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Prologue Wedding Bells

The giant clock on the astronomy tower struck 6 and the entire castle's inhabitants came out to sit in chairs that had been perfectly aligned in rows, facing the Black Lake.

Garlands of small white flowers floated through the air and decorated the aisle.

Fairy lights adorned the arch made of tiger lilies, giving the whole place a magical glow.

The sun had just started setting in the bright blue sky, turning it purple and then deep red. The ceremony was about to begin.

Annalise smiled to her boyfriend nervously. He was the groom's best man along with Draco Malfoy, Snape's godson.

They wore matching black suits, with emerald green ties. How very Slytherin.

The groom stood there as well in all his glory. Black dress pants, a black shirt instead of his regular white one and a tailored black tailcoat that reached the back of his knees.

If he was nervous, no one could tell. He held his head up high, a slight smirk on his face.

The bride's maids were already there as well, readjusting their hair or deep green dresses. They seemed more nervous than anyone else.

Mae's dress went exceptionally with her dark red curls. They were expertly pinned around the back of her head. Beside her, stood none other than Minerva McGonagall.

Her signature tight, sleek bun was replaced by an elaborate braided style, creating loops and swirls in her greying hair.

Her conservative turtleneck tartan was substituted by an emerald green, long sleeved gown that reached the ground and swirled and billowed as she walked. She had to admit, she quite liked the feeling of it. She could understand why Severus and Eliza wore billowing robes so often.

She turned to Severus' apprentice and offered her a rare, excited smile. "I simply love weddings!" The Head of Gryffindor whispered.

"As do I, Minerva! I've been waiting for my sister to marry for years." The redhead replied.

Some would say it ridiculous to have a wedding under such circumstances, others would have it precisely because of the circumstances. More specifically, Eliza and Severus.

It was just before the end of term exams and the feeling of war surrounded them all.

Harry, Ron and Hermione shifted uncomfortably in their seats. They felt out of place, until they noticed Remus and Tonks, three rows ahead of them. They were sitting with Kingsley Shacklebolt and the Minister for Magic; Rufus Scrimgeour, along with the other Hogwarts professors and Dumbledore.

Across the aisle, they saw the Malfoys and the Slytherin Head Girl. Next to them, Annalise Blackburn.

Everywhere the Golden Trio turned, they saw familiar faces. Whether or not they appreciate seeing them, they were familiar all the same.

The string quartet began to play, signalling the ceremony was starting.

Everyone turned in their seats to watch the bride.

She had healing burns on her face and cuts on her hands, but that didn't take away from her extravagant beauty.

Her dress was white as snow, fitting her form and a long train followed behind her. Lace sleeves adorned her arms, a plunging neckline revealed more scars, slightly covered by make-up.

She didn't seem to care about her scars, no one else did either. They added to her beauty. Made her seem more human, though her beauty was all the same ethereal.

Severus felt his breath catch in his throat as he watched his bride slowly make her way down the aisle.

Every step she took, green shoes peeped from underneath her dress.

Her hair wasn't tied, as it usually was. Her wild curls were set free to frame her face and cascade down her back, reaching her waist.

A bouquet of white tiger lilies and roses enchanted to be green was in her pale, trembling hands.

She was certain that she wanted to marry the man on the end of the aisle, but she was very aware of the number of eyes on her.

She caught a glimpse of her son and he gave her an encouraging smile. It made her stronger.

Eliza took step after step, each one bringing her closer to her true love.

Perhaps her memory had been wiped, but she had once again fallen in love with the man they called the dungeon bat.

When he'd asked if she'd have him that very same day they returned from the hospital, she didn't even hesitate to say yes. She knew he loved her. She felt it in his energy.

The archway of flowers and fairy lights was rapidly approaching. Eliza felt her heart flutter rapidly. Butterflies filling her tummy.

Suddenly, they were face to face, hand in hand.

Severus gazed at her, his love merely growing for her even more.

A secret smile played at his lips, and she smiled back, her entire face lighting up, making her more beautiful.

Her pale green eyes sparkled with tears of joy. She timidly bit her bottom lip and waiting for the Minister to stand, join them and begin the reading.

Tears filled Mae and Minerva's eyes, they were so happy for them. The amount of love resonating from the couple's souls was almost overbearing.

Garrett and Draco both smiled as well.

"We are gathered here today to bind these two in Holy matrimony. If there are any objections to the union of Severus Thobias Snape and Elizabeth Daria Barron, speak now or forever hold your peace." Spoke the Minister.

No one so much as breathed too loudly.

"Very well." He continued, the slightest note of disappointment in his tone.

A large tawny owl flew done above them and dropped two wedding bands, each in the respective hand.

"Severus Snape," said Scrimgeour. "Do you, take Elizabeth Daria Barron to be your lovely wedding wife, in sickness and in health, for rich or for poor, 'til death do you part?"

"I do." The man answered, a smirk on his lips. He placed a thin silver band on the fourth finger of her left hand. The band glowed momentarily and settled.

They both had matching rings. Simple silver bands with one phrase engraved on the interior in each other's penmanship.

The story isn't over

"And do you, Elizabeth Barron take Severus Thobias Snape, to be your husband. In sickness and in health, for rich or for poor, 'til death do you part?"

The woman smiled wickedly. That look meant nothing but mischief. "I do." She whispered, placing the ring on her new husband's hand. That ring glowed too for a moment.

"You may now kiss the bride."

Severus dipped her and she gasped in surprise, before wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him close, pressing her lips to his.

The guests cheered and howled, celebrating the momentous occasion.

The story wasn't over.

It had merely begun.