Doppelganger

Chapter 47 Dance and Marriage

Henry and Monica Granger stood at the door to Professor Snape's chambers and knocked. No one came to the door and they grew concerned.

"Damn it all to hell Monica! I told the man not to rush into things." Henry growled out.

Monica admonished her husband. "You are jumping to conclusions Henry."

"Bullocks Monica!" Opening the door and walking in and suddenly stood still as Monica joined him as they observed the couple asleep on the couch still in the robes of graduation.

"Thank God!" Henry muttered out as he suddenly noticed a wand pointed to them. The man was fast despite the fact that they had woken him out of a deep sleep.

Damn! So relaxed with her that he forgot to set his wards. "Mr. and Mrs. Granger." He greeted as he put down his wand and woke up Hermione. "My apologies as I fell asleep."

Monica spoke. "I did not find Hermione in our guest quarters and I promised to help her with her dress so we came down to fetch her."

He stood and pulled Hermione up. "I will see you at the ball tonight Hermione." Watching as she left with her parents.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

The Headmaster stood up and announced. "Welcome all to the Graduation Ball of the class of 1998. The Head Boy and Girl will open the festivities."

Everyone watched as Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger walked to the floor. Draco bowed and Hermione curtsied as Draco took her into his arms as a waltz sounded out in the Great Hall.

"Granger you look beautiful tonight." Draco complimented her as he twirled her.

"Are you feeling well Malfoy or unknowingly drank some kind of potion that has addled your pureblood mind?" Hermione asked as they continued to dance.

"I'm sorry for the things that I said to you throughout the years. You helped Potter defeat the Dark Lord so maybe the trash that my father talked about is not true. He told me tonight that the Dark Lord is not coming back and I should live as I see fit. Free of the bonds that I have carried and I find that I am interested in you Granger. I promise that I have more to offer than name calling if you allow me to show it. I promise you that you will not be disappointed with my assets." Stressing the last word.

She remembered the light flirting when she tended the future him when he became a member of the Inner Circle and smiled. "I can't believe that you are actually flirting with me Draco Malfoy but I will tell you this. Astoria Greengrass has eyes only for you and she loves you. Too much has passed between us though I am glad that you see the error of your ways."

Draco moved them until he faced a table and looked to Astoria and noticed the look of jealousy in her eyes. "My father beat me every year that you bested me in school Hermione and it made me bitter and jealous of you. Imagine my confusion tonight as he told me that maybe one of your status might not be so bad after all." Twirling her again as the music finished as he bowed to her. "Thank you for pointing her out as I never noticed. I think I will pursue her and see what comes from it. I wish you well Hermione Granger." Bowing to her as required before he left and approached the table that Astoria was sitting at to ask her for a dance.

Hermione curtsied as she replied. "I promise you will not be disappointed and I wish you a bright future Draco Malfoy."

The music began to play again as Hermione walked over to her table and joined her parents and watched as couples filled the dance floor and began to dance. She looked to the Head Table noticing that the professors were dressed in the robes of their mastership. She observed Severus in the purple robes indicating a Potions mastership along with several medallions of additional masterships placed around his neck. She never knew that he held more than one.

Albus looked to Hermione and decided to do something that was not in the normal scheme of things at a Graduation ball. "The next dance is a Professor's dance. Professors select a dance partner and move to the floor."

Minerva looked to Albus. What was going on in his mind to announce this? She would not show favoritism and immediately asked him to dance as he accepted and led her to the floor. The other professors noticed her actions and immediately paired up with their colleagues and began to dance. All except for one but he had been on sabbatical for so long that the visiting Potions master did not count.

The room became quiet, the only sound was the music filling the air as the class of 1998 watched as Professor Snape walked down and stood before Hermione's table. "Miss Granger may I have this dance?" Holding out his hand as he waited for a response. She looked beautiful in her emerald green dress. It accented the promise of what was beneath it.

"My pleasure Professor Snape." She replied as she allowed him to lead her to the floor and wrap his arms about her as they began to dance as the press took pictures.

"I think that we will be the primary discussion in tomorrow's gossip section of the Prophet. I have not been seen for five years and I hope the reviews will be kind though I doubt it." He whispered in warning to her. "You are beautiful Hermione and I can't believe that you are here in my arms once again. I have longed for this moment so many times throughout the years." Twirling her around as they continued to dance.

"To hell with all of them Severus and I refuse to hide our relationship. Fuck them all I say. I will give them even more fodder to fuel their wagging tongues." Pulling him into a passionate kiss as the press cameras flashed as he responded back.

He chuckled as he broke the kiss and smiled to her. "You have not changed at all Hermione. I remember you pointing your wand at Salazar Slytherin and the words you used when you threatened to destroy his portrait. I think that I will have my hands full with you. If the kiss you gave me is what I will receive in the future, I suppose I will tolerate your hot-headedness. "

"I think that you will be pleasantly surprised at the benefits Severus." She whispered to him as they continued to dance feeling his erection as he held her tightly to him.

The music finished and began again leaving the couple as the only one on the floor dancing.

Harry and Ginny joined the floor and began to dance as Neville and Luna joined as well. Harry moved close to the couple. "Hell of a way to end your time here Hermione." He whispered to her as he continued to dance with Ginny.

Hermione chuckled as she whispered back. "You know me Harry. I always wanted to leave an impression. I think that I accomplished it."

Ron moved closer as he danced with Melody as he overheard her reply. "Yeah Hermione but Skeeter is about and you know how she is."

Neville and Luna moved closer to Hermione. "You have suffered so much Hermione. The twins will settle you down." She dreamily spoke out as Neville twirled her.

Minerva looked to the couple dancing. "You must stop this Albus. A professor accepting a kiss from a student pushes the boundaries of properness. And did you see how she kissed him?"

"He is a professor on sabbatical and Hermione is of age and no longer a student as she has graduated. I'm afraid my hands are tied Minerva." Albus replied with a smile as he watched the couple dance. "Her parents are here and I do not see her father rushing to break them up indicating that they accept him."

Soon the dance ended as Severus led Hermione back to her table. "I'll be back in a moment Hermione."

He came back with drinks as he handed Henry a glass of Firewhiskey. "Not for the faint of heart Henry. I know of your enjoyment of whiskey."

"I never met a whiskey that I didn't like Severus." Tossing the drink down as he sputtered out as his wife patted his back. "My god what is that stuff?"

Hermione laughed and noticed the beetle on her mother's shoulder. "We have a spy here." Plucking up the beetle and holding it so everyone could see the struggling insect.

"Rita, nice of you to join our table. Print anything derogatory and I will have you checked into Azkaban so fast that your head will spin. You are an unregistered Animagus and I am sure that you will not want that known as I will take out an ad in the Prophet revealing it. Now buzz away and report on something newsworthy." Placing the beetle onto her other hand and watched as the reporter flew away.

Rita flew away and wondered how the witch knew that it was her. Their passionate kiss was something that she would report on with pictures included but she would hold back her stinging quill as she knew the ex-Deatheater's reputation. She would not need to anyway as everyone would jump to the same conclusion about the couple.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Severus respected her parent's wish as six months passed though it pushed him to his limit. He did not get to see her much as she began her apprenticeship and the first year is grueling for an apprentice. The connection that they shared long ago opened up again and he cursed that she was not by his side as she was with her Potions Mistress and he was left at the farmhouse with very little to distract him.

***Tonight Hermione I will ask your parents for your hand in marriage and will marry you tonight. If your Mistress has a problem with it, then to hell with her. I will finish your studies.****

***Funny that you should mention that Severus as my Mistress dropped me from my apprenticeship as she told me that I was not suited to the field of potions as I am constantly distracted. I am home now** *

***Bring your father over to the floo. ***

Henry looked to the floo as Severus spoke. "Henry I ask for your daughter's hand in marriage and if you agree we will be married tonight."

"It's a bit rushed don't you think Severus? But I agree if Hermione does." Pulling his daughter next to him as he spoke.

"Hermione we have waited and I sense and feel what you desire. Marry me tonight witch."

"Severus such a well thought proposition and I will marry you tonight." She replied back in a light voice. "Thank you for the lengthy notice."

***I will be there shortly*** He sent back as he opened up his box and took out his rings and Bounding ribbons. He tossed Floo powder into the fireplace as he placed his head into it. "Headmaster may I have a word with you?"

"Of course Severus. Step on through."

Albus listened to the request and called down two owls as Severus penned out his request and handed them to the birds and watched as they flew out the opened window. "Now we wait Severus. This is all very sudden. Are you sure that this is what you desire?"

"Albus, I was under your thumb and Voldemort's for years. You manipulated me into a promise and forced the Unbreakable Vow upon me when I was young and thankfully it did not play out in this timeline as in the future it almost cost you your life. I am in control of my future now and it is with Hermione and nothing will keep me from her. I let her go in the past and she has come back to me and I respected her parent's wishes to wait."

The wizards watched as Harry and Neville slid out of the floo and brushed off their robes.

Harry walked over and shook the hand of his ex-professor. "I am honored to once again witness your marriage to Hermione."

"Thank you Harry for standing next to her and you as well Neville for standing by my side. But let us be off now."

Albus tossed Floo powder in and asked. "Is all ready?"

Henry stood in front of the floo holding a glass of whiskey. "Headmaster the blasted man only asked for her hand in marriage thirty minutes ago. They are still getting ready and you know how women are. Give it two hours."

Albus shut the connection. "Have a seat as it seems that we will have to wait. Severus, do you mind if I invite Minerva along?"

"No Headmaster if she arrives before two hours." He replied back.

Harry pulled the tall wizard away. "Merlin Severus why can't you wait? Surely after six months you can wait a little longer?"

"I can Harry but you remember the connection Hermione and I shared long ago? It is active once again and I feel what Hermione desires and that is me. It is she that cannot wait and I am drawn to her. She lost her Potions apprenticeship due to her distractions."

Harry looked to him as the Floo flared green as Monica spoke out. "We are ready."

Severus did not hesitate at all as he changed his robes into that of emerald green and immediately entered it and arrived at the house of the Granger's

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Albus looked to the gathered men and women. "A Bounding has been agreed between wizard and witch. And with short notice as both lost to death in a future that is not to be, returned to the present to begin anew and everyone here has made sacrifices in one way or the other to ensure the Light continues to shine upon the world. Who is the wizard the petitions the hand of the witch?"

"I Severus Tobias Snape petition." Replying as he looked into Hermione's eyes.

"And the witch that agreed to the petition?"

"I Hermione Jane Granger accepted." Hermione replied as she smiled to Severus.

"Who stands for the wizard and witch?"

"I Harry James Potter stand for the witch." Harry replied as he placed his wand on the joined hand of the couple.

"I Neville Longbottom stand for the wizard." Neville replied as he placed his wand as well.

Albus wrapped their hands with the Bounding ribbons and placed his wand upon the hands.

"You were Bound before and the Mother of Magic removed your bind before by request. Let's see what the magic has to say before you state your vows." Closing his eyes and chanted words in an unknown language as the room flared white and a beautiful woman in beautiful white robes appeared as everyone gasped out in surprise.

"My Lady." Severus spoke with reverence in his voice. "I never expected to see you again."

"Two souls that sacrificed so much for the Light. Vows are not needed as I know of what you both feel. And the sacrifice the wizard made letting his love go all in consideration for her, never expecting her to return." She placed her hand upon the couples hands as a golden light flared out as the ribbons disappeared and rings appeared on their finger.

She placed her hand on Severus's cheek. "The Dark who watched over the Light." Placing her other hand on Hermione's cheek. "It is not surprising you are Life Bonded. It is the reason why I allowed you both to remember as none who did not have a doppelganger do not remember the future here in the present. The Darkness sacrificed for the Light."

She dropped her hands and kissed them both on the lips and moved away. "Listen to my words and remember. All here sacrificed themselves in one way or the other for the Light. I remember sacrifice and each and everyone involved will have a prosperous long life. Even you Henry and Monica Granger as you sacrificed your daughter in the future that would not be. But the Light needs the Darkness to regenerate and my blessing to you is that it will not be in your time, or in the time of those that issue from your loin. Peace will reign throughout the Wizarding world. But it is in the third generation that the Darkness will begin to gain hold once again. Remember and prepare for it as it is a blessing that I warn you so that you can warn your progeny." Fading from sight as she left the room in complete silence as they contemplated her words.

"Who was that beautiful lady?" Monica asked with tears in her eyes.

"She is the origin of all the magic in this world. Even Dark Magic as both balance one another out and need one another." Albus replied. "But her words of warning will need to be addressed later as we are blessed with observing a Life Bond as it is very rare that it happens. I present to you Severus and Hermione Snape. Severus you may kiss your bonded."

Everyone clapped their hands as Severus kissed Hermione and pulled away before he got carried away as it had been years that he longed for her.

Minerva walked up to Severus. "Congratulations Severus. I never really trusted you and I am sorry. I never understood anything about you until Albus told me of the future that would not be."

"Don't be Minerva. All of that is in the past and the Mother of Magic has promised peace. We have the future to live." He replied as he allowed the old witch to hug him.

Neville shook Severus's hand. "This is justice for me as I stood for the man that always gave me hell causing many cauldron explosions in his class."

Severus looked to the young man who changed so much from what he experienced in the future that would not be. "Neville, you never blew up any cauldrons in my class this time and I was only your professor for a year and a half." Winking to him as he walked away to talk to Hermione's parents as they set out a small setting of food and refreshments.

He felt his wife's desire for them to be alone and sent out. ***Just a little longer Hermione. We have the rest of our life to never be away from one another***

Monica hugged him as he shook Henry's hand. "I thank you for giving me the sweet gift of your daughter. She will never want for anything and I will protect her always."

Henry looked to the tall hooked nose man. "Any doubts that I had went away with the words that the lady spoke." Looking to his daughter and seeing the look in her eyes. It was the very same look that Monica had when she married him all those years ago. "Go Severus and get caught up with her. I can't believe that I am telling you this. She is my daughter after all."

Severus chuckled as he went to gather his witch to take her away. "Your father is a remarkable man Hermione. I think that we have spent enough time here and I wish to take you away."

Hermione sighed as he wrapped his arms around her as he began to turn his heel. "About time as I waited five and a half years for this moment."

The sound of apparition filled the room as everyone clapped their hands at the departure of the couple and gathered at the table to discuss the words of the Mother of Magic.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

They arrived at the gates of the farmhouse in Wales walked hand in hand up to the house.

"It is beautiful Severus. No wonder I couldn't find you. I went to Spinner's End in the summer of my Fifth year to find you."

He kissed her hand as he led her up the path. "I knew you would look for me there and I asked Albus for the deed to this place. I was sure that you would not think of it as you had never been here before in the future."

Severus opened the door to the house and motioned to her to enter first as she looked around noticing the pictures of her at various stages throughout her tenure at Hogwarts.

"I was not obsessed with you Hermione. Albus sent these to me at various times throughout the years. I only wanted to remember you."

Hermione wrapped her arms around him and looked to him. "Admit it Severus you were obsessed. And if I had photos of you in school it would have been the same way." Kissing him passionately as she felt her husband return the kiss in kind. She broke the kiss and breathed out. "I think that it is time that you showed me to your bedroom Severus."

Severus pulled her along and entered the bedroom as he corrected her. "Not my bedroom Hermione but ours now and forever."

She removed his robes and unbuttoned the few buttons on his shirt and let it fall to the floor. "Not so many buttons Severus?" She sighed out.

He unzipped the back of her dress and allowed her to step out and marveled that there were no undergarments as he admired her naked body. "I find that I need not be nearly as unapproachable as I was in the past Hermione. Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" He whispered to her as he nuzzled her neck.

"No you did not but you still have clothes on and it seems wrong." Vanishing his pants and underwear as he stood looking to her with his need apparent. "Much better and the sight of your body in the here and now does not compare to the pitiful excuse of my sketches."

"I thought that they were quite accurate wife." He reminded her as he continued kissing her as he laid her down on the bed as he joined her and ran his fingers along her body.

Hermione moaned out as her finger slid down and touched the tip of his weeping cock and traced her thumb using the fluid to slide along easily as Severus gasped and moaned into her neck. "I am not going to last very long Hermione if you keep that up." He moved to her breast and began to kiss them gently as his tongue swirled around her nipples.

They both began to sweat as they allowed themselves to give over to passion as he placed himself between her open legs and began to enter her and suddenly stopped as he felt the barrier. She was a virgin. "Hermione you are a virgin?"

She breathed out. "I never met anyone that I was interested in and I avoided Krum as I was disappointed the first time around." Arching up and allowing his member to break the barrier as she moaned out in pain and whispered. "Push Severus."

He slowly pushed and stilled as she felt the soft flesh clamp around his shaft as he moaned out in pleasure as he allowed her to get used to the feel of him as he kissed her tears as she whispered. "If you conjure up a phial you could retrieve the blood as it is a valuable potions ingredient."

"Sssh Hermione. Your gift is special to me and I care not to retrieve it as you saved yourself for me. My Potions Master is rolling in his grave at my words at denying such a valuable gift."

"Move Severus. We both will not last as it has been so long and I need to feel you." She moaned out as she arched her hips trying to get more of him.

He complied as he began to thrust deeply into her as her nails dug into his ass forcing him down as she could not get enough of him as she wrapped her legs around him. The memories of their love-making from the future filled his mind and desire.

"Witch you complete me once again." He growled out as he pounded into her. There was no way that he could slowly love her, so caught up in lust as he continued.

"I can't hold much longer. Come with me Hermione!" Feeling her body tremble as her walls clamped down around him as he felt her orgasm as he followed behind her, spilling into her as he felt each twitch as he kissed her deeply as he felt himself soften within her.

He sighed as he pulled out and whispered to her. "It is better than any fantasy that I ever held of you Hermione. You humble me by choosing me again despite the man that I am."

She placed a gentle kiss on his lips. "You are not the same man that you were before. I think that you are a better man here in the present."

He chuckled as he lightly ran his hand across her back. "Remember the words you spoke for I am sure that I can still be the unforgiving bat of the dungeons in the future."

Hermione yawned as she drifted off to sleep. "Probably Severus but you are my bat and that is all that counts."

A/N I probably should have left it at that, but there is never any rest for the wicked. After all, there should be an epilogue soon. Did they forget the doppelgangers that sacrificed so much in the future?