AN: This is the last chapter. I hope you enjoy it!

I don't own Harry Potter and don't make any money.

"You can't be serious," Severus growled.

"Oh come on Severus. I promise you'll like it. It's just going to be a nice evening with us. We'll have a nice meal, then we'll got to the cimena…"

"It's ci-ne-ma, Neville!" Harry interrupted grinning.

"How am I supposed to know how to pronounce it, when I don't even know what it is," Neville glared at Harry.

"You have to come. We reserved a table and already bought the tickets. Afterwards we go for a drink."

"I'm not even sure why you have to have a stag night?"

"Because it's your last, or one of your last nights in freedom," Ron said.

"How does marriage compare to prison? I felt imprisoned when I was spying for Albus and working for Voldemort, being married to Hermione is going to be nothing like it. Ron, Harry and Ron looked abashed.

"Sorry I didn't want to kill the mood," Severus apologised, sensing the discomfort of his former students.

"And you said Hermione knows she has to watch Elena tonight?"

"Yes, I talked to her," Harry reassured him.

"Let's go then," Severus said not very convinced.

"Yay I'm really looking forward to going to the cimena."

"CI-NE-MA," Severus and Harry barked in unison making Ron chuckle.

"I'm glad you are coming with us Mister Rowle. So I'm not totally surrounded by dunderhead Gryffindors, at least there will be one sane person around.

"Hey," Harry playfully smacked his arm.

Neville grinned," Tell me again how this ci … ci … well this thingy works."

Severus and Harry explaining the concept of cinema to Ron, Neville and Thorben, kept them occupied until they reached the apparition point outside the castle grounds.

At the same time Minerva was standing at her office window, watching the five blokes joking and laughing all the way down to the gates. It warmed her heart seeing them having fun together and she got the feeling, slowly the magic community started to heal after the war.

It was nearly four hours later, when Severus and the others entered a muggle pub in London.

"That was amazing," Thorben beamed.

"I can't believe there is nothing comparable in the wizarding world," Ron said.

"We have to go again. The film was fantastic," Neville said while they went to the bar to order their drinks.

Once they sat down Severus turned to Thorben and asked," How is your mother doing Mister Rowle?"

"She is doing fine. She overcame her shock and finally started speaking again. And she is doing so much better since she is living at the 'Longbottom residence'. She learned to dress herself. That's a major achievement."

Ron swallowed hard. Noticing former students distress Severus asked," Are you okay?"

"Yes. It's just … I don't know … The stories of all these people are horrible. I'm just not very good at it."

"Nobody of us is," Severus reassured him.

"I always think what would have happened to Hermione if…" Ron couldn't finish the sentence, but a tear was rolling down his cheek. Harry put his arm around his shoulder and pulled him closer, so their heads rested against each other. Both of them looked a bit lost, their thought clearly being at the day in Malfoy Manor.

"On to happier topics. This evening should be about you, Sir," Thorben smiled.

"Yes, it should be and about Hermione, but in another way," Neville grinned and waggled his eyebrows.

Severus raised his eyebrow in return," What's that supposed to mean."

"Well, we don't have a stripper or anything remotely embarrassing for you tonight, so you have to give us some saucy details."

"Really? Why?" Severus growled.

"You owe it to us," Neville said.

"Why is that?"

"Because you used to torture us, when we were students and now we are friends. So it's all very logical," Neville replied not very convinced. But being called a friend seemed to do the trick.

Severs features slightly softened and sighing he said, "First things first, call me Severus." He offered his hand to Ron and Thorben.

"Ron."

"Ben."

They replied astonished and shook his hand. By now Severus had his face hidden in his hands and they heard a muffled, "What do you want to know?"

"Well, how is she?" Neville grinned wickedly.

"Good," Severus said through his hands.

"Good? That's all you are giving us?"

"Okay she is heaven. We are having fun."

"That's more like it," Neville grinned.

"It's your turn now," Severus looked at his friends.

"Don't look at me, I don't have a girlfriend," Ben answered a bit relieved.

"But I saw you animatedly talking to Miss Forsythe on several occasions."

"Talking Severus, only talking," Ben replied, but a soft smile played around his lips.

"Well Mister Potter then."

"I thought it's Harry?"

"It normally is, but desperate times call for desperate measures," Severus replied dryly.

Harry sighed," Can't complain."

Severus raised an eyebrow.

"She likes public places," Harry blushed fiercely.

"Sister … she is my sister, "Ron said and banged his head on the table.

"Where?" Neville grinned.

"The ministry. The minister's desk to be exact."

Ron who had just taken a sip of beer, choked and sprayed it all over the table.

"Go Miss Weasley!" Severus murmured and wiped his face.

"Ron?" Harry elbowed him in the ribs, "What about Katie?"

"She can be very bossy. Let's just leave it at that," Ron replied, his ears rivalling the ruby colour of his jumper.

"I believe it's your turn my dear Neville," Severus said sweetly.

"Well, there is nothing to tell. Hannah wants to wait until we are married. Why do you think I wanted you tell the story? I'm living through you guys."

Thorben chuckled.

"You will be paying for this," Severus growled.

"Let me pay for the next round," Neville grinned.

"You'll be paying so much more, believe me," Severus said through gritted teeth, while Neville went to the bar to order some more drinks. And an evil grin spread across his face.

"I hope you really make him suffer," Ron said.

"I'm sure he will," Harry grinned.


It was the next day in the early afternoon, Severus and Elena were sitting on the settee cuddling and reading a book, when Hermione came in.

"How do I look?"

Severus looked up from the book and smiled softly, "Radiant as always. Even if you would wear a potato sack you would look gorgeous."

"Thanks, that's very sweet of you," she came over and kissed his cheek. With a look at her watch she added, "Oh I'm a bit early."

Hermione sat across of her soon to be husband and her daughter and said, "Tell me what happened to Neville?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"His hair is pink, bright pink and down to his chin," she grinned.

"Well let's say he deserved it," Severus growled.

"But you are normally not a prankster. How did you do it? How long will it last?"

"Two weeks. It's a potion I slipped into his drink. George asked me to have a look at it, to lessen the effect. I still had it in my pocket. That reminds me, I need to get some more from George."

They were talking a few more minutes when Hermione finally got up and sighed.

"Ok let's get it over with." Severus laughed, "You know every other woman would be happy to go shopping for her wedding dress."

"Whatever," Hermione huffed and left through the fireplace.

A moment later she stepped into Minerva's quarters.

"Good afternoon, Minerva. Are you ready?" Hermione asked the older witch.

"Let me just grab my cloak my dear and off we go. You look so much better," Minerva replied while taking some floo powder out of the pot on the mantlepiece.

"I feel good and I'm happy you take time to come with me. I love Molly and Ginny dearly. I really do, but I think I need somebody more down to earth."

"But Molly is very down to earth, don't you think?"

"Yes, but not when it comes to choosing a wedding dress," Hermione grumbled. Minerva laughed, handed some floo powder to Hermione and stepped into the fire.


It was now the tenth dress and one and a half hours later.

"Oh, Hermione you look gorgeous," Molly beamed at her. "All of them were lovely really."

Hermione who looked like a puffy white cloud with this dress sent a desperate, pleading look at Minerva.

"Ok, maybe we need to go another direction, less ruffles, sequins and lace. Simpler maybe…"

Hermione sighed in relief, "Yes, please."

After two more dresses Hermione smiled at Minerva, "I think that's the one."

It was a simple off-white dress, shimmering when she moved. The back was cut quite low while it was high necked in the front.

"I have to admit that looks … wow Hermione… I am sorry I made you wear all this other dresses, " Molly apologetically looked at Hermione.

Ginny giggled.

"No problem, Molly," Hermione laughed in relief.

"So that's that. When are we meeting the others for afternoon tea?" Ginny required.

"In about half an hour, " Minerva answered looking at her pocket watch. After the shop assistant altered the dress with a few flicks of her wand so the dress that already fit Hermione very good, fitted her perfectly, they left to meet Luna, Fleur, Katie and Hannah.

They had a lovely afternoon together, laughing a lot, especially at the naughty stories Minerva and Molly told them, from when they were young.

After an evening of dancing and drinking, Hermione was stumbling out of the fireplace. "I AM SOOO DRUNK, " she blurted out quite loud.

Severus who was waiting for her reading, looked at her in amusement, "I can see that, my love."

Hermione burped, wiped her nose with the back of her hand and with a yawn stumbled into the bedroom, where she fell onto the bed and started snoring instantly, with her legs, dangling over the side of the bed. Severus chuckled, gathered her legs, put her fully onto the bed, took off her trousers and t-shirt with a wand flick and covered her with her duvet.


Severus was standing at the window when the sun came up on his wedding day, pondering. When suddenly two arms snaked around his waist and Hermion leaned her face against his back.

"What's on your mind Severus," she asked her voice still husky from sleeping.

"How do I deserve this?" he answered his voice barely above a whisper.

"Deserve what?"

"You, Elena … um … well … love"

"Of everybody I know you are the one who deserves it the most to live your life in peace and quiet, with people around you who love you. Dumbledore played with you. He was willing to sacrifice you for the greater good. Oh, how I hate this word. I can only imagine how you must have felt day in day out serving Voldemort, always anxious to be discovered. With people dying and being hurt left and right and not showing any reaction, always hiding your true feelings."

Hermione tenderly turned him around so she could face him.

"Look at me Severus," she said, and he slowly lifted his head and looked into her eyes.

"You deserve love more than anybody else and you can be sure it's not only Elena and me who love you. There are so many people who are fond of you, who love you. Neville, Minerva, Ben, Alice, Frank, Molly, Arthur and many of your students. You maybe can't see it, but I can. They come every week in the evening to talk to you. They realised what you did for them, for our world. How you sacrificed your happiness … how you risked your own life to bring Voldemort down. They admire you and want to learn from you. I heard them talk a few times after your meetings with them. You are not only their teacher, but you became a father figure to them."

"You think?"

"I know! Come on let's have breakfast together before all hell breaks loose when everybody arrives."


With the weather being lovely and warm, the ceremony was held at the lakeshore. Minerva had done a wonderful job at getting everything ready and the scenery of the castle did the rest of adding to a gorgeous setting. A string quartet was playing when Severus arrived at the lake. Minerva smiled and opened his arms to welcome him.

She held him tightly for a minute and whispered in his ear, "My handsome boy. You deserve all the happiness in the world, after all you have been through. I am so proud of you, and I hope you know I love you and I will always, always be there for you."

"Thanks," he mumbled.

"Breathe," she whispered, feeling him being very tense. Together they walked down the aisle, where Neville, whose hair was back to his natural colour, and Ginny were waiting. After them Elena came flying on her toddler's broom throwing rose petals, which earned her many "Oh's" and "Ah's" from the guests. Severus couldn't supress a grin when he saw her in her dress robes matching his own. Elena hopped of her broom and Severus gathered her in his arms, starting to cuddle her and talk quietly to her.

"Mummy," she suddenly cried out and pointed to the end of the aisle. Severus's gaze followed her outstretched arm, his mouth fell open and for a short moment the few guests that looked at him could read his mind without being Legilimens'. Pride mixed with awe, love and disbelief flitted across his face before he had his features back under control. Harry and Ron were walking down the aisle with Hermione in the middle. She had thought about Arthur giving her away, but in the end decided in favour of the boys, who she went through all the bad times. For one time she wanted to walk with them side by side at a happy occasion. At the end of the aisle the three of them huddled together for a minute, without talking.

And before breaking apart they hugged tightly. Ron looked at Severus and sternly said in a breathy voice "Take good care of our girl!"

"I will," came Severus' earnest reply.

They both patted him on the back before they took their seats in the first row. Severus, with Elena sitting on his hip, kissed Hermione softly on the cheek, before they turned their backs to their guests and looked at Kingsley who would be marrying them. Normally it wasn't his job, as Minister of Magic, but they asked him to, and he gave himself the permission to do so.

When it came to the vows Hermione could see how nervous Severus was.

"Breathe", she silently said.

And with a deep breath he started, "Hermione, my girl I don't know where to begin. You were the one who rescued me. I came to you when I needed help and knew you as Gryffindor you could not not help me…"

Amused chuckles were heard from the guests.

"But it didn't take me long to realize that you not only saved me that evening two years ago, but you saved my whole life. You gave my life colour and meaning …"

"No cwy daddy," Elena said with a worried face wiping a tear from his cheek.

"I am ok sweetie," Severus smiled at Elena with tears in his eyes.

Elena turned her head to Hermione "Not huwt daddy," she scolded.

"I promise I will not," Hermione replied in earnest, while Neville, Harry and Ron couldn't supress a grin.

"… I am not sure what I would do without your love in my life," Severus continued, " I promise today that I will take care of you, I will protect you and I will love you as long as I live. You are my breath, my life, my everything."

Severus took her hand in his and brought it up to his lips and placed a soft kiss on it. Suddenly there could be wolf whistling, loud cheering and clapping heard from the back.

"Nicely done, professor," somebody shouted.

When Severus turned around, he saw a bunch of students standing in the back.

He looked at Hermione with a raised eyebrow.

"It wasn't me," she chuckled.

While Ben and Minerva had both a big smile plastered across their faces.

"You are welcome, sir," Ben said.

Aurora, Matthew, Sarah, Joseph, Martin, Alan and quite a few others had come to his wedding. Uninvited yes, but these students had come … to his wedding … and they cheered and clapped.

"I told you they love you Severus," mumbled Hermione, so only he could hear her.

"May we continue, " Kingsley smilingly asked. The couple turned back.

"Severus, you saved me two years ago, when you came seeking help."

She had to smile since her words were so similar to his.

"I had retreated from the world. I was content. But I wasn't happy. You brought happiness back to me. Well, you and Elena to be fair. You are my home. With you I feel safe…"

Severus winced.

"Yes, I feel safe with you. I love talking to you. I love laughing with you. I too promise today that I will take care of, I will protect you and I will love you as long as I live. You are my love."

She pulled him close and rested her forehead against his, tears in her eyes. Elena looking utterly confused by now.

"It's ok, Elena sweetheart."

And while they exchanged rings and kissed a bird on a nearby tree was singing so lovely and cheerful, making Minerva smile while she wiped away her tears.

When they walked back the aisle at the end of the ceremony, the students were cheering and gathering around the newly-weds, laughing, talking, shaking Severus' and Hermione's hands and congratulating them.

When suddenly Aurora started talking, "Professor Snape we have a wedding gift for you."

And with saying that she handed him a book. It had a nice new leathery smell to it. Severus carefully opened the book, browsed through it and his eyes grew wide. Every page was holding a photo of him with one of his students. And the student shown on that picture had written a letter to him or otherwise created the page. Hot tears gathered in his eyes, threatening to fall, when different sentences sprang to his eyes, browsing through the book.

Should ever something similar happen again, I hope I'll stay as strong as you did, when you stayed at the side of the light.

Thank you for being such a brilliant teacher.

You are treating as equals. Thank you for that!

I hope when I am not your student anymore, we can be friends.

We know now that you were on our side all the time. If it wasn't for you there would have been much more students hurt. Thanks for keeping us safe.

You deserve all the happiness and love there is.

"I am sorry Professor Granger … I mean Professor Snape, this gift is more a gift for your husband," Aurora smiled shyly at Hermione.

"You couldn't have made me a bigger gift, than coming today, celebrating with us and showing how much, you value my husband," Hermione smiled at them and softly brushed away a tear that finally had managed to escape Severus' eye.

Severus cleared his throat and addressed his students, "Thank you so much for this fine gift. I will treasure it always. I am so proud of you all. You did so well over the last couple of weeks. I hope we have many more hours together to talk and discuss things. Be sure that I will always be there for you. Help will always be given at Hogwarts and by me to those who ask for it."

Suddenly they all started hugging Severus. It was like a big group hug. Hermione manoeuvred herself out of the entanglement and strolled to Minerva who was standing close and watched the scene.

"My boy is all grown up. He should really be headmaster again," she said to Hermione and couldn't keep it out of her voice how deeply touched she was.

"I hope you all have time to stay and celebrate with us. We will make sure there is enough food and drinks for all of you, " he smiled at his students.

"Go and have fun," he shooed them away.

"Miss Forsythe may I have a word with you, " he asked quietly. The girl nodded.

"I am happy to inform you that arrangements have been made so that your brother Alexander can start back at Hogwarts in September. I personally will make sure, that he can come back to his actual year and will make sure he will catch up on everything he missed."

"Thank you so much Sir," Aurora replied, hesitated for a moment, but then gave him a gentle hug. Severus awkwardly hugged her back, sighing because this was all so twisted.

"Don't be sad, Sir," Aurora squeezed his and ran after her friends.

The celebration turned out to be very relaxed and fun. Elena spent a great time sitting at the shore talking to the giant squid, who seemed to enjoy himself too.

The food was delicious and enough for everybody. There was a lot of dancing and laughter. Kingsley could be seen, spending the most of his time talking to the students who were hanging on his every word. In between he could be seen dancing in the middle of all of them.

It was already nighttime when Hermione and Severus were sitting on a rock, overlooking the lake. The night was exceptionally warm and they could hear music and the laughter in the distance.

Hermione was leaning into him and sighed contently.

"Are you happy, my girl," he mumbled into her hair.

"Yes, my love," she replied and kissed his jawline.

"Me too," he said kissing her curls.

"Thanks for coming to my house two years ago. I needed this tiny bit of adventure."

Severus chuckled and pulled her closer.

- THE END –

AN: I hope you liked my story. Please review!