School Is Over

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o 62 o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione carefully adjusted Harry's tie and smiled at him. He looked nervous, although why he'd be so nervous amused her. It wasn't as if they didn't know this day would come; it had been an inevitable conclusion ever since that ridiculously irrational act she, Ginny and Luna had done in the stream near the old Burrow on that fateful full moon night one year ago – in fact, almost literally one year ago to the day! Something both Hermione and Ginny had laughed about the night before. "Oh, Harry, you look so handsome."

"So do you," he replied, smiling fondly at her. "Pretty I mean. Who would have thought, both of us getting married in the same month?"

"Except you always knew you would marry Ginny," she replied. "My relationship with Severus – well, it definitely got off to a slow, rocky start with more downs that ups. If anyone had told me two years ago that I would marry Professor Severus Snape, I'd have thought them insane." She still couldn't believe it, even after everything that had happened to her in the last twelve months: casting the Moon-Song Charm, the horribly rough beginning after their consummation, fighting to keep Severus out of Azkaban – and then reviving him from the Inferi Curse... It still amazed her how things had turned out. However, Hermione was eternally grateful that it had turned out this way. "And even then it almost didn't happen. But you and Ginny – you are meant for each other – you're perfect together in every way."

Harry face bloomed into a goofy grin. "Yeah, we are. I think she has always known – even if I took a while to see it. But in school, she was always Ron's little sister to me. It – I didn't see it until I realized she'd grown up, and I thought I had lost my chance with her. It took me seeing her with Dean to make me realize I wanted her."

"Sooo like a typical boy, you want that which you can't have," Hermione said, remembering all the talks she and Ginny had on her bed in school back then. "But even then, in our sixth year, she still talked about you – just not as much."

"Hermione, I knew it would work out between you and Severus. Somehow I believed it would be all right," Harry said, touching her arm. "Ginny kept assuring me it would work out for you. She was convinced that it would, even when you picked up the annulment papers, I knew you'd never fill them out."

"I did fill them out," she confessed softly.

"You didn't?" He gaped at her in astonishment. "I thought – I – I thought it would be like admitting failure. And I know how you hate failure."

She shook her head. "Relationships sometimes don't work out – that's not a failure – that's just how it goes sometimes. My mum told me that back in my sixth year when... Well, it was some motherly advice she gave me, the same advice I passed onto Ginny the night, and... Never mind that, it's behind us now. But I never signed the annulment forms, and several months ago I found them in my desk in my study. I immediately burned them in the fireplace. Don't tell Severus, he doesn't know how close I got to signing them."

Harry held up his hands and shook his head as he said, "Never. I plan on staying on his good side. I've seen him angry and it's frightening." His mouth stretched into a lopsided grin. "And we all thought him frightening in school, remember? But any first-year would have died of a heart attack if they'd seen the look he had on his face when Dragen abducted you. You know, he's not the same at all – he's mellowed so much thanks to you."

"We both had to change in order for our relationship to work, and I do think we've both changed for the better," Hermione admitted. "Thank you, Harry, for always being my friend."

"Hermione, it's you I have to thank. You've stood by me no matter what, even when things seemed the most desperate, you were there for me. How could I not do the same for you when you needed my support?"

They both turned as Mr. Weasley peered into the room. "I'm looking for George. Sorry to disturb," he said before walking away.

"I can't believe in a few minutes I'm going to be a Weasley. Can you believe it? Ron and me – brothers."

She could tell he was starting to feel nervous again. "You've been best mates for nine years now, and Molly and Arthur love you like a son. George admitted to me that he and Fred had bets on your marrying their sister, and I heard George telling Charlie that Fred owed him on that one. In fact, I think even Bill had a bet with Charlie that you'd get back together after the war. He said it was because of something that was said when we were at Shell Cottage...? I think the whole family was hoping for this day."

Ron and Seamus poked their heads into the small library, looking for someone. "I think everyone is here, mate. The house is full," Ron said. "We should probably start in a few minutes, don't you think?"

"Aren't you supposed to be escorting people to their seats? Don't worry about which side you put them on, just make sure you follow the seating plan for immediate family," Hermione said, taking charge once again since Fleur and Molly were upstairs helping Ginny get ready, and Arthur was so nervous, he couldn't stand still. "Oh, and make sure you seat Hagrid on the bench, not a folding chair – he'll collapse it – and there is a magical chair for Professor Flitwick that should be set up next to Professor Sprout so he can see properly. Make sure Kreacher knows so Baylie and Rylie..."

"Hermione, enough! They know! They have been listening for you and Mum all day," Ron said and ducked out. "Honestly!"

"Still the same bossy witch, aren't you?" Seamus commented with a grin, shaking his head as he followed Ron.

"What if I trip up?" Harry asked, his eyes darting away from hers and back.

Hermione touched his arm. "Harry, you'll do just fine." Her smile widened at her friend's nervousness. "You won't. I've charmed your shoes. You'll be sure-footed all evening." He smiled at that. "And you've only one line, 'I do.' Besides, you know everyone here." She was right. Harry's wedding included only fifty-five guests, eight more than she and Severus had at their wedding – and forty of those present today had been at her wedding to Severus. "Now go and find Kingsley so he can walk you to the front as soon as everyone is seated, and I'll go and tell your bride we're ready."

"Thanks, Hermione," he said, kissing her cheek.

She saw Kingsley in the foyer, talking to Auror Blume, Harry's training instructor, and Auror Loraine Matsuno. Kingsley had readily agreed to officiate at Harry's and Ginny's wedding, just as he'd done for her and Severus. In a way, it had made it special for her and Severus, considering all Kingsley had done for them during Severus' trial and in insuring Severus got his job back at Hogwarts. That and actually having her parents present, so her father could walk her down the aisle. She still got choked up when she thought about everything Severus and Lucius had done to reunite her with them. Having her mum and dad with her the week leading up to her wedding had been magical, even if her parents had decided to keep their new names and their residence in Australia.

"I've been told that everyone is here, so I'm going up to see if Ginny's ready," she told Kingsley. "Harry's in the library when you're ready to go down front."

"I'll tell George to corner Arthur and then join Harry. Let me know when we're starting," Kingsley said.

"Arthur had to find George. I think Percy turned yellow or has yellow feathers... or something like that," Auror Blume said, making Hermione gape at him in astonishment. "Percy ate a trick cream, I believe. Percy and Angelina are in the kitchen, working it out."

"Thank you," Kingsley said with a polite smile. "Hermione, it will be fine. I'll go and help Arthur and Angelina and then take Harry up front to start the show. Loraine, you might as well join Burt."

"And I'll see if I can help persuade people to take their seats," Auror Blume offered, walking away quickly

"It will be fine, Hermione, I promise," Kingsley said, his assured tone easing her nerves somewhat. "Every wedding has something to laugh about later – and I'm sure it's only one of George's trick treats. Go and tell Ginny we are ready to start in ten minutes."

"Yeah, right, alright," she stammered. "It's probably one of his Canary Creams. It only lasts five minutes. Just tell George that no one else had better turn yellow or burst out in feathers or he'll have to face me."

"I'll be sure to tell him," Kingsley said, laughing as he turned to go. She watched him weave through the guests who were all being ushered toward the back garden.

She turned to go upstairs to let Ginny know that everything was almost ready and that they should all go downstairs, hoping Arthur and Kingsley would have Percy sorted out quickly. Luckily she hadn't had any of George's trick treats at her wedding; she'd have killed George if he had. Everyone had been on their best behavior, especially since Hermione's parents had been present and thus magic had to be kept to the barest minimum.

Hermione smiled as she walked up the stairs, careful not to step on the hem of her gown and trip. She recalled standing in the upstairs guest suite in Prince Manor with her mum, Luna, Ginny, Alestra, Wendlynne and Veronica while waiting for her own wedding to begin. Narcissa had been wonderful, and everything had flowed perfectly.

Hermione opened the door to the master suite and smiled at her friend. Ginny looked positively radiant in her off-the-shoulder wedding robes with the long, flowing skirt made it look like she was floating along the carpet. Her lace and cross-woven bodice was heavily decorated with pearls and crystals, making her glitter as she moved. Wendlynne was finishing up small touches to her hair and makeup, and Veronica was making sure their dresses hung properly. Alestra stood by Fleur, holding Ginny's bouquet.

Alestra, Wendlynne and Veronica were all peachy-pink off-the-shoulder, sweetheart neckline bridesmaid dresses with beaded ruched bodices and a floral detailed ruffle from their left shoulder that crossed to the right side of the waist and full flouncy skirts. Hermione and Luna both wore the same, only in a darker peach, designating the matrons from the bridesmaids. Victorie wore a gently ruched gown with a sweetheart neckline and flouncy layered skirt in a soft peach.

Molly and Fleur, Ginny's 'happily married witches,' according to Luna, helped Ginny with her veil and secured Aunt Muriel's tiara in place in her upswept hairdo. "You look so lovely, Ginny," Fleur said, standing back. She was wearing pale peach robes, and Molly a soft russet color that looked wonderful with her coloring.

However, Ginny was patiently telling Luna that, "Yes, I have something blue, something cheerful, something old and something new, and I have two Sickles from my aunts in my purse, but I'm not going to walk around with a Knut in my shoe."

Wendlynne leaned into Hermione and whispered, "The Irish and their superstitions, eh?"

"I remember Luna going through the same thing at her wedding," Hermione said with a conspiratorial laugh. "Luna insisted that Severus be the first person to greet Ginny this morning, and Aideen's perch was placed in Ginny's and my room so her trill would be the first sound we heard at sunrise."

"Is that why Luna has a phoenix feather in her hair?" Alestra asked.

"Good gracious, no," Hermione said, turning to Luna, but she needn't have worried. Luna had a tiny orange feather tucked into her hair. Apparently Aideen had given Luna a small breast feather, so Hermione allowed her to keep it.

"Ladies, it's time," Severus said from the doorway.

Molly hurried out to find Arthur, and the ladies exited the room to meet up with their partners in the lounge.

It had been very tricky keeping all of the wedding preparations a secret, for both weddings, Harry's and Ginny's as well as Hermione's and Severus', since they were all still quite news worthy. But Severus had devised a very complicated layering of enchantments on the invitations, some questionable in their legality or morality: the recipient and their guest had to read the vow written on the outside of the envelope aloud while tapping the wax seal with their wand, thus enacting the confidentially charms and binding enchantments to keep the location, date and time absolutely secret. Therefore, each invitation had been presented to the intended guests in person, quite an undertaking, actually.

And all the deliveries were made to a different address, to Malfoy Manor for Hermione's wedding and to Shell Cottage for Ginny's, and the house-elves then brought everything to the site. The precautions did ensure that everyone involved in or attending the wedding kept mum of the event, so no one else would know until the following Monday morning when Mrs. Shelton looked at their names recorded in the Marriage and Magical Unions ledger.

As the wedding party all gathered in the family room, Mr. Weasley began to look teary-eyed, so similar to Dell's reaction at Hermione's wedding. Just as Hermione had at the time, Ginny leaned in close to her father and reassured him that she would always be his little girl. Mr. Weasley kissed her cheek gently and patted her hand. "I know, sweetheart. I'm just happy," he said.

"Do all father's cry at their daughter's weddings?" Severus asked, placing his hand on the small of Hermione's back.

Hermione smiled up at him. He looked so handsome in his charcoal dress robes and pale peach shirt and tie. "Sometimes it's the mothers that cry instead," she said softly. "You look handsome, by the way."

"You're delusional," he said with a soft smirk. "Do not get used to seeing me in this dreadful color. I'm likely to burn it later."

"No you won't, I made yours flame retardant," she replied. "Besides, it never hurts to have a touch of color every now and again. You can always wear it when we go out to dinner. Besides, I actually like this color on you."

He simply scowled at her, then relaxed as the partners lined up to walk down the aisle. Hermione and Severus stood waiting for the music to begin. In front of them, Alestra and Ron, who ready did the same thing only a month ago for Hermione, were talking with Wendlynne and Seamus. Today, Ginny stood in the back talking softly with Luna and Neville as Veronica conversed with George.

In Hermione's wedding to Severus, Ginny had been escorted by Lucius Malfoy, Luna by Reginald, and Harry had escorted Wendlynne. The surprise had been seeing Veronica paired with Harland Gabnold, whom Severus asked to be a groomsman at the very last minute.

The music started, and everyone straightened up. Wendlynne and Seamus hurried to the front, and began walking stately outside, under the bright, sunlit canopy that shielded the back garden from view by air, a very thoughtful gesture lent to Harry and Ginny from the Malfoys. Narcissa had used the canopy for Hermione's wedding; gossamer thin so the stars could be seen from underneath, but completely opaque from above to prevent spying or accidental discovery.

Veronica and George followed next and then Luna and Neville exited. Alestra made one last check of Ron's tie, before they exited. Hermione gave Severus' arm a light squeeze, and he looked down at her as if not believing he'd actually agreed to this. "They will all be watching Harry and Ginny," she reassured him.

"Thank goodness," he intoned softly. Severus kept his eyes forward as they walked past the rows of seated guests. Several steps in front of them, Ron smiled at Susan Bones, Ron's date for his sister's wedding, and she waved back discreetly.

Hermione saw Bryan Randell, Thornton Bronte and Dresden Penwalter sitting together. She smiled at the sight of Flitterbloom flowers on Pomona's hat and Minerva's thistle in her broach. Even Hagrid, who'd allowed Severus and Mr. Malfoy to buy him formal robes for Hermione's wedding, looked rather handsome in his stylish charcoal grey robes with a wide sunflower tie.

"Reminiscing?" Severus asked.

"Hard not to considering how much I enjoyed my wedding to you," she replied. She gave his arm another squeeze and turned, taking her place to wait for Ginny's grand entrance. Little Victorie and Teddy were walking down the aisle, Victorie delicately dropping either one rose peddle or one yellow feather (obviously from Percy's molt) at a time from her little basket with each step she took.

Then there was Ginny, standing on the arm of her father in the doorway, and everyone rose as Victorie and Teddy were swept up into Bill's and Charlie's arms.

The ceremony itself was simple because both Harry and Ginny had already signed the Bonding acknowledgement forms for Maggie. There was an eloquent but short sentiment from Kingsley, a poem read by Luna, a blessing read by Arthur and Molly and then Harry exchanged vows with Ginny. It had been much the same for Severus and Hermione since Severus said that their Bonding was a legalized union in of itself, which had suited Hermione just fine. Simple. Sweet. Memorable.

After Kingsley announced, "May I present Mr. and Mrs. Potter," the wedding party matched up in pairs as they followed the bride and groom into Harry's house. Hermione knew that the house-elves borrowed from Hogwarts (asked if they would like to help out and given little gift baskets of cocoa mints, fancy buttons and doilies as payment) would be setting up tables, chairs and a dance floor for the reception.

Severus' arm wrapped around Hermione's waist, and she leaned into him, taking pleasure in the seldom given public display of their love. "Should we go and congratulate the happy couple?" he asked.

She looked up at him. "Later, they are surrounded right now. Besides, they are coming over for lunch tomorrow, and we'll see them before we all leave for the Ministry on Monday."

"Oh, right, how can I forget," he replied with a smirk. "I finally get to sweep you away for our honeymoon."

"I can't believe I'm going to visit my parents in Australia again so soon," she said, really looking forward to the trip.

"It's the three days in each city I'm looking forward to," he said sultrily in her ear. "Lucius is even allowing us the use of his flat again."

"Can we really afford the trip?" she asked softly so as not to be overheard. "Three weeks abroad is really expensive?"

"Between my book advances, the monies we received for our discoveries, inventions and innovations, I'm sure we can afford it," he said, kissing her softly. "Besides, you've yet to validate all the potions in my Magical Drafts and Potions. Arsenius Jigger's work is an excellent directory of ingredients and potions, but I've made improvements or variations on each of those potions as well. And Ginny has accepted an apprenticeship from me."

"You know she wants to be a Healer," Hermione stated as the house began to fill with guests.

"By the time I'm done with your friend, she'll fly circles around many of the Healers in St. Mungo's," he stated softly. "I intend to broaden her knowledge in many fields that are pertinent, including a comprehensive understanding of the Dark Arts with the intent of showing her the power and dangers to expect from Dark witches and wizards – and how to counter them and their works. She will be the best Dark Arts Healer in the United Kingdom."

"Do I get to study under you as well?" she asked in as sultry a voice as she could muster. It had the desired effect, his pupils dilated and his breathing became momentarily labored.

"Be very careful what you ask for, Hermione," he countered in a very low silky vice.

She leaned in close as if sharing a secret. "I'm asking. Take me under your wing – teach me."

"Witch."

"My dark bat of the dungeons," she replied.

"Not anymore," he said with a smirk. "Although... I know those dungeons like no other." He stood straighter as the guests around them began to file out again once it was announced that the food was served. "We'll speak on this later."

He led her back out under the canopy and together they located their table, finding herself being seated with Luna and Neville and Veronica and Dresden Penwalter. Thinking Severus might prefer talking to Luna and Neville, she took the seat next to Dresden, ignoring Severus' scowl. "It's better than being seated with Seamus and Ronald, don't you think?" she asked him when he sat down.

"Tolerable," he intoned as George and Angelina took their seats.

"Ask Neville about the Glacialine lichen of the Alps, or the Pumoyong snails and Lhakpawhigs discovered in Tibet," she suggested, placing her napkin on her lap. "He's been on expedition with Felix Marchbanks to the northern Mediterranean mountains and the Alps, and to Tibet with Ejnar Askgaard from Denmark this year. He's now an apprentice to Esben Brage and Hans Blunkflod at Lé Blanche Herbal, that nursery you like that specialized in exotic and foreign plants for potion ingredients."

"Brage and Blunflod don't accept apprentices," Severus said flatly as the first course materialized on their plates.

"Exactly what he wrote, but it's true," Hermione said, slicing her wrapped asparagus spear in half. "Aren't you at all curious now? Even for the sake of having a direct personal connection for those rare ingredients."

His head tilted slightly, his eyes narrowing a fraction as he regarded her, then, with great dignity, he turned to Neville and inquired as to what he'd been doing all year. Neville nearly choked on his wine, but he began to answer Severus, amazingly without stammering at all. Hermione turned and asked George how the shop was doing. The rest of the meal passed well with pleasant conversation over good wine and delicious food.

All too soon, Harry and Ginny were called out onto the dance floor for their first official dance. "We're expected to dance next," she told Severus, seeing Ginny lead Harry to the dance floor.

"Naturally," he intoned.

As she watched Harry and Ginny dance to the music, Hermione reminisced on her first official dance with Severus. But as soon as the song was over, Severus led her out onto the dance floor. When he swept her up in his arms, it was so easy to get lost in her own thoughts, following his lead. She loved dancing with him and wished there were more opportunities to do so. His movements were fluid and sure, and she always felt like a princess with her prince in his arms. At one point she saw Neville worm his way over to Luna, and Ron left Alestra to seek out Susan.

The music swayed and changed, but Hermione hardly noticed until it came to a halt three songs later. "Don't you want to stop?" Severus asked.

"No, I could do this all night," she replied with a dreamy smile.

He laughed softly. "Well, I can't."

"Spoil sport," she said with a teasing huff. She saw Seamus and Dean approach Ron and Susan, engaging them in some funny exchange that had them all laughing. It was good to see Ron happy at last.

"Odd, seeing my brother with her," George said as he and Angelina appeared beside Hermione. "He's still vague on how long they've been dating."

"They're not – not officially. Susan has been coming around the Ministry a lot, trying to sort out her inheritance," Angelina said.

"Her inheritance?" Hermione asked.

Angelina nodded. "She's to inherit her late aunt's estate, but there was a problem – one of the Death Eaters had taken residency and placed some charms on the house. Ron and Auror Blume have been trying to sort it out for her, but they haven't had much luck. Bill said he'd help out."

"Auror Blume asked for my assistance since they are having so much difficulty," Severus said, watching the pair. Dean apparently had asked Susan to dance since she had taken his hand; she said something to Ron and then followed Dean to the dance floor. George excused himself and led Angelina to dance.

"I think I'll go see Ron," she said, chuffing a laugh at Severus' arched eyebrow. "Ron's well past me now, so you won't have to hex him," she added.

He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "As long as he realizes your mine."

"As if he could forget." Hermione walked up to her friend as he turned to greet Auror Blume.

"Hi, Ron," she said as the Auror moved away.

"Hermione," he said and gave her a quick hug. "Sorry, I shouldn't have..." he stammered as turned to look for Severus.

Hermione laughed at his reactions. "It's all right; he's not going to hex you."

"This is Snape you're talking about – the wizard who wanted to hex my bits off at Christmas," Ron pointed out.

"A lot has happened since Christmas," Hermione countered. "I see you've brought Susan? Are you seeing her now?"

His ears turned pink as his gaze darted in Susan's direction, then glanced around to make sure they wouldn't be overheard. "Yes, for a while now," he looked back at Hermione, "unofficially of course. I'm still helping her with the curses on her house." He shoved his hands in his pockets and moved closer to her and lowered his voice. "I really like her. She's been through so much in the war and yet she's come out of it strong, and she's an incredible woman. We want many of the same things, her and me." He looked up at Hermione through his fringe and hunched his shoulders boyishly. "I wish I could be as assured as you, Luna and my sister are about your spouse's – not that I could ever doubt that Harry loves my sister, but... I-I really like her, Hermione."

"You're not asking me to help you cast a pairing enchantment to verify...?" She couldn't finish the question, it was too absurd to think about, and remembered he'd asked her to once a long time ago.

"No," he said, shaking his head. "But, I've never felt this way before." He straightened up as he turned to look at Susan, then glanced around again. "I know we've only been... I've been helping her with her case since January, and we only started seeing each other because of the curses and such." He looked at Hermione, and she could see the conflict in his eyes. "But we meet for other times too, making excuses to get together, even though I'm not supposed to."

"Have you told her how you feel?" Hermione asked, hoping that the attraction was mutual.

"Yeah, we've – we've been... together you know," he confessed softly. "You can't tell anyone. Merlin, I miss this, being able to talk to you."

Out on the dance floor, Susan was swept away by Professor Flitwick. "Ron, you can send me a letter or come over anytime. I never wanted this to come between us," she said emphatically. "We've been friends for so long. I don't want us to become estranged."

"I wasn't sure about him," he said, jutting his chin. Hermione turned, seeing Severus talking with Kingsley and Bill.

"It's all right," she tried to assure him. "He knows he has to accept my friends. Why don't you ask him to help with Susan's house? He mentioned that Kingsley spoke to him about it."

"Do you think he will?" Ron asked, still staring at Severus.

She could tell he really wanted to. "Yes, I'm sure he would if you ask him," she said and smiled when he turned to look at her. "We leave Monday morning for Australia. If you want to come by Sunday evening, I'm sure he will look over what you've done and offer suggestions."

"How long will you be gone?" he asked.

"We will return on the twenty-fifth, in plenty of time to plan Harry's birthday party," she said, and Ron smirked.

"You had best include Snape in whatever you and Ginny plan this year. I'd hate to have a repeat of what happened last year."

"Oh, the plans were fine, the aftermath was the problem," she said with a laugh. "He was not at all happy about my bathing suit, and he saw it as being couples in his opinion. Nope, even though Ginny is planning on doing things that Harry missed out in his childhood living with the Dursleys, Severus will be included."

"Oh, I can't wait to see him in a go-cart or at the water park," Ron said, stifling his laugh when Severus turned to look at them.

She knew Ginny's list so far was as elaborate as last year's: eating cupcakes at Bea's of Bloomsbury, going to Splashdown Pool for the day, dinner at Sarastro, a restaurant with an iconic reputation in London's West End known for its opulent décor and flamboyant food, staying at The Croft in Cornwall and spending a day at the beach... "If I go, so will he," she stated. "Ginny's determined to have us all do all the things Harry had been denied doing while he lived under the Dursley's stairs."

"Like I said, it will be interesting seeing him..." Ron said, but something across the room got his attention. "Thank you, Hermione. For, well, everything." He leaned forward, as if to kiss her cheek, then straightened stiffly. She laughed softly as he walked away.

The rest of the evening went well. Severus even danced with Ginny, because she didn't take no for an answer, and with Luna, although Hermione had no idea how that came about, but it had been hilarious to watch. Likewise, Hermione danced with Harry and every Weasley present, including Ginny at one confusing point, as well as with Hagrid and Professor Flitwick.

At the end of the evening, Ginny and Harry Apparated away under cover of some huge fireworks, courtesy of George.

Taking that as his cue, Severus whisked Hermione away to their home, a small house the Hogwarts house-elves called the Summer Cottage. Hermione loved it.

Sometime after the horror on Valentine's Day in Hogsmeade, Lucius had 'encouraged' a developer to want the houses in Severus' old neighborhood for a reclamation project, which had made Severus' childhood home increase in value. The old factory had been turned into a school, and the entire town had been renovated. Severus had held out to the last minute before selling, giving him a sizable profit. Likewise, Lucius managed a sizable profit somehow.

Severus, it turned out, had spent part of his Saturdays in May searching for a suitable house. The week after their wedding, he took Hermione and her parents to view the ones he'd selected, intending it as a wedding present. Although Hermione had been put off by not being included in the initial search, she had to admit, he did take everything into account: a place for his potion lab, a work space for her projects, a large kitchen, a large fireplace with ample floor space before it for a fluffy rug and a back garden for growing plants, and close to a suitable Apparition point.

Hermione fell in love with the sixth property the agent showed them the moment she saw it. The two-story, four bedroom house sat on the end of the street. It had a room above the garage for Severus' potion lab and a large shed in the back for Hermione's projects, plus there was lovely back garden for the plants Severus liked to have growing for his use. The driveway was lined with planters for the herbs Hermione thought she'd like to maintain for the three months they lived in the house. But the views of the fields from the upstairs windows were lovely, and there was a stream meandering to the left of the property with a long walking path.

As Severus had promised, Mispy had organized the removal of all their possessions from Spinner's End and had carefully rearranged them all in the new house with tremendous care. Not a flower was chipped on her precious figurines, and her family photos sat on tables in the lounge and on the mantelpiece, the braided rugs lay on the floor in the kitchen, her mother's still-life painting hung on the wall in the dining area, her crystal vase and her grandmother's china tea set on the dish cupboard, and her ceramic bowl on the table – all exactly as Hermione had done in Spinner's End.

So, their first night in their new house had felt like home from the moment they had arrived. The next day, Hermione and Severus had gone for a walk, coming home with a new tort-colored, squashed-faced, brandy-legged half-kneazle she lovingly called Harlequin for the masklike patch of fawn fur on one fourth of the feline's face.

~o0o~

Another year had passed and the last days of August were once again upon them, heralding in another year of school at Hogwarts. Severus was once again busy with the demands of being Headmaster and the tutelage of his apprentice, Ginny Potter's, continued education. (Not to mention that of his wife's as well.) The previous year, Minerva had stepped down from the position of Deputy Head of Hogwarts, and the position had gone to Filius, although Minerva had maintained her title of Head of Gryffindor. Since the new school charter amendments specified that the Deputy of the school would be responsible for inter-house disputes and house favoritism wouldn't be allowed, Professor Vector became Head of Ravenclaw. This new school year, since Minerva decided to retire this previous summer, Professor Hagrid was expected to take her place as Head of Gryffindor, and a new professor, Amelia Hart, had signed on as Professor of Transfiguration for the upcoming term.

Harry, Ron, Cho and Seamus were full Aurors now, and with all the experience Harry and Ron had acquired over the last few years, they'd had been promoted within the department in only one year.

Ron was engaged to Susan. After months of keeping their relationship a secret, they'd finally admitted being together in October (hardly a secret to their closest friends and family), and two months later, they announced at Easter that they were going to be married on the night of the Harvest Moon in September, one of the rare times it fell on a Friday. This, according to Professor Sinistra, would be especially fortuitous for the couple considering the fact that a sporadic meteor shower was expected that particular night, lasting until early Saturday morning.

Neville and Luna went on an expedition to Sweden with Rolf Scamander, the grandson of Newt Scamander, upon her leaving Hogwarts. In a shocking discovery, Luna was able to capture photographs of the extremely elusive Crumple-Horned Snorkack, which turned out to resemble a white rhino crossed with a Swedish Landrace pig (the head of a rhino with the body shape and curled tail of the pig) and a Dutch Landrace goat (the long coat, it's sturdy legs) with two horns, one long curling horn below a curved one that greatly resembled the horns of the white rhino. But the most amazing thing was that the shorter horn did, in fact, cure some forms of cancer and would, over time, regenerate. However, all attempts to capture the creature for study the previous year had failed miserably. The Crumple-Horned Snorkack's longer curled horn became brittle when in captivity and it would explode violently, killing the creature and anyone standing too close to the animal's enclosure. They were immediately put on the endangered creature list by the Department for the Preservation, Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and Beasts of the Scandinavian Ministries of Magic.

After finishing at Hogwarts, Hermione had opted to train under Severus, Reginald and Professor Flitwick, accepting apprenticeships in both Potions and Charms, still unsure as to what she wanted to do, although Lucius had indicated that she'd have a place in any of his research and development companies, as well as several other companies who had expressed an interest in her when she was ready. Ginny studied under Severus, learning everything a true Dark Arts Healer needed to know about the Dark Arts as well as carrying her preliminary Healer's training schedule. Not surprising, their study course and curriculum was as strenuous as their N.E.W.T. year had been.

~o0o~

Hermione had invited Ginny and Luna over to have tea, and they ended up pulling out the Scrabble game Severus had given Hermione. The board game had become a favorite of Hermione and Severus' over the years, since they both had extensive vocabularies. However, Severus, frustrated with the number of tiles for some of the letters, had added quite a few extra tiles to the box, to make the use of Latin words easier on their Latin only nights.

"Neville wants a baby, and I think I'd like being a mother," Luna said as she leaned against the windowpane, staring wistfully out at the view.

"Are you ready to?" Hermione asked, knowing that she and Severus wanted to put off parenthood for at least a few more years. She put T, I, S, S and an E on Luna's U. "Tissue, double word score," she said with a smile as she added up her points.

"Oh, yes, and Grandmother Longbottom fully agrees. She'd like to have many grandchildren." Luna turned to look at her friends sitting cross-legged at the coffee table. "But I want a girl first – Neville wants a son or two, then a girl."

"Harry and I don't care which we have, boys or girls; we simply disagree on the number of children. I keep reminding him that I'm the one who has to carry it for nine agonizing months," Ginny stated, using Hermione's T to spell out taller with her tiles. "Triple word score." She looked up. "I still only want three or four – he wants a full Quidditch team of kids. I think it's because he wants a big family like I grew up in."

"Could very well be," Hermione said, examining the board. "He was jealous of Ron, having a family that loved and cared about him and all the magic you and Ron grew up around. He wanted Ron's life as much as Ron wanted the acknowledgement and favors Harry seemed to have."

Luna glanced at her tiles on her tray, then the board, concentrating on her next move. "If you're fertile and there are no impediments, why wait. It would be so fun to become mothers together, don't you think? Having our children grow up together, starting off at Hogwarts already friends." She flicked her wand and several tiles floated upward, then landed on the board, spelling nargle with Ginny's L. "There are spells and potions to ensure what sex you have," she said as she turned back to the window, not caring about her score in typical Luna fashion. Both Ginny and Hermione knew that for her it was the fun of playing the game with them, not who won.

"But aren't they risky?" Hermione asked, remembering what she and Ginny had read about birth control and prenatal potions.

"They are not recommended, and only the best Potion masters should brew them," Ginny said, laying down C, R, C, K, I, N, G on Luna's A. "Cracking," she announced.

"It was upon a summers shynie day, when Titan faire his beams did display, in a fresh fountain, far from all men's view, she bathed her breast in the boyling heat t'allay; she bathed with roses red, viola's violet hue, with yellow archangel and bluebells blue... in hope he makes her wish come true."

"Oh I know this one! I read it while researching for the unidentified seed for the Médousa Potion," Ginny exclaimed. "She scents herself with the sweetest flowers that in the forest grew, and there is a line 'chestnut and mallow sweet, and sweet woodruff, too'."

"Yes, it's a fertility potion. You mix the ingredients, rub leavings on yourself in a mountain stream, drink the potion and then lean over the water in the moonlight to see your child's face, then make love to your man – or is it after... I'd have to look it up in my diary. Although why it's connected to Titan, I don't know. Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation," Luna said, taking her seat at the enlarged coffee table. "I think it has Foxglove, Lady fern, harts tongue, wild garlic, wood anemones and..."

"No, no no!" Hermione said, holding up her hands. "Not again. If, and I mean IF and when Severus and I have a baby, I'll do it the natural way. No more old potion triad spells for me."

"That is very smart of you, my dear," a rich silky voice said smoothly from the direction of the stairs behind her.

Hermione turned to see Severus and Harry standing inside of the doorway. "If I ever hear of you participating in a triad spell on yourself again, I fully expect to be consulted."

"I fully agree with him, Ginny – ask me first," Harry said, walking forward as Ginny and Hermione clamored to their feet. "I thought you wanted to wait a few years until you finish your apprenticeship with Severus and your Healer training?"

"Of course I do," she replied. "We were simply talking about it – nothing more. I swear!" She hugged Harry, who in turn placed his hands on her hips. "There's no way I'm going to mess up everything I have with you by casting some ancient rhyming spell – again."

"And that goes for me, as well," Hermione said, wrapping her arms around Severus's waist.

Although he still hated affectionate demonstrations in front of others, he put up with them in front of her friends. He grasped her waist, holding her tightly. "I'm going to hold you to that," he drawled out slowly in a warning tone.

Hermione smiled and pressed a kiss to his lips. "I'm glad you are."

~ Finite Incantatem ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o0o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author's notes:

I want to thank Arabellabloodgood, my alpha-reader, Proulxes for adding a bit of British flare to my chapter, and my beta, FrankQ, for giving this a read and helping me clean up all my mistakes. I really appreciate it very much.

Thank you also to Jay for my beautiful banner. I really love it!

Luna's poem is a mix of verses; The first lines are from the 1590 poem by Sir Edmund Spenser from his epic The Faerie Queene (Book Three, Canto 6, Stanza 6). The rest came from various satirical versions of the "Roses are red" poem and some doggerel poems inspired by that poem that have apparently circulated among children and loves for centuries.

So to say adieu:

Rose are red, violets are blue

That's what they say but it just isn't true!

Roses are red and apples are too

But violets are violet, violet aren't blue

An orange is orange, but Greenland's not green

A pinky's not pink, so what does it mean?

To call something blue when it's not, we defile it,

But aww, what the heck, it's hard to rhyme violet!