Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot so don't sue me.
Chapter 8 – Of Parties and Triumphs
Upon arrival Severus and Ginny were ushered into private rooms while Draco and Goyle were brought into the ballroom. The sight that greeted them was not what they expected. They anticipated a grand ball filled with false warm wishes and scheming – instead Draco feared for Ginerva's mental health for the sight that greeted him was all too much.
They stepped all the beauty that the devil had to tempt the fates with. The room was decorated in white and red roses. There were two isles of white seats for the death eaters and their familes to sit on. In the very front of the room stood an alter as well as a magistrate and Percy Weasley.
"The shit is really going to hit the fan when they get out here." Goyle whispered to Draco.
"Are you kidding me? I would not want to be a fly on any of those private rooms that Severus and Gin were ushered into. Maybe we should check with them." Draco said.
Before they could leave Draco saw Severus enter the room through a side door. Draco wondered if Severus was a nervous as he was confused. Severus motioned for Draco to join him at his side.
The music started as Ginerva and Lord Voldermort appeared at the main doors of the ballroom.
Lord Voldermort led Ginny to the front of the ballroom where an alter was set up before a magistrate. He slowly led her to Severus who resembled the picture of calmness while Ginny appeared to be in shock. Her ruby red hair was pinned up with spiral curls brushing her silk white gown.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" The magistrate asks while looking at Lord Voldermort.
"I do." Said Lord Voldermort. He lifted Ginny's veil and kissed her on the cheek. Ginny did her best not to shiver in revulsion. Ginny handed her bouquet of red and white roses to Percy who was serving as her man of honor. Ginny couldn't help but smile at the irony.
The magistrate looked at Ginny and Severus, then to the assembly. "We are gathered here today to witness the joining of these two halves into one whole through the bonds of Holy Matrimony. Marriage is not a union to be taken lightly. It's foundation of trust is the pinacle of any relationship and were are here today to celebrate the love and trust that Severus and Ginerva have for one another."
"This rope represents their faith in one another." She said as she tied the white rope around both of their outstretched hands.
"This rope represents their love for each other." She said as she tied the red rope around their hands.
"This rope represents their commitment to each other." She said as she tied the gold rope around each other.
"Do you have the rings?" The magistrate asked Draco and Percy who were acting as the best man and man of honor respectively. Draco handed a platinum band to Severus as Percy did the same to Ginerva.
"Do you Severus take Ginerva to be your lawfully wedded wife in front of all assembled here today and the powers that be from now on until eternity?" The magistrate asked Severus.
"I do." Severus replied as he placed the platinum ring on Ginerva's ring finger.
"Do you Ginerva take Severus to be your lawfully wedded husband in front of all assembled here today and the powers that be from now on until eternity?" The magistrate asked Ginny.
"I do." Ginerva replied as she slid the platnium ring onto Severus's ring finger.
"Any misguided souls who wish to object to this union speak now or forever hold your peace." The magistrate said.
No one objected so the magistrate continued. "The announce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride." The magistrate said with a smile.
Severus leaned down to Ginerva and embraced her lips in a kiss of passion and thankfulness.
"It is my pleasure to present Mr. and Mrs. Severus and Ginerva Snape."
Later that night after Severus and Ginny retired for the evening Severus reflected back to the moment he knew that he loved her.
-Flashback-
Severus received word from Dumbledore that the group of students returned from the Department of Mysteries. Severus had worn a hole through the floor when he learned that Ginny as amongst the students who had engaged the Death Eaters in battle.
Dumbledore informed Severus that of the state of the students and took careful mention to tell him that Ginny had broken her ankle, had been healed, and released. He also informed Severus with a wink that Ginny's parents would arrive in the morning to see to their children.
Severus will gave out at last and he set out to search the castle for Ginny if only to confort her and sooth is worried mind.
He opened the door to see Ginny standing before him. Her fist raised to knock on his dormitory door. Severus stood stunned for a moment before he breathed "Ginny-"
Ginny ran into his arms.
He held her close and was surprised to feel wetness in his eyes. " I was so afraid I lost you Gin. I don't know what I would do if I had."
He felt Ginny withdraw from him and he feared that he said something to scare her away, instead she laughed. "Do you really think it would be that easy to get rid of my Severus. Come on! You're stuck with me!" Then she raised on her toes and kissed him on the lips.
Severus did not respond at first in shock then he began to kiss back. When he realized what he was doing he stood back and said "Gin – we can't do this."
"Well why the hell not! I did not just risk my life to come here and hear the man I love tell me that he doesn't want to be with me!" Ginny yelled.
"What did you say?" Severus asked.
"I said…" Ginny flushed in embarrassment. "I said I love you damn it!"
"Ginny…" Severus looked at Ginny and decided to thrown caution to the wind. "I love you too." Severus whispered.
"I know." Ginny said as she leaned in to kiss him again. This time he responded without hesitation.
Severus looked over at his beautiful wife. He kissed her on her forehead and whispered "I love you Gin." Ginny cuddled up closed to him in her slumber and Severus drifted off the a blissful sleep.
The next morning…
Ginny awoke at dawn. She looked over at her sleeping husband and whispered in his ear "I'll be back soon my love." She kissed him on the forehead and set out to start her day.
An hour later Ginny arrived at the ruins of the London cell of the headquarters on the Order of the Phoniex. She found the portrait in the ruins of Sirius's old bedroom. She took the painting off the floor and turned into a phoniex with that she flew to Italy to give the resistance some much needed guidance.
Upon entering the caves she was met with a welcome but unfriendly sight. Her mother was standing in the conference room where she was to meet Sirius.
"Hello Ginny." Molly said as she looked at her daughter reproachfully.
"Mother-" Ginny responded with a nod.
"I didn't tell them of your activities. You have a lot to answer for." Molly said as Ginny walked past her to the table where Ginny sat down and waited for Sirius's arrival.
"I suppose I do, but that will have to wait until the war is over." Ginny replied.
Sirius walked into the room with a smile on his face. "Ginny – Good to see you! I have wonderful news! The horcruxes have been located; now we just have to figure out how to destroy them." Sirius said with a smile.
Molly looked shocked. Didn't Sirius know she was the enemy?
"Well I brought something that may help." Ginny removed the wrappings surrounding the package. Molly gasped at the painting of Albus Dumbledore.
"Molly, Ginny, Sirius – Good to see you alive and well. I suppose we should get to work.."