Chapter 14:
Hermione had spent the morning running around the Tonks house helping get Tonks ready for the wedding. Tonks was so excited and nervous that she was even more clumsy than normal. If Hermione had not charmed the shower with cushioning charms the bride would have been limping up the aisle. She had to resort to giving Tonks a calming potion before she would sit still enough for Hermione to do her hair and help her with her makeup. Tonks' mum walked in right as Hermione finished zipping up Tonks' gown.
"You look beautiful dear," Andromeda Tonks told her daughter. "I still don't understand why you don't want a long flowing wedding gown, but you look beautiful none the less."
"I would trip and fall all over a long gown," Tonks told her mum with a chuckle. "As it is Daddy will have to keep me steady as I walk down the aisle. You know I get clumsier the more nervous I get!"
"I know dear," her mother said fondly. "I do love that you look like yourself today. I know how much you enjoy your pink hair but it looks much better in its natural state." She said pulling on one of the brown tendrils around her daughters face with a smile.
"Harry told me that he wanted me in my natural form so I agreed," Tonks told her mum with a shrug. "As long as I still get to wear pink I'm all good."
"What are you going to do for my wedding then?" Hermione laughed. "No offense Tonks but I just can't imagine putting you in hot pink on my wedding day!"
"We'll worry about that once you have a boyfriend," Tonks told her, noticing the flush that spread over her friends face. "Oh, you do have someone, tell me! Is he tall dark and scary?"
"He is not scary," Hermione said with a smile, "At least he doesn't scare me."
"So when were you going to tell everyone that you two were an item?" Tonks asked, happy that her friends were together finally after the years of dancing around the issue through letters.
"Well the plan is to surprise both him and Harry with my being here today. I assumed that when I told Severus I was back for good that we would sort of become an official couple. There was no real point to telling people that we were growing attached when we were so far apart." Hermione told her and handed her the bouquet of lilies she was carrying in honor of Harry's mother.
"Alright, but I expect you two to dance together and I want a smile out of that man before the night is over!" Tonks laughed as they headed downstairs to where Ted Tonks was waiting with the portkey that would take them to the tent on the Hogwarts grounds where the wedding was taking place.
Hermione peeked out of the tent and was shocked at the number of people in attendance. "Do you even know that many people?" She asked Ted Tonks and he laughed and told her that everyone wanted to attend the Savior of the World's wedding. The house elves had outdone themselves with decorating the area with flowers, it was truly beautiful. She could see Harry standing at the front of the crowd next to Albus who was performing the ceremony and Remus who was his best man. She recognized other faces in the crowd as well but didn't have too much time to think before Mrs. Tonks told them it was time and hurried to her place at the front.
"You look radiant," Hermione told her friend. "Harry won't know what hit him. Just pretend that he is the only one out there, this is just the two of you and you will do great." Tonks just smiled a grateful yet strained smile and Hermione walked out of the tent once the music began to play. She held in the smirk that was fighting to get out at the look of shock and happiness on both Albus and Harry's face. She was proud of herself for shocking the two most powerful wizards in the world, especially at the same time! She winked at Severus as she walked by his seat and could see by the gleam in his eye that he was thrilled to see her, Minerva was sitting next to him and smiled and gave a little wave. She grinned at Harry when she got to the front of the isle, winked, and then took her place turning to watch for Tonks.
The crowd stood when the wedding march began to play and Hermione kept an eye on Harry. He was overcome with the beauty of the woman walking toward him. She was so glad that Harry was happy and even happier that she was there to share the day with him. Now that she was here she realized she couldn't have missed this day for the world. Her brother was getting married!
The ceremony was simple but tender with them exchanging vows and rings and then performing a magical bonding as well. The bright white that glowed around them stunned the crowd with its intensity, showing they truly were a perfect match. The closer in color to white the glow was and that stronger that glow the more suited and in love the couple were. Hermione only hoped someday she could be half as happy as Harry and Tonks. Even half as happy as they were would be a loving marriage because Hermione believed that the two of them were destined for each other. After all Tonks was the power that Voldemort didn't know and the reason Harry was able to destroy him, if that wasn't destiny then nothing was.
"I missed you," Harry told Hermione after the wedding party was back in the tent waiting for the reception to start. He pulled her into a huge hug and spun her around. "I was so sad that you weren't going to be here and then there you were! How'd you pull it off? Do you get to stay for a while?"
"It took a lot of work keeping this a secret from you and especially from Albus as we all know he can't keep a secret!" She told him laughing at the twinkling eyed old man. "I was able to arrange for a portkey," she told him with a mischievous smile, intentionally not telling him how long she was staying.
"You love to torment me so," Harry laughed, "Now tell me how long you are staying. When do you have to go back?"
Hermione looked around the gathered group and smiled before leaning in and whispering in Harry's ear, "I don't." That was all it took before he let out a whoop of joy and spun her around again.
"That is the best wedding present you could have got me!" He told her before putting her down and grabbing his new wife in a long passionate kiss. "You knew all of this didn't you?"
"Of course," Tonks told him with a sly smile. "I've known for months now." She laughed as he hugged her again. "I knew how much this would mean to you and thought it would mean more you finding out today." Harry just nodded and they kissed again.
"As much as it is a novelty for me to be out of the loop," Albus said, earning a chuckle from all those present, "Are we allowed in on what this present is yet?"
"Nope," Hermione said with a silly grin, causing the newlyweds to roar with laughter at the dumbfounded look on Albus' face. "You get to find out later with everyone else. Besides it does you good not knowing everything all the time." They were all still laughing as they made their way to the reception area.
Albus entered the huge tent that was full of tables of wedding guests first and announced Mr. and Mrs. Tonks and then Remus escorted Hermione in and they were announced and finally the new couple Mr. and Mrs. Potter. The applause from inside the room was tremendous. Harry and Tonks thanked everyone for coming and then sat down at the head table, Remus and Hermione on either side of them. Albus was sitting at the table in front of them with Minerva, Severus, a witch Hermione didn't recognize, Neville, Luna and the Tonks'. The meal prepared by the Hogwarts house elves with the supervision of Dobby and Winky was wonderful. Hermione was glad she had been able to get back for it. Severus and she had been sharing secret looks all during dinner and Hermione couldn't wait to be in his arms. She knew the dancing would start soon and hoped Severus remembered his promise that he would dance with her, even though that was when he had thought she wasn't coming.
Harry and Tonks' first dance was lovely. When dancing with Harry Tonks seemed light on her feet and didn't stumble once. She smiled at the happy and content looks on her friends faces. Harry more than anyone deserved this happiness, she knew how much having a family meant to him. She took the time to survey the crowd of faces and was surprised to see the entire Weasley family had been invited, including Draco and Ginny Malfoy. Ginny was wearing a sour expression on her face that vividly reminded Hermione of Narcissa and she wondered if it was a Malfoy wife trait or if Ginny was just seething in jealousy. Ron was trying to look like he belonged there, with his arm around Lavender, pretending theirs wasn't one of the farthest back tables. The twins, Lee Jordan and their fiancées (Katie, Alicia and Angelina) were seated only a table away from Albus and the 'family' table and she could see George sending smirks Ron's way when Molly wasn't looking.
She saw the Minister of Magic and many ministry and Wizengammot officials that she didn't know the names of as well as everyone who had been in the DA and all of Harry's Quidditch team buddies both from Hogwarts and the other players from the English team. Victor Krum and his fiancée Katlyn Smith were seated with the other Hogwarts teachers, which made here wonder just who the new DADA teacher was. Hermione recognized all the Order members and their families as well as many aurors that Tonks worked with. Over all she recognized quite a large number of people in the crowd and was surprised as she hadn't realized she knew so many people in the wizarding world.
When Harry and Tonks had finished their dance they instructed Hermione and Remus to join them on the floor along with the rest of their 'family'. Remus took the arm of the witch she didn't recognize and she realized that must be who Remus brought to the wedding. Hermione grinned as Severus offered his arm to her and led her to the dance floor. Albus was twinkling madly as he danced with Minerva. Hermione even noticed a diamond on Luna's hand when she was dancing with Neville and was happy that another set of her friends was together. There were quite a few surprised looks on the faces of the crowd when Harry and Tonks asked for their family to join them and even more surprised looks at who it was the Potters considered family.
Hermione quickly became oblivious to anything else as she was swept into Severus' strong arms. She leaned into his chest, savoring being so close to him. "You're surprise visit has made me very happy," he told her quietly as they danced. "I was afraid I was going to be sitting alone all night."
"No, you'll be here dancing with me all night," Hermione told him tenderly with a smile. "I missed you so much and there was no way I could miss Harry's wedding day. I just had to rearrange my schedule to get it to work out." She wanted to wait until the song was over to tell him her secret so Tonks could get her wish and see him smile.
Severus had never been more content in his life. He had the woman he loved in his arms and was surrounded by people who considered him family or friends; it was a huge change from just a year ago. He wondered how long Hermione would be able to stay. He hoped they may be able to spend some time together, perhaps even go on their first date. The song ended and the group headed back towards the 'family' table to talk with the other guests began to dance. Severus waited until they were to the table to ask, "How long are you here?"
Hermione smiled at him, winked at Tonks before whispering in his ear, "Forever," and letting all present watch as his face broke out in a true smile.
Severus pulled her into a tight embrace and spoke softly to her, "Don't toy with me my witch."
Hermione pulled out of the embrace and smiled at him, love shining in her eyes for all to see. "I am not joking, I am home to stay. I finished school ahead of schedule, have officially graduated and am back home to stay." She told him, grinning at the cheers from Albus and the rest of the group who didn't know the secret.
"Thank Merlin," Severus said roughly and pulled her into a deep kiss in front of all the guests at the wedding. He didn't care who knew that he was in love with Hermione, she was home and he was going to show her exactly how happy that made him.
Minerva's eyes were twinkling almost as brightly as Albus' as they watched their two friends. She was overjoyed that Hermione was home and couldn't imagine how relieved Severus must feel. Harry was staring at the two in shock, not quite comprehending what he was seeing. She looked over to the teachers table and saw they were all shocked as well and was smirking to herself that the two really did know how to surprise everyone.
Harry finally recovered from his shock turned to his new wife, "Well we can't let them outdo us on our wedding day!" He told her and then proceeded to kiss her as well. The other couples laughed and joined in the kiss leaving Albus and Minerva to laugh at them all. The other guests smiled or laughed at the newlywed couple as well as the others who were kissing, most happy that the two were enjoying their day. There was one table of redheads who were seething in anger/jealousy but no one paid them any attention.
Later that night Hermione broke away from Severus and sat down next to Minerva and Albus. "It's wonderful to have you home my dear," Albus told her with his grandfatherly smile.
"I am very glad to be back," she told them. "It's too bad I may have to return if I can't find an acceptable transfiguration master to apprentice to," she commented, trying to keep a straight face.
Albus chuckled, "Oh child you know very well that both of us would be happy to take you on." He told her shaking his head; she really was perfect for Severus.
"I believe we can share the responsibilities," Minerva told them. "That way you can get done faster. Albus can instruct you while I am teaching the older years, you can assist me with the younger years and then I can instruct you myself in off periods and after classes."
"I would love that," Hermione told them with a smile. "I will need to leave from time to time to check on my new business I am opening in Diagon Alley next week but I am sure my partners will be able to handle the day to day business."
"I am afraid to ask who your partners are and what type of business you are opening from the smirk on your face," Minerva told her.
"I too would like to know of this business venture," Severus told her with a smirk as he joined their conversation.
"Well I am opening a store to sell muggle electronics," she told them with a grin, "with the Weasley twins." She could hear Minerva and Severus groan while Albus chuckled.
"I take it you were able to patent whatever spell it was that you placed on that phone you gave Severus last year?" Albus asked her, proving he did know quite a lot he was not supposed to.
"Yes, and only I and any employees I have under secrecy charms will know the transfiguration so that I will have the market cornered," she told them with a sly grin.
"That's wonderful," Minerva told her. "Now if you like we can get you set up with rooms in the castle before you leave tonight. Wait, where are you staying? You couldn't be at Harry's without giving away your surprise."
"I bought a cottage in Hogsmead," she told them grinning, "I didn't think the newlyweds would want anyone living with them for a while so I got my own place. I wanted to be as close to the castle as possible." She told them sending a tender smile to Severus so he knew that she wanted to be as close to him as possible.
"Wonderful, I expect you will be busy getting your new business up and running the rest of the summer so how about we officially start your apprenticeship when the school year starts." Albus told her, "That will give me time to draw up all the necessary paperwork. Speaking of which, how did you do on your masters exams?"
Hermione just leaned back in her chair with a smirk on her face, "I beat you Albus," was all she said as the other three gaped at her. Albus had been the first and only wizard to receive 4 M ratings and he also received 100 on the test portion. The only way she could have beat him was to receive the all exclusive 5 M rating as well as 100 on the exams.
Severus was the first to recover from his shock as he knew how talented his love was. "Your potions scores must have seemed like a let down after such amazing transfiguration marks." He told her wondering how well she did but realizing that she could not have done as well as the unheard of mark she got in transfiguration. He became unsure of his assumption when he saw the extremely satisfied smirk on her face.
"Oh, not at all," she told them almost conversationally, "It's hard to get let down when you don't get lower scores." It took the others a few seconds to work out what she meant and then they just stared at her in amazement.
Severus broke out of the daze he was in and pulled her close for another kiss. He had never been more proud of anyone in his entire life. He was with the most amazing and intelligent woman in the world. Harry had come over with Tonks and the twins to see why Albus and Minerva seemed catatonic and Severus was forgetting he was in public again. When Hermione told them her news Tonks hugged her, the twins joined the catatonic bunch and Harry whooped and headed to the head table to make an announcement.
"I just wanted to let everyone know that my very best and dear friend and sister Hermione Granger has just told me that not only is she permanently back from her schooling in Australia that she has taken and passed her masters exams in both Potions and Transfiguration with unheard of marks. My genius of a best friend had just accomplished what no other has before and not only did she receive 100 on her exams but she received an M rating from all 5 of the judging panel for both exams!" Harry announced to everyone and the tent rang with applause at such an announcement.
Hermione was congratulated by everyone she knew, and some people she didn't know for the rest of the evening. She groaned when she saw Ron heading her way, looking pompous like Percy used to. "Congratulations on your accomplishments," Ron told her. "It seems that your know-it all ways have quite paid off. I was surprised to see you here as you made no attempt to come to my wedding."
"Well you didn't bother to invite me to your wedding Ronald," Hermione snapped at him, glad Severus was holding her arm or she would have smacked the smug look of the weasel's face. "I assumed that you no longer wanted to associate with a mere university student when you stopped writing to me and didn't invite me to your wedding. Then months later out of the blue you write to me demanding free potions for your wife. I guess it's a good thing I have real friends now Ronald Weasley as if they were all like you I never would have returned."
"Yes, I see you are real chummy with the greasy git," He said and quicker than lightning Hermione had her wand out and there was an ugly red weasel standing where Ron had been.
"Never insult Severus or my friends to my face or I will make your pathetic life even more miserable than it is. This is supposed to be a happy affair for Tonks and Harry so scamper off as you are unwelcome." Hermione told Ron calmly. Half the crowd was impressed, especially the Aurors, at how fast she drew her wand and the other was impressed with the quality of the transfiguration, although why should they be since she had the highest ever transfiguration test scores. Severus, who had always wanted to hex the Weasley brat, was laughing, actual belly laughs. The teachers and those that knew Snape were amazed at how young and alive he looked when he laughed and realized that if Hermione could get him to laugh then they were good for each other.
"Hermione Granger, how dare you!" Molly Weasley screamed upon hearing that her son had been transfigured. "I demand you return him to normal at once you uppity hussy."
"Be quiet Molly," Albus told her sternly. "Your son deserved what he got and he will return to normal by tomorrow morning. You might want to teach you son some manners as well as yourself. Remember you are a guest here and you both have insulted members of the bridal party. If you do not compose yourself at once I will have to remove you from the grounds."
The rest of the bridal party shared smirks behind Albus' back; it wasn't every day you got to see Molly Weasley get a dressing down and by Albus Dumbledore no less. It was about time too in many peoples opinion. Arthur stepped forward with Bill and Charlie. "I'm awfully sorry about all this Albus, Harry, Mrs. Potter and especially you Severus and Hermione. It is wonderful you are back Hermione, I missed you and so did Bill and Charlie. Harry, Tonks your ceremony was beautiful and I thank you for inviting me. I do not know what has happened to my family but rest assured I will take them home so not to tarnish your evening any longer."
"Thank you Arthur," Harry told him with a smile. "I appreciate your support and I promise I will harbor no ill will towards you, Bill or Charlie for this evening." Arthur looked relieved as he picked up the squirming weasel and handed it to Lavender who looked disgusted at having to touch it, and steered Ginny and Draco out of the tent where Bill and Charlie had led Molly. Ginny had not said anything due to Draco squeezing her arm but she had been glaring and would have opened her mouth if he hadn't hissed at her for silence. His political support was non-existent and if she sullied the Malfoy name by verbally assaulting Potter he would be even more of a social pariah.
"Sorry Harry," Hermione apologized, upset she had lost her temper and possibly ruined Harry's big day. She was relieved when he burst out laughing.
"Oh man, that was the funniest thing since Malfoy was turned into a ferret in 4th year. It's too bad you didn't do him too for posterity sake." He told her, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. "Don't worry about it Hermione, he deserved it. Besides we all got to see your killer transfiguration skills, I barely even saw you draw your wand!" The rest of the party went smoothly and all had a good time.
"May I walk you home this evening?" Severus asked her as the night drew to a close. "I would love to know where you live so I can call upon you."
"Severus you are always welcome in my home, more than welcome," she told him softly as they headed down the path to Hogsmead with some of the other party guests who were using the floo at The Three Broomsticks. They held hands as they walked along the residential street and up towards Hope Cottage. When she opened the gate he chuckled.
"You told us you bought a cottage not a large house," he smiled at her.
"Well its name is Hope Cottage, that is what you will have to use for the floo address," she told him with a smile. "Come inside and let me give you a tour and set the apparition wards to recognize you." She showed him around her house and introduced him to the three house elves in her employ. They sat on the couch in the living room staring at the fire just enjoying each other's company. "Did you like my surprise?" She asked him, snuggling more onto his shoulder.
"Yes, all of them," he told her running his fingers through her hair. "I especially like the fact that you are back for good. I don't think I would have been able to let you go again so soon. My heart has been aching in you absence since I was able to kiss you for the first time."
"Well let me ease your ache then," she told him and the two spent the evening kissing in front of the fire and talking about all the things they were planning on doing together now that she was home. Overall it was a perfect day for Hermione and she fell asleep in her soft bed thinking about how there really was no place like home.