Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, J.K. Rowling is. Therefore, I am not making any money off of them, unfortunately.
Author's Note: Ok, this chapter is going to get rather sexual. I'm sorry if anyone is offended by that, if you are, please don't read this.
Chapter 7 - Interlaced Souls
Hermione woke early the next morning as sun flooded through her window, shining brightly in her eyes. Slowly getting out of bed, she looked outside. The day was perfect, just as she had always dreamed her wedding day would be like as a child. Unfortunately, it was going to turn out to be anything but the perfection she had once imagined.
Although she knew she should eat, Hermione couldn't bring herself to go down to the Great Hall and face her friends who had stayed, all of her teachers, and most importantly, Snape. Although they had come to somewhat of an understanding two days before, she still wasn't overly thrilled to see him today and decided to put it off as long as possible. Instead she went to the fireplace and placed a little floo powder in. One of the perks of being the new Head Girl was that you got free access to the kitchens at all times of day. You could have food brought up to your dormitory at your leisure, although you were generally expected to attend daily meals. One of the newer house-elves, named Cobbles, rushed immediately to the fireplace when he saw her face appear.
"What can Cobbles get you, Miss Hermione?" he asked excitedly.
"I'd just like some toast, please. And maybe a butterbeer," answered Hermione. She would need all the butterbeer she could get just to make it through her day, and was upset that she could not get her hands on anything stronger. Within seconds, a plate that contained about twelve pieces of toast and a huge bottle of butterbeer arrived in her hands.
"There you is, Miss Hermione! Enjoy your breakfast!" called Cobbles happily as she thanked him graciously and disappeared back into the fireplace. The remainder of the morning flew by as Hermione stayed in her room, doing anything possible to calm herself. Around noon, Cobbles brought her up a sandwich and another bottle of butterbeer which she drank, feeling the warm liquid soothe her nerves.
A gentle knocking on her door startled her from the thoughts that were plaguing her mind, and she silently cursed whoever was interrupting her from her last moments of true solitude. Upon opening the door, she was very surprised to find Professor Snap -no- Severus, standing there. His face was always hard to read, but she could detect a slight anxiousness there. The nerves that he was feeling soothed her; she felt less panicked knowing that he wasn't entirely comfortable either. "Severus! Please come in," she said, trying to control her surprise that he was there wanting to speak with her a mere three hours before their wedding.
"Hermione, I'm sorry if I've disturbed you and any preparations you have been making, but there is something rather urgent that I fear I must speak with you about with regard to our wedding this afternoon," he said, stepping into her room and taking a seat in the chair she directed him to.
"Oh dear. What now?"
"Dumbledore has asked me what kind of wedding we would prefer - we do have a choice regarding how we would like the ceremony and vows to be performed. I thought I would ask you before making any final decisions, because as you will soon see, it is extremely important."
"Well, thank you for including me in this decision. What exactly do we have to choose from, though?" Hermione asked softly.
Severus regarded her for a moment, trying to think of how to put his thoughts into words. He wasn't good at this kind of talk, everything always came out wrong. "There are two ways a wizarding wedding can be performed. The first is somewhat like a Muggle wedding, and is what most couples under the Marriage Law are choosing. In this ceremony, the witch and wizard would both give an oath pledging their devotion, they exchange rings, and then are officially made husband and wife. This type of wedding can eventually be terminated - after the Marriage Law is revoked, which I'm sure it eventually will be, the witch and wizard can make the decision to end their bond together - much like the Muggle form of divorce. As I said, most couples have chosen their ceremony to be performed this way."
"And what is our other option?" asked Hermione.
"The second option is a full wizarding ceremony. Should we choose this alternative, we will be bonded together not only by words and on paper, but by ancient, complex spells as well. These spells can never be broken; the marriage cannot be terminated. We will be, in essence, bound forever. Since this is a forced and arranged marriage, it may seem unfavorable to proceed with this kind of ceremony. But it does have one great advantage if it can be achieved. Under this kind of marriage, not only does the couple share themselves, their love, and their soul, but they also share power. In a truly dire situation when more that one person's power is needed, a person in this sort of marriage may summon the power of their partner to use as well as their own, making any magic they have twice as powerful. However, this can only be achieved if the couple is truly in love, for love is the power that allows these two individuals to be bound so thoroughly. Also, it is a rule of this type of marriage that the ceremony be consummated within twenty-four hours of when the spells are cast, or the marriage will be named void. This is a risky decision, Miss Granger, and one that I could never make without you," he finished, looking at her with an unreadable expression. He looked as if he'd gone over the situation in his mind a million times, but was still unable to come up with a solution.
"Wow," was the only initial response Hermione could come up with. "At first I was thinking that the first option sounded the most beneficial, but now that I hear of the second one, it's a difficult call to make. With Voldemort around, and the amount of danger we are in, being able to harness the power of both of us is tempting. I mean, you seem to be powerful enough on your own, I'm sure you wouldn't come upon any occasion to use it, but I have never faced the Dark Lord and should I...I am sure I will not be able to conquer him alone."
With that confession, Severus made somewhat of a snort. "Don't flatter me, Miss Granger, I am not nearly as powerful as you believe me to be. And I also think that you underestimate your power as well, the amount of intelligence and strength that you possess is astounding. Should our power be combined, it would be beyond anything that the world could ever imagine. I have no doubt in my mind that Voldemort knows that as well. Unfortunately, there is an immediate drawback that Voldemort is counting on, and that is causing me doubts as well. You must be truly in love with your spouse in order to summon their power. This is to ensure that you never can use that power for selfish advancement or to cause harm on the other person. While I am confident that you would never do that to me, and you may know that I would never use you in that fashion, it is the true love that is the problem for us. I have never loved someone in my whole life, I scarcely know what the emotion feels like. I am a harsh and cold man, and you are a warm, optimistic, and compassionate girl. Could you ever love me, Hermione? If true love is a useless endeavor for us, then it would be futile to choose this option when the other provides so many benefits as well. What do you think?" At that moment he looked so lost, and yet so hopeful and earnest that Hermione could feel in her soul that he was not a cold man, but one who possessed as more hidden compassion than she could imagine. Hermione felt as if her mind and heart were playing tug of war, that she was way too young and unprepared to be making this kind of decision. The silence between them seemed interminable, and she watched as he began to pace the room, tension mounting further with every step he took. Finally, a thought came to her, one that would prove the true emotion in his heart.
"Had you felt that you could never love me, you wouldn't have told me about this marriage option," she answered softly, looking at him questioningly. "Therefore, you must know that you are not actually a harsh and cold man, but one who can feel, and does, somewhere deep within. While I could never love a man who was truly harsh and cold, I do think I could love one who was compassionate but afraid of being hurt, and consequently kept his feelings hidden. If that is truly the man you are, then please speak up now and tell me so - it could change our lives forever."
He looked at her, amazed at her intuition, that she was able to read so much from him. For the first time in his life, Severus Snape was at a loss for words. There were no words for what he felt - he was completely lost, and yet found for the first time in his life; he was scared and yet confident. Every conflicting emotion within him was coming out at once, and there was only one thing he could do. Silently, he took a step towards her and gently ran a hand through her hair, feeling her chestnut curls mold themselves around his fingertips. Slowly, he used his other hand to tip her chin up towards his own face, and then lowered himself towards her until their lips touched. It wasn't a long kiss, or anything deep or remotely sexual. Despite its innocence, it was powerful, and filled both parties with something that had been lost for awhile: hope.
Once they separated, a new understanding filled both of them, and Hermione looked at him, a smile spread across her face. "Was that supposed to be an answer to my question?"
Sighing teasingly, he looked at her, a quite serious expression on his face. "Yes, Hermione. I could love you."
"Then, yes, Severus, I could love you as well. I guess we'd better choose option two."
"You are aware that this would bind you to me, from today until we are parted by death? You would have to spend your life with me, not just for a little while, but forever. There is no turning back."
"Yes, I know," Hermione answered softly. "There are worst fates, I'm sure," she added, with a wry smile. "Are you prepared to do the same?"
He took a long, hard look at her, followed by a deep breath. "I am."
Hermione answered in as calm of voice as she could. "Then I suppose you should start getting ready."
With a small smile and a nod, Severus left the room.
Half an hour later, Hermione stood in her room with Harry, Ron, and Ginny around her.
"What do you mean, you're having a full wizarding ceremony?" asked Ron incredulously. "You hardly even know this man, Hermione, only that he's cold and cruel has got the power to make your life a living hell!"
"I know he's got that power, Ron, but he wouldn't! It's you that hardly knows him, not me. There's so much more to him than what he shows on the outside; he will treat me well and care for me. I think that eventually, we will end up falling in love with each other. Please, try and understand," she said softly.
"I understand," said Harry. "The ability to have access to each other's power and love will be the most beneficial thing to keep you safe - and the thing that Voldemort's not expecting. He always underestimates the power of love when it comes to magic, and he certainly won't foresee you and Severus falling in love with each other."
"Exactly," said Hermione. "Plus, the spells that take place with the marriage are yet another thing standing between me and Lucius Malfoy. Severus told me that they're immensely hard to break - not even Voldemort himself could do it."
"I guess it's for your own good, then," said Ginny softly. "I just can't get over the thought of being married to Snape for all eternity, but I have to say that if Snape could fall in love with anyone, it would have to be you. You've got brains and beauty; to him, you must be perfect."
Hermione laughed. "I'm far from perfect, Gin, but then again, so is he. I think together, we could be happy eventually. Especially if I've got you guys."
"You've got us, Hermione," said Harry, pulling her and Ginny into a friendly hug. "You know you can always come and talk to me about anything, and, well, since Ginny's a girl she might be better to talk to about all that...womanly...stuff."
"Ron?" asked Hermione, regarding him hopefully. She prayed he would be able to accept her decision.
With a reassuring smile, he joined the group hug. "You know I'll always be there for you, nobody on earth could ever stand in the way of me being your friend. But seriously, if Snape ever lays a hand on you, if he says something mean, if he looks at you the wrong way, just let me know and I'll kill him..." he trailed off protectively.
Rolling her eyes, Hermione laughed. "He won't, Ron. That I'm sure about. But thank you all the same, dear," she said, giving him a little peck on the cheek.
"Alright, alright, now shoo, you guys!" exclaimed Ginny. "Hermione's getting married in three hours, she needs to get ready!" Within moments, the guys had left and Ginny had pulled out every magical beauty supply Hermione knew existed.
"Here we go," Hermione sighed.
With fifteen minutes to go before he was married for all eternity, Severus stood pacing back and forth in the Room of Requirement. He had dressed in his nicest black dress robes and had already put on his best scowl when Albus told him he looked "handsome". Not that he would mind if that remark came from Hermione, but still. He found it strange that he had been less nervous earlier, before his encounter with Hermione. As a man who always made sure that he was in absolute control of his life, it unnerved him to think that he was falling into an endless wave of uncontrollable emotions, unable, and if truth be told, unwilling to stop himself. It couldn't really be said that he was truly in love with the girl yet, but he'd be a fool to deny the fact that he was feeling something, and for Severus Snape, feeling something was unimaginable.
Finally, Albus Dumbledore arrived in the room, dressed in robes of royal blue. Severus took his spot at the front of the room, watching as guests filed in to see the ceremony. In the front row were Mr. and Mrs. Granger on one side, with Harry, Ron, and Ginny sitting directly behind them, along with the rest of the Weasley clan. The Hogwarts staff filled in many of the remaining rows of chairs. As he looked over to the other side, he blanched upon seeing the face of his father - the person he had worked so hard to shut out of his life forever. He felt such an internal hatred for the man, he had felt that way ever since his seventh year at Hogwarts. Before he had time to dwell on that, the music started playing, and Hermione slowly began to walk down the aisle. All outside emotions vanished once he saw her beautiful face, her shaking hands, her nervous eyes. After getting to the front, she turned to face him, and he clasped his hands in her own.
Albus began to speak, his voice gentle yet confident, as the world spun all around them. "We are gathered here today to join the hands and souls of Miss Hermione Jane Granger and Mister Severus Edmond Snape in matrimony. Under the eyes of Merlin, myself, and all the people of the world, this man and woman wish to be forever bonded to each other in one union: two heads, one mind; two hearts, one soul. They will belong to each other today, and everyday, from now, until death do they part."
At that point, Severus produced a ring which he held out in front of Hermione. It was silver, with a diamond set in the middle and two small pearls on either side. Although he was quite serious, his face appeared softened as he looked into her eyes. "Hermione Jane Granger, with this ring I give myself to you. In times of peace and times of trouble, days of happiness and days of sorrow, I pledge that I will be there, giving you my eternal love, honor, and respect. Just as you share a place in my home, you will share a place in my heart, a place where you forever will be cherished by me."
As he slid the ring on her finger, he gave her a small reassuring smile, and somehow it gave her the confidence to go on. Producing her own ring, an elegant yet simple gold band, she spoke her vows. "Severus Edmond Snape, with this ring I give myself to you. In times of peace and times of trouble, days of happiness and days of sorrow, I pledge that I will be there, giving you my eternal love, honor, and respect. Just as you share a place in my home, you will share a place in my heart, a place where you forever will be cherished by me." Her hands shaking, she slid the ring onto his finger, and he clasped her hand again.
Dumbledore then drew out his wand, and raised it towards the sky. "So it may be. Duo viscus inclino unus!" A gold ring formed around Hermione and Severus as Dumbledore lowered his wand and turned to them. "Severus Snape, you may kiss the bride."
Pulling her towards him, Severus kissed her soundly. The gold ring contracted in as their lips met, eventually entering their bodies in a surge of light, and a warm feeling moved through the couple.
Dumbledore openly beamed at the couple before turning to the audience. "I give you Severus and Hermione Snape!" he announced, and applause rang in the air as the newlyweds exited the room.
The reception was bittersweet for Hermione as she talked with her friends and parents. Severus stood near her for most of the small party, but always kept his distance so as not to invade in her privacy. Both her parents congratulated her (although her father was slightly reluctant), but Hermione could sense a bit of closure in the reception, knowing that she could never be their little girl anymore. She was now Mrs. Snape, their adult, married daughter. The same went for her friends; though they would of course accept and support her, their relationship would never be the same anymore. Rather than dwelling on the unpleasant, Hermione decided to accept the situation and move on. There was nothing that could be done.
Happily for Severus, his father had decided to leave after the completion of the ceremony, which allowed him to avoid the inevitable fight that would have taken place. Surprisingly, he realized, he was actually having a decent time despite the fact that he really had no loved ones to talk to. The Hogwarts staff was able to provide adequate company for the situation. However several hours later, it was all over. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley gathered up their family and Harry and prepared to return home, and the Hogwarts staff returned to their proper chambers. After saying her last goodbyes, Hermione felt Severus' hand on her shoulder. "Mrs. Snape, if you will, I would now like to show you to our new home. I hope that you will find it to your liking," he said shyly, but with a smile.
"Thank you, Severus," she said, returning the smile and allowing him to lead her through the corridors until they came to a portrait of the sky filled with stars and constellations, with a comet shooting across the darkness. In his normal, commanding voice, he said to the portrait, "Transfiguration," and Hermione smiled as it opened to reveal a large door. Annoyed, he turned to her, "Minerva made up the password," he said and she laughed as he led her in.
A beautiful, sunny living room awaited their entry. It had a couch, comfy armchairs, a coffee table, and a large roaring fireplace.
"What a gorgeous room!" she said softly in awe.
"Yes, Minerva did a very nice job," he answered as he led her through a little kitchen with a table. "During the summer and holidays I eat in my chambers a lot as it is not required for me to dine in the Great Hall everyday," he told her, seeing her confused face.
Another door led them into a large potions lab, stocked with every ingredient she could imagine. "My lab. I don't mind if you use it for any of your needs, seeing as you're neat and careful and will put everything back where you got it. No stealing ingredients for forbidden potions that turn you into a cat, my dear," he said, watching her, amused as her facial expression turned to one of shock.
"You knew?" she gasped.
"Of course I did. But now is not the time for this conversation," he said with a laugh as he led her through another door into an enormous library. The sight of it almost knocked the wind out of her as she saw the thousands of books that stood on every shelf from floor to ceiling. She turned to Severus, beaming. "I knew you would like that," he said gently. On one side of the room were two desks where they could study, and large, comfy armchairs and couches sat on the other side. It was a wonderful place where she could read for endless hours.
Reluctantly, she followed Severus as he led her into the last room. "This will be our room, Hermione," he said, looking at her nervously. There was a large four poster bed, two dressers, two closets, and a couple of shelves for personal belongings. The room was painted white with green carpet and a green bedspread.
"I guess we couldn't completely escape the Slytherin-ness, could we now?" she joked to relieve the tension.
"No more than I could escape Gryffindor," he said, amused. "Go look in the bathroom."
Once Hermione did so, she openly laughed. The walls were white with a gold and white checkered floor, red shower curtains and towels, and a gold bathtub, sink, and toilet. "That's the most Gryffindor-looking room I've ever seen!" she exclaimed, coming out.
"Indeed." The tension returned suddenly, as the two regarded each other.
"Normally I would ask what we do next," said Hermione shyly, "but it doesn't seem like we really have a choice, do we?"
"The wedding spells dictate that we must consummate the marriage on the wedding night, so I suppose you would be correct," he answered, looking at her with a concerned expression. "How do you feel about that, Hermione?"
"Nervous," she answered truthfully. "But not entirely opposed to the idea. What about you?"
"About the same. I have not slept with a woman in years, and only once has it been willing," he said softly, looking deeply into her eyes. "I do not wish to hurt you or force myself upon you when you are not ready. However, for your own safety, it would be best if we did it now."
"Don't worry," she said with a small smile. "You will not be forcing yourself upon me, and I entirely understand. Just go slow...please?" she asked him, and he could see her anxious eyes looking up into his.
"Of course," he answered slowly, pulling her over to the bed. Sitting next to her, he leaned in slowly and kissed her lips. Wrapping her arms around him, she pulled him to her and separated her lips, allowing him to deepen the kiss. His hands stroked her hair and caressed her cheeks as he kissed her, and she moaned softly as she began to be aroused by his touch. Slowly, he began to move from her lips, kissing her hair, eyelids, nose, cheeks, ears, and neck. When he placed his lips on her throat, she gasped with pleasure, running her hands over his shoulders, arms and back. He began to unzip her dress and gently pulled it off her body, bringing himself down to kiss her shoulders while always returning to her lips. Reaching towards him, she pulled off his dress robes and tugged his shirt over his shoulders, discarding it on the floor next to the bed while running her hands up and down his torso.
As the couple slowly undressed each other, all tension in the air was replaced by passion. Each touch, lick, and kiss no longer felt mandatory, but were something to be enjoyed as Severus and Hermione realized the profound beauty in each other. After making sure that she was properly aroused and comfortable, Severus shifted his body so that he lay over Hermione. Slowly, he pushed himself into her, kissing her tenderly when she winced in pain. Before long, her pain melted away and was replaced with waves of pleasure which ran through her with each thrust.
After their lovemaking ceased, Severus pulled Hermione to him, wrapping her in his arms as she laid her head on his chest. The feeling that he had while she slept in his arms was something he had never known before in his entire life, and he knew that he was beginning to really care for the girl. Savoring the moment as the happiest he had ever felt in his life, Severus held her tightly as sleep eventually came.
A/N: The first time I wrote this, the rating of the smut was more NC-17 than R. For the full version, I have also decided to post on Ashwinder, so it should be up soon. Anyways, many thanks to all my wonderful readers and my excellent betas, I could never have written this without you. Hopefully my next chapter will be up soon (I have a ton of ideas), but school is starting and that means that I will inevitably come extremely busy. Keep the reviews flowing, all of you, and I promise to update as soon as I can.