His Greatest Wish, by AndromedaMarine
A/N: By now you should all know that real life gets in the way super often. I appreciate all your reviews, really I do. However, I don't need to be reminded that I'm behind schedule (believe me, I know, since today is exactly 5 years from the first chapter being posted). I'll explain at the bottom, but for now, enjoy chapter 48.
48. Winds of Change
The seventh years sat their N.E.W.T.s under high levels of stress—higher than the O.W.L.s, though not as high as during their multitude of adversaries and worries about such. Severus was their rock throughout the exams and the prior weeks to them, and miraculously, none of the Circle needed calming draughts. If someone who wasn't Severus Prince had told first-year Peter Pettigrew that he'd sit his N.E.W.T.s without so much as breaking a sweat, Peter never would have believed it. As it was, when the 'Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests' did arrive, the seventh-year Circle members were among the few in the school who went into the tests completely (or for the most part) confident that they would at least pass everything. For most of them their futures rode on their scores, since Remus had chosen to forego a specialty, and instead focus on starting his own business with the intent to preferentially hire werewolves. For Peter, though, achieving good scores meant an easier admittance to the College of Magical Law in Edinburgh, where he'd set his sights shortly following his career counseling meeting with Professor McGonagall two years previously.
Frank and Alice had applied and been accepted (contingent on N.E.W.T. scores) to the Auror Academy, and Sirius had approached McGonagall about an apprenticeship in Transfiguration, which she'd encouraged and accepted, providing he achieved an O on the test. He'd put in the extra effort, and it showed during class.
Lily's aspirations to be a Healer had only grown since her trauma. The care given her by Madame Pomfrey filled her with gratitude, the desire to contribute, and newfound appreciation for the profession, though Lily did not want to work in a school.
Severus, reluctantly accepting funding from Henry Potter, wouldn't need to dip into his inheritance for his Potions Mastery. He already had several ideas for unique, useful potions, and before even sitting the exams had received four offers of apprenticeship with well-known Potions Masters, one of whom lived in Greece. He didn't want to uproot his life in England, however, and was leaning more towards the offers based in London and Paris.
Jackie, smart as she was, saw an opportunity with Remus, and had talked to him about going into business with him while she simultaneously worked at the Ministry. Both Remus and Sirius had seen this as a smashing idea, and were all the happier for it.
When the N.E.W.T.s were finally over, the Circle joined their remaining friends in the Room of Requirement, and had a party.
The last time Rose and Petunia saw Hogwarts, Lily was in the hospital wing, scared and hurting. On this fine June day, a year and a half later, they saw it again, this time to watch Lily and Severus and Cordon, and all their friends, graduate from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The ceremony took place on the sprawling grounds in front of the castle, facing the lake. Usually the Headmaster would preside over the entire ceremony, but this year he said only a few words regarding the importance of staying true to oneself, before making room for McGonagall and, surprisingly, Professor Pink, to announce names and hand the graduates their diplomas.
As Lily waited for her name to be called by Professor Pink, she turned her thoughts inward, to her father. Mark Evans would have been absolutely fascinated by Hogwarts castle. If allowed, he would have spent hours in the library alone, marveling at the ancient tomes about magic older than Britain itself. He would have pulled his younger daughter into a joyful hug, telling her how proud he was of her. And for a moment, Lily felt as though her father really was there with her, even if just in her heart. She wiped away what tears had gathered in her eyes before anyone could notice, and within a few minutes her name was announced.
Severus squeezed her hand as she stood, grinning like an idiot, extremely proud of his fiancée. Lily approached the front, accepted her diploma from Pink, and received a surprise hug from McGonagall before going to sit with Sirius and Jackie, who had received theirs just before her. The ceremony progressed uneventfully, which was just as well; the Circle was weary enough from past events. They knew, of course, that life would throw other challenges at them, but hopefully none as terrible as the four they'd faced during school.
When the last name was called ("Eola Zabini") Professor McGonagall said a few words about how proud she was of the graduating class, wished everyone a bright future, and the class of 1978 was dismissed.
Severus knew that for some, the future would be everything but bright, and would receive no sympathy for it. The birds sang, the clouds were sparse (rare, for northern Scotland); the day itself seemed to laugh at James Henry's fate, and life, for the Circle, was remarkable.
Rose and Petunia had never tasted Butterbeer. This was then a prime opportunity for them to try it, since the Circle had already decided on going to the Three Broomsticks for an after party of sorts, along with many more of their fellow graduates. Madame Rosmerta rarely had such a full tavern, and was busy beyond belief when the crowds hit.
"Go on, try it," Lily urged her sister, who eyed the drink with no small amount of doubt. Cordon sat next to her, already taking a swig from his bottle of Butterbeer.
"Are you sure?" Petunia asked, still not quite ready to commit to trying it.
"It's comparable to a warm, non-carbonated Irn-Bru mixed with some non-carbonated cream soda," Severus finally described, taking a deep pull from his bottle. "Though for House-Elves it's slightly alcoholic. You'll like it."
Petunia finally took a sip, and amused her family and friends when she made a face of pure bliss, and immediately drank more. "Oh, this is fabulous," she exclaimed. "Why isn't there something like this for—for Muggles?" She eagerly finished the bottle, and Severus produced another one seemingly out of thin air with a chuckle.
"There's not much of a market for magical goods in the Muggle market," Remus explained, "though we take advantage of a lot of Muggle commodities because we often need to blend in. The Statute of Secrecy also prevents us from selling magical goods directly to the Muggle populace, and Butterbeer is considered a magical good."
Petunia briefly wore and expression of mild disappointment before remembering she could just ask one of her many magical friends for a bottle if she felt the craving—which, she predicted, would be a lot. "I suppose that makes sense. Though—" she took another drag on the bottle—"perhaps Muggle family members should know more about it?"
"Perhaps," Remus allowed. "I'll want to sell it at my shop eventually."
Everyone focused on this tidbit, since though they knew he was going to open his own business, he'd kept the idea for it closely guarded between himself, Jackie, and Severus, who had agreed to be their investor. The most he would say about it now, however, was this: "I don't want to go into too much detail right now, but you all are going to love it. You two especially, Lily and Renly."
Renly looked around like a deer in the headlights. "Me? Why me?"
Remus laughed. "Oh, just trust me. You'll all be the first to know when we open. I'll send you guys a Patronus."
This then triggered a conversation about Patronuses, since though Renly had been with them for a while, he hadn't learned the Patronus yet, and it wasn't in Professor Pink's curriculum until sixth year.
Life picked up shortly following graduation. In the midst of everything that seemed to be happening all at once, Lily and Severus brought up the subject with their respective mothers of moving to Prince Manor. Eileen was all for it: the manor had been in his trust anyways, and she'd known since before his proposal to Lily that they would want to move to the manor sooner rather than later. Rose, however, was a slightly different story.
"Oh my Lily, you're growing up so fast."
Lily froze for a moment when she realized her mother was tearing up. "Mum?"
Rose wiped her eyes. "Don't mind me, Lily. I'm not quite ready for an empty nest, despite the fact you've been at a boarding school since you were eleven, and Petunia going to university in Exeter. I'll manage. It's not as though you'll never visit." She sighed, and smiled. "I'm so proud of you, and what you've done with your life."
Lily didn't quite know how to react, and Severus remained silent beside her, studying his fiancé's mother. "So…you're okay with it?"
Rose nodded, and blew her nose. "Yes, you're an adult now. It's up to you how to live your life, and as you will soon be joining yours with Sev here…I see no reason to force you to stay with us in Ottery."
Giving a tentative grin, Lily embraced her mother. "Thank you," she whispered, holding tight. "It means a lot that you approve."
Rose chuckled. "You've always been tenacious, and it's not like I can stop you. But I know what you mean."
"I love you, mum."
"I love you too."
Eileen, who was watching, teared up a bit herself and pulled her surprised son into a long hug. It was a decidedly mushy affair, mushier than what usually occurred in the Prince-Evans household, but happy nonetheless.
They coordinated to move in mid-July. It didn't take much effort; all Sev had to do was shrink their things and tuck them into a bag with an extension charm on it. However, the manor needed to be prepared for their arrival, which involved Eileen and Severus talking to the House-Elves and making them more acquainted with the Prince inheritor. The House-Elves had been caring for the manor by themselves, for the most part, since the Lupins moved back home, and were excited to have family to serve again.
On July 15th, Severus and Lily moved their things to Prince Manor. When the door closed behind their departing mothers, they looked at each other and Lily gave a little squeal.
"We're finally living together!"
Severus laughed and pulled her into a hug. "We've been 'living together' for a few years now, Lils. But now we're living together without our mothers or Petunia. And that's what matters."
"I'm so unbelievably excited for life, Sev, you know? Everything feels light."
"Light, indeed," he said softly, watching her with such great affection. His heart swelled at the sight of his joyful fiancé, and he immediately felt immense gratitude for how his second life had turned out. "Lily, I love you."
She spun in a circle and then kissed him. "And I love you."
Severus and Lily received letters on the same day. Lily's came from a snowy white owl typical to St. Mungo's. It carried a heavy envelope, which she eagerly opened with Severus looking on, equally excited. Lily breathed hard as she pulled the parchment letter out and unfolded it. She read in a slightly wavering voice, which steadied as she continued: "Dear Miss Evans, we are excited to accept your application for the Trainee Healer program at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Please find enclosed instructions for your first day, the list of required spell and theory books for Healing, and a voucher for one free set of Trainee Healer robes from the Hospital's official supplier in Diagon Alley, Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. We look forward to seeing you on the 28th of August. Sincerely, Head Healer Lachance." She turned her gaze to her fiancé, and squealed. "I'm in! I got in! I'm going to be a Healer!"
"I knew you'd get in," Severus replied with a grin, sweeping her up in his arms to embrace her. "Congratulations."
A moment later they heard wings again, and another owl swooped in through the open kitchen window. It was the owl belonging to the Potions Master in London, with whom Severus had decided to apprentice. He doubted his apprenticeship would last the full three years, but he would appreciate a true Master's talent and teachings, since this master was well known in the potions world. The letter was simply confirming his acceptance and when he would start. Usually, apprentices moved in with the masters, but as Severus was soon marrying and had a large manor to care for, this traditional observance was overlooked.
"Well, here's our next steps," he said, placing his letter on the table beside Lily's. "Healer, Potions Master. I think we're going to have pretty good lives, you and I."
"We can only imagine, and make it so. Oh, Sev, I'm so excited!"
They spent the rest of the morning planning a trip to Diagon Alley to purchase her books and trainee healer robes, and for Sev to restock his potions kit and buy some of the rarer ingredients he'd need for some advanced potions he was thinking about experimenting with.
Peter received his owl shortly following graduation. When he feverishly tore it open, he let out a whoop of excitement—the College of Magical Law in Edinburgh had accepted him—and further, had offered a scholarship that would cover his first year in the program. He could barely stand still when he showed it to his parents, happy beyond belief that he'd be going to school to do what he loved, and that he'd be doing it for free—at least for the first year. Barristers and solicitors in the Wizarding world were highly sought after, and he knew that if he made it as either, he'd be set practically for life. He immediately sent a Patronus message to Severus telling him the news, since he didn't want to wait to put it into a letter. He sent a Patronus to Renly as well, since during the last few years he'd become good friends with the Holmes boy.
When Peter thought back on his life at Hogwarts, he felt truly blessed to have been included in the Circle of Seven, but more so to have had true friends. He remembered what life was like before Hogwarts, as a lonely child with no siblings and Muggle parents who had initially had a hard time coming to terms with their son's magical abilities. He hoped that becoming involved in magical law would assist him in helping the families of Muggleborns become more involved in the magical world, or at least more informed. The Statute of Secrecy was in place for good reason, but aside from being able to see Diagon Alley once a year at the least, and Hogwarts only once—at graduation—Muggle parents and siblings weren't all that included in the Wizarding world.
The scholarship money had been credited to his Gringotts account when his acceptance letter was sent, so he knew he'd have to be buying his next round of school supplies soon—but not as many and not as varied. He wouldn't need potions in law school, or so he hoped.
When Alice went down to breakfast she was greeted by Talmar, who perched with wings extended, guarding the kitchen window against an unfamiliar tawny owl. Alice immediately recognized it as one belonging to the Ministry of Magic. "Shoo, Tal, let him in!" She nudged Talmar out of the way and the tawny landed on the sill, sticking its leg out for her to untie the letter. She did so quickly, letting he bird depart in short order. Alice opened the letter, knowing what would be within, but excited and pleased nonetheless that she'd been accepted into the Auror Academy Class of 1981. When she Apparated later to see Frank, she learned that he too had received his acceptance letter to the Academy, and in celebration they spent the night together at a swanky hotel in Bath, after leaving notes for their parents that they'd be gone (but not what they'd be doing). Frank also had a surprise up his sleeve: an engagement ring for Alice, who promptly accepted and leapt into his arms for a passionate kiss.
Remus, one of the few 1978 graduating class at Hogwarts who had declined to go into a program for specialized work, wanted to open a bookshop. Specifically, a secondhand bookshop, and one that also sold caffeinated things and also drinks popular in the Wizarding world, like Butterbeer. Severus had agreed to become his investor, and spent part of the summer helping Remus (and Jackie, who would be helping Remus part time) acquire the property in Diagon Alley, the permits and licenses to serve coffee and pastries, and buy the first inventory of books. After the property had been successfully leased, Remus, true to his word, sent the Circle a Patronus message announcing his shop, and that it would be open soon.
In record time, Remus was running his own business—with help from friends—but running it nonetheless. It fast became a frequented stop for all the Circle members, their parents, and other friends. While Severus knew it was no Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, he thought that "Lupin's Books & Beans" had its own charm to it.
Jackie, meanwhile, had been a shoo-in at the Ministry in the Department of Magical Games and Sports for several months, since she had an uncle who worked in the same department. While she ordinarily wouldn't take advantage of nepotism, her position was lowly, and she knew she'd have to work her way up to get to where she really wanted—which was coordinator of international gaming events, like the Quidditch World Cup. Her hours at the Ministry would be typical for a new Hogwarts graduate, which left her plenty of evening hours and weekends to spend time at Lupin's Books & Beans helping Remus run the business. She was dipping her toes in both things that she loved, and almost couldn't believe that she'd actually managed to do it.
Life couldn't had turned out better for the original Circle of Seven: Severus, Lily, Remus, Sirius, Peter, Frank, and Alice, and all looked forward to what life had to offer—but more importantly, they all were looking forward to the Prince-Evans wedding.
Lily arranged to meet with Alice, Jackie, Molly, and Emily at a small café in Muggle London. Lily Apparated there, bringing Petunia Side-Along, since she was planning on asking them all the same thing, at the same time. She'd known for a while who she wanted to stand with her, especially as her Maid of Honor, but now was truly the time to ask. Besides, since she and Severus had decided on a December wedding, Alice wouldn't have much time to plan the parties.
They appeared in a side alley with a loud crack. Petunia stumbled forward a step, but Lily caught her arm. She steadied herself. "I'm okay. I don't think I'll ever get used to that."
Lily grimaced. "I'm sorry. I think it's actually worse for Muggles because you don't have a magical core."
"That would explain a lot," Petunia replied quietly, still trying to calm her roiling stomach. "Could you…do you have a spell or something to stop my stomach from doing acrobatics?"
"Oh—not a spell, but here—" she fished in her purse and withdrew a small vial. "Anti-nausea potion."
Petunia took it and swallowed it in one go. "Thanks. Oh, that's much better almost immediately."
They exited the alley and found the café in less than ten minutes. Lily asked a barista if she could push a couple tables together, as four more women would be joining them, and set about doing so when the barista said it would be okay. Lily and Petunia settled so they could see the door, and waited for their friends to arrive.
When everyone was there and had ordered and received their coffees (or, in Molly's case, non-caffeinated tea, since she was still breastfeeding her twins, Fred and George, who had been born on April 1st), Lily took a deep breath. "Sev and I have decided on a date," she began with a smile. "December 21st." As expected, they all squealed and began asking questions, but Lily cut them off. "Before getting into all that, I have a question for all of you. Will you be my bridesmaids?"
There was a distinct beat of silence (in the entire café, not just at their table) during which a pin dropping could be heard. Alice was a bit smug here; Lily had asked her to be her Maid of Honor a few weeks beforehand.
"Absolutely," Molly replied excitedly, and her sentiment was then echoed by Jackie, Emily, and Petunia (who had guessed at the reason for this meeting but remained silent about it in deference to her sister).
Lily breathed a sigh of relief. She knew they'd all accept, but it was still a weight off her shoulders knowing for sure that the women she was closest to would share in her day of joy and celebration when she joined with Severus.
Now, since Alice already knew her status as Maid of Honor, she immediately dove into a discussion about what the bachelorette party should be like, knowing that Lily had long ago vetoed any possibility of a male stripper. This topic came up (surprisingly from Molly, who turned a little pink when inquired about it) and was almost immediately shut down, but Lily enjoyed the conversation—and the day as a whole—immensely.
Severus, however, did his asking individually. He owled his friends and met them on different days, presenting each with a gift when he asked them. Since Remus had already accepted his role as Best Man before they had even graduated, Severus only had to ask Sirius, Regulus, Peter, and Frank. This made his life a little easier, though he was still a tiny bit uncomfortable being so open and—dare he think it—vulnerable to men who had either tormented him or turned a blind eye to his suffering in his previous life. It was easier, now, to disassociate those men with these…over seven years in a new life would do that to a person.
His first was Sirius. They met for a pint (of Butterbeer, for Severus, since he'd sworn off alcohol because of his father) at an obscure mixed-Muggle-Wizarding tavern in the outskirts of London, where Severus presented Sirius with an intricate, multi-purpose magical knife, not unlike the knife Sirius himself had gifted to a once-upon-a-time Harry Potter.
"What's this for?" Sirius asked, unwrapping the slender box.
Severus remained silent until Sirius finished opening it, and watched his friend's face as he saw the knife and picked it up. "Will you stand with me on my wedding day?" he asked bluntly, since blunt was rather Sirius's style, and he wanted to get the asking part over as soon as possible.
Sirius stared at him. "Like—"
"As one of my groomsmen. I've asked Remus to be my best man."
Sirius looked a tad relieved, because as good and close a friend as Severus was, he hadn't ever expected to be chosen as best man, and knew that Remus was far more deserving of the honor. "Oh of course, Sev," Sirius whistled. "You two picked a date yet?"
"Four days before Christmas," Severus replied, letting Sirius work the maths out on his own.
"I like it. I also like this. What's it do, since I know you wouldn't gift a non-magical knife?"
Severus recalled the description at the shop he'd purchased it from. "It's supposed to be able to unlock any lock and undo any knot. However much of that is actually true—" he thought of the penknife in Harry's possession melting from the contact with the Department of Mysteries' enchanted lock—"remains to be tested."
"Excellent. And thank you, Sev. I'm chuffed that you want me standing up there with you." From there they delved into other topics, some about the upcoming wedding, some about Quidditch, and some about Sirius's approaching apprenticeship with their House Head.
Severus's second was Regulus, with whom he met the day after meeting with Sirius. Regulus too graciously accepted the gift (a ring which would grow hot if any spells classified as dark were used in his proximity: the hotter the ring, the closer the spell and the spellcaster. A useful ring for those going into law enforcement, which Regulus had been thinking about, and also useful for the school, since a few lingering supporters of the old ways were still enrolled) and was more than willing to be another groomsman.
"I'm honored, Sev, I really am. Thanks for including me."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Sev replied, and then redirected the conversation to Regulus's approaching last year of schooling, since the conversation had gotten far too emotional for his comfort.
He met Peter in Diagon Alley, at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. He first bought Peter a sundae, and then presented him with a professional quill set, since the College of Magical Law had a reputation for numerous essays and analyses on previous cases. Those in law had to write well, even if they didn't become barristers or solicitors, and Severus knew that a set of long-lasting, quality quills would serve Peter well in his chosen profession.
"Oh thank you Sev! I'll definitely be using these at the college. Why, though? My birthday was in June."
Severus grinned a sly grin. "I actually wanted to ask you a question—would you stand with me on my wedding day?"
Stunned, Peter floundered for a moment before finding his voice. "It would be my pleasure! I'm so happy for you, Severus, all of us are. And for Lily. I don't think she could have chosen a better man for her."
Severus blushed a little at this praise, but said his thanks and had a nice long conversation with his friend about what life could hold for them both, and for their friends.
When he managed to meet with Frank, it was nearing the middle of August, and the first days of classes and apprenticeships were approaching. Severus had realized in the past few months that Frank did not have any kind of wand holster, and so that was his present to Frank. A holster that strapped to the arm, a secondary holster that strapped to the thigh—because most, if not all, good Aurors had backup wands—both of which were enchanted to withstand damage and theft, and also lock the wand into place until Frank's hand touched it. As with Sirius, he was blunt with his question.
"Will you stand with me on my wedding day?"
"Absolutely, mate," Frank replied immediately, without having to give it any thought whatsoever. "But only if you'll stand with me at mine."
Temporarily speechless, Severus stared at him. "You asked Alice?"
Frank nodded. "Yeah, the night after we got our acceptances into the Auror Academy. I think she wants to have it next summer."
Severus shook his hand. "Congratulations then, my friend. I think we were all expecting you to ask her sooner or later, so this is good news. Shall I pass it on to Lily, or let Alice do that?"
"Oh, let Alice. Girl talk. Besides, I don't think Alice would ever forgive you if you beat her to that punch."
"Point taken," Severus conceded, and laughed.
With both the bridesmaids and groomsmen on board, Severus and Lily moved on to plan for other things on top of their upcoming schooling.
In addition to preparing for the Auror Academy, a Transfiguration apprenticeship, the Department of Magical Games and Sports, and the College of Magical Law, Frank, Sirius, Jackie, and Peter enrolled in the Ministry class to become Animagi. They were four of six, and the only four who had been vetted and approved by Minerva McGonagall herself. The passing rate for the Ministry classes was pitifully low; not many students had the aptitude for such magic, but Sirius was determined to accomplish this goal in particular. Jackie had always been very good in Transfiguration, and had listened to Sirius wax on the advantages of being an Animagus, and Frank emphasized its importance within the Auror Division. Becoming an Animagus—or, at least, being on the official path to become one—was considered a major plus for Auror candidates. Peter wanted a good challenge, and posited that being an Animagus Lawyer would look good on resumes as well as sounding cool by its own right.
Sirius knew he was loyal to a fault, and since he anticipated his Animagus form being in most use while accompanying Remus's transformations, he chose the form of a great black dog. This was unsurprising but amusing to Severus, who learned of it after the fact.
The College of Magical Law's campus was a sprawling collection of buildings in Edinburgh, and he wanted a form that could move quickly. After researching multiple birds, he settled on a merlin, which the Americans called pigeon hawks.
Jackie's decision to join Sirius in the course was not a light one; she knew the risks associated with it, but with approval from McGonagall, she felt confident that she would get through it just fine. She'd grown up in love with foxes, and as her Patronus was also a fox, she felt comfortable that transforming into a fox as well would be in line with her magic.
Frank was having a hard time deciding which animal he wanted to become, since many were advantageous in the Auror field. In the end he decided on a stealth animal, something that would be able to sneak in amongst enemies and assist with his duties as an Auror. Not many wizards chose to become snakes, because of their association with Slytherin and dark magic, but Frank knew better than to care about what other people thought, and worked to attain the Animagus form of a European adder.
School for Peter started halfway into September, but Lily, Alice, Frank, and Jackie—since they were all in some capacity employed by the Ministry—all started on the same day in late August. Severus had negotiated a starting date with his Potions Master to mirror Lily's time away, so they could be home at the same time. And Sirius, as apprentice to Minerva McGonagall, was back at Hogwarts on September first, but now in quarters near McGonagall's own. Renly, Regulus, and Emily were all happy to see him back, but it took some explaining to the other sixth and seventh years who knew Sirius fairly well (from Quidditch, especially) that he was there in a teaching capacity now.
On a crisp November day closer to winter than not, Lily and Severus strolled through central London, admiring the Muggle Christmas decorations and subtle Wizarding Yule trimmings that beautified the quixotic old lanes of the city and nicely complemented the modern high rises that seemed to include new ones every year. Almost all the details were set for the wedding. Both Lily and Severus had been treated to bachelorette and bachelor parties—neither with any kind of stripper—and now was all that was left the countdown to their wedding, and to Christmas.
It was the fourth Christmas without Mark Evans, and with Lily's upcoming nuptials, Severus could see that it was bothering her far more than it had the previous year. He understood. He missed Mark nearly as much as Lily did, and that Rose missed him most of all.
Lily leaned into his side as they walked, his arm around her shoulder and hers around his waist, in step with each other. As they approached what seemed to be a fashion district, Lily paused, and looked into the storefront window of the shop they were approaching. One mannequin stood in the window, dressed in an elegant, flowing white gown—a wedding dress. A tiara perched on the head of the mannequin lent to the sign beside it, which had an artist's depiction of Princess Diana in the same outfit, with the caption wondering how she would look whenever she married. The princess was the same age as Lily and her friends, and so the dress made her stop and stare.
Abruptly, Lily squeezed Sev's hand and hugged him. "I wish my dad could walk me down the aisle."
"He would be so proud of you, Lily. I have no doubt that he's happy for you, and I know he knows he was—and still is—a good father. He was a better father to me than my own blood."
"I always imagined he would be the one to walk me down the aisle. I always thought he'd be able to one day see where I went to school, where I'll work, somehow be included as a part of my world. I'll never get the chance to show him what or where we learned—but especially all you've taught me." She was oblivious to the passing Muggle shoppers, only aware of Severus directly at her side. Her eyes did not move from the display of the wedding gown in the store front. "I want to do something for him," she said after a long pause. "In the front row I want to have an empty chair, just for him."
Severus fought back tears. "Then a chair he shall have."
A/N2: Elder Scrolls players will recognize the nod to Lucien Lachance of the Dark Brotherhood. Irony at its finest. :)
A/N3: This was a very "summary" chapter, and that's for a few reasons. I'm building to what you all are waiting for, and also having had life intervene in such a way that you guys get the three final chapters ON THE SAME DAY. That's right. Hold on to your butts, because chapters 49 and 50 are incoming…