Chapter 25
AN: Are you excited? It's the final chapter of my sequel and the final of this particular plot. Thanks to everyone who has read both stories as my first FanFics the amount of positive reviews and feedback I got was amazing so again thank you!...ENJOY!
"That's my lioness," Remus smiled proudly and pressed his lips to hers as they apparated with Dumbledore back to Hogwarts...back home.
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The Great Hall was once again filled with witches and wizards, looking a little more dishevelled than last time and fewer in number. Several were lying still on the floor while being attended too by Hogwarts staff and senior students. Some had cloaks pulled over their faces and crying figures at their sides while others were smiling weakly in an attempt to remain strong. When they arrived Hermione found herself searching the uneasy crowd for any sign of Kingsley. Although she knew his gored body was still on the balcony of Riddle Manor, she couldn't help but hope. His wand in her pocket suddenly seemed to weigh a tonne as the image of Kingsley's bloody body swirled before Hermione's eyes. She could feel a pang of guilt hit her and lump raise in her throat that she fought back as Remus' gentle hand closed around her own. Remus leant in close to Hermione's ear and spoke softly.
"We have to go to Dumbledore's' office," he tugged on her hand gently and Hermione allowed herself to be led to the familiar stone gargoyle. Remus uttered the password, but Hermione didn't even hear it. She even had to be led off the rotating platform by her fiancée. Sirius, James, Snape, Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall were already there waiting.
"Oh thank Merlin," McGonagall sighed, running up and embracing Hermione tightly, bringing her out of her grieving daze. "I was so worried," Remus smiled warmly at the Professor and looked over at James and Sirius, who had a few cuts and bruises but looked no worse for wear. Dumbledore was behind his desk, looking as though he had just come back from a pleasant lunch with friends.
"Welcome back," Dumbledore said serenely.
"Thank you Professor," Remus and Hermione sat next to the other three in front of the desk.
"First things first," The headmaster shifted. "Is anyone hurt?" Hermione was aching like mad from the last few days, but said nothing as she had too many questions to ask and wasn't willing to waste time by going to the Hospital Wing. Remus looked from her to the other three boys. All just shook their heads and Hermione looked down as Dumbledore's blue eyes penetrated her own. Before Dumbledore could say anything, Hermione needed to satisfy her curiosity.
"Secondly, I have a few...Well actually a lot of questions," Hermione said, wincing a little as she straightened up.
"Yeah, me too," James nodded. "But ladies first,"
"Thank you, the big one first...Why is James still alive?" Hermione asked. "No offence,"
"Yeah thanks,"
"Not that I'm complaining, but how is it possible?" Hermione said with a small apologetic smile at James.
"The spell was completed," Dumbledore said simply, looking at Hermione expectantly. She frowned at him and shook her head, wondering if Dumbledore had been in the same room as her when it happened.
"No it wasn't," she corrected. "James didn't ki---," Dumbledore smiled widely as a flicker of realization flashed through Hermione's honey eyes. "He didn't need to,"
"I didn't?!" James cried, making the whole room jump.
"Shut up," Sirius punched James in the arm. "Why not, Hermione?"
"The spell, it said that James had to revenge on the person who murdered him, didn't it?" Hermione turned to Remus, who smiled proudly at his girl and nodded. "Revenge, not death...James you got your revenge by taking me away,"
"I did?"
"Yeah, I think that whatever Voldemort felt for me was his own sick and twisted version of love...Professor?"
"I think you're right Hermione," Dumbledore said, beaming at the beautiful girl. "Voldemort definitely felt something for you that he hadn't experienced before,"
"Exactly," Hermione said triumphantly, getting to her feet with Remus. "And James you coming to rescue me made him lose that...You made him feel the same pain he caused you and the people you left behind, that's revenge,"
"It is?" James asked dumbly and Snape sighed.
"Merlin's sake you're an idiot James," Hermione ignored Snape and turned to James.
"If the spell had meant for you to kill Voldemort then that would just create a vicious circle," she said simply. "The Death Eaters would be able to resurrect Voldemort with the same spell Remus and the others used and would come after you and it would just keep going and going," Hermione finished and smiled at Remus.
"You knew that didn't you?" Remus shrugged offhandedly and Hermione looped her arms around his waist. "That's why you didn't kill Voldemort...You didn't have to,"
"Wait, you knew?" James said, getting to his feet now.
"Well of course I did," Remus said with a little smile. "You didn't honestly think I just picked some random spell did you?" James and Sirius shifted uncomfortably and Remus gaped at them indignantly. "You did!"
"Well you weren't very specific about the spell," Sirius said nervously, avoiding eye contact.
"You guys didn't trust me...Oh you all suck," Remus said, frowning at Hermione who he could feel laughing.
"Remus---,"
"No it's official,"
"We just---,"
"Look for it in tomorrows Daily Prophet: JAMES, SIRIUS AND SNAPE ALL SUCK," Remus said, trying to hold back a smirk.
"Hey, I didn't say anything," Snape said, holding his hands up defensively.
"Yeah, but you were thinking it," Remus narrowed his eyes at Snape who nodded guiltily.
"Change of subject, please," Hermione patted Remus' chest. "That spell...When you stunned Voldemort,"
"Oh that was a really old binding spell I found when I was looking for the resurrection spell...That no one trusted me about," he added childishly. "The founders of Hogwarts made it after they started to have doubts about Salazar Slytherin. So I figured since we both have founders blood it would still work,"
"And that's why I love you," Hermione cooed softly and Remus kissed the top of her head. Snape opened his mouth, no doubt for some smart ass comment, but stopped as Hermione unexpectedly went limp in Remus' arms.
"Hermione?" Remus shook Hermione gently, panic clear in his voice. Without a second word, Remus scooped her up in his arms and marched out of Dumbledore's office and straight to the hospital wing. He kicked open the door and laid Hermione down on the nearest bed. "Matron!" he called and a tall woman with straw coloured hair and doe eyes, looking ridiculously like a miniature giraffe, came scuttling around the corner.
"Yes, yes?" she said, straightening her gown.
"Hermione just collapsed, I need you to help her," Remus said in a purposely calm tone. The matron just nodded and started bustling around Hermione, always under Remus' protective gaze. It only took a few minutes before Sirius, James, Snape and Dumbledore came skidding into the Hospital Wing.
"What happened?" Sirius asked, running to Remus' side.
"Mostly fatigue I think," Remus said in a monotone, not taking his eyes from Hermione's finally peaceful face.
"She has been through a lot over the past few days, Sirius," Dumbledore reminded him politely. "It amazes me she made it this far,"
"Not me," Remus said softly, a fond grin creeping across his lips.
"Will she be alright?" James asked the matron who had been humming in an attempt not to eavesdrop on the visitors.
"Oh yes dear, give her a day or two and she will be old self again," she assured him cheerfully.
"What's wrong?" Remus asked, stepping closer to Hermione and brushing one stray curl from her eyes tenderly.
"As far as I can tell she has two cracked ribs, a lot of internal trauma, a couple of dislocations and other than that just a lot of scrapes and bruises," The matron said at top speed, so that Remus and the others needed a second to decipher what she had told them.
"But she will recover?" Snape pressed unable to hide the worry in his voice.
"Oh yes, she is a fighter this one," The matron smiled kindly at them all and bowed back to her little room at the end of the ward. James clasped Remus' shoulder reassuringly and Sirius did the same.
"She'll be fine," Sirius said coolly. "She's stronger than this,"
"I know," Remus nodded and drew up a chair next to the bed. The entire group sat, only speaking in short bursts, for hours just watching over Hermione as she slept. Dumbledore had to leave as he felt he needed to give the students and staff some kind of explanation for the night's events. Remus said he understood, he couldn't imagine what the school would think when they walked into the Great Hall expecting breakfast and finding hundreds of wounded witches and wizards instead. The four boys were left alone, save the occasional visit from the matron to see if they wanted any pumpkin juice. Sirius and James spent an hour defending their rather graceful display of flying earlier to Snape who said it was a little suspicious. They both claimed it was just because of their quidditch skills, but the ex-Death Eater didn't seem convinced even though he dropped the subject. Eventually Snape and James fell asleep against the wall as the sun began to rise and peek through the windows. Sirius' head was dipping up and down, but Remus had never felt more awake as Hermione began to stir slightly. He shuffled closer and entwined his fingers with Hermione's delicate ones. Her eyes gradually fluttered open and immediately made contact with Remus'. She forced a small, but genuine smile.
"Hey you," she whispered. Remus smiled back and brushed Hermione's hair back lovingly.
"Hi," he said a little hoarsely. "Good to have you back,"
"Good to be back," Hermione tried to sit up, but Remus gently held her down in the blankets.
"Not yet love, just rest for a while," he instructed softly and Hermione felt far too weak to argue with him anyway. She just sank back into the bed before a random troubling thought dawned on her.
Where was Neptune? Remus noticed the change in her expression and clasped her hand tighter.
"What is it?"
"Where's Neptune?" she asked out loud, looking around the hospital wing as though expecting him to be resting on her night-table.
"Who's Neptune?" Remus repeated.
Neptune! Hermione used her mind to call her friend. Neptune where are you? Remus started to worry as Hermione remained silent, but looked around the room frantically. He was about to call the matron when her expression relaxed and brightened considerably. He followed her gaze to the Wing entrance and frowned as a he saw what looked like an electric blue snake make its way swiftly to Hermione's bed. "He's Neptune," Hermione answered softly.
You're alright! Neptune said happily, slithering up the bed legs and onto the covers. Hermione reached out a free hand and stroked the Zora affectionately.
"I'm so glad you're alive," Hermione sighed as Neptune purred. She nearly laughed at Remus' clearly confused look. As she went to explain just as Sirius jerked awake.
"Hey Hermione you're---," He froze as he saw Neptune. "Whoa watch out there's a blue...Thing!" Hermione burst into laughter and looked into Neptune's cheery eyes.
"This is Neptune, he's a Zora and it's probably thanks to him I stayed sane in that Manor," Hermione felt a lump rising in her throat as she thought of the comfort Neptune had given her when she had needed it the most. "He's my friend," Remus' frown turned into a grateful grin.
"Thank you Neptune," he said politely. "I owe you,"
It was my pleasure. Hermione repeated the message for Remus who just nodded cordially.
"Hinkypunks...Trying...Trying to steal undies!" James sat bold upright and looked around wildly. Remus and Sirius looked at him in shock for a couple of seconds before laughing to the point of tears. James turned bright red and glared at his friends. Snape had woken up from James' outburst and was just sneering. "Don't say a word," James hissed.
"Not even to warn you about advancing Hinkypunks?" Snape asked innocently and James huffed.
"I hate all of you," he seethed and jumped grumpily to his feet.
Hermione remained in the hospital wing for two days and Remus didn't leave her side for one minute. Sirius, James and Snape came in and out between flights to inform families of people who had died during the fight. Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall also poked their heads in at least five times a day to check on Hermione. When she was strong enough to walk, Hermione and Remus were both more than ready to go back to their house. The group gathered in front of the Hogwarts gates and said their goodbyes.
"Thank you for everything Professor Dumbledore," Hermione said as the old man embraced her like a daughter. "I know if it wasn't for you I wouldn't be here and I love you so much for that," she laughed a little as did Dumbledore.
"Hermione if I had thought to have a daughter in my younger years and she had turned out even the slightest bit like you...You wouldn't find a father more proud," Dumbledore said, beaming down at Hermione, who was fighting back tears.
"You do have a daughter like me," she said softly. Hermione would wonder for years to come if she actually saw a tear roll down Dumbledore's cheek at that moment or if it was just a reflection from his glasses. She heard Remus thank the wise old wizard and say something about a favour in a few months, but when Hermione asked about it Remus would just smile slyly and say she would know soon enough. James, Sirius and Snape flew back to Grimauld Place with Remus and Hermione and in a few months had magically built adjoining flats onto the existing house.
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In the few weeks after her rescue, Hermione and Remus organised their wedding. They both decided that they weren't willing to wait any longer. After their ordeal Remus and Hermione knew that time was too short to hold something so important off for trivial reasons. The only downside to the wedding was that Hermione's parents wouldn't be there to see it.
The second she got into the house Hermione had flooed to her parents house and immediately wished she hadn't. It didn't look like warm, comforting family home she remembered. There was very little left in tact, including her Mum and Dad. Remus had shielded Hermione's eyes in an attempt to protect her from the horrible scene in front of them, but he was too late and Hermione saw the limp, mangled bodies of her parents on the living room floor. After searching the house for anything worth salvaging Remus took a desperately distraught Hermione back to Grimauld Place, where he sat up with her the whole night as she cried in his arms. The next day was spent reminiscing over happy memories both had of the Granger's and Remus suggested they postpone the wedding even more until Hermione was ready. Naturally Hermione had told him that was unnecessary and that having the wedding and gaining someone else she could call family was exactly what she needed. Remus said he understood and the planning continued. Their guest list ran over four hundred guests long and Dumbledore had permitted them the use of the Hogwarts grounds for the ceremony. He had also permitted them to bury Kingsley's wand in the ground at Hogwarts as a kind of funeral.
The day of the wedding finally arrived and Hermione was in a marquee next to Hagrid's hut with Professor McGonagall getting ready. Her hair was held up in a bun by a white jewelled rose clip and several loose curls rested on her milky shoulders. Her dress was strapless and hugged her waist. It was white silk and the bodice had several diamonds laced into it that caught the streams of sun sneaking into the tent. The rest of the dress had delicate little patterns outlined by lace and her veil was attached to a white gold tiara that rested perfectly on her chocolate locks.
"Hermione...You look beautiful," Professor McGonagall said sounding awed. Hermione blushed and picked up a silver locket that Remus had found in her parents home, it had been an anniversary gift to her mother.
"Thank you, Minerva" she handed the necklace to McGonagall who slipped around her neck and did up the clasp.
"Remus is very lucky,"
"Yes he is," Hermione and Minerva laughed as the tent flaps opened and Snape entered.
"Minerva, Albus wanted a quick word," he said and held the tent open for her. Snape looked at Hermione and smiled broadly. "Wow,"
"You like?" Hermione asked, twirling around in her dress and Snape nodded.
"I love, you look like an angel Hermione," he said, walking up to embrace her. For the second time Hermione felt her cheeks heat up.
"That's so sweet," she said, looking over Snape's outfit. He was wearing a black suit with a green shirt and a silver tie. "You look very handsome," she grinned at his Slytherin colours and Snape noticed.
"Don't you say a word," he warned jokingly. "Remus said the groomsmen had to wear house colours,"
"I think it looks nice," Hermione said kindly. "I really do," Snape brushed his jacket flat self-consciously and Hermione held back a giggle.
"Thanks," he muttered and with one last smile exited the tent. Hermione turned to the full length mirror in front of her and smoothed down the wedding dress she and Professor McGonagall had conjured together. There was a happy squeak from a tank in the corner of the pure white pergola and Hermione snickered.
"I'm glad you like it Neptune," she said to the Zora. "I can't believe the day is finally here...Mrs Hermione Lupin. I like that," Hermione giggled.
Me too. Neptune agreed. Professor McGonagall's head poked into the tent with a few tears brimming in her eyes.
"It's time to go Hermione," she said croakily and Hermione's heart leapt. "Are you ready?"
"Definitely," she said with a sparkling smile. Hermione had asked Remus if they could have the ceremony partly muggle style, like she had dreamed of when she was little and Remus was only too happy to go along with the idea. Minerva held the flap open and Hermione walked quickly over to Neptune, kissing him on his slippery head. "Wish me luck," she beamed.
You won't need it, but good luck Hermione...You deserve this day. Neptune purred and watched as Hermione walked gracefully out of the tent. Professor McGonagall walked off to join the other bridesmaids and Hermione waited for Professor Dumbledore. He arrived wearing a magnificent set of sky blue, silver laced robes with a diamond lion fastening.
"Hermione you look absolutely radiant," he said, kissing the brides hand.
"And you look very handsome Albus," Hermione cooed. "You'll have to watch out at the reception," Albus chuckled and winked.
"I always have that trouble," He held out a long thing arm and Hermione rested her delicate hand on the surprisingly warm cloth covering it. "Before we go down to the alter Hermione, I just wanted to say again how honoured I am that you asked me to walk you down the isle,"
"Albus if I'm truthful when I thought about my wedding before the death of my parents I had always considered having you and my father walk me," she said honestly. "There was no choice, it just wouldn't be my wedding if you weren't there," Albus smiled down at Hermione and stood up straighter as the wedding music started in the background.
"Shall we?" he asked joyfully.
"We shall," Hermione beamed back and stood still as Dumbledore pulled the veil down over her face and waited as the grooms men and bridesmaids walked up to them. Minerva McGonagall was on the arm of Snape and looking surprisingly beautiful in her blue, quarter-sleeve gown with silver hemming. Sirius and Molly Weasley, whom Hermione had become closer with ever since the battle, were paired. Sirius was in a black suit like Snape's with a red shirt and gold tie. Finally there was James and Andrea Weasley, Molly's cousin. Hermione looked at them all and noted just how incredible they looked.
"Hermione you're perfect," James said happily and Sirius nodded.
"I have to admit I'm pretty jealous of Remus right now," he winked.
"Are you hitting on the bride on her wedding day?" Hermione raised and eyebrow.
"Well...Yeah," Sirius shrugged. Hermione just nodded acceptingly. There was a high note in the song and Snape turned to the others.
"That's our cue," Everyone wished each other good luck and set off in pairs down the isle. Hermione continued to smooth her dress nervously as the bridesmaids and groomsmen walked. Dumbledore patted her hand reassuringly.
"You'll wear it thin," he joked and Hermione grinned up at him.
"I just want to look nice for him," she said quietly, a little ashamed of her vanity.
"Hermione, to Remus you'll always look perfect," Dumbledore said kindly and Hermione silently thanked him for saying exactly what she needed to hear at that moment. Finally the music hit their cue and Dumbledore lead the excited and apprehensive Hermione to the end of the white carpet leading through the middle of the four hundred and twenty chairs. Everyone turned in their seats and Hermione blushed as a few people actually gasped. Dumbledore stifled a small chuckle and walked with the bride in time to the melody towards Remus. Hermione could see him through her veil and butterflies erupted in her stomach. He was wearing a black suit, a black shirt and a red and gold tie. His hair was in its usual slightly ruffled state, but Hermione loved it that way. His eyes were twinkling happily as he looked over Hermione's dress and how it hugged her body perfectly. Dumbledore and Hermione reached the end of the carpet and turned to each other.
"Thank you Albus," Hermione said softly. "It meant a lot to me,"
"I was my pleasure my dear," Dumbledore raised Hermione's hand and kissed it lightly once again. "I know you'll be happy and you both deserve a perfect life together,"
"Thank you," Hermione stepped up and took Remus' outstretched hand. She smiled as pleasant tingled ran through her body as their skin made contact and Remus couldn't help, but grin when he felt her shiver. Nothing made him happier than when he realized that he still had that kind of effect on Hermione after so long. The ceremony went flawlessly and there were a few watery eyes as Remus and Hermione exchanged vows. Finally the magical minister came to the most important part.
"Do you, Remus John Lupin, take Hermione Jane Granger to have and to hold, for better for worse, in magic or muggle, do you vow to protect her against all harm and honour her until death do you part?"
"I do," Remus smiled, anxious to take the veil off so he could see his brides beautiful face as he slipped a golden band over Hermione's finger.
"Do you, Hermione Jane Granger, take Remus John Lupin to have and to hold, for better for worse, in magic or muggle, do you vow to protect him against all harm and honour him until death do you part?"
"I do," Hermione beamed, threading matching ring on Remus' finger.
"I know pronounce you husband and wife, witch and wizard. You may now kiss the bride," There was an almightily cheer from all the guests as Remus lifted the veil, revealing Hermione's happy, glowing face. He softly lowered his lips to hers and wrapped his arms around his wife, pulling her closer knowing that he would never let her go as long as there was a breath left in his body. Hermione was an angel and as egotistical as it sounded, she was his angel. He wanted nothing more than to spend the remainder of his life protecting Hermione, being there when she needed him and being there to see her smile. He didn't care what happened to them after this day, if they became poor and had to live in a box Remus wouldn't care one bit...Hermione was his life and as long as she was there he knew he was in heaven, because he had his angel.
The second Hermione's lips touched Remus' she knew that she would be safe, that she would be happy for the rest of her life. She knew this because of the simple fact that even though she had been to hell and back a mere month ago and had lost both of her parents the one man who had been there through it all could make her forget the pain she felt. He could make her smile through even the darkest of times and would always come for her when she was lost. There was a silent promise in everything Remus did and said, something that let Hermione know she would never be truly miserable again...Not while she had Remus. They slowly parted lips and rested their foreheads gently together.
"I love you," Remus whispered. "I always have,"
"I love you too, Remus," Hermione purred. "I always will,"