Hermione and Severus arrived to the Potters' cottage that morning as planned. As Harry fussed in the kitchen preparing breakfast, the children played and Ginny and Hermione talked amongst themselves. Breakfast was served and soon the large group had sat down to eat.

When the last of the sausages were eaten and plates pushed away, Hermione gathered everyone's attention.

"Well," she started, "I'm glad we had the chance to sit together like this this morning. As it happens, I have some news to share with you."

She waited for a moment before continuing. "Severus and I are getting married," she finally blurted out.

"Ha!" Ginny said, elbowing Harry and sticking her hand out. He grumbled and reached into his pocket, placing ten galleons in her hand.

Severus looked at Hermione and then looked at Ginny and Harry.

"I bet Harry ten galleons and a month's worth of foot massages that he was going to propose," she said triumphantly. Hermione couldn't help but smile at her.

"I should never bet with her. Ever. I have never won but something compels me to try every time," Harry admitted shaking his head.

"So," Hermione said, "everything's ok?"

"Of course," Ginny said, "now, when is the wedding?"

Hermione looked at Severus. "Well, we thought we'd like to do it next month, before classes resume. Something small, I think."

"Mum is not going to like that," Ginny said, "but I'll see what I can do," she winked.

They heard a small voice clear his throat "Um, sir. Professor Snape, sir, if you're marrying my Aunt then does that make you my uncle?"

Severus looked down the table at a pale and slightly frightened Albus Potter.

"Yes, I suppose it does," he told him.

"Ah. And what am I supposed to call you?" he asked.

"Uncle Fessor Snay, Albus," Lily told him matter of factly.

Severus shifted uncomfortably. "I suppose that when we're not at Hogwarts you can address me as Severus."

"Right," Albus agreed nervously.

"And me?" Alexander asked him.

"You may call me Severus as well, when you're not in class," he told him.

Alexander and Albus looked at each other for a minute.

"Well, the sun is out and there are beach toys outside. Anyone up for a swim?" Harry asked, breaking the tension.

In a few seconds, the awkwardness was forgotten as people moved to change into their swimsuits. Alexander looked at Severus.

"Potter," Severus started, "Could I see you for a minute?"

Harry looked as frightened as Albus did earlier but nodded his head and followed him to the porch where Alexander trailed behind.

"There is a matter that I need your help with," he explained. "Alexander and I are to seal a wizard's oath and we need you to perform the binding."

"A wizard's oath?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Severus said calmly. "Alexander has asked that I make a vow to take care of Hermione and protect her."

"I see," Harry said, looking at his nephew. "Do you think that is necessary Alexander?"

The young man nodded.

"Ok," Harry sighed with a shrug, "please face each other and grasp hands."

Severus put his hand out firmly and waited for Alexander to grasp it. He took hold tentatively and watched the older man's face as Harry began reciting the oath.

Wisps of green and blue light emitted from Harry's wand and circled their hands. Severus began stating his vows to the young boy and the light bands began to tighten slightly. Before they were sealed, Alexander dropped his hand.

"What's wrong?" Severus asked, "The binding isn't finished until the two bands tighten together."

Alexander looked at him intently. "You've never given me a reason not to trust you. I'm sorry I asked you to do this." Alexander looked down at his feet.

Severus sat down near him. "Don't apologize for taking care of someone you love. I would do it you know, if it would give you peace," he continued.

"I know, but I don't think I need you to. I'm sorry I've been difficult about all of this," he apologized.

Harry put his hand on Alexander's shoulder. "Professor Snape is a good man. I know, your Aunt Ginny knows, and your Grandma knows that he loves your mother very much and will take care of her and of you and your sister."

Alexander nodded. "I think I know that but I couldn't help it. Will you forgive me?" he asked.

"Nothing to forgive," Severus told him, "you've spent your life protecting your mother, now let me do it. I promise you that I will always take care of you all."

"Thank you, Prof-," he paused for a minute, "Thank you, Severus."

Alexander walked off to join his cousins on the beach leaving Harry and Severus standing alone on the porch.

"You know Molly will hex your bollocks off if Hermione's not happy," he cautioned.

"Believe me, Potter, I am certain on that account, as everyone continues to remind me."

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The days in Cavala ended and everyone said their goodbyes before heading home. Hermione had planned to stop in to tell the Weasleys the next weekend and they would need to let the staff know as well.

"I wonder what Minerva will say?" Hermione mused to Severus.

"Congratulations?" he quipped.

Hermione smiled. "I hope so. I just feel nervous telling her and then the staff will know. And once The Prophet gets ahold of this. And when the students come back-"

"Hermione," he stopped her, "I'm sure this will be fine. Minerva will threaten me and the staff will no doubt be astonished and question your good sense. The Prophet, well, I don't hold much stock in what they have to say but I'm sure whatever it is they print will be incorrect and scandalous. It's probably good we're doing this before term. Give it time to settle before the students are back. And the students, I suppose they'll have some nasty things to say to Alexander but I'll do my best to be as intolerable to all of them as ever."

Hermione smiled at him. "You're right. I guess we'll just have to figure out the right time to let them know."

He kissed her nose before leaving. "Weekly staff dinner this evening, I'll see you then."

She returned his smile and pulled him down to kiss him passionately. He pulled away from her slightly drunken. "I will be very anxious to see you after dinner as well," he smiled. She playfully pushed him out the door and began to unpack, readying herself for dinner.

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Alexander felt it odd to take dinner with the staff so he opted to go to the Burrow for dinner leaving Hermione, Emiline and Severus seated at the table in the Great Hall. Chatter amongst the staff about summer reading and holidays dominated the conversation. Small talk was something Snape hated, another reason he was happy to be at the end of the table.

All of a sudden, Emiline dropped her fork on the table with a loud clang, drawing everyone's attention.

"Fessor Snay! When you marry my Mummy, does that mean you'll be my Daddy?!" she asked loudly.

The entire table looked down to the end of the table at the announcement. Severus opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. Sweet smiling eyes looked up at him.

"If that's what you'd like, then yes," he told her, trying to ignore the stares from everyone at the table.

She nodded happily and resumed eating. Hermione picked up her goblet and drew it close to her mouth. She leaned over to Severus.

"So, when do you think we should tell the staff?" she whispered with a smile. Severus could do nothing but grunt.

Severus was never so happy to have a dinner over in his life. Everyone wanted to congratulate them, ask questions, fuss over wedding nonsense and he was tired of it. He hated being the center of attention like that and was glad Hermione was much better at it than he was.

When they returned to Hermione's rooms, he collapsed onto the sofa. Emiline was playing with her kitten in her room, telling her all about the upcoming wedding and Hermione had poured wine for them.

"Are you ok?" she asked him seriously.

He grunted his response. His reaction troubled her.

"Have you changed your mind?" she asked him, almost dreading his response.

"About what?" he asked, torn from his reverie.

"About what?" she repeated. "Oh I don't know, either your thoughts on the Wolfsbane Potion for prisoners at Azkaban or say, marrying me."

"Madam Granger, that snark was worthy of a Snape," he replied. "I have not changed my mind on either account. I plan to marry you. I just hadn't figured there would be this much…fuss about it."

She laughed a little and relaxed into him. "Well, it is a big shock to the entire world that Severus Snape is getting married. I'm sure many will suspect a hoax."

He pulled her into him. "I suppose you're right. Now, if Molly Weasley doesn't try to destroy me, we should have a nice wedding."

Hermione laughed, "you know she means well."

"I know, my love. But she is fairly terrifying," he attested.