A Wizard's Debt
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
42
Views:
39,576
Reviews:
228
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
42
Views:
39,576
Reviews:
228
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Hermione
A/N: The two weddings I have been to had a little service before the vows; and it got me thinking what would a wizarding ceremony be like? Here’s my thoughts.
Hermione.
The wedding began with everyone rushing back to their seats and putting their wands away; it was probably the first wedding the elderly priest had performed where the Groom walked down the isle to meet the bride, rather than the other way around. Severus had been closing the door, however, a disrespectful reporter had ‘accidentally’ jammed the large iron hinges just enough to allow a camera to snap photographs of the event. He and Lucius had exchanged very quiet words and suddenly the door ‘miraculously’ slammed closed.
Finally Severus joined me at his correct place to my left, and the ceremony began as Priest Oak performed the opening chant and asked us to confirm our names and intent under Veritaserum.
“Now, take your seats at the front of the congregation, and I’ll begin.” He said, his bald head gleaming in the bright noon light.
“Marriage is a curious bond, I’m an old wizard now – and I’ve seen so many marriages come through this temple: some wed for love; others for money; some for influence in society; a few wed because a child was conceived… and now people are bonding with another for life because they are forced to do so.
“Though, all these recent marriages have done one good thing – with the ceremony fee, the other priests and I have managed to repair the leaking roof!
“Hermione and Severus are marrying today out of necessity, not love – but I do believe there is definite affection between the pair, and that their union will be prosperous and joyous. Under the influence of a potion they have confirmed their names and their intent – to wed and live until one should end in peace, harmony and trust… an honest answer, and a beautiful one.”
He looked at us, smiling gently before he continued, “Life is like an old robe, many strands making it up, colours added through joyous and sad occasions, warmth brought by relationships with family and friends. Then there are all the stitches bringing it all together – sleeves must be sewn to the body, the hem must be neatened, collars must be attached, patches must cover holes… as in a marriage, two people are sewn together, knots tying them to one another and holding them firm so they do not drift away. Hems neaten problems, and any couple must learn that there will be many problems between them, but they can all be solved and dealt with, and the grievance tidied away. Collars are constricting and uncomfortable, as uncomfortable times will occur within a marriage and from influences without – but every starched collar will soften with washing, as uncomfortable situations will wash away with the right attitude and compassion.
“And finally, in times such as these, there are many holes in our robes, we have all lost loved ones in this battle – and we grieve their loss – but with time, the strength gained from marriage will tame the grief and bring hope – never taking the place of those lost, but filling the aching gap in our hearts with love and affection.
“Marriage is a time of rejoice, a time of happiness, and a time to contemplate and compromise between a pair.”
The priest looked around, smiling at everyone who caught his eye with genuine kindness.
“Now – the vows, Hermione and Severus, if you and your witnesses can stand at the dias and answer after me:
““Do you, Hermione Jane Granger, hereby take Severus Michael Snape as your Husband?”
“I, Hermione Jane Snape, do take Severus Michael Snape as my husband.” I replied, shaking a little as I spoke.
“Do you, Severus Michael Snape, hereby take Hermione Jane Granger as your wife?”
“I, Severus Michael Snape, take Hermione Jane Granger as my wife.” He said clearly, unwavering.
“Do you both swear on your honour to love each other, tend each other in need, and stand beside one another in all things?”
“We do.” We chorused.
“Do the witnesses here present agree to watch over their union and agree to it?” grinned the priest, a beaming smile punctuating his words.
“We witness and agree.” Ginny and Lucius said, bowing and moving back to their seats.
“You have spoken solemn vows before all, under truth potion… and all there is left for me to say is: Severus and Hermione, I hereby pronounce you Husband and Wife… Mr and Mrs Snape – you may seal your union with a kiss!”
I forgot all about the congregation, about the kind old man grinning at us, about the reporters waiting outside… I lost myself in a beautiful kiss as Severus gently pressed his lips to mine; a gentle gold glow surrounding us as the wedding rings appeared on the appropriate fingers at the flick of Priest Oak’s hand.
“Aye – this marriage is a beautiful thing.” He whispered, bowing to all before leading everyone from the temple and to the apparition point.
Hermione.
The wedding began with everyone rushing back to their seats and putting their wands away; it was probably the first wedding the elderly priest had performed where the Groom walked down the isle to meet the bride, rather than the other way around. Severus had been closing the door, however, a disrespectful reporter had ‘accidentally’ jammed the large iron hinges just enough to allow a camera to snap photographs of the event. He and Lucius had exchanged very quiet words and suddenly the door ‘miraculously’ slammed closed.
Finally Severus joined me at his correct place to my left, and the ceremony began as Priest Oak performed the opening chant and asked us to confirm our names and intent under Veritaserum.
“Now, take your seats at the front of the congregation, and I’ll begin.” He said, his bald head gleaming in the bright noon light.
“Marriage is a curious bond, I’m an old wizard now – and I’ve seen so many marriages come through this temple: some wed for love; others for money; some for influence in society; a few wed because a child was conceived… and now people are bonding with another for life because they are forced to do so.
“Though, all these recent marriages have done one good thing – with the ceremony fee, the other priests and I have managed to repair the leaking roof!
“Hermione and Severus are marrying today out of necessity, not love – but I do believe there is definite affection between the pair, and that their union will be prosperous and joyous. Under the influence of a potion they have confirmed their names and their intent – to wed and live until one should end in peace, harmony and trust… an honest answer, and a beautiful one.”
He looked at us, smiling gently before he continued, “Life is like an old robe, many strands making it up, colours added through joyous and sad occasions, warmth brought by relationships with family and friends. Then there are all the stitches bringing it all together – sleeves must be sewn to the body, the hem must be neatened, collars must be attached, patches must cover holes… as in a marriage, two people are sewn together, knots tying them to one another and holding them firm so they do not drift away. Hems neaten problems, and any couple must learn that there will be many problems between them, but they can all be solved and dealt with, and the grievance tidied away. Collars are constricting and uncomfortable, as uncomfortable times will occur within a marriage and from influences without – but every starched collar will soften with washing, as uncomfortable situations will wash away with the right attitude and compassion.
“And finally, in times such as these, there are many holes in our robes, we have all lost loved ones in this battle – and we grieve their loss – but with time, the strength gained from marriage will tame the grief and bring hope – never taking the place of those lost, but filling the aching gap in our hearts with love and affection.
“Marriage is a time of rejoice, a time of happiness, and a time to contemplate and compromise between a pair.”
The priest looked around, smiling at everyone who caught his eye with genuine kindness.
“Now – the vows, Hermione and Severus, if you and your witnesses can stand at the dias and answer after me:
““Do you, Hermione Jane Granger, hereby take Severus Michael Snape as your Husband?”
“I, Hermione Jane Snape, do take Severus Michael Snape as my husband.” I replied, shaking a little as I spoke.
“Do you, Severus Michael Snape, hereby take Hermione Jane Granger as your wife?”
“I, Severus Michael Snape, take Hermione Jane Granger as my wife.” He said clearly, unwavering.
“Do you both swear on your honour to love each other, tend each other in need, and stand beside one another in all things?”
“We do.” We chorused.
“Do the witnesses here present agree to watch over their union and agree to it?” grinned the priest, a beaming smile punctuating his words.
“We witness and agree.” Ginny and Lucius said, bowing and moving back to their seats.
“You have spoken solemn vows before all, under truth potion… and all there is left for me to say is: Severus and Hermione, I hereby pronounce you Husband and Wife… Mr and Mrs Snape – you may seal your union with a kiss!”
I forgot all about the congregation, about the kind old man grinning at us, about the reporters waiting outside… I lost myself in a beautiful kiss as Severus gently pressed his lips to mine; a gentle gold glow surrounding us as the wedding rings appeared on the appropriate fingers at the flick of Priest Oak’s hand.
“Aye – this marriage is a beautiful thing.” He whispered, bowing to all before leading everyone from the temple and to the apparition point.