The morning of Boxing Day, Harry had the house elves bustling about even more so than on his own wedding day. Harry felt making this day special for Severus and Peggy was his most important task. He considered Severus one of his good friends, and more importantly, one of his most valued councilors.
Harry spent the entire night reading about many different wedding ceremonies, and tried to put together the best parts of each. He spent several of those hours researching various spells to ensure this boat ride would be the most memorable for everybody.
While practicing some spells in the early morning sunrise, Bill approached Harry from the castle proper.
"Harry, do you have a minute?" Bill asked.
"Sure Bill, what do you need?" Harry asked back.
"That item you wanted me to purchase, I finally got it, but it ended up costing almost a hundred thousand Galleons to get. Not to mention, I had to use some of the connections from your businesses in Knockturn Alley." Bill said.
"You got it, excellent, please do me a favor and keep it in the vault and most importantly, don't tell anybody." Harry said sternly.
"I won't, don't worry, but I have to ask, why would you spend all that money if you didn't want it displayed?" Bill asked.
"You'll understand, trust me, but for right now, I just want it safe. On another note, did you take your Christmas bonus this year?" Harry asked, evidently trusting Bill implicitly.
"Yeah I did, and are you sure you want to pay me that much? It's more than my entire year's salary." Bill said nervously.
"Look at it this way Bill, if a small percentage is that much money, than my cut should be that much better." Harry said smiling. "And, think about how much my cut will be next year." He added.
"I understand and thank you Harry, words cannot express how I feel." Bill said sincerely.
"You're very welcome, now please go, I have a lot of work before the ceremony." Harry told him with a sparkle in his eye.
The wedding was set for nine o'clock that evening; Peggy was to stay in the east wing of the castle until it was time to board the boat. She and the rest of the wedding party were set up to board before Severus and Albus.
Harry, Severus, Albus, Arthur and Ron were meeting in the war room of Potter Castle when Harry heard over the muggle radio that there had been an accident at Wembley Stadium.
"The television is reporting an unknown explosion occurred at eight o'clock Greenwich Mean time last night. The explosion killed sixty thousand people who were there for a concert." Harry was explaining to the group.
"Is there any proof that Voldemort had anything to do with it?" Arthur asked nervously.
"The muggles describe a scull mark left on one of the walls, and a video camera filmed an old man dressed in black robes. Ron dispatched all the muggle born Dark Aurors to investigate, we really won't know for sure until about dinner time." Harry said sadly.
"If this turns out to be Voldemort's work, it will be the single biggest atrocity he has ever committed." Dumbledore said.
"But why would he go after muggles?" Ron asked confused.
"Attention. He is being constantly defeated in the wizarding world, so he's turning his attention to the muggle world." Dumbledore answered.
"We can't protect them." Harry said quietly.
"No Harry, we can't." Dumbledore agreed.
"Then what do we do? We can't allow him to go around killing muggles just to spite us." Arthur said.
"We need to tag him." Harry said more to himself than to the rest.
"Tag him," Arthur asked.
"Yes sir, tag him. We need to give him something we could enchant so that we can know where he is at all times." Harry explained.
"But what, and how?" Arthur asked.
"We need Hermione." Ron added.
"Get her please Ron." Dumbledore commanded.
Ron left the war room in search of Hermione.
When they returned they found the other three sitting calmly discussing the plan.
"I told Hermione what we know." Ron said, sitting down to join them.
"What do you think Hermione?" Arthur asked.
"Well Minister, I think I may have an answer, if we let it be known that Hogwarts has the most magical ring in existence, I think he may ask Severus to steal it for him." Hermione said.
"Power isn't enough, there has to be a better reason." Dumbledore added.
"Slytherin," Harry added.
"What's that Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"We let him find out it was Salazar Slytherin's ring, he's Salazar's heir, he would want it for himself, and not just want it, he would wear it." Harry explained.
"I like it Harry, now how do we let him find out?" Arthur asked.
"Percy," Harry said simply.
"You don't think Percy's spying for Riddle, do you?" Hermione asked.
"No I don't, at least not willingly. He is wearing a necklace that shows Riddle everything that's happening around Percy." Harry said matter-of-factly.
"How do you know this?" Dumbledore asked.
"The castle told me." Harry said.
"The castle told you?" Ron asked.
"This castle was built entirely of magic; my magic, I put in a lot of myself, and it's alive as any thing ever could be. It picked up on the magic being transmitted from the castle to Riddle, which is why I changed my story last night." Harry explained.
"Then Riddle knows you're alive." Hermione stated the obvious.
"Yes Hermione, he knows, but more importantly, he knows Severus isn't on his side. We need to disconnect him from Riddle." Harry said.
"We can't Harry, he's connected by the dark mark." Dumbledore explained.
"He can be, I can remove the dark mark, and I have done it before." Harry argued.
"Another timeline Harry," Hermione asked.
"Yes, and we need to do it today." Harry pressed.
"Very well Harry, but only Severus can give you permission." Dumbledore said.
"But then how is Riddle going to get the ring?" Hermione asked.
"He's going to steal it from the Ministry." Arthur answered. "We're going to discuss it later that Hogwarts is no longer safe for the ring, and we're moving it to the Department of Mysteries before the New Year." Arthur explained.
"Excellent, then let's get the ball rolling." Dumbledore said motioning for the rest to follow.
Harry went straight to Snape's room, when he knocked, he was greeted by an inviting Snape.
"Harry, come in, what can I do for you?" He asked pleasantly.
"I need to talk to you Severus." Harry said, sitting on the couch in Snape's room.
"What's happened?" Snape knew immediately by the look on his face.
Harry went straight in to the events of the night before, of Percy's necklace, and of Voldemort knowing Snape was not on his side.
"So what brings you here? You could have sent anyone to tell me this." Snape said.
"I want your permission to remove the dark mark." Harry said purposefully.
"It can't be removed Harry." Snape said emphatically.
"I can, I've done it before. When Riddle gave you that mark, he gave you some of his power; I have to do the same to remove it. It only takes a moment, and there is no pain involved, but it has to be your decision." Harry explained.
"Any side effects," Snape asked.
"Yes, much of the hatred that's inside you will be gone." Harry said.
"Then do it." Snape commanded.
Harry placed one end of his wand on the dark mark and the other on himself. Harry mumbled an inaudible spell, and the effect was instantaneous, Snape's face softened, his heart felt light, he felt free.
"Harry, I feel great, I feel like singing." Snape said happily.
"Please spare me the song Severus." Harry said smiling.
Snape did something then that Harry would never forget, he laughed. Not a sinister evil laugh, but a jovial, belly laugh. Severus Snape was free of Voldemort.
Harry had instructed his jeweler from the mainland to construct a silver serpent ring with red eyes and a large green stone in the middle. He further instructed him to make sure it looked ancient, and to add scratches here and there. If the jeweler found these instructions peculiar, he didn't show it, he went right to work and promised the ring in forty eight hours.
Harry gathered all the men in the dining hall, except Draco who still hadn't returned with his new girlfriend. Harry took it upon himself to bring up the concerns about Salazar Slytherin's ring.
"With Riddle getting so bold, we should move the ring from Hogwarts." Harry was saying to Arthur.
"What ring," Percy asked.
"Salazar Slytherin's ring, it's said that the wearer would be invulnerable to any Hogwarts descendants, including Harry who as you know is Gryffindor's descendant." Arthur explained to the group.
"How about the Ministry dad," Ron asked.
"Yes Arthur, we could use the Department of Mysteries, Voldemort won't be able to find it there and the students would be safe." Dumbledore added.
"Very well, but I caution you all," he looked at Harry, Ron and Neville, "do not go looking for it later, I intend to hide it quite well." Arthur warned.
"And don't tell us where, we don't want it to slip out." Harry said looking at Ron.
"Then it's settled, we'll move it in two days, I'll have members from the Order escort it to the Ministry via the floo network." Dumbledore said.
"But won't that only lead them to the main entrance?" Ron asked on cue.
"Yes, but there shouldn't be any problems at the Ministry, no one knows were doing this." Dumbledore explained.
"What about guards at the ministry?" Lee asked.
"No guards, it'll draw too much attention to the area." Arthur answered.
The rest of the afternoon passed with them discussing insignificant dealings of the DME and the Order. Ron at one point exited the room, and returned moments later.
"Its official, the attack was Voldemort." Ron said, handing his father the report from the field.
"The muggle video camera does reveal Voldemort, and the dark mark was on one of the walls." Arthur explained.
"We'll have to worry about this later; it's almost time to dress for the wedding." Dumbledore said standing.
Harry was dressed and sitting at his desk in the library half an hour later. He looked up only when he heard someone enter.
"Draco," Harry greeted his friend.
"Harry, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend Rebecca Morse." Draco said presenting his date to Harry.
"It is an absolute honor." Harry said kissing her hand.
"Is this castle really yours?" She asked astounded.
"It is; I built it myself." Harry answered politely.
"It must have taken years." Rebecca stated.
"No only a few days, don't forget this is the wizarding world." Harry said smiling.
"Oh yeah, I forgot." She said sheepishly.
"Has Draco informed you of the various creatures that exist in our world?" Harry asked.
"No, not really," she said.
"First I need you to meet my servants, they are what we call house elves. They are small elf creatures that serve wizards in a variety of duties." Harry explained.
"I guess you must have some." She stated in an obvious tone.
"Indeed." He said, turning to the empty room. "Dobby, come here please." He said.
Dobby appeared instantly.
"Dobby, this is our guest, Rebecca Morse. Rebecca, this is one of my best friends, and head elf, Dobby." He introduced them.
She stood in wonder as the little creature reached out his hand.
"Please to meet you miss." Dobby said, beaming from being called one of Harry's best friends.
She shook his hand apprehensively, and then smiled. "Please to meet you too Dobby." She finally said. The elf nodded, and popped away.
"There is only one other creature you'll meet today, he's a half giant, half wizard, but that won't be until later." Harry explained.
They sat and engaged in normal conversation. Rebecca admitted she was not planning on attending because several acquaintances had died in the accident at Wembley Stadium. Harry assured her that here she would forget about the problems of the outside world.
Soon those who hadn't boarded with the bride were due to leave. Harry led the remaining residents and guest through the secret exit that lead to the dock where the Lady Molly was berthed.
Once they all boarded, Harry ordered the makeshift crew of house elves to set sail. As soon as they were far enough away, Harry dressed in robes of fine white linen, that Ginny designed and instructed all to take their places.
Harry used the spell he had been practicing that morning and the vessel began to float in the air. He waited until it was a mile above sea level before instructing an elf to play the wedding march on the organ he had conjured.
The first to make her way out was Cindy; Harry smiled when he recalled how beautiful she looked for his wedding. If it were possible, Harry could have sworn she was even more beautiful now.
When all the brides' maids had lined the aisle, Peggy made her way out. She was wearing, what Harry knew was a Ginny original gown, and magical sparkles hovered over her head. She looked just like Ginny did, absolutely stunning.
"You're a lucky man Severus." Harry whispered as the bride made her was down the aisle.
"And I owe it all to you Harry." Severus whispered back.
Peggy looked around, and it had finally dawned on her that they weren't on the water, they were floating. The stars seemed clearer, and they were too numerous to count.
When she had finally made her way to her groom, Harry began his speech.
"Dearest friends and family, we are gathered here tonight to bare witness to the union of Severus Snape and Margaret Weasley. Theirs is a fairytale story of love at first sight, but it took many years, and many miles before these two found each other again. It is with the greatest honor that I now preside over their union. If there is any among you, and I caution you, neither Severus nor I will be happy, who feel these two should not be wed, please speak now or forever hold your peace." No one spoke. "Do you have the ring?" Harry asked Snape, he nodded. "Please place the ring on her finger, do you; Severus Snape take Margaret Weasley to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live." Harry waited for Snape to answer.
"I do." Snape answered.
"Now Peggy, do you have the ring?" Harry asked and Peggy nodded. "Please place the ring on his finger, do you; Margaret Weasley take Severus Snape to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live." Harry waited again.
"I do." Peggy answered.
"Then by the power vested in me, by maritime law, I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride." Harry said, waiting for Severus to finish. "What God has brought together let no man put asunder. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. and Mrs. Severus Snape." Harry finished to tumultuous applause.
The party lasted well into the night, everyone kept commenting how beautiful the ceremony was, how ingenious Harry was for holding it in the air under a blanket of stars.
When the time for gifts arrived, Harry had the entire wedding party on the deck of the Lady Molly, to watch them open the gifts. The gifts were varied, but considering most everyone present earned a good living, they were quite expensive. But the thing on everybody's mind, and the one gift they were waiting on, was Harry's.
"Well Harry, let's see how generous you really are." Arthur joked as Peggy picked up the envelope from Harry.
She opened it slowly to tease the audience that waited with baited breath.
"There are two envelopes in here." Peggy said. "One addressed to me, and one addressed to Severus." She held onto hers, and gave Severus his, and they opened them together.
"Ok Peggy, spill it, what did my husband and I give you?" Ginny asked.
Peggy just sat quietly, until Snape whispered in her ear. "He gave us Cindyland." She said stunned. "Harry, we can't accept this." She said with a stunned expression.
"Of course you can, you both need a place to live, and other than Potter Castle, that's the next safest place.
"Ok brother-in-law, you next," Ginny said smiling.
Snape opened his envelope. "You're standing on it." He said simply.
"What?" Arthur asked.
"The Lady Molly, he gave me his sailing yacht." Severus clarified.
"Thank you Harry, both the gifts are perfect, well thought out, and very personal." Snape said, hugging Harry.
"Thank you Harry." Peggy said, kissing him lightly on the lips.
"Hey, what about me," Ginny asked in a mock hurt tone.
The bride and groom hugged and kissed her as well.
When the night ended, and the entire wedding party was back on shore, Harry handed Snape the keys to the boat.
"I can't think of a better honeymoon than out on the open sea." Harry hinted.
"We'll need to pack first Severus." Peggy pointed out to her husband.
"I've already taken the liberty." Harry said motioning to Dobby and Winky who were standing next to him with two packed trunks.
"You are amazing Harry Potter." Peggy said, kissing him again.
"Then we're off on our honeymoon." Snape announced.
Everyone said their good byes to the happy couple and retired to the library of the castle.
"I think it's way passed your bed time young lady." Molly said to Cindy.
"Do I have to go to bed?" Cindy whined.
"Yes you do," Harry added.
Cindy went off to bed while the rest remained in the library.
"That was a beautiful ceremony Harry, you should be proud of yourself." Arthur said.
"You thought of everything." Molly agreed.
"And what did you think Rebecca?" Ginny asked.
"I'm going to be pinching myself in the morning to make sure this wasn't a dream." She answered making everyone laugh.
The plan went as expected, Voldemort sent his Death Eaters to steal the fake Salazar Slytherin ring. To keep up the façade, Tonks killed two of the Death Eaters, and allowed several curses to make it through her defenses. Harry kept a constant vigil over where Voldemort was and when he made even the slightest move.
The New Years celebration came and went; it was soon time to return to school. Rebecca went home happier than Draco had ever seen her with the promise that she could return during the Easter holiday.
Draco and Hermione decided to meet the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade Station on the first day of the new term. Draco was actually going out of his way to meet Crabbe and Goyle; he needed to tell someone about his new girlfriend and knew the other Slytherins wouldn't understand. Hermione on the other hand was meeting Crabbe and Goyle for an entirely different reason; they were to receive added training to assist them in their N.E.W.T. preparations.
When the train pulled into Hogsmeade station, Crabbe and Goyle emerged with not one but two trunks each.
"Packing light these days' boys," Hermione said sarcastically.
"We were kicked out." Crabbe said.
"Kicked out, by whom?" Hermione asked aghast.
"Our mothers," Goyle said.
"Why?" Draco asked.
"Because we sided against Voldemort," Goyle explained.
"They don't want us to ever come home." Crabbe agreed.
"Don't worry boys, I know a place you'll always be welcome after you leave Hogwarts, right Draco?" Hermione said turning to Draco.
"Absolutely, and you'll always be treated well." Draco added.
"Where," Crabbe and Goyle asked together.
"That's a secret for now; relax; we always take care of our friends." Hermione said emphatically.
They began walking to the carriages.
"Boys, I wanted to tell you, we're devising a strategy to help you both on your N.E.W.T.'s." Hermione told them.
"More studying," Goyle asked.
"Now Gregory, you know you need this and besides, what else do you have to do?" Hermione asked logically.
"That's true," Crabbe added.
The first few weeks of school proceeded with little or no Death Eater attacks. Voldemort was obviously planning something big, and the best the DME could gather was that it was due to happen soon.
Hermione had all of the seventh year Dark Aurors studying well into the night; she even sought permission from Dumbledore to accomplish this. The only ones that seemed to match her thirst for studying were the Ravenclaws, but even after three weeks of constant work, they were getting rebellious.
Ginny seemed to be the only one having a good time, being a sixth year, she only had her end of the year exams and her magic had evolved way passed. She would go home each and every night to her family at Potter Castle; she would then inform her fellow Dark Aurors of any important information.
Minister Weasley had enacted many laws protecting the Dark Aurors and the DME, the most crucial of these was the creation of a Minister for Dark Magic Enforcement. Minister Weasley told the press at large that the position would be filled at the end of the school year, to give the seventh year Hogwarts students the opportunity to apply for the position.
On the first of February, the Daily Prophet ran an article about the proposal for a Harry Potter Memorial that would stand near the front entrance of Hogwarts. Letters were pouring into the Ministry and the Daily Prophet written by witches and wizards who were pledging money to help defray the cost of the memorial.
Harry and Arthur enjoyed reading these letters immensely, they knew all this added publicity would make their trap that much more effective.
Harry called together the principle conspirators in his plan to defeat Voldemort, Albus, Arthur and Percy, but included others so as to not arouse suspicion. Only a select few knew the trap was set for the equinox, but the conspirators kept up the façade of the solstice.
"We have finally decided on a time and place for Riddle's trap." Harry was telling the group. "It will be held on the solstice in the Ministry. We will lure him by letting word get out that we have the Sword of Slytherin, he would not want to miss the opportunity to acquire it." Harry said.
"But do you think he'll show up, or send his Death Eaters?" Severus asked.
"He'll come personally, because Arthur himself will be taking it to the Ministry and Riddle won't want to miss such a golden opportunity." Harry explained.
"Brilliant Harry," Dumbledore exclaimed.
"Our only problem is waiting so long," Neville said unaware of the true plan.
"If we have to wait, then we have to wait. The solstice is when he'll be at his weakest; we cannot miss such an opportunity." Arthur said.
"Then it's settled, June 21st it is." Dumbledore said standing.
The plan was set in motion, the trap was set, and now all they could do was wait.
The morning of the 14th of February Harry received an urgent message from Dumbledore. He had heard that Death Eaters were going to attack Diagon Alley. Harry informed Ron who immediately dispatched the bulk of the Dark Auror members to Diagon Alley. Ron was also wise enough to leave all the Hogwarts Dark Aurors at the school incase it was all a ruse.
Hiding along the streets and stores of Diagon Alley, one hundred and seventeen Dark Aurors waited, waiting for the moment when their skills would be needed. Harry stayed in his war room watching to see if Riddle made an appearance.
Exactly at noon that day, more than a hundred Dementors appeared in Diagon Alley. They spread across the narrow store lined streets like locusts. Dark Aurors were popping out of storefronts and back alleys sending patronuses in every direction. The more experienced Dark Aurors were using killing curses to destroy the Dementors once and for all.
The battle lasted hours, Dementors attempted to kiss anyone who got within two meters, but when the clock struck four, the last of the Dementors died. They were finally all destroyed, a true victory for the DME.
Tonks, who was the highest ranking field officer, was overseeing the disposal of the Dementors when she received an extremely urgent message from Dumbledore.
"Beaubatons and Durmstrang have been attacked, send all available Dark Aurors." Dumbledore had said.