Chapter 20: Body and Soul

Hermione was shuffled off by her mother, Ginny and Tonks. Luna followed them with a starry-eyed look.

Hermione's face was flushed with happiness, and she said, "You all knew, didn't you?"

Her mother nodded. "Severus wrote to us. I think he was afraid you'd reject the idea because you weren't in on the plan. But I told him you'd once told me you would marry him in a second if he asked, so I advised him to ask."

Hermione looked around her and realized they were in the room that she'd stood in many years ago waiting for the sorting. There was a mirrored dresser with a magnificent medieval-style wedding dress floating nearby. Pearl white lace stockings, to go with the white bustier she already wore under her dress, lay on top of the dressing table. She quickly pulled off her dress and changed as the ladies held the dress. It fit her perfectly. She realized it was spelled to fit once it was on. Ginny laced the back up. Her hair was done simply...tied up on the sides and allowed to flow down in the back. She didn't care that she hadn't been in on the plans. She knew that once she was bonded to Severus, there would be a connection to him that no one could break. He would always know where she was and be able to come to her at anytime. She thought, Finally I can be at full peace.

June handed her a gift and said, "Something old. This was my mother's. I've always kept it, knowing I would give it to you on your wedding day."

Hermione took the box and popped it open. Inside was a brilliant diamond necklace on a fine gold chain.

"It's beautiful." Tears clouded her eyes as her mother fastened it around her neck.

"Your dad and I are so happy for you and Severus. When you came to Australia, we were concerned...him having been your teacher and who he was...but he proved rather quickly to have only your best interests at heart. He loves you more than his own life. We couldn't want more for you, darling." She kissed Hermione's cheek. Unshed tears shone in her eyes.

"Oh, Mum. I love him just as much," Hermione said.

"I can see that, dear."

Ginny moved closer and produced a pale blue garter. "Here's something blue."

Hermione put her leg out, and Ginny dropped to her knees and slid it up Hermione's lace-covered leg. "It's beautiful, Gin." She thanked her with a hug as the dress settled back around her feet.

Tonks came now. "Something new," she said, holding a pair of white silk, lace-covered high heels to match the stockings. Tonks kneeled to place them on her feet. They fit perfectly.

"They are beautiful." She hugged the woman and saw Tonks' hair flush red.

Luna handed her a small bag of herbs. "Something borrowed to attract Snuffellumps. They are good luck for a bonding," she explained.

Hermione glanced at Ginny, and her eyebrows went up, but she tucked it into her bustier. "Thank you, Luna, that's very thoughtful. I can use all the good luck there is. I'll make sure it gets back to you." She gave the odd girl a hug.

"My mother made it for me for my bonding one day," Luna said in her soft voice.

Hermione was touched when she realized this was very special to her friend. "I will take excellent care of it. I promise. I'm so glad you and Neville came. Are you seeing each other?"

Luna's pale face turned pink. "He's asked me to go steady."

Hermione thought, What an old fashioned idea. "That's wonderful. You're perfect for each other. Luna, can you go tell everyone I'm ready and see if they want me to come out?"

Luna nodded. When she opened the door, Paxton was waiting outside. He stuck his head in the door and said, "Are you decent? Can I come in?"

Hermione laughed and said, "Yes, Daddy, please." She came forward and grabbed him for a big hug and a kiss.

Paxton pulled back and looked at her with tears in his eyes. "Look at my little girl. When did you grow up? You're beautiful, honey." He reached out to his wife. "She's beautiful, isn't she, June?"

Hermione's mother smiled warmly and said, "Yes, she is. I'm so grateful to be here." The tears escaped now, sliding down her soft cheeks.

Hermione gazed at them with such love and happiness that a tear slid down her father's cheek. "I'm so happy to have you here." Hermione could now hear instrumental music. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach was playing.

Luna returned and said, "They are ready. You will walk the length of the hall to the stage."

Hermione's eyes filled with tears. It was a tribute to her Muggle upbringing. She reached out to her father and said, "You are going to walk me down the aisle, aren't you?"

"Absolutely, honey." He hooked his arm through hers. June gave her hand a squeeze and placed a kiss on her cheek. Then she left the room to take her place.

Hermione said, "Who is going to walk with me? I need bridesmaids. Ladies?"

Ginny grinned. "I thought you'd never ask." She drew her wand and changed Tonks' and Luna's dresses to long icy blue gowns. She changed her own to a slightly darker shade. She then conjured four bouquets of glittering white roses and gave Hermione the biggest one.

"Will we do?" she asked, waving her arms to include the other two women.

"Perfectly." Hermione hugged them all. "Let's go."

They all went to the door of the Great Hall. Luna went first, then Tonks, and then Ginny stepped into the room and started to walk to the front. When they were at the front, the music changed, and the traditional wedding march came from the very walls.

Hermione stepped out the doorway with her father and gasped. The previous party decorations were gone. Now every thing was white...a virtual winter wonderland. It was summer, but she had told Severus once that winter was her favorite time with him. It gave her an excuse to snuggle more. A flash went off in her face, and she realized a photographer was there. Icicles hung from the ceiling, and white candles lit the room in a soft white glow. Trellises of white flowers made a high arch down the middle. Severus stood on one of the stairs leading to the stage. He was dressed in a dark black silk suit with an amazing white shirt and white bow tie.

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She sighed. He looked amazing. His black hair was laying in soft plaits over his shoulders. It had grown long, and Hermione loved it that way. She knew her friends were there because everyone from the party was still there. But she registered her surprise seeing Harry, Ron, and Remus standing with Severus. It made the room blur, and she blinked back the tears. She didn't think she could love Severus more than she did at that moment.

She glanced at her dad.

"You ready, honey?" he asked, giving her arm a squeeze.

"Absolutely," she said.

They began the walk slowly. Her dress trailed behind her, and the enchanted snowflakes dusted the floor before her. She saw very little of it because her eyes were locked on Severus' and his on her.

Finally they reached the front. Severus held out his hand, and she slipped her hand into his. She turned to kiss her father's cheek and then gave Severus her full attention.

"You okay with all this, Hermione?" he whispered with an edge of worry in his voice.

"It's perfectly wonderful, Severus. I can't wait to be your wife." He guided her carefully up the stairs to stand before Kingsley.

Kingsley's rich voice filled the Great Hall, no doubt enhanced by a Sonorus Charm.

"I have the privilege to join this wizard and this witch in a Holy Bonding, in a blend of Muggle and Wizarding traditions.

"Who gives this woman to be wedded and bonded to this man?" he asked.

Paxton stepped forward. "Her mother and I," he said proudly.

As he stepped back to his wife's side, Hermione turned briefly to give them a warm smile. "I love you," she mouthed.

She turned back to Severus. "You have outdone yourself. The joy you give me tonight sears away any darkness that was left."

Severus returned that compliment with a flash of joy that spread across his face.

Kingsley cleared his throat, and they turned to him. "I will ask of you these questions, and you will answer yes if you wish this marriage to proceed."

"Do you, Hermione Jean Granger, wish to bond with this wizard? This bond can never be broken except by death."

"Yes," she said, looking into Severus' eyes.

"Severus Tobias Snape, do you wish to be bonded to this witch? This bond can never be broken except by death."

"Yes," he said. His silky voice made her shiver.

"Will you both bring all that you have and all that you will have to this bond and this bond alone?"

"Yes," they said in unison.

"Will you protect and serve and love each other for the rest of your lives?"

"Yes," they said.

"Now I will add the Muggle vows," he said, opening a small book.

"Hermione Jean Granger, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

"I do," she said. She smiled, and her eyes slowly closed for a moment in a silent prayer.

Severus saw her delicate thick lashes rest on her cheeks for a moment, and then she looked back into his eyes.

"Severus Tobias Snape, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

"I do," he said. His voice was nearly a purr.

"Present your right hands, and clasp them together." He took a golden chain and wrapped it around their hands and then tapped it with his wand. The gold vaporized, passing into their flesh, and then reformed a few inches above their hands into simple golden bands.

He cautioned, "Once these bands are placed on your fingers, the bond will be for life. Is there any objection?" he asked those present.

Not a sound was heard.

"None," they said.

They took the rings and placed them on each other's fingers.

Kingsley started to speak, and Severus produced a diamond solitaire and added it to Hermione's hand.

She gasped, "Severus, it's beautiful."

Kingsley said, "By the powers vested in me by the Ministry and by the province of Scotland, I hereby pronounce you wizard husband and witch wife." He laughed at the tongue-tying words. His deep voice brought everyone to laughter as Hermione launched herself at Severus. He caught her up, laughing aloud, and swung her around, kissing her deeply as she settled against his chest. They both laughed with pleasure as the bond spread from their hearts to their limbs and filled them with well being.

There was a tingle of magic in the room, and the trellises vanished. A dance floor was cleared, tables lined the floor, and candles twinkled into being. There was a tall cake on the stage now, and a pyramid of filled champagne glasses appeared. Everyone, probably a good 200 people, gathered around.

Harry stepped up to give a toast. "Friends and family, we are gathered here to celebrate the marriage and the bonding of two special people...two of the greatest heroes our world has ever seen."

Both the bride and groom opened their mouth to protest. Harry interrupted. "No, Severus, Hermione. I may have had to deliver the final blow, but you both know that it wouldn't have happened without your support and knowledge and sheer courage that kept me going day to day.

"It is my sincere pleasure to be with you here today. Fences have been mended, and my best friend is happier than I have ever thought possible...and with our Potions professor, no less."

That got a snicker from the crowd.

"I thank this man for my life and for my friends' lives. Hermione, you are one of my very best friends, and I am so happy to see you with the man of your choosing. I see he brings you great joy. May you be happy for many, many years to come, and may the babies you have grow to be phenomenal wizards and witches. With you two as parents, how can they not be?

"Blessings," he said and raised his glass, and everyone around the room raised theirs and then took a drink from their glasses.

Severus turned to Harry and said, "Thank you, Harry. As I look back and see the end of all this, it was my pleasure."

Hermione stepped closer and hugged Harry hard. "Thank you for accepting the love of my life."

"Hey, do I get one of those?" Ron chimed in.

"Absolutely," she said, turning to give Remus and him a hug. Sniffing a bit, she said, "Please gather your significant others and dance. I want a moment with my man."

They all nodded and left the newlyweds.

Hermione dragged Severus into a corner behind some decorations and kissed him breathless. "I'm so happy. This is the best surprise of my life." She looked down at her wedding set and flashed the diamond back and forth. "It's beautiful, Severus."

He held her around the waist and leaned to kiss her neck. "You look ravishing, my dear. How long do you think we need to stay here?" he asked, his desire obvious.

"Hold that thought," she said with a grin. "I plan to enjoy this party. It's my wedding day, Severus."

He groaned but then grinned and stepped back. "Well, Mrs. Snape, what do you say we go mingle and dance?"

She said, "I'd say that's a wonderful idea, Mr. Snape. I do want to dance with my father after our first dance. And I am sure Minerva and Poppy hope to trip the light fantastic with you."

"What?" he said and then laughed. "Oh, another Muggle phrase. I'm not sure I remember that one. My father watched a lot of sports."

Hermione said as they headed for the dance floor, "You didn't stop Harry from wishing our children well. Does that mean you want more than one?

"Only if you do. The idea of holding our child in my arms makes me weak kneed. It's an amazing thought."

"It is, isn't it?" she said, feeling a thrill from the bond wash through them.

He gathered her to him. The floor cleared, and they began to dance as if they had practiced. They didn't talk but just enjoyed the sway of their bodies as they stared into each other's eyes.

There was a thunderous clapping when they were done, and other couples took to the floor.

Hermione took her dad's hand, and Severus took her mother's hand, and they danced, never moving too far from each other.

Dance after dance the night passed. When the dancing was done, the cake was cut, and the pictures were taken, Severus said, "We're going. I cannot wait another moment."

Hermione smiled that sexy little smile that turned him inside out and said, "Neither can I."

He took a small object from his pocket and grabbed her up against him. He called out loudly, "We're going. Thank you so much."

"We love you all," Hermione said, throwing a big kiss from her lips to her hand and out to the crowd.

Severus ran his thumb over the Portkey, and they vanished.

*****

"Severus, where are we?" Hermione asked in awe.

He whispered in a hushed tone, "Minerva said it was her hideaway."

They stood near a small mountain enclave. A cliff fell away about 60 feet from the cabin, and nearby they could hear a bubbling brook. The trees were alight with fireflies or perhaps fairies. Mountains and valleys stretched out as far as the eye could see. The climate was warm and the vista green. Mountains ranged from blues to purple in the distance, and the sun was setting before them. They watched as the sun went down and then light came on behind them, and they turned to the enchanted mountain cottage, nestled in a valley, surrounded by mountains.

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"Oh, Severus, it's beautiful."

He agreed, "Yes, it is."

Severus swooped low and picked Hermione up in his arms. The door slid open as he carried her into the amazing cabin.

They really didn't see much of the room as he carried her through. Another door opened for them, and a room that looked as if it was carved from the very mountain greeted them.

The room was curved, not square, and it had several wall nooks with some sort of natural glowing quartz that lit the room in a soft, warm glow. There was a huge carved dark wooden bed with red hangings laced in gold. Severus set her down on her feet, frowning. Hermione snickered as Severus smirked at the bedding. He brought his wand into view and the colors turned green and silver.

Hermione laughed, hugging him tightly. "Slytherin to the core. I don't care what the color it is, Severus. Make love to me."

He grinned and tossed his wand onto the nearby dresser and shrugged out of his jacket.

Hermione was unbuttoning his shirt, her fingers working quickly to open the buttons.

Severus began to undo the ties that held her old-fashioned dress together. He sucked in a breath as her hands slid over his bare chest, and she leaned to kiss his clavicle. His fingers slipped through her hair, letting her hair free of its ties. It fell in thick, silky curls over her now-bare shoulders. He pushed her dress over her hips, and neither saw it puddle around her feet. Hermione stepped away from it, led closer to the bed by Severus. Their lips pressed together hungrily.

Her hands were at the buttons of his pants. Hermione sighed as the tightness of her bustier fell away, and Severus' warm hands gently cupped her breast. His thumb teased the tip into a hard nub. Then she felt the rest of her undergarments fall way or vanish. "Magic... has... its... advantages," she stammered between kisses.

"Indeed," Severus agreed. "You are so beautiful, my wife."

"And you are exquisite, my husband." She finally got his pants undone, and she pushed them and his boxers down his hips.

Severus kicked them free, vanishing his own shoes and socks. The sheets drew back by magic. He picked her up and placed her in the middle of the bed and climbed in. They faced each other, their hands exploring, their tongues tangled and their fingers traced silken flesh, their legs tangled, sighs and groans laced the air. Severus held himself above her for a brief moment. Their eyes locked, and their minds flowed into each others. They became one...body, soul, and mind. She saw and felt what he did, and he saw and felt what she did. She sheathed him, and they found a rhythm that sent their feelings soaring until the earth shattered around them and they cried out together. They collapsed into a pile of tangled limbs, their hearts beating hard against each other's breasts. They lay again, side by side, holding each other tightly. Severus' lips were pressed against Hermione's forehead. She was slowly running her fingers through the light hair on his chest.

Severus said, "Each time is as the first."

"You are silver tongued, Severus." Hermione sighed, looking up into his face.

He smiled...the most content, warm smile Hermione had ever seen on his handsome face.

She cupped the side of his face with her fingers, and he bent to give her a soft kiss.

"Do you know what's even better, about all this, Mrs. Snape?"

She nodded, and they both said it as he drew the covers over them and they settled against the pillows, "No more goodbyes." They drifted off to sleep to the sound of the crickets as the moon rose high into the starry night sky.

The end of goodbyes and the beginning of their life together.

Fini

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Lisa, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the stories you have beta'd for me. I think your commitment to stay with me for so long shows what a wonderful person you are. Thank you so much!!!!

TPP ladies, thank you for all the time and effort you have, also, put into these stories; helping me get them onto the site is much appreciated.

Angela, thank you for pre-reading this story and for all your encouragement.