Hi! This is a really short piece (it was actually supposed to be a one-shot, but it got too long for that).
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. If I did, this would have been part of the epilogue.
So basically, Snape attends Harry and Hermione's wedding.
I actually didn't change his character much. Even though he survived the war and knows that Harry saw his memories, he's still like how he would be in the books.
Of course they'd chosen an outdoor wedding, in a soft spring meadow on a gloriously sunny day. Such joy in the air, no? One might say this one guest was bitter. Was he the only bitter guest here? Perhaps the two youngest red headed children, but no, even they were smiling and laughing with the rest. When was the last time he had laughed like that? Never. Well, decades, at least.
Snape had tried. He had tried so hard not to think about them too much. He'd been surprised when the invitation came, but of course, he had to go once Minerva found out he'd been invited. She'd been so excited. "Oh, they're so precious! I knew it, I did! Ever since I had them in first year. . ."
But now he was here, and they were in front of him and all the thoughts that had been muddled in his head came back, stronger and louder.
She's smiling, glowing even. So is he. Eyes sparkling, cheeks flushed. That's how the recently wedded pair looks. Yes, yes, they're very much in love. Any fool can see that. Loving, king muggle-born on the arm of a well-know, well liked Potter. Brings back fond memories, sure it does. . .he almost scoffs out loud.
"My, Severus, you do look nice. I see you went to the boutique I recommended," Minerva chirped up, a wine glass in her hand.
"Thank you, Minerva. As do you. Your recommendation was fantastic," he replied in a bored voice. And, no, he hadn't gone to the "lovely, little boutique" that Minerva had recommended. These were old dress robes that he'd had lying around. He wasn't really a fan of shopping. Shocker, no?
"I'm just-I'm just so happy for them. They really deserve it, you know?" Minerva said, voice quivering, tears shining in her eyes.
Snape cleared his throat, "Yes, of course. They've been through quite an ordeal," as had the rest of the Wizarding world. He was just so, so bitter about this. He couldn't even pinpoint the reason why. Yes, the Granger girl was like Lily, smart and kind and pretty and all things angelic. That much was obvious to those who had known Lily and now knew her. And Potter, well, he was the spitting image of James "the arse" Potter. Dumbledore always told him that Harry Potter was not like James Potter. But it was so hard to think like that when he'd watched Harry get showered with love and attention (well, for the most part. Okay, that point is disputable), he'd played Quidditch, he'd had fangirls, and he'd tormented Snape in his own way. . .
The worst thing, however, the absolute worst thing was what Harry knew about him now. He'd seen the memories, he knew about Lily and his past. It was the war and Snape hadn't thought he'd had a chance of surviving. A pleasant surprise it was to survive.
After the war, when things had calmed down a bit, Harry had made an effort to reach out to Snape. But Snape had apathetically refused all of his offers, offering excuses both knew were rubbish. In fact, this wedding was the first time in a long while he'd seen the boy wonder in person.
Harry and Hermione had said their vows, kissed, and were now socializing with the guests. Weren't they supposed to be sitting at a throne or something? Of course, they were too "humble" for that. Too nice and kind and bloody wonderful for that.
Oh, dear. What's Minerva doing? No, no! "Please don't call them over," he prayed to a deity that he had long stopped believing in. He internally groaned as he saw their eyes light up and look at each other in a "eureka!" moment. Now they had him cornered, he wouldn't dare leave with Minerva right there.
"Oh, don't you look like darlings! What a great venue! And your dress, Hermione, the Heavens themselves could not have made a better one." Minerva gushed over the two. They smiled and thanked her for coming. He saw Harry throw a furtive glance his way. Then he saw Hermione slip her hand into Harry's and give a soft squeeze.
Suddenly Hermione turned to look directly at Severus. She smiled a small smile and looked at Harry encouragingly. Harry fumbled with the cuff of his sleeve. She rolled her eyes and said, "Professor Snape, thank you so much for coming. How have you been?" Of course he's still just a Professor to her. But she's so much more than just another student. Did Harry show her the memory? Did she hear him call Harry's mother a mudblood?
"I've been delightful," he responded without emotion. How did she think he had been?
She blushed and looked down. Harry spoke up boldly, "Why have you not accepted any of our invitations?"
And Harry doesn't beat around the bush much. Severus stood up taller and exhaled. Minerva looked at Severus in shock. She couldn't fathom why he wouldn't want to get to know Harry and Hermione. She knew he was alone most of the time. This could be really great for him!
"Why Severus, this is wonderful! What have you to lose in joining them for dinner sometime?" Minera said, obviously excited at the prospect of having Severus join their circle. For once Severus was glad that Minerva was here, at least he didn't have to speak.
But they were all looking at him expectantly now.
"I've been busy." Bull. And they all knew it.
Harry looked dejected. He'd already tried so many times. Hermione glared at Snape. Why wouldn't he meet up with them? They knew all about him, they knew that he was good. Why couldn't he appease Harry? Harry wanted to get to know Snape so badly ever since he knew his story. This was the one man who could tell Harry anything he wanted to know about Lilley. And after all these years, didn't Harry owe it to Snape to look after him? To help him?
A/N:
Do you like it? Chapter two, the last part, will be posted as soon as I'm done with it.
I LOVE reviews. How do I know if I'm doing a good job or not? How do I know if I need to change something or not? I just look at reviews. But, alas, if there aren't reviews, then I'm left clueless.
