Chapter 37: A Whirlwind Romance
The day before Hermione and Severus were set to leave for Australia – for they were truly going to visit her parents – there was a knock on the door of the Apothecary shortly after they closed shop for the day.
Hermione expected to see McGonagall on the other side, since neither she nor Severus had been to the castle recently. However, it turned out to be Ron, who was alone.
"Ron?" Hermione asked, opening the door wider to let him inside.
"Hey, Hermione," Ron said, running his hand through his hair.
"I wasn't expecting you," she said.
"Who were you expecting?" he asked, frowning.
"Nobody," said Hermione quickly. "What is it, Ron?"
"I just – ah – I just wanted to say goodbye and wish you luck," he said. "With your parents and everything."
"Oh, well... thanks, Ron."
"Are you nervous?" he asked.
Hermione shrugged and said, "A little. Severus has been reassuring me it will go well. I trust him."
"Yeah," said Ron.
He paused, then said, "Hermione, I know Irene and I haven't seen you for a while..."
Hermione nodded. Ron and Irene had taken a holiday with Irene's family to the states and only just returned.
"The last Friday we all went out, when you told us about going to find your parents," he continued.
Hermione nodded again.
"It's just – it seemed as if you and Severus were – ah – closer than usual," he said.
"Did it?" she asked. Ron fell silent and his ears turned pink.
"I hope that – "
Ron abruptly stopped speaking as Severus walked into the room.
"Good evening," Severus greeted him.
"Ah – hello, Severus," Ron said, looking annoyed.
Severus walked over to stand beside Hermione.
"Have you just returned from the States?" he asked Ron.
"Erm – yes. I wanted to wish Hermione good luck before she left," he explained.
Severus put an arm around Hermione and she leaned against him.
"Thanks, Ron," she said.
"I always wished there was something I could do, ah... about your parents," he said.
"I know," Hermione said, smiling.
"Well, ah, good luck to both of you," he said. "I'll leave you to pack... or whatever."
Hermione felt Severus' hand creep to her hip as Ron opened the door to leave.
"Goodnight, Ron!" she called, and promptly burst into laughter as the door shut and Severus tickled her side.
"Severus! St- "
He stopped and kissed her before she could scold him. When he pulled away and released her, Hermione's eye caught movement outside the window, which was still uncovered. She ran over and peered through the glass into the dark night outside.
"I think Ron just saw us through the window!" she gasped. "He must have Disapparated just now."
Severus did not appear to be concerned.
"Hopefully he goes back and tells the rest of them," he said.
Hermione sighed and crossed her arms as she leaned against the windowsill.
"If he doesn't, you'll have to repeat that performance for them when we return," Hermione said.
"If you like," he said.
"Well, we are taking a trip together," she said. "It would follow that we become closer while we're away."
"Indeed," he agreed.
They went to bed early that night, since they would be flying the Muggle way once again. They had decided against getting a portkey in case it raised any questions about their destination. As far as McGonagall and everyone else but Ginny, Harry, Ron, and Irene knew, Hermione and Severus were on an expedition to procure rare potions ingredients.
Undisguised on their flight, surrounded by Muggle strangers, Hermione and Severus were free to act as in love as they wished. Hermione's parents met them at the airport as a surprise, and caught Hermione resting her head on Severus' shoulder as they waited by the carousel for their luggage. Severus had wanted to pack everything in her beaded bag, but she had insisted that traveling between continents with no luggage would be suspicious.
"Mum! Dad!" Hermione exclaimed, moving to hug first her mother, then her father. "I thought we were going to meet you at home."
"We know you don't necessarily need a ride, but we thought we'd surprise you anyway," said her mother.
They piled into her parents' car outside, after shoving their bags inside Hermione's purse, which now rested on her lap.
"We actually have another surprise for you," said her mother. "I hope you're hungry."
Her parents treated them to a nice dinner, and Hermione was glad Severus had suggested she bring something nice to wear on the trip.
"Tell us what the two of you have been up to in London," her father said.
"We're living in Hogsmeade, actually," said Hermione. "Severus has opened an Apothecary."
"We have opened an Apothecary," Severus corrected her.
"You live together?" asked her mother.
"I moved in last month," Hermione said.
"You say you are engaged, but I see you still do not wear a ring," her father commented. "Is it still a secret?"
"Well, yes," said Hermione. "But not for long... besides, engagement rings are only a Muggle custom. Magical folk pledge themselves to one another with a vow."
"I see," said her mother. "Well, if it's not important to you, I suppose I understand."
"I don't need a ring to tell people I'm going to marry Severus," said Hermione. "It never crossed my mind, actually."
Her parents looked at one another silently. Then, Severus spoke.
"I am sorry to hear that. I suppose I shall have to return this to the shop."
Hermione gaped at him as he set a small black jewelry box on the table in front of her.
"Severus!" she squeaked, picking it up gently and opening the hinge to reveal a dainty but elegant white gold ring that featured three emerald stones – the middle one a bit larger than the rest – flanked by a row of two sparkling accent diamonds on either side of the setting.
"It's just lovely," she marveled, staring at it.
"Try it on, dear," her mother said, smiling.
It fit perfectly, though Hermione suspected that was because it was spelled to resize to fit it's owner.
"You really shouldn't have, Severus," she said, grinning despite herself.
"It is one of your family traditions," he said. "I thought you might like to participate."
"I just don't need a lot of fuss, is all," she said. "I do love it."
They went back to her parents' house and settled into the guest room. Her parents were watching a film in the living room. Severus and Hermione joined them for a little while, until Hermione's eyes began to fall shut as she leaned against Severus.
"I think I'll have to call it a night," she said, yawning.
"Do you think you'll be up for brunch tomorrow?" asked her mother.
"Sure," said Hermione, standing up. Severus followed suit.
"Goodnight," said Hermione.
"See you in the morning," her mother said, as her father echoed the good night.
"Well, this feel strange," Hermione said, after Severus shut the door to the guest room.
"You are referring to staying with your parents as an engaged couple?" he asked.
"Yes," she said. "It's beginning to feel so real. Soon we'll be married."
"Indeed," he said. "As soon as you set a date."
Hermione stared at him and said, "I honestly haven't thought about it, since we haven't yet made the announcement."
"Perhaps you should begin to consider it now," he said. "Your family will want to know."
"Yes," said Hermione. "I suppose they will."
They fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the fluffy white pillows on the guest bed. Hermione woke late the next morning to the muffled sounds of her parents' voices down the hall. She sat up and stretched, waking Severus in the process.
"Good morning," she greeted him. He groaned and immediately got out of bed, beginning to get dressed.
"Hungry, are you?" Hermione asked. "What's the hurry?"
A knock at the door startled Hermione and Severus raised a brow at her as if to say, "See?"
"Hermione?" came her mother's voice. "Are you awake?"
"Yes, Mum! We're just getting dressed," she called back.
"Oh, good. We don't want to miss brunch. The menu is amazing at this place."
"Okay! Be right out!" Hermione said, jumping out of bed and joining Severus in pulling on some clothes.
They walked out into the living room together after taking turns in the loo. As they turned the corner, Hermione caught sight of something hanging in the large front window and gasped.
"Mum!"
Her mother was standing beside the sofa, beaming. Beside her, the gorgeous wedding dress Hermione had tried on in the formal shop hung in the window.
"How did you get it?" Hermione asked, walking over to gently touch the fabric of the skirt. "They said it couldn't be ordered until January."
"I didn't get it," her mother said. "Severus did, after he saw that picture of you wearing it."
Hermione turned around to look at Severus in disbelief.
"What did you do?" she asked suspiciously.
"Don't worry, it was paid for... and all the Muggles involved still have their memories," he said mysteriously.
"It's beautiful, Hermione," her mother said. "I knew as soon as I saw it, this would be your dress... if Severus had not gotten to it first, I would have bought it for you."
"I do love it," Hermione said, admiring how pretty it looked lit up by the light from the window. She hugged Severus.
"I really must decide on a date now," she said.
"Where shall you hold this wedding?" her mother asked. "Someplace Muggles are allowed, I hope."
"Of course you'd be allowed, Mum," said Hermione.
"We really should go now, if we want to get a table," her father reminded them.
Severus and Hermione spent four more days in Australia with her parents. By the time their stay was over, Severus had convinced Hermione they should have a February wedding.
"Severus, that's only three months away!" she exclaimed at his first suggestion.
"Indeed," he said. "Have we not waited long enough?"
"That's not enough time to plan anything," she protested. "Is it?"
"How much time is needed to plan a small wedding in the off-season?" he asked.
"I have no idea," she said. "Where should we hold the ceremony?"
He was silent for a while, then said, "There is an old Warlock's Lodge in Hogsmeade that is sometimes rented out."
"I do like the idea of having the wedding in Hogsmeade," she said. "Isn't there a giant stone fire-pit just outside the lodge, in that little patio garden surrounded by pine trees?"
Severus nodded.
"That would be a nice setting," she mused.
The date tentatively was set for the end of February, and her parents seemed to approve of Severus more and more each day.
On the flight back to London, Hermione placed a hand on Severus' arm and asked, "Who should be the one to marry us?"
They pondered the question for much of the flight. It was no small matter, choosing an officiant to perform the proper spells for marriage vows in the magical world.
"What about Luna?"
"Luna Lovegood?" Severus asked in disbelief. "How did you arrive at that suggestion?"
"She's a talented witch," said Hermione defensively. "And she happens to have recently completed the required training program. Also, I happen to like Luna."
Severus grunted and said nothing more on the subject until they landed.
"If Lovegood won't do it, there's always the Headmistress," he said.
Hermione laughed and replied, "I doubt she will approve of our union. I'll send Luna an owl and ask her to tea at the shop."
The return to London, and then finally home to Hogsmeade, was welcome. It was snowing when Hermione and Severus arrived home. Enid was not inside, and they had yet to collect Crookshanks and Toffee from Harry and Ginny.
"It's so quiet," Hermione said, peering out the window at the falling snow.
Severus kissed her neck and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her from behind.
"The calm before the storm," he said.
"I don't think there is going to be a storm, my love," she said warmly, wrapping her arms around his where they held her chest.
"Oh, no?" he asked.
"Ginny and Irene have been encouraging of our relationship, even if only to me in private. Harry's had ages now to accept it and I believe he has completely. Ron will be unnerved, I suppose, but he's so busy planning his life with Irene, I don't think he'll make much of a fuss."
"What of Gallus, and more importantly, the rest of Britain?" Severus asked.
"Gallus has made himself scarce lately," Hermione said. "As for the rest of Britain, they can get stuffed! We'll get married and run our Apothecary and our lab without need for their opinions."
"We'll need their business, if not their opinions," he said, chuckling in her ear.
"What better advertisement than a mild scandal to draw in new customers?" she asked.
"Or to drive them away," he remarked.
"Nonsense," she said. "The public has been dying to hear a new tidbit about your life ever since you returned and promptly refused to give any interviews."
"Hmmm," he hummed, making her hair tickle her ear when he exhaled.
"I'll write to Luna tomorrow," said Hermione. "Shall we tell everyone this Friday?"
"I don't see why not," he said.
Hermione looked down at her ring and smiled.
"I'm so happy," she sighed.
His arms tightened around her.
"As am I," he said.
Hermione not only sent Luna a letter inviting her to tea that Friday afternoon, but she also reserved the Warlock's Lodge for the last week of February. She then sent McGonagall an owl requesting a visit at the castle.
"Well, I've done it," she said, walking into the kitchen, where Severus was eating his late lunch with Toffee sitting at his feet.
"Done what?" he asked.
"I'm going to the castle on Sunday to break the news to McGonagall," she said.
"I see," he said.
"I know what you're thinking," said Hermione, to which he raised a brow.
"Better me than you," she continued, smiling.
"Indeed," he said.
"You'll owe me," she said. "You may as well begin thinking of how you shall make it up to me."
His eyes glittered and he said, "A far more pleasant endeavor than speaking to Minerva about my intentions toward her precious former pupil."
"Yes, well. I look forward to... experiencing whatever you come up with," she said.
Friday came quickly, and Luna arrived in the shop precisely on time. Hermione was on the shop floor while Severus bottled a few potions in the back.
"Luna!" she exclaimed when she entered. "It's been far too long!"
"Time is no great distance among friends," Luna said, smiling. "I am happy to see you, Hermione. You look very well."
"Thank you – so do you," said Hermione truthfully. Luna's hair was shorter than usual and fell in soft, sleek waves that framed her face perfectly.
"I'm all done up for my date this evening," Luna said, touching her hair. "I learned how to do this from a magazine – it's a nifty little spell."
"Oh," said Hermione. "You'll have to show me later. It's very nice."
"Certainly," agreed Luna. "Is Severus going to come out and keep the shop while we take our tea?"
"But of course," Severus said, walking through the doorway at that moment, sending a fleet of bottled potions to the proper shelf in front of him.
Luna held out her hand and said, "It is wonderful to finally meet you, Severus Snape."
He shook her hand and replied, "Hermione tells me you've been busy earning a variety of certifications in the past three years."
"I have a lot of interests," Luna said vaguely.
"Shall we go back to the kitchen?" asked Hermione.
Luna followed her back to the kitchen, where she was elated to meet Toffee and reunite with Crookshanks.
"I have always loved you, squashy-faced little thing," she cooed at him. Crookshanks responded by hopping up onto her lap and settling into an enormous orange ball of fluff.
Hermione prepared and poured the tea while Luna petted Crookshanks.
"So, who's the lucky wizard who has a date with you?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, he's not a wizard," said Luna, without elaborating.
"A Muggle?" Hermione asked. "How did you meet?"
"I know plenty of Muggles," said Luna. "I met John at my book club."
"You have a book club?"
"Oh, yes. I've been going to Muggle book clubs since I moved to London," she said. "They're lovely."
"Interesting," Hermione murmured. She served the tea and prepared to drop the truth on Luna, as well as her unusual request.
"So, Luna, I'm thrilled to catch up with you, but I have to admit, I have a rather specific reason for asking you here today. A specific request, actually."
"All right," Luna said amiably, sipping her tea. "Is it to do with your engagement to Severus?"
Hermione stared at Luna in mild surprise, then glanced at her hand.
"I suppose you've noticed my ring," she said, smiling.
"It is beautiful," said Luna. "It's really nice that he did it the Muggle way for you."
"Oh, well... yes, it was," said Hermione. "I wasn't expecting it."
"What does your engagement have to do with me?" asked Luna curiously.
"Well, I know you've officiated a wedding before," said Hermione.
Luna nodded and smiled.
"Oh, I see," she said.
Hermione blinked, then just to be sure they were on the same page, she said, "We'd like for you to marry us, Luna."
"Of course," said Luna, still smiling. "I'd love to, Hermione."
Hermione smiled back and said, "We're to be married at the end of February."
If Luna was taken aback by the nearness of the wedding date, she did not show it in the least.
"Wonderful," she said. "You'll marry here, in Hogsmeade?"
"Yes, actually," said Hermione, wondering not for the first time if Luna was uncannily observant or truly clairvoyant.
"And Luna, if you are free next Friday, I'd like to invite you to come out with me, Harry, Ginny, Ron, Irene, and Severus at The Fanged Pixie. We've made Fridays our group nights together."
"I suppose that depends on how my date goes," Luna said dreamily.
"Er – yes, of course," said Hermione.
Luna congratulated Severus before she left and told him she was looking forward to the wedding.
"I take it she has no issue with the marriage?" he asked.
"Luna?" Hermione asked, smiling. "Of course not."
That evening, Hermione and Severus waited for the rest of their friends to arrive anxiously. Hermione drummed her fingers on the table until the glint of her ring on her pint glass caught her eye. She dropped her hands to her lap.
Gallus uncharacteristically arrived first and began telling Hermione about the book he was reading while Severus listened silently.
Harry, Ginny, Irene, and Ron arrived together.
"Oh, look at us all here like a big, happy family," said Ginny. "It's been a while since everyone was here at once."
Hermione and Severus listened to the conversation as it settled on the subject of Irene and Ginny's next game and their chances of a win. Irene was not feeling optimistic, while Ginny was fiercely. Ron and Harry attempted to improve Irene's attitude with strong encouragement and assertions that there was no way the Harpies would lose.
As Irene accepted their position with a laugh and a shake of her head, the table fell silent. Hermione glanced at Severus and then barreled right into the silence.
"To completely change the subject," she began, and Ron laughed.
"Too much Quidditch talk for the other side of the table?" he asked, looking at Hermione, Severus, and Gallus.
"Not at all," Hermione said. "Severus and I have an announcement to make."
Ginny sat up a bit straighter and the rest of them smiled knowingly at Hermione.
"As you know, we visited my parents last week," she said, finally lifting her hand above the table and picking up her glass.
"While we were there, we told my parents first..."
Hermione smiled as mouths began to drop open at the sight of a ring on her finger.
"We're engaged," Hermione said.
The sound of the bars other patrons talking and laughing filled the air around them. The table was silent until Ginny leaned forward and spoke.
"You got her an engagement ring!" she exclaimed, looking at Severus. "That's... adorable. Just like the Muggles do."
"M-married?" Ron finally sputtered in disbelief. "Merlin... and here I thought you were just going to tell us what we all already knew! You're already getting married?"
Hermione nodded and said, "In February."
The collective gasp was comical. Even Harry was taken aback.
"I don't know what to say!" said Ginny.
"Congratulations would do," Severus suggested, smirking.
Yet, nobody said anything.
"I'm sorry, this is just such a shock," said Ginny, looking at Harry and then at Irene.
"We are happy for you," said Irene. "While you were gone we agreed there was far more between you two than you let on."
Gallus cleared his throat and said softly, "I'd like to offer the first congratulations. May the love you share keep you close evermore."
Hermione smiled and thanked him – Gallus had just offered the traditional goodwill blessing to the engaged couple. The rest of her friends chanted, "Here, here," and raised their glasses, though Ron still looked shell-shocked.
"Can I see your ring?" asked Irene, extending her hand to Hermione over the table. Hermione obliged and let Irene pull her hand toward her and peer at the ring.
"It's gorgeous!" she proclaimed.
"I think so, too," said Hermione.
"You're having me over this week to discuss everything," said Ginny matter-of-factly.
"Okay," Hermione agreed. "Come over tomorrow evening if you like."
"I'm coming, too!" said Irene.
"Shall I plan to be out of the way?" Severus asked.
"We'll go out," said Harry decisively. "You, me, Ron, and Gallus... to celebrate."
"Can we not celebrate together this evening?" Severus asked in amusement.
"There's not a limit on it, mate," Ron said, seeming to surprise even himself with his familiar tone.
"Very well," said Severus.
Hermione and Severus were ordered a few more drinks in the spirit of celebration, and had to insist on stopping at two rounds. Hermione left feeling warm, happy, and relieved that her friends had come through in support of their union, just as she hoped they would.
"See?" she said, once she and Severus were alone, walking to their Apparition point in the frosty air.
He raised a brow at her and said, "I see they are at least willing to pretend they believe this is a wise decision on your part."
"Oh, difficult man!" she exclaimed. "Just take it at face value and give them a little time. They'll see this is no mistake."
"Perhaps all but your rather unobservant ex," he said. "Who seems bewildered that such a thing as marriage would ever cross my mind."
"I think he's just as shocked that I accepted," said Hermione. "I did rail against hasty marriages quite a few times during our relationship."
"Indeed," Severus said.
"If only they could know the truth. It has been such a long wait for us!" Hermione said.
"Indeed," Severus said again.
"At least Harry understands," Hermione reminded herself.
"I'm not sure he will ever truly understand what you see in me," Severus said, smirking.
"Severus, you really should start spending more time with Harry," Hermione said. "He has an enormous amount of respect for you. I don't think he finds it hard to believe that I love you – not at all."
"Are you trying to tell me Harry Potter is in love with me, too?" Severus asked.
Hermione laughed and said, "Be sure you don't mention it to Ginny."