Redemption II

Chapter 92

oO Five Years Later Oo

"You cannot possess me for I belong to myself. But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give. You cannot command me for I am a free person. I pledge to you that it will be your eyes into which I smile every morning. I pledge to you my living and my dying, each equally in your care. I shall be a shield for your back, and you for mine.

I shall not slander you, nor you me. I shall honour you above all others, and when we quarrel, we shall do so in private and tell no strangers our grievances.

This is my wedding vow to you.

This is the marriage of equals. So both do you agree?"

"I do."

"I do."

Hermione and Severus turned their heads down to the cord that tied itself around their joined hands. Severus' on top at the right with Hermione's on top at the left. The connection between them solidified for all eternity. A soft smile lit up Hermione's face, rivaling the shine of the crown resting upon her head. The love shining from her eyes putting to shame her gorgeous robes. She had forgone the traditional wedding dress, choosing instead a more Celtic design. They were the softest blue, the color of the early morning sky, and detailed with the gold sewn throughout giving it a most illuminating shine. Her hair fell down in a sea of chestnut waves held only partially back from her face by a braid woven with gold and blue to match her dress. To Severus, she had never looked more ethereal, more divine, than she did standing there before him on that day.

Severus too had dressed well for the occasion. Choosing a more midnight blue for his robes. While simple beneath, his cape held its own grandeur. Intricately woven with silver and blue to match Hermione's own it resembled the night sky with its shine. His hair had been pulled back as well and held in place with a small silver band. The crown upon his own head shimmering just as bright as the love in his eyes.

Together they raised the chalice, Hermione drinking first with his gentle hand pressing the rim against her lips before she returned the gesture. It wasn't something they had practiced but they executed it flawlessly. When the last of the wine passed their lips the cords binding their wrists followed bright before disappearing. The gold and silver cord reappearing on the alter tied in an infinity knot for all the world to know. They were one.

As the chalice was placed down, the modest chapel erupted in applause. Family and friends having come to celebrate the wondrous occasion. Harry and Ginny, who had two years previously tied their own knot and had their first child on the way. Molly and Arthur, the twins with their respective wives and young ones. Bill and Fleur. Minerva, Shacklebolt, and Hagrid. Neville and Luna who were set to wed in the fall. Galia, Renatus, who had grown by leaps and bounds and Reglan who couldn't have looked happier for the couple. Hermione's parents, of course, who could hardly hold back the joyful tears in their eyes.

"Hermione?"

Hermione groaned softly pulling herself out of the pensive. Her name coming once again, more clearly this time. She opened her eyes to the man who had turned her life into a beautiful fairytale.

"I was just getting to the best part..." Her voice came out with a soft whine as she accepted Severus' help in removing the pensive from the bed where she had been laid to rest for the past two weeks leading up to her due date.