Chapter 29: Epilgoue, part 2

Five Years Later

September 1st, 2003

"There is something beautiful about all scars of whatever nature. A scar means the hurt is over, the wound is closed and healed, done with."
~Harry Crews


"…in light of Professor Flitwick's recent retirement," the newly-reinstated Headmaster announced before the entire school and its attentive students, "a new Head of Ravenclaw House is needed. I am pleased," indeed, he actually was, "to announce that none other than our own Madam Snape has accepted this role, as well as the title of Deputy Headmistress."

An earsplitting roar of cheers and applause followed the Headmaster's announcement, from students of all tables in the hall, including the head table.

Hidden from the students' view behind the table, Severus felt his wife slip her tiny hand into his own and gave it a delighted squeeze. He did not release her hand, however, and calmly stroked circles on the back of her hand.

After he finished the brief and annual start of term announcements and the feast began, he seated himself in his chair, with Civia on his right and Minerva on his left.

Minerva had stepped down from the office of Headmistress, back to just Transfiguration professor, insisting she was getting on in years, and that her old injury from the instance of several Stunners to the back was not helping the stress of the position. As her Deputy, Severus had been chosen by the Board of Governors to be the Headmaster.

The Potions Master had been reluctant at first, admittedly, but Minerva had been insistent. Combined with his wife's determination, it was not long before Severus complied. In the end, it was a change he was glad for. Glad as he had been to have the Defense Against the Dark Arts position that he had for so long wished for, Severus found that being Headmaster was easier than dealing with the dunderheaded students daily-despite the piles of paperwork he had.

Even years after Severus' ordeal with the blasted snake Nagini, his scars had never quite healed completely, a harsh scar marring his pale throat. But his usual high-collared robes usually hid them from public. His voice had returned to its previous state, though it would occasionally get hoarse and rough whenever illness set in, or after a particularly loud day of admonishing and scolding students.

Civia did not get out of the war so easily either. Her back could get achy easily because of Voldemort's last spell upon her, and the harsh landing. In her reckless insanity, as her husband put in, she had gotten several deep cuts and wounds, which scarred, though none were particularly visible or noticeable-none like that on her husband's throat. But on cold or ill days, aftereffects of the excruciating Cruciatus Curses—from many: Voldemort, Bellatrix, the Carrows—would hit her hard, causing a terrible trembling and aches, something that affected her husband as well, though far more severe; it was treatable with easily made potions, thankfully.

But even after their wounds and scars, the Snapes were still healthy and happy, even if Severus did not show the latter obviously. Despite his impassive countenance to the students, he was most obviously more relaxed and content than ever before, Civia observed.

The usual chatter filled the hall, pleasant and happy.

"When did you get that ring, Severus?" asked Minerva suddenly, curiously. Said ring was on his right ring finger, mirroring his wedding ring on his left hand. The stone was a deep blood red color—not quite Gryffindor red, but certainly close—but most certainly was not a ruby.

"Our anniversary," replied Civia with a sly smile.

"Oh, how was that?" the Transfiguration Mistress asked curiously, "Did you two enjoy your trip to Greece?"

"It was adequate," grumbled the Headmaster sourly.

Civia chuckled and leaned towards her godmother and stage whispered conspiratorially, "He's just saying that because he got sunburned all over—and I mean everywhere!"

"Enough, wife," he said, though there was an affection in his tone that few would expect from him. Said wife laughed but kissed him lovingly.

"Enough over there!" said Pomona with a joking smile, "You two are scaring the students, acting like that!"

A small smirk appeared on Severus' face. "Isn't that part of my role here, the feared bat of a Headmaster?"

Civia laughed softly. "Yes, dear, but careful—they may think I'm causing you to go soft."

A deep chuckle preceded his simple reply. "I am only providing an acceptable role model as a happily married man."

Beside them, Pomona grinned rather cheekily to them. "Six years ago I would never have thought I would see the day you'd describe yourself as a happy man, Severus. Civia, you've done wonders."

The Potions Mistress smiled and laughed while her husband chuckled quietly.

Severus gave a small smile to his wife but nodded. "She has done many wonders, the best of which, to me, is accepting me."

To him in a whisper, she said with a beaming smile, "Severus, when will you learn? I never even had to consider it. There was no question in my mind at all."