Chapter 2 - Photographs

As tired as he was, Severus found himself still unable to fall asleep. Finally he gave up trying, Getting up he dressed for the long day ahead of them. Walking into the living area he pointed his wand at small the small fireplace, the wood now burning merrily started to heat up the previously chilly room.

Sitting down with a cup of tea after ordering his breakfast, he noticed the photo album where she had left it lying open on the coffee table. Unable to help himself he leaned forward and picked it up, pulling it into his lap. Slowly without thinking about it too much, he Flipped through the photos until he found his favorite one. Unlike most of the others, this one was from a Muggle camera.

When Hermione had given it to him, at first he had been slightly embarrassed. But after he read what she had written on the back, the photo was seen in a new light and had become an unexpected treasure to him. Carefully he took it out of the album and held it up for a closer inspection.

A slight smile twitched at the corners of his mouth, but faded before it became full-blown.

"Severus, may I join you?" Albus Dumbledore's powerful voice was heard through the floo network.

"Please do, Headmaster." He said, wondering, how in the in the world Albus Dumbledore knew that he was up at this ungodly hour. With a flash of light, the Headmaster came out, unfolding his long body like a jackknife and dusting the soot off his ridiculously opulent robes.

"Ahhhh, Severus, your anxiety called me awake about 3:30 this morning. Generously I thought I would let you get your breakfast ordered before inviting myself over to partake in it." He said sitting the chair across from the Potions Master.

Snape raised an arched brow. "Finally, your secret is revealed to me. I just always assumed you were all knowing." He said dryly. "Now the truth has come to light, and it seems that I'm not the only spy whom you employ." This was said in a not altogether unfriendly way.

Albus pursed his lips and gave a one-shouldered shrug. "Wonderful creatures, House Elves..." He said sidestepping the issue, with a twinkle in his eye.

His cheerful disposition changed as he saw what Snape was doing. "Looking at photographs?" He asked gently taking the picture out of Severus' loose grip. Holding it in his hand he spent a long time examining it, his blue eyes twinkling with humor and eventually laughing delightedly, at the image. "If I were to title this I would call it 'Devoted". He said smiling at the photograph in his hand.

"Funny, I would think 'Sap' would be a more appropriate title." Severus said, but with an unaccustomed tenderness in his voice.

"Even the strongest of men are at times a, "sap" over the right girl. I think you should keep this with you today as a good luck charm." Albus said handling the photograph carefully, as not to damage it, he reached over and placed it in Severus' breast pocket.

"I know your worried, Severus. But I honestly think that the Weasley's have her best interest at heart. I think when they have the chance to look at things objectively they will, in the end, come around. And if not, well then…as the Muggles say, "it' will be time to pull out the big guns."

A loaded down tray appeared between them on the table with a soft "pop".

"And what exactly does that mean?" Severus asked confused.

""I don't know...but I like the way it sounds!" Albus said before shoving a whole sausage into his mouth happily.


After a delicious English breakfast, Albus excused himself, leaving Severus feeling slightly more positive. Now he had only to get past lunch and somehow hold on to this somewhat tranquil feeling. Only six hours to go. And if this...God forbid, was going to be there last hours together, he would make them memorable for her. He walked slowly towards the bedrooms to wake her.

Removing the hay from her curls was an act of love. He could have used magic on it…would have been faster, really, but then he wouldn't have the pleasure of running his hands through her soft curls.

"I love coming here…and riding Pandora. You really should go horse riding with me. What's the point of having horses otherwise?" She said petting the pie-faced mare lovingly.

"Brooms are a much more civilized mode of transportation, and as much as I love you there is no way you will ever get me on a horse. I doubt Snape Manor would even boast a stable if not for your insistence. I hate to keep you away when you love them so.'

She stretched out on the blanket next to him. "I'm so full; the House elves always pack too much food. I never should have had that second piece of carrot cake. Why they packed a whole cake for two people anyway, I'll never understand." She said patting her flat stomach.

"You always say that, and always eat the second peace anyway,." He said pointedly. "you don't always have to try and make up for the fact that I don't have any. I'm sure if I did have any the next time we came they would pack two cakes, that's just the way they are."

She looked sheepishly at him. "Well, can I help it if I don't want to hurt their feelings…but to Dobby, food equals happiness. And I want to make him happy as much as he wants to make me happy."

Severus looked up at the sky, judging the time by the placement of the sun. "I think that it's almost time…we should head back." He said using his wand to take care of the picnic basket. They walked her horse back to the stable, before apparating away from the Snape estates.

Arriving back in their rooms after the walk from the front gate, he could see her lighthearted mood slowly fading.

"Why don't you take a quick bath, before you change into your good robes. They will be arriving here soon." He watched her walk away. Thank the Goddess that the Headmaster was on their side, that thought alone was almost calming.

Almost.

Arriving at the Headmasters office they found Dumbledore waiting for them at the top of the stairs. He had changed from his earlier robes and was now wearing a set that Severus had never seen before, and he wondered if Minerva had transformed them for him especially for this occasion. The dark blue velvet robes that he wore gave him an almost somber air, one that he usually avoided with his more outlandish wardrobe.

His choice in clothing seemed to set the mood, as did his low-pitched voice. He gave them a slight smile as the came up the last few steps

"There your are...Arthur and Molly are here already, and Ron and Fleur Weasley will be here shortly. Ron has to ride Fleur over by broom; she can't Apparate as she is expecting a child any day now. They had to take Muggle transportation all the way here; it was quite a long trip for them." He glanced over at the girl at Severus' side. "Young lady, why don't you go in and great them, we need a word in private before we join you."

Severus looked down into her eyes the color of cinnamon, or a fine whisky. Her milky skin, was even paler that normal making her many freckles and red hair more vivid than ever. Yes…at this moment his daughter Jillian looked more like her father… her biological father…Ron Weasley than ever before.

He pulled her close in a comforting hug. "Go-ahead sweetheart, go see the Weasley's, the Headmaster and I will be right in." He whispered to her, giving her a last squeeze. "Everything's going to work out fine."

She held onto him for a moment longer, before her arms dropped to her side.

"Do you promise?" she asked lingering by his side as if unwilling to be parted from him.

"Promise." He told her firmly.

Throwing him an unenthusiastic glance, she straightened her back and entered into the room like she owned it.