Finding Severus (A Severus Snape Story)

  Chloe fussed over Daphne's hair while Brigitte zipped her daughter into her beautiful dress, a cream formfitting silk wedding gown draped with a white floral lace overlay. "Ma petit puce, you are lovely. Severus will faint clear away with the vapors when he sees you." The women giggled. 

Daphne shook her head, "Mum, I would like my soon-to-be husband conscious for our vows." They giggled again. 

Chloe clipped up the final ringlet of cinnamon hair as Brigitte placed the delicate wreath of white rose buds atop her daughter's head. Stepping back, holding tightly to Daphne's hands, Brigitte surveyed her daughter, "Ma belle petite fille. All grown up and getting married. Soon to be 'Lady Daphne, the Baroness Prince'. I love you." 

"I love you, too, Mum. Now don't make me cry before I can get to the ceremony," Daphne scolded sweetly.

'The Great Lodge' and its grounds were teeming in the finest late Spring colors the season had ever produced. The gardens were in full bloom from the climbing roses to the pink rhododendrons to the yellow wildflowers. The wisteria and the English lavender proudly displayed their light purples and blues. The wild cherry trees blossomed in rows lining the great lawn, leading all eyes to the distant hills. Flowers and floral arrangements filled the Great Lodge itself.

Over the past 6 months Severus had gained a reputation as a good man, generous benefactor and kind philanthropist. The Primrose and Prince families had always been well-respected in the Muggle aristocracy and the social elite. Lords and Ladies, Muggle government Ministers mingled with Mugwumps, Headmistresses, Professors, aurors, gamekeepers and everyday folk. Neder and the elves had transfigured themselves into human-form as staff tending to all guests, Muggles as well as Wizards. The wizarding guests had been apprised of the large Muggle presence set to attend the wedding and agreed to the 'No Magic' rule. This point was particularly emphasized to the Weasley twins who had promised to be on their best behaviour.

Minerva had transformed one of Dumbledore's nicer muggle suits to fit Hagrid. His hair and beard had been corralled with some hair-ties provided by Neder. With Beauxbatons' Headmistress Olympe Maxime on the gamekeeper's arm, the big man beamed. Their heights explained away with the nonchalance of polite society, 'a matter of genetics'. Minerva, Poppy and Molly Weasley were excited Severus had finally found happiness. Arthur Weasley was excited about all the Muggle aristocracy and celebrities. Harry and Ginny spent most of the day talking with Hermione and Ron about their own impending nuptials. Everyone admired the beautiful setting that was the Great Lodge and its grounds.

Neder had chosen for Severus a charcoal gray cut-away frock coat, gray pinstripe trousers, pale gray satin waistcoat, white silk shirt and a silver silk cravat. Neder tied back Severus' silky black hair in an ornate black and silver satin braided cord. He draped the Order of Merlin sash and medal across Severus' chest. He then pinned the Medal of Odin on his left chest pocket, at the request of the bride. Daphne wanted Severus to wear his honours. She wanted everyone to know Severus was not just her hero but a true hero in every sense of the word. Severus had protested but acquiesced after Daphne had used her feminine wiles upon him. 

Severus asked nervously, "Neder, what did I do with the rings?" 

Neder levitated the small velveteen box from the desk and lowered it into Severus' hand. Then Neder produced a glass of brandy from thin air. 

"Ok, just a sip," Severus took a big gulp. 

Neder grinned, "Sir is happy?" 

Severus exhaled, "Yes, Neder, very happy."

The guests were seated in white chairs on the great lawn. The sun was sitting on the hills enjoying a front row seat. The "staff" were all lined against the back row of guests, Neder in his "butler" attire. Other elves had come from all of the Prince properties and peered discreetly from windows, shrubbery and trees. 

Severus took his place at a filigree arbor that framed the hills and the sunset beyond. It was swathed in fragrant star jasmine from ground to apex. A trio of musicians began to play Daphne's favorite love song, "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You'.  As Aurelius Primrose escorted his daughter up the aisle, everyone smiled. Daphne was radiant. Kingsley Shacklebolt officiated the proceedings. 

While the Minister of Magic bound the couple's hands together they  pledged themselves to one another. When Kingsley pronounced them "husband and wife" Severus and Daphne kissed. 

Cheers went up and birdseed rained down. Guests danced and celebrated. Severus and Daphne danced to Bon Jovi's "Thank You For Loving Me"  played expertly by the musicians. The partying went on into the night. 

The couple slipped away around midnight and vanished in a puff of smoke.