lucius laughed. "She threatened to hex me into St. Mungo's psych ward if I so much as put a toe out of line."

"I bet she did," Severus said with obvious pride for his wife.

"Let me shave you, Severus. You know I'm good at this. I taught you all you know."

Severus nodded, wondering at the wisdom of allowing him to handle the razor, but he saw a different man when he looked into his friend's eyes, so he surrendered the razor.

Lucius took the straight razor from Severus as he motioned him to sit on a chair. He used the soap and water to make lather and proceeded to shave Severus.

Severus was serious when he said, "You'd better heed her warning, Lucius. She can be very fast with her wand."

"I just got out of Azkaban. I'll not jeopardize my chance to sleep in my own house tonight. I promise you that." He finished and Severus conjured a hot cloth for Lucius to wipe his face clean.

"I didn't think you would, my friend," he said as he stood. He stripped his frock coat off.

Lucius took it and hung it up on the back of the door. He stood there as Severus stripped to his boxers and took out a dark suit from the box on the bed. He stepped into the trousers. He sat on a chair and Lucius brushed his hair. He allowed it because it was part of the ritual of the ceremony. He found himself relaxing quite happy with his friend there. "I always thought you'd be here with me if I ever got bonded. Last week I never thought that possible."

"You were always sensitive about your looks, Severus; but you are very fetching to the ladies. Haven't you ever noticed how they fawn over you?"

"Death Eaters! Sorry, not my type. You know Hermione fell in love with me while I was invisible."

"I'm sure it was that sexy voice. Bella told me how she would swoon over it."

"Please, let's not think of her today...or ever," Severus spat, annoyed.

"Sorry. Anyway, I am happy to be here to help," Lucius said as he helped Severus shrug into his white shirt. Then he helped him into the dark jacket.

"Go get Potter. It's time."

Lucius went and opened the door and called to Harry, "Severus is ready, sir."

Harry, with an astonished look at the "sir," stepped into the room. The two of them held the robe up, and Severus ducked down. They settled the robe, and it fell around him in soft, draping folds. It looked like a Roman toga."

Harry and Lucius traded eyebrow-raising looks. "It's certainly different," Harry said carefully. He didn't want to annoy Severus.

Severus said, "It's ghastly, but Madam Malkin told me it would make Hermione happy and fit the dress she is wearing. I certainly feel silly in it." He stared at his reflection in the long mirror on the door.

"It kind of suits you, sir," Harry said. "You're looking all emperor-like." Then he laughed.

Severus gave him a withering glare, but his lips curved up in a smile.

Harry tied the bright blue sash around his waist and draped it over his shoulder to hang down his back. A strip of gold keywork laced the hem and neck of the white robe. "I don't think I've ever seen anyone chose this style, but you look good, sir."

"Thank you, Harry. It's unusual, but I would do anything for Hermione."

"I'm glad, sir. That makes me feel very good about your life together." He turned and then looked back. "I will go see if Hermione is ready. You could go out onto the beach and wait for her."

Severus nodded. "I will take Lucius and Grimmley with me."

Harry nodded. "Alright, Severus." His eyes told Severus to watch his back, but he did not voice his reservations out loud. Severus didn't blame him for being suspicious of Lucius, but he truly believed the man was different. He was surprised to see how Harry was handling this whole thing...no fits or accusations. He thought Albus, you would be happy to see us all getting on. Life is as it should be. No war, no sides. We're just men who want this world of ours to be better. I am sorry you are not here to see it.

Severus opened the door and crossed the parlor of Poppy's house and went out onto the veranda. Lucius and Grimmley followed. He could see, down the beach, that most of the guests were there milling around, visiting.

They all looked up at him as he came out. He went from person to person and thanked them for coming.

Arthur and Molly stood near the front, and he was enveloped in a hug from Molly. This time he welcomed it and found it comforting. "Thank you, Molly, for all your work. Hermione and I really appreciate it."

"I'm sorry we had to change the venue," she apologized, looking a bit worried.

Arthur took his hand and said, "Hope the changes are okay."

Severus said, "It's fine, really. I'm sorry you're having such a problem. Talk to Hagrid; he's good with repellents and magical creatures." He secretly felt this was a perfect place. He loved this home-away-from home. It was the only place he'd felt loved and cared for as a child and a teenager.

Arthur nodded with a smile, "Thank you, I'll do that."

Severus took his place and then looked toward the house, waiting for Hermione.

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