Disclaimer: Everything you need to know is in chapters 1 and 2

Thank you, Thank you…

Angoliel… You say the sweetest things! I'm flattered you like the story so much. There is a little bit more to come, no worries.

Evenstar Elanor… What does she see in him? I once saw a quote that said, "Love is not finding the perfect person but rather finding an imperfect person and learning to see them perfectly." You'll get a little from Narcissa in this chapter but I hadn't thought much about what to do with Malificus' body. The crypt idea would probably be the best route if I need to go there…

Mercury Gray… No worries. You shouldn't feel like you HAVE to review; only review if you WANT to review. Wisconsin? What was in Wisconsin? Did they make you eat those squeaky cheese curds? Hmmm, more emotion out of Oliver. I can see what you mean. I guess I did slack there a little. And no, this isn't quite the end. Read the next couple chapters to get the answers to your questions…

Chapter 31: Home Sweet Home

They left the courthouse in short order. There was a small bit of paperwork to handle, but neither Severus nor Serena really minded. It didn't hurt that Jeremy shepherded everything through quickly, especially getting the verdict entered into the permanent record and getting Severus' wand back. Just to make certain that Severus and Serena weren't gawked at by any onlookers; they were surrounded by friends as they were spirited out of the court and to a portkey that Dumbledore had created especially to get everyone back to Hogwart's. The portkey was a non-descript lamppost and sitting next to it was a large, shaggy black dog. Severus' eyes narrowed, knowing exactly who the dog was.

"Minerva, you, Molly and Arthur go first and shoo any students away," said Dumbledore. "Serena and Severus will be along shortly."

The Weasleys joined hands and Molly reached out to put her hand on McGonagall's shoulder. The moment Minerva touched the portkey they vanished in a crackle and flash. Serena walked gingerly up to the dog and scratched the top of his head.

"Thank you," she said. "I owe you a favor some time." The dog barked and wagged his tail.

"You owe him a favor?" asked Severus suspiciously. "Why?"

"I'll explain it all some other time," said Serena with a rueful shake of her head. She grabbed Severus' hand and then reached out to the portkey without giving him time to ask any more questions. With a crackle and flash, they vanished, too.

Back in London, at the Malfoy manor, Lucius and Narcissa said very little to each other. Finally, as she handed her cloak and fancy hat to her House Elf, Narcissa turned to her husband. "Would you like me to contact Draco, or would you prefer to do it? He should know about Malificus before the paper comes out tomorrow."

"I'll handle it," Lucius said absently.

"Very well. I'm going to retire to bed. It has been a very long and trying day."

"Good night, my dear. I'll be along shortly."

Narcissa paused for a moment. It had been a long time since Lucius had used any sort of endearment towards her. Then she went to their bedroom and quickly changed into her nightgown. She climbed under the covers and her lip started to quiver. She grabbed a silk handkerchief off her nightstand and tried to stem the flow of tears.

"I should never have started my affair with you, Malificus," she whispered softly. "I let my anger with Lucius cloud my judgment all those years ago. For the part I played in your fate, I am sorry…"

An hour later, Lucius came to bed. He was utterly drained. Draco had not taken the news of his uncle's death well, and placed the blame firmly with Serena. He crawled into bed and pulled the sheet up to his waist, letting the cool night air flow over his chest. Putting his hands behind his head, he stared at the ceiling. Next to him, Narcissa lay still but he could tell by her posture that she wasn't asleep either.

Turning on his side, he put his arm around her and pulled her closer. He was tired of feeling alone and lonely. She could feel him press into her and her eyes widened in surprise. Since that fateful night when he'd taken her with such force, Lucius hadn't laid a hand on her. She turned over and looked into Lucius' eyes.

"I'm sorry," she said.

He kissed her. "I know." Then he kissed her again.

By the time Serena and Severus reached their cottage on the edge of the Hogwart's school grounds, everything felt utterly surreal. Serena stopped on the stones in front of the door. She started to shake.

"Serena? What's wrong?"

She reached out and touched his face. "Are you really here? Really? If I wake up alone in our bed… I don't think I can take that."

"I am here," he said and he kissed the palm of her hand. "You're not alone any more."

She smiled and sniffed back her tears. "I'm sorry. I'm being such a silly cow…"

"Let's go inside. I'll make us some tea."

That sounded wonderful. Serena opened the door and walked in. On the living room sofa sat two House Elves, Mina and one she didn't recognize. Mina had some daisies in her lap, but as soon as Serena and Severus came in, the other House Elf disappeared in a fright.

"Miss Serena, you're home! And Professor Snape is home too!" cried Mina.

"Yes, we're home. Who was that, Mina?" asked Serena.

"That was just Tibby," said Mina.

"I know Tibby," said Serena. "He works at the school… he helps take care of the Ravenclaw rooms, doesn't he?" As she talked she walked into the bedroom to kick her shoes off. Severus stopped in the kitchen and with a flick of his wand (how wonderful it was to have his wand back!) set the tea kettle to boiling.

Mina nodded to Serena as she bustled around grabbing pillows and blankets and offering them to Serena. "Would Miss Serena like some tea? Mina will fetch whatever Miss Serena needs. Mina could draw her a bath or Mina could fix treats. Mina can find the Professor's favorite sleep pants and warm him a biscuit…"

Severus looked in from the kitchen. All he wanted to do was be alone with Serena. He had not missed the House Elf's prattle and he was ready to pick the House Elf up by the ears and toss her bodily from the room, but one cross look from Serena made him wait. He literally put his hands behind his back.

"Tibby gave you a flower, Mina. Does this mean you have a suitor?" asked Serena.

Mina's hands flew to her face and she glanced around shyly. "Well, yes, I guess… Mina does have a gentleman suitor…"

"Then I know what you can do for me," said Serena.

"Anything, Miss Serena. You are always so nice to Mina."

"I want you to go out and go walking with Tibby. Severus can take care of me for now. All I really need to do to get better is sleep. If I need anything at all Severus will get it for me, won't you, Severus?"

"Of course. In fact, the tea I started should be done… I'm going to go check on it and I'll be back in a moment. Really, Mina, you can feel free to go," encouraged Severus as he returned to the kitchen.

Mina watched Severus go and then turned back to Serena. "Are you certain, Miss Serena?"

"I'm certain, Mina. It would make me happy to know that you're having fun. Besides…" She gestured to the House Elf and when Mina came over, Serena whispered in her ear. "Besides, I haven't had any time alone with Severus since we got married."

"Oh… OH!" Mina's eyes got wide. "Mina understands! Mina will be going now and will come back tomorrow."

"Tomorrow AFTERNOON," said Serena firmly.

"Tomorrow afternoon," repeated Mina.

As the House Elf left the room, she met Severus on his way back in. "Serena missed you Professor Snape," she said. "Every night, she would cry. She missed you terrible, Professor, and it made Mina sad to see Miss Serena sad. Mina tried to make her happy, but Miss Serena was so worried about you."

"I know you tried to make her happy, Mina. I'm glad she had someone to look after her while I was gone. You did a very good job." As much as the House Elf normally grated on his nerves, Severus was sincerely grateful that she'd been around. He knew Mina's affection for Serena was genuine.

The House Elf paused, puzzled. She couldn't remember Severus ever telling her she'd done a good job. Most of the time a brief 'thank you' was all she would get from him. She bobbed her head in an effort to acknowledge the compliment and then disappeared in search of Tibby.

Probably only one or two more chapters to wrap up Silver Panther. I hope you've enjoyed it so far… as always, please read and review! Feedback is the only way I can improve! As always, keep the praise coming if you think the story deserves it, but I certainly do welcome constructive comments, too!