My thanks as always to everyone who reviewed. I really hope you enjoy this next chapter. Notes to you all at the end. Mark Darcy - special note to you. Lol - Severusgirl.

Flamethrowerqueen - thanks so much for letting me know you're still reading and especially that last line of your review for TTN - I'm very touched.

My thanks to JessiokaFroka for betareading.

Chapter Thirty

GUYS AND DOLLS

Curtain Up

"OK the orchestra is in place...can we have beginners please; beginners..."

"Professor, I've laddered my tights..."

"Again? Go and see Professor Bellchambers, he'll have some more. Has anyone seen Draco?"

The orchestra began warming up.

"Do I exit stage left or right?"

"How many times have we been through this, Ernie? Stage LEFT, towards me. Stella, I said five-and-nine make up, not touting for business - redo it, QUICKLY..."

"Andrea, have you got a cold?"

"Yes." She wasn't going to acknowledge her stuffy nose was because she'd been awake all night, crying. The only thing keeping her sane at the moment was the sheer chaos and panic the show was creating as it neared curtain up.

"Elmedius is waiting for the nod..."

"Yes, we're almost ready." Andi gathered the beginners together and lined them up. "Has anyone seen Draco?"

"Bloody hell, there's so MANY people in the audience..."

"Shit, I'm not going out there..."

"Ewwww, who put a condom on the doorknob...?"

"Parvati, pull your skirt straight..."

"I can't remember my first line...what's my first line...?"

"Professor, I can't find my newspaper..."

"It's here," she said, handing it over. "DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE DRACO IS?"

"Yeah, he's in the bog."

"Oh," she said, hoping dearly that meant the lavatory rather than the real bog lurking at the far end of the lake. "Is he all right?"

"Dunno. He's been there a long time."

"Draco?" Andi pushed open the door to the boys' toilets cautiously. "Draco, are you in here?"

"Yeah."

"Are you OK? The overture's about to start. May I come in?" She walked into the sour smelling room. It was empty, with one door closed. She went up to it and knocked. "Draco, are you OK?"

"No."

"What's the problem?"

"You. Talking me into doing this fuc... this stupid show. It's not going to work. They're going to bollock me."

She folded her arms as she leaned against the door. "Draco, I'm not denying there might be a reaction, but that goes for everyone. We've gone over this. Once the novelty of watching their friends has worn off, the audience will settle down and start watching the show."

"I've been sick."

"Oh. Poor Parvati! You'd better come out and clean your teeth before you have to kiss her."

The door opened and out walked a very pale Draco, looking handsome in his light-blue Muggle suit. He shot her a dirty look.

"Why did you talk me into this? I could have been sitting out in the audience now, waiting to laugh at some other idiot." He bent his head to the basin and rinsed out his mouth.

"In a couple of hours it'll all be over."

"Yeah, and I'll be the laughing stock of the school."

"Is that what you think?"

"That's what I know."

She passed him a fresh-breath mint and looked at his worried face. "Well, I wasn't going to tell you this because I think normally your ego is big enough as it is, but... I've played in at least half a dozen different productions of this show and I can tell you, with my hand on my heart, you knock all the other Skys off the stage."

"Yeah, right."

"I'm serious. Draco, you are so absolutely right for this part. I can't begin to tell you what a dream piece of casting you are - and you're going to be brilliant, I promise. Now, we can't start without you, so...?"

"I wish it wasn't me singing first."

Ernie's brow furrowed under his hat as they waited in the wings, the tension high.

"You're going to be great," said Andi, feeling the thrilling buzz as the overture began. She smiled at Ernie and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

The curtain went up.

"And... on you go; Ernie, Bernard, Colin..."

The three boys sauntered on to the stage, clutching their newspapers.

"I got the horse right here,

The name is Paul Revere..."

Andi had been right. There was whistling and heckling at the beginning, but the audience did eventually settle down, laughing in the right places, applauding enthusiastically after the songs.

Parvati and Draco came to the end of 'I'll know when my love comes along':

There was an audible 'ewwww' as Draco kissed Parvati, then loud applause and whooping as she slapped him.

The Hot Box girls were greeted enthusiastically during 'Bushel and a Peck', and then of course it was Draco and Parvati again, falling in love in Havana and then returning in the early hours to the Mission.

Sky: 'My time of day is the dark time..."

("No kidding!")

("Shut it, Weasley!")

This time when Sky and Sarah kissed, you could have heard a pin drop.

Andi stood in the wings, every member of the cast who wasn't on stage crowded round her, or around Vincent on the opposite side, watching as Draco began singing 'I've never been in love before'; and like most of the audience, they were mesmerized.

The scene was electric. Draco and Parvati played it to perfection.

Andi felt her eyes brimming and her throat became choked.

"Do you hear that?" whispered Sylvia at her shoulder.

"What?"

"The sound of every female heart melting." She looked at Andi. "Haven't you got to get ready?"

Andi jumped as she realized she had to play in the next number; the sleazy saxophone introduction to the striptease Take Back Your Mink.

As unobtrusively as she could, she let herself into the orchestra pit.

There were wolf-whistles and cheering as the girls sashayed onto the stage and Andi wondered if Sally-Ann would be daunted, but she and the girls seemed to be having a whale of a time.

The hall erupted as the girls began taking off their clothes and when they had shed everything so they were dancing in their pink basques, the male half of the audience was practically baying.

There was a nasty moment when Ernie went to exit the wrong side, but suddenly saw Vincent gesturing wildly and turned quickly and went to Andi instead.

Down in the sewers, Sky was getting ready to roll for the souls of the gamblers, get them to the Mission and so fulfill his marker to Sarah - hopefully winning her heart at the same time.

The one proviso Draco had made in taking the part of Sky, was 'no dancing'. In fact none of the boys had been very enthusiastic at the prospect, so Vincent had very cleverly choreographed a walking routine that had raised no objections, which the boys now did as Draco took centre stage and sang 'Luck be a lady tonight'.

All too quickly, the show came to its very happy ending. Everyone went on stage to take their bows.

After the second one, Andi, Vincent and Sylvia joined the cast on stage. As she took a bow, Andi's eyes scanned the audience and her heart skipped.

Sitting between Albus and Cornelius, where he couldn't possibly have just sneaked in for the end of the show, was Severus.

The cast launched into the encore as Andi's heart swelled. He was here! He'd come to see the show; after all his protests. After… last night. He was here!

"Call it sad, call it funny,

But it's better than even money,

That the guy's only doing it for some doll."

After-show party

"Great show, Professor."

"Thank you, Harry."

"That was really good, Miss."

"Thank you, Kevin. Have you seen Draco anywhere?"

She had spoken to the whole cast backstage after the show, and congratulated the main players individually during the party, all except Draco.

"Andrea, have some wine." Sylvia thrust a glass into her hand. "I never thought the little shits could pull it off but, bloody brilliant show."

"Thanks," she grinned. "They did well, didn't they? Is Draco around anywhere?"

"You looking for Malfoy, Miss?" asked a passing fifth year. "He's over there." He pointed to a corner near the stage.

Andi turned to look, and frowned. "Where?"

Sylvia put a hand on Andi's shoulder and moved closer, chuckling. "You see that solid wall of female flesh? Well, I think he's in the middle of it."

Andi laughed and walked over to where they'd been looking. There were girls everywhere, three-deep in some places. Giggling, simpering, every one bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

"Draco?"

Some of the girls turned to eye her suspiciously, but none was prepared to give up her place to let Andi through.

"Here, Professor." Draco looked over their heads and Andi had to hold back a laugh at the sight of his overwhelmed but delighted face.

"I just wanted to..." She looked at the girls, wondering if they really were going to force her to shout over their heads.

They were.

"I just wanted to say well done on a great performance."

"Thanks, Professor. I enjoyed it." He was jostled as the girls pressed closer. He grinned and raised his eyebrow at Andi. "I'm still enjoying it!"

They both laughed and Andi turned from them to look around the room.

Severus was nowhere to be seen.

Smiling outwardly while her heart plummeted, she wandered around the room, speaking to everyone. She passed Ginny Weasley in a heated conversation with a boy who could only have been her brother.

"...don't know what the hell you thought you were doing, prancing around half naked..."

"You didn't seem to mind the other girls being half naked. Luna said your eyes were on stalks, just like all the boys."

"I'm not talking about the other girls, I'm talking about my sister. You wait till mum hears about this."

"Mum all ready knows; I wrote and told her. All she said was, what a shame the basques were pink and would clash with my hair..."

Andi smiled and walked on.

Cornelius had been at the show. She would have expected to see him at the party. Albus was here though, and walking towards her.

"Andrea," he beamed. "It was a wonderful show. You must be very proud of them all."

"Yes I am. Very proud. They were great fun to work with."

He looked at her for a moment, his eyes twinkling over his glasses. "I wonder if I might have a word - in private?"

Oh Lord, how does he do it? she thought. He knows about my decision to leave. He knows I'm about to hand in my notice.

She took a great big gulp of wine, discarded her glass and followed him out of the hall.

I've bet my life on this roll

He led her to a room not far from the Hall and when she entered she got a shock. There, sitting in a squashy armchair next to the fireplace, was Cornelius, and there, standing by the window, his back to the room, was Severus.

Her heart pounded and her throat went dry. She didn't think she was up to seeing Severus in front of others just yet.

Both men turned as she entered the room. Severus' eyes captured her own and a great flurry of love, longing, pain and regret welled up inside her.

Cornelius stood up and came to her, his arms outstretched, demanding her attention which she reluctantly dragged away from Severus.

"My dear Granddaughter! I don't think I have ever enjoyed an entertainment more! You really are a most talented young woman."

"Thank you," she smiled, trying to look at him direct, while all the time keeping Severus in her sights, acutely aware of his presence. "But it was all down to the students. I just told them what to do - they were the ones who went out and did it." She looked at her grandfather. "You look very official," she said, taking in the gold embroidered sash he was wearing across his chest.

Then Albus walked into her line of vision and she saw that his robes had changed to a plum colour; an ornate 'W' in silver on the left side.

"What... are you both off to a meeting or something?"

"No, my dear," said Cornelius with a broad smile. "We are here in an official capacity. Dumbledore as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and myself as Minister for Magic."

Andi looked from one to the other, bemused.

Albus turned to the window. "Severus, would you care to take it from here?"

Severus hesitated and then moved to the centre of the room to face her as Albus and Cornelius retreated a few steps.

Andi looked at him. His face was paler than usual, there were beads of perspiration on his brow and he was clearly ill at ease.

"Andrea..." He stopped, swallowed and took a deep breath. "Although a very private matter, convention and wizard law oblige me, as the sole representative of the House of Snape, to make this presentation in front of official witnesses..."

She looked at him, completely confused. Why on earth was he talking to her like this? So... formally?

"You have often informed me I am not the easiest person to be around and... with the dangers that lie ahead, I will fully understand should you wish to refuse this gift."

He half turned as Albus stepped forward, a purple cushion in his hands and on it, a small oblong box covered in green leather. Severus picked it up.

He turned back to her and when he spoke again, his voice no longer had the official tone to it. Instead it was the soft, quiet voice he used when they were alone together.

"But I am daring to hope you might, before these witnesses, accept it." He held it out to her and she noticed his hand was not quite steady as she took the box from him.

She looked at him, completely bewildered, and then opened the lid. Inside, snuggled on a bed of purple silk, was a brass seal.

And then it dawned on her - they had arranged to present her with her own seal. She had expressed a desire for one many months ago, and now they were presenting her with this. How lovely and thoughtful of Severus to remember. Eager to see what crest they had chosen for her, she removed the seal from the box and turned it up to look at the base.

A viper wrapped around the Staff of Sucellus.

"The Snape family seal?" she whispered, looking up at him. "But... wha... I don't understand... surely only members of the Snape family may use it?"

"Yes," he said, looking at her apprehensively. "I... should be honoured if you would accept it as your own."

She stared down at the seal lying in her, now sweaty hands. She couldn't think clearly above the sudden pounding in her head. He wanted her to take his family seal? But... surely she would have to be a Snape to use it? She looked up at him, her face very hot, her heart hammering.

His eyes were the black velvet he so often used to look at her, but she had never before seen them looking nervous.

She placed the seal back in its box. "Is this because of last night?" she asked, quietly.

"No," he replied, almost in protest.

"Andrea," came Cornelius' voice from behind Severus. "It has taken a full working week to draw up the papers for a transfer of seal. Severus came to me last week to ask my permission - my being your Grandfather - to present it to you, and request that the papers were drawn up in time for tonight."

Andi digested this. Last week? Before her ultimatum, then.

Severus glanced back awkwardly at Albus and Cornelius. "Minister. Headmaster, would you mind...?"

Cornelius and Albus moved away, giving Andi and Severus some much needed privacy.

He looked at her.

"Being parted from you during the early half of this year made me realise that the only joy I have experienced in my adult life has been since you stumbled through that archway last July. You are the one person who has accepted me and - the Gods help you - loved me, and shown me what life could be like. I left your chambers last night feeling totally bereft; that I had lost something very rare.

"You made a declaration of love and yet your request was merely that we 'move in' together - something I had not considered nor would wish. I realised then how absurd I had been ever to imagine you would want anything more; that accepting my seal was too much to ask of you. I was determined this morning to cancel the presentation. I stand before you now because... the Minister urged me not to follow his own mistake by letting you go so easily."

He took her hand in his.

"I have all ready lost a mother, sister and daughter. I have no desire to lose the one remaining female I have ever cared about. And so, with every expectation of your refusing me..." He sank gracefully to one knee. "I most humbly ask...Andrea, please - will you marry me?"

Tears had been trickling down her face during his speech and her nose was now running in a most unromantic way, but she couldn't help it. With a huge sob, she spluttered, "Oh Severus, yes. Of course, yes..."

A/n - To put Severus on one knee or not? I deliberated a great deal since first drafting this chapter. In the end I decided he would go down on one knee, even though it may be OOC. These are my reasons: Andi had failed to say 'yes' on first being presented with the seal (his original, more 'in character' method of proposal) and I think he was feeling a little desperate, so the gesture of kneeling would be instinctive to that; and also I thought if he had been old-fashioned enough to seek Cornelius' permission before asking Andi to marry him, he might propose in the traditional way too. It also mirrored the last scene in Madness with the Bliss, which saw him on his knees. I hope I made the right decision.

2 - Andi not being able to get near Draco because of the admiring females was inspired by JK's account of trying to speak to Daniel Radcliffe after the POA Premier, and reporting something like 'the girls were not giving up their places, not even for a passing author...'

Thouandl - As you now know, Sev let the relationship end because he thought that living together was as far as Andi wanted to go. For all his intimidation, his confidence in asking her to marry him could be dashed very easily. A male friend once told me 'you don't ask that question unless you're fairly sure of the answer'!

Queen of the Faeries - I never knew there were words to the Adagio. I've only ever heard the strings and orchestra version. I tried looking on the net but found only The Doors. Is this where the words came from? I'm confused...and...

...The D&S thing was a one-off; and yes I agree there is something about Severus that begs it. As far as Severus' darkness is concerned, I think the events that have taken place sinceAndi's initial approach have eclipsed her worries and it is now a case of 'love conquers all'. Also, I am quite sure I couldn't measure up to the task if I attempted to write it. Thanks for pointing out that grammar mistake. I don't know why I do these things. I know it's 'raining', so why did I put the other? It's pure sloppiness, I'm afraid.

May-Luna - Thank you so much for posting the words to the Adagio. They are lovely - and how well they suit Andi and Severus. I've tried to listen to it on Amazon, but can't find a vocal version.

Emma Barrows - At least you can probably guess what the next chapter contains. Thanks so much for reviewing.

Spykedjadedragon - Hehehe - your review made me laugh. Don't be to harsh on yourself! Hope he wasn't too OOC for you in this chapter.

KristiM - What ego-boosting reviews you leave. Thankfully Cornelius stepped in, and thankfully Severus listened to advice for once.

Hysterically Insane Author - Hope that doesn't mean you think he is now OOC. Very difficult writing Severus in character when putting him in such a non-Severus situation such as the one above.

Helena Oe - No probs. Glad you liked the title - borrowed I know, but it fitted nicely (thankfully there is no copyright in a title - sheesh!). Yes, the split was kind of cliché, but all's well now.

Mark Darcy - Ouch! I am overwhelmed and a little scared by the force of your review. I wondered if I should respond in private by email, but didn't want to impose; so here with a very deep breath and nothing but good will, is the longest response to a review I've ever made:

When I mentioned that last chapter was not my fault, what I meant was that in any romantic fiction, the couple always reach a breaking point just before they get together for ever (no matter what has gone before. I'd point to Rhett and Scarlet or Romeo and Juliet, but look how they ended up). I have never written a story of this length before (together with Madness with the Bliss it is around 100,000 words) and for better or worse I looked to my mentors and followed their rules. (Actually, I've heard that sometimes when an author is really into the characters, the characters can start thinking for themselves. It's only happened to me once (during MwtB) and I have to say it's a fascinating feeling. I started off writing a chapter, knowing where I was going, but Andi and Severus' dialogue began to change course as I wrote and they ended up in an entirely different situation to how I'd planned. However, that is entirely beside the point, as I did plan this hitch.)

I could have had Severus proposing that night (I know how I would have written it), but I wanted the Show to happen first, and also to indicate (eventually) just how little confidence Severus had about proposing, that it could be squashed so easily (he was always going to use the seal to propose - way back in chapter ten I knew this); and to have Andi forcing an issue for once.

The 'abuse' to which you refer - I'm not sure if you mean his attitude in general or the D&S business. I think he has been behaving, on the whole, in a dignified, respectful and caring way towards Andi in not sleeping with her until his annulment, sharing an interest in the music she plays and spending all their spare time together. I wanted to use the 'celebacy time' for them to grow closer and learn to be in each other's company again without resorting to sex. (I also imagined he had issues of his own to contend with - if it had been Andi who had been forced into sex we would have sympathised had she been hesitant about resuming relations. I also think he might, for a while, have thought of Andi's body a little differently after she'd lost the baby. As the story is from Andi's pov, and Severus doesn't speak about his feelings, we couldn't know. Without going into detail, I drew from experience during some of the darker episodes in this story, and my heart was with them both throughout.).

As for the spanking and the 'whore talk' - it's Andi who wants him to do it because it arouses her - he'd never done it before. He saw that in her eyes and is just giving her what she wants, just as she wears certain shoes to please him. The trust in each other that promotes is quite important, I think.

I really couldn't see Andi as the type to play the Dominatrix (I do concede, it is sometimes the person who is dominant in the outside world who wishes to be dominated in the bedroom and although the vision is wonderfully humorous, I can't see Severus in that role - at least, not in this fic). I wanted to bring some spice into the bedroom rather than the routine 'him on top/her on top' scenario, and I'm sorry that something I considered merely a juicy way to expand Andi and Sev's trust and closeness, has angered you. I apologise if I'm guilty of bad judgement.

I try extremely hard to please my readers - especially in this story where I have so few. You have no idea how important every single reader is to me, how much the story line has changed and been remoulded because of certain reviews, and I get upset if I think I have displeased one of you in any way - obviously yourself on this occasion. I think we both approached that last chapter from entirely different angles. As an indication of how much I care what my readers think, I'd like you to know that in respect of your last review, I am planning to rewrite the opening scene of next week's chapter. The D&S was a one-off scene, it didn't appear again,but the opening of the next chapter had contained a conversation between Andi and Liz about it - but I'm going to pull it - and shall have great fun writing a new scene - I think I know what I'm going to do.

You are one of my most valued readers and I always enjoy receiving your reviews (well, perhaps not that last one so much, but I can't expect roses all the way). Has my attempt at explaining my thoughts made sense - even if you don't agree with them? I hope you will continue to read and that you'll enjoy the remaining three chapters.I suppose it all rests on what you think of this present chapter but... I hope we're still fanfic friends. Lots of love, Severusgirl.