The Wedding Day

I didn't move for a few minutes after I woke up. It was my wedding day. I was marrying Severus Snape in about three and a half hours. I just stared at the ceiling of Severus' room.

Our room, I reminded myself. Orby had officially moved my things in yesterday after Severus returned to the Manor for the evening.

I rolled over and glanced at my simple dress, which was hanging on the door. I was so glad the service was going to be small. A large wedding was fine as a guest, but it just didn't suit Severus or me.

Grandmother Prince had suggested we use the ancient Prince wedding ceremony. It would be performed outside without attendants. It seemed deceptively casual compared to Muggle weddings, but the magic was very strong. There were only a handful of guests attending. We were expecting all the Weasleys and their guests, my mother, Grandmother Prince, the Malfoys, Minerva, Andromeda and Minister Shacklebolt.

There was a gentle tap on my window. The Malfoy owl waited for me to open the window. It flew in carrying a note and a small box.

Elizabeth,

Severus

I opened the box, expecting it to be a hair comb, or jewelry or something else pretty from the Prince vault. I laughed heartily when I discovered that it was, in fact, the tiniest pair of ivory knickers that I'd ever seen.

I wrote back a quick message to him.

My dear Severus,

Elizabeth

There was a knock on my door, and Mom entered with Molly and Ginny in tow.

"Good morning, Lizzie. The girls will be here for brunch in about a half hour."

"That's great, Mom. I'll be down in about twenty minutes. I'd like to shower first."

I showered quickly and combed my hair out. I knew Ginny had big plans for my hair, so I cast a simple drying charm on it and pulled it back simply to keep it out of the way.

Brunch was a lovely affair. Orby had really outdone himself. Grandmother Prince had arrived along with Narcissa, Audrey, Fleur and baby Victoire.

We ate and visited; after about an hour, Narcissa, Ginny and Fleur whisked me upstairs. Audrey played with the baby and chatted with Mom and Grandmother Prince. Ginny went to work on my hair while Narcissa and Fleur fussed over the dress. Ginny worked rather quickly, and soon she and Fleur started working together to put the sides of my hair up. They wound in beautiful flowers that Narcissa had brought. The twists were woven together in the center, fanning out along with the rest of the curls trailing down to about the middle of my back. The effect was a soft, ethereal look. Upon seeing my dress and the hairstyle, Narcissa decided that my make-up should be subtle and earthy. It seemed appropriate for an outdoor service.

Soon it was time to dress. Narcissa raised her eyebrows at the knickers Severus had sent.

Fleur giggled as she saw the note. "You thought it was going to be earrings, didn't you?"

I blushed. "Hair combs was my guess, actually. And you knew!" I said to Fleur good-naturedly.

Narcissa tried to hide her own laughter.

My gown was a simple ivory sheath with flowing fabric that didn't quite reach the ground. The silhouette was modest; the only daring element was the slightly low back, but even that was mostly covered by my curls.

Jewelry was not worn in the old ceremonies except for the wedding bands exchanged. My engagement ring was a public symbol, but it was not worn during the ceremony. The bands exchanged during the ceremony would be tied to our inner magic and would increase the bond between us.

I went to the bureau and pulled out Severus' ring. It was platinum, as I knew he found gold garish. It was engraved with the runes for respect, love, harmony, companionship and family. These were the things I was offering to Severus as part of our ceremony. I gave it to Fleur; she turned it over in her hand, reading the runes.

She smiled. "It's perfect. He will love it. I will have Bill hold it for you."

"How are you feeling, dear?" Narcissa asked sweetly.

"Nervous. Not about Severus, just about the ceremony."

"It will be fine, Elizabeth."

Molly came in the room. "The guests are starting to arrive. Severus is downstairs, so you need to stay up here."

"How is he doing?"

"He's not happy about all the attention. He's ready to have you all to himself. Where are you going on your honeymoon?"

"I don't actually know."

"How long are you going to be gone?" Ginny piped up.

"Two weeks."

"And you don't know where?" Molly repeated.

"No. He wouldn't tell me."

"How did you pack?" Ginny pushed.

I motioned to Fleur. She nodded to Ginny. "I helped. Severus insisted she have all new things, so that she wouldn't know what was missing from her current wardrobe."

Mother entered the room. "May I have a few minutes alone with my daughter?" The other women nodded and exited. I looked at Mom nervously.

"You look beautiful." Her eyes were a bit misty.

"I know this isn't the type of wedding you probably had envisioned for me."

"Oh, don't be silly. Your father and I eloped. This is a grand affair compared to that."

I laughed. "Well, maybe it's Grandmother that would have preferred a more elaborate wedding in Boston."

"Actually, she's come around. She was sorry that she couldn't make it. She and Father just weren't up for the trip. But they are excited for you. There's something to be said for history, culture and tradition. You are, after all, marrying a titled Englishman. How could Mother object to a suggestion from Lady Evelyn Prince?"

I laughed. "It's strange how life works sometimes, isn't it?"

"Exactly. But let's not worry about that. I'm happy for you, Lizzie. He's a good man. You seem more at ease and comfortable with yourself this past year. I think he's been good for you."

"He is good for me, Mom."

"And from what Molly tells me, the difference in him is even more dramatic. It's hard for me to even picture your Severus as who she described."

I laughed again. "I've only seen a glimpse or two of that man. He made a decision to move forward. I've been here to support him, but he's made the transformation himself."

"Always with the modesty, Lizzie; you never could just accept a compliment." I blushed as she leaned in and hugged me. "Be happy, Lizzie. Love him, and treat him well. He'll do the same for you. You have the tools for a very strong family together."

"Mother, Fleur will not be happy with you if you make me cry before the service." I blinked fiercely. Mom was not having as much luck with her tears. I know she was thinking of Dad. "I wish he could be here too, Mom."

She took a deep breath and composed herself. "Grandmother Prince wishes to see you as well. Molly is going to Apparate her up here so she doesn't have to climb the stairs." I nodded.

Mom hugged me again, kissed my cheek and fidgeted with my hair for just a moment. "I'll see you downstairs."

"Thank you, Mom." She left the room, leaving me to compose myself yet again.

Molly popped in with Grandmother Prince a few moments later. Molly nodded to me and then stepped into the hallway without a word.

"You look beautiful, Elizabeth."

"Thank you, Grandmother." She smiled. I had finally gotten comfortable calling her that as the wedding approached.

"Are you ready?"

"I think so. Thank you for helping us with the details."

"You are welcome, my dear. I think the old ways and the elemental magic suit you both."

I nodded. "I hope I can make him happy."

"Nobody can make another person happy, Elizabeth. You can support him, and you can make him more comfortable. You can give him a great deal that can help him be happy, but you cannot make him happy. That has to come from him."

I smiled. "I plan to do what I can to support his happiness."

She took my hand and squeezed it. "That's all I ask, my dear. Now, I would imagine it is very close to time. I am going to go take my seat. I will send Fleur up to help you. Molly, dear, I'm ready to go to my seat," she called out.

"Thank you, Grandmother."

Molly came in and linked arms with her. They popped out. I checked the mirror again as Fleur popped in.

"Bill has the ring. He will give it back to you when he gets you to the altar. Now, let me see." She surveyed my makeup. "I told them not to make you cry." She waved her wand, touching up the make-up charms. "Good as new. Are you ready? Severus is outside now; you can come downstairs."

"Let's go." I closed my eyes and appeared in the living room. Tucking my wand into the hidden sleeve at my side, I looked at Mom and Fleur.

"I'm ready."

"We will go take our seats, and I will send Bill in to escort you." Fleur leaned in and hugged me. Mom did the same, and then they went out to take their seats. Bill was standing at the door with Victoire in his arms; Fleur took the baby and kissed Bill quickly before heading outside. My mother followed her out the door.

Bill crossed over to me. "Time to go, Lizzie." I took a deep breath and took his arm.

There was no elaborate processional. All the guests, including family, seated themselves. Bill, as my family's representative, would sit in the front row with Mom after he escorted me down the aisle.

We reached the grove of trees that separated us from the guests. Bill paused for just a moment to allow me to compose myself. He handed me Severus' ring, which I tucked away. He cast a quick charm to activate the soft music that would accompany us down the aisle.

My first view of the altar was at a fair distance, so I couldn't see Severus' face. His posture showed anticipation and nervousness rolled into one. As was the custom, he wore neither jacket nor outer robes, just a long sleeved shirt and black trousers. His hair was pulled back neatly at the nape of his neck. He was looking downward, partially facing the Minister.

Upon hearing the music, his head tilted up, and he pivoted to face us. His stance straightened, which caused me to smile in amusement. Bill patted my hand where I held his arm; I think he mistook my reaction for anxiety. As we grew closer, my eyes made contact with Severus', and the rest of the scene dissolved. I think I was smiling; I can't be sure, but Severus was not. I was not fazed, knowing that Severus smiles mostly at humor or even nervousness; when he is happy, his expression is best described as serene. But he shows his emotions through intensity, and the look on his face was more intense than I had ever seen.

We reached the altar; Bill passed my hand to Severus, who took my hand with both of his. I added my other hand as well. Kingsley cleared his throat and addressed the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today we are here to witness the joining of two people, both their lives and their magic. Severus and Elizabeth come here today with the blessing of their families, who are represented by William Arthur Weasley and Lady Evelyn Prince."

He waved his wand, and an ancient looking parchment floated into his hand. "The families will now record their blessing in front of these witnesses."

He stepped forward to Bill, who tapped the parchment with his wand. "The Prewett family gives consent and blessing to this union." Bill stepped back and took his seat next to Fleur and my mother.

Kingsley then crossed over to where Grandmother Prince was seated and held the parchment down to her. "The Prince family gives consent and blessing to this union," she said as she touched the parchment with her wand. Kingsley returned to his place in front of Severus and me.

Severus and I looked back at one another. At this point, I know I was smiling. Standing there with him, my anxiety had faded. The tension in his face softened; he seemed more relaxed now as well.

"Now the bride and groom will state their intentions." Kingsley's eyes cut to me.

"I, Elizabeth Rose Prewett, have come here to bind myself to Severus Tobias Prince-Snape for our lifetimes. I have come here freely and without reservation." I squeezed his hands gently.

"I, Severus Tobias Prince-Snape, have come here to bind myself to Elizabeth Rose Prewett for our lifetimes. I have come here freely and without reservation." He rubbed his thumb across the back of my hand and smiled shyly.

"Please join hands." A slight ripple of laughter went through the crowd, as our hands had been joined since the moment I reached Severus' side.

Kingsley smirked. "Now the bride and groom will present each other with rings representing their commitment to one another."

I pulled Severus' ring out carefully. "Severus, this ring represents the promises I make to you.

"Respect: This is the first emotion I felt for you, for your power, your courage, your actions and your character. This is the foundation for all of my promises to you.

"Love: This is the gift we give one another. I promise to nurture that love and to act in a loving way towards you.

"Peace: I promise to be a calming force in your life. I will work to balance your strength and your courage with my patience and understanding.

"Companionship: I promise to remain by your side, and I will work to become ever stronger as your confidante and partner: body, mind and soul.

"Family: I promise to use all my gifts to build a strong family with you. I promise to persevere through the inevitable challenges and to honor and protect all the members of our joint family."

I slid the ring onto his hand, and my eyes locked with his. Tears lurked behind my eyes, but I willed them not to fall with a smile. A swell of magic surged around our joined hands.

Severus held my ring in his hand. "Elizabeth, this ring represents the promises I make to you.

"Partnership: I promise to always value you as an equal and to work with you to solve the problems life may throw our way. This is the foundation of all of my promises to you.

"Love: I thank you for the gift of your love to me, and I promise to share my love with you and to treat you in a loving way.

"Strength: I promise to use my strength to further your happiness, and I vow not to underestimate your strength as well.

"Protection: I promise to protect you: body, mind and soul. I promise to accept your protection when offered, even when you are protecting me from myself.

"Family: I promise to work with you always to build and maintain a strong family. I promise to weather any storm and to welcome and honor all the members of our joint family."

He slid the ring on my hand as silent tears streamed down my cheeks. The swell of magic surged higher, and a gold jet of magic joined our left hands.

Kingsley stepped forward again. "I ask you all to witness this union." He raised his wand, and silver sparks flew from it. The guests followed his lead.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife, life-bonded witch and wizard. You may seal your union with a kiss."

Severus leaned in and kissed me softly and gently. As the kiss broke, the jet of magic binding our hands floated over to the parchment; a seal appeared, making the union official.

His hands free, Severus pulled me closer and kissed me a second time, this time a bit more ardently. As we pulled apart, we whispered our love to one another. I was completely consumed by magic of the ceremony and my feelings for my husband.

Severus took my hand, and we led the guests to the side of the house where Orby and the elves had set up a light lunch for our guests. It was fitting for the simple celebration. We greeted each guest together as they came through.

Mother hugged us both tightly and said her congratulations quickly, still dabbing her eyes.

"You know, I've never actually seen a magical wedding, even though I married a wizard. It was beautiful."

I nodded and smiled. Mother's experience as a Muggle in the magical world had been at such a turbulent time; she really hadn't seen the positives.

"Take care of my baby." She addressed Severus seriously.

"Yes, ma'am."

Grandmother Prince smiled at her grandson. "Thank you for finding me again, Severus." Then, to both of us, she smiled and said, "It is so wonderful to see that the family is in such good hands."

Bill approached next. He shook Severus' hand. "Congratulations, Severus."

"I'm a lucky man, Bill. Thank you for your help with this."

Bill nodded and turned to me. "You did good, kid!"

I laughed and hugged him.

Fleur quietly offered her congratulations, holding Victoire. Severus peeked at the baby timidly. I tried very hard not to laugh.

I kissed Fleur on the cheek and patted the baby's arm softly. "Thank you for your help as well, Fleur."

Molly hugged Severus, who visibly bristled. Her words were unintelligible through her tears. She hugged me and mumbled something like "such a beautiful service."

Arthur's congratulations were enthusiastic and hearty, with a strong handshake for Severus and a kiss on both my cheeks.

Charlie shook Severus' hand and nearly crushed me with his hug. Gawain said a quick word of congratulations and rejoined Charlie immediately.

Percy and Audrey graciously wished us joy and shook hands with each of us.

George gave me his best smile and hugged me tightly. "You look beautiful, Lizzie." He turned to Severus, his hand outstretched. "It's good to see you happy, sir."

Angelina smiled sweetly. "The ceremony was lovely."

Ron practically ran past Severus, mumbling out congratulations before giving me a perfunctory hug and heading quickly towards the food.

Hermione was more articulate. "May you finally find the happiness you deserve, sir." And then she turned to me. "Take care of him, Elizabeth, even when he acts like a git."

Severus scowled. "Ten points from Gryffindor for your cheek, Miss Granger."

Ginny offered Severus her hand. "Best of luck, sir. We Prewett women can all throw a mean hex."

"Ginny!" I feigned offense as I gave my niece a hug.

Harry approached sheepishly. "Sir, congratulations." And then he leaned in, and I wasn't intended to hear his next statement. "Mum would have been pleased to see you so happy." Severus started; then he shook Harry's hand. Harry wasn't having it. He caught Severus in an awkward hug

Harry then approached me. "He's going to be a challenge, Elizabeth. But I think you're up for it."

Lucius approached next. He shook his friend's hand firmly. "May your family be as much of a blessing to you as mine has been to me." Severus merely nodded.

Lucius took my hand in his and kissed it gallantly. "Never have I been so pleased to learn I misjudged someone's character. Please forgive me for distrusting you, Lady Prince-Snape."

"Thank you, Lucius. Thank you for joining us to witness the bonding."

"Severus, congratulations. Your happiness is long overdue." Narcissa hugged him primly. "And Elizabeth, you have enriched our lives immensely these past months. Thank you for that."

I smiled and hugged her. "You have been a wonderful friend to me, Narcissa."

Astoria very shyly said congratulations to Severus. She thanked me quietly for the invitation.

Draco approached Severus. "Thank you for all of your help over the years, sir. I hope this is the start of many happy years for you."

He then turned to me. "You're glowing, Elizabeth. Are you sure there's not something else you need to announce?"

"Draco!" Narcissa was mortified. Lucius tried to hide his smirk. Severus growled.

I slapped Draco's shoulder playfully. "All in good time, everyone. All in good time."

Andromeda handed Teddy to Harry, who had come back over for a moment. She hugged Severus. "It's so good to see you happy, Severus."

She looked to me. "Thank you, Elizabeth, for saving him and for making him whole again."

Minerva patted Severus on the shoulder. "It is a day for new beginnings, my boy. Make the most of it." She gave me a warm hug. "Congratulations, my dear; I wish you great joy."

Kingsley shook our hands in turn. "Thank you for the honor of presiding over a bonding filled with such love and promise."

We followed Kingsley over to the tables. Severus greeted our guests. "Thank you all for coming today to share this moment in our lives. You have all been instrumental in some way in shaping the path that led Elizabeth and me here today. Please know that it has not gone unnoticed."

I smiled. "Thank you all. The showering of love and well wishes upon us gives me even greater hope for this union. Knowing we have the support of such wonderful friends and family makes me feel even stronger in our ability to help one another grow and improve as the years pass." I leaned over and kissed Severus soundly, resolutely ignoring the catcalls of some of our younger guests. Severus grinned and pulled my chair out for me. He then sat next to me, holding my hands gently in his lap.

Bill stood. "Today marks the joining of two great families through the union of two amazing people. May the happiness and love they feel for each other today never fade." He raised his glass. The guests followed.

Grandmother Prince stood slowly. "And may they provide me with great-grandbabies before I get too old to enjoy them." The group laughed uproariously, clinking their glasses and drinking. I buried my face in Severus' shoulder, and he covered his face with his hand.

We enjoyed the meal, talking and laughing with our family and friends. Minister Shacklebolt excused himself first, congratulating us once again. Andromeda and Teddy left next. Little by little, the group dwindled until it was time for Mother's Portkey home. She hugged me and Severus one last time before picking up her bag and the candlestick and vanishing.

Severus gave me a predatory look, and I laughed. "When are we leaving?" I asked him.

He checked the clock behind me. "Too soon to properly consummate this marriage before we go, but I have plenty of time to snog you senseless." His arms wound around my waist, clutching the bare skin of my back and pulling me against him. His lips were aflame, hungry and needy on mine. His tongue played at my lip, seeking entry, which was happily granted. I clung to his shoulders as our mouths danced together, tongues twirling over one another, bodies pressed tightly together. "I hope you are rested, my love; it's going to be a very long night." I smiled, and he leaned in and kissed me again, less urgently this time.

He released me and headed up the stairs, returning shortly thereafter with our bags and my engagement ring, which he slid back on my hand against my wedding band. I looked down at my hand for a moment.

"Severus, I didn't get a chance to tell you earlier, because I didn't want to get emotional again with everyone around, but your vows were beautiful. They were perfect."

"I meant every one of them, Elizabeth. And I loved yours as well, and I know you will keep them as well." He cupped my face with his hand and kissed my forehead, before pulling me into a gentle embrace. "We're leaving very soon, dear." He held out a teacup, and I put my hand against it.

"Are you going to tell me now where we are going?"

"Italy, my darling wife. I'm taking you to Italy." Just as he finished speaking, the teacup began to glow.