Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe is not mine. Even though no names are mentioned, neither Severus nor Hermione are mine, for they're ones this is about. Everything belongs to J.K. Rowling.

He held her in his arms, tightly, lovingly, as if she were the most precious thing to him and couldn't bear to let her part from his side; and whispered in her ear as the music softly lead them.

'I am sorry. I know I acted a fool, I know it was solely my fault, but you must understand—I can't bear the thought of being wihout you, I perish the thought of you being held in another man's embrace. I know my insecurities got the best of me, but can you blame a man that has known no love-until you, that is- for wanting to let others know that he has found happines in a most wonderful young woman such as yoursel? Please, allow me to ask for your forgiveness, grant me some mercy, because if you leave I don't know what shall become of me'

The last words, he spoke desperately, as if the mere thought of being abandoned by her left him soulless.

She lifted her face from his shoulder and looked him in the eyes; those eyes that once were devoid of emotion and blank as an impassive wall, the same eyes that now held remorse in them, a faint spark of hope but most importantly, to her, the tale of a most tender love held for the woman he was holding onto dear life for.

'You know I love you, how many times do I have to repeat it to you? To get it in your mind and heart that there is no other, nor there ever shall be, in my life? That I have never been as ardently in love with someone who can make me as happy as I am with you?, that neither my short life nor my inexperience have anything to do with the feelings I have for you, my love. I shall forgive you, for I hate to see you so preoccupied. I shall forgive this man his momentarily possessiveness, because I know that you were only demonstrating that you care, that I am yours, as much as you are mine. And make no mistake, if I ever have to make claim of you, I will, for I'll have you know that you are mine, and mine you shall remain.'

He smiled adoringly at her, for a small moment, letting her know in that smile that he was moved by her words, by her claiming him hers and hers only.

'Then, my dear, to make it clear that you are my only one and I am yours' he continued whispering in her ear 'Make me the great honour of accepting my hand. Be my bride, oh brilliant nymph, accept me as your husband-to-be and lay claim of me, for I shall be yours, and yours only, as long as you'll have me.'