Chapter 15: Sixth Year: Summer Holiday
Calli was growing more excited about the future by the day. Marrying Severus would mean leaving behind her childhood home, and living away from her family finally. She refused to let her mother see her happiness. She felt certain from her snarky comments that her mother would work harder to make the union unpleasant for them. And she couldn't be sure that the woman didn't have influence over her father.
Her mother delivered more news. She came to mockingly tell her that her betrothed would be coming to court her. It was a full week since she'd come home. She offered nothing to her mother, other than a simple nod showing she'd heard her. This woman would get nothing from her. No morsel of emotion to feed upon.
Waiting alone in the garden, she had her hair down and had picked robes of the palest green. She sat on the same blanket that Draco had ranted about stolen glory. She felt him before she saw him. How had she never noticed her awareness of him? He approached slowly, uncertain of his welcome.
"Hello, Severus." She smiled up at him, and noticed his sharp intake when she'd used his given name. They were to be married, what had he expected her to call him? She patted the blanket next to her and when he sat, she whispered a glamour spell to hide them. Her mother, should she look outside would see the two of them sitting, talking but not looking any different from any other given day.
He felt the spell surround them. "What did you just cast, Calli?" He asked, both curious and a little frightened.
"Glamour." She answered, smiling at him to comfort his fears. She could tell that he was worried about her reception. That she harbored some hidden anger at his choice of her. "I would rather my mother not see our visit. Or at least not the reality of our visit."
He nodded and returned her smile. "Calli," he started, having savoured the sound of his name on her lips he wanted so much more. "I had wanted the gift of telling you myself, but your father-"
"Gave that privilege to Mummy Dearest." Her smile held through her irritation with her parents. "She clearly enjoyed the task. Relished in it, in fact."
He could have groaned, and realizing that they had privacy and he trusted her so, he gave in and did. "I'm sorry, Calli." She shook off his apology and took his hand in hers.
"Not necessary, Severus." There, the sound of his name again, thrilled him. She raised his hand and kissed the center of his palm. "If there's any hand I trust with my life, it's this one. And I trust the man it's attached to more than I can explain."
Severus felt his heart leap. He knew he still had to complete Dumbledore's tasks, for Potter, for the safety of the wizarding world, but with her by his side, he could face anything.
"Calli," his voice thick with longing. "When is your birthday?"
Confused by the turn of one question, she suddenly understood. "Well, Professor Snape, Head of Slytherin," she answered cheekily, putting her hand behind his head and pulling him toward her face. "You happen to be in luck. My seventeenth birthday was in April."
The smile that lit up his face was a memory she would fight to keep. "Kiss me, Severus."
And so he did. For the first, but over his dead body would it be the last, time. Their lips met and he felt that all was right in his world. This, her, was his world. When she made a tiny moan of pleasure, he nipped at her full bottom lip and accepted the invite when she gasped an opening.
Their kiss deepened and she climbed into his lap. Craving more, of him, of his kiss. She needed more contact. Why was he always covered in so many layers of fabric? She groaned in frustration.
He pulled away with a chuckle, another sound of him she'd lock away. "Why, Miss Lestrange, I do believe you enjoyed that." Her eyes heavy with need, she was still straddling him and it took every ounce of willpower to stop. "We can't, my love, not yet."
The reality of their current location stilled her raging hormones. The glamour would hold, but did she really want her first time, their first time together here? Effective as a cold shower, she contemplated returning to her seat on the blanket, but he held her tight on his lap. They couldn't have sex, but he didn't want to give up the contact he craved just yet.
"When?" She asked, looking deep into his eyes, running her fingers through the hair at his nape. Silky, not oily she confirmed with her fingertips. Her longing was rolling off her in waves. "Not making love, but when do we marry?"
Severus took her hand. "As soon as we can arrange it." Taking a hand from his neck, he mimicked her kiss to his palm. Then he uttered the words she longed to hear. "I do love you, Calligenia Lestrange. I hope you know that."
She smiled at him and he was once more struck breathless by her beauty. "I do now." She bit her very kissable bottom lip. And he fought the urge to nip it again. "I love you too, did you know that?"
"I do now," he answered, allowing his control to drop and taking the kiss he so longed to.
Severus left her determined to make their wedding happen, as soon as the Dark Lord would allow it. First stop, he needed to address her father and ask if making her wife came with conditions. Then, he'd ask for a date, the soonest possible. Then he'd make her his wife, and finally, he thought with a surge of lust, he'd make her his.
Tempering his thoughts, he asked for an audience with her father. It was granted immediately. Asking careful questions about his impending marriage and receiving nothing that constituted a real issue with proceeding, he asked for the earliest possible wedding date. That gave him the only condition the Dark Lord had. The wedding had to take place in his presence. With that acknowledged, he granted Severus a date one week hence.
"You really do want her," the Dark Lord said, seemingly confused by his attraction.
Severus answered in confidence. "Yes, my Lord, I do."
Approval even beyond his confusion glowed in her father's eyes. "Then in one week, here in this room, you'll take her for life. I'll make arrangements for a suitable officiant. You take care of the rest." Severus nodded, and offered his gratitude. "And, Severus, I expect heirs- for you, for the cause." He hissed, carefully aware of the audience surrounding them. "Pureblood children entrenched in the blood of loyalty."
Great, bring up heirs, here in front of you her father. "Yes, my Lord." He hoped the need for her was devoid in his voice. Excused, he went back to Spinner's End. He had to check that his one treasure, other than the beauty he was marrying was safe. Looking in a hidden compartment in his desk, he pulled out a small silver box. He opened it, making sure it still held the one thing he'd kept of his mother's. Satisfied, he sent word to Calli that their marriage would take place in a week. He had planning to do.
Calli was in the library when her aunt came to give her Severus' letter. Certain that every member of her family already knew the contents, she opened it in front of her mother who came swishing in behind Narcissa. She fought to hide her happiness, but knew she'd won when her mother asked what the snake had sent.
Like you don't know, she thought, but said, "He sent word that our wedding date is set. A week from today, in the presence of the Dark Lord." Her mother looked mollified that Calli didn't call him father in front of her aunt. "I suppose I'll need a set of wedding clothes."
"And arrangements to have your belongings shipped to his hovel." Her mother mocked. "After all, Snape is a half-blood. I'm sure you'll adore keeping house in his shack."
"I'll do the duty set me by your Master, Mother." Her voice was calm and steady. "After all, isn't that what HE expects of his followers?" The threat was clear, keep it up and I'll call him by his real title.
Her mother glared daggers at her, but said no more. "As for the arrangement for my belongings, I think I'll start packing now. Aunt Cissa, could you help me choose an appropriate gown? I do so value your opinion on fashion." Cutting her mother dead with a look, she walked with her aunt back to her room.
It was a week, one week to deal with his absence. He sent letters, openly discussing the plans for their wedding. Asking her favorite flower, if she had a preference for cake flavors, if she liked elf-made wine? She answered, wishing he was asking in person, so she could see him, touch him.
The countdown of the days became her new mantra. Her mother making not so veiled remarks about how humbly she'd be forced to live with Severus. Four more days. Her uncle returning to the family fold bearing the same prison pallor that her parents still showed signs of even months after their escape. Three more days. Her aunt clucking about the lack of input she had for the wedding gown. Two more days.
Before she knew it the day had dawned. Her wedding would take place at midnight. Her day before would be spent allowing her aunt to pamper her and prepare her. The dress they'd finally agreed on, just the day before, was flattering if blindingly white. Tradition it may be, but she'd rather some color, any color. She allowed her hair to be arranged down her back, entwined with the baby's breath she'd enchanted to glow.
When Narcissa lowered the gown over her head, she caught the tears in her guardian's eyes. She smiled slightly, hoping to offer her some comfort, and her aunt offered a weak smile in return.
"I'm not sure I prepared myself for this day, Calli." Her aunt said, fussing with the folds of her gown and tugging everything into place. "The day you'd be married."
Her mother's voice broke the moment. "You mean married to a poor half-blood, Cissy? Me either." She tutted over Calli's shoulder. "I hadn't imagined this day at all, but if I had, I would have hoped for better for my offspring."
Calli's hand twitched, itching to use her wand. Instead the mirror cracked and the lamps flickered, several going out. Her mother's eyes widened. Clearly not expecting the sign of her daughter's real power. Fear, from her mother, was most welcome at this moment. She wanted her cowed. Scared to do anything to ruin this night for her.
"What was that?" Bellatrix whispered. "Did you do that?" She demanded an answer.
"I haven't a clue what you're talking about, Mother." She said, waving her wand to fix the broken mirror and again to relight the lamps. "Clearly there was a harsh breeze that blew out those lamps, and the mirror? Old things tend to crack and break under strain. Perhaps it was a warning to those meddling in affairs that aren't theirs to meddle in?"
The warning sent and heard, Calli returned to her reflection. She fixed a loose curl and bit her lip for more color. Satisfied she turned around to fully face her aunt and mother. "Tonight is a happy occasion. A family triumph. We are having a wedding in the presence of the Dark Lord. That isn't granted to every follower is it?" She waited until they both shook their heads. "There will be no disruptions, no outbursts, no mocking comments. Tonight is a celebration. I will not allow ANYONE to ruin this night, this HONOR. Understood?" She stood erect and terrifying before them, smaller than both, yet clearly more powerful than either. They both nodded their agreement. "Good, now go spread the word to the rest of our dear family."
They turned to leave and she called out one more time. "Oh and Mother?" Bellatrix turned to look. "I cannot wait to meet the Dark Lord. And I'm SO happy that it'll be on my parents' arms that I do."
She felt vindicated when her mother swallowed hard. Another curt nod and they were gone. It was high time this family understood where the power lie. Checking her reflection once more, she did the final preparation. She sent her belongings to the address Severus had sent to her the day before. Spinner's End. Her new home.
At 11:30 PM she met her family in the library. She'd be taken into her father's presence by her mother and Rodolphus. Swallowing her revulsion at having to touch them, she took her place between them and allowed the contact. Closing her eyes, she opened them to an unfamiliar room. She bowed, as her parents bowed. And waited to be given permission to rise.
Both Rodolphus and Severus had given her instruction for this first meeting. One was focused on keeping himself safe from the Dark Lord's wrath, but the other wanted the meeting to be smooth so their wedding could occur with haste. Severus had also warned her that there would be subtle differences between a regular wizard wedding and theirs.
"Ah, the bride." A sound like a snake slithering over dry leaves turned to voice offered. "Stand up, my dear, rise so I can see the beauty that has captured Severus' affection."
The words were echoes of what other brides may expect to hear, but on his lips sounded mocking. She stood straight in front of him, confirming her groom's instruction that only the one given leave to move was allowed. Her parents remained bowed in submission, the need of her mother to please her father rolling off her in heavy waves. The Prophet, she realized, had not done justice to the horror of his true visage. As her eyes took in his face and personage, he did the same. Both curious about the other. His attention looked like a student labeling a diagram of a specimen in Care of Magical Creatures class.
As he took in her hair, eyes, stature she allowed herself to look through his eyes. He was curious about her power. Was she as powerful as her uncle Lucius had insisted? He'd come to the Dark Lord as one last attempt to stop the union between her and Severus from happening. Clearly a mission from Bellatrix, and a bad idea to even attempt it. He'd punished the very belief that anyone could question his will. As Lucius had screamed in pain, he reminded him of the bounty he'd granted him. Freedom. The ability to remain in his home. Protection. How dare he believe he had the right to ask for more? As for Bellatrix, her meddling would be punished in the very way she hoped to stop. She'd watch her daughter marry the man she so hated. And she'd do it quietly.
All this went unnoticed by her father. He didn't feel her delving inside of him and found it strange that he felt nothing when he stared into her eyes. Black dark void. That was all he found when he attempted. Odd, but not worrisome. Calligenia would be in trusted hands. Severus had more than proven himself and he felt certain he would guide the girl along the right path. As for Bellatrix, her feelings and irritation could go to Hell.
"Calligenia Lestrange." Did she imagine the hesitation between her names? "Welcome to the family." Cheers rose and she remembered her wedding guests were surrounding them.
"Thank you, my Lord." She answered with a small inclination of her head. "And thank you for your generosity. The use of your sanctuary for our wedding is most appreciated." Her head inclined in his direction again. Flattery, Severus told her, was paramount.
Voldemort's face, her father's face, smiled cruelly. "My pleasure, after all we celebrate the joining of worthy blood in this family. And there couldn't be a better connection of blood than yours and Severus'." He returned to his self fashioned throne. "Now let's begin."
The ceremony itself was a blur. It differed only in adding the darkness of the company surrounding them. The vows, normally focused on love, fidelity, and happiness for the couple, were changed to include loyalty to the Dark Lord, promises to strive toward the shared goal of the cause-returning the unworthy to their proper place, and to bear fruit to worthy, pure children. She was pleasantly surprised when he pulled a small silver box from his robes to open it and reveal her wedding ring. An emerald stone set in a darkened silver band. He pledged his "I do" and she returned it. While a regular officiant would shower the new couple in a rainfall of stars, theirs sent up the Dark Mark in all its glowing glory. Severus was finally allowed to kiss her, but instead of rushing off to their new life, they were bombarded with a reception.
While she daydreamed of their wedding morning, she had to accept the congratulations from their guests. Deatheaters, the lot of them, praising her father and barely holding in the contempt they felt for all else. The fanaticism was choking. Luckily Severus never left her side. His hand on hers, his voice accepting the words of their guests, his very presence kept her calm. The urge to strike down all of them save Severus, these rabid followers of her father and even the man himself, dead was more overwhelming than the way her blood once boiled in her veins. The thought of the fire she'd once felt drew her out of that fantasy of them dead at her feet. She no longer felt it. It was completely gone. Why?
Finally, as distracted as she'd been, it was time to leave. Blessing the new couple, her father gave them leave to start their new life. In service to him, of course, because that's what newlyweds want to be reminded of.
Severus took her in his arms and with a kiss they were gone.
She opened her eyes on a quiet street, in front of a dark row house. The dawn was approaching as her husband, did her face just light up with that beautiful realization, took her hand and pulled her forward. He was silent, almost shy, as they drew closer to the house. He seemed hesitant so she squeezed his hand for comfort. He turned to face her as the sun crested. The half light allowed her to study him better. Cupping his cheek with her free hand, she saw him swallow heavily.
"This is my house, Calli." He looked at her with pain in his eyes. The confident man she loved, replaced with uncertainty. "It isn't as grand as you're used to, nor is it what you deserve." He was apologizing for the modest home they would live in, for it and him.
She shushed him and pulled her hand from his. Using both hands to cradle his face, she forced his attention back to her. "Don't you dare, Severus Snape. Don't you dare assume I married you-fell in love with you, for some promise of material wealth." She pulled him to her for a heartstopping kiss. "This, you, is all I need. Not a grand house, not a fortune. Just you."
He groaned, not in pain, but in need for this beautiful miracle he held. What had he done to deserve her? Taking her into his arms, he opened the door and carried her across the threshold. They were married. They were joined in every sense save one. And it was time to rectify that.
"Welcome home, Mrs. Severus Snape." He whispered, making the door shut to close out the rest of the world.