Chapter Sixteen: The Ball

Hermione looked in the mirror, wondering what caused her world to take such a drastic change. Not even half a year ago, she was stooped in a depression so low, that she didn't even bother trying to find a way out, and now she was getting dressed up happily, to go to a ball.

She finally decided, against her better judgment, to leave her hair down and slipped on a pair of lacey silver high-heeled slippers. Noting that it was nearly seven o'clock, she straightened her appearance, took a deep breath, and walked through the portrait hole.

Severus stood waiting in the entrance hall, his foot tapping and his usual scowl placed on his face. He couldn't let students believe he was well-mannered, just because he was the happiest he has ever been in his entire life. He felt the small square box in his left hand pocket and looked at his watch yet again. When he raised his eyes, he nearly swallowed his tongue.

There she was. Her hair was brilliantly hanging in loose curls all the way down to her waist. She wore a beautiful shimmering emerald dress that clung to her body like she had placed a sticking charm to it. He was amazed at her womanly curves and the playful smile, so much so, he forgot to breath.

Hermione was laughing in her head at the bemused expression Severus was displaying. She walked up to him and placed her arm in his own and had to give him a slight tug before he began to move with her into the great hall. Every eye was on the two of them as they made there way to the head table and sat down. Severus' eyes were only on her, and Hermione was pleased to note that he had a smile on his face.

Albus took the podium and gave a brief speech before allowing everyone to dig into their food. Severus, who hadn't heard anything or had been thinking of anything besides Hermione was given a jolt to see his food appear in front on him. Finally, he was able to clear his mind for a second before noting how beautiful she was.

"You look stunning, Hermione." He finally croaked. Hermione laughed inwardly.

"I was beginning to think that you were going to be quiet all night, Severus. I trust that you appreciate my gown?" He nodded and smirked playfully. His hand moved once more to the box in his pocket. They both began to eat their food in relative silence. Severus slipped his hand casually into her own half way through, causing her to blush.

Students were finally beginning to take notice of their surly Potions professors newly found love. When they had walked in and he wasn't scowling, they were curious, but when they started holding hands, they knew that something was up.

Dumbledore quickly vanished all of the tables from the Great Hall to clear it for dancing and gestured to the guests of honor, Hermione and Severus, to lead in the first dance. Instead of a great argument from Severus, he gracefully took Hermione's hand in his own, brought it up to his lips and kissed it tenderly.

"May I have this dance?" She blushed and nodded her head. He led her to the middle of the room and as the music began to play, they were transported off into their own little world.

"Have you ever seen him this happy?" Minerva asked as Dumbledore swept her around the great hall.

"Never, but I can see that in the future he is bound to be happier."

"How so?" Minerva asked, her back facing the now kneeling man, in the dark dress robes. She heard a loud gasp from the hall as the music finally silenced. She and Albus stopped dancing and turned around to stare at what the rest of the student body was witnessing.

"Hermione, I have only ever loved once in my life, and my love for you has consumed my thoughts since the first time you graced my presence. At first I was utterly stunned at your intelligence as my student and admired you, and then I was wooed by your charming ways as a colleague. I don't have much practice at this, and I would really rather not make a fool of myself by continuing, but please, will you marry me?" Hermione had tears in her eyes and was smiling beautifully as he placed the ring onto her finger. She nodded fiercely and pulled him up to her level, giving him one hell of a kiss in front of everyone.

Albus Dumbledore was the first to clap, followed shortly by a teary Minerva McGonagall. She had been waiting years for her bright, young, friend to cheer up, and witnessed it take place before her very eyes. She reached her hand over and gripped it with Albus', who was trying to hide the sparkling tears that were falling aimlessly down his wrinkled face.

Severus and Hermione held onto each other for what felt like hours, before continuing to dance to the beautiful music playing. That night, they only had eyes for each other.

The wedding was held on the beach of one of Severus' many villas in Spain. Albus and Minerva attended, as well as the Lupins, and their newborn, Aurora Hermione Lupin, named after Remus' deceased Grandmother and Hermione, of course. It was a short and sweet ceremony, with only the closest friends, in an intimate fashion.

After their three week honeymoon, Hermione and Severus returned back to Hogwarts to begin preparations for the upcoming year, and life was back to normal again. It wasn't even a month after they returned that Hermione announced that she was pregnant, and was to be expecting the following February. Life was turning out great for Severus and Hermione, as it should have.

AN: Eeek... one more chapter. I really hope you guys like my story and if I have any lose ends to tie up that I am unaware of, don't shy to ask. Smiles.