To My Modest Following, 

First and foremost, Thank you! I am entirely grateful to my readers for your support and comments throughout the duration of this fic. I'd like to thank all of you who have stuck with me this entire time, reading and commenting on each update as they are published. Thank you! You guys have been my motivation and inspiration, and you've kept me going. To those of you who have followed silently, a massive thank you to you guys, also. Finally, to my readers who just found this fic, and have binge read it - thank you! 

I have been pondering the outcome of this fic for a while. I've been struggling to get past the point in which Hermione and Severus get married. I have a little document filled with all sorts of ideas for the characters, particularly Draco and Luna and Katie ect. But I have no idea how I'm supposed to go from the much anticipated wedding of Hermione and Severus, to another plotline entirely. It feels disrespectful to continue with other plots and just breeze over the significance of this event. 

So, I have a plan!

I want to write a book 2! Like I said, I have a whole other plotline in my head. I want to see how Hermione and Severus navigate their marriage (and a few other surprises), I want to include other relationships and quite simply continue in this world I've created. I promise that they'll be plenty of angst and smut and fluff and all of the things that you guys love, possibly written from Severus's POV??

Are you guys interested? Let me know in the comments!

In all honesty, winter is the worst time of year for me. I work full time, and the service demand in my line of work gets overwhelming during this time. I find it hard to motivate myself to do anything during my days off, and working to a deadline is sometimes really de-motivating. I love escaping into my little alternate reality of the 'Is Love Blind?' universe, but I'm going to take a small scheduled break to allow myself to prepare a few chapters ahead of time. 

I hope to publish the sequel to 'Is Love Blind? In the first week of January! Kick-start the New Year with a new fic! 

There are only two chapters left now, I hope you guys enjoy the ending I've written! and thank you again! 

The newly-wedded couple stepped towards the crowd gathered in the Hogwart's library, hand-in-hand, greeted immediately by their adoring guests offering their congratulations. 

Molly Weasley was the first to reach the couple, Hermione was pretty sure that she saw her elbow Minerva out of the way in a furious attempt to reach the bride and groom first. Before she even knew what was happening, Hermione was pulled into a large motherly hug from the Weasley matriarch, who was spewing her well wishes uncontrollably. Hermione smiled, patting Molly awkwardly on the back until the woman released her. Seemingly coming to her senses, Molly removed herself from Hermione, and attached herself to Severus in a manner that she feared might require surgical removal. 

The discomfort on her husband's face was comical. 

Her husband. He was her husband now. 

Harry, Ron and Ginny were next to crowd Hermione, forcing her to let go of Severus's hand and leave him to fend for himself amongst the sea of well wishers that crowded their makeshift altar. 

"Congratulations Hermione!" Harry said, pulling her into a joint hug with Ron, which Ginny piled in on for good measure. 

"You look so beautiful!" Ginny exclaimed. "The ceremony was perfect! You guys had everybody tearing up, even Ron."

"No I didn't!" Ron's voice was concealed by Hermione's shoulder. 

It was that exact point that Hermione had reached her sentimental limit. What started out as a laugh at Ronald's sheer indignation and stubbornness turned into a sob. Damn. She had done so well not to cry. Hermione squeezed her friends harder, as tears streamed from her eyes. It had been perfect. To be surrounded by so much love and happiness, by her friends and her makeshift family, and now her husband was incredibly overwhelming. 

"Now look at what you've both done. You've gone and made Hermione cry." Harry said, lightheartedly. 

"It's okay." Hermione said, tearing herself away from the tangle of arms. She wiped her cheeks with her finger tips, trying not to smudge her eye makeup. "Thank you guys for everything. You've always been so supportive of my decisions. I'm so glad to have such wonderful friends." 

Ginny frowned, fresh tears filling her eyes. She pulled Hermione into a another fierce hug muttering, "Stupid pregnancy hormones" underneath her breath. 

"You and Harry are going to be such wonderful parents!" Hermione was trying to stop another sob from taking over her body as she clutched onto her friend.

When it became apparent that Ginny had no intentions of letting the bride go, Harry stepped in, prying his overwhelmed wife away. "Come on, let's leave Hermione some room to breathe. Can we catch up later?" 

"Of course." Hermione said, wiping her eyes with her knuckle. She took a deep breath. She was not entirely comfortable being crowded by people in such a manner.

Severus was at her side within a split second, his comforting scent of woodsmoke and mint invading her senses. "Here." He said, handing her a handkerchief. 

"Thank you." Hermione gave him a grateful smile. "I see you managed to escape?" 

"Yes, and I'm sure you'll feel as equally uncomfortable as I do, to know that Molly Weasley just referred to me as her son-in-law." Severus said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. 

Hermione choked on a laugh. "Did she actually? That's hilarious."

"Its humiliating." He said, clearly not finding it amusing. Severus wrapped an arm around Hermione's waist, anchoring her, preventing her from getting lost amongst the throngs of guests. His actions came just in time really, as the next wave of congratulators hit. 

Minerva appeared with open arms, her embraces were mercifully brief. "You make such a lovely couple!" She exclaimed. "Congratulations." 

"Thank you." Severus said, the faintest hint of a blush creeping up his cheeks. "You have been a rather generous host, Minerva. We are grateful for your allowing us to use the Library for the occasion."

"It is Irma you ought to thank, not me." Minerva said. "It took some persuasion, mind you. She is quite dearly attached to her books, that woman." 

"There's nothing wrong with that." Hermione defended, catching Severus's eye. 

"I suppose not." Minerva smirked, watching the interaction between the pair. "Look at you too! So in love you're practically unable to take your eyes off one another. How romantic!" 

Love.

That was one word that hadn't been brought up yet.

Hermione blushed furiously. She didn't miss the venomous look that Severus directed at Minerva. "Enough, you meddlesome Witch." 

The Headmistress didn't look the least bit ashamed to elicit such a reaction from the pair. She smiled victoriously, turning her back to Hermione and Severus before raising her voice to addres the rest of the guests. "Ladies and Gentleman, if you could please kindly stand to the side, to allow the house elves to re arrange the tables for the wedding breakfast? Thank you." 

The Library had been transformed yet again. The chairs that populated the large clearing at the centre of the library began to shuffle out of the way of their own accord, allowing space for multiple round tables to appear out of thin air. Each table was covered with a white linen table cloth, appropriate plateware and silverwear, and an ivory napkin with the bride and groom's initials embroidered into one corner. Hermione raised an eyebrow, the monogrammed napkin was a beautiful touch, giving their celebration a far more lavish feel than anything she anticipated. A crystal vase, and a healthy bouquet of white and purple flowers had been the finishing touch, and Hermione couldn't quite stop herself from smiling. 

A seating plan had been futile in Hermione's opinion, since most of their guests knew each other anyway. It seemed silly to tell people where they were supposed to sit when there were roughly two dozen guests, and their children. Draco had eagerly joined Severus and Hermione at their table situated at the front of the room, as had Minevra, Slughorn and Flitwick. Once everyone was seated, the food arrived. 

The menu had been an easy decision to make, once the pair had confirmed their wedding venue. It had been Severus's idea really, to serve their favorite dishes from the Hogwart's house elf repertoire. With both Hermione and Severus having fond memories and deep ties to the school, a simple menu of classic meals seemed the way to go. 

Thick, creamy tomato soup was served as their starter, topped off with a healthy amount of cheddar cheese and paired with warm, freshly baked sourdough loaf. Hermione had cast a strong impervious charm on her dress, as Severus served her a bowl of the hot, rich soup. She was starving, and she felt determined to de-bunk the myth that the bride and groom did not have time to eat on their wedding day. Their main meal consisted of tender smoked pork, fluffy roasted potatoes, home-made sage and onion stuffing, and an array of cooked vegetables, all served with a thick brown gravy. Hermione had been unable to finish her plate, sitting back into her chair massaging her lower stomach, not caring that it wasn't exactly becoming of a bride to do so. Severus didn't seem to mind. After a short break, a beautifully glossy treacle tart appeared in the centre of each table, accompanied by fresh clotted cream or warm custard as per the guest's preference. 

"Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Snape." Draco had said, raising a glass to the newlyweds over dinner. The other Hogwarts Professors murmered their own celebrations, clinking their glasses together with well wishes towards to new couple

"Thank you, Draco." Hermione said demurely. 

"I must admit, Uncle Severus, I never thought I'd ever see you tie the knot." He let out a dramatic gasp, looking directly at Hermione. "Should I start calling you Aunt Hermione now?"

"I swear to Merlin, Malfoy. I will hex you from here to London if you call me that." She replied. 

Draco scoffed. "So I'm back to being 'Malfoy' now? It wasn't that long ago you were considering marrying me, sweetheart." 

Severus frowned without conviction. "Enough. Am I to play mediator every time you two cross paths? Or are you going to behave like adults?" 

Hermione stuck her tongue out at Draco, he mirrored her actions. Severus did his best to look unimpressed, but the tiniest hint of a smirk graced his lips. 

"I for one, am happy to see that you two are finally getting along." Minerva chided at Hermione and Draco. Slughorn and Flitwick indicated their agreement. "And I'm proud to say that you are all a perfect example of house unity. Who would have thought, a Gryffindor-Slytherin wedding held right here at the school."

There were lots of reasons why Hermione thought Minerva's comment to be superficial and insensitive but she held her tongue, catching her husband's eye instead, knowing he was thinking the same thing. 

Draco turned to Severus, "If any of your children end up in Gryffindor house, i'm revoking my role as Godfather immediately." 

"Who said you're being named Godfather?" Severus asked with a suspicious eyebrow. 

"Hermione." 

"I said no such thing!" She defended with a laugh, their conversation continuing with ease. 

Once all of the guests were completely satiated, the food was removed from the tables, replaced by an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcholic beverages that were stored in a large pale of ice at the centre of each table. It seemed to be a self-filling system, which was frankly dangerous, but Hermione was sure that her guests would appreciate it. She accepted her Husband's offer of champagne, before they both stood, wandering to the nearest table to greet the rest of their guests. 

Severus did surprising well. He was perfectly polite to all of their guests, accepting their unending embraces and well wishes. Hermione looked upon proudly, as Severus engaged in polite conversation, managing to disguise his discomfort well. She knew that he was probably reeling on the inside, but Severus was still making the effort for her and that was what mattered. He had even accepted a large kiss on the cheek from Sybbie, who had run up to the pair excitedly, demanding to be picked up and be hugged. 

The atmosphere was a positive one, as their guests mingled and chatted, no longer sticking to their tables, which had been pushed to the edges of the room to form an impromptu dancefloor. The sun was beginning to set through the large, stained windows. The only lights in the room were the candles that provided a dim, intimate vibe as the night was beginning to draw in.

Hermione swept her eyes about the room, glad to see that people were getting on well, their conversations lubricated by the free flowing alcohol. Interestingly enough, Hermione caught sight of two individuals whom she didn't think she would ever see in polite conversation together. Luna looked radiant, her fuscia coloured dress made her appear relatively normal looking, if you discounted the large, chunky bracelet she was wearing that appeared to be made out of various root vegetables. Draco was handsome as always, in one of his many well-made suits. They each had their heads together, in the corner of the room. Hermione had no idea what they could possibly have in common, but the delicate smile on Luna's face told her that she had nothing to worry about. 

The arrival of an enchanted string quartet prompted Hermione and Severus's first dance as a married couple. He had taken her champagne flute, which didnt seem to be getting any emptier, and offered her his hand. 

"Would you do me the honor, wife?" He said. 

"I suppose." Hermione replied, placing her hand in his larger one.

Upon seeing the couple make their way over to the dance floor, the guests parted, offering them both a round of applause. They reached the centre of the dancefloor, and Hermione could do nothing to fight off her blush. She knew that it was her Wedding day, but she didn't particularly enjoy being the centre of attention. Surprising Hermione entirely, Severus wrapped his arms around Hermione's waist, pulling her closer and holding her to his chest. She rested her arms around his neck, looking up at him with a smile. 

"People are watching." She whispered, as the first notes of music sounded from across the room. 

Severus only held her closer. "Let them watch." 

Hermione wasn't entirely sure she had heard him correctly. "What happened to taking things slow?" 

"That went out the window the moment I saw you walking towards me wearing that dress." He admitted. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. 

They began to sway gently in time with the music. Hermione rested her head on Severus's shoulder, closing her eyes and letting herself get lost in the moment. Mere weeks ago, she had been filled with dread at the idea of dating someone, and getting married in such a short period of time. She had felt exposed and vulnerable, and entirely powerless against The Ministry for forcing her to go ahead with such an abominable plan. 

And here she was. On her wedding day, being held in the arms of the man who, she wasn't quite sure yet, but who she thought she loved. 

Severus Snape was the most unlikely husband ever. But he had been incredibly reasonable and understanding. Knowing that neither of them wanted to be there, he had offered Hermione a chance to escape the looming marriage law. He had proposed an agreement, a friendship, in which they were to be married in the eyes of the law and proceed as friends. Severus had even gone so far as to offer to have her children so that Hermione might not miss out on any dreams and opportunities she had - overstepping the boundary of friends by a mile.

Despite their turbulent courtship, Hermione realised in that moment that she probably wouldn't change her decision for the world. From the way that he was holding on to her, as they danced in front of all of their guests, Hermione guessed that neither would he. 

"I never thought an arranged wedding could be so perfect." Hermione whispered. "Thank you for helping to organise all of this, it was wonderful." 

Severus replied. "Thank you for saying yes when I asked you to marry me." 

One at a time, other couples, married or otherwise joined Hermione and Severus on the dancefloor. Hermione opened her eyes, watching as Charlie twirled Katie who was laughing freely. Harry and Ginny swayed gently on the edge of the cleared area, looking at each other with doe-eyes giving the impression that they were sickeningly in love. Ron had Sybil in his arms, pretending to dance with her while Lavender sat at a nearby table massaging her swollen feet. Hagrid had even plucked up the courage to dance with Minerva. The Headmistress was indeed quite tall for a woman of her age, but it was quite comical to see her standing up against the half-giant, craning her neck just to converse with him. 

Hermione gasped, and Severus tensed. "What is it?"

"Draco just asked Luna to dance." Hermione said, trying to watch the pair to their left without making it obvious that she was looking. "Oh my god, she said yes!"

"Leave them alone." Her husband tutted at her, although apparently not immune to the drama as he craned his head to take a peak. 

Hermione chastised him. "Don't actually look!" She whispers-shouted. 

"Merlin, I hadn't realised you were such a scandalmonger." He said, turning them so that they had a clearer view of the couple across the dancefloor. 

"I am not!" She insisted. "I'm just looking out for my friends." 

"Like you weren't threatening one of them a couple of hours ago." He teased. 

Hermione smiled. With the exception of Draco (who was practically asking for it), she had never seen Severus pick fun at anybody by her. She enjoyed their interactions, and loved the challenge of trying to outwit him. While sarcasm was a strong part of his personality and she had encountered it a lot when she was a student, he was never rude or mean to her. There was a very minute difference between Severus being playful and him being spiteful. Hermione was grateful that he allowed her to experience it. 

She hoped that the healthy teasing continued far into their marriage, she was competetive, and the oppertunity to our-smart her husband who far too tempting to drop.

"It's my wedding day, you should be nice to me." Hermione faked pouted. 

"It's our wedding day, and I'm trying to make our first dance memorable but you're getting distracted." Severus pointed out. 

Hermione's face lit up with a grin. "I can think of a few other ways you can keep me distracted?" 

"Yeah?" Severus murmured, ducking his head so that he could inch his face closer to Hermione's.

"Yeah." Hermione whispered, feeling his warmth breathe against her lips. Her eyes fluttered shut in antipication and unconsciously held onto Severus's neck with more enthusiasm. Her legs felt weak, her stomach twinged and her heart thumped loudly against her ribs. 

Their lips connected, and he kissed her lightly. Teasingly. His lips pressed against hers with careful control, his tongue gently swiping across her lips with no real conviction. It was a pleasant kiss, but it was not the bodice-ripping make-out session that Hermione was beginning to crave. She had the strangest inclination that Severus was doing it on purpose. Hermione exhaled out of her nose, rising up onto her tiptoes to try and deepen the kiss but Severus only smirked. A deep rumbling chuckle ripped through his chest as he dodged her attempts.

She pulled away from him slightly, parting their lips just enough to allow them to speak. Neither of them were really dancing anymore, nor did they seem to care that their public display of affection was just that! Public. 

Severus smirked. "What?" 

"You're so infuriating" Hermione said, breathlessly.

"I'm not sure I understand." 

She huffed. "How easily you leave your wife wanting."

A brief kiss was shared. One could hardly call it a kiss. The caress had been little more than a light brush of the lips without conviction. Hermione felt her fuse beginning to shorten.

"What is it exactly, you desire?" Severus laughed. 

Images of Severus naked - very naked - ravishing her thoroughly enough to leave her bruised and panting, suddenly invaded Hermione's mind. Her core reacted immediately. She felt a rather large flutter in her lower stomach and a warmth that threatened to invade her senses. Hermione's warm brown eyes met her husband's sinful obsidian pair. He didn't have to use legilimency to know exactly what she wanted. 

Quick as an asp, Severus smothered Hermione's doubts by connecting their lips in a crushing kiss. She whimpered at the sudden change of pace. He was kissing her as though she was the last woman left on Earth. His tongue was polite yet insistant against hers. He was forceful without taking more than she wished to give. Hermione's resolve melted entirely as she lost herself against his lips. Severus's hands gripped her waist, holding her close to him with determination. Her knees wobbled as her core turned molten, the ache between her legs becoming a blazing fury that she hoped Severus would attend to with the same infinite passion with which he was kissing her. 

Just like that, it was over. His lips left hers, his body now held at a respectful distance and her legs being coerced into moving to the rhythm of the music. Hermione blinked open her eyes, fixating on Severus who was giving her a devilish smirk. The heat had disappeared from Hermione's body so quickly that she felt herself shiver. He had given her goosebumps! 

As if reading her thoughts, he murmered. "We have all of the time in the world to enjoy each other, but we only get one wedding day, My Dear."

 Hermione sighed. "I suppose." 

"Later. You have my word." Severus promised. 

____

To conclude, their wedding day had been perfect. 

Hermione had spent the rest of the evening being twirled around the dancefloor by various guests and friends. Rather heartwarmingly indeed, Arthur had timidly approached Hermione offering her a dance in place of the father-daughter dance that was a common muggle custom. She had teared up, accepting his offer with gratitude. After sharing familiar dances with Ron, and then Harry, Draco had appeared at her side. Shrugging, Hermione took his hand and allowed him to pull her into the centre of the dancefloor. She grinned, catching Severus staring at Draco intently, despite the fact that he was supposed to be conversing with Professor Slughorn, who luckily seemed to absorbed in his own anecdote to even notice. 

Her feet were swollen and aching by the time Hermione had managed to find a seat at an empty table with Luna, Neville and his wife Hannah. She removed her heels, massaging her toes while her friends offered their well-wishes. Fortunately by the time Hermione had caught up with Luna, who had moved back into her father's old house with her son, her toes felt much better. Neville and Hannah appeared nauseatingly in love, updating Hermione with the tales of a Hogwarts professor and A Hogsmeade landlady. 

It wasn't until much later indeed, that Hermione was reunited with Severus who looked as though his social battery was severely depleted. Before they could utter a word, Minvera was projecting her voice across the room via her wand, calling on her guests to make their way to the courtyard outside for one final wedding day surprise. 

Hermione looked at Severus suspiciously. He shrugged. "This isn't me."  

"Well, it isn't me either." She replied. 

Hand in hand, they followed the small crowd out of the library, down many stone steps and out into one of Hogwart's many courtyards. Feeling a rather nauseating mix of anxiety and excitement, Hermione remained silent as she and Severus made their way to the desired destination. Emerging into the night amongst the throngs of their guests, Hermione couldn't help but gasp. 

The dark courtyard was filled with a sea of floating lanterns, already lit and being held close to the ground by 2 dozen small skinny figures. House elves! The lanterns cast a warm glow against the stone walls of the castle, as the house elves began to approach the guests to hand out the lanterns. Some of the elves were much more confident than others with the task.

The night sky was clear, the stars shining bright against the silky black backdrop. There was a small breeze that was enough to make Hermione tense. She crossed her arms, rubbing her bare skin with her hands to keep warm. Within a split second, Severus had removed his robes and hung them over Hermione's shoulders, with a whisper of a wandless warming charm. She smiled up at him gratefully. 

A rather small, scrappy elf approached the married couple evidently having been pushed by her friend who seemed far more brazen. 

"For you, Mr and Mrs Snape." said the more brave elf. They each presented their lanterns for Hermione and Severus to take. "From the house elves of Hogwart's. We want to thank you both for your services towards the school over the years. It was a tremendous honor to host your wedding, Sir and Madame." 

Hermione felt tears prick her eyes once again. "The honor is ours." She assured the elves. 

"Truly," Severus affirmed, taking the lanterns and handing one of them to Hermione. 

The couple found themselves towards the centre of the gathered crowd, who all stood waiting for the signal to release their lanterns. Hermione and Severus shared a look that was packed with emotion. A perfect end to a perfect day, shared with the most perfect of people. Severus's free hand found Hermione's. She squeezed it gently. 

The ringing of the bell of the clock tower above the courtyard was the sign that they were searching for. Raising the lanterns above their heads, and waiting for them to catch on the breeze, Severus and Hermione released their lanterns in unison. Moments later, dozens of other lanterns followed, rising up into the atmosphere as two floated ahead of the masses. 

Hermione and Severus stood in silence, watching the skies until the yellow coloured lights bobbed out of view. Their guests had started to disperse one by one, until only the newlyweds were remaining in the now-dark courtyard. Breaking their silence, Hermione turned to Severus.

"Thank you." She said, unable to find the right words to use to convey how she was feeling. 

That was a lie. Hermione knew exactly how she might convey her feelings, but she didn't know if Severus was ready to hear those words yet. The truth was, she had never been so sure of something in her life than she had been in that moment. She was well and truly in love with Severus Snape. 

"No, My Dear. Thank you." Severus replied. Little did Hermione know, he was having similar difficulty.

Except he wasn't. Severus wasn't exactly accustomed to admitting such things to anybody, let alone to a woman whom he felt surpassed him in every meaningful way. He loved Hermione Granger (now Snape) more than he could have ever possibly imagined loving anyone. 

"Let's go home." Severus said quietly, after a moment. 

Home.