Disclaimer: They Harry Potter Universe is owned solely by J.K. Rowling

Chapter 4

The weeks had passed by quickly and it was now the morning of the wedding. The clothes had been bought, invitations sent and ceremony decided. All that was left was to survive the last few hours of tradition induced separation. They'd be together again at two o'clock where the ceremony would take place in the indoor garden.

They had decided to use the Ancient ceremony which had some special conditions. The bride and groom were to be separated for seven days before the ceremony. They each taught their classes then retired to their private sanctuaries for meals and sleep. The exchange of letters however was permissible and they took to that like ducks to water.

Among the other requirements were eating requirements, which required whole grain breads, raw vegetables and milk to be the only things eaten for the last three days before the wedding. Clothing specifications, which allowed for a great selection of attire for the wedding itself as long as the garments were either tied or laced closed with no other means of fastening. Then there was the purification rituals, the bride and groom each had separate instructions to follow on the day of the wedding. The bride's was more beauty oriented and pampering. The groom's ritual however was more strenuous. It was a rough seven days but in the long run they felt it would all be worth it.

Severus' honor guard arrived at Hogwarts before dawn. Lucius and Remus were greeted at the main doors by Albus himself and informed that the wards on their destination were down. Once inside they made their way down to Severus' chambers to begin the last of the rituals.

Lucius opened the door wand drawn, his eyes sweeping over the room. Noticing it was clear he walked in and headed towards the bedroom with Remus following behind him. Lucius stifled a laugh at the sight of Severus sprawled across his bed clutching a pillow to his chest. He flicked his wand, conjuring a bucket of ice water which then poured on Severus startling him awake.

"Holy hell!" Severus spat as he shot up out of bed. "What the hell was that for?"

Lucius re-sheathed his wand in his cane. "Just ensuring you woke up on time Severus." He eyed his sleeping attire. "Get dressed, we have much to do this morning."

Lucius and Remus left the room and retired to the sitting room while Severus muddled through his morning routine.

"Did you have to use ice water Lucius?" Remus asked while trying to hide a laugh.

"No, but I think he would appreciate it more then what I could have done." Lucius smirked.

Severus emerged from his room dressed in black drawstring pants and a tight white tank top that showed off his chest definition. His hair was tied back out of his face and his expression was calm. "So who's my partner for this ritual?" he asked while he did a couple of stretches.

"That would be me." Remus replied.

"Very well, we'll start out at the lake; two laps should meet the required distance." Severus continued with his warm-ups as he eyed Lucius. "I assume you know what you need to be doing?"

"Yes Severus, preparing for the rest of your purification ritual, making sure the wedding clothes are pressed as well as making sure everything is on schedule." Lucius replied smoothly. "Don't worry I have everything under control."

"You'd better; I won't have the past seven days become meaningless." Severus' tone ensured both men knew he was serious.

Remus nodded and moved towards the door. "Let's get started then."

Severus took a deep breath then walked out the door with Remus following him to make sure he followed through on what he was supposed to be doing. They reached the lake and with a few last stretches Severus began to jog his laps around the lake with Remus keeping pace with him.

The ritual required that a certain amount of strenuous activity take place before the official ceremony. Supposedly it would bring the body into focus. After the requisite running, he'd chosen running over the other options, he had to meditate for an hour. Then and only then was he allowed to return to his chambers for the ritual bath and final preparations to his person.

Severus completed his laps and walked a ways to cool down. He'd broken a sweat but otherwise looked fine. Remus on the other hand collapsed to the ground at the end of the last lap, breathing hard.

"Worn out already Remus?" Severus asked with a gleam in his eye.

"Don't start Severus; I'm just obviously not in shape like you are." Remus replied wheezing.

"Obviously."

Severus arched an eyebrow before sitting on the ground with his legs crossed. He rested his hands on his knees and took slow, deep breaths as he closed his eyes. He lost track of time as he meditated.

An hour later Remus shook him out of it and helped him to his feet. "Lets go Severus we still have more to do before we're done."

Severus nodded and followed Remus back into the castle.

They arrived back in his chambers and Lucius greeted them at the door holding out a scroll to Severus.

"This arrived for you about an hour ago." Lucius stated.

Severus noted the seal and cracked it open as he sat in his black leather chair to read it.

My Dearest Severus,

I know it is only hours until we will meet at the altar to join together as one, but I just wanted you to know that I love you. The girls are all here to put me through the rest of my rituals and I imagine that Lucius and Remus are over seeing yours. I await the sight of you in a few blessed hours but until then I shall just cling to my thoughts of you.

Your beloved bride-to-be

Hermione

Severus smiled, letting the scroll roll back before getting up and placing it in his desk drawer with the other letters she'd written him. As he headed towards the bathroom to take his bath he idly wondered if she'd gotten the letter he'd written her late last night.

Hermione was gently woken two hours after dawn by Minerva. As she cracked her eyes open she spotted Molly, Ginny and her mother Lynne Granger. She quickly jumped out of bed and hugged all of them.

"I'm so glad you're all here, especially you Mom, it means so much to me." She gushed excitedly.

"I'm happy to be here baby; it is your big day after all." Lynne smiled.

Ginny waved around a cream colored envelope. "Hermione this was sitting on your vanity when I came in."

Hermione snatched it from Ginny's fingers and flipped it over to break the seal. She withdrew the letter from the envelope and sat down on her bed to read it.

My Beloved Hermione,

Tonight I cannot sleep for thoughts of you haunt me. I long to take you in my arms, and to never let you go. When we meet at the altar I will become yours, but you will be Mine. Know now that I love you and eagerly await your permanent presence in my life. Until you are by my side I am faithfully and eternally.

Yours

Severus.

Hermione grinned as she tucked the letter away in the hidden compartment of her jewelry box with the rest of his letters. She'd treasured every single one. The poetry and the declarations, it was like seeing a whole new side of him and she found it charming.

"All right ladies lets get started. The ceremony is only a few hours away."

Hermione stripped off her nightgown and made her way to the bathroom where the tub was filled with an herbal mud mixture. She eyed the mixture warily. "Please tell me you guys are joking?"

"Sorry Hermione but its part of the ritual, first a mud bath, then a refreshing soak in a potions laced bath, then you know the rest." Molly replied. "Now in you go."

Hermione mumbled and slipped into the muddle, squirming as is covered her up to her neck. "This is so gross."

Molly chuckled. "It could be worse dear." She replied as she knelt by the tub and started to work the mud into her hair and over her face. "You could be bathing in one of the twins portable swamps."

Hermione whimpered pitifully as the mud covered every inch of her. The swamp would be worse but this was definitely bad enough.

An hour later Hermione was mud free and soaking in a tub of warm water laced with various potions and herbs. Her hair was clean, her skin was smooth and she felt utterly relaxed, she suspected there was a calming draught in the water but she wasn't sure.

When her time was up she got out of the tub and dried off slipping into a dressing gown. She walked out into the main sitting room where the other ladies were and sat down in the chair they'd set out for her.

They set to work on her hair and skin, applying lotions and potions where needed. She was presented with a mirror when they were finished and she smiled at what she saw. Her hair was swept up in the front and fell into a waterfall of curls down her back. She was helped into her dress and her mother laced up the back. She took one last look in the mirror and then smiled; it was almost time for the ceremony.

Severus knelt in front of the altar as he waited for Hermione's arrival. His hair fell freely down his back. He was dressed in a simple silver tunic and pants set with a gold over robe. His feet were bare and his head was bowed. Though he looked to be the epitome of calm, internally he was counting the seconds until the ceremony would commence.

Albus stood behind the altar wearing his royal purple robes; he was also without shoes and without a hat. In front of him on the altar were the binding cord, a gold dagger, a silver goblet, a candle and Severus' and Hermione's wands side by side.

Music started to play and it took all of Severus' willpower to not turn and see his bride. The crowd stood and looked towards the doors waiting for her entrance.

Hermione appeared at the entrance on her Father, David Granger's arm. She was a vision in a white gown with gold trimming. As she walked down the aisle she wondered how hard it was for Severus not to turn to face her, she knew she ached to see his face. Her father stopped at the altar and helped her to kneel beside her future husband. She didn't look back as her father took his seat beside her mother.

Albus smiled at the crowd before turning his eyes toward the couple. "Severus, Hermione, please take hands and face each other."

They clasped hands and both turned towards one another. Hermione's face lit up like the sun when she saw the man she loved. Severus couldn't help but smile when she did. The ritual separation had been too long for both of them.

Albus picked up the dagger and held it over the flame of the candle. "We are gathered here today to witness the soul bonding of Severus Octavian Snape and Hermione Jane Granger. A bond of this nature is not to be undertaken lightly, so I ask you both now do you come to this place of your own free will."

"We do." They replied in unison.

"Then I bid you stand and be joined." Albus stated as he rotated the dagger over the flame.

Severus helped Hermione up to her feet and then led them to stand closer to the altar. He caressed her hand with the pad of his thumb as she entwined her fingers with his own.

Albus took the dagger and held it with both hands before him, the blade pointing at them. "If you enter this bonding with all of your heart, then place this blade between your joined hands."

They let go of each others hand long enough to place the blade between them before re-clasping their hands together.

Albus swiftly withdrew the blade, causing it to slice both of their hands. "It has begun; you are now one blood, never to be broken apart."

Their eyes were locked on each others as blood dripped onto the altar from their joined hands.

Albus picked up the goblet and held it out to them. "You are one blood, but you are not yet one spirit. Drink and join together."

Severus took the goblet and held it to Hermione's lips as she drank deeply of the liquid within. She then took the goblet and held it to his lips as he too drank deeply.

Albus took the goblet and set it aside, picking up the binding cord. He slowly began to weave the cord around their joined hands. "You are one blood and one spirit; your actions have shown all that you are devoted to one another. This cord represents your heart. Bound together you are one heart, one love, one life." He tied the cord in a knot then picked up their wands handing them to their respective owners.

Without being told they touched their wand tips together and magic flared around them as they watched in awe.

"You are now bound to one another in blood, heart, spirit and magic. This bond is for life, and is witnessed by all present, Severus you may kiss your bride."

Severus didn't need any more encouragement as he leaned down meeting her lips with his own. The bonding cord magically sank into their hands allowing their hands free. He wrapped his arms around her as he continued to kiss her.

They broke free of the kiss and looked towards Albus as he made his final announcement.

"I now present Lord and Lady Severus Octavian Snape."

The crowd burst into applause as they made their way down the aisle and towards the great hall. It had been a ceremony neither of them would soon forget. It also reminded them that there was one last bond to forge this night.

The reception was an overdone affair consisting of all the guests they'd invited as well as all the students in the school. At least the color scheme was silver and gold and there were no cherubs though you could tell that Minerva had probably threatened to hex Albus to avoid it.

Severus led Hermione out to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. He pulled her close with his hand pressed to the small of her back. The dance was a tango and he led her expertly across the floor, pushing, pulling, twisting, and turning. When the dance was over they both were left wondering how soon they could make their escape.

An hour later after the cake was cut and the toasts were made they finally made their escape. They bid goodbye to their friends and family. House elves brought them their luggage and Albus handed them their portkey. Severus whispered the trigger word, they felt the tug behind their navels and they vanished to their destination.

They reappeared in the foyer of what appeared to be an elegant little home.

"Severus where are we?" she asked as she looked around.

"Our home, I'll happily give you a tour later so you can decide what changes you'd like to make." He replied quietly.

She started to protest when he pressed a finger to her lips to silence her.

"I have other things I'd like to explore with you first beloved, if you will indulge me in such pursuits." His voice was silky and his eyes lit with desire.

She blushed at him, cautiously offering him her hand.

He kissed her hand, never breaking eye contact. A grin lit up his face as he suddenly stepped forward sweeping her into his arms and carrying her up the stairs.

Once in the bedroom he moved across the carpeted floor and set her down on the bed. He slid his hand slowly over her body as he released her. Straightening up he assessed the room and with a wave of his hand a fire lit in the fireplace and the lighting dimmed.

"Much better." He murmured as he moved back onto the bed kneeling behind her, pressing his lips to her neck in soft gentle kisses.

She moaned softly as her head tilted to the side to allow him better access.

He kissed down her neck to her shoulder, his hands resting on her shoulders slid down her arms in caresses as his lips teased her skin. He heard her soft whimpers of pleasure and he smiled into her shoulder as his hands moved up her back to the laces of her gown. He moved to the other side of her neck and kissed from her shoulder up to her ear, nibbling on it gently as he slowly unlaced her.

She moaned softly as his lips continued to tease her ear. She shivered as he unlaced her dress; she ached to feel his hands on her skin and his lips on hers. Taking the initiative she turned her head towards him and claimed his lips in a kiss, trying to convey all her desire to him.

He broke the kiss hesitantly and moved in front of her helping her to her feet. He carefully removed her dress, sliding the fabric down her sides and over her hips, letting it fall into a puddle of white and gold at her feet. His eyes flared with desire as he took in her form. His hands drew hers up to his chest as he stepped closer to her.

She reached down to the hem of his tunic and lifted it, he raised his arms for her and she drew it up over his head, tossing it to the floor. Her hands pressed against the planes of his chest, caressing the skin, feeling the muscle.

He discarded his pants, and pulled her flush against him. Skin to skin, he gazed into her eyes and saw her nervousness. Picking her up, he layed her on the bed and stretched out beside her, stroking her body in soft caresses. "We'll take it slow my love, you have nothing to fear from me."

She relaxed visibly at his soothing words, savoring the feeling of his hands traveling her skin. Reaching up she drew him down to her, she wrapped her arms around him as he claimed her mouth, her tongue meeting his when his begged entrance.

He slowly withdrew from her lips and grinned before he set to work caressing her sides and hips. He slowly kissed every delectable inch of her body, caressed her all over and worked her up to a fevered pitch. Every moan, every whimper was music to his ears and he reveled in the knowledge that he was taking her places she'd never been before.

When she was fully ready, he moved back up her body and nestled himself between her parted thighs. Claiming her lips once more in a kiss he entered her slowly, stopping once joined to catch his breath and allow her time to adjust to him. She felt like heaven as she clutched at his shoulders. When her grip lessened he moved and she responded with movement of her own.

They moved together in a rhythm as old as time. For the two of them nothing else mattered but each other. Their breathing was synced as they moved towards completion.

Her hands clutched at him as her back arched in pleasure, her release flooding her senses as she cried out his name. "Oh Severus, yes!"

He shuddered with pleasure at the sound of her voice calling his name and swiftly followed her off the precipice, shouting her named to the heavens. "Hermione!"

Magic swirled through them as they collapsed against the mattress completely sated and out of breath. He rolled onto his side and drew her to him as he summoned the sheet to cover them. He held her close, stroking her hair softly.

"Severus?" she whispered softly.

"Yes, love?"

"Did you feel that?" she asked quietly.

"If you mean the final bonding magic, then yes love I felt it." he replied softly.

"What did it feel like to you?" she asked, her voice filled with unrestrained curiosity. "It felt like I was flying, when I felt it."

"It felt like I was finally free." He whispered his voice thick with emotion.

She turned to face him and kissed his nose playfully before snuggling into his arms. "So husband of mine, what do we do now?" she threw him a suggestive smile.

He pressed her back into the mattress, hovering over her. "We, my lovely wife, start all over again."

They spent the rest of the night loving each other over and over again.