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Chapter 46: Catherine Waltz

To say that there was quiet a few who were a little miffed initially at the couple for not telling them but there was general agreement that the Snapes certainly had flair. It was a nice small wedding and the whole Céilidh as a wedding reception was a bundle of fun.

The wedding had also been a reflection of the healing that the magical community needed to undertake as both attendants were very good friends and representative of the other side per say. For example Narcissa as a Pure Blood matron and her history as the wife of a death eater for her to be one of the golden trio's wedding attendants really meant that she was reformed and changed.

The same could be said for Harry and Severus as the two of them were known to have clashed so frequently when Harry was younger along with the Slytherin history of enmity as well. That the two of them could bury the hatchet so to say and Severus' Dark past could be forgiven was major sign to the magical community of if we could reconcile so can you.

Hermione had been standing on her own all without any assistance for the ceremony and so she was very grateful for a seat in the hall. It was lovely for her to sit watching the dancing and laughing merriment that those who were gathered at McGonagall's estate bubbled over.

The caller had called a couple of dances and many had experienced their first country style called dance evening. The musicians were spelled so that they could participate with their own families and it the story telling breaks were lovely to listen too. Sitting here with Severus hearing his laugh at the comedic story Hermione felt like she was in heaven as life was pretty good. Seeing the radiant smile of Hermione her new husband turned and kissed her face while smelling the rich intense roses that formed her crown.

She wasn't a white satin and lace bride. No she was his bride. Severus did not mind wearing a kilt and he would do so again if she would wear her wedding outfit again. He particularly liked how the stay defined her waist and showed how beautifully curvy she was. Severus was particularly thankful at that moment that her student school robes were not as flattering cause he knew he would have gotten into trouble ogling her curves when she was younger.

Different well wishes came and sat with the couple to talk. A key topic of interest was where were they going for a honeymoon. After the first time Hermione knew that her husband was up to something because he admitted he had a surprise planned. They hadn't talked about a honeymoon since they were Staycationing. Now it seemed that there were another set of plans in action.

Between the main course and dessert there was a little lull in the proceedings. Turning to Hermione Severus asked, "Do you feel up to a dance? Can I have the pleasure of a waltz with my wife?"

"Of course," she replied to see him nod to the caller who introduced the dance and that the couple were going to have their first official dance as a couple. Carefully ensuring that she had picked up her veil, arisaid and gored skirt Hermione placed a hitch so she wouldn't trip over the hem of her outfit. Hermione was also trying to protect the veil and the tartan arisaid. It was then many could see the laces of her gillies for the first time. The whole outfit was very lovely and Hermione had been complemented on it frequently.

Obviously Severus had set it up with the caller so she was rather pleased when it was announced that the next dance was a Catherine waltz. This waltz sequence was one of her favourites from when she was used to dance with her parents. It also allowed her to move easily round the floor in Severus' arms without having to break out into any flourishing step patterns. No it was a clear follow the lead of your man and the box step pattern of the waltz. You could if you wanted do the fancy cross steps but you didn't have to do them and Hermione wasn't. She was just enjoying the music and being able to participate in the day.

After their waltz Minerva called upon the happy couple to cut the wedding cake presenting Severus with a sword. Placing the sword handle on his left forearm Severus invited Hermione to grasp the handle and line up the blade for the first cut. Then placing his hands around hers they worked together to make the first cut. There was a round of applause at their successful teamwork.

It was after dessert that Hermione's energy started to runaway as though she was no longer the energiser bunny. "Come sweetheart its time we let you join the land of the nod" said Severus as he guided her back to their rooms. With Tinky's help Severus removed her crown of flowers, mantilla and arisaid. It was about this point Severus ran into some trouble the laces of the stay. How was he going to get the boned garment off her? The ties were complicated. Mia laughed at him and then proceeded to guide his hands in the removal of her boned stay.

The last couple of weeks had led them to the point of sharing a bed together was a necessity as one could not sleep without the other. Both of them had sleep issues but they seemed to get a better night sleep if the other was present with them. Sure they may toss and turn but there was some comfort in the presence of each other. It wasn't long before Severus was joining his wife in the arms of Morpheus. To think that he Severus Tobias Snape was married how life had changed was the happy thought of the former spy as he had been diffing off to sleep and it was observable from the grin on his face.

oOoOo

Waking early in the morning Severus wondered where his wife was as the sheets were cold beside him. Getting up he found her in their suite's sitting room wrapped in a blanket and looking out across the castle grounds.

"Morning Mia", heard Hermione before she realised that she had just received a concerned peck of greeting from her husband.

"Good Morning Severus", she replied opening up her blanket so he could come and cuddle her and thus avoid the cool highland morning.

"Tinky" called Severus; "I need you to do up Miss Mia Dorset daily pill boxes for the next two weeks. I have a surprise for her she is going on her honeymoon today. We will need our passports along with a small bag of clothes suitable for a seaside holiday. It will only need to be just the bare essentials, as somehow I don't think we will be socialising much. But put in a good selection of books for Miss Mia to read."

"Severus we can't just up and go away for two weeks. Don't you have to cover the introduction of first generation students into the magical world during that time" inquired Hermione thinking of all the fuss that was made over the summer schedule and who was going to cover what.

"Don't worry I have been scheming with some colleagues to ensure that we could have two weeks away. You haven't had a real holiday for many years. Please let me take you on that holiday you need."

Looking into his inky eyes Hermione was feeling the warmth of his intensions and how it much it would please him if she just went along with his treat. Hermione was running a soothing thumb over his knuckles.

"So where are you taking me?" Hermione asked.

"To breakfast for now", was his reply, which just made his wife infuriated. He loved to see the flash of her anger and determined spirit. Oh he was certainly going to pay for that comment but it was worth it. Hopefully by punishing those luscious lips of hers before to long.

oOoOo

It seemed that Severus and Hermione were not the only early risers currently staying in Lady McGonagall's Highland Castle. Upon entering the dinning area they found that the house elves had prepared a Shooters Breakfast buffet. Seated around one of the smaller tables was the family Lupin. Holding onto Severus supporting arm Hermione made her breakfast selections and was then guided across to join her very close friends. I suppose now I am classed as a friend thought Severus not realising that he had already transitioned into family when he married Hermione.

It was when little Elizabeth Marie was unceremoniously passed to her 'Uncle Sev' did Severus make the link that he was now a member of the unusual self combined family. Hermione and her watching eyes knew at the exact moment when he had come to that startling collusion. The lonely man now had people who considered him to be a part of their family. It would be strange for him since he had been orphaned when he was 16 years old. While he was a friend with Lucius and Narcissa enough to be considered as a good godparent candidate for their son Draco he felt that he had always had a slightly rocky relationship with the Malfoys considering that he was deceiving them thanks to his role as double agent.

Severus was regarding the young witch who had been blithely handed over to him. The little cherub had grasped his right index finger in her tight little left paw and he was marvelling over her tiny fingernails along with her fierce grip. Severus was curious to know how you would even proceed in trimming those tiny nails. "Your mother must be absolutely mad to hand you over to me, Lilybet", he told her.

"No Severus we honestly trust you with our cubs whether it is Hermione or our daughter", kindly advised Remus. "Who would have thought all those years ago we would only now be married to wonderful women? I am sure you were like me with Lily there wasn't anyone round I could relate to in that manner. You were not the only one who loved her but even though we didn't think so we were lucky when James pipped us both at that post. Look at us now we both have gorgeous strong powerful intelligent witches as our wives".

Yes life was strange thought Severus and he had certainly been blessed with Hermione. Hermione had watched Severus and the gentle care he was taking with the baby. Who knew that he was experienced with small children? The stereotype that would only have him familiar with infants was if he was using them as potions ingredients.

Looking at him she could see that it was not just her who had a longing for children but him as well. With Draco he had been a godfather and uncle. The chance of having his own children had never been there thanks to his many years service as a spy. Now here he was married and still that chance was very slim particularly if was from her. If there was a chance she was going to give it to him.

After finishing her own breakfast she took the little imp from him and was rewarded with a milk drunk smile from the baby. Hermione was thrilled to receive this wonderful gummy grin from Elizabeth Marie that she was smiling intently back at her totally fascinated with the child. She was totally unaware of the looks and comments that she was generating round the table and with the other guests at McGonagall's Castle.

Tinky popped in to Severus and handed him their passports, a shrunken bag and her shrunken wheelchair. The elfess then passed Hermione her crutches. After saying their thanks and their adieus to everyone Severus produced a portkey. Firmly supporting Hermione he activated it after she had securely grasped the strip of leather. That distinctive pull on her navel and they were sucked out of Scotland to the seaside retreat that Severus had organised for their honeymoon.