"I didn't want you to see that." Severus's sad voice came from behind her. She whirled around.
"That vapid woman! Why can't she just let us live in peace?" Hermione suddenly spun around, whipping out her wand and yelled "Incendio!" The paper burst into flame until it was reduced to a smoldering pile of ash. Hermione was breathing heavily, glaring at the ashes.
"Feeling better?" Severus sounded amused. Peeking over her shoulder, she saw him smirking at her, leaning against the doorway, arms folded. She sighed dramatically and shook her head, walking past him into the garden to viciously rip up some weeds.
The photographers were relentless for a few days, people stopped and stared at them as they passed… Severus was used to it, but it was new to Hermione. She had been famous as a member of the golden trio of course, but never anything negative. She began making excuses to stay at home, even sending out for groceries which had been one of her favorite things to do with Severus. He watched her anxiously, not really knowing how to help.
And then one day an owl arrived. It was the 2nd of August, just a bit over a week after the Skeeter article had been run. Hermione took it cautiously, not sure who would be contacting her this way. Unfolding it, she once again saw Ron's scrawl.
Hermione and Severus,
I read the paper. It's horribly unfair to you both and I'm very sorry you are having to live with that. I almost contacted the paper and told them what had happened between Hermione and I but, maybe selfishly, I decided against it – I didn't want to 'out' you in case you'd be upset that people would know what happened to you.
In the end, I decided to do the next best thing. I anonymously left a tip for Rita Skeeter yesterday, and today, Libby and I are eloping. I've quit my job at the Ministry and we're moving to Africa. I figured this sort of scandal would help take at least some of the heat off of the two of you.
I sincerely hope it works. I have nothing but the best wishes for the two of you.
-Ronald
Hermione gasped and held the letter out for Severus to read. He quickly scanned it and looked up at Hermione.
"That'll certainly help." He said, shock and admiration clear in his voice. Hermione shook her head.
"I can't believe it. He told me he had been thinking of proposing to her. But this…" She looked up at him, eyes shining. Severus nodded and held her close.
"He's a good man." Severus said softly. Hermione nodded into his chest and smiled.
Sure enough, the next day there was a front page story on Ron eloping. It guessed at a few details but otherwise called him out for abandoning Harry and his family and denying the wizarding world of another trio wedding. They weren't quite as harsh with him as they were with Hermione, but everyone left them alone afterwards. Hermione was so thankful, and they both sent the newlyweds messages of congratulations and thanks.
In August, Hermione received a summons to visit Minerva. Surprisingly, Severus got one too for the same date and time. Hermione wondered if perhaps since they were a couple it would save her time to meet with them together about the upcoming school year. It didn't seem much like her though.
They entered her office to find the usual tea set and plate of biscuits, but also an unusually tense Headmistress. Minerva was pacing the office when they first entered, distractedly waving them over to the sofa and levitating the tea to them. She poured the tea, not making eye contact, sat across from them, took a sip and then raised stern eyes to meet theirs.
"There has been a lot of talk about the two of you - some not so flattering, to put it nicely." She said, her tone that of a disappointed mother. "Hogwarts has been called into question about what our professors are teaching the children." Hermione looked about to cry. Severus stared hard at Minerva, waiting for the point. He reached out and took Hermione's hand to comfort her.
"I've done damage control the best I can, but once that… unpleasant reporter... gets her hand on a story, she can twist it awfully far." They nodded at her, waiting anxiously.
The fire turned green and hissed. Everyone turned towards the fireplace in time to see Kingsley step out and adjust his robes. Minerva rose to greet him, and the couple rose, nodding their hello.
"Kingsley! Just in time. I was just beginning the conversation with these two." She waved him over to sit beside her. Hermione's mind was racing.
"Now then." Minerva started. "Kingsley and I have been discussing the matter quite a bit lately and have come to the same conclusion. We want you to marry here at Hogwarts this school year. As early as possible." Kingsley and Minerva stared, waiting.
Severus sat still, not quite understanding. Hermione looked back and forth between them.
"Erm… what?" Hermione asked. Kingsley leaned forward.
"The problem," he began, "Is that people are thinking that Hogwarts allows bad behavior by it's professors, thereby passing that onto the children. We are hoping that by the students witnessing the joining of the two professors in question, it will set the right example, and calm the parents. Is this making sense?" Severus still sat, uncomprehending.
"Am I right that you are asking us to get married here, at Hogwarts? This year?" Hermione asked, voice rising in disbelief. That seemed to snap Severus out of it and he looked quickly at her and then Minerva.
"Yes, Hermione. As soon as you would be willing, actually." Minerva smiled at her. Hermione let out a laugh and slumped back against the cushions.
"Well, if it's alright with Severus, it's alright with me!" She exclaimed. They all turned to Severus. He gave a single nod, which made Hermione break into giggles again.
"Wonderful!" Minerva said, summoning a quill and roll of parchment. "Let's get planning then, shall we?"
On a beautiful day in October, Hermione found herself in a long, slim satin dress. The three-quarter sleeves and back donned with tiny buttons. Her hair was half-up, somehow tamed in ringlets down her back. She held a bouquet of red roses and baby's breath and was so anxious to marry him, she was practically bolting down the aisle before Kingsley was even in place to officiate.
They were being married in the library, the room charmed to widen significantly, accommodating the 200 some guests. This time, she had asked Hagrid to escort her. He had been extremely pleased, and was currently sniffling into an oversized handkerchief in the corner. Ginny burst in wearing her beautiful long, light grey, silk matron of honor dress.
"Everyone's ready!" She smiled brightly at Hermione. "Are you ready?" Hermione smiled and nodded enthusiastically.
"Wow." A voice breathed. She turned to see Harry standing at the entrance to the makeshift room at the back of the aisle where they were waiting. "You look stunning, Hermione." He came forward and pulled her into a tight squeeze. Stepping back, Hermione sniffed and straightened his tie.
"You don't look so bad yourself." She teased, taking in his black suit and light grey vest. If possible, it made his eyes even more green than usual. He smiled fondly at her and touched her cheek. Just then the music started and Ginny ran over and grabbed Harry's arm.
"It's time!" She squealed. Hermione laughed and watched them leave. Taking a deep breath and turning to Hagrid, she saw him attempting to pull himself together. She held out her hand to him and thanked him again for walking with her.
"Ready?" She asked him. He took a deep, shuddering breath and nodded, smiling shakily down at her.
They stepped out into the aisle and Hermione instantly spotted her fiancé. Dressed in the same suit that he proposed in, he looked well-groomed and confident. His face was serious but she knew there was softness in those dark eyes.
When she was about halfway to him, a secret smile twisted onto her lips. She had planned a surprise for Severus. Right on cue, she stepped past the halfway point and enchanted lilies began slowly falling through the air. Severus inhaled sharply and looked about the room. When he again met her gaze, his eyes were swimming in tears. Emotion was written all over his face. It was beautiful. When she finally reached him, he pulled her close.
"Lilies?" He whispered.
"So she could be here too." She whispered back. He pulled away and looked into her eyes. Shaking his head he softly said, "I don't deserve you." Hermione smiled.
"Ah, but I deserve you." She winked, and turned towards Kingsley.
The ceremony passed quickly and soon it was time for their "I dos". Severus went first, looking earnestly into her eyes and squeezing her hands as he said "I do." Then it was Hermione's turn.
"And do you take this man, Severus Snape, to be your husband?" Kingsley asked. Hermione took a deep breath and looked at Severus. She searched within for any feelings of uncertainty or doubt.
"With all my heart, I do."
That was the first time that most of the guests ever saw Severus Snape smile.