Chapter Twenty-Seven

Misunderstandings

Jennifer woke up early the next morning, rolling off the couch in her sitting room and flipping teacups over with a sigh. To say he'd been upset had been an understatement; of course, it probably wouldn't have gotten so out of hand if she hadn't made that quip about his temper or some of the other rather regrettable comments she had made. In the light of the morning, it all seemed pretty stupid now. Taking the tea tray with her, she shuffled through the bedroom and knocked on the door of his sitting room. She waited a long time, knocking softly again, wondering if he was going to open it at all.

Just as she was thinking about turning around, the door opened, and Severus peered at her with a cautious, almost defensive look in his eyes.

"Are you going to let me in? Your coffee is getting cold," Jennifer said.

"As long as you don't try shying it at me," he muttered softly and stepped out of the way. Jennifer sighed and stepped in.

"Please don't start, Severus. I'm sorry I didn't tell you where I was going, but I didn't think…"

"Precisely, you didn't think." Severus interrupted. Jennifer sat the tray down.

"Look, I am trying to be civil here. Is it really necessary for us to fight over this anymore? Do you deny that you would have tried to stop me had I went and told you what I was planning?"

"Tell me this, Jennifer, if Harry hadn't gone with you and Dumbledore and I hadn't shown up, would you have backed down?" Severus asked, tapping his fingers impatiently as he waited for an answer.

"I don't know," Jennifer admitted. "Probably, but that isn't the point."

"No, the point is when there is a problem you never come to me."

"Only because I know you always try to talk me out of going and leave me behind."

"I let you go on patrol with me after my instincts told me not to, and look where that got us," he replied.

"I knew you were going to bring that up again!" Jennifer sighed, turning around. "Fine, don't accept my apology. I'm going to have breakfast in the staff room," she told him, slamming the door behind her.

The way to the staff room seemed to get longer by the day, and if Jennifer hadn't gotten into the habit of counting the staircases, she would have sworn that there were more of them. It was still early, especially for a Sunday, but surprisingly Rolanda was already up and comfortably seated at the table with a mug and a current bun.

"Well, hi there, Jennifer. You're the last person I'd expected to see down here this early. Going to visit your Dad today?" Rolanda asked with a cheerful smile.

"No, not this week," Jennifer said slowly sitting down. "I'm not sure what I'm doing yet. I've a lot on my mind. What are you doing up?"

"Quidditch game today, remember?"

"In this weather? I'd have thought you'd have postponed it a week, it's supposed to warm up then," Jennifer said.

"Quidditch never gets postponed, you know that," Rolanda chided her. "You look pretty down. Is it about Malfoy? I heard you had words yesterday. I heard Dumbledore had words with him too," she grinned. "I have express permission to throw him out if he ever comes up to the gate again. That must have been quite an afternoon."

"Yes, as long as you don't count what came afterwards. Severus wasn't too happy about me not telling him where I was going," Jennifer admitted.

"Good lord, Jennifer, is he your husband or your father? I'd have told him off."

"Yes, I did," Jennifer admitted.

"Bravo!" Rolanda said, looking pleased.

"But then, I ended up sleeping in my sitting room. I hope he's not mad at me for too long…"

"Wait, wait, wait. You can't give up that easily, Jennifer. You got to make him come to you," Rolanda advised.

"Now, now, dearies, I don't think that would be wise at all," said Sibyl.

Jennifer and Rolanda looked up to see her standing at the door, her piercing eyes looking knowingly at Jennifer.

"Well, I had better go prepare the equipment. You never know when we need an extra Bludger… or something," Rolanda improvised, getting up and giving Jennifer a pat on the back as she quickly made her way out of the room. "Don't let him bully you, Jennifer. You're carrying his child, after all. Don't take him back until he begs," she winked as she left.

Jennifer shook her head at the door. She knew her husband a bit better than that. Sibyl, who thought she did as well, tsked loudly and pulled the door closed.

"This is it, you know."

"Sibyl, please, not right now," Jennifer sighed, grabbing a croissant and sitting down. "Severus is just upset because he doesn't think I trust him, and I don't suppose I blame him between you and everything else going on."

"Me?" Sibyl said with surprise.

"Yes, you and those silly predictions of yours," Jennifer said in annoyance.

"Ah, but I do recall you saying something about it being a lot of nonsense. Of course, that was before he went on that trip, and Malfoy tried to take your money, and your pregnancy…"

"Sibyl, I could have predicted any of that reading myself beforehand… well, except maybe the trip… but let's be realistic here, if he made an unexpected trip to the store, you would have said that it counted."

"I most certainly would not have," Sibyl said indignantly. Jennifer glanced at her dubiously, pouring her coffee.

"Besides, I'm a Truth Seeker, Sibyl. He knows he couldn't get away with anything if he wanted to, and I certainly don't think he would want to. He's not the type."

"My dear, he's a man, and men have this annoying habit of believing they can get away with anything, regardless of whether they can or not." Sibyl said, patting her on the shoulder.

"Oh, come on, Sibyl, you haven't even been married."

"So you'll take the advice from a single mother over someone who has correctly foretold your future?" Sibyl asked evenly.

"Sibyl!" Jennifer barked.

Minerva walked in just then, smiling at them as she poured herself some tea.

"Good morning, and might I say, you are both up much earlier than usual," Minerva said.

"I awoke from my sleep feeling I was needed downstairs, and so I was!" Sibyl smiled.

"Oh, were you?" Minerva replied, sitting at the end of the table. Neither Jennifer nor Sibyl missed the doubtful tone in her voice.

"Well, I think I'm going to be needed up in my tower soon. I saw myself going to the game today," Sibyl said, sounding surprised of that herself. "So I guess I shall! Take care, Jennifer, don't forget to keep a close eye on…things," she nodding knowingly as she left.

Jennifer rolled her eyes and shook her head, just as much at herself as at Sibyl. Minerva, who had been carefully watching Jennifer the entire time, got up and came over to sit beside her, studying her thoughtfully.

"I see Sibyl is still hounding you rather fervently, if you don't mind me saying so," Minerva observed.

"Well, you know Sibyl," Jennifer shrugged, sipping her coffee.

"Yes I do, and I also know Jennifer," she said, a half smile appearing on her serious face. "Sibyl believes what she says, and sees it as truth, so now she has you dithering over her predictions." Jennifer blinked.

"I am not dithering," Jennifer said indignantly. "And I know she believes herself, and the cards and such are hardly higher arts. And she's just making lucky guesses, else she's just fitting in what happens to her predictions."

"Just so, of course," Minerva agreed, coddling her tea and watching Jennifer steadily from over the rim. "So, since they are just nonsense, and as you say, you have no stock in them, what is this prediction that she keeps troubling you about? Are you going to die soon?" Jennifer snorted. "No, I suppose not. Perhaps someone you know?"

"Really, Minerva, it's nothing. Forget it."

"Something to do with Severus?" Jennifer glanced in her coffee.

"It's utter Sibyl silliness, Minerva, it really is. I had a slight little disagreement with Severus last night, and she's trying to blow it all out of proportion. I just don't need it right now," Jennifer explained.

"Ah, so she predicted something bad would happen to your relationship, then?" Minerva asked, but quickly discerned from Jennifer's immediate grimace that was what had happened. "And since she's hounding you and not Severus, I assume he's the one that causes it in some way. Oh, Jennifer, surely you can't honestly believe that."

"No, of course not. I mean, we're fated together… magically linked. Of course, that's no guarantee things will work out, but still, I've never been happier. But has he? I mean, I know she usually can't even predict the score off a Quidditch game, but what if for once she's right?" Jennifer asked as Minerva took her hand.

"Jennifer, I truly think you have nothing to worry about. After he graduated, I doubt he even looked twice at a woman until he met you. He was always too preoccupied with his own problems…"

"I notice that you're leaving out the reason why he hadn't looked twice at another woman…" Jennifer said with a knowing frown.

"Yes, but you brought him out of that, Jennifer. You walked him out of his nightmare, and Severus is not likely to forget it," Minerva said firmly. "Do you know, I remember a time not long ago when a young Defense teacher arrived and gave her unquestioning trust and loyalty in one very puzzled Potions Master," Minerva reminded her with a soft chuckle, thinking back. "So perhaps the question is, what happened to change that?"

"I grew up," Jennifer shrugged, picking at her roll. "It's not like he ever trusted me like that in return."

"I disagree. I believe he does in his own way," Minerva said. "And I think you know that."

"I suppose," Jennifer sighed. "It's just that ever since the Tomb, I've come to realize just how easy it would be to lose everything that matters to me," she admitted. "I'd just like to feel safe again." Minerva's smile grew, and it was both kind and sad at the same time.

"You know, I do believe I'm going to miss the naive, trusting, charging-into-everything-head-first Jennifer," she said. "But I think, especially once you find a way to get your self-confidence back, I will truly like the Jennifer you're becoming even more." Minerva got up then and pushed in her chair. "My advice to you… and I promise it's probably the most sound advice you've heard all morning… is to sit down and have a long talk with Severus. I think you'll find he's been wondering what happened to the old Jennifer and wondering if he's to blame for it."

"But what if he doesn't like the new Jennifer?" Jennifer asked, propping her head up in her hand.

"Do you like the new Severus?" Minerva asked, her eyes sparkling.

"Well, yes, but it's not like he's all that different. He's just… more Severus than he used to allow himself to be. I can see changes in him every day, and I seem to love him more every day too," Jennifer said.

"Talk with him," Minerva advised. "Goodness, girl, you've finally gotten him to open up, so it's about time you give him the same courtesy. He can't read minds like you can, you know." With that, the Deputy Headmaster left the room, leaving the younger woman with plenty to think about.

After spending the morning with Filius banding the rest of the owls, Jennifer got bundled up for the game and went out to the pitch from the Gryffindor side, hoping to meet up with Harry, Sirius, and Anna. As she was coming to the edge of the stands, she spotted Severus standing near the Ravenclaw gate. But it was the red-haired woman he was speaking to that gave her a reason to pause. Immediately wondering who she was, Jennifer doubled back behind the stands and came up on the other side so she could get a closer look.

The woman was smiling and chatting merrily, her thick titian hair piled on her head with a cheerful, rosy face and large blue eyes. She was not as slender as Jennifer; rather curvy in fact, and Jennifer couldn't help wonder why she'd never seen her before.

"Aye, it sounds truly lovely indeed, Professor," the woman said. "Your offer is quite enticing, and I'm sure I can suit your needs perfectly, if you'd like to work something out."

"I'm sure we can," Severus said amiably. "Actually, I've been looking for a while now, and you are the first witch I've spoken with who hasn't been intimidated by the proposal." The woman laughed.

"There isn't much that does intimidate me, Professor. I have a feeling we are going to get along very well together." The woman glanced over as Jennifer walked closer and smiled at her. Jennifer, hands thrust in her pockets to hide the fact they were clenched. She smiled at the woman, then at Severus, attempting to read his face.

"Jennifer?" Severus began, curious as to why she seemed so tense. "Jennifer, I'd like you to meet Carol Finn from Galway. Carol, my wife, Professor Jennifer Craw." Jennifer shook her hand gently, but without much feeling. "Jennifer, Carol is a primary tutor wanting to move into the area and is interested in the nanny position."

"Yes, your husband has made quite an impression on me, to say the least," she smiled.

"She's also willing to tutor Corey while he's home as well," Severus added.

"I'm fluent in Gaelic and French, and I'm sure with Corey's natural ability with memory, I can teach him both easily. He's a delightful boy, by the way. He was just over here a moment ago, insisting that the Professor hire me on the spot, but then, I know you should talk things over first," she smiled. "You know where to reach me when you make up your mind."

"Of course," Severus nodded. "We'll be in touch."

"Then I shall go find a seat. Thank you again. Nice meeting you, Professor Craw."

"Mrs. Snape," Jennifer heard herself correct.

"Mrs. Snape then," Carol said with a nod and a smile, heading towards the Ravenclaw stands. Severus turned to his wife with a hand on his hip and a puzzled expression on his face.

"Care to explain to me what that was all about?" Severus asked.

"I thought we'd decided we were going to engage the nanny together," Jennifer reminded him.

"You weren't here when we were introduced, and it was too opportunistic to pass up. You know how difficult it's going to be to find a nanny to help raise so many children and follow our list of restrictions. She appears to be perfect for the job."

"Too opportunistic and too perfect," Jennifer said in annoyance. "What in the world would someone like her want to be a nanny for?"

"Why would anyone want to be a nanny, I have no idea. What do you mean, someone like her? Did you see anything wrong when you looked at her?" Severus asked.

"Well, no," Jennifer admitted. "She seems very nice… too nice, and intelligent, not to mention gorgeous."

"She was?" Severus mused, glancing towards the stands, but then shrugged. "I don't see what that has to do with whether or not she can be a good nanny. What makes you so suspicious of her?"

"I just don't want her in my house," Jennifer said, slightly flustered.

"Fine! But don't blame me when we get to August and haven't found anyone else," Severus said with irritation.

Jennifer opened her mouth as if to say something but stopped herself, deciding simply to walk away rather than get into another argument again, heading towards the Gryffindor stands.

Severus, now completely convinced that pregnancy had made Jennifer a basket case, shook his head and watched her until she had stepped into the crowd near where Harry was sitting. He didn't turn around until he heard Minerva's voice called his name.

Ravenclaw hadn't a chance against Gryffindor, and very few people (except perhaps the Ravenclaws) were surprised when the game ended fairly quickly. Corey especially was losing his stiffness in the air, easily catching and batting the Bludgers with grace and ease. As usual Ginny proved unstoppable, and safely caught the Snitch about a half an hour into the game.

"I need to speak to you about yesterday, Jennifer. There's something we found at the Ministry that I think you should see," Harry said as everyone got up to leave. "I need to go see Ginny first, though."

"All right. I'll meet you there in a bit, then," Jennifer said, glancing around. She finally spotted Severus standing over by the team talking to Corey. Taking a deep breath, she went over to them, congratulating Corey with a hug before letting him head off with his housemates. Severus, who had stepped away from the group a moment before, regarded her thoughtfully as she approached. "I need to go to the Ministry with Harry. I think it's about Lorcan," she told him.

"Very well. I'd like to tag along, if you don't mind," Severus said calmly.

"I'll go get our cloaks and meet you in my office then," Jennifer replied, turning and going inside.

It wasn't long before Severus was able to get away from the Pitch, accepting the cloak that Jennifer held out for him and pausing to gaze at her. Jennifer glanced up and suddenly found herself lost in the intense emotion in his black eyes.

"When we get back, perhaps we could head up to the Perch and talk for awhile," he suggested. Jennifer smiled softly.

"I'd like that. I can't remember the last time we walked along the parapets together," Jennifer said.

"Do you remember the time that I told you that you would never be rid of me?" Severus asked softly.

"Of course I remember. It was the first night you actually had the nerve to tell me you loved me." Severus blinked.

"It wasn't about nerve," he said defensively. "It was more that I never felt I needed to say it with you being a Truth Seeker. However, I realized that day that sometimes self-doubt can get in the way and you, Jennifer, don't always believe what you see." Jennifer looked down, but Severus tapped her chin up lightly. "And I want you to understand without a shadow of a doubt that you have even less of a chance of getting rid of me now than ever before, and not just because of the child, either."

"Minerva told you," Jennifer said, feeling embarrassed.

"I should have known something was up after that last line of questioning I got returning from the States," he said with an almost exasperated expression, shaking his head at her. "Do you think I would get so irritated at these escapades of yours if I didn't care?"

"I've been acting like a complete fool lately, haven't I," Jennifer realized, turning away again and wiping a tear off her cheek.

"Yes, well, we all have our moments. Lord knows I've had my fair share lately," Severus replied, helping her with her cloak and kissing her gently. "Now, let's be off. The sooner we get going, the sooner we get back." Jennifer smiled and nodded, stepping into the fireplace.