Chapter 1

"My congratulations, Mr. Weasley," said Severus Snape amiably and shook hands with the groom. Ah, 5 years of peace had undeniably softened him. He could still snarl, certainly, but it was no longer his only means of expressing himself. In fact, he could be really rather charming when he felt so inclined. Tonight, he figured he could get away with a few niceties. This was Granger after all. He liked Granger. He owed Granger.

"Thanks Snape," Ronald beamed proudly. "And thank you for allowing me to live at Hogwarts."

"Yes well. It was that or finding a new charms teacher. Your wife is quite... gifted. I would hate to have to settle for someone less talented."

"High praise from you, Snape. You should tell her that. She'd love to hear it. It could be your wedding present?"

"You will find that the large blue box with the silver bow contains the 10 inch cast iron casserole dish that was on your registry, Weasley. My gift-giving duties have been fulfilled."

"You're not supposed to say, Snape! You're ruining the fun of unwrapping. As long as you don't tell 'Mione... Oh, speak of the devil, hello love."

Hermione leaned up and kissed the tall ginger gently on the lips. Her fingers drifted over his jaw and then she turned and smiled at Severus. She looked every bit the blushing bride, he had to say. She'd chosen a muggle wedding dress rather than robes, but the ceremony had been according to wizarding traditions. He found the combining of their heritages quite touching. He was loath to admit it, but they did make a lovely couple. There was of course no arguing about who wore the trousers in the relationship, but they seemed... happy. Deliriously so. He envied it, naturally. It was everything he'd missed out on. He didn't feel the need to crush it though. They deserved it, she especially.

"Hello headmaster," she said respectfully, "don't tell me what now?"

"It's a secret," he replied and received a grateful smile from Ronald.

"I see. Conspiring against me. Very well, say no more, I can take a hint. Are you well, professor Snape? You must try the red wine, I think you'll like it. You do prefer red, don't you?"

"Indeed, the red is excellent. Not elf-made?" he questioned. He witnessed Hermione's hand reaching for Ronald's and their fingers entwining.

"Oh no, muggle. My father chose it, he's a bit of a wine buff. He's over there, you should go chat to him. You'll be alright, promise, he's not a dunderhead."

"He is a dentist though. Don't let him see your teeth," sniggered the redhead.

"Ronald! Don't be rude!" she gasped.

"It was a joke, love," soothed Ron, stroking the back of her hand with his thumb.

" 's not funny. Apologise," she scolded and her forehead held a deep line.

"Ah. I'm sorry, love."

"Not to me," she griped.

"Right. I'm sorry, professor. I didn't mean to offend. Sometimes I open my mouth and things just come tumbling out. Sorry, again."

"Think nothing of it. I've heard worse," Severus dismissed the matter gracefully. He had. He knew his teeth were crooked and yellow, but they were healthy. He also didn't want to be the cause of the Weasleys' first domestic.

"Thank you," she said to her new husband and kissed him again. "We should mingle," she continued, "but do enjoy yourself, sir."

"Ah, to the best of my abilities, I shall. I don't do parties well, Granger."

"Weasley, professor."

"Of course. Weasley. Like I said, not much of a party person. I appreciate the invitation though and I wish you both all the happiness in the world."

"Aww, how sweet!" sighed a delighted Hermione and she clasped Ronald's hand tightly.

"Bloody hell, Snape, when did you become so suave?"

"Around the same time you developed a vocabulary that contained suave, Weasley."

"Aaaaand we're back to the insults. A leopard doesn't change its spots, I suppose," snorted Ronald but the blissful smile was still plastered on his freckled face.

"Indeed. Well, Mr. Weasley, professor Weasley. Enjoy your honeymoon. I trust you will be back before the start of term?"

"Of course. Where would you be without your charms mistress and a Weasley to taunt?" she laughed heartily and the couple left to greet other guests.

"Lovely wedding, isn't it?" mused Arthur Weasley.

"Hrm," Severus agreed, sort of, accepting another glass of the rather marvellous red from a passing waiter.