Apologies: I am so sorry that this has taken so long to update. I have been
working like mad on my other story and have been neglecting this one. I
hope to continue it to its finish before long.
Disclaimers: I do not own these characters except for Jessica Weaver and Other characters that you do not recognize. The others belong to J.K.R.
RWH
***
Twenty-Four
Monday- Hogwart's 5/12
Severus stepped into his bedroom as silent as a shadow and gazed at the sleeping form on his bed. She looked like an angel as she slept. An angel carrying his child. His breath hitched at that fact. His child. He was to be a father, by this wonderful, loving woman. He had never before thought about having children, however just thinking about having a part of him and a part of her running around, continuing on his lineage, thrilled him in such a way that he hoped that there would be much more after the birth of this child. If he had his way, she would never leave his side and she would never want for anything. Her or their children.
He approached the bed quietly so as not to wake her, knowing that she needed her sleep after the hellish weeks that she had been through. His hand reached out to stroke her dark blond hair as it cascaded across the rich dark satin of his ebony pillows. Without undressing, he sank onto the bed to lie next to her. His lips turned up into a smile as she instinctively moved closer towards his warmth and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to his chest, breathing in her aroma.
His presence being so near to her woke her quickly from her sleep. She could feel his arms tighten around her and she glanced sleepily up into his brooding eyes. Eyes filled with worry. "Is everything all right?" She whispered huskily, draping an arm around his waist and pulling him closer to her.
"It will be once we are married." He tried to keep his voice light. He brought a hand up to brush back a lock of hair from her face. He relished just touching her again, still amazed that she had found her way back to him. "Did you sleep well?"
"Better than I have in some time. Thank you." She stretched languidly, feeling her tired muscles stretch then retract with renewed vigor. It was amazing what a good sleep could do to a tired and pregnant body. Her stomach jumped a bit as she struggled to sit up amid his embrace. It must have shown on her face because immediately Severus sat up and squeezed her arms gently.
"How are you feeling?" He asked, "Need to get to the bathroom?"
She giggled and shook her head as her stomach settled once more, not wanting to leave his warmth just yet. "I'm fine. It was just a twinge. As long as I don't stand up, That's when the nausea usually hits me. I should be fine. Just as long as I lie down and you are with me, I will always be fine."
His embrace tightened around her and pulled her closer into his warmth. "I will always be with you, Jessica. I love you." His voice softened and filled with emotion.
She caught the tremble in his voice and struggled to loosen his grip on her so she could turn to look up at him. His face held nothing that she could discern and she cocked her head slightly at him. "What you said earlier, was that a proposal?"
His lips curled up in a smile. "I was wondering if you would catch on to that. Yes, it was a proposal, unless you prefer a more formal one?" He asked, running a slim finger up and down her collar, effectively bringing a chill to race up and down her spine.
"Yes." A soft whisper.
Severus's finger stopped in mid action and he gave her a curious look with that raised eyebrow that she loved so much. Not quite sure he heard her right. "You do want a more formal proposal?"
"No.... " She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I mean.... Yes, I will marry you." She opened her eyes again to the most alarming and also heartwarming sight she had ever seen, Severus grinned such a toothy grin that she swore she could see herself in his teeth. Such an expression should never come from this man but once.... maybe twice a year. Ok.... perhaps three.
"I am happy you said that." Severus chuckled and sat back against the headboard. His dark eyes watching her every move as she slid up next to him. "Unfortunately we do not have the time for a lengthy engagement, not just because of the baby coming, but Albus is worried about the students. He doesn't think that a single teacher should be keeping a woman in his chambers. Impressionable children, he claims."
"How soon are we talking?" Jessica whispered, linking her fingers with him, wanting to be as close to him as possible at every available moment.
"Tomorrow?" His dark eyes darted to her, worried that it would be too fast or too soon for her. No matter how much he longed to make her his, he wanted her to be sure that she wanted to belong to him in every possible way. Not just in the bedroom, but in his total life. To be his wife was not going to be easy for her. There was a lot that she would have to put up with. His habits, his changes of moods, his students and most important, his ex-conspirators. Lucius for one. He was one person he still had to deal with before things progressed to far into another dark war.
"Oh, THAT soon?" Her ears were ringing. That was fast, that was super duper fast. Not that she didn't want to be married to him. It was that she had always envisioned a proper wedding with a dress, band, friends and family. Nothing like that could ever occur in one day. Not even her parents would know about the wedding. There was no way for her to get in touch with them from here. So deep into thought, she didn't see the concern etched in her lover's face.
"Do you want more time? I'm sure I could talk Albus into maybe a week or possibly two.... "
She looked up into his face and grimaced at the fear and worry she saw. How could she play with his emotions like that? She felt awful letting it go on even for this long. She loved him and wanted to marry him, with or without her family or friends being present. She reached out and ran a finger over his brow to caress and ease the worry she saw there. "No, my love, tomorrow will be perfect. The sooner I am Mrs. Severus Snape, the better."
Severus was ecstatic.
~~~~~
The next morning, Jessica found herself seated between Albus and Severus in what Severus had called the Great Hall. The room was so expansive, it was nearly mind numbing. She had thought that her parent's formal dining room was huge, but it didn't hold a candle to this room. It was nearly twice as big as her flat and the whole floor of her apartment building back in London
When she had entered on Severus's arm, her eyes widened in amazement as they wandered the magical dining chamber. The four expansive dining tables lining the middle of the floor, the multitude of floating candles, the cloud filled ceiling if there was indeed a ceiling at all. Her eyes roamed to the table at the far end of the room and flushed as the occupant's many eyes looked her over with curiosity. She hesitated at the door, apprehension hitting her suddenly. Severus's hand tightened on her arm reassuringly and she allowed him to draw her forward up to the main table.
"Everyone, this is Jessica Wheeler, my fiancée." Severus stopped to introduce her to those sitting around the table. "Jessica, these are my co- workers. Minerva McGonagall, Sybill Trelawney, Pomona Sprout, Sinistra, Madams Rolanda Hooch, Poppy Pomfrey and Irma Pince, Filius Flitwick, Rubeus Hagrid, Remus Lupin and you remember Albus Dumbledore."
She greeted every person with a smile and a cherry hello as she was led around the table to sit between the Headmaster and Severus. She felt a hand on her knee and glanced to her right to see Severus give her a reassuring smile.
"Are you all right?" He leaned over and whispered into her ear.
"I'm fine, love.... don't worry about me. It's just.... " She indicated her surrounding with a quick wave of her hand. "A bit.... overwhelming."
"We don't have to stay long. We will leave just as soon as we eat. I have classes early and you need to rest up before this evening."
She gave him a grin and turned her lips to his ear, breathing softly. "Yes, dear." She giggled and felt his hand squeeze her knee before she saw him straighten in his chair and turn his attention to something else.
To her surprise, she found herself in the middle of several conversations. Minerva McGonagall seemed very happy to have her around and continued to relate how delighted she was to put together this wedding, even if it was with such short notice. Madams Pince and Pomfrey rambled on and on over the proper care of an infant, which caused Jessica to blush at some of the things they openly discussed at the table. Breast feeding for one.
Pomfrey was for it and Pince was against it. This started a very active debate that left Jessica wondering what was better for her baby. To breast- feed or not.
Suddenly the conversation stopped as the doors leading to the Great Hall opened and she turned to watch as the students started to enter in groups and take their seats. She felt each pair of eyes fall on her and she reached out for Severus's hand. He smiled at her and gently squeezed her hand in reassurance. Once it appeared that everyone was seated, Albus rose to his feet, raising his hand for silence. The voices died down as they all looked at him with the look of genuine curiosity bred only by the young.
"We have a happy occasion to celebrate today.... A wedding.... " Voices of excitement rose and Albus raised a hand for silence. "The wedding will take place in the gardens this afternoon at three. The happy couple invites you all to attend." Cheers rang out at that news and Albus turned to look at Severus with a proud grin. "Let the couple rise and let everyone know your intent."
Severus looked at Jessica and smiled, taking her hand he pulled her to her feet along with him. She heard astonished gasps as they realized who was getting married.
"Whoa.... Snape?"
"Unbelievable."
"She nuts?"
"Who is she?"
She looked out over the whispering students and frowned with concern. Not a one of them looked too happy at the news, and she moved a little closer to her intended. His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer against his side as he spoke out to them all.
"I, Severus Snape, have asked Miss Jessica Wheeler to marry me. She has accepted. Are there any that oppose this joining?" He glared out over the students, who didn't dare utter a ward of protest. Satisfied that there wouldn't be any voice of defiance he turned and smiled lovingly into her worried eyes. He took her face in his hands then leaned down to kiss her, which caused an even bigger commotion from the students.
"They really don't like you, do they?" She whispered into his ear as they pulled apart.
"Thankfully.... no." He grinned and she looked back at the students who were all staring wide eyed at her. Standing straighter, she gave them all a wide, friendly smile and raised a glass of juice to them in salute.
"Don't worry," She addressed the students with a cocky grin. "Some of you will be teaching someday and will more than likely find a Snape junior to harass in your own classroom."
Severus choked on his drink and Albus laughed heartily. The students joining in, making her feel much more at home with the laughter echoing off the walls. She smiled down at her fiancée and he shook his head with a frown. But his eyes were laughing.
"I hope it's MY class..." a voice rang out.
"You have to PASS my class first, Longbottom." Severus answered, bringing even more laughter from the mass.
~_~_~_~_~
A/Ns and Acknowledgements
spaz141: Thanks hon. I hope this chapter was worth the wait.
NiteQueen: No apologies needed. I have been a long time in posting and I apologize for that. I hope your production went off without a hitch. Hope you liked this chapter.
Emma-Kitty: Sorry for the wait. I hope this chapter was worth it. The wedding in next chapter. Coming up soon.
Cousin Mary: Thank you. I hope you continue to keep reading.
Someone28: More is coming...soon.
Potionmistress60: You read that to your husband? LOL...that is so cool. I am glad that he was...ahem...interested. LOL. I hope this wasn't to long in coming that you have forgotten all about this little story. I have been pretty lax in writing it. I've been so busy trying to be my other story completed but I figured, may as well get another one out here. Hope you liked it. The wedding is in the next chapter.
Lightning Rain: More is coming. Hope you like it.
NuttyGirl: LOL. I will. I know that stomping ritual, remember I'm a part of the entertainment process here in vegas...I know LOTs of entertainers that like the stomping...LOL
Disclaimers: I do not own these characters except for Jessica Weaver and Other characters that you do not recognize. The others belong to J.K.R.
RWH
***
Twenty-Four
Monday- Hogwart's 5/12
Severus stepped into his bedroom as silent as a shadow and gazed at the sleeping form on his bed. She looked like an angel as she slept. An angel carrying his child. His breath hitched at that fact. His child. He was to be a father, by this wonderful, loving woman. He had never before thought about having children, however just thinking about having a part of him and a part of her running around, continuing on his lineage, thrilled him in such a way that he hoped that there would be much more after the birth of this child. If he had his way, she would never leave his side and she would never want for anything. Her or their children.
He approached the bed quietly so as not to wake her, knowing that she needed her sleep after the hellish weeks that she had been through. His hand reached out to stroke her dark blond hair as it cascaded across the rich dark satin of his ebony pillows. Without undressing, he sank onto the bed to lie next to her. His lips turned up into a smile as she instinctively moved closer towards his warmth and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to his chest, breathing in her aroma.
His presence being so near to her woke her quickly from her sleep. She could feel his arms tighten around her and she glanced sleepily up into his brooding eyes. Eyes filled with worry. "Is everything all right?" She whispered huskily, draping an arm around his waist and pulling him closer to her.
"It will be once we are married." He tried to keep his voice light. He brought a hand up to brush back a lock of hair from her face. He relished just touching her again, still amazed that she had found her way back to him. "Did you sleep well?"
"Better than I have in some time. Thank you." She stretched languidly, feeling her tired muscles stretch then retract with renewed vigor. It was amazing what a good sleep could do to a tired and pregnant body. Her stomach jumped a bit as she struggled to sit up amid his embrace. It must have shown on her face because immediately Severus sat up and squeezed her arms gently.
"How are you feeling?" He asked, "Need to get to the bathroom?"
She giggled and shook her head as her stomach settled once more, not wanting to leave his warmth just yet. "I'm fine. It was just a twinge. As long as I don't stand up, That's when the nausea usually hits me. I should be fine. Just as long as I lie down and you are with me, I will always be fine."
His embrace tightened around her and pulled her closer into his warmth. "I will always be with you, Jessica. I love you." His voice softened and filled with emotion.
She caught the tremble in his voice and struggled to loosen his grip on her so she could turn to look up at him. His face held nothing that she could discern and she cocked her head slightly at him. "What you said earlier, was that a proposal?"
His lips curled up in a smile. "I was wondering if you would catch on to that. Yes, it was a proposal, unless you prefer a more formal one?" He asked, running a slim finger up and down her collar, effectively bringing a chill to race up and down her spine.
"Yes." A soft whisper.
Severus's finger stopped in mid action and he gave her a curious look with that raised eyebrow that she loved so much. Not quite sure he heard her right. "You do want a more formal proposal?"
"No.... " She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I mean.... Yes, I will marry you." She opened her eyes again to the most alarming and also heartwarming sight she had ever seen, Severus grinned such a toothy grin that she swore she could see herself in his teeth. Such an expression should never come from this man but once.... maybe twice a year. Ok.... perhaps three.
"I am happy you said that." Severus chuckled and sat back against the headboard. His dark eyes watching her every move as she slid up next to him. "Unfortunately we do not have the time for a lengthy engagement, not just because of the baby coming, but Albus is worried about the students. He doesn't think that a single teacher should be keeping a woman in his chambers. Impressionable children, he claims."
"How soon are we talking?" Jessica whispered, linking her fingers with him, wanting to be as close to him as possible at every available moment.
"Tomorrow?" His dark eyes darted to her, worried that it would be too fast or too soon for her. No matter how much he longed to make her his, he wanted her to be sure that she wanted to belong to him in every possible way. Not just in the bedroom, but in his total life. To be his wife was not going to be easy for her. There was a lot that she would have to put up with. His habits, his changes of moods, his students and most important, his ex-conspirators. Lucius for one. He was one person he still had to deal with before things progressed to far into another dark war.
"Oh, THAT soon?" Her ears were ringing. That was fast, that was super duper fast. Not that she didn't want to be married to him. It was that she had always envisioned a proper wedding with a dress, band, friends and family. Nothing like that could ever occur in one day. Not even her parents would know about the wedding. There was no way for her to get in touch with them from here. So deep into thought, she didn't see the concern etched in her lover's face.
"Do you want more time? I'm sure I could talk Albus into maybe a week or possibly two.... "
She looked up into his face and grimaced at the fear and worry she saw. How could she play with his emotions like that? She felt awful letting it go on even for this long. She loved him and wanted to marry him, with or without her family or friends being present. She reached out and ran a finger over his brow to caress and ease the worry she saw there. "No, my love, tomorrow will be perfect. The sooner I am Mrs. Severus Snape, the better."
Severus was ecstatic.
~~~~~
The next morning, Jessica found herself seated between Albus and Severus in what Severus had called the Great Hall. The room was so expansive, it was nearly mind numbing. She had thought that her parent's formal dining room was huge, but it didn't hold a candle to this room. It was nearly twice as big as her flat and the whole floor of her apartment building back in London
When she had entered on Severus's arm, her eyes widened in amazement as they wandered the magical dining chamber. The four expansive dining tables lining the middle of the floor, the multitude of floating candles, the cloud filled ceiling if there was indeed a ceiling at all. Her eyes roamed to the table at the far end of the room and flushed as the occupant's many eyes looked her over with curiosity. She hesitated at the door, apprehension hitting her suddenly. Severus's hand tightened on her arm reassuringly and she allowed him to draw her forward up to the main table.
"Everyone, this is Jessica Wheeler, my fiancée." Severus stopped to introduce her to those sitting around the table. "Jessica, these are my co- workers. Minerva McGonagall, Sybill Trelawney, Pomona Sprout, Sinistra, Madams Rolanda Hooch, Poppy Pomfrey and Irma Pince, Filius Flitwick, Rubeus Hagrid, Remus Lupin and you remember Albus Dumbledore."
She greeted every person with a smile and a cherry hello as she was led around the table to sit between the Headmaster and Severus. She felt a hand on her knee and glanced to her right to see Severus give her a reassuring smile.
"Are you all right?" He leaned over and whispered into her ear.
"I'm fine, love.... don't worry about me. It's just.... " She indicated her surrounding with a quick wave of her hand. "A bit.... overwhelming."
"We don't have to stay long. We will leave just as soon as we eat. I have classes early and you need to rest up before this evening."
She gave him a grin and turned her lips to his ear, breathing softly. "Yes, dear." She giggled and felt his hand squeeze her knee before she saw him straighten in his chair and turn his attention to something else.
To her surprise, she found herself in the middle of several conversations. Minerva McGonagall seemed very happy to have her around and continued to relate how delighted she was to put together this wedding, even if it was with such short notice. Madams Pince and Pomfrey rambled on and on over the proper care of an infant, which caused Jessica to blush at some of the things they openly discussed at the table. Breast feeding for one.
Pomfrey was for it and Pince was against it. This started a very active debate that left Jessica wondering what was better for her baby. To breast- feed or not.
Suddenly the conversation stopped as the doors leading to the Great Hall opened and she turned to watch as the students started to enter in groups and take their seats. She felt each pair of eyes fall on her and she reached out for Severus's hand. He smiled at her and gently squeezed her hand in reassurance. Once it appeared that everyone was seated, Albus rose to his feet, raising his hand for silence. The voices died down as they all looked at him with the look of genuine curiosity bred only by the young.
"We have a happy occasion to celebrate today.... A wedding.... " Voices of excitement rose and Albus raised a hand for silence. "The wedding will take place in the gardens this afternoon at three. The happy couple invites you all to attend." Cheers rang out at that news and Albus turned to look at Severus with a proud grin. "Let the couple rise and let everyone know your intent."
Severus looked at Jessica and smiled, taking her hand he pulled her to her feet along with him. She heard astonished gasps as they realized who was getting married.
"Whoa.... Snape?"
"Unbelievable."
"She nuts?"
"Who is she?"
She looked out over the whispering students and frowned with concern. Not a one of them looked too happy at the news, and she moved a little closer to her intended. His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer against his side as he spoke out to them all.
"I, Severus Snape, have asked Miss Jessica Wheeler to marry me. She has accepted. Are there any that oppose this joining?" He glared out over the students, who didn't dare utter a ward of protest. Satisfied that there wouldn't be any voice of defiance he turned and smiled lovingly into her worried eyes. He took her face in his hands then leaned down to kiss her, which caused an even bigger commotion from the students.
"They really don't like you, do they?" She whispered into his ear as they pulled apart.
"Thankfully.... no." He grinned and she looked back at the students who were all staring wide eyed at her. Standing straighter, she gave them all a wide, friendly smile and raised a glass of juice to them in salute.
"Don't worry," She addressed the students with a cocky grin. "Some of you will be teaching someday and will more than likely find a Snape junior to harass in your own classroom."
Severus choked on his drink and Albus laughed heartily. The students joining in, making her feel much more at home with the laughter echoing off the walls. She smiled down at her fiancée and he shook his head with a frown. But his eyes were laughing.
"I hope it's MY class..." a voice rang out.
"You have to PASS my class first, Longbottom." Severus answered, bringing even more laughter from the mass.
~_~_~_~_~
A/Ns and Acknowledgements
spaz141: Thanks hon. I hope this chapter was worth the wait.
NiteQueen: No apologies needed. I have been a long time in posting and I apologize for that. I hope your production went off without a hitch. Hope you liked this chapter.
Emma-Kitty: Sorry for the wait. I hope this chapter was worth it. The wedding in next chapter. Coming up soon.
Cousin Mary: Thank you. I hope you continue to keep reading.
Someone28: More is coming...soon.
Potionmistress60: You read that to your husband? LOL...that is so cool. I am glad that he was...ahem...interested. LOL. I hope this wasn't to long in coming that you have forgotten all about this little story. I have been pretty lax in writing it. I've been so busy trying to be my other story completed but I figured, may as well get another one out here. Hope you liked it. The wedding is in the next chapter.
Lightning Rain: More is coming. Hope you like it.
NuttyGirl: LOL. I will. I know that stomping ritual, remember I'm a part of the entertainment process here in vegas...I know LOTs of entertainers that like the stomping...LOL