Chapter Twenty

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling's stuff. I own nothing here except the plot. Alas, no money is being made. This is for entertainment purposes only. Happy reading!

A big thanks goes to my beta, Charmed Nay, and I would also like to thank GinnyW for helping me go through this a second time and dusting it off.

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Hermione awoke with a smile on her face. Severus' hard body was pressed against hers. His warmth cocooned her and made her feel safe. She could feel that they were cramped up. Why? Had their bed shrank? She opened her eyes. What the...? They were in the Infirmary. Blast! It all came back to her in a rush. She sat up as quickly as possible without disturbing her sleeping lover. He'd finally told her how he felt! He'd said he wanted to marry her sooner than later. When? It appeared they had many things to talk about, but there were more serious matters at hand. What all had happened after Harry Portkeyed her out of there? Leaning over to kiss her lover's lips softly, she heard him murmur in his sleep. "I lost her."

Tears brimmed in her eyes. He'd been so worried that she had been killed. She could only imagine the pain and regret he must have felt. It was likely to be what prompted him to speak of his feelings. The Incubus! Her dream! Had that been the Incubus? She seemed to have remembered two dreams though. The Incubus used to only come once per night. Had it been two visits? Well, hell, it wasn't an Incubus! She'd been dreaming about her beloved. Hermione shook her head and stifled a giggle. How absurd. She had defeated him by ultimately refusing his sexual advances. That was why the spirit switched to Succubus mode and tried to force Severus. She pushed thoughts of the Incubus away.

Her body felt healed. She wondered what time it was? What day it was? The medicine Poppy had administered had her feeling very distorted for a while. Should she wake Severus or let him sleep? Knowing that his day had probably been tougher than hers, she crept away from the bed towards the door. She opened it and walked out. Right away she saw Albus and Harry chatting quietly in a corner near Poppy's office. She could just make out Ron sleeping in a chair by a bed that had privacy screens drawn around it. She walked forward to see who was in the bed.

As she neared the screen, she saw it was Draco. He was awake, looking at Ron's sleeping form. Hermione saw that neither Harry nor the headmaster had seen her, so she went to the other side of Draco's bed. "All right?"

He nodded, but she could see that his eyes looked haunted. "Ron is having a pretty few buggered up days here."

"You as well," she said softly, not wanting to wake up their sleeping friend. "How is your father?"

"He's having a portion of his hips and lower back repaired. They don't know if he'll be able to walk for a long while. Tonks left a bit ago to go get an update. I haven't seen her since." Draco sighed and nestled into his covers. "Hermione, about today... did anything happen? You know... when you were in that corner?"

"No, he was blabbering most of the time, and Harry came just in time to stop anything further. He would have raped me though. He told me as much. Said he wanted me to pretend that he was hurting me to keep me alive. I thought that he would do it," Hermione said with a shudder.

"I... Rabastan... Things happened. Not much, mind." Draco swallowed hard. "I'm right glad Harry came when he did. You can only bite and fight back for so long, you know? I, too, thought it was inevitable. I don't know how I could have dealt with that."

"Well, if you'd like to talk, I'll always be here to listen," Hermione said. "I'm thinking that we are lucky that Harry came when he did. If he had waited like the headmaster requested, we'd be... compromised."

Draco shuddered this time. "I don't want to think about that right now. I guess I'll just try to get back to sleep. Poppy gave me some medicine. Has me going in and out. Er... should we let Ron have a lay down here?"

"He's probably all right where he is. I'd hate to wake him. He looks so content."

"Night, Hermione," Draco said sleepily.

"Sleep well."

Hermione made her way to Harry and Albus. They were still in their corner talking slowly. Just as she approached, she heard a snake's hissing. Odd. "Harry?" She had stopped, unsure if the hiss had been a warning or just a hiss. He held out his hand to her, and she took it. He stood to hug her.

"Mione? What are you doing up again? Poppy said you really needed to sleep." Harry looked her over. "Anything hurting?"

"No, not right now. I just wanted to find out what's happened. I couldn't stay awake long enough for Severus to tell me everything."

"Here, sit down." Harry pulled his chair over while getting another for himself. "I'll just go over everything. I'm not sure what you know or don't know. Old man Higgs died. Can you believe his heart sort of burst with fright? Poppy said that it looked like he had problems before, but he hadn't tried to seek treatment as far as she could see. There were no medicinal potions in his system. I think I nearly scared him to death as well when I first went in. He was holding his chest."

"Wow. Seems like he could have had that taken care of."

"I know." He grinned. "Who cares? One less arse for us to deal with, I say. The only bad thing about that is Draco. He saw it happen, and it seems to be really disturbing him. Well, that and his... er... problem."

"Yeah, he seemed quite upset when we talked just now, but he seems to be trying to keep up a brave front. Maybe he and Ron can get together and talk. They've both had much to deal with as of late," Hermione said softly.

"I was thinking that as well." Harry took her hand. "The little berk that tried to assault you... well, Severus nearly strangled the life out of him. He's been a bit shaken since. Seems like he is willing to cooperate, so long as he's not put in some Bewitched Sleep or killed by anyone. What do you feel on that?"

"To be honest, I'm glad Severus got a hold of him. I bet he didn't like being on the receiving end. When he was about to, you know, do that, he had been... I can't really explain it. Nice? But not nice. He was saying how he'd be gentle with me, but he wanted me to cry out to pretend that he wasn't. He said that would enable me to live."

"He was going to try to help you escape?" Harry asked incredulously, looking at Dumbledore.

"No," Hermione whispered. "No, he wanted me alive to be his sex slave. He wasn't mean to me, but he wasn't good to me either. In front of the others, he put on a good display of being a cold bastard."

"I should have..."

"No, Harry," Dumbledore interrupted. "Things happened perfectly."

"Right then. Two other wizards Apparated in. Travers and Mulciber. Mulciber was quite subdued. He bowed down and took Bella's word about me. Travers though, he was really adamant about not bowing to me. Going on about how he hated me and would never serve me. It seems that Nagini and Loony have taken a liking to me. They, uh, squeezed the life out of him. Didn't even try to eat him. Just killed him."

"Served him right," Hermione mumbled. "Where is this Mulciber?"

"Well, Draco and Higgs Senior had gone up for Draco to use the loo. They never came back, so Lucius and Mulciber went looking for them. They ran into the Order. Mulciber has been cooperating since. Said he's tired of running. Just wants a warm cell in Azkaban and a few meals each day."

"Oh, how quaint," Hermione said sarcastically.

"I'll see that he gets it," Harry said firmly. "He's given us a lot of information and directed us to certain things and places we didn't know about. When I peeked into Rabastan's mind, I saw how he was mistreated in Azkaban. We are going to demand that prisoners be treated fairly. If we don't, then we are no better than they are."

Albus beamed brightly. "That's right, Harry. I see you have been reading in the book that I gave you."

"Yes, sir," he said with a smile. He turned back to Hermione. "So, anyway, back to the others. Antonin noticed Lucius and the Order members coming in. He realized it was a trap. He went off calling you names and saying you'd led them in. He and Severus dueled. Severus got the better of him. Rabastan grabbed Antonin's wand, but he didn't do anything. Bella killed him to prove her loyalty to me. Antonin grabbed his wand again and went to place a hex on Severus, but Lucius was able to pull Severus away. Unfortunately, he wasn't fast enough. He caught a blast in the lower back. I then hexed Antonin. He died not long after."

"Right. I hope Lucius will be able to walk again. Draco said they were unsure," she said softly. Silently, she thanked the arrogant, blond man for saving her lover from that fate.

"We're sure that they will do what they can. Before Bella killed Rabastan to prove her loyalty to me, I told her that I had not betrayed her, and I would find a way to get her out. She believed me and allowed me to Stupefy her." Harry chuckled. "Quite a believing performance though, if I do say so myself. It was like I just knew what to say. A bit unnerving if you ask me."

"Harry, we'll talk more on that another time," Albus said softly. He reached over to squeeze Hermione's hand. "I can't tell you how glad I am to see you and young Draco alive. I fear Severus would not have fared well, and he would have tried to follow you to the other side. Harry was right to go off when he did. Things worked out for the best."

"Oh, there was another Death Eater that Apparated when I called," Harry said quietly. "Remember Jonas Stebbins?" Hermione squinted her eyes in thought and finally nodded. "Cedric's best mate. He had the Dark Mark as well."

"What?"

Harry held up a hand. "It's not what you think. Severus looked into his mind, and I had a talk with Bella about him. It seems the bloke joined to try to avenge his friend's death. Voldemort was using him and planned to have him killed."

"So, what happened to him?"

"I changed his Dark Mark again. Now it looks like a tattoo. I sent him here, so that the Aurors couldn't see him there. Just in case they'd be questioned thoroughly, I didn't want them to know, at all. He didn't deserve to have his name tarnished. I let him go."

"Just like that? How do you really know he never did anything? Or won't try to break them out?"

"Because I know," Harry said with finality. "My next step, as the headmaster and I have decided, is to pretend to break Bella out."

Hermione gasped. "Harry! You can't be serious. She's a menace. What if she comes after us?"

Harry laughed. "She won't. I'm her Lord, remember? I'm going to have all of the things that were confiscated, and she's going to try to come up with a way to break Luna's curse. Once we have something to go on, well, then it's back off to Azkaban for her."

Hermione nodded. "What was the talk about the Edgecombes, Fudge, and Umbridge that I heard earlier?"

It was the headmaster that explained this. "After Bella broke out, Arthur Weasley and a couple of others secretly had a few Muggle devices installed. Video cameras?" Hermione grinned. "They work by magic of course, but they've shown everything that happened that night. They also put magical tracers on all the doors. Whomever uses their specific magic code and handprint to get in, well, it's recorded."

"Yeah," Harry put in. "That night, Fudge did the Imperio on Umbridge to make her use her codes to get Rabastan and Antonin out. Bella and Terence were with them. The cameras can pick up sound. Heard everything they said. Fudge was searching for her pass card, and he was going on the entire time about how she'd gone along with Bella's escape because she thought Bella was being taken to be killed. He told the others he used the Imperio on her, and he would be sure she had no recollection of the night. You'd have to see it to appreciate it. It's quite funny, seeing him down on his hands and knees mumbling. The guards on duty had heard something, and he Apparated them away quickly."

"So those two blighters are finally going to get what they deserve!" Hermione said happily. It was about time. Ruddy Fudge! Bitchy Umbridge! "What of Marietta and her mum?"

"Well, her mum was only following orders from someone higher up, but she still didn't turn her in. She will likely have some minor charges. She blocked the Floo at Malfoy Manor so that nobody could alert Lucius as to what was happening. She also manipulated Fudge's Floo, both office and home, so that his departures and arrivals couldn't be tracked. She did Percy's and Umbridge's as well."

"Young Marietta, I'm afraid," Dumbledore began, "will have more charges. She used an Unforgivable many times. She purposely led the two of you to be snatched. The list goes on. Their trials are set later this week. We figured Percy's funeral is more important right now."

"Oi! I didn't tell you," Harry said with a laugh. "Remember Karkaroff? Viktor's headmaster? Well, Loony found him in a room at Higgs Manor. Bloke had been there for nearly the past two years. They tortured him horribly at Voldemort's command. He didn't even know that the Dark Lord had been defeated. They never mentioned that to him. They kept up his torture though. He's barely alive to be honest. He's over at St. Mungo's right now. He only rasped out a few things before he'd used up what little energy he had."

"Good grief!" Hermione couldn't believe it. There was one question she wanted to ask. "Harry? What of these snakes?"

"Well, I told Nagini she could decide what she wanted to do. I could send her home and let Loony go with her." Harry wriggled his eyebrows. "Or I can keep her here with me. She knows I won't be feeding her humans or anything. She is undecided. Loony will just do whatever she does."

Hermione shook her head. She hoped they were sent away. Both snakes were very creepy. "How are Ron and the Weasleys?"

"The same. It's hard for them. Arthur has been out and about though. He had a hand with the arrests at the Ministry. They found Percy's journal when they went to his flat to get his things. Molly took all of his stuff and had it placed at the Burrow in his old room. Ron said it's a bit junky, but he was sure she would fix it up nice." Harry yawned. "He went to check on them earlier. Percy really wasn't all that bad. Fudge had him brainwashed in a lot of things. I think that the journal is a bit of closure for them all. He has every detail about his life from the time he left their house to now. Even stuff from before."

"When will Percy's funeral be?" Hermione asked softly.

"Tomorrow. They want it done with quickly. Guess we ought to try for bed," Harry said. "So much has happened. I might sleep for a week. Be sure I'm alive when you wake."

She laughed at her friend's joke, hugging both Harry and the headmaster before retreating to her private room. She found Severus sitting up in the bed, holding her pillow. "Severus?"

"Hermione," he breathed. "I... come here." She went to him, and he pulled her to him tightly. "I didn't like waking up with you gone. I had to wonder if it was a dream. I need you with me."

"I'm here, Severus. I'll never leave. I just went to check on my friends." She kissed his cheek. "I didn't want to wake you. Lay with me."

"I would like to make love to you," he said quietly. "Just to know that we really are here and alive and well. Is it too soon? Do you hurt?"

"Let's just be slow about it. I'm sure what Poppy doesn't know won't hurt." Hermione smiled, guiding his face to hers. "Truth be known. I need you to be close to me as well, Severus. I love you, and I need you. Always."

"I know," Severus said kissing her lightly. "I meant what I said earlier."

"Say it."

"I want to marry you right away. Now. Tomorrow. Soon."

"Not that."

"Er?"

"You know, how you feel about me."

"Hermione, I'm in love with you. You've worked your way into my life and my heart, and I shall never let go." This time their kiss was deeper...one that seemed to seal their feelings. Finding his wand, he warded the door. He removed their clothes with a few flicks of his wand as well. There was no rush as they leisurely kissed and caressed each other. Gradually, after nearly an hour of simple snogging, Severus slid into Hermione. "Hermione, you feel so good to me."

"Likewise," she whispered, moving to meet his soft strokes. Feeling heady and overwhelmed with emotion, she said, "Severus, let's do it tomorrow. Just a small little ceremony. Albus can bind us."

"Yes," he agreed, picking up the pace. He muffled their cries by kissing her passionately as they both came together. It was only at the last minute that he realized he'd not put a Soundproofing Spell on the door. "Hope they didn't hear much," he said, grinning wickedly.

"I don't care," she murmured. He went to move off of her. "No, stay. Stay in me."

He hated to crush her, but he did love to fall asleep still buried within her soft, moist flesh. He shifted his weight so that it was mostly on his legs and arms. His head rested on her chest above her breasts. He kissed one softly before drifting off into a contented sleep. Hermione's soft hands were rubbing his back and sifting through his hair. He could sleep forever with her loving hands upon him.

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Molly reached down into the open casket once more, cradling her son's cold, stiff cheek in her hand. It seemed unreal. His body felt unreal. Everything was unreal. Her new favorite word was unreal. It's how life felt at the moment. Her son was dead, and she'd never had the chance to tell him that she still loved him, that he was forgiven, and that he didn't have to prove anything to her. He would have been welcome in their home again. She leaned over to kiss his colorless lips one last time, allowing her tears to continue without shame. When she pulled away, she noticed that a couple of her tears had fallen onto his cheek. It made him look as if he were silently crying. "I will miss you, my son. I will see you again," she said sadly, wiping her tears from his face.

"Come on, dear," said Arthur grasping her shoulders. He'd had to keep her away all morning. After a few people would come up to pay their respects, she would rush up and just stand there grieving. It was understandable, but her eyes had taken on such a hollow look. He was glad they'd decided to do this early on. He didn't know if his wife would be able to take it any longer. "We have to let him go, love. It's time to get things going." He was able to guide her back to their seats as the presiding wizard had his say.

Ron sat behind his parents with Ginny and Harry on one side and with Draco and Hermione on the other side. Snape was on Hermione's other side, holding her hand in a death grip. Ron wondered idly how the man had come to care about her so quickly. He shrugged his shoulders. Wasn't his concern after all! He looked at Draco and noticed that his eyes were red-rimmed. He knew that Draco had never really liked Percy, but he thought the gesture was nice. He was showing his support for those of the Weasley family that he actually did like. Ron wished that he hadn't let Luna accompany Ginny. This was his fault.

Shit! He was glad that Ginny hadn't been hit with the spell. It would have been too much. Percy and Ginny both lost to the family? His only sister gone? No, he supposed it turned out for the best. Even as he thought that, he wanted to kick himself. How could you choose between two people that way? If Merlin himself would have come to him and asked how he would have wanted it, what would he have said? Allowing things to happen as they did, well, that was like betraying Luna. He loved her. He would have waited for her and married her. Maybe Harry would be able to get through to that bitch Bellatrix. Things could be fine again. He'd had more hope knowing that his mate was trying. As soon as the funeral was over, he would go to Luna to tell her all that had happened. He didn't care what the bloody Healer said! She had to still be trapped inside her body somehow, listening to all that was said. Could her soul be gone, truly? No, he wouldn't believe it. Maybe he would need that counseling Professor McGonagall had mentioned. He squeezed his sister's hand. Her tears were overflowing.

Ginny couldn't believe that her brother was gone. She eyed the rest of her family evilly. Bastards! They didn't even try to owl him or go see him. She was the only one that actually had contact with him. They dared to all come here to pretend to grieve? It just didn't seem right. Ginny, what is wrong with you? She'd been thinking some of the most horrible things since everything had happened. She secretly wished that Percy were in the bed at St. Mungo's while Luna was the one being buried here. At least then, her brother would have a chance to come back. She was confused. She didn't know what to think. The only thing that made sense was Harry. Harry had tried to save Percy. He'd held him as he died, forgiving him, even though Percy had said all those bad things. Percy had blessed their relationship. She would never let go of Harry Potter, not for any reason. Even Percy knew, before he died, that Harry was the right man for her.

She suddenly felt guilty about what she'd been thinking towards the rest of her family. Percy wouldn't want her to resent them. His journal spoke volumes of his own regret at not coming home. Her mum did seem horribly put out. Ginny had been unfair when she assessed everyone's attempts to get Percy back in the fold. Her mum had always sent him sweets and jumpers, but he would send them back. Her other brothers and father didn't try though. Maybe if they'd put a little more effort into things, this wouldn't have happened. Ginny was confused. Maybe she would seek out that counseling eventually. Her mind was filled with too many things. She looked over to Harry. He'd grown so much since she'd first seen him: inside and out. She loved him with all of her heart. He turned to smile at her, adoration showing in his eyes.

Harry couldn't help himself. He leaned over and kissed his witch on the cheek. "Love you," he whispered. She turned shocked eyes back to his. He'd never told her that before. The tears seemed to suddenly be tears of joy as her eyes lit up, and her smiled widened.

"Love you, Harry," she whispered back, timidly kissing his cheek.

He eased his arm around her, pulling her close. He looked around at the gathering. So many people had shown up for Percy's funeral, even though it was such short notice. Harry didn't recognize more than half of them. Most looked like distinguished people. More than likely, they were people he'd met through work or simply pureblood families coming to pay respects to one of their own. One thing was for certain, it seemed that they were all eager to talk to or look at Harry. When would that stop? He'd likely never get to live a normal life, would he? If he went out to play Quidditch for a team, he knew he would be accepted, and he knew he was good at being a Seeker. But it would always be in his mind that they wanted him for his name, not his skills. He'd have to tell Ron soon that he'd changed his mind about their choice of career. He pushed all thoughts out of his mind as he tried to pay attention to what was being said.

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A large amount of food and drink had been brought to the Weasleys' after the funeral. Hermione eyed everyone and came to the conclusion that most people were here simply for details or to say they had been there. She heard snippets of conversation as she walked through the crowd. Severus had gone to talk to Albus while she sought out Harry and Draco.

Ginny and Ron were off talking by the brook. Harry and Draco were standing back, watching them quietly. "What's going on?" Hermione asked.

Draco said, "They both have really big issues. I think they nearly had a row just now. They needed to talk privately."

"Listen," Hermione said uneasily. "What are you doing after things finish up here?"

"I'll be staying tonight," Harry said. "Why?"

"I'm for Hogwarts," Draco murmured sulkily.

"Well, Severus and I have decided to have a small and quick binding ceremony. We don't see any real reason to wait. I guess it's our little way to declare to each other and the world that we are in love and belong together," she said softly. "I know it may seem tacky to do this after the funeral, but we really want this. We will have a larger one later, Muggle style, where my mum and dad can witness, but for now, this is what we've decided. I would like it if you two could come."

"What of Ron? Ginny?" Harry asked.

"They need to be with their family, Harry. If you can't, I understand completely. They need you more than I do." She would never let him know how disappointed she would be if he refused her. He'd always been her strength.

"I think I might have to stay. Looks like it's not going well." Harry kissed her cheek. "But I won't miss the next one."

"All right," she said with a sad smile. He hurried off to break up Ron and Ginny. They were arguing again. Draco and Hermione watched in silence as the three talked for a moment and hugged tightly. She wiped a few tears away. How silly to be upset that Harry wouldn't make her small ceremony.

"Come on, Hermione," Draco said, pulling her away. "We're not really needed here. Let's go find Snape."

"How is your father, Draco?"

"The same. Doesn't want to see anyone. Not even me. Mum isn't allowed either," Draco said quietly. "I think he's embarrassed by his body now. He can't walk right now. All of his bones had to be restructured and bound magically. He'll have to learn to do everything again. They said he might be a bit stooped. I think he's just so proud that he doesn't want anyone to see him disheveled."

"You're probably right," she replied. "There is Severus."

He waved them over. "Albus has agreed, and he thinks we are making an excellent decision." He kissed her cheek. "Minerva has agreed to stand in. Draco?"

"I will," the young boy said immediately.

"Where is Harry?" Severus questioned.

"He's with Ron and Ginny. They need him more at a time such as this. I suppose, it's all right. I don't blame him." Hermione's voice hadn't wavered, but Severus could see the disappointment in her eyes. He simply nodded.

"Guess we ought to Floo back then," Draco said, feeling very tired. His eyes sought for Ron and Harry. He found them in the same spot. Ginny had gone though. He wondered what was really going on. He wished that he could talk to them, but Hermione needed him, too. So did Severus. It was actually an honor to be included in such an intimate setting.

The headmaster spoke. "We will give our condolences once more and meet you in my office, say an hour from now? That should give you time to make ready for the ceremony."

"Very well," Severus agreed. "Draco, we will see you there. I will Apparate us. You will take the Floo?"

"Yes, sir. I'll tell everyone that you said goodbye."

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"She never moves. See how her eyes are? Same as always." Ron's voice was soaked with disappointment. "Thanks for coming with me Harry. I just wanted to tell her about everything that's happened. I wanted her to know that you are working on getting her all fixed up."

"Not a problem," Harry said glumly.

"What's wrong, mate?"

"This," he said, pointing his hand to Luna. "I hate that this happened. If only we'd just..."

"I've been going through that time and again. Doesn't do any good now, does it?"

"I suppose not," Harry said sadly. "What's even worse is that Hermione and Severus have decided to have a short binding ceremony tonight. She didn't think that you'd feel up to going, but she asked if I'd go. I told her no because you and Ginny needed me. I feel horrible about it."

"She's really going to do it, isn't she? Snape is the one for her."

"Yes," Harry said simply. "He is."

"Well, let's go, Harry. We might still have time. She's been our best friend for all this time. We can't just let her do something this important on her own," Ron said, finally smiling."

"You sure?"

"Sure."

"All right. Draco has gone as well. He said that they'd be meeting in the headmaster's office. In about... Blast! Come on! They are about to start!"

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Luna wished that she could smile. Hermione and Severus had decided to marry. Beautiful. She wished that she could have married Ron. It would have been much like Hermione's wedding sounded. Small and intimate. No need for a large crowd. She had heard all that Ron had told her about the events that had taken place since she'd been cursed.

If she did die now, at least she could die knowing that justice had been handed out to all parties involved. Percy's funeral sounded horribly sad. She wished that she could have been there for Ron. Poor thing. Dare she dream that Harry truly could get Bella to make a counter hex to bring her out of this? She'd spent most of the last couple of days wishing that she'd just die, but now perhaps there was something to live for. There was hope. Luna would love to cry with joy. She could feel her mind tiring.

She'd been trying to not sleep for a long time. She hated to sleep because sleep brought dreams. Dreams were nightmares. She was unsure how much longer she could deal with the demons and creatures that came for her. Over and over she'd been tortured, raped, beaten, and killed in her nightmares. She'd had to watch her loved ones go through the same as well. Each time she slept, they would get worse.

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Albus smiled at the young couple before him. "I am so happy that you two have decided to join together. If your love is in your hearts now, truly, it will remain there for all time. Being such a small ceremony, we will have to double up on everyone's role. Minerva will double as your maid and my assistant. She has prepared the altar for us tonight. That's where she is now. We have decided on a ceremony witnessed by the celestial bodies of the night sky. It will be held on the top of the Astronomy Tower to bring us closer to our observers."

Draco walked up at that moment. "I've just finished talking to Professor McGonagall. She went over the roles I am to play in the ceremony. I'm ready. She said that Professor Sinistra wants to start her speech and has agreed to help with the couple's blessing."

"Shall we?" Severus asked, holding out his arm for Hermione.

She intertwined her arm in his. "Yes."

They decided to not have a lengthy traditional ceremony. Not this time around. Each wanted to be bound and have it done without much fuss. It seemed to both that such frivolities meant nothing; it was only the binding that mattered to either. Before Rolanda went off for a visit to Stuart at St. Mungo's, she had given Hermione her white satin wedding set of robes and dress, complete with a stunning veil. After a little sizing, Hermione and Minerva had her dressed and ready. Minerva insisted on having Pomona put together a lovely bouquet of flowers. The women had decided on orange blossoms accented with lemon leaves.

Hermione wasn't enthusiastic about the look and citrus smell emanating from the arrangement, but when they told her the flowers' meanings, she didn't mind. Orange blossoms represented innocence, marriage, and fruitfulness. The lemon leaves represented everlasting love. It wasn't the prettiest arrangement, but knowing that the staff had tried to do something for her made her feel welcome amongst them. Filius had charmed the bouquet with a Lasting Spell so that they might live longer. Pomona explained as much as she could before she sauntered off. Trelawny had donated some of her personal incense for the altar. It was Hagrid that wanted to be in charge of the bread and drinks for the bride and groom. He opted to give them Elderflower Wine. Hermione smiled when she was told this. It reminded her of the Weasleys.

On their walk towards the Astronomy Tower, they heard pounding footsteps as someone was running their way. To Hermione's delight, it was Harry... and Ron! She met them eagerly, hugging them. "I'm so glad that you've come!"

"Couldn't let you jump into a pit of snakes without us being around to bail you out, could we?" Ron said saucily, blanching at Severus' sour expression. "Er... you know... figure of speech and all that."

"I can't believe I was going to miss this. We would have been here sooner, but I had to go to my vault. Can I talk to you in private for a moment, Mione?" Harry asked, eyeing the others.

"All right," she agreed, allowing him to lead her away.

Once they were far enough, he stopped. "What token do you have for Snape? You are using rings, right?"

"Yes," she said. "I hadn't the time to get him one as of yet, but I am going to use my House ring for now."

Harry rolled his eyes. "You don't think he'd want a Gryffindor ring?" He chuckled at her put out expression. "I have this. I want to give it to you." Harry took a small box out of his pocket. "Please. I would be honored. It was in my parents' vault. I think it suits him. Nothing flashy, and it is platinum."

"Harry, I don't think he would want to wear your Dad's ring. No offense," Hermione said kindly.

"It wasn't for my dad. It was for my mum's dad. She was saving it for me. Well, I've had it, and this is what I want to do with it. I have my own dad's ring should I have need for it. I think... I think she wouldn't mind for Severus and his kids to have it," Harry said thoughtfully.

Hermione smiled. He was right. Lily wouldn't have minded at all. But did Hermione mind? Sort of, but not really, if that makes sense! She didn't like that it was Lily's, but the fact that it was Harry's won her over. "Thank you, Harry." She kissed his cheek softly. "Hold this one." She took his ring and handed her House ring to him.

"Shit. He saw that, and he looks as if he'd like to come skin me alive. Let's get back," Harry said, laughing lightly.

Draco pulled both boys on the side as everyone began traveling up again. "Look, they've got me doing all the dirty work in the wedding. I think you two should share in the chore. It would probably mean a lot to her. And, every time the headmaster or McGonagall says something that is addressed to all of us you have to say, so mote it be."

"Why?"

"I don't know. It's what I was told."

"Tell us what we need to know."

~~~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~~

Lucius Malfoy used magic to lift himself as they had instructed. He glided over to a mirror. He didn't look too bad off, and if he didn't know that a good portion of his bones and some nerves had been blasted to bits, he wouldn't be able to tell. Not in this position anyway. The Healer said that he might have a slight stoop in his posture since some minor bits were not replaced. The man had said he'd probably have to use a cane. What irony! For years, he'd walked with a cane because it was fashionable, but now he'd have to walk with one, as soon as he learned to walk again.

How does one learn to do what he knows how to do already? He wondered if he should try it. Damn! He knew better. It was better to wait whilst others were present, just in case. He hated feeling this way. He'd not been afraid of anything since before the Dark Lord had fallen. What would Narcissa say? She was so damned conceited about herself and the family that she might see him as tarnished goods. He would no longer be the impeccable, arrogant Lucius Malfoy that she'd married, but a slightly stooped, older, more humble, Lucius. Could she handle that? It was one of the reasons he'd not allowed her in. He didn't want her to see him until he was on his way to recovery. It might be less of a blow to her.

He floated back to the bed and was just settling down as a Mediwitch entered. "Hello, Miss," he called. "I was just practicing my hovering."

The woman didn't reply. She pulled up his covers over his body and fluffed his pillows. She poured some water into a glass and handed it to him. "Drink." He did as he was ordered. She put the glass away and summoned a brush.

"What do you think you are doing?" he asked in amazement, reaching out to still her hand. She dared to think that he would allow her to brush his hair. He'd seen this particular witch a few times. Odd one, this.

"I just wanted to brush it. It looks a bit tatty in the back, being knotted and all that."

"Only my wife is allowed to touch my hair, other than myself." He sneered hatefully at the woman hoping she would go away. He noted tears in her eyes.

"You ought to let her come to see you then. Maybe she could tidy you up some," she said, rising to leave.

"And allow her to see me this way? No, I don't think so, thanks," he said dryly.

"Why not?" she screeched. "Think you she doesn't love you no matter what? Think you that she isn't proud of you and all that you've done? You are a hero in her eyes Lucius Malfoy. Always."

Lucius pointed his wand at the pest. "Finite Incantatem." Sure enough, her Unrecognizable Charm had been lifted. No wonder she only stayed a few minutes at a time. Those charms didn't last long at all. "So... Narcissa, why?"

"Because you wouldn't let me in! I had to come, and this was the only way," she said, wiping at her face angrily. "You don't give me as much credit as I should receive, Lucius. You just don't want anyone to see you because you are ashamed. We don't care about this." She pointed to his body. "We are just grateful that you are alive."

He was speechless. Narcissa was right of course. He hadn't even given her a chance to see him. He'd been so sure that she would look upon him with repulsion that he'd kept her away. Everyone away. He saw what his back looked like now. It looked burnt and had nasty blisters all over. There would be untreatable scars once it was healed. Perhaps he should have trusted in her loyalty and... love? They'd spoken of love already of course, but hadn't that all been a part of the wedded bliss act? He did love her, but he always wondered about her feelings for him. Now, it seemed, he honestly knew.

~~~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione smiled when she saw the beautiful altar that Minerva had made. The incense sticks were burning, and the pleasant scent of Jasmine wafted about. Perhaps Trelawny wasn't as dense as she let on. A beautifully decorated bottle held Hagrid's wine while a decorative metal plate held sliced bread and a matching chalice rested in wait of its use. On a tiered candleholder, there were three candles: gold, silver, and black. Hermione noticed a few small dishes with some unknown contents inside. There were three cords on the altar as well: white, black, and red. A circle made of what looked to be soil and salt surrounded the altar. There was also a need-fire built. Hermione could see several shiny stones surrounding the small magical blaze. Before they could enter the circle and take their places before the altar, Pomona came forth again to explain her flower scheme on the altar.

There was a flower arrangement in the center with a shock of odd colors. The smiling witch explained what each flower meant. There was a mixture of Peony, representing happy marriage and prosperity, Ivy, representing wedded love, fidelity, affection, and friendship, and Lavender, representing loyalty. "She didn't say it had to be beautiful. Just that it had to have meaning. Can't think of better meaning than that, eh?"

"Right. Thanks," Hermione said softly. Severus simply nodded. She looked around at the guests and wedding participants: Hagrid, Trelawny, Filius, Pomona, Sinistra, Ron, Harry, Minerva, Albus, and Draco. Voices behind them drew her attention. She waved when she saw who it was. Rolanda and Stuart! He was well enough to be dismissed from the hospital! They quickly slid over to the side to have a seat in conjured chairs. Everything seemed complete now; although she wished the Weasleys and her parents could be there with them.

"Enter the circle, Hermione and Severus," Albus instructed. They did so. "This altar has been prepared for you and the infinite circle has been drawn. Do you accept its significance to your rite of binding?"

"I accept."

"I accept."

"So mote it be," Dumbledore said. Everyone present repeated the words. He continued, "Your vows shall be witnessed not only by all present, but also by the celestial bodies of the night sky. Do you accept?"

"I accept," said each.

"I stand aside to allow my associate a chance to call upon our witnesses." He stepped back as Sinistra made her way forward. In her drawling, bored sounding voice, she began to speak. "We will enlist the help of Pleiades this night. Pleiades, which we will henceforth call the Seven Sisters, is found nestled in the constellation of Taurus. Taurus itself represents strength and power. A union such as this could band together nothing less." Sinistra paused while she lifted her wand above. She gave the illusion of circling the stars and pulling them closer. "From the Seven Sisters we ask for seven things. We ask this union to be blessed with security, loyalty, love, fidelity, prosperity, fertility, and longevity." She held up a crystal and seemed to present it to the sky. She began a slight incantation, and Hermione would have sworn that she saw small jets of lights coming from Sinistra's illusion. After she finished, the woman placed the crystal on the altar, where it continued to glow softly. "Your union has been accepted, and you shall be bound. So mote it be."

"So mote it be," everyone repeated.

Sinistra stepped aside to allow Dumbledore to reclaim his position. "Hermione and Severus please interlace your right hands and your left hands."

Minerva spoke. "Welcome all to the rite of binding between Severus Snape and Hermione Granger. They have met here to become bound, and together they seek security, loyalty, love, fidelity, prosperity, fertility, and longevity. If any should not believe this union to be true, please state your reasoning." Minerva scowled at everyone present. If anyone had anything to say, they certainly would dare not speak out against the stern witch. "We continue then."

Albus beamed at the couple. "I request the moon to keep an ever watchful eye on the two standing in the circle before me. May the lunar body be the gravitating force that guides the pair to always pull together. Please kneel and keep your hands together."

Hermione's hands trembled slightly as they kneeled down. Severus couldn't believe that she had agreed to bind with him so quickly. What had he done to deserve such a loving witch? He wanted to lean forward to kiss her, but he knew now was not the time. I'm getting married. How the fuck did this happen? He smiled goofily as he looked into his intended's eyes.

Albus continued. "Severus Snape, what do you offer to Hermione Granger?"

"I offer security, loyalty, love, fidelity, prosperity, fertility, and longevity."

"Hermione Granger, do you accept the offering of Severus Snape?" Albus asked.

"I accept."

"Hermione Granger, what do you offer to Severus Snape?"

"I offer security, loyalty, love, fidelity, prosperity, fertility, and longevity."

"Severus Snape, do you accept the offering of Hermione Granger?" he asked.

"I accept."

"So mote it be." Everyone repeated the phrase. "Please rise." The pair rose quickly, remaining linked with their hands.

Minerva moved forward. She took the three cords from the altar. "Keep only your left hands together." She wrapped the black cord around each. "Black is for the absorption of all negativity around you." She wrapped the white cord around each. "White is for projecting peace and bliss into your lives." She wrapped the red cord around each. "Red is for passion and the strength of your relationship." The three cords were left dangling beneath their hands.

Draco stepped forward. He took a dish from the altar. "I soak your cords with anointing oil that has been blessed to ensure that your marital requests are met." He began dabbing oil onto the cords and the dangling bits. He placed the dish back on the altar and stepped aside.

Ron stepped forth. He took a dish from the altar. "I sprinkle salt on your cords to ensure that all negativity is warded away and only positive influences remain." The salt clung to the soaked cords. He placed the dish back on the altar and stepped aside.

Harry stepped forward. He took the last dish from the altar. "I add a bit of soil to your union so that your relationship may always be grounded solidly together. May the Earth bless your union so long as you both shall live." He dusted their cords quickly before moving aside.

Minerva came forward again to tie the three dangling cords together in an intricate knot. She nodded to Draco. He took the black candle and tilted it so that the hot wax would fall upon a portion of the cord, molding it into Minerva's knot. "I use this black candle to seal your vows. Its wax will to repel negativity and protect you." Draco replaced the candle in its tier and moved back.

Ron came forward next. He took the silver candle and repeated Draco's steps. "I use this silver candle to seal your vows. Its wax will encourage stability in your relationship and help to simplify complex problems." Ron replaced the candle and moved aside.

Harry came to them after taking the gold candle from its tier. He poured hot wax on the final cord. "I use this gold candle to seal your vows. Its wax will help you to foster understanding, heal inner wounds, and bring forth prosperity." Harry replaced the candle before moving aside.

Minerva spoke. "These cords have been bound to you and sealed properly. We have done our duty to participate in the rite of binding. We stand aside to witness, along with those present and the celestial bodies above."

Albus then stepped forward again. "I offer you each a sip of this wine." He filled the chalice, first offering it to Severus, then to Hermione. "May thirst never come for you." He set down the chalice and picked up the plate of bread. He gave one slice to Severus, and then one to Hermione. "May hunger never come for you." He put the plate back on the altar. "The spiritual union has begun. So mote it be."

"So mote it be," came the chorus of voices.

"It is time to begin the physical union. Severus Sydney Snape, if you will initiate the next phase by bestowing physical affection to your intended, Hermione Jane Granger." Severus immediately lowered his head to kiss Hermione. While they lost themselves in each other, Sinistra, Dumbledore, and McGonagall all began chanting charms on the circle surrounding them. The magical enchantments began mingling around the circle and created a dome of light that surrounded the couple. After a moment, the color changed from blue, representing love and devotion, to green, representing stability, endurance, and life.

When the color completely faded, McGonagall said, "So mote it be." Everyone replied in unison. She summoned one parchment and quill. "Severus, Hermione, once the rings are placed, you will need only to sign this parchment to seal your vows and become one." The couple nodded.

Albus said, "Severus, place your token on Hermione's finger." Severus took out his mother's ring and placed it where it belonged on his lover's finger. Hermione took the ring that Harry had given her and placed it on Severus' finger. It was a simple platinum band with three small diamonds and druid crosses engraved on either side. She could see that her lover seemed pleased, and she mentally thanked Harry. Severus leaned forward to sign the parchment. Hermione repeated the action. Albus smiled. "I now have the pleasure to proclaim you properly bound. May I present Hermione and Severus Snape?"

Everyone began clapping. Minerva used magic to lift the glowing embers from the need-fire and kept them hovering above the ground. "I shall accompany you, and I shall start a fire in your grate. Your binding magic has blessed these embers, and in turn, they shall warm you and light you in your first days as a bound couple."

Albus picked up the crystal. "This crystal shall glow brightly once your union is consummated. We shall all stay here to see it done, and once it's done, we shall celebrate by sharing your wine and bread. You may now leave and finish your physical stage of binding, thus completing your union."

"You must stay bound by your cords until you have fulfilled the physical union by consummating the binding. After that, you may magic them off to save with your crystal as a keepsake."

Hermione couldn't believe it. She was married! Married to Severus Snape! She was a wife. It was the only good thing that had come out of the past few days, aside from the destruction of the last remnants of Voldemort's followers. This was a time to move forward and build upon what they had. As if sensing her thoughts, Severus gave her a light smile and kissed her hand as they followed Minerva to their chambers.

After she lit their grate with the wedding embers, she said, "Well, classes won't resume for three more days. I suppose we won't be seeing much of you."

"In light of what has happened, I'm sure you will be seeing us; however, that doesn't mean you'll be seeing us much." Severus smirked. "I intend to make sure my wife is properly acquainted with every inch of our quarters."

"Oh, Severus," Minerva said, blushing slightly. "I'll be off!" Hermione grinned as her mentor disappeared from their doorway in a flash of tartan robes. Severus' eyes met hers.

"Well, my wife, however do you want to begin our consummation?" His eyes were gleaming mischievously, and his lips curled into an evil smirk. Damn, but he loved being able to call her his wife.

"I'll leave that up to you, my husband." She grabbed the front of his robes to pull him to her for a kiss. "Incubus," she murmured.

"Succubus," he replied before picking her up and beginning the walk to their bed.

---

Southern's Notes: Lemons up first in next chapter. The reason I chose Sydney for Severus' middle name is because that is Alan Rickman's first middle name. I just thought that was a bit fitting.