Open Letter

Chapter Ten

We awoke still tangled up in each other's limbs. Since it was a Saturday we didn't rush to make ourselves presentable. Breakfast was a leisurely affair with cup after cup of tea and lazy conversation. Finally, feeling refreshed, we were able to turn our minds towards matters of practicality. We would have to speak with Dumbledore. There was no other course.

Severus arranged the appointment but we arrived there separately. Dumbledore seemed to take it in stride that we were there together. Severus and I took turns speaking, describing our past and outlining our plans for the future.

From the way Dumbledore reacted one would think that he already knew everything that we were telling him. Perhaps he did, in which case I'm glad that he was the one who knew and not Professor McGonagall. She would have been enraged that a Slytherin snake was robbing the Gryffindor cradle. Dumbledore has always been an exceptionally wise man. He agreed to perform the legal ceremony after I graduated and to keep it a matter of supreme secrecy. He also agreed to hire me as an apprentice to Severus so that I would be able to stay close by and join the Order. His blessing meant quite a lot to the two of us. It would be harder letting the other members of the Order know but thankfully Dumbledore also thought that our news should wait until after graduation.

Graduation came and I said goodbye for a time to Severus. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and I were returning home for a week before taking up residence at Grimmauld Place once again. I told my parents the entire truth about my world. I told them the entire truth about Voldemort and the War that was being waged. I told them why it was not safe for me to stay at home.

I told them about my "engagement," easier to explain it that way. I gave them Floo powder and told them how to use it and what to say. They would be Flooing to Diagon Alley and Mrs. Weasley would meet them there and escort them to where the ceremony would be held. I went shopping for a dress with my mother and promised my father that he would be the one to give me away.

All in all, my parents were not against my marriage. Severus had met with all the members of the Order and told them about the wedding. Shocked or not they were supportive, although I believe that to largely be the work of Dumbledore. I was the one that would have to tell Harry, Ron, and Ginny. Telling my parents was much easier than telling them.

Ginny was the one who took it the best. All that she needed to know was that I loved him. Harry seemed stunned, but Ron was ballistic. I'm glad that Ginny was there. She was able to calm Ron down enough to listen to me. I talked about how protective he was of Ginny when she first started dating and now he was doing the same thing to me. Harry found his voice and agreed with me. I told them how much I wanted them to be a part of my wedding and a part of my life. I assured them that I was still the Hermione that they had always known. The night ended on a good note with hugs all around. Really the best wedding present I could ever get.

The wedding was very simple, even by Muggle standards. The dinning room was cleared of furniture so that the whole wedding party could squeeze into it. All of the Order was waiting in there when I walked down the "aisle" to stand next to Severus. I was wearing a cream gown and Severus was in his customary black. Remus was the Best Man and Ginny was my Maid of Honor. Dumbledore presided and my father gave me away. A nice simple ceremony. It felt freeing to be able to hold his hands in front of all of my friends, my true family.

We mingled with everyone at the reception. I think that they just liked having something to celebrate for a change. We had the radio playing and most everyone was dancing. Severus and I had the first dance and after that I danced with almost everyone in the room. Severus refused to dance with anyone else at first, but finally Hestia Jones coaxed him into one dance.

As soon as we could excuse ourselves we left the party for the "bridal suite." We opened the door to find a bed with white satin sheets and rose petals all over the place. Mrs. Weasley had obviously looked to those Muggle romances for guidance.

Severus rolled his eyes before declaring, "Do they really expect us to be inspired by these settings?" I giggled in reply. "If you're not opposed I'll just change a few things," he said while brandishing his wand. I wasn't surprised when he changed the petals and sheets to black.

"That's better. Definitely you, darling," I said with a smirk. "But I thought you didn't like 'foolish wand-waving'?" I said in a mock innocent voice.

He just growled as he picked me up and tossed me on the bed. "There is always a time and place for that." He kissed a trail down my neck. "Like now."