"Alright. So that's all the chairs... tables... tablecloths... what's missing?"

I was currently checking off a list I'd made earlier this morning pertaining to wedding preparations down by the Willow Tree at the Black Lake.

I looked at the tables draped with periwinkle blue tablecloths, surrounded by bronze colored chairs, with cushions the same shade of blue. I was already in love with how everything looked, although there was one very important piece missing. The flowers.

I sighed to myself, remembering that Severus had told me not to worry about flowers, as he allegedly took care of them already.

Speaking of Severus, he was currently down by the lake with Elora, as he hasn't really gotten to spend much time one on one with her recently. I turned to see if they were still in the same place I had seen them last and smiled as I watched them look out onto the lake, seeming as though they were enjoying the view.

I checked some smaller items off the list I had previously noticed were set on the tables and then made my way down to the lake where Severus was, with Elora on his arm.

"What does she think of the lake?" I asked upon stepping beside them.

Severus turned to face me with a content look on his face,

"She's been giggling every time I skip a stone across the water, leading me to believe she finds it rather interesting."

Elora proved his point by snatching the pebble out of Severus' free hand, followed by her chucking it as hard as she could at the water. Her giggles ensued shortly after the pebble had sunk.

Severus and I found this amusing and chuckled at her unusual form of entertainment before my previous thoughts came to mind once again,

"Severus, about the flowers.. When do you think they'll be here?"

He turned towards me and processed my question before responding,

"I arranged for them to be brought tomorrow."

I raised a brow at his response,

"That's quite late don't you think? What if there are complications?"

"There won't be any complications. I can assure you of that. Besides, the arrangement I've specially curated is a surprise." He gave me a reassuring look that I believed to be genuine, so I dropped the topic.

"Alright. Well, I'll leave you two to your fun. Though I expect a bit of help setting up the lighting later today from you mister.." I jokingly prodded Severus' arm before leaving a light kiss on his cheek.

My actions left him blushing a small bit as I walked back up the hill to the tent.

Severus, Albus, Minerva, and I were currently standing anxiously at Hogwarts' main entrance, awaiting the arrival of our friends and family. Hagrid had told us before leaving for the Hogsmeade Train Station that our guests would be arriving by Thestral Carriage, so we kept a sharp eye out for the beautiful, dark, skeletal beings on the horizon.

Minerva excitedly pointed them out as the glowing lantern hanging off of each carriage began to flicker in the distance. Gradually, the sounds of chatter amongst people and the hoof beats of the Thestrals became louder as they crossed the bridge.

"Look mama! There's (Y/N)!" The familiar voice of my little brother (B/N) could be heard as they crossed the threshold connecting the bridge and the stone courtyard.

Elora, who was restlessly wriggling around in my arm, cooed as the Thestrals came to a stop in front of us. Although, I don't believe she sees anything more than self moving carriages.

(B/N) jumped from his carriage and ran over to us, encasing me, well, at least my waist, in a hug.

"Wow! You've grown a lot taller these past few months (B/N)! You're only 5 and already you're as tall as some of the First Years I've seen around here." As I told him this, he seemed to have developed a proud expression on his face.

"Mhm! I'm taller than Henry too! And he's already 8!" He seemed very ecstatic about the fact that he was taller than some of his friends.

His attention then turned to Severus, who he seemed to have missed, because he ran up to him and hugged his torso as well,

"You still look like a vampire. Good."

(B/N)'s words caused us all to laugh. Everyone except Severus, who honestly didn't know how to respond to his statement.

My mother, as well as Lucas and Alex, exited the carriages after the laughter had died down. We greeted them inside and talked with one another until the sun had fully set. Then, we lead them to the Room of Requirement, where we'd set up sleeping arrangements for our guests. It was temporarily turned into what seemed like a decently sized apartment with separate bedrooms for Lucas and Alex, and my mother and (B/N).

After saying goodnight to them and making sure they had everything they needed, Severus and I headed back to our Quarters with Elora.

"Merlin I'm nervous.."

These were the only words I could say as I stepped into the wedding dress I had picked out half a year ago.

"Oh don't worry yourself, Dear. You look absolutely stunning." Minerva reassured me as she tied up the back of my dress.

Still a bit skeptical, I asked,

"You really think so?"

She looked up at me with a genuine smile,

"Severus won't know what hit him."

I chuckled at Minerva's reply and played with the skirt of my dress while doing so. Everyone else, other than Minerva, was currently sitting outside under the Wedding Reception tent that Severus, some Professors and I set up.

The last thing I did before leaving the room was pick up my small bouquet and have Minerva adjust the veil so that it draped behind me seamlessly.

"Are you ready, Dear?" Minerva was smiling and clasped her hands around one of mine.

I nodded my head in excitement, to which Minerva turned around and opened the door for me to exit out of.

The reception was running smoothly at the moment. Guests were seated, subtle music was playing, and the sun was shining brightly through the shear material of the tent, giving anything in the tents shadow a slight blueish tint.

In this moment, just before the ceremony would begin, Severus Snape stood idly on one side of the podium. Standing next to him were Callaghan McHale and Alexander Mizuki.

The two men had already noticed that Severus' previously stoic expression had faded into one of silent worry. And although they had made attempts at small talk, he didn't seem up for it, as he was preoccupied with staring off towards the tent's main entrance.

There was a gradual change in music, which let Severus know, as well as all of the guests, that the ceremony had begun.

Guests turned their attention to the entrance and smiled as the first person in the bridal party walked down the aisle. Said person being (Y/N)'s younger brother, (B/N).

He held carefully in his hands the case holding both Severus' wedding band and (Y/N)'s wedding ring as he walked up and stood on the right portion of the podium.

The next sight caused the guests to awe. Lucas Fenrod, one of (Y/N)'s dearest friends, was carrying Elora down the aisle. She had in her hand a small basket of rose petals. Occasionally, she would grab a fistful of petals and throw them suddenly onto the floor. Just after handing Elora off to (Y/N)'s mother in the crowd, Lucas made his way up on the podium next to his partner, Alex.

The crowd then turned back to the entrance as the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived.

Before taking her seat, Minerva stayed to give me my cue for when to make my entrance, as I was a bit nervous and unsure. Once she gave me her signal, I took a deep breath, and walked in.

I could now hear the music more clearly, I could see the people all smiling at me, and I could see Severus looking at me as though I were the only other person in the room.

He was tearing up.

In front of other people.

Seeing his reaction to my appearance only made me feel more emotional. I smiled at him while stepping up onto the podium, standing opposite of him.

We both peered over at the marriage officiant, who began the ceremony as soon as the music faded.

"Family and friends of the Bride and Groom, thank you all for coming today to take part in this wonderful occasion." The officiant followed up his introduction to the guests with a short but sweet monologue.

Now, he had taken a step back to allow both Severus and I to say a few words to one another. Severus went first and took my hands in his,

"There aren't enough words in the English language to describe how incredibly kindhearted and supportive you are, (Y/N). Had I never been introduced to you, I believe I would have made many regrettable mistakes in my lifetime. Though in this reality, I have the honor of calling you my friend and beloved partner. You complete me and made me a better man than I would have ever been on my own. And although I could go on and on, talking about how fortunate I am to have you, I'd much rather go through with this ceremony and be able to finally call you my wife."

Severus' words made me feel something I could only describe as pure joy. I was motivated to return the kind gesture and took a deep breath before speaking,

"Although I don't know how I could possibly top that flattering speech of yours-"

There were a few chuckles amongst the tables,

"I do have some things I'd like to make known to you. Since the day I met you in my First Year at Hogwarts, I changed instantly. Being your friend all those years brought out my true personality. At first, I was a shy First Year, and then later on, I became a well rounded Seventh Year with kind friends who were always there for me. I am so lucky to have the honor of calling you my partner and soon to be husband, Severus."

I peered over to see my mother's eyes filled with joyful tears. The rest of the guests awed a bit before the Officiant stepped forward once more.

"Now then, with that being said, I would like to officially begin the marriage ceremony." The Officiant gestured towards (B/N) to step forward with the box containing mine and Severus' rings.

Carefully, (B/N) opened the box for us to be able to take the latter's ring. He then scurried off back to his place.

The Officiant began reciting the vows for us to respond to,

"Severus Tobias Prince Snape, do you take (Y/N) as your wife, pledge to share your life openly with her, and speak truthfully to her, in love? Do you promise to honor and tenderly care for her, to encourage her fulfillment as an individual through all the changes in your lives?"

Severus responded almost instantly after he finished,

"I do."

Now, the Officiant turned towards me,

"(Y/N) (Y/M/N) (Y/L/N), do you take Severus as your husband, pledge to share your life openly with him, and speak truthfully to him, in love? Do you promise to honor and tenderly care for him, to encourage him fulfillment as an individual through all the changes in your lives?"

I was just as eager if not more than Severus to get my response out,

"I do."

Severus and I put each other's rings on one another's fingers before the Officiant continued,

"Then I now, officially, pronounce you husband and wife."

Gradually, clapping and cheering erupted from different tables. Severus turned my hand over in his and looked me in the eye with a tender smile before tilting my chin up and pressing a light but meaningful kiss against my lips. I smiled through the entire process, wanting it to last forever.

The initial adrenaline rush of the ceremony died down in my system as everyone who was on the podium sat down at their respective table.

Severus and I obviously sat with my mother and brother. Lucas, Alex, and Callaghan were seated at a table adjacent to us. As we're Albus and Minerva.

We had timed the ceremony so that it would be an appropriate time to have dinner just after the fact. And as if my mind had been read, the first dinner course appeared in front of each guest, courtesy of Hogwarts' House Elves.

I had a lovely time talking with my family and friends during the dinner service. Almost as much as I loved the little compliments Severus would utter to me under his breath. Some of them for example were,

"Your dress is quite magnificent, darling."

Or,

"Your look absolutely stunning, love."

My response to most of these little compliments was either a flustered chuckle or a small thank you.

At one point, I took some time to take in the decorations and noticed the flowers Severus had said he picked out especially for me,

"Severus? These are the same flowers as the one from.."

"From the Yule Ball, yes. They have significance. So I saw fit to have them here too. I trust you find them appealing?" Severus was searching for approval from me as he said this.

"Of course I do, Severus. They're perfect." While telling him this, I intertwined my pinky with his and smiled at him.

"I'm glad." Severus replied before returning to his dinner.

The evening went by splendidly. After dinner, the cake I had ordered from Madam Puddifoot was brought out into the center of the tent. Severus and I had then stood up to cut slices for everyone and enjoyed it probably even more than dinner. Madam Puddifoot really outdid herself.

Then, following the amazing desert was a dance. It was the first dance Severus and I would share as a married couple.

The two of us walked out into the center and prepared ourselves for the song. I clasped my hands together behind his neck and let my arms hang loosely over his shoulders while he placed his hands gently on my waist.

Severus had told me yesterday that he requested if the musicians to play a specific song during the first dance, so once the tune began to play, I immediately fell in love with it.

It was 'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Elvis Presley. One of my favorites.

"How did you know.." My whispered question trailed off half way through as we began swaying slowly.

"I've known you for years, (Y/N). I think I'd know what your favorite songs are." He replied matter of factly in the same hushed tone.

"Thank you for remembering these things, Severus." I was enjoying the dance more than I thought I would.

"Of course." He replied before I tuned into the song once again.

~But I can't help falling in love with you~

Every moment was magical. Severus had this calm and content expression resting on his face that I haven't seen in a long while. His happiness was clear, and that only made me happier.

~If I can't help falling in love with you~

As the song continued, I could see my mother, tilting her head slightly with a growing smile. And Elora, who was currently in her arms, seemed to be listening to the song in a mesmerized state. I chuckled and then turned back to face Severus who was only gazing at me. Just me.

~Take my hand~

Severus grasped my left hand in his right and never broke eye contact with me.

~For I can't help falling in love with you~

His hand felt warm and comforting as he intertwined our fingers together. I blocked out everyone else in the room and felt as though I were dancing with him in an endless void, filled only with music, and ourselves.

~Take my hand~

There were a few stray tears building up in the endless black pools of his eyes.

"For I can't help falling in love with you.."

Severus whispered the lyrics in a whisper only I could hear.

For I can't help falling in love with you.."

I finished the remaining line with him as the piano played it's last keys.

<><><><>

The few tears that had built up in his eyes just moments ago soon cascaded down his cheeks, which I wiped away to keep from getting too emotional myself.

"I love you with all my heart, (Y/N).."

"I love you too, Severus.."

Once the musicians began playing again, a song with a more upbeat tune could be heard in the tent and people started joining in.

I was having a blast so far. (B/N) seemed to also be enjoying it, as he was currently sitting on Callaghan's shoulders while he navigated the crowd. My mother was chatting it up with Albus and Minerva at a nearby table. I smirked and lightly tugged on Severus' sleeve before pointing at said table,

"I bet you anything they're talking about Elora."

He looked over and then chuckled, nodding in agreement.

A bit later when the sun had long since set, Lucas begged me to do the bouquet toss. Apparently it had been something he always wanted to be a part of at some point, so I eventually agreed and he proceeded to gather anyone who wanted to participate in the center of the tent.

Severus was now sitting with my mother, Albus, and Minerva at the same table from before while this was going on. But they looked up to watch once Albus had pointed it out.

I turned around as soon as everyone else was ready and threw the bouquet back and over my head quite hard. I spun around to watch if I had even aimed it correctly and watched as it hit the top of the tent and dropped down into a particular set of hands.

Everyone looked over at the person who caught it. And that person just so happened to be (B/N).

He had still been sat on Callaghan's shoulders at this point, so everyone could see him.

His reaction was priceless. (B/N) ended up throwing the bouquet into the crowd and crossed his arms defiantly, seeming as though he knew what catching it meant.

Everyone began laughing uncontrollably at his actions, me included. I sighed and once the dance music had returned, decided to go sit down in between Severus and Albus.

Elora was currently sitting on Severus' lap and seemed to be busying herself with one of the flowers in the center of the table.

"So how is everyone so far?" I asked in hopes of sparking a new conversation.

"Oh it's quite lovely (Y/N)." Minerva was quick to respond and told me about the things she and my mother had been talking about the past hour.

I smirked over at Severus as soon as Minerva mentioned that she had been talking about Elora with Albus and my mother, to which he returned a knowing look.

As the night went on, guests slowly became tired and ended up gradually trickling out of the venue to their rooms. My mother had insisted on taking care of Elora for the night so that we didn't have to.

It was just me and Severus left in the venue by the time the last guest left.

I looked over at him with a small smile before taking his closest hand in my own. Just because I felt like it.

After a short and comfortable silence, Severus looked over at me,