Disclaimer: I do not own HP or any of its characters.
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What The Future Holds
Miriam's lips pursed with annoyance as she rushed through the house into the office. She unceremoniously dropped her satchel beside the desk and frowned at the clock as it chimed the hour. Her meetings ran late this afternoon; she originally wanted to return two hours ago. All of Miriam's plans and preparation for the weekend were now delayed.
Anxiety began to well up inside her, and Miriam closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. She needed to calm down. If Severus were here, he would remind her there was nothing that needed done, and everything was as it should be. Millie had dinner handled, and all the little things she wanted to see to were simply extras.
With a small shake of her head, Miriam left the office. Her cloak billowed gracefully behind her as she made her way to the front of the house. The doorbell chimed, and Miriam smiled; they had arrived. "I've got it, Millie," Miriam called out as she saw Millie's ears peek out the kitchen.
Miriam opened the door to find Gerald, Norah, and Eileen on their doorstep. She smiled brightly at the three. The last time they were all together was before the start of term at Gerald and Norah's house. Now, it was almost the middle of October. Miriam ushered them into the warm house after hugging them each in turn; she gently sat their suitcases by the door.
"I'm so happy to see you!" Miriam exclaimed as she hung up their coats.
"Did you just get home?" Eileen asked as she handed Miriam her cloak.
"Why, yes. How could you tell?" Miriam asked.
"You're still wearing your hat and cloak." Eileen looked pointedly at the curved black witch hat perched atop Miriam's head. Wide, dark green organza ribbon wrapped around the hat, and a small arrangement of silk flowers adorned one side.
"Oh, blast," Miriam declared. "Millie!" Miriam called out as she removed the hat. A small pop was heard, and Millie appeared beside Miriam, followed by a shocked gasp. Miriam quickly turned her attention to Norah, who stood staring down at Millie, a surprised look on her face and her hand pressed to her heart.
"Don't be frightened," Miriam said as she gently placed her hand on Norah's arm. "This is Millie—she's our house elf. Millie, this is Gerald and Norah, Severus' grandparents. You remember Eileen, of course."
"Of course," Millie said as she curtsied. "Mistress called for me?" Millie asked. Her round eyes stared up at Miriam expectantly.
"Yes, please take my hat and cloak. Also, tea for the sitting room when you have a moment," Miriam said. Millie disappeared, and Miriam smiled at her guests. "If you need anything, just call for Millie, and she'll see to you personally. Come to the sitting room and we'll have tea. Severus isn't home yet."
"Severus and I are thrilled you all decided to come visit," Miriam continued as the group settled around the fireplace. "It's good to get away from Hogwarts for the weekend, and having company is a rare treat for us."
Gerald smiled in his comforting way. "Norah and I were beside ourselves when we got your letter. We don't travel much, so any time away is exciting." Gerald's eyes traveled over the book shelves, the piano, and paintings on the walls before they returned to Miriam. "You have a beautiful home."
Miriam smiled. "Thank you, it originally belonged to my grandparents. Before I inherited it, I had no place of my own, so I lived at Hogwarts. I consider myself lucky to live in a home that holds many happy memories for me," Miriam said wistfully.
Just then, Millie appeared with tea and placed the service on the coffee table. Norah watched, fascinated, as Millie disappeared with a small pop. "Does every magical family have a house elf, Miriam?" Norah wondered aloud.
Miriam pursed her lips and leaned forward. She poured the tea as she thought about how to best answer Norah's question. Just then, the fireplace roared to life. Severus emerged from the green flames, a satchel in one hand as he brushed ash off his cloak with the other. His eyes fell to Miriam, and they shared a look before his gaze turned to their guests.
"Floo powder," Severus stated simply as he took in his grandparents' shocked expressions. "It's good to see you." Severus allowed Gram to hug him before he shed his cloak. He settled in next to Miriam and accepted the tea offered him. Millie once again popped in and out as she retrieved Severus' belongings.
"Miriam was about to share the story of Millie with us," Norah said excitedly.
Severus raised an eyebrow appraisingly at Miriam. "Elves and their place in the wizarding world is quite complicated. Perhaps the simple version would be better," Severus said.
Miriam took a sip of tea and organized her thoughts. "Severus is right. To answer your earlier question, not all magical families have elves. Millie is an elf who was bound to serve my father's family. We grew up together. Malcolm banished her when he kicked me out of the house the summer before my fifth year. I could not bear to be without her after everything Millie did for me, so she's followed me around ever since."
A deep frown creased Gerald's face. "Why did your father kick you out?" Gerald asked.
Miriam sighed heavily. "I don't know what reason his feeble mind conjured up, but the simple version is that he blamed me for my brother's death. Ian saved me from drowning. Malcolm physically abused me for years after. One particularly bad time…when it was all over…I asked Millie to help me. I thought my ankle was broken, and I was in no shape to do anything myself. She took me magically to our neighbor, which exposed our little family secret. My father's solution to that was to pretend we never existed."
"That's horrible!" Norah whispered.
Miriam shrugged her shoulders. "It was for the best, ultimately. He set in motion a chain of events that allowed me to live with Mr. Moore, attend Hogwarts, meet Severus, and fully realize my potential." Miriam took another drink. "We are so close in age, Millie and I, and have experienced some rather unpleasant things together. Because of that, our relationship is not the norm. I largely leave her to tend to things as she sees fit; she reads and has hobbies, I give her time off, and she has her own rooms on the third floor. She deserves those things; I see her as part of my family."
"You'll see another elf around this weekend, I'm sure. Her name is Elbereth," Severus interjected.
"Yes, Elbereth was bound to my grandmother. When Gramie died, Elbereth was passed to me. She's quite old, and tends to oversee the house, while Millie will follow wherever I go, usually," Miriam added.
"I know several families that are quite unkind to their elves. It's refreshing to see an example of it done differently," Eileen said.
"Thank you," Miriam said genuinely. "Speaking of elves, let me go check on dinner. Excuse me." Miriam sat her tea down and disappeared to the kitchen.
"I take it Miriam's father plays no part in her life, then?" Gerald asked Severus.
"No. He is not welcome. I made that quite clear when he showed up a few months ago. I will not have him upset her ever again," Severus said quietly.
"As you should," Gerald nodded in agreement. He smiled in approval at Severus, and Severus' lips twitched in a slight smile in return.
"Poor little lamb, all alone," Norah said sadly as she gazed through the door Miriam just exited.
"Miriam does alright," Severus added. "She's cultivated a small circle of chosen family. Her business partner Will; his wife and children, and Helga, their grandmother. Me, and by extension you three."
Eileen smirked. "Never thought I would be someone's chosen family," she quipped.
"Why not?" Miriam asked as she walked into the room. "I think you're all wonderful." Miriam wrapped her hands around Severus' shoulders as she stood behind the couch. She smiled down at him and then to their guests. "Dinner is ready, and I thought we could eat in the kitchen. It's very cozy, especially on chilly nights."
"That sounds inviting. Let me help you," Eileen said as she stood.
The two witches led the group to the kitchen. "Please, have a seat," Miriam told Gerald and Norah as she gestured to the wood table. "Eileen, can you help me set the table?"
"Of course." Eileen smiled and took her wand from her dress pocket. "What are we having?"
"Stew, with rolls I baked this morning. We'll need bowls and spoons, please. Severus, can you get the butter and jam out of the icebox?"
From their seats at the table, Gerald and Norah had their first glimpse of the daily magic that happened at Severus and Miriam's house. Eileen used her wand to open the cupboards and magicked the bowls and spoons to the table while Miriam removed the rolls from the warming oven. Severus brought the jam and butter to the table, and Millie poured the stew into the tureen, then gently floated it to the center of the table. It was like watching a well choreographed dance.
"Please, tuck in," Miriam told the table as she sat next to Severus. "Millie, are you dining with us tonight?"
"I think I'll take supper with Elbereth," Millie answered. She levitated a tray in front of her, smiled at Miriam, and exited the kitchen.
For the next several minutes, the only sounds in the kitchen were of bowls being filled and the soft sounds of silverware. Severus pulled apart the soft, buttery roll with his hands and dipped it into his bowl. He chewed appreciatively as he spooned up some lamb and potatoes.
"I do love a good Irish stew," Gerald remarked as he happily dished up another bite.
"As do I," Miriam agreed. "Eileen, you'll be pleased to know the vegetables and herbs are from our summer garden. Millie started the stew early this morning while I baked the rolls and prepped dessert. She kept an eye on things whilst I went to the office."
"I thought they might be, delicious as they are. How was your day?" Eileen asked.
Miriam frowned as she thought about the question. "Truthfully, it was rather emotional."
"Why, what happened?" Severus asked, his brow furrowed in concern. He sat down his spoon and turned his attention to Miriam. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Severus," Miriam soothed. "I realized I forgot some important papers back at Hogwarts, so I popped over before I went to the office; and before you even ask, I didn't stop to see you because you were in the middle of a class."
Miriam gave Severus a measured look, and he smirked. "I'll forgive you, but just this once," Severus quipped.
Miriam smiled. "You know Hannah? Hufflepuff?"
Severus frowned. "Of course. Third year, consistent brewer, quiet. Why?" Severus asked as he resumed eating.
"On my way out of the castle, I found her crying by the loo."
"What teenage angst is to blame for that?" Severus scoffed as he rolled his eyes.
"Her dad walked out on her mum over the summer, and things have been tight. She received an owl at breakfast from her mum that there wasn't any money for her next tuition payment," Miriam said quietly.
Severus' eyes widened. "Oh," he breathed. "Things are bad, then."
"Yes, it took a bit to get Hannah to tell me. She's embarrassed, and worried about her mum and little brother. He's supposed to start school next fall."
"Children shouldn't have adult worries like that," Eileen said with a shake of her head.
"I agree," Miriam replied. "Truthfully, it brought up some rather unpleasant memories for me. After I calmed her down, we talked, and I told her I'd speak to Dumbledore about it."
Severus lowered his spoon and turned to face Miriam. "You paid her tuition, didn't you?"
Miriam's cheeks turned pink and she straightened in her chair. Her eyes dropped to the table before they focused on Severus. "Well, yes. You don't mind, do you?"
Severus chuckled. "Of course not. It's your money to spend as you see fit. Though as much as you'd like to, you can't save the world, Miriam."
Miriam sighed heavily and waved her hand dismissively. "I know, and that's what bothers me. This was just a temporary solution to a larger problem. I've been thinking all day about how to get Hannah's mum gainfully employed." Miriam shook her head and reached for another roll. "I don't know how some men can just walk away from their children like that…leave their wives to get on, often without any marketable skills. It's cowardice," Miriam spat out.
"It is," Gerald agreed. "For now, at least, Hannah needn't worry. I've no doubt in time you'll find a way to help her mum, bright as you are," Gerald told Miriam.
Miriam blushed at the praise. "Thank you. Enough about that, though. We didn't invite you over to hear me lament about my day. Are we playing cards tonight?" Miriam asked as she effectively changed the subject.
"Oh, that sounds like a wonderful idea," Eileen said. Everyone nodded in agreement as they continued to eat.
"Good," Miriam said as she smiled brightly. "I made cookie dough this morning, and I sent Millie for a few pints of ice cream from Fortiscue's shop this afternoon. After dinner, I'll bake the cookies, and we can eat them with the ice cream while we play."
Everyone returned to their stew, while Severus gazed thoughtfully at Miriam. Initially, Severus was reticent to have everyone visit over a weekend. It wasn't that Severus didn't want to see his mum and grandparents; rather, he didn't want to give up his solitude and time alone with Miriam. Eventually, Miriam convinced him. Their guests had only been with them a short time, and already Severus was impressed with the effort and level of thoughtfulness Miriam put into their stay. He shouldn't have doubted Miriam's ability to make everyone comfortable.
Later that night, Severus climbed into bed and stretched out beneath the warm blankets. He could still smell the aroma of warm cookies in the air. Severus sighed contentedly and placed his hands behind his head as he thought about his day. He felt conflicted about his enjoyment of the evening, simple as it was. Domesticity never interested him before, but as time wore on, Severus had grown quite fond of the life he and Mia built together.
Miriam entered their room and closed the bedroom door behind her. "I have everyone settled for the night. Gram and Pops are on the first floor in the guest bedroom, with extra blankets in case they get cold. Eileen is on this floor with us, but on the other end of the hall."
Severus followed Miriam with his eyes as she crossed the room and removed her robe. She slipped into bed and cuddled up next to Severus, who wrapped her in his arms. Propped up by her elbow, she looked down at Severus while her other hand rested against his chest. Severus felt her wool-clad feet brush against his leg, and he smiled softly.
"Is having company as burdensome as you imagined?" Miriam teased.
"No," Severus answered truthfully. "Not with you being the hostess."
Miriam smiled. "I don't mind at all. Tomorrow, Will and company are coming for lunch. That should be entertaining."
Severus' eyes widened slightly. "Yes, it should."
Severus fell silent, and Miriam frowned slightly. "You're being rather quiet, Severus. What troubles you?"
"I'm not troubled. It's strange to have guests, that's all." Miriam looked at him oddly, and Severus sighed as he searched for the right words. "I've spent a good deal of my time alone, avoiding people because of my choices. In some ways I feel like a fraud, enjoying this domestic existence with you. Truthfully, I find it unsettling how much I enjoy it," Severus said darkly.
Miriam listened, and remained silent. At last, she spoke. "You're not a fraud, Severus. There is nothing wrong with living in the present, and enjoying every single moment we can, no matter how mundane. Truthfully, there is no one else I want to share every bit of my life with."
Severus shook his head in disbelief. "You're too accommodating of me, but I'll take it." Severus rolled to his side and stared at Miriam as she laid beside him. He ran his hand down her side; his fingers followed the gentle swell of her curves, the flannel of her nightgown warm and soft to the touch. Severus watched with interest as Miriam sighed and stretched out beside him.
"Aren't you tired of me yet?" Miriam teased. "It's been almost a year, after all."
"Never," Severus purred as he scooted closer. "I would know your silhouette anywhere," Severus mused as his hand traveled back the way it just came. "Besides, a year isn't enough. I want every year I can get to hold you just like this, Mia." Severus caressed Miriam's cheek with his large hand and kissed her softly on the lips. When he opened his eyes, he noticed right away the faraway look on Miriam's face. "What are you thinking about?"
Miriam smiled brightly. "Do you remember when you first called me Mia?"
"I do. Seventh year, in the library. It just slipped out, though I don't think you believed me when I told you that. You seemed rather put out, and I thought I royally buggered up," Severus recalled.
"Not put out as much as I was surprised. The only other person to ever call me that was Ian. No one, except you, calls me that now. You know what Mia means, don't you?"
"No, what?" Severus asked.
"It means 'mine'," Miriam said softly.
Severus smirked. "Well you are mine," he said possessively as his hand caressed her back. He gave her a light swat on the bum, and Severus smirked when Miriam burst out laughing.
Miriam took a deep breath to compose herself. "Yes, I am, but was I then? I'll admit, I thought about you every day whilst in Wales during my apprenticeship. Probably more than was proper."
"Really?" Severus asked, the surprise evident in his deep voice. "I thought about you, too," Severus admitted. "I didn't see you then the way I do now, but you were-and still are-my closest friend. Now, you're mine in every sense of the word."
"And you are mine," Miriam breathed. She brushed aside a strand of dark hair and smiled mischievously at Severus. "I know we have a full house…but do you want to fool around?"
Severus' eyes narrowed. "You don't even have to ask." He pounced and peppered Miriam with kisses while she shrieked with laughter. He paused to take a breath. "You did lock the door?"
"I'll remind you you're dealing with a charms mistress, thank you very much," Miriam replied haughtily. "I even put up a silencing spell."
"Good," Severus stated simply before he kissed Miriam again.
Early the next morning, Gerald woke at his usual time. After visiting the loo, he carefully made his way through the dark sitting room. He passed by the conservatory filled with plants before continuing on. Light spilled out the kitchen into the hallway, and Gerald made his way towards the warm glow. Seated at the large wood table sat Severus, surrounded by piles of paper. Millie bustled about the kitchen in a fuzzy pink robe, but she gave Gerald a bright smile when she saw him standing in the doorway.
"Good morning," Severus said as he glanced up from his work. He dipped his quill in ink and returned to his task.
"Morning," Gerald replied as he sat next to Severus. Millie brought them each a large cup of coffee, and both men thanked her. "What are you doing up so early?" Gerald asked his grandson as he added a touch of cream to his cup of brew.
"Grading papers," Severus answered as he finished writing. He stored his quill, made his coffee and stirred it. "I wanted them out of the way before Will and his family came over."
"Ah, I can't wait to meet them. Eileen spoke so kindly of them, especially the children," Gerald added.
"They are quite a boisterous bunch," Severus mused. He picked up his quill once more and began to skim his last paper. "I must admit that I have grown fond of their company. Their presence in Miriam's life is quite large," Severus added.
Gerald sat down his cup of coffee. "I can only imagine how much they mean to her, especially after all the losses she's endured. I'm still awed by her generosity, you know. Not very many teachers would pay a student's tuition, or have the means to. Plus, our grocery account," Gerald added as he took a drink.
Severus finished his last paper and stored his quill. "She is much too kind and generous for the likes of me, though she disagrees with that sentiment." Severus smiled slightly while his grandfather chuckled. "I may tease her about her giving nature, but it's one of the things I find so endearing about her. Besides, Miriam works hard, and is entitled to spend her money however she wants."
"As do you," Gerald added. "Don't look at me like that," Gerald admonished Severus when he saw his skeptical look. "Teaching is a tiring, thankless position."
"It's a means to an end," Severus said with a shrug. "Professor Dumbledore needs me at Hogwarts; my job provides me a paycheck, and comfortable accommodations. Teaching won't make me wealthy by any means, but I am comfortable. Honestly, though, I don't want to teach the rest of my life. Children are clumsy, and they're usually too daft to appreciate the true art that potion making is."
"What do you want to do then?" Gerald asked.
Severus hesitated. Truthfully, he'd never given serious thought to what he wanted to do if he wasn't required at Hogwarts. He stared into his coffee as he contemplated the question. "I don't know. Owning my own apothecary sounds challenging. I would need someone to handle the customers, though. I'd rather be in the back, brewing."
Gerald smiled. "I could see Miriam helping you with that. In case it wasn't obvious, your Gram and I are quite proud of you, Severus. You got out of Cokeworth and are making your way."
Severus felt his cheeks turn warm and he lowered his gaze to the table. He still wasn't used to praise. Severus nodded his head and looked up at Gerald. "Thanks, Pops," he said quietly.
"Breakfast!" Millie exclaimed, her presence a welcome distraction for Severus. She placed a trivet on the table, then a glass dish filled with hot, sticky, toffee buns on top. Millie magicked plates and silverware to the table as well. "Do we need anything else?"
"I don't know what it would be," Gerald said. "Millie, these buns look delicious!"
"Thank you," the elf said demurely.
"I'd better go wake up your Gram," Gerald said as he stood. "I know she'll want to eat one fresh from the oven."
Severus stood as well. "I think I'll take ours upstairs. We'll see you in a bit."
Silently, Severus slipped into the bedroom as he carried their breakfast on a tray. He walked across the room and placed the tray on the bedside table. Severus stood beside the bed and gazed down at Miriam; she was sound asleep. Her hair covered part of her face, and she was curled up under the covers. Severus smirked and slipped out of his robe.
Miriam began to slip in and out of sleep as she felt something gently brush against her leg. Unwilling to get up, Miriam kicked her foot and snuggled deeper into the blankets. The feeling came again, and Miriam moved her leg away. Then, she felt it again. Large, warm hands wrapped around her calves and slowly slid their way upward.
"Severus!" Miriam gasped as she felt her flannel nightgown slide up, followed by soft kisses against her exposed skin. The covers moved aside and revealed Severus' pale face, his black hair tousled by the blankets as he stared at her. "What are you doing?" Miriam laughed sleepily.
"Just continuing where we left off last night." Miriam opened her arms and beckoned Severus closer. Severus' dark eyes lit up with delight as he moved over her. He wrapped her in his arms as Mia embraced him. Severus kissed Miriam gently on the lips before he swept her hair back with his hand. "I brought breakfast."
Miriam caressed Severus' cheek and smiled. "Put a preserving charm on it—we can eat later."
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From her chair on the verandah, Eileen watched with interest as Ian and Phineas ran through the leaves across the lawn. The late afternoon sun cast weak warmth on the verandah's inhabitants as they enjoyed the mild day and pleasant company. As she took a sip of tea, Eileen's dark eyes drifted over the people circled around her. Severus had his arm draped around Miriam as they sat together on the loveseat; they were deep in conversation with Will and Inga, who sat across from them. Gerald and Norah completed the circle as they chatted with Helga.
Simply put, the day was perfect. As always, the boys quickly won over Gerald and Norah; Will regaled them all with lively stories, sometimes to Miriam and Inga's chagrin. There was a familiarity to the gathering, and Eileen marveled at how quickly such a random group of individuals formed this unique kinship.
Eileen continued her observations as Norah bowed out of the conversation she held with Helga. She turned slightly in her chair and waited patiently for Eileen to notice her.
Eventually, Eileen felt the weight of Norah's stare. She turned and saw Norah smiling brightly at her. "Alright?" Eileen asked. She tilted her head slightly and gazed intently at Norah.
"Oh, more than alright; quite lovely, actually," Norah replied. The two women watched the others silently, content in the calm that surrounded them. "Did you ever think we'd be here?" Norah said quietly.
Eileen smiled slightly as she caught on to Norah's question. Their shared past was starkly different from their current peaceful setting. "Truthfully, no. Being here with you and Gerald… seeing Severus content, it's more than I ever imagined. Did you?" Eileen asked curiously.
"No," Norah said, the word laced with surprise. "I would have never guessed, but I feel we're all due for some good years ahead." Eileen nodded her head in agreement. Norah looked towards the loveseat and her face softened. "Look at how happy they are, Eileen."
Eileen gazed across the group to where Miriam and Severus sat. Miriam leaned against Severus as her fingers gently caressed the top of his hand. Their fingers intertwined, and they shared a brief glance. A genuine smile graced her face, and she looked back at Norah. "They are, aren't they?" Eileen mused.
Norah smiled. "I can't wait to see what the future holds for them," she said happily.
Eileen sighed wistfully. "You know what?" She placed her hand over Norah's and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Neither can I."
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A/N: NOW the story is finished! I wanted to wrap this in a fluffy bow, and I think this is a good place to stop; tranquility and peace for all. Truthfully, this chapter took longer than I wanted. We're moving, and online school started...and I've just been pulled in a million directions. But it's here! Once I get settled, I look forward to having some dedicated writing time again. Until next time!