The Greatest Gift

Harry and Ron accompanied Hermione back to her room. “So how does it feel to be a married woman?” Harry asked.


“Honestly, it does feel too much like anything.” Hermione answered, “If there’s no love, then what is there left to feel.”


“Why get married if you’re not even in love?. The whole idea seems ludicrous.” Ron chimed in.


“Well I’m not really too sure to tall the truth, I just know that Professor Snape doesn’t love me.” Hermione replied.


“Well, do you love him?” Harry inquired.


“Harry, I can’t answer that question because I don’t know. What I do know is that now that because marriages in the world of wizardry are eternal, the Professor and I need to make our marriage work, so we need to start somewhere.” Hermione thought a little more, “It’s just that I can’t figure out how at the moment.”


“’Mione, if that greasy git does so much as make you shed a single tear,” Ron paused for emphasis, “I’ll hex his ass all the way to kingdom come.”


Harry nodded in agreement, “You’ve been nothing but a best friend and a sister to us and we want nothing but the best for you.”


Hermione hugged and kissed each boy on the cheek. “I love you both and thank you dearly for caring about me as much as you both do. It’s been a horridly long day, and I’m tired, so if the two of you don’t mind, I just want to get some sleep.”


Ron and Harry kissed Hermione good night, and then went to their own dorm. Hermione’s exhaustion must have been contagious because they were both sleepy all of a sudden.

Severus was the last to come inside after the ceremony. He decided to take a walk to gather his thoughts. It seemed like there were trillions of stars out, and the moon appeared to close enough for Severus to touch. “If I could, I would pluck the moon and every last star out of the sky for Hermione.” He’d thought to himself silently, but he then remembered how good of a job he’d done the morning before to push her away. His thoughts slowly but surely slipped back to the ceremony, Hermione’s beauty and charm rivaled that of the night sky he was now observing. Severus wanted his wife next to him more than anything at that moment, but after his previous impertinence, he wouldn’t be too surprised if she never gave him the time of day again. Curse his surliness.

Hermione awoke in a daze the next morning, wondering and hoping that the wedding had only been a dream. The ring on her finger had been a taciturn reminder that what happened was indeed her reality.


Harry and Ron lingered in front of Hermione’s dorm to escort her to breakfast. They knew she could use the company. They all tread in silence; there was really nothing to be said. Thankfully, everything in the Great Hall seemed to be going as normally. The Golden Trio found their usual seats. Hermione glanced at the head table only to find Professor Snape staring at her intently; Hermione just looked away and continued her breakfast as if it hadn’t happened. That was a harsh blow on Severus’ ego. Midway through breakfast, Professor Dumbledore stood up and tapped his goblet with a fork, he wanted everyone’s attention.


As soon as the room was silent, Dumbledore began, “Ladies and gentleman, I have a marriage to announce that you all should find most delightful!” he exclaimed jovially, “Professor Severus Snape and Miss Hermione Granger were wedded yesterday evening!”


Students and teachers alike were awestruck with an exception of those who already knew.


Professor stood up and interjected. “Now that Hermione is a married woman, I wholly expect every last one of you to treat her as such.” She paused, “This means that whenever Hermione enters a room, you all will stand until she seats herself.” Professor McGonagall paused again, then continued, “Also, you will now formally address Hermione as Mrs. Snape, unless Hermione herself advises you to do otherwise.”


“I forgot to mention one thing,” Professor Dumbledore added, “as of tonight, she will be moved to the dungeons. Thank you that will be all.”


Hermione was mortified by the impromptu speech, not to mention the curious stares her and Professor Snape were getting from everyone. Ron and Harry pat her back in reassurance. Hermione hadn’t even known that she would have to move in with him. She felt those all too familiar tears start to sting her eyes again. The fates were cruel and merciless. Hermione excused herself and hurried off to the nearest restroom. Little did she know, Ginny followed.

Severus glowered at any teacher or student that dared to spare him anything as diminutive as a passing glance. He’d seen Hermione rush out of the room, she appeared to be on the verge of tears and he felt awful for her. “If only Albus and Minerva would’ve treated the situation more gingerly” he thought sourly to himself, “but at the least, it’s out of the way.”

“Hermione, why are you crying?” Ginny asked. “You should be happy, you’re in love, and unlike a lot of us, you have something to show for it..”


“What you fail to understand is that he doesn’t even love me.” Hermione wept.

“I’m sure he does Hermione, I can tell by the way he looked at you in the Great Hall. He cares a lot about you, just give it a chance.”


Hermione threw her arms around Ginny. “I’m so glad I have you, and I apologize that I didn’t tell you the news sooner, I didn’t want you to find out this way.”


“It’s ok Hermione, really, but we need to start heading to class, you now how Snape gets when you’re late.” Both girls giggled and left.

Classes went by more sluggishly than ever. Hermione hated how everyone stood for her and she hated being called “Mrs. Snape” by them even more, it would definitely take some getting use to. Severus asked Hermione to meet him in the dungeons after dinner. She dreaded having to go, so she made sure she took her time.


Hermione could smell his familiar scent of sandalwood and mint when she walked through the door. “Professor Snape, are you here?” Hermione shouted.


An answer came from behind her, “Mrs. Snape, don’t you find it somewhat inappropriate to still address me as such considering the circumstances?” Hermione jumped, he startled her. Severus stifled his laughter, but smiled inwardly. He then came from his hiding place behind the door. “Come Hermione, I’ll show you your new sleeping arrangements.”


Hermione followed Severus; he took her to a huge mahogany chamber door. He opened the door and she beheld what was on the other side.” Hermione this is your bedroom. I hope you find it sufficient. If you feel otherwise, feel free to ask one of the house elves for whatever it is you need. My room is next door and you may explore your new home whenever you find the time.” He then set off for his own room.


Hermione’s new room was fit for a queen. There was a huge mahogany sleigh bed. The bedding was white and fluffy with tons of pillows. Hermione collapsed on top of the mass. “ahh goose down.” She muttered to herself. It was the softest bed she’d ever lain in. The decorations and furniture were exquisite, and she could tell Severus had picked from spending that one night in his room. He had admirable taste. Hermione reveled in the ambiance, but deep down something was missing. She wondered if perhaps what she was missing was her husband to share all of this with.


After midnight, Severus cracked Hermione’s door slightly to check on her. She was sleeping soundly as he’d expected. He quietly slipped in to tuck her in because some nights it got a tad chilly in the dungeons. He snuck back out just as quietly as he’d entered, he needed rest too. On his way back to his bed chamber, Severus too, felt the something missing just as Hermione had.