Hi everyone! The Harry Potter genre muse has struck again. (shock – gasp!)
Rose of the West sent me the greatest review, and made some amazing suggestions which started the creative juices flowing for a follow-up to my other story .
For example:
What was she doing in between Voldemort's fall and HP's first year?
If you haven't read my story "You Can't Always Get What You Want" first, this one probably won't make much sense, so go ahead and read that one. But make sure that you review once you've finished. I'll wait. Seriously…
So, now that you're back and I thank you in advance for your review, here we go with the follow-up to "You Can't Always Get What You Want". The rating will be T to be safe, since I don't know where this story is going to go – but I know the storyline of where it will end up.
So, thanks again Rose of the West for asking the questions, and please enjoy as I try and fill in the 18 year gap!
Reviews make my day all sunshiny and warm.
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Severus and Sarah had returned from their second honeymoon on Halloween night to a welcome home celebration at their house, hosted by their children and had a number of their former classmates and professors in attendance. Sarah and Severus had gone up to bed that night, having made a glorious attempt to rekindle their physical relationship on their month long vacation. Though they both knew they could never make up for lost time, they had certainly put forth a fantastic effort. Several times they had to scourgify the room and they had to repair the shower curtain several times. They left a very large tip when they checked out to cover all of their extra… ahem… expenses.
Three weeks ago after they had eaten dinner, Severus and Sarah were talking to the kids at the dinner table. They had talked about what their plans were for the future, and they had discussed the fact that many people were wondering where Sarah had been during those long 18 years, why she hadn't come back, and the like. Eileen made a suggestion that they contact everyone who had been questioning the situation and sit them all down at once to explain once and for all what had happened. Severus agreed with her that this was a good idea, so that they would not have to repeat themselves several times over. Sarah began writing invitations to most of their classmates, friends, as well as former and current staff members at Hogwarts. They had decided that since Christmas fell on a Friday this year, they would hold the re-telling of their story, as they deemed it, on the Saturday before. This would give them ample time to recall everything that had happened, be able to prepare for the holidays, as well as make sure that everyone that needed to be included was included.
The Owls were sent out on Sunday, December 13th, and by Monday, December 14th they had received a reply from every single witch and wizard they had requested to attend. Everyone wanted to hear their story, and wanted to know what had caused them to be apart for so very long.
"Severus, look at all these replies. We'll have to conjure more chairs than we had thought."
Severus looked at the pile of parchment on the table that was at least a foot high.
"I see what you mean, love. Everyone is coming that we invited?"
She nodded her head.
"According to the response from Professor McGonagall, she thought that if we would like there should be someone from the Daily Prophet here as well, so that the entire wizarding world can know our story. I have to admit as much as I loathe the Prophet for spreading all those rumors about you that were completely uncalled for, I have to admit that this might be the best thing, Severus. How would you feel about that? Having a member of the Prophet staff here to report this?"
Severus looked tense, but he held her hand in his and smiled.
"I dislike them as much, if not more than you, Sarah. But I have to admit I can see where Minerva is going with this. I think it would be a wise idea."
"I have to head into Diagon Alley tomorrow anyway, so I'll stop by the offices and inform them."
Sarah looked at the list they had gathered for Saturday's event. Professor McGonagall, Rubeus Hagrid, Professor Sprout, Madam Pomfrey (who said she would be there if there are no major injuries in the Hospital Wing as there is a Quidditch match the day before), Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Molly and Arthur Weasley and their entire family, Neville Longbottom and his Gran - Augusta Longbottom, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Sturgis Podmore, Arabella Figg, Deadalus Digle, Elphias Doge, Filius Flitwick, Aurora Sinistra, Pomona Sprout, Sibyll Trelawney, Septima Vector, Madam Hooch, Irma Pince, and Arthur Diggory had all send owls back immediately saying that they were most curious to know the truth. Of course, Sarah's Mum and Dad said they would be there as well, to show their support for their daughter and her family.
"Severus, I think I'm ready to let everyone know about what happened. I feel good about this decision."
He stood from the table and kissed the top of her head.
"I'm glad, Sarah."
"I'll want you to help by filling in your side of this as well, you know."
"I'm perfectly fine with that. Just be prepared with Potter and the Weasleys here that they will no doubt be calling me every foul name you can imagine."
She laughed and stood from the table as he took her hand to walk her upstairs.
"I've probably called you worse, Severus. I know just how much of a stubborn git you can be. The main difference with me is that I love you for it."
"And I couldn't be happier about that, my love. Let's go to bed."
She nodded her head and cast 'nox' to the lights in the room. They changed into their night clothes, and climbed into bed, Sarah resting her head on the left side of Severus' chest.
"My favourite pillow."
He laughed slightly at this.
"Are you sure you don't want a pillow that's a little more comfortable than this?"
She shook her head.
"Nope. I can't hear your heartbeat when my head is on a feather pillow, Severus. It's hearing that constant healthy sound that lulls me to sleep."
She yawned and he kissed her forehead.
"Sleep well, my love."
She nodded as her eyes closed.
"You too, Severus."
