Chapter 47: The Binding

~~~~O-O~~~~

After shaking hands and kissing a few cheeks, Severus whisked Hermione away from the church and into the small courtyard outside.

"Love?" he asked as he brushed his thumb across her soft cheek.

"Oh Severus, it was perfect. Truly perfect." Hermione gushed, and raised their joined hands.

"I didn't expect us to pick the same two out of three ribbons. I supposed this further illustrated that we are a good match."

"What happens now? We don't unwrap them, do we, husband?" She asked.

"Wife! I do like the sound of that," he bent down and brushed his lips lightly across her forehead, "Minerva will be out in a moment to complete the binding and the ribbons will turn into a bracelet."

Sure enough, the Transfiguration professor stepped out of the church with Father Paul.

"I'll be quiet as a church mouse. You won't know I am here," He promised the couple and the stern woman staring him down over her half moon glasses.

Satisfied with Father Paul's assertion, Minerva addressed the newly married couple, "The initial bond took when I wrapped the final ribbon; now we just need to cast the charm and complete the binding."

Severus and Hermione stood side by side with their bound wrists raised. Minerva chanted an ancient spell as a warmth flowed through their hands and arms, slowing traveling from the tips of their toes to the tops of their heads.

Hermione gasped as a shiver ran up her spine and her knees grew weak; Severus' body shook as if he was suffering from tremors. They were bathed in a glowing light that seems to emanate from their skin. The glow dissipated. Hermione held herself up, her hands shaking as she tried to hold on to his arms above the elbows.

"Did you see that? Did they really glow?" Father Paul asked in an unusually high voice.

Minerva smirked at him, "Yes, it happens when souls are bound together."

"Holy Spirit, indeed."

Hermione let go of Severus and they stared at their wrists. The ribbons were gone and left in their place was a shimmering band on their individual wrists. Laughing, Hermione threw her arms around Severus; he held on to her, lifting her up and he swung her around.

"Time to celebrate!"

~~~~O-O~~~~

Hermione and her parents shook hands with their muggle relatives and friends on the steps of the church, exchanging best wishes. Finally, the only the few muggles attending reception remained behind.

Father Paul was practically in hysterics as he touched the kettle portkey, while Diana, Anna and Mark knew what to expect. Ron went ahead and apparated with Helena and Sabrina as the girl preferred that method over portkeys travel.

Severus glanced around, ensuring everyone was gone before kissing Hermione deeply. His hands grazed the soft skin on her neck and trailed down her back. Her arms tightened around his waist, her tongue softly sweeping across his lips before slipping inside his warm mouth.

He sighed, resting his forehead on hers, "I love you."

"I love you, too." She grinned, "Are you ready?"

"The faster we get through the reception, the faster we get to the honeymoon." He told her as he apparated them away.

As soon as they walked through the doors of the Great Hall, Harry used the sonorus charm to amplify his announcement, "Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Snape."

The guests clapped and cheered, Hermione gave a small wave as Severus tilted his head in acknowledgement.

The ceiling was charmed to reflect a clear evening filled with stars and candles floated above their heads, creating a beautiful twilight setting despite the sun shining outside. A light tune played throughout the hall. One wall was covered in flowering vines. There were small round tables covered in beautiful ivory cloths with dancing flower centerpieces.

Sabrina raced across the Great Hall to her parents before taking a flying leap. Severus caught her easily and lifted her up.

"We are all Snapes now!"

Hermione squished Sabrina into Severus as she hugged them both, "Yes, we are all Snapes now."

Releasing them, she brushed the back of her hand against Sabrina's cheek, "We wouldn't be here today, if it wasn't for you little one."

The little girl flashed them a smile, "Yay! Now can we have cake?"

They laughed and Severus put Sabrina down on the floor.

"We have to eat dinner, dance and then cake." Hermione informed the little girl.

There was an influx of guests and chatting before dinner was announced. They enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at a table with Father Paul, Minerva, Anna and Mark. Sabrina sat with Helena and the Weasley grandchildren; with Ron keeping a close eye on them.

Seamus had offered to DJ on the media player for the evening, and he set up the first dance, calling the new husband and wife to the dance floor.

The sounds of Etta James singing At Last matched the dancing couple's moved. Slow and loving, they danced; lost in their own bubble.

Soon, the music changed and people poured on to the dance floor. The atmosphere changed from romance to a dance party. The kids ran around and made up their own dances.

Hermione danced with her friends and her father.

Severus tried to leave Hermione and Sabrina to enjoy themselves but his dance card was full.

Severus found himself dancing with Pomona, Minerva, Anna and Molly. He was quite relieved when it was finally time to cut the cake.

The candles dimmed as the guests turned their attention to the couple as the cut the cake; Severus hand holding Hermione's as they make the first cut together. They had chosen a multiple tiered cake with a different flavor for each tier; dark chocolate for Severus, Lemon Raspberry for Hermione and Strawberry Cream for Sabrina.

"This is why magic is amazing!" Anna Granger told Father Paul, "Just like that," she snapped her fingers to illustrate her point, "and poof, the cake is sliced evenly and on plates. No waiting, no mess!"

After another two hours of dancing, the reception came to a close, and guests returned home. Severus and Hermione returned to their quarters with Sabrina and the Grangers. Picking up Sabrina's suitcase and a handful of toys, the little girl was ready to spend a week with her grandparents. Severus and Hermione were heading to Italy for a week long honeymoon the next day. Severus promised to send Sabrina an owl each day, and Hermione promised to send her sweets. Many kisses, hugs, and tears later, Sabrina flooed away with Mark and Anna.

"This is the beginning of the rest of our lives together, love." Severus held his wife in his arms as she melted into his embrace.

~~~~O-O~~~~

A/N:

To Bri892 - Thank you for joining me in this journey and helping make this story great!

To my readers - Thank you for reading and reviewing. This was my first fanfic and I cannot believe a silly little idea turned into a 48 Chapter saga. The epilogue is coming up next. Truly appreciate you joining me in the story of Sabrina, Hermione and Severus.

~GoodGodHenry~

*Question from Chapter 45 - I asked if you all knew what the book Harry was reading, "In the great green room." You guys know your children's books, and I'll bet most of you who answered could recite the book from memory.