Severus was enjoying a peaceful slumber. The guest bed was comfortable, and the blanket cozy. He moved in his sleep, turning over onto his left side, inching the blanket up towards his chin. Suddenly he touched skin that was not his own. His eyes shot open as he sat up. Lying beside him, smirking bashfully was his new bride.

"Gods Hermione, you almost gave me a heart attack!" Severus clutched his hand over his heart as he plopped back down, his other arm raised above his head and bent at the elbow. Hermione giggled. He sat back up again and looked at the door and back at her. "What are you doing in here? What if your parents walk in here?"

"Relax, they've already left." Hermione stretched. She was wearing the same pajamas she had worn his first night there. He looked over her, allowing his gaze to linger. For a moment he was grateful he was himself and not his younger version.

"May I ask why you are in here?" Severus raised his eyebrow.

"May I ask why you think I am in here?" She smiled slyly and laughed. "Oh I don't know I guess it was common place for a wife to sleep beside her husband. I could be mistaken though; I can go back to my own bed." She sat up and began to get out of the bed. Severus reached over and grabbed her by the waist pulling her back down.

"No you don't Mrs. Snape." She smiled his right arm still over her. She nestled in close to his chest.

"Can I ask you a question?" She looked up at him.

"Since when have you needed permission to ask a question?" Severus laughed as she playfully hit him in the chest.

"Oh shove off it! I happen to be serious."

"I was quite unaware you were Sirius. I'm Severus." He smiled, and she rolled her eyes.

"Severus!"

"Ok, go on I apologize." He brought his laughter to a halt.

"I was thinking last night, and I wondered why no spells were involved in our ceremony. It's odd that a magical ceremony did not include magic."

"It did include magic." He replied as he closed his eyes and inhaled the scent of her hair that was tickling his nose.

"I don't recall any incantation…" Hermione began until he cut her off.

"There were no incantations. The spell is in our rings, my dear." Hermione moved her hand to look at her ring. "Do you recall what Albus said about our rings?"

"He said they were made from goblin gold, and that they were rare." Hermione replied.

"Exactly. A ceremony performed under normal circumstances does have incantations. However, our ceremony was done in secret, so therefore the spell must be secret as well." He yawned.

"Why?" Hermione asked.

"It is too early for all of your questions." He laughed. "Even so, I will answer you. In a public ceremony it is common knowledge that the couple is married and that everything that marriage ensues will come to pass. It is manually documented with the Ministry. However, a marriage performed in secret will have the necessary information documented by magic, where others will not see it."

"And?"

"A magical marriage is just like a muggle one Hermione. It is not official until it is consummated. Also, upon a spousal demise the other will be legally appointed to the inheritance of their spouse. That is the spell within the rings. It will not activate until we make the marriage official." He looked down at her, and he could feel her breathing quicken.

"Oh," Hermione sighed simply. "I understand. It also makes sense."

"Indeed." Severus replied as he adjusted his arm beneath her. She turned and looked up at him, biting her lower lip. She snaked her hand up his bicep, and onto the nape of his neck. Slowly she pulled him down to her and she kissed him deeply. He eagerly responded to her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her to him. She wrapped her leg around his. He pulled away, only by a millimeter. "Hermione…"

"Shhh." She replied as she continued to kiss him. He let his hand wander down to the small of her back and then onto her bottom. She did not stop him. His heart began to race as he realized what was happening. As they continued, neither noticed as the rings began to glow.

Hermione was standing at the back door looking out when Severus finished showering and made his way down stairs. He walked up behind her and slid his arms around her. She titled her head to the side as he put his chin on her shoulder.

"May I ask a question?" Severus whispered in her ear.

"You may." Hermione replied with a smile.

"Are you happy?" His voice contained no sarcasm, he was genuine.

"I am." Hermione said as she turned to face her husband.

"I have something to show you." He smiled devilishly down at her. "But we'll have to apparate to get there." She smiled and raised an eyebrow.

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise." Severus replied Simply.

"Please, Severus Snape does not 'do' surprises." She laughed.

"Think of it more as my turn in being spontaneous then." He reached past her and opened the door. Holding hands they walked out into the yard. With a loud crack they were gone.

They appeared on a beach, and they were alone. The waves were crashing gently onto the sand, the wind blew the sweet smell of the salt water over them.

"Where are we?" Hermione asked as she looked around beaming from ear to ear, "It's absolutely beautiful!"

"I come here from time to time when I need to clear my head. It's a small beach in Spain. Every time I come here I am always alone, so I do not believe that it is heavily trafficked."

"It's amazing Severus, thank you for showing me this place." He took her hand and led her off the beach grass and into the sand.

"I brought you here for a reason. If something should happen and we get separated by the war, come here and I will find you." He looked at her, and he watched as sadness crept onto her face.

"Don't say that." She shook her head, and wiped a tear away from her eye.

"I don't mean to make you cry Hermione. I just wanted you to know this place, and I wanted us to have a plan." Severus took her chin in his hand and lifted her face until their eyes met. "Promise me you will come here if we are separated."

"I promise Severus." She nodded, as did he. He let the tension die off before he smiled. He grabbed her hand and began pulling her towards the water. "What are you doing?! I don't have my bathing suit!"

"Be spontaneous remember!" They laughed as he pulled her into the ocean, the waves rushing against them. They embraced just before a wave hit them knocking them under the water. They stood up laughing, both wiping their hair from their faces. "Come here wife." He grabbed her and pulled her into a brief kiss. She pulled away laughing as she attempted to get back to shore. He was unable to catch her as she walked up onto the sand and lay down. He followed her and lay beside her. She reached over and took his hand.

"I love you Severus."

"And I you." He replied as they enjoyed basking in the sun, alone.