The Wedding

At a half hour before noon, Severus stands peeking through the staff door, clenching and unclenching his fists nervously. He watches the arriving guests laughing and visiting amongst the chairs that currently fill the Great Hall. Several members of the Order are present, as well as most of Hermione’s friends. Who would have thought that when I finally get married, no small feat in itself, that the ceremony would be attended by the werewolf and a pair of Potters, Severus muses with an amused smirk on his face.

~ * ~

Ginny stands in the Entrance Hall awaiting Hermione in beautiful pale green robes that appear to shimmer as the light reflects off the silver embroidery. “Oh, Hermione, you look absolutely beautiful,” she exclaims as Hermione descends the stairs to hug her.

“I was going to say the same to you, Mrs. Potter,” Hermione teases.

Ginny just smiles appreciatively. “I can’t wait to see Professor Snape’s reaction when he sees you. You are going to steal his breath away!”

Hermione laughs anxiously. “You think so, Ginny? Ever since we’ve left my chambers, the butterflies have invaded my stomach again.” She gives another nervous laugh as Harry slips through the Great Hall doors.

“Well, they are just about ready to start. I think… Wow!” Harry looks at Hermione in awe. “Hermione, you look great! It’s a good thing that Ron and I are both happily married, or Snape would probably have a fight on his hands,” he teases before crushing Hermione to him in a brotherly bear hug. “You look beautiful, Hermione. I wish you both the greatest happiness possible,” he whispers in her ear before releasing his honorary sister from his arms.

“Thank you, Harry. That means so much coming from you,” she replies, then flashes him a beaming smile.

Suddenly, music starts inside the Great Hall. Harry pulls out his wand and waves it at the double doors of the hall. The doors instantly appear transparent.

“Won’t they see us?” Mr. Granger asks, gesturing toward the guests.

Hermione laughs. “No, Dad. We can see through the doors, but they appear just as solid as ever from the other side. It’s just a charm, an illusion, if you will,” she explains.

Minerva has taken up her position at the front of the dais, and the groom is opening the staff door. “Mrs. Granger, it appears time to make our grand entrance,” Harry announces with a boyish grin. Then he holds out his arm for her. “May I have this honor, ma’am?”

~ * ~

“Forever a spy, eh, Snape?”

“Always,” Severus answers with a sneer before turning to face his godson. “You’re late.”

Draco laughs heartily. “You’re the one getting married. All I need to do is stand there and watch.” Severus harrumphs and Draco laughs again. Just then, the music starts.

“See, Severus, I’m just in time.”

Without another word, Severus quietly opens the staff door and walks into the Great Hall. He crosses the front of the room, coming to a stop at the corner of the dias, his eyes completely focusing on the double doors at the other end of the hall. In fact, he is so intent on watching the door for Hermione that he completely misses the murmurs that break out at the sight of him in a full-length white robe. Draco, however, enjoys a chuckle at his godfather’s expense as he listens to the whispers of the amused and amazed guests.

Finally, the large doors open. Severus watches his new mother-in-law being escorted into the hall on the arm of Mr. Potter. He even takes a moment to enjoy the startled look on the boy’s face as he returns Jane’s smile with a shy smile of his own. He fidgets impatiently as Mrs. Potter slowly makes her way down the aisle to stand at the opposite corner of the dias. Then, finally, it’s her turn, his Hermione.

His breath catches as she glides into the room on her father’s arm. His mouth runs dry, and his heart skips a beat as he looks upon his bride. The room’s enchanted ceiling is displaying the day’s bright noontime sun overhead, and Hermione appears to sparkle as the sunlight reflects off the bodice of her dress and the pins in her hair. The glow of her robe’s silver trim only adds to the ethereal appearance. She is beautiful.

Even Draco can’t help but notice her beauty today. “She looks breathtaking, Severus.”

“It’s our turn now, Pumpkin. Ready?” Mr. Granger holds his arms out for his daughter.

Hermione takes a deep, cleansing breath, then looks at her father with a bright smile. “I am.”

As Hermione and her father arrive at the back row of chairs, Minerva nods to her left. Suddenly, the room seems to fade out of view as Severus steps forward. With his black hair tied back, donning black trousers and vest, and white shirt and robes, he looks every bit like a dark angel. Their eyes meet, and her heart swells under his reverent and loving gaze. My protector, my angel, my love

She continues to hold his gaze as he bows to her father and takes her hand. She finally looks away as they turn to face Minerva. They share affectionate squeezes through their joined hands as they individually promise to love, honor, and cherish one another until death takes them from the other. Then they turn once again to face each other as Minerva performs the binding ritual. She is only vaguely aware of his mischievous grin before she hears his whisper.

“Legilimens.”

At once she is overwhelmed in a wave of emotion: his pride, nervousness and love. He begins speaking inside her mind. “I want there to be no doubt as to how I feel about you at this moment. In this way, you can feel my emotions and I, yours.” Outwardly, Severus smiles sheepishly at her, which she happily returns.

“If I’d known this is how it works, I would have suggested this much earlier. This is amazing, Severus. Thank you.” Then, she giggles slightly as she feels the effect of her response, a strong surge of relief flooding their connection.

~ * ~

“Legilimens.”

Severus immediately feels the tenderness of Hermione’s love for him. Her response is completely accepting, much to his great relief. He is so wrapped up in the connection between them, he barely recognizes the ritual in which he is involved.

Suddenly, Minerva speaks their names, gaining both his and Hermione’s attention again. Their hands are tightly bound together with the six individual cords they had chosen to symbolize their feelings for one another. “Severus and Hermione Snape, as these cords symbolize today, you are now bound spiritually one to the other. What you have promised here today, no one can put asunder. Now, may I be the first to present Mr. and Mrs. Severus Snape. Severus, you may kiss your bride.”

Severus’ heart fills with pride as he feels Hermione’s happiness grow with each word Minerva speaks. The gathering around them bursts into applause and cheers as he pulls his wife into a passionate kiss. Through their mental connection, he hears her words.

“I love you, my husband, with all my heart.”

Finis