Chapter 17

Severus and Tara returned to Hogwart's the following weekend, after spending some time with Joan. They were deciding where and how to plan the wedding, what Tara would do with her house in Fremont, and where they might stay when they came to the USA for summers. There was so much to think about! They planned to marry the following Christmas. That gave them a year which was about right.

When they arrived at Hogwart's, they went immediately to see Albus Dumbledore, to give them their news. He was happy for them, and happy that Tara wasn't upset at him for not telling her about her father.

"I've kept in touch with your mother for years. We knew we'd tell you when the opportunity presented itself. I'm relieved you aren't upset with me for not telling you."

"No, why would I be? I was kind of mad at Sev at first; I thought he knew, but then the way he and my mom explained it to me...how could I be upset? I feel like I fit in around here now! But, I don't know if we ought to tell the others yet. They might expect me to do things and I truly can't. I think my power is that of a 20 watt bulb..."

"Well, you have a lot of power over me," Severus told her, squeezing her hand. Albus leaned forward to see her ring. "Oh, you've given her an Atlantis Opal. Is that the one that has been in the Snape family for generations?" Severus nodded, and admired the swirling of the stone.

"You know that on a muggle, the colors are still, right?"

"Yes, we showed her."

"Congratulations, you two. Where will you live once you wed?"

They explained their intentions, that they would live in the USA in between terms and at Hogwart's during the school year. "Which leads me to my next issue," he said, opening a drawer. He took out the folder Tara had given to him prior to leaving for Thanksgiving the month before. It was her computer course outline. "This outline is very complete, and I have reviewed it with Professor McGonagall, and we feel that this should be more than just a four week section in Muggle Studies. How would you feel about teaching a class as a regular member of our faculty?" Tara's eyes widened, and she smiled. "Really? You're serious?" Albus smiled, pleased at her reaction. "Yes, if you want. This term coming up, we'd have you teach the 4 week section, but starting next fall...Computer Studies. What do you think? Since you'll be living here, that all fits into place."

"Well of course! I'd love to. Did you know anything about this?" she asked turning to Severus, who shook his head. "Of course not. For someone who's shown signs of a telepath, you're a little off lately," he told her. She started to get mad, but he tweaked her nose which immediately disarmed her. "Just teasing you, my dear. My goodness," he said softly.

At the dinner that night, the students had returned to the school. Dumbledore stood up with his goblet. "I have an announcement to make," he said, getting everyone's attention. A hush fell over the great room. "I trust everyone had an enjoyable holiday. We have a couple of faculty members who have become engaged over the holiday. Professor Snape and Miss Hall have announced their engagement!" he said raising his glass high. Tara had no idea he was going to announce this. She leaned forward to look at Severus, who looked at her, and stood up. He held his hands out to her, and she got up and walked over to him, amongst applause, then she went back to her place at the table where Minerva and Madame Hooch were chatting excitedly. "You didn't tell us!" M exclaimed. Tara shrugged. "I was waiting for you to notice the ring," she said, showing them. Both women noticed the same thing. The opal was swirling.

"Is this an imitation Atlantis? They don't swirl on muggles--" M began, and then showed Minerva. "It must be...oh wait, no...this is the one that Severus has had in his family...it can't be--unless Tara is--" Minerva looked at Tara, who was smiling. "I found out my father was a wizard!" she said. M threw her arms around Tara. "Oooo I just knew there was something about you that wasn't just muggle!"

"Who was your father?" Minerva asked. "Thor...Beringer. My mom took back her maiden name after he died, and since I wasn't showing any sign of being anything but a muggle. I guess I'm a dilute witch, so to speak."

"Dilute witch. I like that," Minerva mused.

"I'm a little bit telepathic, but that's about it. And it isn't real steady or anything. Frankly, I'd rather not read minds; I have trouble enough keeping track of my own thoughts, let alone anyone else's."

"Good point. Congratulations. Now we must get you moved to sit next to your fiance, don't you think?" Minerva said, glancing from where Severus sat to where Tara was.

"I'll miss you though! I like our 'girl talk.'"

"Yes, but the proper place is to be next to your fiance. We'll make the arrangements, and heavens, there will be plenty of opportunity for 'girl talk!'" M convinced her. "Don't tell anyone I'm not a muggle," Tara said.

"Why not?" Minerva asked.

"Well, I haven't quite adjusted to it yet, and I kind of want to wait until I'm ready. I don't want anyone to expect me to whip out a wand and start casting spells or anything."

"Your secret's safe with us. But anyone who knows about the Atlantis opal--" Miss Hooch began. "I'll deal with it if it does," Tara assured them, "like I have here."

That evening, Tara was seated at Severus's right hand, and everyone just moved down one seat. "When the music stops, sit," Tara muttered. "Oh, it's a muggle game," she said to Severus's puzzled look.

That night, they went to the storage room so Tara could play some music, and it was a magical evening. He walked her back to her room around midnight, her usual bedtime.

"I'd like to try that muggle cookbook you gave me," he told her.

"You would? When?"

"Well, how about Saturday evening?"

"Okay. What are you going to make for me?"

"Hmmmm probably one of the recipes that has one of those little red stickie flags on it. Seems to me those are strategically placed by...someone." It was true. Tara had gone through the book, cover to cover, marking several recipes that sounded good to her.

"Okay it's a date."

"Good night, my Tara," he said and kissed her. She wasn't getting over the dizziness that his kisses caused her. He was worse than floo powder in some ways.

"Good night, my dark wind."

"Dark wind?"

"Well, you move so quickly sometimes, you make a wind...and you're dark..." she blushed. "I'll try to do better than that." He kissed her on top of the head. "That would be nice," he whispered.

They parted and she closed the door behind her, and sighed. Everything had changed for her. It was a good thing, she decided, crawling into bed. Definitely a good thing.