For FonzFan, may you enjoy.
The day was like any other for Claire. It wasn't until lunch that she noticed the looks and the whispering that stopped once she entered the room. She tried to coax a reason from Cook, who was always up to date with the staff gossip but the woman refused. Mr. Hopkins didn't even give her a chance to ask him. Claire had the sunken feeling that everyone knew about Severus coming to her room last night and had landed on the wrong conclusions as to why. She was debating if she should set them straight when the bell rang for her. Lady Prince wanted to see her upstairs. In the first time in her life, Claire felt intimidated to speak with her employer alone. Trying to calm herself, she hurried to the older woman's sitting room.
"Lady Prince, you asked for me?"
"Yes, Claire, please come in. Close the door." Lady Prince closed the book that had been in her lap, placing it on the seat beside her before she looked at Claire. "You and I need to have a talk. About Severus." The housekeeper felt her shoulders slump and shame fill her. "I am not unaware of his interest in you, my dear and I have been told that he came to your rooms last night."
"My lady, it is true. Master Snape came to speak with me. Nothing more, I promise nothing untoward occurred."
"I know."
Claire lifted her head, surprise clear on her face. The older woman simply nodded.
"I spoke with my grandson."
Her stomach turned into a knot. She had talked to Severus about this? What did he say? What did she say?
"It's only partly why I asked you here. What happened last night in your rooms cannot ever happen again. Mr. Hopkins was tripping over himself when I confronted him and I cannot have the staff thinking they can get away with such behavior. I know they all care about you but I can't have a staff that keeps secrets from me. Especially on this scale."
Claire felt tears. The staff had tried to keep this from her? They hadn't spoken to her all morning, making her feel excluded when in fact, they had been trying to protect her from Lady Prince. She swallowed, feeling truly touched, especially towards Mr. Hopkins, who never kept anything from Lady Prince.
"I told Severus this and we have reached an understanding. He is sorry for the position his actions have put you in and has promised not to repeat such careless behavior in the future. He insisted that I didn't discipline you on the matter but I can't remain silent, Claire."
"I understand, my lady." Claire felt overwhelmingly softened towards Severus.
"Claire, you are no longer my housekeeper. You will leave my employment with no references." The air was knocked out of her lungs and she inhaled sharply. The elegant woman continued, ignoring the younger girl's reaction. "As it is too late to catch a train for anywhere, you are to move your belongings to the Yellow room. At dinner, you and Severus will announce what you are to do next. Until then, I expect you and Severus to work out what is needed so that your relationship can become more permanent." She stood, smiling at the stunned girl. "I am so proud of you, Claire. I have wanted you to marry and have your own family. I know that you and Severus will make an exceptional couple." She kissed both of her cheeks. Claire swallowed, finding her voice.
"Lady Prince..? I don't understand. I'm not in the same class as Severus yet you seem so sure that we should be together."
"Claire, I am an old woman. I have seen time and again young people who deny their heart's true love in the name of class and responsibility. I did it myself." She touched Claire's hair, brushing it back from her face. "It's not worth it. I want you to be happy. I want Severus to be happy. Something as minor as class should not matter. You have plenty of class for the both of you."
Claire nervously giggled at this, covering her mouth with her hands. The lady turned back to the couch, sitting and picking up her book.
"That will be all, Claire. Severus should be in the library."
She didn't need to tell the young woman twice.
"Claire." Severus jumped to his feet. Claire, happy tears streaming down her face, stopped at the door. She folded her hands in front, her face serious.
"Lady Prince has terminated my contract here."
Severus's face visibly fell and he took a step towards her. "Claire I am so sorry. I thought Grandmother was fine with us… I can't believe she did this. I'll talk to her. I'll leave if need be, so you can have your job back."
She silenced him, putting a finger to his lips. His eyes were intense staring back into hers. She slowly smiled.
"I don't think I want my job anymore." She moved her finger, stroking his cheek. "Besides, I think this is her way of blessing our relationship. There is nothing standing between us now."
Her word sunk in and he put his arms around her.
"Does this also mean that you, that you now approval of our relationship?"
Resisting the urge to bite her lip, Claire nodded. The largest smile she had ever seen graced his face before he lowered his lips to hers. It was a soft and gentle kiss before they merely held each other close, enjoying just the feeling of holding each other.
"Good night Claire."
"Good night Severus." smiled Claire, as Severus leaned closer, brushing their lips together. Claire's eyes flutter as he put his arms around her, pulling her closer. Severus smiled, as Claire tentatively put her fingers into his hair. They parted, resting their foreheads together, reclaiming their breath.
"I don't want to leave." admitted Severus. Claire's smile grew, hugging his close. "Could I convince you to walk the gardens one more time with me?"
Claire suppressed a giggle.
"Severus, we both need to go to bed."
"Just one stroll? Just around the fountain."
Severus was already taking her hands and leading her back down the stairs. Claire was helpless to stop him, as she too didn't want to part with Severus yet.
Once outside, Severus held Claire's hand, their fingers laced together. It was a full moon, a beautiful summer night, with just a small breeze. Claire sighed, breathing in deeply the fresh air. Severus smiled as he watched her beside him. Claire felt his glance, blushing and biting her lower lip.
"Don't bite your lip love."
Claire released her lip, still blushing. Severus turned her towards him, his hand touching her face lovingly before kissing her gently. Claire smiled, her hand going to his face as well. The kiss was gentle and sweet, leaving Claire happy and content. They stood together, touching each other's face and getting lost in each other's eyes.
"It's really late."
"Just a little longer."
"Severus..." Claire gently pressed a kiss to Severus's cheek, closing her eyes and breathing in deeply. She was far too happy to resist him.
Severus thought Claire looked amazing in her butter cream summer dress. Her hair was partially down, her curls attractively arranged around her shoulders. The material of her dress fluttered attractively around her legs, as Claire twirled happily in a circle. The other children of the Hogwarts staff giggled along with Claire, each twirling and dancing along with Mrs. Snape.
After marrying, Severus had returned to Hogwarts to teach potions. To fill her time, Claire began working with the castle elves in running the castle better. Severus was pleased with how well Claire worked with the elves (who adored her) and improved the castle tenfold. Today, Hogwarts was hosting a summer picnic for its staff and their families. There were several new faces at Hogwarts and many young children. As the adults chatted away together, Severus had noticed how his wife had drifted towards the children. They seemed to be having a ball of their own, twirling and dancing to the music.
"Severus, isn't that your wife?" asked Sybil, who was very jealous that Severus had left Hogwarts and had gotten married. Severus rolled his eyes at her lack of tact.
"That is indeed my wife. I think I will go join her."
Claire's smile grew when she saw Severus approaching. Crouching down, she pulled Minerva's youngest niece to her and whispered in her ear. Before Severus realized it, the young little girl was grabbing his hand and demanding that he dance with her. Severus instantly thought to pull away but then he saw that smile on Claire's lips and knew it was her doing. Knowing that, he let the little girl pull him to the music.
Taking his cue from the cute little girl, Severus bowed lowly before taking her little hands in hers. Timing his steps to the music, Severus led the little girl through a short dance, filled mostly of twirling the little girl who was giggling and smiling.
"Auntie Minnie! Look at me!" she shouted, as Severus twirled her again. Headmistress Minerva shook her head with a smile, turning back to her conversation with Hermione Granger, the Charms teacher. When the dance was over, Severus playfully kissed the little girl's hand, who ran off to tell all her little friends.
Claire was giggling when Severus took her hands into his.
"You planned that. I will make you pay." hissed Severus. Claire shook her head.
"Don't try to pretend that you didn't have fun. Wisty loved the attention. Besides," Claire leaned closer. "I thought it was rather cute."
Severus grinned, pulling Claire closer and beginning to dance. Claire's smile was big and Severus started laughing, as the children around them all paired off to dance as well.
Fin.