Chapter Text
April 20, 2002
The cottage garden was in full bloom, the soft hum of bees and the delicate perfume of spring flowers creating a magical atmosphere. Rows of white chairs adorned with lavender ribbons and wildflowers faced an elegant wooden arbor draped in sheer white fabric and wisteria. The gentle sound of waves from the nearby shore added to the tranquil charm of the setting.
Hermione stood in her room, her heart pounding in anticipation. Her dress was an elegant ivory creation with delicate lace sleeves and a flowing skirt that shimmered in the sunlight. Luna flitted around her like a serene butterfly, adjusting her veil, while Pansy and Ginny finished pinning small sprigs of lavender into her curls.
“You look stunning,” Ginny said, her voice thick with emotion.
Pansy smirked, holding back a tear. “He won’t know what hit him.”
Hermione laughed softly, nerves and joy blending into a quiet giddiness. She looked out of the window to see the guests gathering and her twins, Josephine and Henry, dressed adorably in matching outfits, giggling as Theo crouched next to them, ensuring their rings were safely in place.
“Ready?” Luna asked serenely.
Hermione took a deep breath and nodded. “Let’s do this.”
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As soft music began to play, Severus and his groomsmen took their places at the front. Severus, dressed impeccably in dark green formal robes with silver accents, glanced down the aisle, his expression composed yet tinged with nervous excitement. Draco, his best man, leaned over and whispered, “Breathe, Severus.”
The music shifted to the bridal processional, and all heads turned as the bridesmaids came—Luna, Pansy, and Ginny—all radiant in soft lavender gowns. Finally, Hermione appeared, her arm linked with her father’s.
Her gown was timeless—a fitted ivory bodice with delicate lace sleeves that cascaded into a flowing skirt. Her curls were adorned with small lavender sprigs, and her smile outshone every flower in the garden. Severus’s breath hitched as their eyes met, and for a moment, the world faded away, leaving only her.
Her father walked her to Severus and placed her hand in his. “Take care of her,” he said quietly before stepping back.
Kingsley Shacklebolt, officiating the ceremony, stood beneath the arbor. His deep, commanding voice carried easily over the crowd.
“We gather here today to celebrate the union of two extraordinary people, Severus Snape and Hermione Granger. Their journey together has been marked by challenges, growth, and above all, love. Today, they stand before us to declare their commitment to one another.”
He turned to the couple. “Marriage is a promise—a promise to support each other through life’s challenges, to celebrate life’s joys together, and to grow stronger in love with each passing day. Severus and Hermione, as you exchange your vows, remember this moment and the promises you make today.”
Kingsley nodded at Severus. “Severus, if you are ready, you may share your vows.”
Severus took Hermione’s hands in his, his deep voice steady but filled with emotion.
“Hermione, before you, my life was defined by shadows and solitude. You are my light, my strength, and my heart. With you, I’ve found peace, purpose, and a future I never thought possible. Today, I vow to protect you, honor you, and love you for the rest of my days. Whatever the world may throw our way, we will face it together, as we always have.”
Hermione’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as Kingsley gestured for her to speak.
“Severus, you have shown me a love deeper than I ever imagined, a love that sees all of me and chooses me still. You are my partner, my anchor, and my greatest joy. With you, I’ve built a life full of love and laughter, and a family I treasure more than words can say. Today, I vow to stand by your side, to cherish you, and to love you endlessly, through all of life’s seasons.”
Kingsley smiled warmly at the couple. “May I have the rings, please?”
Josephine and Henry, their twins, toddled down the aisle, Theo Nott carefully guiding them as they carried the rings on small pillows. Their giggles brought laughter from the crowd.
Kingsley held the rings in his hands.
“These rings are a symbol of your love—unbroken, eternal, and enduring. As you place them on each other’s hands, let them remind you of the promises you’ve made today.”
Severus slipped the ring onto Hermione’s finger, his hands steady. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
Hermione placed the ring on Severus’s finger, her voice soft but firm. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
Kingsley’s voice resonated with joy. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Severus, you may kiss your bride.”
Severus didn’t hesitate, pulling Hermione into a tender but passionate kiss as their friends and family erupted into cheers and applause. Josephine clapped her tiny hands, and Henry squealed with excitement.
The newlyweds walked back down the aisle together, hand in hand, their faces glowing with happiness. The cheers of friends and family echoed through the garden, blending seamlessly with the soft chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of spring leaves. The space had been transformed into a dreamy reception area: twinkling fairy lights draped between the trees, tables adorned with lavender and ivory centerpieces, and a long wooden dance floor set under the open sky. It was intimate yet enchanting, perfectly reflecting the love they celebrated that day.
The scent of fresh flowers mingled with the mouthwatering aroma of the feast awaiting the guests. A buffet table showcased a delightful spread of magical and Muggle dishes, from pumpkin pasties to herb-crusted roast lamb to Hermione’s favorite treacle tart. Nearby, a smaller table sparkled with a three-tier wedding cake adorned with enchanted frosting and edible wildflowers.
When Severus and Hermione entered the reception hand-in-hand, the crowd erupted into applause. Hermione's cheeks flushed pink, and Severus, ever the composed man, smirked. But even his mask of stoicism cracked as he leaned in to kiss Hermione amidst the cheers and clinking glasses. Her fingers brushed his cheek as she kissed him back, her eyes alight with joy.
The sound of champagne glasses being tapped quieted the crowd, signaling the start of the toasts. Draco, standing tall with a glass in hand, was first. His smirk was unmistakable, and his tone was a perfect blend of humor and sincerity.
“I’ve known Severus for my entire life, the man changed my nappies. I’ve seen him at his best and his worst. I can confidently say that Hermione has brought out the very best in him. Though I suspect her intelligence and determination may occasionally make his life… challenging.” Laughter rippled through the crowd. “But I’ve never seen him happier, and for that, I thank you, Hermione. To Severus and Hermione!”
The guests echoed the toast, raising their glasses high.
Ginny followed, her voice warm and steady as she addressed the couple. “Hermione, you’ve been my best friend, my sister in everything but blood. And Severus…” She paused, her lips quirking into a small smile. “You’ve proven yourself worthy of her, which is no small feat. Together, you’ve built a beautiful life, and I know this is just the beginning of your story. To a lifetime of love and happiness!”
Hermione and Severus exchanged a soft glance, their hands intertwined as their friends raised their glasses once more.
Dinner was a lively affair, with Hermione and Severus moving from table to table, sharing laughter, memories, and heartfelt words with their guests. Sirius teased Severus with relentless affection, earning a dry quip in return. Minerva McGonagall raised her glass with unmistakable pride, while Remus Lupin and Sirius shared warm smiles, their hands clasped together.
As the plates were cleared, the first notes of a string quartet signaled the first dance. Severus took Hermione’s hand, leading her to the center of the dance floor. She melted into his arms as they swayed to the soft melody under the glow of the fairy lights. Her head rested on his shoulder, and his voice, low and quiet, reached her ear.
“Are you happy?”
She looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with emotion. “More than I ever thought possible.”
The dance was a tender moment that set the tone for the rest of the evening. Soon after, Harry danced with Ginny, Draco reluctantly spun his boyfriend Theo around the dance floor, and Sirius managed to convince Minerva into a spirited turn around the floor. The children raced about, their laughter ringing out like music, while Hermione’s parents doted on Josephine and Henry, who napped peacefully in their arms.
Later, the wedding cake was cut to a chorus of cheers and laughter. Guests eagerly helped themselves to slices of the delectable confection, enchanted to change flavors with each bite. As the evening wore on, Blaise Zabini conjured sparklers for everyone, and the guests formed a tunnel of shimmering light for the newlyweds to walk through.
With the festivities winding down, Hermione and Severus slipped away for a quiet moment under the stars. Standing at the edge of the garden, they watched the twinkling lights and listened to the distant murmur of their friends and family.
Severus turned to her, his fingers brushing a stray curl from her face. “What are you smiling about?” he asked, his voice low and soft.
Hermione’s grin widened, and she took his hand, guiding it gently to rest on her abdomen. “I’m smiling because I’m pregnant. I think we conceived the day before the full moon in February”
His eyes widened, and for a moment, he was utterly still. Then, a rare, brilliant smile broke across his face, and he pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply.
“Are you certain?” he whispered, his voice filled with awe.
She nodded, her eyes glistening with happy tears. “Positive. You’re going to be a father again.”
Severus kissed her forehead, his hands framing her face as he gazed at her with an intensity that made her heart flutter. “You’ve given me everything I never thought I deserved. You’ve made me the happiest man alive.”
They stood there for a long moment, wrapped in each other’s arms, before walking back to the reception hand-in-hand.
As the newlyweds rejoined the party, the soft glow of the sparklers fading into the background, Severus and Hermione exchanged a knowing glance. Their fingers laced together, and with a silent agreement, they began weaving through the crowd to find their closest friends and family.
Hermione spotted her parents first, sitting at a table near the edge of the garden with Josephine and Henry now awake and happily babbling in their arms. She approached them, her smile widening.
“Mum, Dad,” she began, her voice soft but brimming with excitement. Severus stood behind her, his hand gently resting on her lower back. “There’s something we want to share with you.”
Jean Granger tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “What is it, darling?”
Hermione’s cheeks flushed as she glanced at Severus for encouragement. He gave her a small nod, his lips curving in the faintest of smiles.
“Well,” Hermione said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. “You’re going to be grandparents again.”
Jean gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, while Robert Granger broke into a wide grin. “Another grandbaby?” he exclaimed. “That’s wonderful news!”
Jean set Henry down in his pram to hug her daughter tightly. “Oh, Hermione, I’m so happy for you both!” she said, pulling back to include Severus in her embrace.
The twins, now clapping along with the mood of excitement, gurgled happily in their pram, as if they too understood the joy of the moment.
Next, they sought out Harry and Ginny, who were dancing with their one-year-old son, James, nestled in Harry’s arms. The couple paused mid-spin as Hermione and Severus approached.
“You two look suspiciously happy,” Harry teased, raising an eyebrow. “What’s going on?”
Hermione grinned. “We have some news. We’re pregnant again.”
Ginny squealed, throwing her arms around Hermione. “Another Snape baby? This is amazing!” she exclaimed.
Harry’s face broke into a broad grin, and he clapped Severus on the shoulder. “Congratulations, mate,” he said. “You’re going to need all the energy potions in the world to keep up with two little ones and another on the way.”
Severus smirked. “Fortunately, I have an excellent supplier,” he replied, glancing at Hermione.
Ginny knelt down to talk to Josephine and Henry. “You two are going to be the best big sister and brother ever,” she said, kissing their tiny hands.
Hermione and Severus moved on to Ron and Pansy, who were laughing together near the buffet table. Ron was attempting to sneak an extra slice of cake while Pansy mock-scolded him.
“Oi, Ron,” Hermione called out, interrupting their playful bickering.
“What’s up, ‘Mione?” he asked, wiping crumbs from his mouth.
“We’re expecting again,” Hermione announced, her voice bubbling with excitement.
Pansy gasped, pulling Hermione into a hug. “That’s incredible! Congratulations, darling!”
Ron blinked, then broke into a wide grin. “Blimey, another one? You two don’t waste time, do you?” he joked, earning an eye-roll from Hermione and a smirk from Severus.
“Congratulations, Snape,” Ron added, offering his hand. Severus accepted the handshake, a rare softness in his expression.
The group continued, seeking out Draco and Theo, who were twirling sparklers nearby, and Blaise and Luna, who were sitting at a table under the fairy lights. Each shared similar reactions—laughter, hugs, and heartfelt congratulations. Luna, always serene and knowing, simply smiled and said, “I suspected you might. The stars were particularly bright tonight.”
By the time the announcements were complete, Hermione and Severus were practically glowing from the love and support of their friends and family.
As they returned to the dance floor for one last slow dance, Hermione rested her head on Severus’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
“Our family is growing,” she murmured, her voice filled with awe.
“It is,” Severus replied, his voice low and reverent. “And so is my love for you.”
Under the twinkling lights of their wedding, surrounded by the laughter and joy of their loved ones, they shared a quiet moment of gratitude for the life they had built—and for the beautiful future ahead.