Cause and Effect

Chapter Six:

Slander Wars, Graduation, and Wedding Celebrations

The week ended with tears as all of the seventh years bided Hermione and Severus goodbye. Each swore to return for the Holiday celebrations or sooner if the need arisen. The Syltherins all pulled together a school wide baby and wedding shower for their House Mom to Hermione's delight.

Saturday all of the families of each Hogwarts student were there for the graduation ceremony. Severus' family too was there, since Hermione was now one of them by marriage, except for Helena's husband. Well one less problem, or at least that was what everyone hoped.

Beside them were the Grangers. Tom and Heather had never been as proud of their little girl. The first muggle born student to be her year's Valedictorian in the history of Hogwarts.

Severus too was very proud of his young wife. She had gone through so much, and was better for it all. Now she sat between himself and the Headmaster proudly holding his hand in public – their fingers intertwined. Her head was high and a shimmering smile was on her lips. Hermione had never looked lovelier than at that very moment in her husband's eyes.

He knew that many were against them, and the lies Skeeter was writing wasn't helping any. He reviewed the latest Daily Prophet before breakfast while Hermione spent time with some of the graduating Slytherins and Gryffindors.

It was headlined about Hermione being the year's top student, and how they suspected she really got that honor. Then there was a review of every lie that had been published. And at the end four letters were published. None of them were good.

To The Editor of the Daily Prophet,

I am disgusted in how this girl can still be attending, much lest graduating from, Hogwarts with my first year daughter. Have I sent my child to that school to learn to be a prostitute? NO!

It is more embarrassing that my daughter is in the same house as that tramp. Who knows what this sick girl has taught my baby!

I have complained, but the cries have fell on deaf ears. And it is worse that this girl is going to remain at the school as a Professor's wife!

Also we must think about this poor baby she has in her belly (the tramp, not my baby). It is a girl, will her father have urges for her when she starts attending the school as a student (if not before then)? How can anyone allow that possible risk remain?

The moment she is born, that baby needs to be removed and raise by descent people!

A Concerned Gryffindor Mother

Surry

Dear Editor,

How did this happen? This man was her teacher, and he is not punished! From what I have read in the paper, her Muggle parents practically forced her into the man's bed!

Are all Muggle parents this way? Maybe all Muggle born witches and wizards should be removed and raised by Wizarding families.

Why were they even alone in the dungeons in the first place? Why did she carry the juice in?

Sounds like the little tramp set him up. Maybe she and her kind should be purged after all.

Still does he have to marry this tramp?

Hakin Gergory

Editor,

How can tramps such as this Hermione Granger be allowed to attend what was once a fine school? I am a graduate myself. Thankfully I was in Slytherin and graduated the year after Granger arrived. She was a slut then.

I am still in shock that my own head of house would bed wed a Gryffindor – much less a MUDBLOOD! I would give my name, but I fear retribution from The-boy-who-lived-to-triumph. He was and still is a good friend of the Gryffindor prostitute. One wonders how close they and that Ronald Weasley really are.

Slytherin Graduate

Daily Prophet Editor-in-Chief:

I am the concerned parent who tried to intercede for the poor Miss. Granger and Hogwarts. I did all I could. I sent a letter to the girl's parents, which seemed to be a waste of time seeing as she was given to the Professor who has been handling her for so long in more ways than a proper teacher should.

I sent a similar letter to the Board of Governors of Hogwarts, but they refused to believe it and did all in their power to prove the accusations false.

I only got some reaction by sending the same letter to your paper and that daring and witty writer, Rita Skeeter.

Still it seems that it was a waste of my time. For now she graduates, and is rumored to be planning their needed public wedding long before the year and one-day deadline – though I have no idea when it is to be.

Look what her filth has cost that once proud school. I hope no first years show up at platform 9 ¾ this coming September 1st. And I pray that few if not no 2nd through 6th years return. My all the wise parents pull their children from that den of whores and send them to trust worthy schools.

My child was thrown out, but even without that I would have pulled him out. After all, how many times has Dumbledore been removed from his post as Headmaster for incompetence over the past seven years? And he is always reinstated? Shocking.

A Worried Parent

Severus was infuriated. Now there was a chance that the school would suffer. But Albus and Minerva calmed him by pointing out that the last letter had to be penned by Malfoy, and they knew that at least all of the 2nd through 6th years would be retuning in the Fall because of the reaction of the parents. And they were going to send notes explaining the problem and the true story with the acceptance letters in July.

That calmed him, but he was still worried. If Hermione caught wind of any of it, it would be bad for her and their daughter. Hermione, after marching in with the four houses and climbing on stage to take the seat next to his, slid her hand into his own and brought him out of his troubled thoughts. Her face showed her concern, but he smiled and shook his head. No, he would not ruin her graduation day. He squeezed her hand and smiled before kissing her cheek. That was enough to calm her. They settled back as the ceremony began.

First Minerva brought out the Sorting Hat and stool. These students started their time at Hogwarts with this hat; it was only fitting for them to leave the same way.

Listen and heed to my little rhyme.

Where once there were four now there is one.

A Hogwarts united just in time.

As the founders had wanted when this school first begun.

Thanks to two the times have change for those of the light.

A Gryffindor with a heart so brave and true,

One that is smart as Ravenclaw, but she would not back out of a fight.

A Slytherin like the founder rather than the dark few.

One of Gryffindor honor and Hufflepuff loyalty who led who he out of the dark.

Both came together in love and trust that never before has been seen,

I can tell that their love is true and in no ways a lark.

In this act of trust they have helped to unite the Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green.

They have gone from two separate ones to united and soon will be three.

Dark days still lay ahead for all and there are trials yet to overcome,

I know this true for the founders four long ago these days did see.

And four shall be born instead of the founding four's one.

The season of hope will look dark and solemn but this it must be,

And the littlest light will need help from all who now are near.

The one from the four will from the lost bring back three.

Two of the lost even now waits for their one to call them back here.

Even in the dark times ahead there exists this hope filled light.

The evil is still among living and will return to Hogwarts come fall,

When all time and again give only a little, the wrong will be made right.

Hope is burning for he will not stand against Hogwarts standing one for all.

He can shout and he can threat – from plain sight he can even hide.

It will take time and the one must be kept from his filthy hands,

But the Slytherin and his bride will unmask He-who-must-not-be-named.

Or else he will be reborn in the place of the one and conquer all lands.

The battle for the founder's one will be as equally famed,

As the story of The-boy-who-lived in fame for generations to come.

The school is divided and weak thinks He-who-must-not-be-named.

Yet the four houses once divided once again are all in one.

Stand together and strong as you all have before.

For out of the longest darkest many a night now comes the sun.

Stand tall Slytherins, Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and all of Gryffindor.

That was unusual and disturbing. Severus worried about his wife and unborn daughter. It seemed that Voldemort would soon return yet again. Hermione's eyes told her fears, not for herself but for the babe she was carrying. The Dark Lord would not lay a single finger on this precious child – Severus would die before that.

Once the hat was put away, the Headmaster took the center stage. "Another year is gone. I am proud that this year Hogwarts ends more united than ever. This is a student body I am proud to have lived to see.

"To honor this occasion, this is the first year in which all of the houses together will be awarded the House Cup."

That brought out cheers and applauds from all. It did an equally wonderful job of brushing away the gloom the hat's prediction had created. But Hermione remained close to her husband.

Dumbledore continued on with his speech. "These past seven years have been eventful to say the least. Yet, look at what seven years of trials and adventures has done to our school. All of you have made myself as well as all of your Professors very proud.

"We cannot be certain of the years ahead, yet we are certain in one idea – that our family is whole, strong, and I know will look after its own for years to come. Each of you graduates are still finding your paths in life, still wherever your paths lead you, think back on your years here – especially this final year – and know that you are hoped to live each day with the same pride you have shown all these past years.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, I give you our Valedictorian – Mrs. Hermione Granger-Snape."

The applause was near deafening in its intensity. Hermione blushed, and truly fought off her tears. Never had she felt so loved – except by her husband of course.

A kiss on the cheek from Severus brought her back to the moment. She smiled at him before standing to at first shake the Headmaster's hand, only to end up in his embrace.

"I am very proud of you my granddaughter." He whispered into her ear. Which brought on the tears in them both.

It took a few minutes for the applause and cheers to calm. Afterwards, Hermione took a deep breath to steady herself. "Thank you all. For that attention, for the help and respect of the past few months, and for the acceptance all have given – especially both of my houses, Gryffindor and Slytherin.

"In our seven years here at Hogwarts, we have faced many ordeals. I remember quite a few, having been at Harry's side through much of it all." That brought out chuckles, while Harry blushed.

"And now we come together to say goodbye. But, I can't bring myself to say that word. It is too final, as if we will never see one another again. Whether it is on the street of the Muggle world or even in Hogsmead, I know we will see one another again. After all, everyone is coming back for the Holiday feast – can't imagine why right now."

Again everyone chuckled, and Hermione couldn't keep a straight face. "As if I will ever forget why."

More mirth followed. "There is so much talent in this group right here. I speak not only of we who are graduating tonight, but also of those who will follow us and one day of those who will follow them."

Hermione lightly touched her belly, thinking about in eleven years her daughter would start her days at Hogwarts and in eighteen that baby would graduate.

"Now we stand together ready to go out and leave our features on the world around us. Just as we have left our features here at Hogwarts, on each other, and on our Professors. Each of us choose what impression we will leave on the world, and I hope with all that is in my heart that your legacies will be as bright and positive as the ones all of you are leaving here at Hogwarts.

"When we first came here seven years ago, Professor McGonagall told us that our houses are like our families. Now we have shown that this school is our family in itself. Families do part for times, but are still within the hearts of its members. It is that family and wanting to make our families proud of us that drive us to become who we are. And I hope all of you will keep using that drive to dictate where you go on in life and in the world. And when it is hard, the world becomes cold, or you are not sure where to go next – I hope all of you remember to think of here, our home, our Hogwarts, and let the past guide you. Thank you."

The crowd cheered again, and none of the Professors were left unaffected. The ladies all were in tears, while the men were beaming. Severus gave his wife a kiss before she left the dais to sit with the Gryffindors.

A couple more speeches passed, and then each head of house called their students forward. First Minerva called the Gryffindors. The cheers for Ron, Harry, and especially so for Hermione were so loud that the room shook from the vibrations. Next was Professor Sprout with the Hufflepuffs. Severus was proud of his remaining Slytherins as he called them forward (and told each of them so – to their shock and amazement). Professor Flitwick was in charming (no pun intended) mood as he called his students forward.

Then Harry went forward and gave out special awards for those who had served in the D.A. Severus was given an award for his bravery in spying for the school and the Order long before the D.A. ever came into being. Ron and Hermione too got awards for cunning and wit. Along with several other teacher and students.

Other awards were passed out as well. The one that got the most laughs being Harry receiving the Dangerous Dai Commemorative Metal, for the time he nearly flew through the hoops and almost crashed into the main teacher seats during a match – at least he caught the snitch! Ron got the Gryffindor Qudditch Shield. And Hermione, along with Severus, was given and award for special services to the school – for their parts in bring the four houses together. Dumbledore made all chuckle when he said that the couple's daughter would have to wait and earn hers in eleven years or so.

After that Hermione went up to the dais to sit by her husband, as at meals that was her new place rather than at the Gryffindor table. The leaving feast was wonderful. All of Hermione's favorites and even a few things that she had been craving were there.

Severus was doting and loving with her, and made sure that his love ate for herself and their daughter. Yes, Severus Snape had changed because of the news but only for the better.

One week left before the wedding! But with school over, the couple could at last spend some serious quality time together. Ron and Harry volunteered to do Severus' usual end of the year inventory, clean up, and ordering sheets. Giving the couple even more time together.

Given the risk that the Malfoys posed, the couple remained on school grounds, and the date and place of their wedding was not given to the general public so that those who wished the couple ill would not know when or where to go.

They would take walks and daydream about their daughter's years at the school. Sometimes they would sit in front of the fire or lay in bed and talk to her belly. But the entire time was set so that Hermione could relax, as stress was not good for her body at that point.

Yet, all too quickly the week flew by and it was the night before their public wedding. Hermione was relocated back to Gryffindor Tower with all of the ladies of the four houses (including the already graduated seventh years, who stayed behind that week to help with the final preparations), while the men all kept Severus in the dungeons. Somehow, Severus could feel how upset Hermione was, and keeping him from her was a challenge. Hermione wept bitterly without him holding her. It was a rough night for all.

After a few hours, Hermione and Severus managed to force themselves to sleep. Because they had dosed off so late, everyone agreed to let the pair sleep a time, seeing as the wedding would be that evening.

Yet, no one knew how happy and sneaky the couple was (except for Albus of course). The moment she slid into dreams, Hermione was met up with her husband. "Severus?"

"I couldn't wait love. I felt your grief, and wanted to be with you. Let's just say Potter is pushing his luck with me." He growled as he possessively pulled her body against his own.

Hermione breathed Severus' scent in and relaxed in his arms. It felt so good to be with him again. "How did they stop you?"

Severus sighed, "Potter threatened me with a full body lock, and Albus agreed with him."

Hermione couldn't help but chuckle. "Isn't this breaking the rules love?"

"We are bending them, Hermione. Besides, you and our daughter need to rest in the physical world." His eyes darkened even more with a passion that wasn't of the flesh. It was a passion to hold this woman with him for the rest of his days.

"Physical world? Then we're still asleep?"

Severus smiled and nodded. The look of wonder in his wife's eyes was a sight to behold.

She glanced around and only then noticed how dark it was around them. Severus rubbed her back and kissed her cheek. "That is because we haven't chosen what we will dream about, love."

"Somewhere away from Hogwarts, Severus. Someplace you loved and went to before we met." Hermione looked up in his eyes.

Severus smiled genuinely, a smile he held only for the beauty in his arms. Closing his eyes, the scene changed to a small English Estate! It was mid-spring, the flowers were all blooming, it smelled as if it had rained not to long before, the sun was shining, and they were standing by an old oak tree. He adored the wonder and amazement in her eyes as she looked around them. This was the place he had described to her, the place he had promised to take her for the summer break, the place he hoped would be theirs one day.

"Your family's country home! Severus … it's more beautiful than I ever dared dreamed! Can we …" Hermione looked at him warily.

Severus nodded and she took off giggling for the path to the main house, stopping a few feet later to wait for him. Satisfied that he had calmed and pleasured her, he caught up to his wife and soon-to-be bride before they walked together down the dirt path to the main path. There they met up with a surprise!

Standing on the side of the road was a little girl in a white dress. She had dark curly hair that was in a pair of frizzy pig tails held back by white lace ribbons, dark eyes that were full of innocence, full rose-colored lips, and seemed nervous and happy to see the couple coming towards her. "Hello."

"Who are you?" Hermione smiled as she knelt to be more on the same eye level as the girl, who couldn't be more than five.

Severus saw how wonderful a mother his love was going to be for himself. Hermione seemingly knew how to treat this little girl who had some how wandered into their shared dream. The child had to be a powerful witch to accomplish that. No matter her magical strength, she was a very frightened little girl without a doubt. The child seemed too afraid to speak, so Severus too knelt to her eye level.

"Where are your parents, little one?" Severus spoke as softly as he could, pretending that this was the child his love would soon bring into the world.

The girl shrugged.

Spotting a puddle the same time as his love, Severus touched the muddy water's surface. "Show me where this girl's body is now."

It soon showed a clear picture of Hermione's sleeping body, and then that focused in until it was on her belly. Her belly? That could only mean one thing!

Hermione gasped as she looked up at Severus with tears welling in her eyes. "She's our baby! Severus she's our little girl!"

The girl titled her head slightly as she looked at her mother. "Mummy?"

Hermione grinned and nodded before holding her open arms out. With a grin and a giggle that was eerily like her mother's, the giggling child launched herself into Hermione's arms. "Mummy!"

Severus was still in shock. This was their unborn daughter? Yes, he had a connection to his wife, but he had also set wards to keep others out of her dreams – to guard her in her sleep. Yet, this child had broken through them all? He had SEVERLY understated the fact that their daughter would and seemingly was a very powerful witch.

When she smiled and batted her eyes shyly at him just her mother would, Severus felt himself fall in love all over again. "Our beautiful and talented daughter. Thankfully she has your nose and smile."

Hermione chuckled as she hugged her precious baby closer. "And your hair color and eyes. Now if only she didn't have my frizzy hair."

"I love your hair," Severus whispered in his love's ear as his hand brushed down the back of the girl's head lovingly. "Our powerful daughter. How did you get into mummy and my dream baby?"

"Want mummy and daddy. Opened my eyes and I here, daddy. Me bad girl?" There were tiny tears forming in the girl's eyes.

Severus felt his heart break. No one would ever be allowed to hurt his daughter like this. "No baby. I am so proud of you. The magic you did is hard to do, so that means you will be a very strong witch someday."

The tear vanished as she beamed, like rain drops vanishing and the sun coming out after a storm. The miracle he and his love had created reached out her hands for him! "Daddy!"

Before Severus knew what was happening, Hermione slid the child into his arms. Their child, their beautiful little girl, he was really holding her. Absentmindedly he began rocking gently as he relished the feel of his daughter in his arms. "Our little girl."

The couple played with their daughter and watched over her as she ran about the gardens, giggling and beaming as if there was nothing to worry about. No Draco Malfoy, no Death Eaters hiding in the shadows waiting for their dead master to return (a fate her mother and father both prayed would never happen), in this world she was a happy five year old and all was right. They hoped dearly that this would last. By the time that she was tired, and they had to wake, the pair had finally decided on her name.

Hermione grinned up at her only love, who nodded to her. "Natasha! Natasha Kismet Snape! Time to go sweetheart!"

Giggling the girl ran to her parents. "That's my name!"

Severus smiled on the little girl who was yawning in his love's arms. "We know baby. You be a good girl today."

"I will daddy. Night night. Night night mummy."

Hermione felt a tear come to her eye as she watched her baby dose off in her arms. "Goodnight Natasha."

Then she vanished. Hermione was alarmed. "Severus!"

"Calm down love. She's back inside of you, in her body." He lovingly rubbed her belly with such a look of joy in his dark eyes.

That steadied Hermione's racing heart, as she collapsed into his embrace. She breathed in his scent and relished their last few minutes together for a short time. "I love you, Severus."

"As I love you, Hermione. You and our baby girl." Severus kissed her lips gently. Just as he felt them waking, he heard her sigh out "our little Natasha."

***

Hermione awoke to her two mothers gently shaking her. She had a smile on her face that none could explain at first. Then Rhiannon nodded her head in understanding. "I knew I should have put up wards against magic. Severus is as sneaky as when he was little."

"Even if you had mum, I doubt it would have worked. Our daughter met up with us. She wanted to be with us and appeared. Severus said that means she is powerful." Hermione sighed as she remembered how beautiful a daughter they had growing in her belly.

Rhiannon was shocked. "Honestly, my son has made an understatement that none will ever beat! With all the wards I sense around you that undoubtedly Severus created, and she still managed to get into the dream you two shared?"

"All the best of her parents combined into one it would seem." Heather smiled at her dreamy gazed daughter proudly.

"She is. We already picked her name too. It's …" Hermione was cut short by Rhiannon though. "Dear, it is tradition that a child's name is not spoken until its' naming ceremony. We don't want to jinx your pregnancy, now do we?"

Hermione shook her head vigorously with wide frightened eyes. She loved her daughter too much to place her in any risk at all.

After a lengthy bath (along with teasing about her getting cold feet), they sat the bride down and started to work hard on making her the Queen Severus already saw her as.

Hermione's hair was tamed into warm waves and left down to show Severus was her first. Then her headpiece was added. A gold six strand, open weaved, circlet with a large garnet stone that was set in the center of her forehead.

A traditional veil of light golden chiffon-like fabric that fell from just above her forehead, wrapped around her shoulders, and trailed down her back and out behind her three feet was next. Along the edge were silver, ruby red, and emerald green crystals spaced so that they were not center the attention of the guests on her veil edge.

Hermione gazed into the full-length mirror to see that her gown was beautiful! Her bodice was fitted golden tapestry lace that had silver latticework tiny ruby and emerald crystals buttoned up her front. Silver and gold ribbons laced the back closed so that the gown fitted her perfectly. The skirt was a double layered. The over layer was folded and cut in point d' spirit. The fabric was gold and emerald. The under layer was silver and ruby. The same latticework was down the center of each arm that were loose all the way down to her wrists.

Her makeup was very light. The ladies all agreed that the young bride needed not much because she was so glowing with beauty that only an expecting mother possessed.

A knock at the door interrupted the women's fussing over the bride. "Is it safe for the father of the bride to come in now?"

"Hey daddy!" Hermione's smiling face brightened even more.

Tom looked stunned at his first sight of his daughter. "Hermione, you are beautiful baby girl."

Hermione blushed lightly. "Daddy!"

"You are. I just can hardly believe my little girl is all grown up. I just hope that you and Severus will be as happy as your mum and I have been." Tom wiped the tear from her cheek and smiled on Hermione. "Ready baby?"

Hermione looked around the Gryffindor common room for the last time and smiled. "Yeah."

***

Severus wore an eight strand closed weaved silver circlet with an emerald in the center of his forehead. His dark emerald robe that was over his dark high collared shirt and pants was trimmed with silver and gold and rubies.

He paced worriedly in front of the fireplace. This had to go right! One day of their marriage he wanted to go perfect – and this was that day. Harry and Ron were fighting the urge to chuckle, while Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.

Severus was nervous. "Are you certain?"

Basil Allyn was leaning against the wall. He nodded. "Absolutely. He came to me, thinking that I have always been on his side. I had a little fun with him."

"What do you mean, Basil?" Harry was stunned by this development.

"I told him that Hermione was to marry the Professor on the first day of the new term. Alana told him that she was told that Hermione changed her mind. Crabbe and Goyle told him that the Professor threw her out and hasn't spoken to her since."

Ron shook his head at that. "Well the four of you are all a credit to your house's reputation when it come to cunning."

Basil raised an eyebrow at the red head. "Was that a Gryffindor actually complimenting a Slytherin? Looks like miracles do happen!"

While the other men burst out laughing, Severus fought off the smirk he felt wanting to come out. In hours he would be marrying the woman he knew he could not live without. Not only that, but all of the school seemed determined to see them wed – including his own house! Basil was right, miracles indeed happen. Severus not only gained the heart of the know-it-all he had loved for over two years, kept her from dying several times, would all too soon become a father, but lived to see Slytherins fighting for the life and honor of a Muggle Born witch! And here it was June, not December.

Then came the knock on his door. Albus opened it to reveal a half beaming/half glaring Rhiannon Snape. "Severus Snape! You about bent the rules to the breaking point!"

"Hermione was upset, and it isn't good for her or our daughter right now. Besides it seems that she and I would have shared the same dream anyway – seeing as a certain little girl wanted her parents and got past all of her father's wards around her mother to get what she wanted." Severus felt his heart burst with pride as the men all looked dumbfounded at him.

Harry spoke up first. "The baby showed up in your dreams, and you snuck out while you were asleep to be with Hermione? Got to remember that trick when my turn comes around."

Severus smirked, "just don't let me even think that you are doing that come your wedding eve. I can block it."

"Hey! We didn't bug you!" Harry snapped and glared. Then he grinned, "bet the kid is a cutie – with the smile you had on your face before. She obviously isn't a magical wimp."

"You couldn't even if you had tried, Potter. Yes, mine and Hermione's daughter is beautiful. And no she is no wimp. She can cast spells to bring her to her parents in utero." Severus could still see his little girl's smile in his mind's eye.

Rhiannon cleared her throat. "I am not standing here for my health gentlemen. Now, unless you all would enjoy seeing my newest daughter upset because she fears something is wrong with my son – or worse, that he has changed his mind – then I suggest we get this wedding underway."

That was enough to bring all the men back to the present. Rhiannon took her son's offered arm, and the pair led the men up from the dungeons and dropped them off at the main doors. Mother and son went to the doors that had been specially transfigured into one of the walls for the occasion. Rhiannon had been looking forward to this day for so many years, and for a long time it seemed like she would never get the chance to give her son away.

Looking up at him, she saw he was nervous. Severus was a private man, and would have preferred a small and private ceremony. Yet, there were so many people they wanted to keep on their side of this on going battle in the papers. So all the students, their parents/guardians, alumni, a few newspapers (especially the Quibbler, but no one from the Daily Prophet), some friends from other schools, and other select guests were invited. All came. That totaled well over the thousand mark. Still Rhiannon knew that her son would face this and worse to be married to his Beltane Bride.

The music the Hermione had chosen was beautiful, and so fitting for the occasion. Rhiannon lead her son through the doors to the shocked stares, longing gazes, and sighs of the women – along with the glares and sighs of relief from the men. Severus wanted to growl and sneer, but that changed when he saw Hermione and her father walk through the other added doors. He was numb with shock.

She was a goddess … that had to be the explanation! Hermione was ravishing in her gown and veil. And the beautiful, soft glow that surrounded her – Severus knew that he would never get enough of this woman. Had he helped to create that glow? Was that from the babe she carried in her womb? Or was she always going to be so beautiful? Merlin, how he hoped to never let her beauty fade.

***

Hermione was fighting the battle to keep from fainting the moment her eyes took in her Beltane Husband. She had always seen Severus as powerful, dark, and handsome – yet, in that one moment he was all her fantasizes, dreams, wishes, longings, and hopes wrapped in one.

As her dad moved her closer to the middle of the room he whispered into her ear, "it never goes away baby. I still see your mom the same way I did the day we were married."

That gave Hermione joy and happiness on top of all that she already had.

A moment later the four of them were in the center of the room, surrounded by those who wished them well, family, and friends, standing before the Head Master and Deputy Head Mistress who were to perform the ceremony, and in a moment none would ever forget in the History of Hogwarts. The alter area had been locked with a sonorous charm to carry the ceremony to all the gathered guests.

Dumbledore smiled at the couple before him. He had always known that each was perfect for one another, he was only too happy that they were coming together despite all the evil thrown at them. "We have come together here in celebration of the Beltane Wedding and the public joining of Hermione Elisabeth Marie Granger-Snape and Severus Durand Anguis Snape. There are many things to say about marriage. Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered."

McGonagall too was pleased with the pairing. She only wished that they had not been hurt so often to bring this couple together. "Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemption. Love is anterior to Life, posterior to Death, initial of Creation and the exponent of Earth. If we learn no more in life, let it be this."

Dumbledore looked at Hermione and smiled. There really was no reason to ask the question to either bride or groom, yet why give those who wished his former students and best Potions Professor any way to hurt Hermione or Severus? So, he would follow the book to the letter in this instance.

"Hermione, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?" He saw the answer burning in the young woman's eyes.

Hermione smiled as she looked from her love, husband, and father of her unborn daughter to her grandfather-like former Head Master. Even with her racing heart, she knew the answer to this question long before. "Yes, it is true."

"With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you?" Dumbledore asked.

Tom sighed. He had no problems with the marriage. This was just the one-day he had dreaded from the moment he first held his little girl in his arms. That was a feeling he knew Severus too would be feeling in a few months. "She comes with me, her father, and is accompanied by all of her family's blessings."

Dumbledore sympathized with the father. He and his love had not been able to have children of their own, though he and Minerva both adored and cared each child that came through Hogwarts as their own, Albus knew that the pain of childlessness had ached his wife even to that day. Minerva loved how soon there would be a baby in the castle, and would be as devoted to the girl as her true grandparents would be.

He looked to the young man he had ached for as the teen made grave mistakes, punished him by paying back mankind by serving the Order as a spy, and now celebrated as the still young man came to be wed with his prized student. Dumbledore felt as if he were one of the fathers this day – and in a way he was.

Minerva came forward and continued the ceremony. "Severus, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?"

Severus looked into the eyes of his beautiful bride. She was glowing with the beauty of her condition, and he couldn't believe that she wanted to be his for the rest of their lives. Yet Hermione forgave his past and accepted not only his claim to her by the bed wedding, but their unborn daughter as well. "Yes, it is true."

Minerva, Albus, and everyone smiled at how strong his voice was with his every word. It was hard to fight off her tears from her eyes and her voice. "With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you?"

"He comes with me, his mother, and is accompanied by all of his family's blessings." Rhiannon was proud of her son, and adored her new daughter. There was many a time she didn't dare to be in this ceremony, giving her baby away.

Tom and Rhiannon placed the hands of their child into the other's. Their place in the ceremony was over with, yet neither would be far out of the young couple's lives as long as they lived. Then both went and sat by their mate to watch Hermione and Severus make public their Beltane ritual marriage – making their bond from the Beltane year and one day to their terms … so long as their love last. That meant when they were reborn, and if they crossed one another's paths again, if their love were still burning they would still be bound by their vows.

Minerva looked out at the crowd gathered in the great hall – packing the room to its maximum capacity and many standing just to witness this event. This was the one moment in the ceremony she – along with everyone else – was afraid of. "If there is any here who can show just cause that these people should not be joined into the bonds of marriage, let them speak now, or keep their silence for all time."

For the needed two minutes the tension in that room was worse than even the middle of a Death Eaters meeting with the Dark Lord in a pissy mood. Thankfully there wasn't even a cough or a throat cleared. None were going to dare stop this marriage.

Two minutes later, with a brighter smile on his face, Albus again came forward. "You both stand before this company and before the Gods, seeking to become one with each other by Wizarding Law. You have entered into this union with open eyes and full hearts. If either of you, or anyone present here today, know of any reason why these vows should not be made, speak now."

Again, once Bride and Groom were certain there was nothing to legally impede the joining, Minerva smiled on the pair as she spoke. "The wedding rings are tokens of Severus and Hermione's love for one another, as they exchange them, so do they offer the gift of consideration which is essential to the true sacrament of marriage."

Minerva took Severus' wedding ring from Harry, who was thoroughly enjoying not being the center of attention for the first time in too long. She was pleased at Severus' choices of best men. Hermione's dearest friends, and two young men who had stood beside the couple tightly – even if Severus still had his problems with the pair to work out. "Severus, I have not the right to bind you to Hermione, only you have this right. If it is your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand."

Taking the ring from his former teacher, now colleague, and at times still surrogate mother, Severus looked into the eyes of his only love as he laid the ring in her hand and gently closed her fingers around it. He spoke very loud and with all of his heart, so that none would ever question his devotion to this woman. "It is my wish."

Albus fought the urge to chuckle. The boy had been loud enough to send that message straight to the Great Wizards themselves. "Hermione, if it is your wish for Severus to be bound to you, place the ring on his finger."

Of course she wanted this. Never had she wanted anything as badly as she had wanted to be his alone. Reverently and tenderly, Hermione slid the ring on his left ring finger with a look of joy on her face and determination in her eyes. Then she covered his hand with both of her own. This was the man she would give all for, and today she was only telling that fact to the world.

Taking her ring from Ron, the Head Master of Hogwarts looked at one of his finest students and smiled. "Hermione, I have not the right to bind you to Severus, only you have this right. If it is your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in his hand."

Taking her ring, she repeated Severus' actions – wrapping his fingers around the ring she laid in his hand. As loud and clear as her love had, Hermione told all exactly what she had wanted to say for a very long time. "It is my wish."

Albus was fighting the urge to weep for joy as Minerva swallowed and looked at their foster son. "Severus, if it be your wish for Hermione to be bound to you, place the ring on her finger."

Severus slowly slipped the ring onto his love's hand. He watched the lights played across the metals Silver and gold, each twisted in the center and wrapped around an emerald and a ruby – once again his parents had aided him by discovering the most perfect of rings.

Albus took over and could see that the couple was lost in one another – only barely attuned to the ceremony. He looked over at the man he had watched and cared for over the years and knew this was the best of challenges his Potions Master had ever received. "Severus, repeat after me."

Severus knew the words, yet (out of respect for his friend and mentor) he listened and repeated – each word a binding in his own heart to the beautiful creature that even then was carrying his child; his beautiful Hermione. "In Love and Trust, I Give Myself to you in celebration and honor of our Beltane binding. Hermione, I affirm, pledge, and declare my love for you as I invite you to share my life. To this end, I call upon my family, your family, and our friends here present to witness that I, Severus Snape, take you Hermione Granger-Snape, to be my lawful, wedded wife as long as our love shall last."

Hermione was fighting her tears as she in turn repeated those words after Minerva. "In Love and Trust, I Give Myself to you in celebration and honor of our Beltane binding. Hermione, I affirm, pledge, and declare my love for you as I invite you to share my life. To this end, I call upon my family, your family, and our friends here present to witness that I, Hermione Granger-Snape, take you Severus Snape, to be my lawful, wedded husband as long as our love shall last."

Together, Albus and Minerva spoke clear as they blessed the couple and their vows. "By the Winds that bring change, by the Fire of love, by the Seas of fortune and the strength of the Earth do I bless this union."

Minerva took a goblet of wine (all agreeing that one swallow would not be completely hazardous to the baby – and that obviously the child herself could fight off the effects it seemed). She smiled at the pair before her. Settling the cup into Hermione's hands she spoke to them both in blessing. "This is your first drink together. May you never thirst!"

Hermione first held the cup up to her love's lips as Severus drank. Then Severus held the cup for Hermione as she drank. Each caring for the other, just as they knew they would throughout their marriage. Then they, together, returned the cup to Minerva.

Albus took the bread from the alter and broke it, as his wife (though few knew it) set the cup back. He gave each a piece of it and smiled. "This is your first food together. May you never hunger!"

Hermione fed Severus, who in turn fed her. Each brushed a finger across the other's lips in longing. The ceremony was nearly over, but the evening was just beginning.

Minerva remembered how she had felt at her wedding to Albus. It had been rushed, secret, and most of all life threatening. She was grateful to the Great Wizards that was not the case for the young people before her. "Marriage is unique among the rites of life, both in the Wizarding and the Muggle worlds, in that it is a sacrament which requires not one, but two empowered celebrants. Each celebrant comes to this rite with his or her own history, abilities, empowerments, and hopes."

Albus too remembered that night. He also prayed to live long enough to make it up to his wife on their fiftieth wedding anniversary the following year. For now he was willing to do anything to make sure this couple had the wedding he dreamed to give his Minerva. "Through the sacred mystery of marriage, all of these things are commingled for the common benefit of the celebrants. And so, in commingling their flames as one, Severus and Hermione now demonstrate their desire to work together as husband and wife."

Minerva and Albus both took the single candle that Tom and Rhiannon had lit before the guests were seated and they had gone to collect their child. The Head Master and Deputy Head Mistress gave one to the bride and the other to the groom. Minerva might have been wearing a serious look on her face, but she was already celebrating in her heart. "Your separate lives are symbolized by the separate candles you now bear. As you join their flames to make one flame, know that at that moment you are willingly joining your lives forever. Is this what you wish?"

Hermione smiled up at her one time feared and often hated and misunderstood Potions Professor and knew that this man was the only one for her. "I do."

"I do." The words rolled so easily out of Severus' mouth. He loved this young woman, even if he remembered when she was a bushy haired eleven year old waving her arm in the air frantically that first day.

Minerva had an idea of what the pair were thinking, but kept her assumptions to herself. "Then so be it."

She and Albus moved off a little to let Hermione and Severus light the single thick candle in the middle of the alter. They also lit a smaller candle that glowed green, then red, then blue, and yellow to finally become purple.

For once Albus was stunned, then he remembered the prophesy of the hat. He kept his true suspicions to himself – until he could tell his wife about them later on. "It would seem that little Miss. Snape is to be of a house that does not yet exist."

Everyone nodded at this explanation, but there was something about it that felt empty to the modern Marauders. There was something else, but they all knew without a word that now was not the time for it to be known.

Knowing what was to come next, Hermione and Severus didn't wait to be told. They grabbed one another's wrists – left-to-left and right-to-right. The guests, wedding party, along with the Head Master and Deputy Head Mistress grinned knowingly at the pair.

Albus winked as he took the silk cord from his wife and continued on as they tied the cord around the bridal couple's wrists. "The handfasting knot, which binds two lovers' hands together, represents their sincere and hopeful intention to make an indissoluble union."

"Each of us has our own thoughts on the matter, our own words to say, our own hopes and blessings." Minerva beamed.

This was what dragged the wedding out. Every person there spoke a wish for the couple – many saying the same wish again and again. That their daughter would be born healthy and as talented as her parents, that their marriage would be a long one, that they would both always be healthy, that their daughter would not be an only child, and that those who had done so much evil towards them would never succeed. Once the wedding party finished the wishes Albus and Minerva placed their hands upon the cord and chanted out the spell. "Made to measure, wrought to bind, blessed be, these lives entwined!"

The spell twisted within the cord and moved to slowly spin and wrapped around the young couple. Each felt the feelings of the other, along with the feeling of the respect and adoration of those around them. Hermione's smile brightened when she slowly felt a light opening within her. Then that light entered the spell to wrap around Severus. At first he had no idea what this joy and love was that suddenly pouring into his spirit because of the spell – he only knew that it suddenly came from his beloved wife. And then, in his mind, he could hear that sweet giggle only heard in a dream. The light was from their beloved little girl. She was giving her love and joy, to her parents.

Their eyes opened, without a single doubt in their hearts. Together they spoke the spell that would bind them so long as they continued to love one another. "Silken cord – and lovers' knot – bind our vows – lest they be forgot."

The cord vanished and the spell sealed them to one another. Nothing could undo their marriage, not even every Knut of Malfoy money. Albus and Minerva smiled brighter as they closed the ceremony. "By the Winds that bring change, by the Fire of love, by the Seas of fortune and the strength of the Earth do we bless this union. By the power vested in us by the Ministry of Magic, we now pronounce you husband and wife. May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light unto you."

Albus winked at the younger feeling and appearing groom. "Severus, I believe that you can now kiss your bride."

The room filled with chuckles, the sounds of watches coming out, to the blushing bride and groaning groom's regret. That is until Albus and Minerva eased the situation.

"Well Minerva, who do you think the pair of them will help win the bet?"

With a chuckle his wife shook her head. "Albus, They will make it a quick peck at most."

With a twinkle in his eyes he smirked over at the Transfiguration Professor, "care to bet?"

"Usual gamble?" When Albus nodded with a wink, Minerva nodded just slightly. "You are on. How long then?"

Albus chuckled a moment. "I believe that the two of them will set the new Hogwarts record."

Hermione's eyes flared and heated. Severus knew right then that this was not going to be a short kiss, as if he had planned on anything less than a minute. Taking her beautiful face into his hands, the Hogwarts Potions Professor knew that he had finally found his home – in his Bride. The pair's lips brushed and then melted together. Hermione's arms wrapped around his neck as their kiss deepened.

In the span of heartbeats no one was in that room but the happy couple. Legally there was nothing that could be done against them. Severus still had his post, Hermione was his wife, and their daughter would never be called a bastard.

When the room was partially filled with chuckles, the couple remembered where they were and ended their kiss only to gaze in one another's eyes. Until Albus cleared his throat that is. Severus and Hermione glanced over to find the Head Master beaming and his wife torn between chuckling and crying for joy. Indicating for them to turn to face the crowd, Albus felt younger than he had in many years. "Ladies and Gentlemen, my I proudly present Professor and Mrs. Severus Snape."

The room ripped into roars of cheers and applause. After a few moments, husband and wife walked down the isle through the main doors. The reception was outside because the weather was so warm and beautiful. Starry night, fireflies, and people who cared about them. Severus would have left quickly, but Hermione was enjoying herself – meaning he would suffer the party.

He enjoyed the time he had to dance alone with his beloved wife. In fact it was the best memories he had of the celebration. Severus finally had time to talk to his wife.

"You look ravishing, Mrs. Snape."

Hermione blushed and smiled as she looked into his eyes. Her brown eyes were sparkling and there were tears shimmering – tears of joy. "You love calling me that. And you know what? I love hearing you say it."

"And now, no one will take you from me. Hermione, are you happy about this? About becoming my wife?" Severus still felt guilty for stealing her youth and future.

Here Hermione was now his wife, carrying their first child, and had only graduated from Hogwarts a week before. In his eyes, he had trapped her forever. Marriages in the Wizarding World only ended in death, and their vows bonded them forever – because Severus knew his love for her would never end.

Hermione rested her head on his chest as they danced. "Severus, do you know how long I have loved you? Since my fifth year. Really the summer before fifth year, when I saw all you were doing to protect kids like me. I started thinking about how you are not the greasy git all the other students usually see you as. You are exactly opposite what that creep Lockhart was.

"Dark, mysterious, brooding at times, you never parade or flaunt yourself, you do things because it is the right thing to do and because you are one who stays true to your heart."

Severus shook his head. "I was a Death Eater, Hermione. I am not that true a man."

Hermione looked in her new husband's eyes. "Back then you gave your loyalty to those who make you feel important. You were a kid who later learned from your mistakes. Instead of sticking with those who used you because you thought they liked you, you have found your way to bring yourself to that place where you can face yourself in the mirror. You are a man I am very proud to call my husband."

Severus felt his heart lighten. This woman felt so much for him. Once he would have ended his days once his part of spy was no longer needed. Now he had two wonderful reasons to live. And those beautiful reasons gave him back his family and his faith in himself.

"I am proud to call you my wife, Hermione. You are more than I ever dared hoped for myself. You, Hermione Elisabeth Marie Snape, are the greatest of witches."

***

Two hours later, the happy couple left their still celebrating friends for their honeymoon. Severus held his beloved wife close as he apparated to his surprise holiday plan.

"Can I look now, Severus?"

He had been enjoying the feeling of peace holding his wife. "Yes. I decided why throw out our plans because Malfoy rushed our wedding plans to before our courtship? Welcome home Mrs. Snape."

"The summer manor! Oh Severus! This is the same tree from the dream! If the baby shows up I will wonder if we are asleep!" Hermione chuckled as tears of joy fell down her face.

Severus chuckled. "So would I, beloved."

Walking down the path they both smirked when there was no little girl waiting for them. Hermione leaned into his embrace as they walked up to the house, when his words haunted her. "Severus, what did you mean when you welcomed me home?"

"Father and mother gave us the manor as a wedding gift. This way we have a place to come home to during the holidays and for the summer." Severus smiled as he gathered Hermione into his arms.

A spell later he carried his bride over the threshold of their home. The dreams Severus once gave up on had come true.

Yet, the higher the high meant the farther they would have fall.

***

That night the Granger's car went over a cliff and exploded in a ball of flames.

How is that for a cliff hanger? Talk to me people, or I'll think that you guys don't want me to update this fic … now that I have time to work on my fics.