Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, except the one I created myself. All others belong to J. K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. I have only borrowed them for my amusement and hopefully yours as well.
Chapter 39
Somewhere around 5:00 AM, an exhausted Severus returned to Hogwarts. He crept quietly into his room and found Jolicia in his bed.
"I knew she'd be here," he thought.
He removed his clothes and slid wearily in beside her. She awoke immediately.
Gathering her into his arms he said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."
Glancing at the time she said, "I must have just dozed off. The last time I looked at the clock it was 4:45. Are you all right Sev?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Tired, but fine. You must be worn out, as well. You should have gone to sleep earlier, my love."
"I couldn't. I was too worried. Thank Merlin you're back."
It didn't take long for sleep to finally embrace them. They remained in each other's arms until 9:00, which was much later than Severus usually slept. They lay together and discussed events past and yet to come.
"What excuse did you give for my absence, Jo?"
"I told them you were called away to St. Mungo's for a medical emergency and that only you could help them brew a curative potion for a rare malady. I had no idea what disease to tell them, so I just said that you didn't say what it was. Does that sound plausible?"
"Yes, I believe so. As to what disease, I think that it was malady of unknown origin and that we tried several potions until we found one that worked. Good enough?"
"Good enough," she agreed.
After a short pause, she asked, "Are you nervous?"
"About what?"
"What do you mean, about what?" she asked excitedly. "About the weather! The wedding, man, the wedding! You do remember we are being bonded this afternoon?"
He smirked and said, "Oh, that!" He was enjoying seeing her freak out.
"Don't get so excited," she said sarcastically. "What is wrong with you? Can you manage at least a little enthusiasm? You should be nervous. The groom is supposed to be nervous."
He laughed and said, "I think you have that covered for both of us, love!"
She suddenly realized that he was teasing her and she calmed down.
"That was not a nice thing to do!"
"I couldn't help myself, Jolicia. You make a very easy target. You did not disappoint me."
She stuck her tongue out at him and rolled over so that her back was towards him. She was grinning to herself, the words 'taste of your own medicine' ringing in her mind.
"Jo?" No answer.
"Love?"
Still no answer.
He snuggled up to her and asked, "You're not angry are you? I was just teasing. Please answer me." She remained silent.
"I'll tell you why I'm not nervous at all," he whispered in her ear. "It's because I know it's the right thing we're about to do. I have no doubts - none whatsoever."
"Really?"
"Really."
She turned to face him and said, "I don't have any doubts, either." She kissed him and then added, "I'm still nervous, though. I think we should get this day going or else I am going to explode!" Jolicia bounded out of bed and pulled him with her into the shower.
After they dressed, they went to the Great Hall for breakfast. They were pleasantly surprised to find family and friends there waiting for them. Everyone had already eaten and had spent the rest of the time engaged in lively conversation. Severus and Jolicia were welcomed by applause initiated by Robert. It wasn't long before all present joined in. The happy couple looked a little embarrassed by all the attention.
After she had seen that their plates were filled, Éliane asked, "We missed you at supper last night, Severus. I trust everything went well with your mission of mercy?"
"Yes, thank you. The boy will be fine." He and Jo glanced at one another. The excuse was accepted, no further questions asked.
Harry sat and observed the people around him. On one side there was the Medwin family. He could see how much they all loved one another. Jo's parents looked at her with such pride! Her brother Robert never stopped teasing her good-naturedly. Harry was wistful. This was the type of family life he was missing out on; maybe he would even have had a brother or sister. He would never know, thanks to Voldemort. His family was gone, never to return.
On the other side of him were Hermione and Draco. Draco was sitting as close as he dared to Hermione. They still had not told anyone else about their relationship, so they could not be openly affectionate. Harry of course was aware of how they felt about one another. He knew how hard it must be for them to act as friends only. There sat Ron, happily oblivious to much of what was going on around him. Ron was the best friend anyone could wish for. He was that brother Harry would never have. He wondered how his best mate would react when he found out at last about their other best pal and a certain Slytherin. Somehow, Harry was not looking forward to that moment.
There were his teachers, enjoying the happy occasion: Dumbledore and McGonagall – his greatest supporters; Hagrid, his first friend of the wizarding world; Sprout, Flitwick and all the rest. He owed them so much.
Then there was Snape: Snape who had made Harry's life a misery; Snape who had always been snarky and cruel; Snape who had at long last been kind to him and had told him stories of his mother; Snape who loved Jolicia; Snape who was about to be married. He now saw the Potions Master in a different light. The man was more complex than Harry had ever imagined. He had once thought that he had been incapable of love: he now knew just the opposite was true. Snape must love Jolicia very much to be taking this risk.
Finally, there was his friend Jolicia: he had never met someone who had so much joy and love in her that it overflowed and caught you up in it. He had learned so much from her. She had helped him so many ways, ways that he didn't even realize. He tried to imagine his life without her in it, but he couldn't do it. He was proud to be part of the happiest day of her life. She and Severus looked right together, almost as if they had always been that way. Harry hoped that he would find someone that made him as happy as Jo made Severus.
The hour grew late and everyone adjourned to their rooms to get ready for the ceremony. The instant that the Great Hall was empty, Dobby and the other house-elves moved in to clean and decorate the room. They were determined to do their best job ever – Professor Medwin was always so kind to them and she deserved nothing but the best.
Slowly the guests made their way back to the Great Hall. The time had come at last. They were met with a fantastic sight. Dobby and the other house-elves had truly outdone themselves. The Great Hall had been transformed into a garden. Every nook and cranny was filled with pink flowers of every shade imaginable. There were roses, carnations, poppies, lilac, tulips, lilies, peonies, and on and on. Those that were in bouquets were bound by dark green ribbons with silver accents – Slytherin colors, as a tribute to Severus. Trees seemed to be sprouting from the floor itself, their branches decorated with glowing fairies. The ceiling had been bewitched to resemble the twilight sky, just changing from pink to deep, dusky blue with the first hint of stars shining through. There was even a small stream running through the middle of the room, its gentle gurgling filling the air with a peaceful rhythm.
Everyone had dressed in their finest for the occasion. Molly Weasley fussed with Ron's dress robes and ran a hand threw his hair until she deemed him presentable.
"Geroff, Mum!" Ron said, pulling away from her. "I know how to dress myself, you know."
"Your mother just wants you to look your best, son," replied Arthur. "You know how she is." He gave his wife a peck on the cheek.
"Thank you, Arthur. Oh, look. Here's Hermione. Don't you look lovely dear," cooed Molly. "Doesn't she look nice, Ron?"
He blushed and said, "Yeah, she does."
"Thanks. Have you seen…never mind. Here he is now." Hermione left the Weasleys to join Draco.
"Wow! You look bloody marvelous, Babe."
"Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself. Very handsome indeed."
Across the room, Molly said to Ron, "Don't they make a nice couple!"
"Huh?" replied Ron. He stared at Hermione and Draco – they seemed to be standing quite close to one another.
"Nah, can't be," he decided. "They're just friends. 'Mione wouldn't go out with the ferret." He never gave them another thought.
Jolicia's family was the next to arrive. To say that they were impressed with the décor was an understatement! Éliane gasped when she beheld the garden where her daughter was to wed.
"This is perfection!" she exclaimed.
Dumbledore and Severus arrived together. They were both heartily greeted by Jo's family. Alaisdair inquired whether Severus was nervous.
"No, sir. Not at all," was his reply. He had meant what he had said to Jo. Never before had anything felt so right to him.
He took his place beside Albus, Harry and Draco and awaited his bride's arrival. The rest of the congregation gathered round. The door to the Great Hall opened and there stood Jolicia, looking radiant. She was literally glowing with happiness. As she entered, she gazed into the eyes of each and every person present, smiling broadly and receiving their smiles back tenfold.
Those that were close enough, heard Severus' breath catch when he saw her. She was dressed in a white frock coat and pants made of the finest silk. It was exactly the same suit that Severus was wearing! The only difference was that his was black, of course! She had gone to Diagon Alley that last time and had pressed the sales-wizard at Madam Malkin's for the details and had then ordered the same outfit for herself. The cut of the coat accentuated her curves perfectly and the luxurious material moved gracefully with her as she made her way to her betrothed. She carried a small bouquet of blue flowers that matched the color of her sapphire eyes perfectly. Some of the same flowers were arranged in her hair. She truly was a vision.
As she passed by her family, Jo stopped and hugged each of them tightly. She was determined not to cry! After handing her flowers to Hermione, she took her place beside Severus. Albus began to speak.
"Welcome one and all. We have gathered here today to witness the joining of our dear friends and loved ones Jolicia and Severus. They have declared their love for one another and have come here to day not only to be married, but to be bonded. They take this step fully aware of the consequences of their actions. Each has decided that the other is their one true love, their soul mate, and this is the force that brings them here this day."
Albus paused and smiled. He said, "I am afraid that I have a confession to make."
Severus and Jolicia looked at one another and then at Albus. They waited for him to continue.
"When I went to Canada 10 months ago, I did not expect to find our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, let alone Severus' soul mate. I was quite surprised to find both."
Albus turned his attention to Jo and said, "My dear girl, from the very instant that I laid my eyes on you, I knew that you and Severus were meant to be together."
"I don't understand Albus," Jo said, thoroughly puzzled. "How could you know that?"
"When you and I shook hands that first time we met, I had a vision. It quite startled me by its clarity. I saw you, standing alone, staring at me. Suddenly, a dark figure appeared in the distance behind you. As it came closer and closer, I realized that it was Severus! He came up behind you, put his arms around you and kissed you on the cheek. You both smiled at me until the vision finally faded. The look that I had seen on your faces was one of such contentment and joy that, Jolicia, I knew at that moment that I had to bring you here to Hogwarts. I had to bring you here so that you could fulfill your destiny. How fortunate that you were exactly the teacher we were looking for. It did provide me a good excuse to get you to come to Hogwarts for Severus." Jo and Severus were shocked at his revelation.
Albus continued, "You must be asking yourselves why I didn't tell you both about my vision. Would you have believed me? No, I didn't think so. I had to let you discover the truth for yourselves. I must say that Minerva and I were beginning to think it was never going to happen. Yes, Minerva knew."
"Severus, you were a little more resistant than we had imagined," added McGonagall. "Ach, I thought you would never see the light! Thank Merlin you finally did." She beamed at Severus and Jolicia, obviously thrilled for them.
"Shall we proceed?" asked Albus. Severus nodded and took Jolicia's hands in his.
"This ceremony is a mere formality, for Severus and Jolicia have been joined for a long time, even if they didn't know it themselves. They truly are soul mates. In all of my many years, I have never seen two people who are so well suited to one another. In the name of Merlin, I call all here present this day to witness the joining of Severus and Jolicia, for they have declared their love and commitment to one another. They enter this union with their eyes, hearts and minds wide open. From this day forward, some even say until the end of time itself, these two souls will be as one. They will still be separate beings, and yet not separate. Each will live for the good of the other, cherishing, nurturing, respecting, and loving to the best of their abilities. Severus Snape, do you so desire to take this woman, Jolicia Medwin as your wife, your bonded soul mate?"
"I do so desire it," said Severus, smiling at Jo.
"Jolicia Medwin, do you so desire to take this man, Severus Snape, as your husband, your bonded soul mate?"
Jo's eyes were moist as she replied, "I do so desire it."
Albus smiled and asked, "Who holds the rings of joining?"
"I, Harry James Potter do."
"I, Draco Malfoy do."
They held out the rings on the palms of their hands before their Headmaster.
Albus continued, "Even the rings that Severus and Jolicia have chosen demonstrate that they are meant to be joined. Each ring is in fact two rings; one of gold, for Jolicia, and one of platinum, for Severus, each separate, but joined, intertwined around the other. The ring in of itself symbolizes eternity, a love that has no beginning or end."
Albus placed his hands over each of the rings in the boys' hands. A soft golden glow soon emanated from beneath his fingers. Harry and Draco looked at one another, amazed at the sensations they were now feeling. A deep sense of well-being and peace flooded them. When he had finished blessing the rings, Albus motioned for Harry and Draco to give them up to their rightful owners.
Severus took the ring offered to him by Draco, slipped it onto Jolicia's finger and said," I give you this ring as a token of my undying love and as a symbol of our union."
Jo smiled at Harry as she picked up the ring, kissed it and then slid it on Severus' finger saying, "I give you this ring as a token of my undying love and as a symbol of our union."
"Who gives witness that the truth has been spoken here today?"
"We do," replied Harry and Draco in unison.
"Who gives witness that each has participated of their own free will?"
"We do," replied Harry and Draco again.
Jolicia and Severus stood hands together, face to face. Albus joined hands with Harry and Draco and formed a triangle around them.
"We call on Merlin to bless this couple, to make them strong, to guide them safely on the path before them. Give them wisdom and peace. May they always be happy as they are on this day."
With that, the same warm glow that had come from their rings began to engulf Severus and Jolicia. It grew and grew until all five people were surrounded by a cloud of golden light. They stood there, eyes closed, concentrating on the blessing that Dumbledore had just spoken. It was a most curious sensation; it made your hair stand on end, but yet was pleasant. Jolicia tried to comprehend what was happening to her. She could swear she felt a current of electricity flowing from Severus' hands into hers and then back to him again. She became aware of him in a way that she had never experienced. She couldn't put the feeling into words – he was standing beside her, but it was much more than that. It was as if he was inside her body and her mind. It thrilled her! Their joining was complete. She and Severus were bonded. At that moment, Albus let go of Harry and Draco's hands and the luminosity disappeared. He smiled.
"And there you have it. Severus and Jolicia are now of one heart and one soul. Congratulations, my children."
All of the guests yelled congratulations as well, following Dumbledore's lead.
The newlyweds kissed and hugged one another tightly, their faces bright with joy. Molly and Éliane were of course crying. Alaisdair also wiped a tear or two from his face. He was so happy and proud of his beautiful daughter!
"Wonnerful, ain't it?" blubbered Hagrid. He pulled out a handkerchief the size of a small tablecloth and blew his nose loudly. Dabbing his eyes he said, "Loverly wedding, jes' loverly."
Everyone stepped forward to offer their personal good wishes. Severus had never been hugged so much in his entire life. It felt strange to him. He was more used to looks of contempt rather than looks of happiness. Yes, it felt unusual but it felt good. He was especially pleased at the welcome he received from his new in-laws. Éliane and Alaisdair really were pleased that he had married Jolicia. They accepted him into the family with open arms and open hearts. On this day he had acquired a family as well as a wife.
Dumbledore clapped his hands together and tables suddenly appeared.
"I do believe it is time for the feast. Come everyone, let us celebrate this joyous occasion. Mr. and Mrs. Snape, if you would lead the way, please." Albus motioned for them to be seated. Jolicia smiled; it was the first time she had been called Mrs. Snape. She definitely liked the sound of it.
The evening was a tremendous success. Everyone ate and drank to their heart's content. Many toasts were made to the happy couple. Jo's family told stories of her childhood, some of which she would have preferred they had kept to themselves. Robert naturally was the one to tell the most embarrassing tales. After all, that was the role of a brother, wasn't it?
"Just wait until your wedding, Rob," laughed Jolicia. "I have a lot of stories to tell about you, too. I'll have my revenge then, just you wait."
Jo was glad she had thought to tell her family not to ask about Severus' family. She had not gone into too many details, but she had told them he had had a very unhappy childhood and in actual fact he had no family left. She had avoided what would have been a very embarrassing and painful moment for Severus. She watched her new husband as he listened to all of the stories that were being told about her. He was obviously enjoying learning more about her, especially if the story made her blush. It made her happy to see him interact with her family.
Jo corrected herself, "It's his family now." It would take a little getting used to on her part. "For Sev as well, I imagine."
The hour was growing late. Severus sought out Jo and whispered in her ear, "Shouldn't we be leaving soon? Italy is awaiting us, my love." She agreed whole-heartedly, anxious to be alone with her husband. She took his hand and pulled him to the center of the room and climbed up on the platform where they had been wed.
"May we have your attention, please?" she called. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned towards them.
"Severus and I would like to thank you all for being here today to share our happiness." He did not speak, but nodded his agreement.
"It has meant so much to us to have our family and dearest friends join us. We love all of you very much." Jo's eyes shone brightly with tears.
"Having said that, I know that you'll all understand when I tell you that we have to leave." She laughed and continued, "After all, we have, um, things to do!"
"Jolicia!" exclaimed Severus. She always shocked him a little whenever she made references to their sex life in public.
She looked at him with feigned innocence. "Well, it's true isn't it? We do have things to do…like leave for Italy!" He knew very well that she had meant something else entirely.
"Tease," he whispered into her ear. "I can't wait to be alone with you, wife."
Jolicia felt herself blush. They made their way rather quickly around the room and gave their thank yous and goodbyes to all the guests. She wished her family a safe trip home. The Weasleys were taking the train back to London with the Medwins the following day. Jo was leaving them in good hands.
"Molly and Arthur will take care of you. I'll be in touch when we get back. Love you all."
Severus and Jo left to change and then made their way to the Portkey. Before they knew it, they were in their hotel in Rome. Severus had booked the honeymoon suite in the finest Wizarding hotel in the city. He held his hand over her eyes as he opened the door to their room.
"Oh, Severus!" she exclaimed. "It's wonderful!" She flew into the room and admired its luxurious décor. She went to the balcony and threw open the double doors. The view was breathtaking. There before them stood Rome, illuminated in all of its splendor.
"Thank you, my love. I can't believe we are actually here. This view is beautiful!"
Severus came up behind here and slipped his arms around her waist.
"The view is beautiful and I'm not talking about Rome. You are so beautiful, Jolicia. You took my breath away today, did you know that?"
She turned to face him, "Did I really?" He nodded.
"You took mine away as well. My handsome husband." She said softly, caressing his face. For once he did not comment.
He kissed her and then without saying a word, pulled her to the bed. He began to undress her.
"I believe you said we had things to do, Mrs. Snape?" he said bending to capture one of her nipples between his teeth.
"Mmm, yes, we do, Sev. My, my – you don't waste any time do you?" She quickly removed his last piece of clothing. "Oh, Merlin, I need you so much."
They made love many times that night. It was spectacular, as it always was. In the short time they had been together, they had learned very quickly what pleased them. They loved to please each other very often. It would have surprised many to know that the staid, severe Potions Master was in actual fact a very sensual, very sexual man. Jolicia complemented him perfectly. Albus had said that he had never seen two people so well suited to one anther – and that they definitely were. So on that first night of their marriage, the sex had been not only physically fulfilling, but emotionally as well. Their bonding had brought it up to a whole other level, one that could not be described in words. It was perfection, if that was at all possible. Jo felt sure that it was.