Rose Among the Thorns: The Third Evans Sister
By Jedi Blu, Lady at Large
Standard Disclaimer Found In Previous Chapters
Italics are thoughts, emphasized words, or letters.
I'm excited! My fic is being translated, per request, into Portuguese! Woo-hoo!
. : ; ' " j e d i b l u " ' ; : .'
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE: Sisterly Advice
. : ; ' " j e d i b l u " ' ; : .'
Lily Potter sat quietly, looking into eyes that were almost a perfect match of hers—only a close scrutiny would show that the other pair of eyes were a shade darker—and wondered why she and her sister were so different. Rose Snape, newly married, stared back at Lily and did not flinch or blink. She was immovable and stubborn, much as their mother had been in her younger days.
"Will you really be happy with him?" Lily asked at last, her voice a whisper. She put her hand out, laying it on her sister's and giving her a comforting squeeze. "If you will, I swear here and now I'll never say a word against your marriage."
The younger witch looked down, her eyes thoughtful. When she looked up again there was a hesitant smile on her pretty face. "I believe I will be happy, Lily. I can't think of anyone who could become closer to me than Severus has, and I care greatly for him. I didn't marry him be rebellious or to declare my independence. I married him because he asked me to, and if he asked me to fly to the stars and back I would do that for him too. I love him, Lily, and he needs that love."
Despite her misgivings about Rose's seemingly blind devotion, Lily managed a brave smile and leaned forward to wrap her sister in a hug. "Then I will accept that. But Rose, if he ever hurts you tell me at once. I will not abide it. And if you ever need anything you must let me know. I'm still your sister, and I love you too." She sat back, a mist of tears in her eyes.
Rose's eyes were misty as well, but she laughed and shrugged. "I know, Lily. Don't worry; I'll come to you if I need you. I know this can't be easy for you but I appreciate how you're handling this."
Now Lily shrugged. "If you would've talked to me before getting married I would've tried to talk you out of it. But you've made your decision, and you're old enough to do so. Oh, Rose, sometimes I wish we were little girls again." She shared a fond look with her sister and chuckled, brushing a strand of her coppery red hair away from her eyes. "Whatever will we do with husbands who hate each other? And you know that Severus isn't all that fond of me, either."
"I suppose we'll have to keep family get-togethers few and far between," Rose responded, glancing down at the table. Even then she knew she would be seeing much less of Lily, if she saw her at all except in passing.
Lily shook her head, knowing as well that they were about to grow only further apart. So she squared her shoulders, put on her merriest smile, and said with a sneaky tone, "What's planned for the honeymoon? You are having one, right?"
Rose blushed and bit her bottom lip. "Yes. Two weeks somewhere, away from his job and all that. I'm not sure what he's got planned, though, because he won't tell me. I haven't really asked, but I can tell when Severus is going to keep a secret and when he's not." Her blushing was almost uncontrollable, her smile was uncertain. "I...I'm not sure whether I'm more excited or nervous, Lily. I wish Mum were here."
"Oh, Rose." Lily shook her head, grinning. "I felt the same way, and even Petunia said the same. Remember? I think it's that way for everyone who gets married and is still...um, inexperienced."
Eyebrows arched in surprise, the other witch whispered, "You mean you and James had never...?"
Lily giggled, actually giggled, and shook her head. "Oh, James wanted to and everything. Every male does, I'm betting. But I knew nothing like that would've made Mum and Dad happy, whether they're still with us or not. I respected what I knew their wishes would be; besides, I didn't have that long to wait. Apparently, neither do you." Now her expression became one of appraisal, carefully taking in her sister's flushed face and uncertain eyes. "I'm not sure what advice I can give you, Rose. I don't know what sort of man Severus is. But I'll tell you that it will all be fine."
Rose winced. "Does it hurt?" Then she looked around, to see if anyone was listening, before ducking her head in embarrassment. "You don't have to tell me, Lily. I'm so stupid not to know, Slytherin doesn't exactly have the chastest girls and they're always talking about it."
Lily snorted. "Probably all talk, because I doubt any of those girls have enough feeling to put into a bed. With the exception of you they all act like stone-dead narwhales." They both laughed, breaking the tension and adding levity to the strangely-comforting conversation. "Anyway, to answer your question; yes, it hurts the first few times, but I'm sure Severus will understand that, Rose."
"I hope so." She seemed unsure. "So it does...get better?"
The older girl's eyes grew soft; she looked away with a secret smile. "Yes. It does, and it's wonderful, Rose, to share that intimacy with someone you love. I know this must sound strange to you—me talking about James like this, but.... Oh, Rose, can I tell you something? Like I'd tell Mum?" Her sister nodded encouragement, her eyes curious. "Well," Lily whispered across the table. "I was scared to death the first night we were married. You'd think someone had placed Locomotor Mortis on me for how stiff I was when he first took me in his arms. But he was so gentle, so careful and kind. He was as new to it as I was, Rose, but I think boys have a bit more instinct about such things. Anyway, he's always been careful with me since then, no matter how lost in each other we become. He cradles me at night as if he's protecting me from every harm. I feel so safe, so warm."
For a moment Rose was envious of her sister and the close relationship she shared with James. She knew, of course, that she and Severus were incredibly close and that he cared for her...but she also knew they were no where near as dear to each other as James and Lily were. 'But we're completely different sets of people,' she told herself, pushing away the jealousy. 'Of course we'll care for each other differently.'
Rose decided to simply nod, smiling kindly at her sister, and then she allowed the mischief back into the conversation. "Does it matter what you wear?"
Lily's eyes sparkled back, impishly. "Most of the time I don't wear anything at all."
Jaw dropped in surprise, Rose could only blink and sputter out, "You?! You who wouldn't even get dressed in front of your own sisters? Not even just to change sweaters? Lily the prude?"
Lily tossed her head up and flashed a dazzling, wicked grin at her sister. "In that sense marriage has most definitely changed me! But don't seem so shocked, Rose, it was a gradual thing. Anyway. I don't think it matters what you wear to bed, just keep in mind it'll set the tone for how he treats you. If I were you I would be prudish at least the first night. Why? Have you got anything to wear?" Lily's leaned forward to continue in a guarded tone, "I know a good place to get anything you need, but it's in Knockturn...."
"Helena's Salacious Salon," Rose finished for her, nodding. "That's where I went. Helena herself helped me pick a few things."
"I'm sorry you had to go alone, I had a friend with me," Lily explained, bemused. "So tell me what you have?"
Rose briefly detailed her purchases at that shop and explained that Severus had given her the money without having a clue what she had used it for. "Did I do all right?" she finished at last, appearing concerned with her purchases and decisions.
"I'd say you did better than I did!" Lily exclaimed but swiftly checked her excitement. "Oh no, Rose, what time is it?"
"Just a few minutes until seven o'clock."
"Oh dear. I'm sorry, Rose, but I need to find James. We have a meeting we have to attend—"
Rose nodded. "I understand. We've been talking longer than an hour anyway. They'll both be antsy by now."
Lily stood and embraced her sister, whispering in her ear, "You know how to reach me, Rose, if you need anything. Congratulations and good luck!" Then with a wave she hurried down the streets to meet her husband.
Almost reluctantly Rose began to pick her way back, through an alley or two, until she got to Severus's—their flat. She let herself in and found him, lounging back on the bed with a book in his hand, his long and lean body stretched out, his boots and cloak discarded. He wore all black; it was a color that suited him. Like Rose he preferred to stay in the shadows, not in the spotlight. Though Severus was somewhat more of an enigma—wanting recognition while at the same time hoping the world at large would just leave him alone.
He looked up when she entered; his expression didn't change from one of indifferent study. "How did your little chat go?" He checked his pocket watch. "Longer than an hour."
Rose shut the door behind her and came in, standing over Severus, studying him for a moment and thinking about what she and Lily discussed. This man before her had his moments of gentleness, but would he always? She was afraid to admit she did not know. Slowly she lowered herself to sit next to him on the cot, glancing around at what she expected would be her home for a time. "I'm actually glad we ran into Lily," she said at last, her eyes seeing so much farther than the wall they were directed towards. "We needed that talk, I think."
His hand slipped around her waist, he rose to a sitting position and she leaned against his chest. "Interesting family I've married into," he whispered into her curls, inhaling the scent of rain clouds from her hair and skin. "Not exactly your garden-variety of sisters."
Rose laughed. "That was the worst pun I think I've ever heard! And with a name like Rose, I've heard a lot!" She turned and punched him lightly in the shoulder, looking up into his bottomless black eyes with a grin. "You better be careful, Severus. Every time you get around me you start making jokes—and you step completely out of character."
Severus shrugged and leaned down to capture her lips in a brief, but heated, kiss that left her blushing. "That wasn't a joke," he said, voice husky. He cleared his throat, looked away from her dark, beautiful eyes. "I told you I had plans tonight, right?"
"Yes, you mentioned it." What was he getting at? Would he be leaving her alone for the evening or dragging her along on his excursions? She wondered when they would get any real time alone….
He reached under the bed to retrieve his boots and pulled them on quickly. "All right then. The plans have been delayed long enough. Are you ready to go?"
"Go where?" Suddenly she was suspicious at the excited note in his voice, but he shot her a smile that was more of an arrogant smirk than anything else…. That meant he wouldn't be telling her. Rose groaned but was on her feet again and waiting for him to point the way. Then she noticed something. "Severus, where are all my things? We left them in that corner, where did—?"
He silenced her, covering her lips with his own fiercely, and at that moment the room began to spin and fade. She closed her eyes, feeling a jerk somewhere inside her—propelling her through space with her husband's kiss still pressing against her. She recognized the sensation; they were traveling by Portkey.
When Rose opened her eyes and Severus took one step away from her; she glared up at him with a measure of indignation. "Severus Snape, that wasn't funny at all! I can't believe you did that! Where are we?" Behind Severus Rose could see what looked like a meadow of long grass stretching out until, perhaps one hundred yards away, a dense group of trees made up the beginnings of a forest.
Severus, before she could get another word out demanding to know their coordinates, lazily said, "Turn around, Rose." And he held his breath, waiting to see what she would think....
Narrowing her eyes at him, Rose shrugged her slim shoulders and then whirled about on her heel only to freeze and gasp in surprise.
The cottage was only one story, but it looked comfortable and fairly large. The front of it boasted several windows and a doorway painted forest green. There were bushes, bare for now, underneath the windows and on either side of a small cobbled path which led to a dirt lane that disappeared in the distance. It was very picturesque, sitting near a pond and at the bottom of a grass-covered hill. It was a lovely place, and Rose was at once charmed by it.
"Our honeymoon destination," Severus suddenly announced, whispering into her ear.
Rose shivered with delight and smiled up at him. "It's beautiful! How long do we have it? Who on earth rented it to you? It's incredible, Severus!" She launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace. "Thank you."
He chuckled. "I'm pleased you like it so much, considering it's more than a temporary residence. I bought it, Rose."
She pulled back and looked up at him in shock. "You bought it?"
Severus smirked at her and shrugged. "Yes. But if you wish we can go back to the flat, as the lease doesn't run up there until next month—"
"No!" Rose interrupted, grinning. "Never. I didn't want to say anything before, Severus, but that flat was horrible! I would have made the best out of the place with you but I think I'll like this much better. How much did this cost you?"
"It's your wedding present," was his evasive answer. He took her hand and pulled her towards the path that led up to the door. "Don't worry about the cost; I had the money saved for something like this." He was positively excited about showing her the cottage he had owned for several months, he had bought it anticipating Rose being the one to live in it with him. He easily knew this was the sort of home she would love. It was also important to him because it was so different from any other place he had ever lived. It was clean, fresh, and had the appearance of a real home, not just a dump being used temporarily for human occupation. Severus was, in a word, thrilled that Rose liked it all so much.
Severus took her inside, barely containing his excitement, and acted more like a school boy than he had years before as he showed her around. The main room opened up into the dining room (which was more the size of a breakfast nook than anything), which had a door leading to the small (but serviceable) kitchen. The kitchen was fully stocked, but the other rooms remained without furniture. He then took her through a trapdoor in the kitchen down into the cellar, which was well stocked and had the appearance of a laboratory (which was what they would use it for). Then back upstairs they went and he showed her the study/library, which wasn't anything large or grand but it was comfortable and the bookcases were built into the wall for maximum space; it too was unfurnished. Then he took her into the last room, swinging the door open with a devious smile.
Rose stepped into the bedroom to find all her things neatly stacked in one corner. The room was unfurnished except for one item; a king-sized canopy, with dark oak wood, stood in the center of the room with the headboard against the wall. Forest green pillows, curtains, and quilt made the bed up. Off the bedroom was the bathroom, which she could just glimpse from the doorway, but Rose found it difficult to concentrate on anything but that massive bed.
'Let me just sink into the floor now, please,' she thought, feeling her cheeks turn bright red at the thoughts the massive, luxurious looking bed conjured up.
SNEAK PREVIEW: Chapter Thirty-Six is soon coming and it is, as you should know by now, entitled The Honeymoon. I've decided to give a mix of the cut and uncut chapter so that I can keep my PG13 rating. Nothing too…explicit, leaving a lot up to the imagination. And finally, For Better, Or For Worse? In which Rose runs into Sirius Black and Severus reveals to her his allegiance to the Dark Lord Voldemort. Now what has Rose gotten herself into? That's all the sneak peeks for today!
To my reviewers:
Evil Duckie of the BlackLagoon: Quack back atcha!
Loraliant Angelisa Snape: Still haven't read your story. (Insert dirty work here)!!! Been too busy. I only put this chapter up because I was experiencing great guilt for having waited so long. Eesh. Sorry, y'all!
Rinny Z: Were you a football player in another life? You have a great love for tackling objects. I myself prefer fuzzy monkeys to computer monitors. But to each her own!
Rebekah1: Thank you!
Maya)-sleepy: Thank you again!
ParvisSira: Thank you very much, my dear. I'm sorry I've taken so long to get this out! But you know how these things can be…. Time consuming. And…time…is…running…out!!! By the way, does your name mean something? It looks familiar.
Kiss-of-cuteness: Am I a fan of Princess Bride?! Do PENGUINS YODEL? Of course they do! :-) Yes, I love the Princess Bride, among other things that I incorporate into my fics.
Moriann: Firstly, about those bunnies…I was using them as a source of energy to run my computer and three of them developed broken ears and one even broke his drum, which caused me to lose all power which is why I haven't updated in so long. (Yeah, right.) Severus had to control himself when he saw James. He'll get his chance, though.
Rae Roberts: No honeymoon yet! Goodness, you filthy-minded impatient people!!! ;-) I'm joking, of course. Anyway, thank you for the continued support. Now…about YOUR fic….
Elvesmagic010: I know what you mean about drowning in homework. I could REALLY use a vacation right now…. Sorry this took so long! And thank you for adding me to your C2! Although I still don't understand those things….
Nabenabe: HOMEWORK COMES FIRST! Then fics. Ahem. But even I don't live by this golden rule. Hope you're still around!
Illume: Contents of the packages will be disclosed next chapter. Read on.
Lydia: As you've learned here, Rose knows she's in love with Snape but she isn't going to push him to 'love' her. Chica, email me ANY time you want to discuss Snape. With me he's ALWAYS a good topic. For instance, have you found any clues in the books to support your idea that he's married?
TeenageZombie: Freakin' awesome, eh? Thank you! I'm doing what I can to keep it interesting and appealing to readers.
See y'all soon!.... I hope….
-JB-