Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all his friends (and enemies) are the brain-child of J.K. Rowling. I'm just borrowing them. Exclusive ownership belongs to JKR, Arthur A. Levine Books and Scholastic Inc. Jane Sinclair and all additional characters belong to me. You belong to yourself.
Oh, promise me that you will take my hand,
The most unworthy in this lonely land,
And let me sit beside you
Oh, Promise Me!, Words by Clement Scott, Music by Reginald De Koven
Epilogue
…where Severus and Jane come to an understanding…
Some time during the night, Jane awoke. For a moment, she didn't know what had interrupted her slumber, and she drowsily looked around. The room was quiet and bathed in pale moonlight. She turned onto her side and studied the man sleeping beside her. Severus was frowning in his sleep. Jane smiled and wondered what he was dreaming about. His drawn face had lost much of its harshness, even though it was more lined now than it had been a year ago. An air of vulnerability surrounded him, which made her want to take him into her arms and hold onto him for all eternity. Instead, however, she brushed her lips lightly over his and slid out of bed, careful not to wake him.
Jane shrugged into her dressing gown and stepped out onto the balcony. She inhaled the crisp night air, which was heavy with the bouquet of damp grass and late blooming wildflowers. From the copse beyond the gardens drifted the earthy scent of moss and tree bark. She rested her elbows on the balustrade and stared out into the night. The moonlight gave Willowmere an ethereal appearance. Yes, she mused, the name fit the estate perfectly. Willowmere – her new home, hers and Severus'. She sighed contently.
Suddenly, a pair of strong arms came around her from behind and a familiar body pressed against hers. Severus tightened his arms to pull her closer and buried his face in the nape her neck, where he kissed her tenderly. Jane moaned with delight.
"What are you doing up, love?" Severus whispered into her ear, his hot breath caressing her cheek.
Jane leaned back against him and sighed happily. "I needed a breath of fresh air."
"Aren't you cold?"
She shook her head. They stood for a while in complete silence, listening to the faint rustle of leaves as the willow trees by the lake swayed gently in the night breeze. Jane finally gave a deep sigh.
"I wish we could stay like this forever… Things will be different once we rejoin the real world, you know."
"It won't matter." Severus stroked her arm comfortingly.
"People will talk, you know," Jane reminded him gently.
Severus sighed. He was aware of that, but he no longer cared. He was proud of Jane and his love for her. He kissed her temple. "Let them talk."
"Severus!" Jane exclaimed, unable to hide her surprise. She twisted in his embrace until she faced him.
"Yes, Jane?"
His casual attitude was so unexpected and uncharacteristic for him, it rendered her momentarily speechless. Instead, she merely gaped at him, incredulous at his careless attitude. Then Jane gave herself a mental nudge. Severus may be carefree now, she thought, while they were alone. But once they were back at Hogwarts, he would soon revert back to his old self. She was certain of it. Jane rested her head against his chest. For now, however, she would enjoy this new Severus.
"So, you really won't care if people will talk about us?" she asked him once she found her voice again.
"Well, it's not like I have a choice. It would be rather difficult to stop them from doing so."
"You're right, of course."
"However, we should still exhibit a certain degree of restraint in public," Severus mused, "and be discreet."
Jane nudged him. "I thought you didn't care."
"There's no reason to invite idle gossip, Jane."
"I knew it!" she exclaimed. "I knew it wouldn't last."
"What are you talking about?"
"This casual attitude of yours," Jane explained. "You've been too carefree since you've arrived here."
"People simply don't change over night, Jane."
"I can see that."
"Look, Jane, I told you yesterday… I can't give you any guarantees. At this point, I can only promise you that I will do my utmost to stay true to what we have."
"And you won't make any assumptions or jump to any conclusions before giving me or my friends the benefit of the doubt?"
"I shall try."
"And you won't shut me out of your life, but tell me when something is bothering you?"
"Again, I shall try."
"I'll accept that." Jane gave him a quick peck on the mouth. "And I'll promise you the same."
Severus caught her chin and tipped it up. He searched her eyes and reveled in the love that shone from them. "I will hold you to that."
"I know."
She stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips gently against his. Having thus sealed their promise to each other, Severus and Jane clasped hands, entwining their fingers. From now on, they would face life together – two souls that had been lost and found.
Suddenly, Jane shivered.
"Come, love," Severus whispered against her cheek. "Come back to bed."
She nodded and let him lead her back inside. They slid under the covers and cuddled together in a loving embrace. As the moon rose higher outside their bedroom window, Jane and Severus fell asleep in each other's arms and dreamt of the life that lay ahead, unaware of the two specters watching over them.
---
With one final glance at the two lovers, Albus Dumbledore waved his hand through the air and the image dissolved into a swirl of mist. He straightened and turned to the man standing next to him, a satisfied smile on his lips.
"Well," Albus finally commented. "I believe that was some of our best work, yet."
Ollivander nodded slowly. "I apologize for doubting you, Dumbledore. I didn't think I'd live to see Severus Snape happy."
"You didn't." Dumbledore's mouth twitched in merry amusement.
"Don't remind me." Ollivander's mouth twisted wryly. "I'm still put out that that infernal Ferguson is getting all my business. He's in it only for the money, you know. Doesn't make his wands to last… doesn't respect them."
Albus patted him comfortingly on the shoulder. "No use crying over spilt milk, old friend."
Ollivander nodded in resignation.
Dumbledore grinned, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Cheer up! We have more work to do." He nodded. "Yes, old friend, there is a certain werewolf I'm rather fond of, who is in dire need of our help."
He conjured up a wisp of fog and waved for Ollivander to come closer. Remus Lupin was revealed. He was watching the moon rise, frozen in his place, his gaze fixed on the pale orb. Dumbledore waved his hand again, and Remus' image gave way to that of a young woman, who was sitting by a window and staring desolately out into the rain. An open book lay forgotten in her lap while she watched the raindrops beat determinedly against the window pane, as though demanding entry. Her features were hidden from them, but her posture suggested that she was sad and lonely.
"I like the sound of that." Ollivander rubbed his hands together. "When do we start?"
Dumbledore inclined his head. "Not tonight, my friend. We've done enough work for one day. Besides, that will be an entirely different story."
THE END
…for now…
A/N: Thank you all for sticking with me all the way through to the end. Your wonderful reviews have kept me going, and I appreciate all the input I've received. Special thanks to Marilynn for being my Beta, and to Quintus for keeping me inspired. If you don't feel like you've had enough of Jane and Severus, yet, stay tuned for the sequel Walk With Me. After all, our two love birds are only getting started and still have to work out a lot of kinks in their relationship – especially, when someone from the past enters their lives. Furthermore, Remus meets a mysterious young woman, and I have the distinct feeling that Severus won't be able to keep his aquiline nose out of Remus' business. You may also want to check out my Severus short story Potions Master's Bride already up on FanFiction.
Lost and Found © 2006 by MMHG
