Hey guys, sorry it took so long to post this. I had to write it, plus I'm still writing a bit more. I've gotta wrap up the loose ends. Let me know what you think.
~Tori ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter 39: The Banquet continued As they stepped into the fireplace he tilted his head, looked her over and said:
“Ready to face the real world?”
She groaned. “Ready as I’ll ever be. I hope they don’t fall over themselves congratulating us.”
“No one knows.”
“What?”
“I asked Harry and Ron not to tell anyone. They said they would comply with my wishes.”
“Does this mean that you don’t want anyone to know?”
“I only thought WE should be the one’s to announce our marital status.”
“Oh, fine by me, just let me know when YOU feel the time is right.”
He grinned at her, not letting her irritation get to him; he knew she’d rather stay here, which made him very happy.
“Hogwarts, Snape’s room!” He called and they disappeared.
When they got out of the fireplace, they noticed that they were late and rushed to the Great Hall.
Upon their entrance, they were greeted by a round of applause. It looked like, apart from all students, staff and ghosts, nearly half the wizarding world had squeezed into the Hall. Arthur Weasley led them to their places at the Head Table, next to Dumbledore. He was already waiting to award them the Order of Merlin and began his speech.
Tori was a bit nervous, standing in front of such a large audience and she hardly heard the words of praise from the Headmaster. Finally he called out:
“I hereby welcome into the Order of Merlin, First Class: Professor Severus Snape and Professor Tori Bloom!”
Before anyone could burst out in cheers, Severus had signaled that he wanted to say something.
“Actually Albus, I feel I have to correct you. It’s Mr. and Mrs. Snape.”
The entire Hall went silent, not a sound was heard and all but Harry and Ron stared in total astonishment at the couple, while Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled.
Then Severus took Tori in his arms, swept her off her feet and planted a firm kiss on her lips. As she wrapped her arms around his neck and their kiss deepened, all hell broke loose in the Great Hall. The “ooh’s” and “aah’s” from the students could be heard all over the castle and it was the start of a night of unseen celebration.