29

THE WEDDING

*******Severus********

The day had finally arrived and just like most people on their wedding day, Severus experienced a bit of cold feet. Not because he had any doubts about marrying Hermione- no, he loved her with all of his heart, but he was more concerned about the future and this new chapter in his life. He went from being a social pariah, to a lonely recluse, then a spy, and then sort of sped through the other stages until he became a fiancé. And in a few minutes, a husband. That made him nervous. There would be so many expectations. What if he couldn't meet them? What if he was a horrible husband? Or a terrible father? After all, his reputation as a teacher at Hogwarts had been infamous. Would his own children dislike him with such veracity? He untied and re-tied his bow tie for the fifth time that morning, at this his godson and best man, Draco Malfoy rested a hand on his shoulder. "Relax Uncle Sev," he encouraged, "You're going to do great. Hey, you managed to put me on the straight and narrow and I was raised by a bigot my whole life. Plus, you've got Hermione Granger on your side. Failure is simply not an option with her. She loves you, and she's incredibly understanding- I know that personally, so whatever nerves you're feeling, shove them to the side and go get married."

Severus stopped fidgeting and turned to stare into Draco's soft gray eyes. There was understanding, pride, and more importantly love there. Severus was shocked by his sincere speech, but it was exactly what he needed to hear. "You're right son. Thanks." They shared a quick hug and Severus exited the dressing room and walked down the aisle. His face was neutral, but those who really knew him could detect a sparkle in his dark depths. The wedding was decorated in a rustic, Tuscan theme, a nod to their planned honeymoon. One they wouldn't be able to attend until the triplets were a few months old. The wedding wasn't particularly drawn out. After Severus walked down the aisle, he was followed by Remus and Vonn, and then the maid of honor, Ginny Weasley and best man, Draco Malfoy walked down next. Next was Harry carrying Teddy as he held the rings on a small decorative pillow, followed by Luna who actually volunteered to be the flower girl and it oddly worked out rather well.

When it was time for Hermione to walk down the aisle, everyone stood and Severus was speechless. She looked like a goddess. Her belly stood out proudly in a form fitting white gown encrusted with sparkling pearls. A white gauzy train floated around her and she wore a crown with matching pearls. Her hair was a rich brown that fell down her back in glossy curls. "Stunning," he whispered to her once their hands were joined. Hermione's radiant smile and the love shining in her eyes nearly took his breath away. However her vows to him actually stopped his heart for a second. It was overwhelming to hear just how much someone loved you. At least, for Severus it was. She gave the regular vows, but she also told him about how she's loved and admired since her time in school and how with or without his memory her love would remain. And then she cast her half of the soul bond.

Now it was his turn. After saying the standard vows, Severus felt his heart speed up as he started his personal vows. He was nervous exposing so much of himself in front of their friends. But then again everyone knew he wasn't exactly like the "Professor Snape" persona he had crafted over the years. "Hermione, even now I can scarcely believe that this is real. That I have found the one whom my soul loves and who's soul loves me back," here she squeezed his hands and nodded encouragingly. "My life has been devoid of so many good things and then you came and now the goodness in my life is overflowing. There was a time that I was simply existing in this world, but not actually living in it. I would be a part of things, but not really a member. I was within…..and without. Thank you Hermione, for seeing in me a man worthy enough to bring in your heart and soul and for taking care when I brought you into mine."

At this Severus cast his half of the soul bond and there was a bright light that flashed between them earning gasps from the audience. "Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Severus Snape," the official's voice boomed, "You may ki—"

"YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD GET AWAY TRAITOR?!" Voices screeched from the entrance, a few wizards dressed in tattered Death Eater garb flew towards the bride and groom before any of the shocked attendees could react. "I'll KILL YOU AND THAT MUDBLOOD BITCH!" By this time the witches and wizards had recovered and began to fire off curses but not before one of the Death Eaters cast an explosive charm, knocking Severus and Hermione on their back.

Severus was the first to recover. He was dizzy at first, but it didn't take long for him to get his bearings. He immediately searched for his wife and what he saw made his blood turn cold. He crawled towards her, images flashing through his brain as he made his way towards her. She was staring up at him with wide, tearful eyes, but what alarmed him was the fact that she had a gash in her chest and she was coughing up blood. "Sev-Sev-mm-Severus, I l-love….I…."

"No, no, no, no, Hermione please…..please don't leave me," he rushed, not caring about the chaos around him. He placed his hand on the gash to stop the blood as he tried spell after spell with no discernible change. "Please darling keep your eyes open okay?" He urged, his own eyes welling with tears.

"Sev….save the babies…."

Severus nodded, "I'm gonna save you too. You can't leave me yet love. I remember! You hear me? I remember!" He exclaimed.

She gave him a sleepy smile, "I knew you would." And then her eyes closed.

By this time they had disarmed, apprehended and in one case, killed the rogue Death Eaters, but none of that mattered to Severus who's world was hanging by a thread. No one knew what he was saying, but no one could ever forget his heartbreaking screams.