Chapter Forty One: Mr. and Mrs. Snape
Ron Weasley was soundly asleep in his bedroom in the Borrow. The room was built anew, but its walls were still bright orange. The reason for Ron's peaceful slumber was the end of the school year and the school life on the whole. He wrote his N.E.W.Ts and the grades hadn't been received yet, so he could enjoy his leisure time at home. The question about his future wasn't even raised because it was obvious that he would choose to go into Auror's training; If his Potions' exam was passed and that was a BIG if.
Hermione also stayed at the Borrow during this summer. Or to be more precise, she stayed with Ron. They'd become absolutely inseparable. Her bedroom was opposite to Ron's and sneaking to each other during the night was quite a common thing between them. If you are having some naughty thoughts about the situation, then so be it. Maybe you are right or maybe not. I don't actually know what they were doing during such visits. Ask them, if you like, I'll remain silent.
Ron was awakened by a noise from outside his window. He groggily stood up and went to said window to open it and finally to shut up whomever it was there. The window cracked open and an annoyed looking owl flew in. It dropped her burden on Ron's head and left.
Firstly, Ron acknowledged the fact that an owl flew into his room and dropped something on him. So probably he had received a letter or something bigger, because quite a bump was forming on his head.
"Stupid owl," he grunted and looked at the damn letter which was lying motionlessly on the floor. "Dammit, it is a Howler!" he exclaimed, moving backwards.
The only thought that was on Ron's mind at that moment was, 'I haven't passed the exams and Mom is going to strangle me and then send me to degnome the garden.'
Fortunately for Ron it wasn't a Howler with an exact purpose of it. The letter looked like it, but was of a deep purple color.
"Lady or Gentleman, with this fragrant card…"
"Very rare blue rose petals were used in the potion that made the card smell like that, so you must feel honored that such tender aroma is touching your nostrils," a snappy masculine voice interrupted. Ron instantly recognized it as Snape's.
"Don't mess up with the charm, Severus," the woman's voice reproached. "Now where was I? Oh, yes. With this card," she continued in a more official tone. "You are invited to the wedding reception of professor Halflife and," there was a pause, then-
"Ouch! And professor Snape," Snape announced, with pain in his voice.
"On the fifthteenth of August at the Shimmehausen glade at two o'clock sharp."
"And don't be late or I'll deduct points, especially if you are a gryffindor."
"You will find the instructions of how to get there on the backside of the card of the invitation. Oh, Severus, you are such a prat!"
"That's why you are marrying me."
The message ended with Snape and Halflife's gradational laughing. Ron looked at the invitational card which lay on the floor, with shock and disbelief. After two minutes of staring he finally came to a conclusion that gave him hope he hadn't gone mad.
'I am sleeping. Yeh, I am sleeping, alright. I just need to pinch myself and this dream, this nightmare will disappear.'
He pinched himself once, twice, thrice, but the damn piece of paper was still on the floor, just waiting to be picked up. It was in his masochistic predicament Hermione found Ron when she entered his bedroom with a beaming glance. "Ron! What are you doing! Your whole arm is red already!"
"O, I am just having I marvelous nightmare," Ron started to explain, his eyes transfixed on the piece of carton on the floor. "Where I am invited to Snape and Halflife's wedding. I just can't wake bloody up!" Ron finished by pinching himself very hard.
"Oh, you too, Ron!" Hermione squealed.
"What do you mean?" Ron asked, turning to her for the first time.
"Well, I am also invited!" she answered, showing him her card.
Ron groaned and fell down onto his bed. "So it isn't a dream then? And Snape is marrying Halflife for real? And the greasy git is inviting us to the wedding of all people?" Ron asked, looking at the ceiling.
Hermione was surprised but this reaction of Ron. His hate of Snape was a well known fact, but it just wasn't right, so she decided to join him on the bed. She lay down beside him and Ron instantly pulled her closer, hugging her by the waist.
"Don't you feel happy for them, Ron? Just a bit? They are marrying because it means they love each other. They finally have found somebody to spend the rest of their lives with. Why can't you just wish them luck and share their happiness?"
"But, 'Mione! It is Snape we are talking here about! Aren't any questions rising in you head? It seems pretty suspicious to me."
"Yes, two actually. What to wear and give them as a wedding present."
"So you mean, you are actually going?" Ron asked with raised eyebrows.
"Yes, I am. I was invited. Why not? I, despite other people," she looked meaningly at Ron, "can step over old rivalry and prejudices. I have only one week to find the present and I don't even have a clue what to give them! You can receive some experience there too."
"What experience can be received at the wedding?" Ron said, rolling his eye.
"Well, you know, wedding experience," Hermione replied, blushing and avoiding looking at him.
"Aaaaa," Ron drawled, grabbing the meaning of her words. He didn't blush, just smiled, pleased with himself. "I should go too then, we can't keep only half of the family experienced, can we?" Ron said with a wink and kissed her soundly.
The only topic of discussion during breakfast was also Snape's wedding. It turned out that the whole Weasley family was invited to attend. Only Ginny looked distant and tired. She didn't participate in the conversation and silently ate her food.
"Wha' 'o yo' thin' 'bout all 'at, 'inny?" asked Fred with a pancake in his mouth.
"Huh? About what?" Ginny asked, tilting her head up with a confused expression.
Fred swallowed. "About the fact that our greasy bat is going to marry!"
"Well, it is good news to me," she breathed out. "Sorry, Fred, I am exhausted. I am going to bed."
"It's only morning and you are tired already? I hope your partner isn't involved?" Fred asked, his eyes, tiny slits.
"Of course, not. He is as far from here as possible."
"He better be."
'Organizing a wedding isn't that easy. I've spent the whole nigh charming those Howlers! Why can't Draco be here? Why should he pass those blasted exams in the Academy of his right now? I can't even think what I will do when he is gone! He wrote in his letter that when he came back he would help with everything I ask him. But I don't need his help, I need him. His arms around me, his lips on mine,' she sighed.
'And we still keep our relationship a secret. Breaking the news won't be a pleasant experience. Of course, they know something is going on due to our declarations before his imprisonment, but…Everything is just so messed up. But that's not the problem at hand; professor Snape and professor Halflife must have the best for the wedding. And there is still so much to do! Now rest for a few hours.' Ginny went to her bed, instantly falling asleep, dreaming of a wedding, but this time of her own.
The instructions on the back side of the invitation card said that everybody must meet the groom and bride's representative at the Leaky Cauldron at 13.30 on the wedding day. It turned out the amount of guests was quite large so the tavern was pretty crowded. All the professors of Hogwarts were present and all the Order members with Dumbledore in the lead. Everybody chatted their time away, waiting, as they thought, for the representative to arrive.
Ginny was standing in the corner with a long parchment scroll in her hands. From time to time, she was marking something on it. As usual, Ron decided to mind her business and stepped beside her.
"What are you doing, Gin? Homework?" he asked with a smirk, looking at the parchment's contents from above her shoulder.
"You can look at it this way also," Ginny responded, without taking her eyes from the scroll. "Oh, all are here now. And on time too, splendid!" She turned to Ron's confused face. "I couldn't imagine that deducting points by professor Snape would be such a strong stimuli to be here on time," she finished with a chuckle and hurried to the near table.
After she climbed on top of it, she announced in a clear and loud voice, "Dear Ladies and Gentlemen! Thank you all from behalf of the groom and the bride that you have gathered here and accepted their invitation to share their happiness on the most important day of their lives. As you probably guessed already, you were waiting for me and it won't be long now until you find yourself in one of the most beautiful places in England, the Shimmehausen glade. Please, make groups of five and you'll be handed a Portkey straight to your destination."
Ginny got down from the table and started to distribute the Portkeys, which were in the form of a crystal ball of different colors.
"What the Hell are you doing, Ginny?" Charlie asked, grabbing her hand after she gave the Portkey to the Weasleys and started to move to another group.
"I told you just a minute ago. I am handing out the Portkeys," Ginny answered calmly.
"But why you? How can YOU be Snape's representative?"
"Why not?" She shook her head. "Don't bother me now, Charlie. I need to maintain my responsibilities."
With that she flew away, leaving the Weasley clan with their jaws on the floor. Of course, Fred and George could put a connection between Ginny and Snape that could explain her status here, but they silently agreed that Ginny herself would do it, when she was ready.
At 14 o'clock sharp, the Portkeys were activated and all the guests were transferred to the glade. It could be called the Heaven of Nature. The glade was surrounded by high firs with no space between them. It was divided into two halves be a clear, sparkling river, which was five feet wide. The table for guests situated on both banks of the river, were covered with indigo table clothes and compositions from orchids and camellias were set on them. The table and chairs were the only part of the civilization. The opened view was completely virgin and a pure piece of nature art.
"Such a beautiful place!" "Incredible!" "Everything is so perfect!" "I couldn't even imagine something like this still exists!" came from different parts of the group.
"Please, take your seats, Ladies and Gentlemen. You can apparate to sit on the other bank," Draco's clear voice spread above the crowd.
One by one the guests started to take their places behind the tables, on the way complimenting the choice of the place and fantastic decorations. Hardly did they know it was only the beginning.
"How many guys have told you today that you look absolutely hot?" drawled Draco, embracing Ginny by the waist from behind and kissing her shoulder, sending shivers down her spine.
"You are the first and hello to you too," Ginny responded impishly, but trying to stop the weakness in her knees.
"Then they are all blind," he whispered huskily, for a moment forgetting they were watched by a hundred eyes.
Draco's compliment was based on Ginny's choice of clothing for the occasion. She wore an air silk lilac dress that ended just above her knees and was decorated with orange, yellow and purple live flowers, which were not going to wilt in the near future. Thanks to the magic, of course.
"Draco, get a grip! Your father is going to marry today and is quite anxious already!" Ginny whispered in return.
"Of course he is anxious! His fiancée is hot!"
"I thought we assumed that I am hot," Ginny said dangerously.
"Ok, ok, she is hot, but you are the hottest!"
"That's my boy. Now go and give the signal that we can start. The Ministry official is here already and the guests are seated. We can begin."
"You are so businesslike today, Virgie," Draco said with respect. He just couldn't focus on the wedding of his own godfather when such a goddess stood beside him.
The guests' attention was grabbed by the sounds of the triumphant trumpets from the sky. The louder the sounds became, the clearer became an ivory pavilion above the river. It was connected to the solid ground by two patterns of snow white clouds on both sides. Everybody held their breaths. All knew what was going to happen next but noone dared to move or utter a sound not to interrupt the sacrament.
Snape was the first to appear on the "bridge". His black robes contrasted with the whiteness of the clouds drastically, perfectly. He slowly reached the pavilion and took his place on the right of the Ministry official.
The observers were absolutely sure that there was something wrong with him; the same billowing robes, greasy hair and a crooked nose, but there was just something about the expression on his face that was unusual – he was smiling. Just a small happy smile played on his lips. His posture was relaxed and excited at the same time. Nobody had seen such a Snape before. Well, nobody actually thought that one summer day they would be the guests at his wedding.
Halflife followed soon after. (She just couldn't wait any moment longer.) Step by step she began her walk to Heaven, as she called it. She discarded all wedding traditions and decided to wear a black dress. Why not? The color suited her perfectly and was her favorite. On the other hand, the veil was of white lace, crowning with a tiara from camellias. She looked stunning. She wasn't an Auror, a spy for the Ministry or a DADA professor at that moment, she was a woman. A woman, ready to give her life and honor to a man she truly loved.
While walking, she locked her glance with his. Those eyes. Those black holes she willingly let herself be sucked into. She looked him over and was pleased with what she saw. Halflife herself asked him not to wear any dress robes for the occasion, but his usual robes. The robes of professor Snape, the Potions Master, who saved her life and intrigued her in every way. She choked a chuckle, remembering how he proposed to her.
Flashback
The were sitting in the DADA office, grading exams' tests. Even if the seventh years passed the exam on the battlefield, the fifth years weren't so lucky and were to write an O.W.L. exam in Defense Against the Dark Arts. The test grading required complete concentration; that's why not a word was shared until Halflife noticed Snape grinning widely.
"What's the grinning about?" she asked, looking up from her good tests. She was surprised by his expression, knowing that he despised all his students and grading their "pathetic, nonsense" tests couldn't bring such a reaction.
"Just ran into Draco's test. It lacks his usual inspired attitude, but it is perfect as always. Sometimes I think that he is my son in reality, even if it is absolutely impossible."
The silence covered them for another few minutes, but was broken by Snape this time. "I think you surname doesn't suit you now," he said conversationally.
"An interesting point. I really don't have only half of the life to live now. But the idea of having a surname like Full-life doesn't attract me either," she finished deep in thought.
"Well, I think, Snape is quite appropriate for you. Quite laconical," he suggested calmly.
"What do you say? We can't have similar surnames unless we are…" The word got stuck in her throat.
One minute. Two minutes. "Will you continue to gawk and gape at me or will you just say something?" Snape snapped more from nervousness than impatience.
"I do…I mean, I will. I mean, the surname is quite fitting." She rolled her eyes, understanding how stupid she must sound. Then not thinking how stupid her next would be, she launched herself at Snape and made them fall on the floor together, loosing her balance.
"If I understood your riddle correctly, mister, then something is missing on my ring finger," she said in a sing-song voice with sparkling eyes.
"If your body had been as coordinated as your brain than you wouldn't have been missing anything, but now you are lying right on it." She gave a confused look. "It is on my hand," he explained irritated.
Halflife blushed, noticing that she indeed pinned him to the floor, leaving only the head free for him to breath. She wasn't against the position and she felt that he wasn't either, but the curiosity overpowered and she stood up, helping him up. He took the ring from his left pinky and put it onto her palm. She looked down and saw the most beautiful black pearl in the world.
"It is gorgeous," she whispered in awe.
"Not as gorgeous as you are."
The compliment was rewarded with a passionate kiss.
End Flashback
The ceremony proceeded.
"We have gathered here," began the Ministry official, "to unite these two people in an official marriage. Marriage is a serious step in everybody's life and must be respected and cherished. Bring in the rings."
A small purple pillow appeared from thin air with two modest golden bands. Snape took one of them and recited, "With giving you this ring I, Severus Bartholomew Snape, swear to love you and hate you, to guard you and fight with you, to leave you alone and in company, to be your master and your slave, to praise you and be proud of you, believe you and lie to you, to be with you till the end of time." He slipped the ring on Halflife's soon-to-be Snape finger.
She felt hot, as if the ring was burning her, but then everything settled down and it seemed that she was born with it on her finger. She took the other ring and went on with her vow, "With giving you this ring I, Macbeth Berria Halflife, swear to keep the fire in our hearth and under your cauldron, to watch your back and lead you forward, to be the mother to our children and a devoted wife, to love you till the end of time." The ring went down Snape's long pale finger.
"Now, please, give me your wands." Snape and Halflife automatically presented him their wands, lost in each other eyes. The Ministry official put them on a stool in front of him and sliced them in halves with a spell.
"Draco, look," Ginny whispered urgently, elbowing Draco. "He is slicing the wands like Snape did when we became partners."
"So?" Draco said lazily.
"That's why I felt as if I was married to you! Because I sorta was!"
"You don't like the idea?"
"No. I mean, it's alright, but I just…oh, it doesn't matter now. It is just weird."
"Well, it isn't that weird, actually," came Dumbledore's voice from behind them. "In the wizarding world, when two people marry, they also became partners for life. They share their love and magic equally. You, as partners, also must've shared your magic, that's why the ritual was performed on you," he explained.
After the wands were returned to their respectful owners (it was an interesting sight: one half black, the other – bright purple), the official proclaimed, "I now pronounce you mister and misses Snape. You may kiss the bride," he finished with a smile.
"I can't watch it. It's disgusting," Ron grunted and took his glance away from the pavilion.
Of course, I wasn't disgusting in any way. It was a firm but sweet kiss of the people whom were finally together. When they parted the crowd exploded with applause. Even if, practically, no one was a friend of Snape and on the main part despised the slimy git, they couldn't help but be happy for people who clearly loved each other.
Snape and Halflife, sorry, misses Snape came down from the pavilion, the pattern of the clouds turned into a solid bridge behind them. When they were finally together on the bank, Dumbledore was the first to reach them. "Congratulations, Severus. I've already given up the thought that I'd ever attend your wedding, my boy. But here I am! Splendid!" he said lively. "And you look absolutely fantastic, Macbeth! I am so happy for both of you," he finished with tears of happiness, twinkling in his eyes.
The row of congratulations and presents continued for the following hour and the pile of wrapped boxes was pretty big. But Snape wasn't completely happy at that moment, since neither Ginny nor Draco were anywhere to be seen.
When the guest were all seated and prepared to have a good snack, they were interrupted by a clear and powerful voice, "Excuse us, Ladies and Gentleman, but we want to give the newlyweds our present." All heads turned to the pavilion, where Draco and Ginny were standing.
"What the Hell?" uttered half of the Weasley boys seeing their sister standing so close to Malfoy.
"It was planned to be a Magical Talent Show number, but due to different complications it wasn't performed at that time," Draco continued, looking at the astonished faces. "Deciding that the number was suitable for the occasion, I and my partner, Virginia, would like to show you the precise art of Potions making."
Snape grinned from ear to ear – this was the best present he could ever wish for.
Ginny handed him two black scarves. "Just brewing a potion won't be challenging and simply boring for you, that's why we'll do it with closed eyes." Somebody "hmmmed" among the guests. "I mean completely blind," Draco said, looking straight at the interrupter, who happened to be Harry. Draco's glare convinced Harry than no Vision advantages would be used.
Draco and Ginny put the scarves around their heads and crossed their wands. A table appeared in front of them. It had a cauldron with flames under it and at least ten ingredients of different amounts.
"Let's begin," Draco announced to the audience who held their breaths. Potions' making was a dangerous thing, one mistake and they could be blown up. But Snape let it be, so they were relatively safe. For now anyway.
Draco and Ginny's hand flew over the ingredients in a silent dance. Exact movements and order. Their hands hadn't collided even once.
"You know, it is an art of sorts," George commented, with eyes locked on the partners' work.
"Yeh," Fred agreed.
"Looks like they've spent a lot of time practicing it," Ron said with suspicion.
"Oh, Ron, stop being a baby," Hermione reproached, rolling her eyes. Still, she was awestricken. Not even the Dream Team worked together so orderly and they knew each other for seven years.
Draco and Ginny crossed their wands once again and muttered, "Fiestiness."
The cauldron was hit with yellow sparks, which made the contents bubble furiously. They took the blindfolds off, took the cauldron and splashed out the potion at the gaping guests. Somebody even screamed. But not a drop fell onto the ground, especially on the people's heads. The potion turned into a magnificent solute of all possible colors.
The audience erupted with applause. Draco and Ginny bowed ceremoniously, but satisfied grins were all over their faces.
"Not fair!" came a yell, "supposedly" from the Weasleys table. "All the ingredients were measured out already, you just needed to put them in the right order. Everybody could do that."
Draco shot a glare in the direction where the voice was coming from, but then smiled. "You are right. It wasn't fair. Name any potion and we will prepare it on the same conditions. But only one." Silence greeted his challenge. "Just one potion that will put to shame professor Snape's assistants." Again no answer. Potions must've not been the strongest subject of the present guests.
Anyone else would've given up and call it peace. But Draco wasn't anyone. His abilities were doubted, their abilities. They worked so hard to establish the ability to work as a team and it was all sent through the window because of a joke.
"Then we should ask the Potions Master himself," Draco said with a bow, turning to Snape.
"Do you remember what I've told you at your first Potions lesson? About what I can teach you, Draco?"
"You can teach us how to bottle fame, brew glory and even stopper death," Draco recited without a second thought.
"Why won't you try the last one?" Snape suggested with his sneer.
But it wasn't a sneer of torment, but of understanding. He knew it was a hard time for Draco to find himself in a new formed society. Snape himself didn't give a damn, he could do whatever he pleased and sod off everybody else. But Draco was young, his whole life was ahead of him, but he already had the past which wasn't his. "It is a difficult task, that's why I'll give you a hint. What is death to you two? Without what can't you live?"
Draco nodded, but his body treacherously tensed from nervousness. "Can we consult for a few minutes?" His voice cracked. First time in a loooong period.
"Yes, of course. You have all the time of the world."
Draco turned to Ginny, who looked like the Death herself – pale and shaking.
"Calm down, Virgie, it is just another potion. We can do it," Draco whispered with warmth, putting his hands on her shoulders to somehow steady and reassure her.
"But we need to brew death," Ginny managed to say shakily. "Is it even possible?"
"Yes, there are a few ways. The simplest one is just to make any kind of poison or repeat Pettigrew's trick of reincarnating the Dark Lord, but father waits for much more from us. We can't let him down. Now let's think, without what we can't live?"
After a few seconds, "I can't live without you," was said in unison.
"A Boggart?" Ginny supposed.
Draco shook his head in response. "Too many people and there are two of us. It will be like two deaths or something."
Suddenly Ginny saw the light. "We can't live without our love, without our feelings!" she whispered with emotion.
Draco looked into her eyes and a grin of Cheshire cat appeared on his lips. "Are you thinking what I am thinking?"
"I think I do, but how?"
"There is no straight way. We'll brew the Draught of Dread. Demenroe and Icy Cube, then we'll mix them together and make a big bigger for everyone to seen. And don't forget about the second most important things – a bottle and a stopper," Draco finished with a wink.
Ginny sighed. "What is this Demenroe stuff? I've never heard of it."
"Kinda a way they reproduce," he paused. "Ok. I am making it. You are doing the other two. Agreed?"
"Fine with me. Let's get cracking!"
They crossed their wands again and three cauldrons appeared, the potions making equipment and a pile of ingredients in bottles and boxes of different size. After everything was arranged, Draco and Ginny put the black scarves on their eyes.
"Are you nuts?" Mad-Eye Moody squeaked.
But they didn't hear him. During the following two minutes absolutely nothing happened. They just stood there motionless. Breathing in and out – both in the same rhythm. Then, after a light hand squeeze, the magic began. It seemed that their working table became alive. Everything was moving with the help of hands, wands or on their own. The audience, as if bewitched, stared at the pavilion, watching four skillful hands.
Snape had the time of his life. "I wish I could have more opportunities to watch such shows. So perfect, so complete, so exact and no babbling."
"Are you sure, they'll do it?" Macbeth asked in a trembling voice. "Why did you ask them to make such a nasty thing on such a glorious day?" she asked with reproach.
"Firstly, I am absolutely sure. If I wasn't then I wouldn't have asked them. Secondly, it is pretty challenging and entertaining. Look at the guests, their sockets will be left without eyes soon: they watch with so big interest," he replied with a chuckle.
"But they are playing with death there!" she continued with indignation this time.
"It is only another potion, darling," Snape said with a shrug.
"What have you done, you stupid oaf!" Ron whispered furiously.
"Nothing. Totally nothing," George said with an expression of innocence of a newborn baby.
"What were you thinking, suggesting making another potion?" Ron hissed.
"Why not? It's fun!" George answered with clear amusement.
"Have you already forgotten that it is your only sister who is mixing death for your entertainment!" Ron practically roared, but not loud enough to look impolite.
"I don't know what exactly you are talking about, Ron, but to me it seems that Ginny is enjoying herself out there. So don't talk about nonsense and watch. It is quite worth watching, by the way. Our only sister is now brewing two potions at once. Two. Did you hear me? TWO potions. I don't remember you or anybody else from us managing to achieve such progress in Potions. So just be proud and stop bothering us or we'll miss a great show and you'll miss some necessary body parts." Ron decided to follow the advice.
Everything went smoothly. Not a single mistake was made. The guest threw side glances at Snape from time to time, but he only smiled. Then suddenly he tensed, almost stood up, wishing to scream, yell, to whatever to stop the process. After a second he fell down with a sigh of relief.
Who wasn't at that moment watching Snape with horror struck faces, saw that the reason for the commotion was Ginny, who almost, and I repeat, almost, added three goblin's eyes instead of two. But was in time stopped by Draco. He took one eye and let her hand proceed to the cauldron, not even touching her. Ginny almost, and I again repeat, almost didn't feel the withdrawal, but it was impossible for her not to feel Draco's presence so close to her, especially if right now he worked on the other side of the table.
In a few minutes all three cauldrons were boiling and bubbling. Draco and Ginny took the scarves off. A deep sigh was heard from the audience, meaning, "It's over at last." But…their relief was changed to disappointment or excitement in many other cases, when after another wands' crossing, a much bigger cauldron appeared.
All three potions found themselves in there, in the right proportions, of course. When the potions were combined, the sunny summer day turned into a chilly morning on the North Pole. Everybody felt the presence of something evil, lifeless, dead, but was looking at the cauldron mesmerized. In there was Death, no doubt. But what is it? What does it look like?
Ginny handed Draco the bottle, two pints in capacity. It resembled a woman's figure in some way. Draco cast a spell on it and looked expectantly at Ginny. "Ariso!" they shouted, their wands directed at the cauldron.
And it began to rise. Slowly, painfully, terrifyingly, freezing off every life being on its way. Somebody screamed, yelled, squealed, and trembled like an autumn leaf, at the appearing of a black robe, But Snape and even misses Snape just grinned.
"They did it," Macbeth whispered in awe.
"They did it indeed."
The rising figure now took an outlined shape and turned out to be a Dementor. (A/N: As probably everyone guessed long ago.) When it was ready to suck out some happy feelings of the guests, Draco opened the bottle and the Dementor was sucked into it, head first. When the bottle was closed and stoppered, the warm weather returned as the party mood.
Clap, clap, clap, clap, came a steady applause from Snape. One by one everyone else joined. Draco and Ginny bowed again and the equipment soon disappeared. They went down hand in hand and Draco couldn't help, but kiss Ginny's hand passionately. "You were terrific!" he breathed out.
"Speak for yourself. I made a mistake," Ginny said with a pout.
"Everybody makes mistakes," Draco purred.
"So you admit that you can be wrong?"
"Well, this is a matter for discussion."
They neared the main table and Draco handed the bottle to Snape. "Is this what you waited for, father?"
Snape looked thoughtful. "Uuum, well, almost. You see…"
"Oh, don't be a snob, Sev! They did everything brilliantly! And you looked so cute together," Macbeth finished dreamily.
While she was baring them with compliments, Snape addressed the guests, "You probably think, what a host, if he leaves his guests hungry. Quite my style, but…help yourself!" With a wave of his wand the tables with their occupants moved closer to the edge of the forest, making a circle. On the freed space materialized a dance floor and dozens of laps appeared in the air, providing a romantic atmosphere on the glade.
"Oh, Severus, it's perfect! Thank you so much!" Macbeth exclaimed, giving him a "thank you" kiss.
"You must thank my naughty assistants for the organization. I have almost nothing to do with this."
"You did? You did it for us? How nice of you!" Macbeth said, hugging Ginny and then Draco, who still sat at their table. "And now go and have fun. You deserve it."
Draco and Ginny left the newlywed couple to their own world. "You know, one question keeps returning in my head," Ginny said with a frown. "Where exactly do we sit?"
"It's obvious. You are sitting with your family," Draco stated, leading her to said table.
"And what about you?"
"I don't know, will just walk around, I presume," he replied with longing.
"Nonsense, you are going to sit with me," Ginny said in a tone which put an end to any objection. "We must tell them sooner or later. Right now is a perfect opportunity."
Draco let himself be led to the Weasleys' table, hoping that he won't be a sheep for the slaughter house today.
"Hi, everybody," Ginny greeted with a beaming smile.
"Hi, Gin!" her brothers welcomed her together in return.
"You were magnificent back there," Charlie complemented.
"Yeh, cool!" Fred joined in. "Gave us an opportunity to get some money on betting."
Ginny blushed, she wasn't use to such a praise. "I wasn't there alone." Only now they noticed that she wasn't alone now either. "This is Draco Malfoy, my potions' partner and my boyfriend," Ginny introduced with a broad smile, as if it was absolutely normal to have Draco Malfoy as her boyfriend.
"You mean that Draco Malfoy," began Arthur Weasley with venom, "who is the son of the Death Eater who killed his own father, who despised our family for so many years and made life Hell for my children ,including you, who - "
"No," Ginny cut him off. "it is Draco Malfoy, who saved my life four times and who loves me and I love him," Ginny stated clearly with determination to stand her ground.
Draco squeezed her hand in a "thank you" gesture; her hand hadn't left his the whole time. He looked completely collected and smug on the outside – perfect Malfoy, but there was havoc inside him. They didn't know that if it hadn't been for him, the whole family wouldn't have existed now, but he didn't want that to become a common knowledge for now. One word and his future will be decided. Will he be or not.
"Even if that is true," Arthur continued, drilling Draco with his glance. "What are your intentions, boy?"
Draco smirked. A question every father asks, he was prepared. "I am sure, this will clearly speak of my intentions," he said, showing everybody Ginny's hand with the ring.
Molly's eyes became round. Arthur tried to cover his shock with coughs. "You may sit then," he uttered shakily.
"Thank you," Draco said with a superior smile, he just couldn't help it. He pulled a chair for Ginny and then seated himself. His neighbor on the left was Ron. Such pleasant company…
"What was the fuss about?" Ginny whispered into Draco's ear. Her breath sent shivers down his spine.
"You see," Draco began to explain, helping himself to a lobster. "There is a tradition in many pureblooded families of high class – arranged marriages. The family engagement ring on a young lady symbolizes her status as a fiancée of the heir of the clan. Not only that, but it also binds them forever or in other words, there is no way out of marriage. The other interesting part is that I can give the ring only once, on my free will, accepting my destiny even if I was forced into it. Your parents reacted so, because they know all this. It means that they are sure that you mean a lot to me if I decided to give the ring to you of all people, on the other hand I won't dishonor you, leaving you in front of the altar or run away, because I simply can't."
Ginny's reaction surprised him. "Why didn't you give the ring to your arranged fiancée then?"
"Aaaaa, I wanted to stay free for a bit longer?" Ginny gave a him a I-don't-believe-you-one-bit look. "Ok, I was afraid, satisfied?" Draco spat, giving in. Ginny shook her head. "Marriage was the last thing on my mind back then. I needed to decide what to do with my life and the people around me and you are asking why I didn't give my family ring to the Slut of Slytherin!"
"You were to marry the Slut of Slytherin?" Ron cut in with the folk half way to his mouth.
"Yes, I was," Draco threw to him, but then returned to Ginny. "The contest was big, why should I bond myself to a girl in my best age? With others wanting me all the time?" he finished smugly.
"Men," Ginny commented, rolling her eyes. "So you are utterly my right now?"
"Completely. From head to toe."
"Hmmm, that gives possibilities," Ginny purred seductively.
"And what is this suppose to mean?" Ron roared through clenched teeth.
"I don't know, Ronald," Draco said, giving Ginny one of his sexy smiles, "but I like it." He finished, his eyes darkening a few shades. He started to explore the possibilities, kissing her right then and there.
"How dare you!" Ron, yelled, standing up.
"Oh, Ron, be a man and kiss me," Hermione reproached, pulling him down, quite forcefully. His lips landed right on hers.
"And that's why I don't like to attend weddings," Harry remarked.
"Look, who is talking," Charlie said in return. "I heard, you've got yourself a girlfriend."
Harry blushed. "Well…"
"Spill it. We all want to know who managed to grab Harry Potter himself."
"Well, her name is Stephanie, she is from Beaxbotons. We met at the Victory Ball. Satisfied?"
"You mean that sexy brunette?" George joined in, recalling the encounter with Harry suddenly running away.
"Yes, I mean that sexy brunette," Harry mocked, enraged and embarrassed by them prying into his newfound private live.
"Hmmm, you've got it bad then," Fred remarked.
"Oh, yeah? And what about those red headed twins you two are dating?" Harry cornered.
"Weeeel, you don't think you should bring them up, Harry," George said with threat, even a mock one.
"What? Too sexy for you?" 'Nothing can bring such amusement than confused faces of the Weasley twins.'
"I am very sorry to interrupt your sexy conversation," Draco cut in, "but would you like to have some fun?"
"Fun? Have I heard you right?" Fred asked excited.
"There must be the first dance of the newlyweds, remember?"
"So?" George asked, not understanding the point.
"Watch and return," Draco whispered, waving with his wand. And the air was filled with music. Rough, rapid music. The music of tango.
Hearing it, Snape rolled his eyes. "Draco, you naughty boy! We should punish him, shouldn't we?" he asked his wife with sparkling eyes.
"Why? It is the perfect choice."
They calmly proceeded to the dance floor. And not only Fred and George waited for some fun, but all the guests. Because firstly, Snape doesn't know how to dance and, secondly, even if he does, tango isn't as easy as just moving around the floor. Imagine their surprise when the couple did a few perfect tango steps. I don't know for the guests, but the Snape's surely had their fun. They could dance now without hiding their feelings, unleashing their love and passion towards each other. It was an ideal tango.
"And where is the trick?" Fred grunted.
"I don't know, look yourself," Draco threw with a wink, then turned to Ginny. "Care for a dance milady?"
"But I…"
"And don't tell me, you can't dance tango. But if you can't, you've got an excellent teacher just for you," Draco said with a gallant bow.
"Well, on these terms…" Ginny accepted his hand.
Ginny, indeed, didn't know the tango and hoped she wouldn't make a fool of herself. But when they took the stance and she looked into Draco's eyes, all hesitance flew away. Her movements were not led by her legs, but her emotions. The only worrying thought was, 'I hope, I won't faint because he is so close to me that it makes me dizzy.
'
Snape noticed Draco who was swinging Ginny around the dance floor. "I told you he is a naughty boy, Macbeth. He arranged the whole thing just to dance tango with her. When Malfoy is in love it is a natural disaster."
"Why so?"
"It is like an erupting volcano. Once it is awakened, you can't stop the heat."
"Then two natural disasters are too many for one wizarding world, don't you think?"
"Hell with them," Snape said, pushing her down on his arm.
"You know, Ron. There is one thing that I absolutely dislike in you," Hermione said, watching the dancing couples.
"And what is that? My eating manners?" Ron asked, putting on his plate as much as it could fit.
"No, your disability to dance like this. Look at them."
Ron looked. "Hmmm, something is certainly familiar," he drawled, examining the moving couples, especially the Snapes.
Hermione also looked more closely and after a few moments whispered, "You don't say…"
"Well, I haven't yet, but you are probably right."
"I know, there is a saying that lovers can understand each other from half a word, but, please, can you enlighten us?" Charlie asked.
"Three words: Snape, ball, pair in black," Ron explained.
"That was four words," George remarked.
"That's not the point!" Ron shouted. "Be my witnesses. I solemnly swear that tomorrow I am going to the dance courses. That's it! If Snape can dance so can I!"
"Oh, Ron, you'll do that for me?" Hermione asked with her eyes full of admiration and love.
"I'll do anything for you."
Ron was about to kiss her, when Fred whimpered with fake tears, "Oh, so sweet!"
"Yes, Ron, you are the best!" George exclaimed.
After some dancing and a good portion of Firewhiskey, the guests became friendlier and started to walk from one table to another for a chat. Draco, on the other hand, wanted to a have a chat with the Headmaster to ask him a question that wouldn't leave his mind in peace.
"Good evening, professor," Draco greeted Dumbledore, when he finally managed to grab his attention.
"Oh, Draco, good evening indeed. The decorations are quite lovely."
"Thank you. I want to ask you one question."
"Go ahead."
"Why did I transformed - "
"Into a dragon? Well, it is easier than you think. Dragon is your true self. The feelings that you experience towards miss Weasley discarded your personality from all layers and the masks you put or were put on you by your upbringing and your life on the whole. At that precise moment, your soul completely united with your body. When you transformed, the world saw who you truly are. Was my explanation satisfying?"
"Quite. It means that whenever I transform my Animagus form will be a dragon?"
"I don't know, try it some time. And don't forget to register," he finished with a wink.
"Of course," Draco answered with needed politeness. He already started to leave, when he swiftly turned back to Dumbledore. "You are the third, aren't you?" Draco asked, looking straight into Dumbledore's eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"I told Harry that there are only two people who master the Dragon Fang, he and I. You are the third."
"How did you come to such conclusion?"
"My answer won't sound polite."
"Go ahead. You are not my student anymore. I can't expel you."
"You know too much," Draco whispered.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Well, that's a good reason to suspect me," he chuckled.
"I am right then," Draco stated.
"A threesome is better than a duo, isn't it?" With that Dumbledore left to talk with Tonks about her upcoming wedding with Lupin.
The women at last managed to surround the newfound missus for some gossip. Taking into consideration that the wedding was a complete surprise to everybody, she had a lot of explaining to do.
"Tell us, Macbeth, how did it all begin?" McGonagall grabbed the first word.
"Oh, it all began in the beginning of the school year, when I woke up in Severus's bedroom."
"Bedroom? Oh, Macbeth, I thought so much better of you. How could you!"
"Oh, Minerva, it was far from that. I fainted in his office from the pain from the family curse and he took me to his chambers. Then he promised to lift the curse from scientific interest. End of story."
"Are you sure it was only from scientific interest?" asked Diana Kingsley, who also worked as a spy for the Ministry and happened to be quite close to Macbeth. She gave her a questioning look. "Well, when I worked at St. Mungos, Snape was sent to us from Hogwarts two years ago because his injuries were too series to be healed there. Dumbledore assigned me to him because he was aware of my identity. The only words that he said, being delirious, were "ocean eyes", like they haunted him."
"Merlin!" Macbeth cried, her eyes full of horror. "I did that to him! Two years I tortured him and he only looked into my eyes the whole time and didn't even make a sound. When Voldemort told me to stop, he stood up and left as if nothing had happened. It was horrible! Sorry, I must talk to him right away." She ran away before anybody could utter a word.
She found him at their table and hugged him like there was no tomorrow.
"What is it, Macbeth?" Snape asked warmly, lifting her hand by her chin. "Why were you crying?" he said with concern, noticing the wetness her cheeks.
"I can't believe it! It was me! Me, who tortured you so badly!"
"What are you talking about? You've never hurt me."
"Two years ago. To prove my loyalty I was ordered to torture you because you dissatisfied the Dark Lord in some way. My eyes haunted you because you hated them so much. But I couldn't refuse!" A new wave of tears began to cascade down her cheeks.
"And that petite encounter made you cry? Well, if it makes you feel better, the reason your eyes stuck in my mind was quite the opposite. When you cast Crucio on me I didn't feel the pain, all I saw was the beauty of your eyes. Two questions were haunting me: how eyes can be so gorgeous and why does this woman serve that ugly freak?"
"So you aren't mad at me for that?" Macbeth asked with a puppy face.
"Of course not, it was forgiven and forgotten a long time ago."
"Will we make a good family, Severus?"
"We have a whole night to decide."