Chapter Thirty-One
A Wedding at Hogwarts
It was a Saturday dinner at Hagrid's like there had not been in quite a while. Anna and Sirius, Ginny and Harry, and Ron and Hermione were all there, as well as Jennifer, the guest of honor sitting at one end, and Hagrid sitting at the other. The finals were all done and most of them marked, the trunks nearly packed, and the students would be going home on Monday in the newly renovated Hogwarts Express. And Jennifer was getting married tomorrow, the thought of which seemed almost unbelievable to her, the year had flown by much more quickly than she had expected. It seemed, from the conversation between the three that had graduated that day, that they were experiencing the same thing.
"To think this is our final dinner here together," Hermione sighed, "It's just not going to be the same after tonight, for any of us."
"Well, I'll still be here for another whole year," Ginny said, "Although it's definitely going to be lonely without you three."
"Actually, I am going to be here," Hermione said, "I suppose it's all right to tell you now since we're technically out of school. I've been hired on as the new librarian. I'm going to work here and study for my teacher's license. And Jennifer's asked me to take over as newspaper supervisor."
"I'm going to have enough duties next year without it," Jennifer agreed.
"So you are going to be here next year after all?" Ron asked Jennifer.
"Yes, I'll be the new Potions Master," Jennifer grinned.
"The new Potions Master?" Ginny said with surprise. "But won't the board object? I mean, we all heard what happened, from the paper…"
"Oh, they won't object, not after what she and Harry did. I'm surprised they haven't already shown up at the school on their hands and knees yet," Sirius chuckled. "And Ginny, you know better to listen to that paper."
"That's all going to change now. I hear the Ministry was breathing down the paper's neck and they were forced to fire some reporters," Anna added. "And Vallid has a group lawsuit filed against the paper for slander. If they're going to survive, they're going to have to review their entire team."
"And hire some new people who know what they're doing and can keep a story straight," Ron said, "People like me, for example."
"Oh, you plan on applying, Ron?" Jennifer said with a grin.
"I've got one better. I got hired all ready. I start next week," he said, and everyone at the table congratulated him. "I wouldn't have done it without Hermione's help, she really encouraged me to do it."
"Well, it is something you have a natural knack for," Hermione agreed. Harry nodded and smiled at him then at Hermione, who smiled warmly back. "Are you still taking a year off to travel?"
"Definitely," Harry said, "As if anyone would let me do any different," he added, looking at Sirius.
"Dumbledore encouraged his decision, and so do I," Sirius said. "After everything he's been through lately, he deserves some time to relax and see the world a bit before deciding on what he wants to do. And hopefully also give more time for the fame to cool down."
"If any of you want to find me, you'll have to ask Ginny or Sirius. They'll know where I'm at," Harry assured them. "And I'll definitely be in touch."
"What about you, Anna?" Ginny asked.
Anna looked up, slightly surprised. She had been lost in her own thoughts, playing with a large rose-cut gem necklace as she sat by Sirius' side, suddenly aware everyone was looking at her. Jennifer hadn't recalled seeing the jewelry set before, but it didn't take Truth Seeking to figure out where it came from. Sirius smiled at Anna.
"Oh, I'll be here for some of it. I'm working with the Ministry now, helping with cases that involve Muggles, and doing research for Vallid," Anna told them. "And I'm also helping Sirius straighten out his profile… the business kind this time." Everyone chuckled a little at that. "I will be at the cabin, though, part of the time at least. I still have a lot to learn about magic," she admitted.
"Well, at least I'll have you, Hermione, and Professor Craw here then, and Hagrid, of course," Ginny said.
"Actually, Ginny, I'm afrai' I won't be comin' back next year either," Hagrid said sadly, and most of the people at the table looked up at him with surprise.
"What do you mean, not coming back?" Harry asked. "I can't imagine what Hogwarts would be like without you here."
"Wull, I guess I c'n let ya in on m' lil' secret, 'specially since Hermione and Jennifer already know. See, I got married last Christmas break," Hagrid explained.
"What? Married? And you didn't tell us? And nobody else told us?" Ron asked in surprise, looking at Hermione.
"Sorry, it was a faculty thing," Hermione shrugged at him. Ron glowered at her, wondering if that would become a habit.
"Does that mean you and Madame Maxime? You're going to Beauxbatons?" Harry asked, smiling brightly.
"Yup, holdin' grounds there an' instructin' a bit. 'Course nobody's gonna know we're married, her school policy an' all tha', so I kept a low profile. That's why I've not been around on the weekends so much, I've been busy straightnin' things down there," Hagrid admitted.
"Then, I propose a toast to Rubeus, our host for several years now, may he find only happiness in his new post, and never forget his friends, or status as a friend, at Hogwarts," Sirius said, tipping his glass.
"Hear hear, to Rubeus Hagrid," Jennifer agreed, as they all toasted to the big man, who looked almost as if he were going to cry.
"Lawd, I'm gonna miss ya all, tho.' Especially you, Harry. Now, you all come visit us sometime if yer in France now, hear?" Hagrid said, which they quickly agreed to.
There was a knock at the door and they looked at each other curiously a moment, before several moved to get up at once. Hagrid beat them to it, peering out the window. "It's Professor Snape."
"Heavens, what's he doing here? I thought Dumbledore and some of the staff were keeping him occupied tonight?" Jennifer wondered. She suddenly felt something draped over her head.
"Quick, put my cloak on, it's bad luck seeing him twenty four hours before the wedding you know," Harry said. Jennifer shrugged into the cloak, feeling a little silly over the fuss, but Hagrid waited patiently for her to completely disappear before he opened the door.
"Evenin' Professor! Wasn't expectin' to see you out here," Hagrid said after opening the door.
"Sorry to intrude," Severus said, glancing in quickly at those gathered there, "but I was wondering if I might talk to Harry alone for a moment?" Surprised but curious, Harry got up and went outside as the rest of those in the room looked around and shrugged. Taking off the hood, Jennifer's head appeared, caught in a knowing smile.
"Well, it's about time," she said, nodding approvingly. "Some people just have to wait to the last minute to do everything," she added, as everyone gazed at her curiously.
The next morning was bright and sunny, and the newsroom was bustling with activity as Minerva put the finishing touches on Hermione's dress. Jennifer tapped her feet in mixed nervousness and impatience, barely paying attention to Anna and Ginny, who were both talking about previous weddings they'd been to. Every now and again, one person or another would come and check in on them, Poppy bringing them drinks and Pomona checking on the bridesmaid flower wreaths, Rolanda coming in just to see how they were doing, and none of them successfully kept Jennifer's attention very long.
Suddenly Ron came in, and was met with such loud squeals of protest that Jennifer looked up in curiosity.
"Calm down all ready, will you? I came to get my camera. I left it in here yesterday," Ron explained, putting his arms up to attempt to defend himself against all the fingers pointing him towards the door. "I just have to get some pictures of Snape. If the wedding wasn't already going to make news, I'd bet his appearance would."
"He finally decided to give in and put on his new robes, did he?" Minerva said, sounding pleased.
"And how, I hardly recognized him," Ron agreed, picking up his camera. "Sorry to interrupt…er…whatever girls do before this sort of thing," he said, winking at Hermione on his way out the door.
"Get copies!" Minerva shouted after him. "Turn around, Hermione and let me look." Another knock met the door and in came Audacious Belle wearing black dress robes and large ornate pin with the Craw family crest.
"There you are, Jen-girl! Am I late?" Audi asked with a wink. "These old bones don't move the way they used to."
"No, not at all, Audi, thanks for coming," Jennifer smiled at her.
"And what was I to do? Your father has such a way with words, I can never turn him down when he asks a favor, and really, I must admit it's a very, very high honor to be able to give you away," the old witch said, hugging Jennifer warmly. "I say, has anyone mentioned that Severus looks positively human today? I think he's even got a bit of color in his cheeks. You ought to send some spies to go take a look for you," she cackled.
"I want to take a look!" Jennifer protested.
"Oh, no, you're staying here," Minerva told her firmly. "And so are the rest of you. I'm sure you're not missing anything you won't see later."
Suddenly someone burst through the door without bothering to knock, and another squealing protest went up as Corey walked into the room, ignoring the fingers pointing him the other direction.
"I have no where else to go! Snape kicked me out!" Corey explained. "Wow, everyone in here looks positively smashing, especially you, Professor Craw, you're going to be breaking hearts today in that dress."
"Corey, what are you doing in here? You're supposed to be helping Professor Snape, and what do you mean he kicked you out?" Jennifer asked, putting her hands on her hips.
"I don't know, he got mad at me is all," Corey shrugged. "I think he's all wound up and nervous, really, but you should see him. Talk about smashing, I think he's going to turn a few heads of his friends, that's for sure." Another knock came, and in walked Harry, as Minerva threw her hands up in exasperation.
"Harry, as best man, you are definitely NOT allowed to be in here. Now get out and take that with you," Minerva said impatiently, nodding to Corey.
"Actually, that's why I came here in the first place. Dumbledore sent me to find Corey. He had a feeling he'd wander in here after what he said to Snape," Harry said. "Let's go Corey."
"Just what did you say to him? Corey?" Jennifer said, with an unmistakable warning tone in her voice.
"All I did was ask him his age," Corey shrugged, "and then I asked your age, and then I figured out that if my soul mate is the same difference for me, she won't be born until next year! Then he threw me out."
"Corey Willowby!"
"What? It's the truth. I thought you liked the truth," Corey protested.
"The moment you get back to the Broom Closet from your trip with Sirius and Harry, you and I are going to have a long talk about subtlety," Jennifer said, trying to ignore the growing chuckle that was erupting in the room. "Great stars, what have I gotten myself into!" Jennifer exclaimed. "Are you sure you two will be able to handle him for two weeks, Harry?"
"Don't worry about it, Jennifer, you two just have fun," Harry reassured her, putting his hands on Corey's shoulders. "I'd better get him back, we should be starting soon. I can't wait to see your face when you see Severus, he looks positively incredible," he added.
"That's it, I'm going to go peek at my brother," Anna said, heading towards the door behind Harry.
"Anna!" Minerva protested.
"They've sent enough spies over here, time I do some spying for our side," Anna said.
"Well hurry!" Minerva said, shaking her head. "All right, Jennifer, let's fasten your train on." Audi helped Minerva get it straight, and Minerva was going over with them where to stand when Anna came back in. Jennifer looked at her expectantly as Hermione and Ginny coaxed her for an opinion. Trying to keep from laughing, Anna grinned and gave them a "thumbs up" before taking her place in line behind Jennifer.
"Some spy you are," Jennifer complained, trying to get a look at her expression. There was another knock and Rolanda peeked in, giving them a warm smile.
"The boys are in position. Are you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be," Jennifer breathed, glancing down at her newly restored diamond. It was quite grey at the moment, and for some reason that made her relax, knowing he was as petrified as she was. She took up her bouquet of alchemist's roses, hands shaking noticeably when Audi firmly took her arm, patting it gently while smiling at Jennifer mischievously. "Just pinch me if I start to faint, will you?"
"Lawd, Jen-girl, you've faced death a dozen times over, you can handle one little wedding, can't you?" Audi clucked teasingly as they walked out the door.
Streams of light poured into the Great Hall through open windows, while owls and other flying beasts watched from the sills. A subtle melody strummed through the air that seemed unfamiliar to Jennifer but was unlikely she would ever forget again as she entered the hall, Ginny and Minerva in front of her, Hermione and Anna with the train, and Audi lightly pinching her arm at her side. She had never noticed just how big the Great Hall was, and was keenly aware that it was packed now, with rows of seats of students, parents, and other guests, and all with their eyes on her. Perhaps she wouldn't have made it up the aisle at all had she not finally laid eyes on Severus.
His black hair was tied back out of his face with a thin dark green ribbon, matching the floor-length velvet green cape that draped over his shoulders. His flowing black dress robes were heavily embroidered on the front with intricate designs in gold thread. He was looking at her with such open amazement it nearly startled her, only then she realized she was probably looking at him the same way. Smiling sheepishly at herself for that, she realized almost as an afterthought that she had arrived at steps to the dais, and Audi was placing her hand in his. Behind Severus, Harry smiled at her in a way that had always put her at ease. She was aware of someone clearing his throat, and found herself looking up into Dumbledore's twinkling blue eyes, watching her with amusement. She blushed slightly and glanced up quickly at Severus, blinking as she noticed a slight pink in his cheeks as well.
Dumbledore glanced over at the audience with a smile.
"It is a rare event when a person is able to truly understand their deepest desires, and an even rarer event when one is willing to make the sacrifices and risks necessary, without hesitation or regret, to achieve it. That is something I believe is occurring here today with the bonding of this couple in front of me. To be destined to do something is one thing. But to fulfill that destiny," he said, glancing momentarily at Harry, then back at Jennifer and Severus, "needs conscious choice, and the will to prevail.
"Now with that said, I am not much for long speeches at weddings, especially when those words cannot compete with the love these two share, and is so evident in their eyes. I also do not do this often, so I will ask you to bear with me while I improvise a bit," he said, turning to Jennifer with a mischievous smile.
"Jennifer Corsiva Craw, daughter of Alice and Thomas Craw. Will you take Severus Snape to be your husband from this day forward, in sickness and health, in good and bad temperament; will you promise to be understanding and kind, listen to his advice and give it consideration before rejecting it, and graciously accept his help when offered and required?" Jennifer blushed bright red.
"I will," she said at last, wondering if it had been a good idea to let Dumbledore do this after all.
"Severus Selezin' Snape, son of Sabina and Octavius Snape. Will you take Jennifer Craw to be your wife from this day forward, in sickness and health, in good and bad temperament; will you promise to be understanding and kind, to not turn your head when she asks a question," Dumbledore smiled at him knowingly, "to be honest with your emotions as well as to her, and to trust and support her in everything she does?"
"I will," he said, gazing steadily at her.
Dumbledore gestured to Corey, and the grinning boy stepped forward with the rings. The Headmaster reverently took them in hand, offering it to them.
"The rings are an outward symbol of your promises and love, and by exchanging them you seal those promises to each other. Now, Jennifer, place the ring on his finger, and say, 'By the power of this ring, my heart, and my soul, I pledge my life to thee.'"
"By the power of this ring, my heart, and my soul, I pledge my life to thee," Jennifer promised, putting the ring on his finger. Dumbledore nodded to Severus.
"By the power of this ring, my heart, and my soul, I pledge my life to thee," Severus said, shakily doing the same before clasping her hand tightly.
"Then, by the powers invested in me, and in the presence of God and the servants of the Light, I now pronounce you Wizard and Wife. Severus, you may now kiss your bride, yes in front of everybody," Dumbledore added jokingly.
"I don't mind, not this time," Severus said, turning to Jennifer, who was still blushing slightly, and enthusiastically locked her in a passionate kiss. The doves and ravens on the bottom of Jennifer's dress suddenly came to life, fluttering quickly up and out the window in a beautiful black and white fury, while the rings suddenly became bright as the bond was made, the glow spreading around them as the audience broke in a roaring cheer and applause. But Jennifer and Severus were oblivious to it, and even Dumbledore, clearing his throat several times, didn't seem to get their attention.
"I should have brought a stop watch," Corey quipped.
"Corey!" Harry said, jabbing him in the arm.
"Now, now, this is the only time they'll be allowed to kiss in public in the school, we should give them some leniency," Minerva said, trying to keep from chuckling.
"Boy that's going to make for a long photo," Ron decided, putting his camera down.
"Goodness, they are still at it! Anyone remember the record?" Arthur chuckled.
Suddenly realizing there were quite a number of people around them including the Minister of Magic, Jennifer broke off the kiss and looked around, earning another round of applause.
"Maybe if we ignore them long enough they'll go away," Severus suggested, gazing at her.
"Severus!" Jennifer said, gently nudging him away, but it was obvious he was not about to let her go too far as they turned to greet their guests. Most of the chairs were cleared and others rearranged as the floor opened for dancing and refreshments and the two of them were caught up in the festivities and meeting folks, and being totally overwhelmed, neither being used to the attention. Ron and Justin took turns bothering for pictures, and they were both wondering when best to make for a hasty retreat.
"So when are you going to throw the bouquet, Jennifer?" Harry asked when caught up with her again, discreetly jerking his head to the side towards Ginny and grinning mischievously.
"Oh, how about now?" Jennifer said, smiling at Severus while going up to the dais. "If I can remember the spell," she added.
"Well I certainly don't know it," Severus said following closely behind.
"All right, all right, here goes. Faithful flowers of the bride, now it's time to leave my side, find out where you'll next reside!" Jennifer intoned and threw it. Several of the guests looked up in excitement as it spun in the air, and suddenly shot over to its victim, knocking her in the back of the head before she flung her arms up and landed in her hands. Anna looked at it with apparent confusion. Sirius, who was dancing with her a moment before, seemed positively delighted. The room broke out in applause, and Jennifer grinned apologetically, looking up at Severus' stony face.
"I knew everything was going too perfect," Severus mumbled. But Jennifer just turned and kissed him again, quickly regaining his attention. "Can we go yet?"
"Are you still here?" an amused voice asked behind them, and they turned to see Dumbledore and Harry standing nearby talking.
"We won't be long if I have anything to say about it," Severus said, "and come to think of it, I do have say so, I have the Portkey."
"Oh, but where's Corey? We should talk to him before we go," Jennifer said.
"I'll go find him, be right back," Harry said, heading into the crowd.
"I hope you both have a wonderful summer," Dumbledore smiled at them, "and don't feel the need to drop by. If anything comes up I'm sure we'll manage, you just take it easy. You both deserve the break."
"We'll be back second week of August, as always," Severus assured him. "I'm quite sure that even with Voldemort gone there will be a lot of clean up to do."
"That is for certain, Severus. But try not to worry. Goodness, after everything this school has gone through this year, I expect it could last through just about anything anyone has to throw at us. Today is a new day for all of us, and the beginning of new chapter in the lives of magic dwellers and Muggles alike," Dumbledore smiled.
"I think I'm going to like this chapter better than the last one," Jennifer chuckled to herself.
"Let's just turn the page now, shall we?" Severus suggested impatiently, putting the Portkey in her hand.
End of Book 3
A/N And that's it! Thanks for reading series one, and I hope you enjoyed them! In the second series, the Sentinel series, you will notice less of a focus on Jennifer herself as she now has to share the stage (and knowing her quite reluctantly) with other colorful characters. The rest of the series (and the ones following) actually are more about Severus than Jennifer, but for consistency, I kept the name the same. The first book of four in that series is Jennifer Craw and the Cloak of Icarus and has all sorts of legends inundated in it, as well as gets more in depth about Anna and Severus' past, and some of Jennifer's as well. So, I hope you look it up, but either way, thanks for reading, and keep reviewing! JCWriter.