Well, here we are at the very final chapter. I have to admit to being very sad at letting it go - but I feel comfortable that I'm sending them off into the sunset now. I have left notes for you all at the end, but you know I won't be able to respond to your reviews for this chapter. I just want to say a very big thank you to all of you for staying with the story and caring about Andi. Your reviews have meant so much to me, and I will keep them in the folder with the paper version of this story - so your names will be with me always. Thank you so much. I shall miss you all so much. Love and hugs, Severusgirl.
Many, many thanks to my betareader, JessiokaFroka for all her help throughout this entire story.
I'd like to get The Scribe's Crystal posted before the new book comes out, so if you see frantic updating on that story, you'll know I'm working to a deadline! It's already been written, so all I have to do is post it.
EPILOGUE THREE
FATHER OF THE BRIDE
Andi was soaking in a hot bubble bath. After the stress of the last fifteen hours, she needed to relax.
Severus' message had managed to catch up with Vincent at Kuala Lumpur, and dear, dear Vincent, after eight excruciatingly agonizing hours, had been able to locate Noel - as suspected, in Tasmania - and was at this moment floo-ing him back to Hogwarts. They were expected back tomorrow morning.
Imogen had calmed down knowing Noel was in safe hands, although she was still very jittery. Andi had left her talking with Severus, to come and have a long soak.
She had a jar of tiny silver balls at the side of the bath, intent on de-hairing herself for tomorrow and had just finished under her arms when she looked up to see Severus leaning against the door frame, watching her.
"Imogen has gone to bed," he told her. "I have given her a mild sleeping potion."
"Good idea. Is Esther home yet?"
"Yes, she came in a few moments ago." He came and sat on the edge of the bath. "I also looked in on Phoebe - she is fast asleep."
"Thank you." She smiled at him. "So, all's right with the world - why don't you join me?"
"I hesitate to agree all is well," he said moments later, as his naked body sank beneath the bubbles. "Our missing Bridegroom will be lucky to arrive in time for the wedding."
"You didn't tell Imogen that, did you?"
"No, but I believe it has occurred to her."
As he spoke he dipped his hand into the jar of silver balls, raised her left foot to his shoulder and began smoothing the mixture over her lower leg.
"Mmmmm, that's nice," she sighed, as his hands massaged the jelly over her shin, up to her knee, round the back to her calf and then down to her ankles. She then watched as he took the little wooden spatula and began scraping the mixture off - making her legs smooth for the next few months. He had never done this for her before, although he had watched her do it many times. His movements were slow, firm and steady. The concentration and fascination on his face as he did this was strangely sensual.
As he finished, he kissed her toes before lowering her leg back into the water. He looked up at her and she could tell by his eyes he knew exactly what this was doing to her.
"The other one?" he invited, and a thrill of anticipation ran through her as she brought her right foot out to rest on his shoulder for him to repeat the action.
This time, as he finished, he dropped the spatula on the side of the bath and let his hand travel further up her leg, his lips making their way from her toes to her ankle and along her calf.
"Actually," she said through the constriction in her throat - every nerve she possessed below the waterline paying close attention to his hand. "There's no hair on my inner thigh."
"Just as well, since there is no cream on my hand." His hand traveled even further up, cupping between her legs, a finger disappearing between her folds.
She gasped and closed her eyes, giving in to the wonderful sensations he was causing, and then he took her arm and pulled her to him, caressing her back as her knees slipped either side of his hips. They kissed deeply, slowly, their bodies pressing ever closer.
"All three... are in... bed, you say?"
"Yesss," he murmured against her lips.
"Mmmmmmm..."
Andi woke especially early the next morning. It took her only seconds to realise what day this was. Leaving a sleeping Severus, she went to the living room.
"What the...?"
"Oh Mum, we thought you'd be up soon. Is Dad still asleep?"
Imogen and Esther were sorting out the breakfast table in near silence. Phoebe was in her highchair, managing to get some cereal into her mouth, but quite a lot in her hair.
"Yes," Andi replied, going to Phoebe and kissing the top of her head, then helping her with her cereal. "Esther, you got out of bed voluntarily? Imogen, how are you?"
"Oh I'm fine," she said, looking calm and collected, a bright smile on her face. "I've had a note from Noel saying they've just left Rome, which means they're still cutting it fine for the wedding, but I don't care! They're on their way."
Esther walked past Andi, a steaming cup of coffee in her hand.
"Where are you going with that?" Andi asked.
"I'm taking it in to Dad."
Andi stared blankly at Esther for a moment. The girls never did that sort of thing unless... "Are you having one of your 'be-nice-to-Sevvie' days?"
"After finding out what he did, about Lestrange..." said Esther.
"And helping get Noel back..." said Imogen.
"Oh look, girls," Andi pulled out a chair and sat. "You mustn't go on about the Lestrange business. Your father doesn't want to be reminded of it, that's why he put it in the Pensive."
"Don't worry, we won't say a... Morning, Dad!"
Andi turned as Severus came out of the bedroom and made for his usual seat at the table, mumbling his greetings.
"Morning, Daddy," Imogen beamed at him.
"You have news?"
"Yes, they've just left Rome," she replied.
Severus raised his eyebrow. "Full marks to your future husband if he is able to drag Bellchambers from the land of Tiberius and Caligula."
"Severus, not in front of Phoebe!" chuckled Andi. "He is her godfather."
Phoebe looked up upon hearing her name. "Nice to Sevvie." She beamed at her father, and then tipped her bowl up to show him. "All gone!" she said triumphantly, splashing milk and cereal over her highchair.
The hour of the wedding approached. Imogen was now a bag of nerves, despite Severus giving her a calming draft.
Severus had retreated to his study, Esther had gone to have her bath and get ready and Phoebe was playing quietly in a corner with her toy castle, when there came a shave-and-a-haircut knock on the door.
"Vincent!" Andi exclaimed as she opened the door.
Imogen squealed with delight and threw herself at Vincent as he came into the room. "Oh Gods/I'm so glad you're here/Is everything OK/Where's Noel/Isn't he with you?/Is he alright?/Can I see him?"
Vincent giggled as he hugged Imogen. "He's here, Petal, he's here. He just needs to get ready - there's not much time and... well, I have to warn you... he got a teensie bit sun burnt in Tasmania, so he's gone to see Poppy about it. Nothing to worry about." Vincent let go of Imogen to hug Andi. "He's as red as a hooker's fanny at a locker-room piss-up," he whispered to her, before raising his voice again. "Now, where's that goddaughter of mine, Phoebe?"
"Is here!"
"No! You're not Phoebe," he said. "Phoebe is a little baby, not a big girl like you."
Phoebe's eyes shone. "Is Phoebe!"
"Well just look at you!" Vincent picked her up and swung her high in the air. "You're so big! And look, I've brought you something all the way from Australia." He produced a fluffy toy koala bear from one of his pockets. "His name is Sid."
Phoebe's face lit up as she took the toy and hugged it to her.
"Do I get a thank you kiss? Good girl."
"Mum, my dress is gone!"
Everyone turned as Esther came screeching into the room in her bathrobe.
"Gone? What do you mean, 'gone'?"
"I mean it's gone! I put it on the bed while I went in the bathroom to get ready, and now it's gone. Oh, hi Vincent."
"Esther! Go and say 'hello' properly," scolded Andi.
Esther went to Vincent and gave him a peck on the cheek.
"Are you sure you put it on the bed and it isn't still in the wardrobe?" suggested Andi.
"Tch, I'm not stupid. I double checked. I know I put it on the bed and I know..." Esther's words died as she stared at the corner of the room where Phoebe had been playing. Her eyes opened wide and her mouth fell open as she gasped, "What the fuck...?"
"Esther!"
Esther strode over to the corner, bent down and picked up a toy troll which had been clothed in scarlet and black. She stared at it in disbelief. "My... my dress! She's shrunk my dress and put it...on a troll!"
"Is pretty trowl," beamed Phoebe, one arm around Vincent's neck, the other clutching the bear.
Andi saw Esther's eyes narrow at Phoebe.
"Just a minute, Missy," she said, stepping up to Esther. "Before you put the evil eye on Phoebe, remember who taught her the shrinking spell."
"I didn't!"
"No? How about that teacher's gown you shrunk to fit her the other day? Did you do that in front of her?"
Esther's face froze, then collapsed in defeat. "Something's got to be done about her," she seethed, stomping back to her room and slamming the door.
Everything was ready.
Esther and Phoebe had gone on ahead. Andi and Imogen were in Imogen's room.
"How do I look?"
Imogen stood in front of the full-length mirror, an almost floor-length cascade of flowers in one hand, whilst the other smoothed over the skirt of the dress.
Andi couldn't speak for a moment. Her eyes misted over. She blinked back the tears.
"Beautiful," she said, hearing her voice wobble. "Beautiful and perfect."
"It's such a lovely dress," said Imogen. "It deserves a second wedding."
"It isn't the dress that's beautiful," Andi told her. "It's the woman who's wearing it. I'm so proud of you."
Andi kissed her daughter lightly on the cheek, and decided to leave before she became too emotional.
Severus was waiting in the living room. He was dressed as he had been on their own wedding day, in the brocade frock coat (which, admittedly, had had to be let out a few inches). In the cuffs of his shirt, just visible under the velvet cuff of the coat, were the silver and emerald cufflinks Imogen had presented to him just this morning.
He turned to Andi and she went to him.
"All set," she said. "Are you ready?"
"As I shall ever be to give away my daughter. Perhaps a different expression should be found."
Andi kissed him, wishing she could cradle his heart which must be aching right now.
"Promise you'll stay dressed in that coat tonight," she murmured, and felt his lip curl against hers before they kissed again.
"I'm going," she told him. "I'll see you shortly."
"Daddy?"
They both turned to see Imogen standing, radiant, in the doorway.
Andi smiled at the stunned expression on Severus' face as he gazed at his daughter. He swallowed hard, and his eyes began to shine.
Andi left them alone.
Making sure Esther had control of Phoebe, who was showing off her 'best knickers', Andi wandered up the aisle greeting colleagues, friends and former pupils. She wasn't prepared for the wave of emotion that hit her as she hugged Liz. ("Can't believe we're at your daughter's wedding" "How did we get to this day?" "My own goddaughter- a bride!")
"Hi, Bruno." Andi leaned over to kiss the, still fit and handsome Quidditch Manager. "And boys..." Andi beamed at Liz's two sons, Robbie, who was sixteen and Andi's godson, and twelve year old Brooklyn.
Liz took Andi's arm and turned her away from her family.
"I have to warn you," she whispered. "Robbie's got the hots for Esther. I've told him she'd mash him to a pulp, but he's undeterred."
Andi flicked her eyes to the ever developing Robbie. Liz's boys had never been skinny. Always in the 'A' team, their sporting pursuits ensured their physiques would develop just like their father's.
With his crystal blue eyes, dark blonde wavy hair and solid frame, Robbie exuded a healthy, outdoor life-style - a complete opposite to the skinny, sinewy, body-pierced boys Esther preferred to hang around with.
"Well, you never know," she whispered back. "They're teenagers - completely unpredictable. Though I have to say, I agree with you. I think she'll shoot him down if he tries anything."
Genevieve was resplendent in apple green and pearls, and managed to angle her head to kiss Andi, despite the enormous picture hat she was wearing.
"Where's Rupert?" Andi frowned, looking at the empty seat next to her mother.
"Oh darling, I've told him he must sit at the back- you know how he is these days with his trips to the washroom. I don't want him interrupting the proceedings."
Her mother's marriage to Rupert Sinclair had lasted almost five years before a paternity suit was brought against him by a young singer he had represented as Manager.
Shattered, Genevieve had sought revenge with an affair of her own, divorced Rupert and married the ageing Count Antonio of Florence (which is why the girls grew up calling her by the Italian 'Nona'). This marriage had lasted four years, until the Count had died. Genevieve and Rupert were reunited, and remarried.
The fact that Genevieve had been willing to give up her beloved title of 'Countess' in order to remarry Rupert, convinced Andi that her mother had finally rid herself of whatever demons had plagued her earlier life, and now found herself settled and in love.
"Oh darling, I must tell you, Rupert is very keen to hear Esther's band. He even mentioned signing them up if they're good-"
"Rupert said that, did he?" interrupted Andi, inviting Genevieve to tell the truth. These were certainly not Rupert's words.
"Oh well what I mean is, it was my idea that he sign them up, but still, awfully exciting, don't you think?"
"What I think is that Esther has an education to complete before she even begins to consider anything like that."
"Tsk, darling. If they're good, we don't want some other Manager snapping them up, do we?"
"Trust me," said Andi, fully aware her tone now resembled one of Severus'. "She's going nowhere for the next two years at least, and I would appreciate you not saying anything to her about it. We have enough trouble with her as it is."
Genevieve pouted. "Oh very well, if you insist. My lips are sealed - but I do believe you're being rather a spoilsport."
Andi turned away and spotted Noel.
She felt her skin prickle at the sight of him.
He was orange.
"This is the best Madam Pomfrey could do," he whined. "Do you think Imogen will notice?"
"Erm..." Andi tried to smile reassuringly.
Notice? They could probably see him all the way down in Hogsmeade!
Luckily she was distracted by Noel's family introducing themselves.
Then- there was Imogen and Severus arriving. Andi went to them.
"Good luck, darling- you look beautiful." She turned to Severus and, squeezing his hand she mouthed, "I love you", before taking her place down at the front.
In a break with British tradition, it had been decided that Phoebe, because she was so young and on her own, would walk in front of the bride, where they could keep an eye on her.
As the music began to play, she toddled up the aisle in front of Imogen and Severus, just as she had been rehearsed, clutching her little basket of flowers. Then she caught sight of Vincent and stopped dead to wave and giggle at him - bringing the bridal procession to a halt.
A ripple of laughter went through the congregation.
"Phoebe," called Andi, in a loud stage whisper, crouching down and holding out her arms, and Phoebe went speeding forward, propelling herself into Andi's arms.
They were there; it was happening. Severus gave his daughter in marriage and then sat next to Andi, taking her hand and not letting go until the end of the ceremony.
White tablecloths and silver cutlery; bone china and sparkling crystal; floral table decorations and a great deal of chatter and laughter.
Imogen was radiant.
Noel was still orange.
Esther was behaving herself, although Andi had heard some very unattractive snorts of laughter coming from her direction. Amazingly, she seemed to be laughing with Robbie, who had managed to swap the place-cards in order to sit next to her.
Phoebe's attention was devoted entirely to her strawberry ice-cream, a great deal of which was smeared over her face. Andi was just wiping it off with a napkin when there was a chink of cutlery on glass.
"Pray silence for the Father of the Bride."
There was an instant hush. Andi's heart quickened. She hadn't seen the final speech.
Phoebe climbed onto Andi's lap, her thumb in her mouth.
Severus stood.
After casting his eyes over the guests seated at their tables, he began:
"Some of you will be unaware that Imogen is officially recognised as the first child born in victory. She has recently celebrated her twentieth birthday, which therefore marked twenty years of peace; of living without the oppressive fear those of us who are old enough, remember so well.
"As a child born as evilness died, she seems to me the very embodiment of all we fought for; a symbol of peace, harmony and love. She has grown into a young woman with a caring, nurturing heart. The kind of person who would quite happily spend her weekends with Madam Pomfrey in the Hospital Wing, helping to care for patients often much older than herself. The kind of person who would bring home all manner of stray cats, dogs and injured birds; keeping Hagrid in full time employment.
"When Noel first asked me for Imogen's hand in marriage, I have to admit to... reservations. Twenty was surely too young to make such a life-changing decision. She had not yet finished her studies, or had an opportunity to experience the world. My initial reaction was to refuse. Then, with the help of my dear wife Andrea, I realised... that you have to let your daughter go. To lead her own life.
"I have never known Imogen make an irresponsible decision, even though she is driven by her emotions- a trait she shares with her Mother- and I know that her decision to marry Noel may be an emotional one, but it is also a responsible one. During the past few weeks I have grown confident that I have handed my daughter over to a young man who will care for her, love her and cherish her- and if she brings Noel the love, joy and happiness she has given Andrea and myself over the past twenty years, then he is indeed a very fortunate man.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, your presence here today is a tribute to the love and affection in which you hold Imogen and Noel. Andrea and I thank you for that, and for joining us today.
"I ask that you charge your glasses and join me in a toast- to Imogen and Noel."
"Fancy a dance, gorgeous?"
Vincent came slinking up behind Andi and slipped his arms around her waist.
She and Severus were standing talking to Noel's parents- a very cozy couple, very touchy-feelie with each other. He was as tall as Noel; she was more or less the same proportions as Imogen.
Mrs. Musslewhite seemed to have lost the power of speech when introduced to Severus for the first time, and although she was trying hard to be gracious, it was clear she wanted to run. She now stood with her husband firmly ensconced between herself and Severus, giving him nervous glances every now and then.
"Of course," Andi smiled, turning to Vincent and bringing him into the circle. "Charles, Rhoda; this is Vincent Bellchambers- the man who found Noel and brought him back from Tasmania."
The couple shook hands with Vincent and expressed their gratitude.
Severus stepped forward.
"Vincent." He held out his hand. "My deepest thanks also."
"Oh," said a startled Vincent. "Well, thank you, but it was no problem. I'd always planned to visit Tasmania- just never got around to it."
"It meant everything to Imogen. I would not have her upset."
"Of course."
The two men regarded each other as they shook hands.
"Vinnie..."
They all looked down at Phoebe who was tugging at Vincent's jacket.
"What is it, Sweetie?"
Phoebe took hold of the skirt of her dress and lifted it. "Is best knickers!"
Everyone but Severus laughed. Vincent scooped Phoebe up in his arms.
"They're beautiful- just like you. Are you going to marry me when you grow up?"
Phoebe chuckled and shook her head. "Phoebe marry Daddy!" She launched herself forward in Severus' direction and he caught her, taking her from Vincent.
"You can't marry your Daddy," smiled Charles, giving Phoebe a tickle under the arm. "You have to marry your boyfriend. Who's your boyfriend?"
Phoebe's face lit up. "Jamie!"
"Jamie?" Severus gave a sharp look at Andi.
"Umm... just one of her little friends from Play Group," Andi laughed, nervously.
Oh God!
"Jamie... as in James?" he said, his voice hardening. "Potter's boy?"
"Jamie Potter!" cooed Phoebe, clapping her hands together.
"Er... I think so, yes. Vincent- how about that dance..."
Vincent led Andi to the dance floor to the sounds of the string quartet playing, and Phoebe's distant voice chanting 'Ja-mie Potter, Ja-mie Potter'.
"Still hung-up about the Potters?"
"As ever. The name leaves his lips as though he's spitting poison from his mouth. I knew there'd be trouble if he found out Phoebe was friends with little Jamie."
They continued to dance.
"He seems a nice chap- Noel."
"Oh yes, he's lovely. Severus is right, he will look after Imogen. Heaven help him if he doesn't!"
"So they plan to start a school- do you think there'd be a job for me?"
Andi looked up in surprise at Vincent. "You're coming back here? But... I thought you were looking to settle down with Edith."
Vincent had spent the last three years in a relationship with the well-known Canadian opera singer, Dame Edith Ellis. They had been traveling the globe, on tour with her Company.
"I was. She said once they'd played their final date in Sydney we could look for somewhere permanent to live but... well, it's never going to happen. Touring is in her blood, and quite honestly, I've had enough."
"Oh Vincent. I am sorry."
He shrugged.
"I'm not terribly upset- although I shall miss the frocks," he said, looking wistful. "It was all about her- she is such a diva. I didn't mind at first, but I now want some 'me' time, you know? With someone who'll allow me to be the diva for a change. So, I'm looking for a job and a new relationship. You're not going to be available sometime soon, are you?" He grinned and squeezed her to him.
"No, I'm not!" she laughed.
"Shame. I'm very versatile, you know."
"A bit too versatile. I'll stick with my straight husband, thank you."
"You do love him, don't you."
She smiled a warm smile. "Yes. Yes I do."
Vincent sighed. "Pity."
A little while later, Andi was hunting around for her family. She eventually found Severus sitting outside on the stone steps. His wand was raised and bubbles were issuing from the end, whilst Phoebe, shrieking with delight, zapped them with a spell from her finger.
Andi went and sat next to him. "I thought we'd agreed not to teach her any spells." She smiled.
"This one is harmless enough," he replied. "Excellent practice for precision aiming and focusing skills. Also very useful for killing flies."
Andi linked her arm in his and watched Phoebe for a while.
"I want Mr. Fulgeo to take a photo of the girls with their godparents. Have you seen Imogen or Esther anywhere?"
Severus looked up and nodded in the direction of the lake, where the two girls were wandering back towards the castle.
"Where on earth have they been?" said Andi in surprise. It was years since Esther had allowed Imogen to share her time like this.
"I have no idea."
"Well, let's get them inside and have this photo taken. Mr. Fulgeo wants to go home..."
"Madam Imogen, if you would kindly be standing just there..." Mr. Fulgeo manoeuvred Imogen into the correct spot. "And godmother, please you stand just... there..."
Liz stood next to Imogen, as directed; Sylvia stood next to Esther.
"Where's Vincent?" said Andi, looking around.
"Chatting up one of Noel's cousins," said Esther. "Here he is."
There was a little cheer as Vincent came scuttling along.
"And poof! There appeared the fairy godmother," quipped Liz, and squealed as Vincent went behind her and grabbed her bottom.
"Be careful my dearest Lizzie, or I shall turn you into a pumpkin. And I can, you know!"
"Vincent you pick Phoebe up, that's it. Now all look at Mr. Fulgeo and say 'Wedding Cake'..."
There was a huge flash.
"Wonderful."
"Ze last picture I wish is of Madam Imogen and Monsieur Noel to cut the cake. Madam Imogen, do you have your bouquet? I wish it to be in front of the cake."
"Oh." said Imogen, blushing. "I didn't realise I would be needing it again."
"Oh Imogen, you haven't thrown it all ready have you?" said Andi, disappointed she'd missed it.
"No, I... well, I hope you don't mind, Mum, but... um... Ess and I have just been to put it on Josephine's grave."
Of all the emotions Andi had felt during the day, nothing could have prepared her for the sharp pain and overwhelming love she felt at that moment.
Speechless, she gathered the two girls to her, and hugged them; her eyes brimming.
Esther's band had played for an hour.
Severus had actually stayed in the room to listen and watch as Esther strutted her stuff on stage. The sound wasn't to her parents' taste, but there was still pride in their daughter's work. She had written most of the songs herself.
Now the band was resting, getting ready for the midnight stint. Until then, a different band was playing- supplied by Rupert. Their music was more middle-of-the-road, which meant quite a few older guests had found the confidence to take to the dance floor.
Phoebe had been allowed to stay up until she dropped, and that moment had arrived. She was now very scratchy and tearful. Andi was carrying her towards the door, when Phoebe spotted Vincent.
"Want Vinnie," she cried, holding her arms out towards him.
He took her from Andi and she snuggled into his shoulder.
"I'll put her to bed if you like."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, you go off and enjoy yourself..."
Andi searched for Severus and found Liz instead, slightly disheveled, draining a glass of wine and then replenishing it from an almost empty bottle.
"I hope you've been sharing that bottle," laughed Andi.
"S'mine. I need it. I've just caught your son and my daughter... no... my daughter..." Liz waved, exasperated. "Robbie and Esther snogging."
"Really? That is a surprise."
"No... more than snogging; making-out..."
"What! What did you say to them?"
"I did what any responsible mother'd do- I told him to take precautions."
"WHAT! Where are they?" Andi made to move away, but Liz pulled her back.
"I was joking. I broke them up and spoiled their fun."
"Huh, if I know my daughter, she'll find a way."
"If I know my son, he'll let her."
They looked at each other.
"'s gotta happen sometime," shrugged Liz.
"They're only sixteen!"
"So was I, remember?"
Andi put her hands to her eyes.
"And I've got some news f'you," Liz continued. "I've just had a very strange conversation with your mother. We were comparing notes... trying to find out which of us has had the most lovers. Don't ask me how it started coz I don't know- but anyway, she won (by quite a long way, actually), but I gained bonus points coz I've slept with Muggles and. She. Never. Has!" Liz let that statement float in the air whilst Andi digested it. "Which means..."
"My father must have been a wizard," said Andi in a daze.
Andi left Liz and continued her search for Severus, with more purpose than previously. She eventually found him on a bench behind some shrubbery just beyond the Castle doors, his head back, eyes closed, legs stretched out before him and crossed at the ankles.
She stared open mouthed for a moment before, "Severus! You're... you're smoking!"
He jumped guiltily at the sound of her voice and immediately threw down the cigarette, extinguishing it with a twist of his shoe.
"You don't smoke!"
"Really woman, if you will sneak up on people..." He got to his feet.
"Since when do you...? You've never... You don't smoke!"
"A little louder- a few people in Edinburgh may not have heard." He looked at her. "I have the occasional cigarette when I am stressed..."
"Quite a few a day then."
His eyes narrowed. "I believe it amounts to a dozen a year. Certainly one before the beginning of each new term, and never indoors."
She chuckled. "Where have you been hiding them?"
"These are not mine. If you must know, I confiscated them from Esther when I discovered her sharing them with your godson.
Ah.
Andi thought it best to cancel this conversation before he went on.
"Anyway, I came to see if you fancied a stroll." She smiled, holding out her hand.
Together they walked lazily across the lawn towards the lake.
The moonlight glittered on the water, the stars twinkled in the sky and strains of 'Embraceable You' drifted across from the hall.
"I've always thought the lake romantic," she sighed, and rested her head on his chest as her arms slipped around his waist. "Even when I first arrived here, I remember standing on the balcony outside the Music Room, watching the sunlight glittering over the water."
There was a comfortable silence between them as they both looked out over the lake. He rested his cheek on the top of her head.
"Did you really dance with me here that night- the night we first slept together?" She looked up at him.
His lip quirked. "After all these years you ask? Does it matter?"
"No. Just curious. It scares the hell out of me how close I came to returning to the Muggle world that summer."
He caressed her cheek and tilted her face up to look at him. "Not as much as it scares me." His eyes were shining.
She went on tiptoes and met him midway as they kissed; a long, warm, loving kiss, that tasted of champagne rather than cigarettes.
"And here we are, twenty-two years later, at our daughter's wedding," she beamed. "Do you realise, theoretically, this time next year we could be grandparents."
"I really must silence you at this point..." His lips met hers and she melted against him, her heart beating fast. He could still do it - after all these years, he could still reduce her to a quivering pool of ecstasy.
"Severus?" she sighed.
"Hmmm," he murmured, trailing kisses behind her ear and down her neck.
"That money we have in Gringott's- is there enough to divide into three?"
"Two. Imogen has the castle, remember."
"Three." She beamed up at his puzzled face. "Three," she repeated, placing her hand on her stomach.
His eyes opened wide as they followed the direction of her hand. "Andrea?"
"It appears you're getting forgetful in your middle years," she smiled. He stared at her, his mouth open. "You don't mind, do you?" she said, suddenly worried.
And then his face relaxed and softened. "Another beauty to add to my collection? Never." He ran his fingers through her hair as he bent to kiss her again.
"It might be a boy," she said, as they broke apart.
He considered. "That would take some getting used to," he smirked. His arm slipped around her shoulder, as hers went around his waist. "However... we must ensure this is the very last addition, or I shall feel obliged to change the family name to 'Weasley'."
He gave her one of his rare smiles and then together they strolled back to the Castle;
Back to the celebrations;
And back to the heart of their family.
THE VERY END.
A/N - I think they are going to be very happy. They'll have lots of grandchildren who they'll love to bits. They'll probably both live to a very old age and Severus will be very cranky in his old age, but Andi will know how to deal with him. They will be very devoted and probably die within days of each other.
For those of you who may have wondered - Liz's sons are named after Robbie Williams, British Pop Artist (not made it in the US yet, I think), and David and Victoria Beckham's son, Brooklyn. I thought she was the type.
My thanks to Kerichi for supplying me with the 'fairy godmother' quip. You might like to take a peep at her Snape story 'Don't Call Me Daddy', in which Severus prepares for fatherhood.
Emma Barrows - Thanks for your review, as always.
Aurora Delora - What a lovely review. Thank you so much. I think I've taken Andi's story as far as I can - and with the new HP book coming out soon, I'm sure it will give us fanfic authors fresh facts to play with.
Thouandl - Thanks. Hmmm. Stag Nights can sometimes get a little out of hand, can't they. Thank goodness for Vincent, once again. Thouandl, I think you are probably my longest-standing reader. Thank you so much for supporting me through this story. I have really enjoyed your company throughout. lol.
Mark Darcy - Vincent wouldn't miss a wedding now, would he? As for Noel's friends - typical Stag behaviour by all accounts.
josie - Well, here's the wedding, and I think Severus managed to behave himself.
Music is my Muse - Yeah well, of course I meant the fifth book. My powers of prediction are not that good! Yes, I believe Emma Thompson and AR are good friends. Vincent is bisexual - he likes to have as many options as possible. Severus and Andi don't use Snape Towers, so I thought I'd put it to another use. (For holidays, Andi and Liz sometimes meet up in Bruno's parents' second home in Cornwall, so the children have a beach holiday.)
Kerichi - I guess realistically he would have told Andi earlier about Bella, but I wanted to do it this way so you would all see the revelation. You have to admit it was a darn sight more interesting than 'years ago, when Severus had killed Bellatrix...'! Special thanks to you, Kerichi, for all your reviews and messages. You were not far behind Thousandl as my longest-standing reviewer. lol.
Helena Oe - I'm amazed that Esther is liked as much as she is. I thought Phoebe was going to steal the show. I don't think Esther's going to be too impressed with Andi's news, but I think Robbie is going to keep her mind occupied for some time. Helena Oe, you've been with me a very long time. Thank you so much for your support. lol.
May-Luna - Never fear - Vincent is here. The hero of the hour gets Noel back in time for the wedding.
AND thanks to anyone who may have read this story but not left a review. I hope you enjoyed reading. lol.