Chapter Fourteen

Thanks once again to my most fabulous cheerleader and beta, peskipiksi. You have made my writing so much better! Thanks for the friendship! Once again, I don't own, just dabble...

It was the beginning of April and the Vale was once again beginning to bud. Even though the nights could still get frigid, the days were passably warm. There was a feeling of sunshine in the air even on the cloudiest of days. One last heavy dusting of late snow was holding on to the newly greening trees that lined the garden in back of the Vale Lodge. The small pavilion ensconced there was once again draped in finery that spoke of Spring and rebirth and renewal. It had been a year and a day since the site had last been used, and rather than being solitary as it had been before, now it was filled with friends and family gathered to see the handfasting vows between Severus and Hermione Snape finalised. The lively chatter that filled the room faded away when the imposing figure of Severus Snape entered the magical circle cast for the occasion. Eileen Snape, resplendent in her ritual finery, followed her son and took her place as mother of the groom.

The sound of sweetly tinkling windchimes and the fragrance of apples heralded the arrival of the bride. Hermione appeared in the doorway of the Pavilion, dressed in the same robes and ribbons of blue and pink, black and white that she had worn for that first ceremony. She was accompanied this time by Lucius Malfoy, who had graciously accepted her friendship and extended his, both having been bound in mutual grief over the loss of one woman, one friend. Lucius led Hermione to the centre of the pavilion and helped her to kneel in her place on the cushion where Severus waited. Placing a soft kiss on the back of Hermione's hand, he then took his place opposite Eileen to stand in as Hermione's family.

Andromeda Tonks, as the only other living member of the Vale ladies, followed next. She carried Alexander so he could be part of the handfasting to be followed by his Naming Ceremony. After Hermione and Severus completed their ritual, they would then ask the blessings of Avalon on their son and the day would be complete.

The handfasting ceremony, being one to forever seal the vows between Hermione and Severus, was more ornate in its trappings, yet simpler in its vows. Eileen, as representative of the groom's family, said a blessing over the company and asked for the original binding ribbons to be brought forward. There was some interest in this, as no one could work out who was to be in charge of the ribbons when all the people important to the couple were seated to watch the ceremony having done their part in the decorating of the ritual area. Eileen merely smiled as the small group gasped, and a father was once again face to face with his child.

Draco Malfoy stepped through the gathering, bearing the handfasting ribbons belonging to Severus and Hermione. He didn't speak except in ritual answer to Eileen's questions and then Lucius', then he stepped back into a spot opposite Andromeda and Alexander to allow the vows to continue. Hermione, her smile blazing brighter than before, and Severus, answering with a smile lit in his eyes, repeated together the words that would seal them as one, for eternity.

"Heart to Heart

Soul to Soul

Body to Body

Forever and Always

So mote it be... "

The company repeated in unison, "So mote it be," and the ritual was finished.

Andromeda then brought the baby forward and said the blessing over him, while his parents swore vows to him. To complete the ritual, Lucius and Andromeda were asked to serve as Godparents and, after accepting, repeated their own vows to Alexander. The day was complete, and Hermione invited the attendees to join them inside the Lodge for food and fellowship.

As Severus helped Hermione to her feet, Lucius remained kneeling in his place, staring at Draco. Hermione placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "Go to him, Lucius, you've both longed for this moment." For the first time in over a year, father and son were reunited with tears and thanks.

*****

It had been many years since the Vale of the Carn had enjoyed the sound of voices raised in happiness and love. The Lodge rang with laughter and tears as the wedding party and their friends celebrated the love of Severus and Hermione, the addition of Alexander to their family, and the reuniting of Lucius and Draco.

"I still don't understand; where have you been hiding all this time?" Molly asked Draco. "When it got out that you had not returned to school, everyone thought you were dead or had joined the Death Eaters." She turned to Hermione. "And where did you get an illegal Portkey? Children shouldn't... "

Arthur interrupted his wife's spiel before it could get any worse. "I don't believe that Hermione has ever been a child; she is an Old Soul if I have ever seen one."

Hermione laughed in agreement. "That is probably true, and, Molly, I am a married woman with a baby. I don't think I count as a child any longer. Besides, I knew that a Portkey might come in handy sooner or later. I read up on them after the Quidditch World Cup and made a set for Harry, one for Ron, and one for myself. They were to take the user to a rendezvous place that only we knew about and they could only be activated by one of us."

Molly nodded, sighing, "I know you aren't children in my head, but it is hard to realise in my heart that you have all grown up, and not only that, but you have fought in a war."

Draco jumped in before Molly could continue down that line of thought. "Hermione saved me."

At the look of puzzlement from some in the group, Draco continued. "Hermione knew that we couldn't both get out of the Dark Lord's dungeon. If she had even tried to walk from the room, she would have died because of the collar he forced on her. Even though I was ordered to torture her, she knew I was there against my will and she activated that Portkey before I even knew what was happening."

Hermione laid her hand on Draco's arm and smiled at him a bit sadly. "All I needed to know was in your eyes."

Lucius spoke up at this time. "Where did you Portkey to, and why not seek sanctuary at Hogwarts? I looked for you for months before I began to believe you were dead."

"The Portkey was to take the user to the Shrieking Shack. Unfortunately, because I was already kneeling on the ground and was caught off-guard, I wasn't able to prepare and landed hard. I didn't have any balance and fell into a mirror that was propped against the wall. The mirror shattered and the glass cut me badly. I would have bled to death if Severus hadn't been using the Shack to Apparate in and out of."

Severus joined in with his portion of the tale. "I came in not too long after Draco Portkeyed. I found him half-dead from blood loss and was preparing to take him to the castle when I got Lucius' Patronus asking for an urgent meeting. I cleaned him up and did what I could to heal him. When I finished my meeting, I knew I had to hide Draco, so took him to a property my mother's family owned. It hadn't been used in years, so a few well-placed spells, and Draco had a hiding place."

"But why not tell me? You didn't think that it was important?" demanded Lucius.

"When I first hid Draco I had no idea where you stood. After half a year, Draco and I decided that it would be best for him to stay hidden. If I had told you after what happened with Narcissa, I am not sure you could have carried out our plan. Revenge would have been foremost in your mind. That and reconnecting with Draco," Severus answered.

Lucius nodded. "You are probably right, my friend. I was able to stay the course, because I was focused on destroying the Dark Lord and getting to Bella. Draco would have split my attention from what I needed to do."

*****

The camaraderie and stories continued throughout the evening, everyone sharing their experiences with the war and stories of long passed family and friends, and as the hour grew late, Posey announced that beds were ready for any who wanted one, and breakfast would be served at eight the next morning.

Hermione smiled broadly. "We hope that everyone will stay for a few days. It has been wonderful to have all of our friends and family with us today. Severus and I appreciate everyone joining us on our special day and want to let you know that all of you are welcome in the Vale at any time. We have decided to make this our permanent home."

This announcement was met with well-wishes and thanks. Hermione had to raise her hands and ask for quiet to finish her little speech. "I would also like to let everyone know that the Vale is flourishing again and will soon have a complete circle to carry on the work of the Lady of the Lake. Luna Lovegood was the last of her mother's immediate line, but, with Nimue's help we have found the next Lady in her line. Luna had a half-sister that no one, not even her father, knew about. She will be joining us here, soon, to take her place as a Lady of the Vale. It seems Luna's mother had prophetic dreams and chose to act on one she had experienced several times. I hope that everyone will make Selene welcome when she arrives."

"Andromeda has chosen to keep her home in London, but she will be here for important occasions. And finally, Neville has agreed to visit often, and when his daughter is born, she will be raised here. And, of course, all of you are welcome in our home any time. We want to make the Vale into the home it was always meant to be."

Ron and Harry, who had been standing with Neville while Hermione made her announcements, turned to him in shock. "You're going to be a dad? Who's the mum, you ol' sneak?" Harry asked, while Ron punched Neville's arm.

Ron didn't speak, but clapped Neville on the back.

Neville turned beetroot red, but managed to answer, "Hannah Abbot. We got together right before the Christmas hols. I didn't even know Hannah was pregnant until the Lady told me when she came for mum and Luna. Hannah was going to get rid of the baby, but I told her I wanted her, even if she didn't. Hannah said it was fine, and me and Grandmum will be bringing the baby here when she comes."

Congratulations were offered and the party continued on into the night.

*****

The full moon reached its apex, spilling brilliant white light over the Vale. The sacred grove was alive with ritual and chanting, and then the sounds of splashing and voices on the river. Hermione Snape, eldest Lady of the Vale by virtue of bloodline, stood at the top of the circle and welcomed Nimue and her ladies to the initiation ceremony.

Hermione waited until everyone was in place then began the chant to pledge the newest Lady to the Vale.

Alice Longbottom knelt in front of the altar in the centre of the circle and made her vows and offerings. Her long blonde hair gleamed in the moonlight as her grandmother gently pulled it back and secured it with a silver circlet. The final incantation was spoken over her and Nimue pressed her lips to Alice's forehead, leaving behind the crescent moon symbol all her Ladies wore.

"I am so proud of you, my dear," the elder Alice told her namesake. I know we have only seen each other a few times, but know I love you and am always with you. Welcome to the Circle."

Nimue made her way around the group and blessed her ladies, giving advice and words of wisdom.

"Hermione, you have returned the Vale to what it was meant to be. I thank you and Avalon thanks you. All of you have fulfilled everything that you were meant to do. Know that we are always with you and now, with the full strength of the Vale returned, I and the Ladies who have gone before you can pass from Avalon to this place at any time. The veil between these places has finally disappeared. Never let us be forgotten again."

When Nimue was finished with her speech, Hermione led the circle in finishing the ceremony and they turned to make their way to the Lodge. The impromptu celebration continued until dawn began to show in the Eastern sky and the Lady of the Lake and her priestesses returned to the barge moored on the Vale River. Once again, they sailed away, this time with promises to return more often.

*****

The years in the Vale were good ones. Severus remained the Potions master at Hogwarts, but chose to return to his home at the Lodge rather than to live at the school. He used his hidden Apparition circle that connected to a secure spot along the Vale river. No one ever found out how he was able to go so quickly between the two places.

Hermione never gave up on her education, choosing to study everything she could get her hands on, and, between the libraries in the Vale and at Hogwarts coupled with the library at Camelot, she grew in knowledge and wisdom that she happily shared with any who needed her help. She filled her days with her three children -- Alexander, who was training to take his father's place as not only the Vale Knight, but also a Potions master; Serenity, destined to be a Lady of the Vale, and the youngest, Corinna, she of the bushy hair and know-it-allness. Hermione filled her nights with books and with her husband of whom she was inordinately fond.

Life ebbed and flowed, loved ones passed and new ones were born, but the Vale was a permanent fixture in the lives of those who had fought for the Light. The strength of magic had returned, and those that had gone before were allowed to come back and forth to visit the living as they were needed, in good times and bad. All of this was the result of two people who decided to take a chance and trust that, even when shattered like a pane of glass, a person could be put back together, and sometimes the patterns in stained glass shards were the most beautiful of all.