Disclaimers: Please see Chapters 1 and 2 for all disclaimers

Thank you…

Mercury Gray… So you like Tonks smashed? I had a good time writing her a little tipsy.

Evenstar Elanor… "Perfectly hilarious." Why thank you!

Wyall Jared… The wedding is just about here, but you'll need a wee bit more patience, my friend.

Chapter 9: Solitary Stag

Severus came out of Slytherin House and pulled his cloak up around his ears to ward off the cold fall wind. Jeremy Thorne smiled and extended his hand.

"It's good to see you Severus. I'm delighted you asked me to officiate your wedding," he said as they shook hands. His long white beard wagged as he spoke. "Albus will be along in a moment."

"Albus?"

"Oh. I visited with the Headmaster for a time before I came here. I told him I was taking you out for a drink and invited him to join us. I didn't think it would be a problem…"

"No," said Severus even though he didn't mean it. "It isn't a problem. Just unexpected."

"Oh, good." Jeremy sounded relieved. "This isn't a proper send-off before your wedding, but…"

Severus narrowed his eyes. The last thing he wanted was to be out with a bunch of virtual strangers all toasting his future happiness. He would have been quite happy to stay home by himself and read a book. Jeremy read the look instantly.

"Don't worry Severus. There are no surprises waiting for you."

Severus managed a grumbled, 'good,' and a few moments later, Dumbledore arrived. They vanished, reappearing Hogsmeade, and made their way to Madame Rosmerta's. Knowing what the next day would bring, Rosmerta brought them a round of FireWiskey on the house and wished Severus well. He replied with a terse thank you.

After a time, however, he lost himself in the conversation at the table. It had been a long time since he had spent any time with Jeremy and realized he'd missed the sharp intellectual debates they'd shared. Adding Dumbledore's keen wit to the mix only improved the repartee. They talked about teaching and the newest insights into potion making and even in divination, although that was a subject Severus had little interest in. The perspectives Jeremy offered challenged how he thought and he was willing to challenge them right back.

Finally, Jeremy asked, "Are you nervous about tomorrow?"

"About tomorrow? No," answered Severus.

"And what about the day after that?" Jeremy steepled his fingers and watched. A flicker of insecurity flickered across Severus' face and he covered it immediately, but both Jeremy and Dumbledore saw it.

"You'll be fine," said Jeremy. "I've yet to join a wizard and a witch together who weren't a little nervous going in. You both seem to understand each other, and you're obviously in love. You'll be fine."

"I'm sure we will be…" The skin around Severus' eyes wrinkled.

"Not obvious in that you're wearing your heart on your sleeve, as they say," interrupted Dumbledore, "but if one watches carefully, you can see how you both feel about each other."

"Egads," said Jeremy. "Look at the hour. We'd best get the bridegroom back home. He needs some sleep before the big day."

They thanked Rosmerta for her hospitality and headed out the door. They reached the little inn where Jeremy was staying first, and then Severus and Dumbledore walked back to Hogwart's together. They reached the stairs that lead to Slytherin House and Snape turned to face Dumbledore.

"Thank you for joining us tonight, Headmaster. I… enjoyed myself."

Dumbledore put his hand on Snape's shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I know it's been hard for you, Severus. Learning to trust enough to offer your heart to someone takes a great leap of faith."

Severus looked at his shoes, up at the stars, anywhere but at Dumbledore lest the Headmaster see the worry swimming in his eyes. Albus squeezed his shoulder again.

"Always remember how much you love Serena and how much she loves you. You know it's true, right in here," said Dumbledore as he tapped his finger on Severus' chest, just over where his heart was. "If you can feel that love in there, it will carry you through darker times than you can ever imagine. It will keep you afloat, Severus. It will save your sanity and your soul. Remember that."

Unable to look away any longer, Severus looked up and watched the Headmaster walk away into the night.

Well… it has been away since the last chapter. Sorry for the delay! We have been CRAZY BUSY at work these past few weeks. Another week and our big project will be over… for now. Please read and review and let me know what you think!