Chapter 52

There was a knock on Poppy's bedroom door. Hermione called, "Come in."

Harry stuck his head around the door. "Alright if I come in?"

"Harry, of course. I was hoping to see you before the ceremony," Hermione told him.

Harry stepped into the room. "You're beautiful, Hermione. Severus will be beside himself." He gave Hermione a gentle hug and a kiss on the cheek before stepping back. "I'm very happy for you. He's crazy in love with you."

Hermione laughed. "He is, isn't he? Imagine that! Little Miss Know-It-All got to him. I'm crazy in love with him, too."

"Imagine that!" Harry laughed and took Ginny's hand. "Is everyone ready?"

Poppy patted Hermione's arm and then scooted out ahead of them to get to her seat.

Harry said, "I'd better get back to watching Lucius and standing next to Severus."

Ginny squeezed his hand and let go. Then she and Hermione followed him to the door of the cottage. She handed Hermione one large, white rose. Hermione gave her friend a hug and stepped from the house on to the veranda. There was an aisle of thin, shimmery gossamer fabric in pale blue and white held up by magic, which led to a flat arch of the same shimmery fabric. There were no awnings...just the rich, blue sky. The wards held back the wind and sand from the beach. Seats were situated on each side of the path that led to the front. There were two stained glass windows suspended on each side of the arch, giving it a church-like appearance. Soft, unearthly music played, seemingly to coming from the air around them. It was beautiful and simple. Perfect.

She walked down the aisle toward Severus, who stood up front. He wore robes of white, and his sash was an aqua blue. The style was similar to hers, but he had short sleeves that hung down his arms. She noted he'd worn a dark suit underneath, and she smiled. He looked like a Greek god.

The audience of friends stood and waited as she passed by. She could see the people who had been the most important in her life, the Weasleys and Harry, Hagrid, Filius, and Minerva. Poppy was up front dressed in her glorious, red robe. Nearly everyone dressed brightly: it was a Wizarding ceremony, and wizards loved color.

Severus watched as Hermione came from the house. She looked like a Greek goddess. Her gown was white, held up by only one shoulder strap that was a flowing sash down her back and fanned out to a train. It was fitted under her breasts and bordered with a gold key design. It flowed like water down her body. Her hair was a wild, wonderful mass. He closed his eyes a brief second, thinking about pushing his fingers into it. She was so changed from the girl in his "forbidden" memory. She was much more beautiful now...a woman and his wife. Though the dress barely showed her budding abdomen, he could see the swell of their child, and he felt nearly overwhelmed with happiness.

She'd reached him, and he took her hand, leaning in and whispering, "You are beautiful, Hermione."

"And you are magnificent, Severus," she whispered back, stifling a giggle when he rolled his eyes. She smiled as she saw him blush. What an enigma he was: hard as nails and soft as down.

Minister Shacklebolt had stepped up before the arch. "I have the pleasure of bonding this wizard and witch. They come before you in a covenant of lifelong devotion and love for each other. Everyone here knows the services these two performed for our people. They know the story of how Severus Snape was returned to us. We are all here to support and give our blessing to these two, who richly deserve a life of happiness and support from each other."

Kingsley produced a gold and silver entwined cord. Severus faced Hermione, and they clasped each other's left arms with their fingers near the elbow. Their arms were pressed flesh to flesh. Kingsley took the cord and wrapped it around their wrists and up their arms. He used the tip of his wand to magically prick the tips of their fingers, gather the tiny drops of blood, and spread them on the cord. As he chanted a spell, it began to glow, and the gold and silver fused together. It then floated into the air. Kingsley fashioned two silver and gold braided rings from the cord. Hermione and Severus plucked the rings from the air and placed them on each other's ring finger. A document and a silver-tipped quill pen with a gold feather plume appeared in front of them. Another drop of blood was collected into the quill, and they signed the document. The document began to glow, and then it burst into silver and gold sparks that surrounded them like a gentle breeze and faded into them.

Kingsley said, "I present to you the wedded and bonded wizard, Potions Master Severus Tobias Snape and his lawfully wedded and bonded witch, Professor Hermione Jean Granger-Snape.

Severus pulled Hermione close for a deep kiss, and her fingers clutched his arm and shoulder. A kiss was not usually part of the Wizarding ceremony, but it was one that Severus heartily approved of in the Muggle world. Everyone was standing and clapping. Hagrid was crying loudly and blowing his nose into a handkerchief the size of a small quilt. Minerva turned to give him a look. Severus and Hermione laughed out loud. The joining had given them an extraordinary sense of each other.

Poppy, crying happily, came forward, and Hermione and Severus hugged her and kissed her wet cheeks. Minerva was next for a hug; after that, a line of friends joined in congratulations.

Later, Hermione saw Molly wave her wand. The chairs moved to the sides and the arch vanished to be replaced by tables of food and an amazing cake with floating tiers iced with silver and aqua frosting. Tiny replicas of them appeared on the top. The wedding kiss from moments before was duplicated in perfect 3D perfection.

A polished dance floor appeared under their feet, and glasses of champagne popped into their hands.

Arthur stepped forward. "I wish to make a toast to the bonded wizard and witch. May all your days together be as the first one. May the children born of this union find acceptance and love as well as the power of our people. May you grace us with your presence for many decades to come." They raised their glasses and drank.

Harry stepped forward, "I'd like to add, may the love you have today grow as each day passes. I've seen no greater love than what you, my friends, have created between you...except, of course, mine for Ginny," he added and everyone laughed. "I'm so happy for you both." He raised his glass and said, "Let's drink, eat, and dance."

Once they had sipped again from the glasses, they magically vanished, and soft music filled with the sound of harps and other stringed instruments came from the air. Severus took Hermione's hand and swung her into his arms.

"I missed you all morning," he said. "If I could I'd whisk you away this instant, I would." He saw the protest in her eyes and said, "Don't worry. I will be happy to dance and stand at your side for pictures and cake cutting. You will have your bonding album."

Having noticed the photographer earlier, she'd been delighted. Hermione caressed his neck where her fingers rested as they danced. "Thank you. I missed you, too. How do you really like my surprise?"

Severus glanced over to see where Lucius stood still flanked by Harry and Grimmley. Draco, with Pansy, was talking to his father, and Scorpius was smiling because Lucius was holding onto his shoulder lightly but warmly.

"Look at them; it's wonderful. You have given them back their family. They need Lucius' guidance, and I believe he's now capable of being a good example. Nevertheless, I will be watching him."

Hermione smiled. "I'm glad you are happy about it. I wasn't sure if what I did was right, but he was changed. I could see it in his eyes."

"I would be angry with you for going there, but Grimmley assured me you had a great deal of protection woven around you. He left nothing undone, and I am very happy to see my friend. If I was given this second chance, can we do less for anyone willing to change?"

Hermione reached up, and he leaned in for a kiss. "No, we can't." She buried her face against his shoulder, and they just stood and swayed. "I'm so happy, Severus. We have our lives and our baby to look forward to."

He held her close. Severus then felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to find Ron Weasley standing there.

"Sir, may I dance with Hermione for a few minutes? I promise to return her shortly." He had an earnest look on his face. Severus looked at Hermione.

"Second chances," she said.

Severus nodded and placed her hand in Ron's, giving him a solid look. "A few minutes only, Mr. Weasley."

"Yes, sir." He guided Hermione a few feet away and placed his hand on her waist. He didn't hold her close but they danced slowly. "Hermione, I wanted to tell you that I'm very happy for you. I'm glad you have someone in your life...someone who will care for, love, and protect you. I once believed the man had no heart. But I can see now he adores you. He's changed a great deal."

Hermione glanced at Severus and saw him watching them carefully. She thought he might have his hand on his concealed wand. She smiled her love at him and saw him relax.

"Thank you, Ronald. I hope that you will find the same happiness. You and I went through a lot together, and I want us to always be friends. You mind your place, and Severus will welcome you into our lives on occasion."

"I will, Hermione. I promise." He bent to kiss her hand, and then without another word he led her back and placed her hand in Severus'. "Thank you sir, I wish many years of happiness to you both." He dipped his head in a slight bow and melted back into the crowd.

Hermione looked up at Severus. "Thank you for letting me dance with him."

"Hermione, you do not need my permission. I want you to dance with anyone you wish. I know that when we leave here tonight, you will be going with me. That's all I need to know."

Hermione smiled warmly at him and pressed herself against him, her eyes promising him things to come. "Partners."

"Partners," he agreed. "Now, I know Harry wants a dance, and I'm sure Lucius would like one, also, if you are so inclined. I really do have to dance with Poppy, Minerva, and Molly."

Hermione nodded, "Of course. Just keep me in your sights, and I will keep you in mine."

"Agreed." He placed a kiss on her temple and guided her to Harry. "Harry, here is my wife. Take care of her while I do my duty to the lovely ladies here."

Harry was pleased. "Thank you, Severus. I have yet to let her out of my sight. I am so happy for you both."

Severus reached up to touch the man's face briefly. "Your mother would be proud of you, Harry. She was a good friend. I am pleased we have been given this second chance to know each other." He then turned, leaving a stunned Harry to dance.

Harry was overcome for a minute, and Hermione just smiled into his tear-filled eyes as they danced. Finally she said, "He cares a great deal for you. I think he always did."

"You aren't jealous of his memory of her?" Harry asked.

"No," Hermione said. "She was his friend...the only one he had. I had you and Ron. I understand friendship. I understand the mess your emotions can become when you're an adolescent." She glanced through the crowd and picked out Ron, dancing with Ginny. "He understands it all now, and he loves me more than he ever imagined loving her. She will always be his best friend. I am his wife and now bondmate."

Harry nodded. "We did have fun when we were kids, despite all the terror and pain, didn't we, Hermione?"

"Yes, Harry, the very best of times." The music came to an end, and Harry kissed her cheek. "Who's next?" he asked.

"Lucius...let's get it over with." But she smiled at him when he opened his mouth to protest. "By all means stay close, Harry. But I really think he will behave himself."

Harry nodded and led her to Lucius.

"Lucius, as Severus' first, I owe you a dance," she said warily.

Lucius, looking as beautiful as he had years previously, bowed deeply and said, "It would be my pleasure, Madam Snape."

He took her hand, and they moved onto the dance floor. Hermione giggled as she saw nearly every one of her friends reach for his or her wand. "You'd best behave, or you might find yourself zapped into a zillion unattached atoms."

"A zillion what?" he said as his eyes darted around the crowd.

"Particles," she translated.

"Ah," he said. "I have no intention of misbehaving. I told Severus that I wish to sleep in my own bed tonight. For me, that would be heaven."

"Then, I wish you heaven tonight. What will you do now?" she asked as he swung her to and fro.

"I do not know. For now, I just want to rebuild my relationship with my son and grandson. I want to take some of the burden off Draco and his wife so they can work without having to take care of the house."

"You'd get your hands dirty, Lucius?" she asked in a teasing voice.

"It's time to find out how the real world lives. That odd blonde woman, Luna, was telling me something crazy about having a healer's heart. Fool notion," he said quite seriously.

"You should heed her words, Lucius. She gifted with insight. Nevertheless, I wish you well, then. I wish you love, as well. Time can heal the pain, and we all deserve love that sets us on our butts with astonishment. Leave yourself open. You will always have your love for Narcissa in your heart. Don't let her memory keep you from a future."

Lucius stared into her eyes and saw her honest hope for him and was touched. The music finished, and he found that Arthur was there to take her hand. "Madam, Severus is indeed a lucky man. I wish you all the best. Arthur, she is yours." He bowed and stepped back as he placed her hand in Arthur's.

Hermione let herself sag against Arthur a moment. He asked, "Did that ruffian say anything unsavory?"

"No, he didn't; he was a perfect gentleman. I think I'm just suddenly exhausted; maybe I need some food. Can we dance later?"

"Of course, Hermione. Let's go get you something to drink and eat. I'd rather sit and talk than dance, to be honest." He laughed.

Hermione nodded and linked her arm in his. As they passed Severus and Poppy, he asked, "You okay?"

She smiled at him. "Yes, I just need a bite to eat. I'm in good hands, Severus. Please, keep dancing."

Severus nodded as they headed for the food. "Poppy, did she look okay?" he asked in concern.

"She's fine. I expect she didn't eat much today in her excitement. She'll be okay with a rest and a bit of food."

Severus returned his attention to his 'mum'. He leaned in to whisper in her ear, "I'm glad the bonding took place here. It's perfect. You and Molly outdid yourselves."

Poppy laughed and said, "Thank you, Severus. I personally thought she'd want wild crazy Wizarding decorations, but she was happy to tone it down and make it simple. She got over her disappointment about her garden quickly and was so helpful." She squeezed his shoulders, kissing his cheek. She snickered. "Your gown is quite becoming."

Severus blushed. "Snicker all you want, old woman," he said fondly. "I only did this to match Hermione. I'm trying really hard to ignore it all."

Poppy laughed. "I'm sure every woman here will have dreams about you tonight. You're really quite dashing."

Severus glared at her. "They dare not. Mum, thank you for all you've done for me. I doubt I would have known how to accept Hermione's love if you had not shown me love and kindness for so many years of my life."

Poppy hugged him as the music ended. "Go dance with Minerva and Molly and then reclaim your wife."

Severus hugged her tightly and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead.

Poppy nodded unable to say anything as he walked away.

Food was eaten, dances were given, and laughter and stories were told. Finally, Severus and Hermione stood together before the cake and sliced it. Taking small pieces, they carefully feed each other a bite while the wizarding photographer took pictures.

Finally, Severus held his hands up to silence everyone. "Thank you, my friends. On behalf of my wife and I, we want to tell you how much we have enjoyed the evening and that we are leaving." He laughed. "Party all night and have a wonderful time. Thank you, again, Molly and Poppy, for planning a very successful bonding. I think Hermione will agree with me that the decorations were perfect."

Hermione nodded. "It was absolutely perfect." She placed her hand in Severus' and there was a loud pop of Apparation, and they vanished. There was an amazing fireworks display of color above their heads. The bonding guests clapped and laughed as they watched the fireworks."

Hermione and Severus stood on the veranda of the house and watched the fireworks. Severus ducked into the house for their bags and then came and wrapped his arms around Hermione. He took hold of the Portkey he had been given, and they were whisked away to their bonding night destination.

Well, we are getting to the last five chapters. It's been a labor of love for a good two years. This next chapter begged me to write it. It's a departure from the main story as we follow Lucius home and see how the first night home goes for him.

Lisa, thank you so much for all your beta work. It's such a pleasure to have someone I can continue to depend on.

The manip is made of many photos. No infringement of copyrights intended.