Chapter Nineteen

Severus stood in the small bedroom in Pomona's rooms at the back of Greenhouse Four. She had moved out here years ago. It was small but cozy and was home in some ways to him. He had spent a number of hours hiding from James and Sirius here in these rooms. He felt his face heat up when he remembered the times he would sit at her feet and press his face to her ample leg and cry. He could still remember her fingers caressing his hair.

She was a mother to him, and he never told her enough. There was a timid knock on the door.

"Sev, can I come in for a minute?" Pomona's voice called, unsure.

He went and opened the door, grabbing her into a strong hug. He pressed a kiss to the old woman's gray hair. "I'm the interloper here; of course you can come in."

"Look at you; I never thought I'd see this day. Not after..." she let the words die on her lips.

He gave her a warm smile. "Neither did I, but I know now miracles do happen. I sometimes wake in a sweat thinking it all a delusion and I'm in a cell in Azkaban." He had never confessed that to anyone.

"Oh, Sev, you do deserve it. People can be forgiven for their mistakes, and you've more than made up for it." She patted his face. "Harry's waiting outside down the hall. He wants to come help you into your coat. I dare say it's a huge compliment that he's willing to leave his wife and new baby."

"Another gift I do not deserve...send him in." He gave her another hug. "Thank you for always being here for me. A man could not want for a better mother."

Pomona sniffed back tears. "No one could have a better son," she said with conviction.

"Go on with you, woman." he said with a smirk, his eyes warm and kind. "I hope I can live through all the sentimentality today. All of it yesterday with assisting in the birth of that baby just about did me in."

Pomona laughed. "Your heart sure has been softened up by that slip of a woman." She gave his hand a squeeze and went to fetch Harry, who arrived only moments later.

"Well," Severus said, "it's about time you got here, Best Man."

Harry smiled. "I think you've taken that title and rightly deserve it. You're a far better man than I'll ever be."

"Hardly, Harry," Severus said, turning to the mirror to tie his tie. His eyes met Harry's in the mirror. "You have always been good, even when you were getting in trouble. You always had the very best of intentions, and you broke rules only to save others."

"Well, I couldn't have gotten as far as I did without your help. I know I've told you before, Severus, but thank you."

Severus turned and began to button up his cuffs. Harry came forward and helped him. "Did you talk to Weasley?" Severus asked as he watched the younger man fumble with the silver cufflinks.

"Yes, last week," Harry said, his full concentration on his appointed task of helping Severus to prepare. "He is sorry for what he's done to Hermione. I think he's finally seeing what a shallow, selfish man he had become."

"Will he be here?" Severus asked. He was not sure if he would not curse the man if the redhead came within sight, but he loved Hermione and he knew there was that unspoken hole in her life left by Ron, one of her best friends. Ron the once-love was nothing to her. A bad dream she would rather forget.

"No, and I agreed. Today is not the time for it all to be brought up again. He wrote her a letter." Harry reached into the inner pocket of his dress robes and pulled out a plain white envelope. "He said to tell you he's happy for you both. Believe me, he was shocked at first, but then he said it made sense, you both love the same things."

Severus took the envelope. "Do you know what it says? I will not read it...it's not my place...but I do not want it to upset her."

"Yes, it's a very heartfelt apology. I made sure it wouldn't hurt her. I'm not sure if she's forgiven him. Maybe you could wait a few days before giving it to her. Today should be the happiest for her; even though it is a nice letter, it will still bring up memories that are best left unremembered today."

Severus nodded. He picked up his waistcoat and tucked the envelope into an inner pocket, and then with Harry's help he slipped into the jacket. "How are Ginny and the baby?" he asked the younger man.

Harry took up Severus' dress cloak and helped him put it on. "She's wonderful. She really is annoyed to be sitting out there and not being with Hermione, but she realizes that she can't. Albus Severus is rather demanding of her attention. He's quite a hungry child."

Severus grimaced, "Don't call him that, please, Harry. It is a huge honor, but it's best for him if you just call him Albus. It is a far more deserving name." Severus leaned down so he was eye to eye with the younger man. "I'm serious." He gave Harry that deadly stare he used to give him in class.

Harry laughed nervously. "If that's what you really want."

Severus tugged his collar and smiled. "It is," he said firmly. "How do I look?"

"Surprisingly handsome." He laughed uncomfortably. "Hermione will have eyes for no one else," Harry said sincerely. "I think my mum would have liked to see me here with you today," Harry said, changing the subject.

Severus placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezed it. "I think you might be right," he agreed. "Now come, it's time for us to take our places. I am anxious to see my bride. Will you go and find out if she's ready?" He took a seat in a chair and picked up a book and opened it.

"Yes, sir." Harry smiled and left.

Severus brow creased. "How annoying," he said out loud to himself, "I'm becoming quite fond of that boy."

******

Meanwhile, Hermione fussed with her hair, missing Ginny. She had planned to have her close friend help her dress and prepare for the wedding. Ginny was now in guest quarters resting and would come down later to recline in a lounge chair for the wedding. Both she and the baby were doing very well.

Dinner the night before had been a happy, boisterous affair with excellent food and dancing. Hermione had enjoyed watching her parents dance. She prayed she and Severus would be able to look into each other's eyes with such love after they had been married for so many years. She was not fool enough to think there would not be hard times and a few raise-the-roof rows, as they were both stubborn, head strong people, but she knew they loved each other deeply. She did not question that they would live the rest of their lives together, raising children and furthering their interests and careers. As she pressed a hand to her abdomen, she knew it was her imagination, but she felt the tiniest of flutters. Probably nerves but in her heart of hearts she wished she was pregnant already. She was astonished that Severus wanted this baby, right now, as much as she did. Life could be altered in seconds.

She turned as her mother came to her carrying the dress. She lifted her arms and the dress went over her head and settled down around her in a soft whisper of silk. Her mother cooed over her as she began to work on fastening the many buttons up the back. "You're so beautiful, Hermione."

Her mother's voice broke. and Hermione felt tears sting her eyes in response. "Now, Mum, no crying, otherwise I'll start next and it will ruin my makeup."

Margaret laughed. "Oh piffle, you can repair it with your wand. I will not be denied my tears today."

Hermione twisted around to give her mother a brief hug. "I'm so glad you and Daddy are able to be here. I can't imagine having my wedding anywhere else. This castle has been a cornerstone in my life. You, Dad, and Severus make the other three, not necessarily in that order, but you know what I mean. Severus makes me so happy, Mum. I love him so much."

"Of course you do, as you should; you're marrying the man after all," she teased. "And he does you, too, darling, it is plain for anyone to see," she said, giving Hermione a small pat on her back indicating the buttons were done. "While he's not exactly the image of the son-in-law I once hoped to have, he's become the only man for you in my heart now. I see the devotion and love he has for you, and I can see that no one else will ever take your place in his heart. He's a forever man."

Hermione smiled at her. "I haven't heard that in years. You used to tell me I'd find a forever man, when you told me princess stories as a child."

"Well, I knew what I was talking about...I'd found my forever man, in your father," she said with a secret smile.

Hermione smiled again, she never knew what made that secret smile. That was for her mum and dad to know, but she always felt warmed by it. She probably would not have been able to put her feelings for Severus into words either and she hoped the love she felt for him reflected that same secret smile on her lips. She stood back from her mum. "How do I look?" she asked

"Perfect," Margaret said. "Just like a princess."

Hermione stepped closer and leaned in to press a soft kiss to her mother's cheek.

There was a knock at the door. "Hermione, are you ready?" Harry called.

"Yes, come in," she answered. She reached for a small silk bag...it was her old bag with a new charm to make it white and beautiful for today...she seldom went anywhere without it. It was an old habit from her days of traveling with the boys. Inside it held her most personal possessions and potions for all manner of things.

Harry entered the room and stopped to stare at her. "Hermione, wow, you're so beautiful!" He moved close and took hold of her hand, leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I'm afraid to touch you. I just came to walk you to the front door; your dad will take you from there."

"How's Severus? He was gone when I woke up this morning. He wanted to do that whole 'not see the bride before the wedding' thing," Hermione said with a small roll of her eyes.

"He's good," Harry assured her. "I helped him get ready. Professor Sprout made a small dressing room behind the altar. He's patiently waiting. Last I saw him, he was seated in a high back chair pretending to read a book...all nonchalant and relaxed." He laughed.

"Pretending? How could you tell?" Hermione asked.

Harry opened the door and then held out his hand to her. "The book was upside down."

Hermione giggled and nearly choked. "Oh my goodness. I don't think I've ever seen him that rattled." She frowned as they went through the door. Her mother followed after them.

Harry saw the frown. "Don't you read anything into that, young lady," he said firmly. He knew how Hermione's brain could quickly analyze any given situation. "Everything is fine...he had a dopey love sick look on his face," he assured her.

Hermione smiled and felt that secret smile on her face like a reflection of her mother's. She fancied he was thinking about the baby they would soon create, just as she had earlier, and thinking about their lives together.

"Hah, there it is plastered on your face, Hermione. You two have got it bad for each other," he said, laughing.

"How is Ginny? Are you sure it was safe for her to come down for the ceremony?" Hermione asked.

"Poppy said she's in excellent health and it's good for her to walk. Some women do a lot more strenuous things than attend a wedding the day after they've had a baby. She and Albus are settled in a lounge chair near the front row. She was really put out that she couldn't come and help you dress, but she doesn't want to put the baby down for anything. James seemed a bit jealous."

Hermione squeezed his arm. "It will take him some time to adjust to not being the center of his mother's attention." She could now see her father waiting at the entrance of the castle. Her mother passed by them and hurried to her husband. She gave him a quick kiss and headed down to the greenhouse. Time for chatting with her best friend was at an end. "I'm so glad the baby came yesterday," Hermione said.

"Why? Didn't it entirely complicate your plans?" he asked in confusion.

"It made Severus and I want a baby," Hermione said, that secret smile on her face once more.

"Really... so soon?" he asked.

Hermione gave him a smile and kissed his cheek, leaving his question unanswered.

"Thanks for the talk, Harry." She watched him slip past her father with a quick handshake and head down to catch up with and walk her mother the rest of the way to the greenhouse. She turned and found her father staring at her, open mouthed.

"Honey, look at you, you're beautiful!" Harris Granger said in admiration. He kissed her cheek and gallantly held out his arm.

They walked down the stone stairs and across the huge expanse of green lawn.

"Hermione, the last few days here in this world have been amazing. I can see now why it calls to you so much. I could see after a few weeks each summer you would get a faraway look. You never really left here did you?"

"No, you know I love you and Mum so much. You did a great job of raising me those first eleven years, and I love you all the more for letting me go when I was so young to come to this place so alien to you." She tightened her grip on his arm.

"Well, we knew we couldn't teach you how to harness the powers you had, and though we feared letting you go, we knew it was for the best. I can't say it wasn't hard for us. Your mother was taken to task by her friends for sending you away so young. She even lost a few over it as they had more modern ideas when it came to child-rearing. In my opinion, she is better off without friends who try to dictate how we raise our child," he said with an obstinate tilt to his chin. Nothing perturbed Harris more than to hear that he and Margaret had anything less than Hermione's best interests at heart. "But," he continued, "she gained others who believed boarding schools are the best place for studious children like you. I see now we were given this amazing gift, and we are looking forward to the coming years. I hope Headmistress McGonagall will allow us to come here more often if we prove ourselves worthy of the secrets we now hold dear."

"I'm sure she will. You're part of Hogwarts' family now. I hope to convince her to allow other parents to visit. Charms can be devised to keep this place a secret, but parents should know where their children go." They were coming closer to the greenhouse, and Hermione could hear the music playing. The walkway up to the greenhouse had been charmed and had flowers in rows leading to the door that now appeared to be like a chapel.

Mr. Granger took hold of the door handle and opened the door. Hermione swept into the small alcove, and he took his place again at her side.

Hermione smoothed the bodice of her dress down and ruffled the flowing material that fanned out at her hips. The dress had a scooped neckline and long sleeves that ended in a point over her hands, just like a Disney fairy princess. She adjusted the veil so it flowed back evenly. It was not normal Wizarding wedding attire, but she had opted to do the traditional non-magical wedding in a nod to her heritage, as well as her mother's desire. She and Severus had discussed it, and he was fine with her choices. She smirked; he didn't really care what she wore as long as they got married. He would have been happy with just a Wizard of the Peace. She knew, though, that he would appreciate the effort she had gone through to prepare herself for this event. She still hesitated to say beautiful, because even after all these years, she had never thought herself beautiful. But the way Severus always seemed to look at her as if she were the most beautiful woman alive warmed her heart, and for the first time in her life, she felt maybe she was beautiful.

Her dad distracted her from her thoughts. "Hermione, Severus is a lucky man." Her heart swelled at hearing Harris' words. He had no idea what she had been thinking, but to hear him put voice to her blossoming belief could not have come at a better time.

"I'm the lucky one, Dad. You have no idea how blessed I am to have won his love. He's a formidable wizard and loves so deeply. I only hope I'm worthy," she said nervously.

"You are, my dear Daughter. You will make an amazing wife. It doesn't take much to see he wears his heart on his sleeve for you. I saw a few pictures of him in Hogwarts: a History and that paper of yours from before you were a serious part of his life, and there was no life in him, only anger. Look at him now."

Hermione reached over and hugged her dad. "I'm glad there are others that can see what I do."

Luna appeared in the doorway. "A gift from Pomona," she said, handing Hermione a bouquet of shimmering, iridescent roses. "They are ready for you." Luna wore a long, pale pink sun dress with similar flare to Hermione's on the hem. Hermione had asked her to step into Ginny's place last night, and they had transfigured a dress for her. With the wreath of pink roses she was wearing on her head, Hermione thought she looked like pictures of the hippies from the 1970's that she had seen in primary school.

Hermione took a deep breath, ready to feast her eyes on Severus. It had been a long morning since waking up without him. She smiled. "Thank you, Luna." Then she turned to her dad and linked her arm in his. "Are you ready and willing?" she asked him with a grin.

"Am I willing? Yes. Am I ready to give my daughter away? No. But I am happy that you're so happy." He kissed his little girl's cheek. The music started, the doors swung open, and Luna headed forward. They watched as she proceeded slowly down the aisle to the front. Hermione's eyes took in the amazing room of flowers and living vines...it was a wonderful sight to behold...then they rested on Severus. He stood even straighter, and Hermione drank in the dress robes and his hair long and laying softly against his shoulders. His eyes lit with the love they both felt. She felt her father tug her arm gently, and she started to walk down the aisle. She felt rather than saw her friends around her. She felt the touch of her mother's hand as she passed the front row and tore her eyes away to give her mother a smile. She saw that Ginny was there in the front, dressed in her Matron of Honor robes with the baby cradled in her arms. She smiled and turned her eyes back on Severus to see he was stepping forward and reaching out to her.

When his hand took hers and she stepped away from her dad, the room ceased to exist; there was only Severus and his eyes...deep dark, comforting...safe.

"You look amazing, Hermione, absolutely, stunningly beautiful," he whispered. He drew her to his side.

"You look so handsome, Severus," she returned the compliment.

He smirked. "Harry tells me the same thing. I suppose if you two agree, then perhaps today, I am. I am marrying the love of my life."

Hermione glanced past Severus' shoulder and smiled at Harry, who winked back.

The Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, cleared his throat. Severus and Hermione turned to him.

"Wizards, Witches and family," Kingsley began, "we gather here together to celebrate the joining of two lives–heart and soul. Hermione Jean Granger and Severus Tobias Snape have come here today to join their lives in a magical binding. Hermione's father and mother have joined us here. Do you release your daughter into this binding with Severus?" He looked to the couple in the front row.

Margaret had risen to join her husband so they were standing side by side right behind Hermione and said together, "We do." They both gave Hermione a kiss then took their seats.

Hermione handed her flowers off to Luna before turning to face Severus, and they give their attention to Kingsley.

The Minister spoke to the entire gathering, "I have known these two people for years, and they are both heroes to our world. It is my honor to join them in this happy bond that will last for many years to come. We ask that they be blessed with fine children. This ceremony will be a blending of traditions from both families, Magical and Non-Magical. The union of Harris and Margaret Granger has given our world a witch, Hermione, who has served her people with exemplary courage and grace. We all know the sacrifice and dedication Severus provided for our people. This union gives me great joy. Please, hold hands."

Severus and Hermione turned to each other, Severus' large hands encompassing her small ones. Neither could help the small sigh that escaped them at the other's touch.

"Hermione Jean Granger, do you take this man in Holy Matrimony, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, till you travel to the great beyond?" Kingsley asked.

Hermione smiled, looking deeply into Severus' eyes. "I do," she said, squeezing his fingers tightly.

"Severus Tobias Snape, do you take this woman in Holy Matrimony, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, till you travel to the great beyond?" Kingsley directed his question to Severus this time.

Severus said, "Yes, I do." His eyes were full of love and hunger for her.

Hermione blushed and looked down slightly.

Kingsley cleared his throat. "Please take the rings," he said. Hermione turned and took the ring Luna offered her while Severus did the same with Harry.

"Hermione, please repeat after me: Severus, this ring is without beginning or end. Please take it as a symbol of my unending love for you." Hermione spoke the words requested in a clear voice. Kingsley asked Severus to speak the same words to Hermione. For once, the man struggled to be heard in a large crowd. Hermione heard him perfectly though and gave him the sweetest smile as he slid the ring onto her finger. Unable to help himself, Severus dipped suddenly and kissed Hermione deeply.

Kingsley and the guests laughed. "You may not kiss the Bride yet, Severus," the Minister for Magic reminded him.

Severus pulled back and turned to Kingsley with a small smirk. "Too late," he said. He looked again at Hermione still dipped in his arms. "I love you, wife," he said as he stood her upright again.

Hermione placed a hand on his cheek. "I love you, husband."

Kingsley said in his booming voice, "Now I will bond this witch and wizard to each other for a lifetime and beyond. Please, Severus and Hermione, face me. Severus, take Hermione's right arm and place yours along it." He produced a cord that gleamed like copper and gold woven into a fine braid. He wrapped it around their wrists and up their arms, binding them together. He took a golden pin and pricked their pointer fingers and collected a tiny drop of blood from each of them with his wand. They sparkled like rubies in the sun as they floated before them. He let the drops mingle, and they formed one drop. He held a small vial up, and the drop fell into the clear fluid, turning it blood red. He then poured the potion over the copper and gold threads. They shimmered and formed more small thin bands a couple of inches above Hermione and Severus' hands. He plucked the bands from the air and placed them on their fingers next to the non-magical bands. There was a flare of fire, and the bands became one. "It is done." Kingsley announced.

"Hermione and Severus, you are wed and bonded; you may kiss your bride, again."

Severus cupped Hermione's face in his hands and gently kissed her.

Hermione could see the tears glistening in his eyes. "You are a dear, precious man," she whispered for only him to hear.

"And you are the love of my life, forever and always," he whispered back to her.

At the kiss, the crowd roared and stood to their feet, clapping. The Magical guests raised their wands, and colored sparks flew toward the ceiling, crackling and putting on an amazing display of light. The flowers waved, emanating a sound of soft music. Fairies flew here and there, sending down glittering fairy dust. Severus and Hermione were grabbed and hugged and kissed as everyone wanted to congratulate them. It was chaos.

Feeling a warm hand on his arm, Severus looked to see Pomona smiling up at him with tears glittering in his eyes, and he took her in his arms, holding her close for a minute. "You did an amazing job with your flowers and the decorations. It's all stunning," he told her as he drew back. "Thank you, Mum."

She choked on her tears and patted his face, "Be happy, Sev." She then turned, heading away from the crowd. He smiled after her fondly, knowing she would retreat to some quiet corner and find comfort in her plants; she would come later to the party in the great hall.

Suddenly, he was engulfed in a hug by a mountain of a man and looked up to see Hagrid smiling down at him. "Unhand me, you oaf," he said with a growl, but he smiled warmly up at the huge half-giant. Hagrid laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. It nearly knocked him over, and he might have stumbled if Harry had not grabbed his arm to steady him.

"Careful there," Harry said. "Severus, I know you will take care of Hermione. I trust that you will visit us," he said, a mock warning tone to his voice.

"The invitation goes both ways, Harry," he told the younger man. "It is my hope that our children will grow up together and become fast friends. We wouldn't want to end the tradition of Potters, Weasleys and Granger-Snapes now would we." He gave the younger man a quick hug. "Your duty to me is at an end; go spend some time with your wife and new child."

Harry nodded suddenly overcome with emotion. "Thank you, sir. Thank you for everything."

Severus nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He felt Hermione's small fingers slip into his hand, and he closed his fingers around hers. He watched as she received a hug from Harry and then he was off. He turned, slipping his arms about her and drawing her close. "How long do you think we must stay?" he asked.

She grinned. "At least four or five hours."

"What, that's impossible. I have wanted you since I left our bed this morning."

She blushed and looked to see if anyone was close enough to hear. Finding themselves alone for the moment, she said, "And I have wanted you. But really, we are adults; we can wait."

He groaned but threaded his fingers again with hers and turned as the Weasleys came up to congratulate them. Molly hugged them both, and Arthur kissed Hermione on the cheek and shook Severus' hand. "Be happy," she said, before dragging Arthur away.

Hermione blinked back tears. "That was kind of her," she said, hugging Severus arm. "I miss my friend."

Severus' hand covered the pocket that hid the letter. He saw that her eyes had followed his hand. Glancing around, he took her hand and drew her behind the trellis where they were married and through the concealed door into Pomona's living room.

"Hermione, I did not want to have you hurt today, but maybe..." He drew the envelope out.

"What is this?" she asked, staring at it.

"Harry spoke to Ron last week, I asked him to. He wrote you this letter. I have not looked at it." He held it out, his hand trembling slightly.

Hermione covered his hand with hers and kissed his knuckles. She then took the letter and opened it. She read aloud... much to Severus' relief.

"Dear Hermione, please forgive me. I treated you horribly. I was an absolute git. We were friends first, and should have never tried to go further. I know now it wasn't your scar, it was only an excuse to get away from feelings that didn't work. I hope you know what I mean. I can't explain it. Harry tells me that you and Snape are getting married. I am surprised on one hand and find it makes perfect sense on another. You always valued learning, and your happiness was a good book or a project of some intellectual pursuit.

I wish you a long, happy life with him. Maybe one day you will both allow me to visit. I do miss you, my friend. Love Ron."

Hermione was in tears by the time she finished, and the droplets fell onto the paper, which distorted the ink and caused it to run.

Severus face fell. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have..." Inwardly, he berated himself for causing her distress on this happiest of days.

Hermione looked up at him, sobbing, and cried, "No, Severus, this is a good thing." She let the letter drop to the floor and threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you, I can finally let it go. That tiny dark place in my heart that held all that hurt is now flooded with love, for you."

He pulled her against him and held her, feeling relief wash over him. "Hermione, please put on the pendant for me. I want you closer and since we can't..." He grinned.

She giggled while she pulled her bag open. Drawing the pendant out, Severus took it and placed it over her neck. As there was really no way to explain the innocuous piece of wood, and since it definitely did not go with her dress, he placed an invisibility charm on it. He really only needed to feel their connection through it to know it was there.

She felt a healing charm wash over her face, bringing her swollen red puffy eyes back to normal. She grabbed Severus' hand. "Let's join the party."

Thank you, Merrin, for your beta work. Your work is vital to mine being posted, and I appreciate it so much.

Thank you, Stronghermione, for your beta work, and for enhancing some of the wording as well as Britt Picking.

Becky, thanks for reading my work and for your kind comments.