The year grew closer and closer to a close as N.E.W.T.s were completed. Riley grew more and more concerned with Severus' situation in Slytherin as he occasionally let it slip that potential Death Eaters were making advances on him. Riley never imagined wanting to leave the place that she had fell in love with—the second home that she had made here with Severus, but it was deeply upsetting to her that Severus was being targeted by the Dark Lord's cohorts. She knew the reason for their interest lie in the one thing Riley valued most about Severus—his intelligence. He was obviously the most brilliant wizard in their year and his knowledge of potions rivaled the authors of their textbooks. He would be easily a valued trophy for the former Tom Riddle to behold.
Severus constantly assured Riley that he would be fine, in the most dauntless and sarcastic way. She knew that he wouldn't be swayed to the dark side, but she was worried about the lengths the Death Eaters would go to get what they wanted. It was a dangerous time and no one was quite immune to the darkness that lurked in the wizarding world.
With the graduation approaching, N.E.W.T. scores were dispersed to the students. Riley fared well in potions in the end, despite her eggplant-colored debacle. When they received their scores, Riley had earned an 'Exceeds Expectations' which caused her to jump up and down in joy. Severus, of course, by contrast, received an 'Outstanding'. Riley applauded this well deserved effort on Severus' part. He had earned every bit of that grade. Severus also praised Riley for receiving her 'E' due to the fact that there were many students who did not achieve past 'Acceptable'. They did quite well in their other N.E.W.T.s, scoring 'Outstanding' in all their other subjects. This secured both of their scholarships and allowed them free range of whatever career they considered of their choosing.
Looking towards the future, both students had savings in their Gringotts accounts. Riley had a much more considerable amount than Severus, though she would never tell him due to her parents' higher income status back in the United States. To honor Severus' pride, she agreed that they would equally pay for and share a flat near the outskirts of London. Both of their continued education courses would be based in London, so a flat nearby made sense. Riley had sent her parents an owl mentioning their impending graduation and had purposely left out the part about sharing a flat with Severus. When the time presented itself, she'd explain their situation and hopefully forgiveness would follow. Severus was wary of this omission to Riley's parents, but trusted that she would use her best judgment.
The graduation ceremony was scheduled on a Saturday so that family and friends could make the rare trip to the quiet and secured school. Riley eagerly awaited the arrival of her parents, but a tickle of worry lingered low in her belly at the thought of telling them about her future plans. She knew they'd love Severus, but knew that her father, though advanced in science and medicine, could be old-fashioned when it came to the living arrangements of his daughter. Riley failed to bring this concern up to her significant other and held it deep within her, hoping it would be bottled up and locked away for now.
Severus, on the other hand was not as pleased with the ceremonial aspect of the day. He was eager to move on with his studies and his future with Riley, but was deterred by his lack of loved ones in attendance. Riley knew better than to dive into this subject and hoped that the support and love of her own family would replace the emptiness Severus would feel on the arrival of that day.
There was quite the hustle and bustle back in the Gryffindor Common Room as students prepared for their impending departure, the arrival of loved ones, and the illustrious graduation ceremony. As students fluttered back and forth between doorways, Riley sat by the fire with Sirius, James, and Lily enjoying a moment of peace before the celebrations commenced. Riley stared into the fire, her thoughts lingering on her upcoming introductions to her parents and the sadness of the departure of Hogwarts mixing with the happiness of being together with Severus in solitary bliss.
"You okay, Ry?" Sirius asked her, his gray eyes soberly searching her face.
In the past couple of months, her friendship with Sirius had become steadier in nature in which they found comfort in each other's presence. After Riley realized that Sirius was no longer hungrily lusting after her, they took time to converse and learn more about each other. Like Severus, Sirius found Riley easy to read and they often spoke of her concerns about the outside world. Sirius had quietly revealed that their headmaster had recruited the four marauder friends to join in a secret organization to combat the Dark Lord once they were out of school. Riley was surprised by Dumbledore's initiative and his willingness to throw his beloved students into the ring so soon. Sirius had explained to her the importance of their role in this impending war and had borderlined convinced her to dip her feet in the obscure pool of the order. Knowing Severus would have none of this, she waved the notation away, but still listened intently to Sirius' pitches, her Gryffindor distinctiveness showing.
Riley's thoughts turned towards the boy who sat beside her on the comfy sofa chairs.
"I've just got a lot of my mind." Riley said with a swift half smile flying to her cherry lips. Her blue eyes twisted over to his handsome form, leaning towards her by the fire.
Sirius' eyes lit up jovially as he looked at her, his hands clasped in front of him.
"Snape's meeting the parents today, huh?" He said with a boyish grin. Riley smiled playfully at him and swatted a hand in his direction.
"That's one of many things, but yes, he is."
"Once they get past the greasy hair and bat-like exterior, I'm sure it will go over well." Sirius said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Riley's fire illuminated in her eyes at the tease of Sirius' words. She socked him with a great pound in the arm and glared at him.
"Oy, Riley, I was just having a laugh." Sirius whined, rubbing his upper arm.
"You know better." She said muttering. "I'm nervous enough as it is right now and I can't imagine Severus is going to be thrilled too. I'm sure it'll be great to have him around all the parental love when his parents are nowhere in sight."
"He won't be the only one without parents there." Sirius said grumpily.
"Sorry, Sirius. I forgot." Riley said sympathetically, "At least you have the support of the Potters." Riley gestured to James, "Severus doesn't even have that."
Sirius nodded quietly and looked at James with a soft smile.
"Thank Merlin for James and the Potters." He said gently. "And my Uncle Alphard, who left me all that gold."
Riley grinned at Sirius, "I worry about you with all that gold in your hands."
Sirius grinned back, "Don't worry, Riley, it will go to good use."
Riley rolled her ocean blue eyes and stood up, straightening her crimson graduation dress robes. She tucked her chestnut, glossy hair behind her ear, allowing her gold dangling earrings to stand out a bit better.
"I'm going to go find Severus before the ceremony begins." Riley said, leaning over to Sirius and planting a gentle kiss on his cheek. He closed his eyes, relishing the feeling and opened his eyes with a smile glinting from them.
"You haven't gotten rid of me yet, Brannigan. Remember, we have to sit in alphabetical order and guess which lucky gentleman you get to sit next to." Sirius said, puffing out his chest.
"When I see that gentleman, I'll let you know." Riley said with a laugh, watching Sirius' chest deflate.
"I'll see you out there, James and Lily." Riley said briefly, raising a hand in their direction and waving. The two Gryffindors smiled sweetly with a wave back at Riley and then quickly dipped their heads back down together in conversation.
"Between you and me, I think James is going to ask Lily to marry him tonight." Sirius said in a hushed tone, his eyes trailing over to the couple seated close together in the next accompanying plush sofa.
"I wouldn't be surprised. Those two get closer each time I see them." Riley commented, her eyes following Sirius'. She turned her head back to Sirius, grinning at him and walked out the portrait in search of Severus with a click clack of her platform shoes.
"Severus!" Riley cried happily, sighting the Slytherin student in his emerald robes standing silently on the lawn looking at the Great Lake. He looked so handsome, standing there alone with his silky black hair blowing softly in the breeze from the lake. His prominent nose sat proudly upon his face and his dark eyes glistened in recognition at the sight of her. Riley had the odd sensation that she was being thrown back in time, staring at her beloved by the lake. He looked as if he were a proud, regal prince in some distant and ancient time. The emerald robes blew behind him as if he stood on the bow of a large ship, ready to discover new lands. Yes, his handsome was a different kind of handsome; a noble and distinctive handsome that came once a century. Regardless of the future and the outcome of any introductions, she felt as if she were the luckiest girl on Earth. This distinguished, gorgeous creature was all hers.
She ran up to him, her robes billowing behind her, her locks of hair streaming behind her and her golden earrings jingling in her wake. She fought the urge to place her lips all over his handsome, structured face as the sight of other students struck the corners of her cornea. She slowed her pace as she approached him and settled for flinging herself into his arms. He hesitantly and gently embraced her, trying to not show too much affection in public with other students filling in on the lawn. She kissed him quickly upon the mouth and tried not to linger too long, though it was tempting to do so. His lips tasted like honey and her blue eyed gaze caught his black one as she separated her lips from his.
His gaze lingered upon hers a minute longer than she expected and something flickered across her eyes that was mimicked in his eyes.
"Soon." He whispered, reaching up with his long fingers and brushing his thumb down her plump bottom lip. Riley shivered in anticipation at his words and his hands drifted down her slender arms, holding her by her elbows.
She smiled up at him, looking vertically from her much shorter height, despite the elevation of her shoes.
"I can't wait." She murmured softly.
"As long as your father doesn't murder me first." Severus said, his voice laced with dark humor. His eyebrows were raised as he looked over her head at the arrival of more students by the chairs seated on the lawn. Students began to take their seats as a pleasantly plump Professor Sprout guided them with a piece of parchment held in her hands.
"It appears that the ceremony is about to start." Severus commented.
"Meet me in the back afterwards? I'll bring my parents." Riley said, turning her gaze from the seated students to Severus' head above hers. She gave him a knowing look and he begrudgingly returned it, squeezing her elbows with his larger hands and releasing her. He nodded and silently walked to his seat towards the back of the cluster of students.
Riley walked towards the front and found her seat right next Sirius. He grinned at her handsomely with his wavy black hair framing his face and turned towards the front of the lawn as parents sauntered in from a courtyard in the castle. Several adults passed by waving at their children when Riley saw her parents walking, looking around the castle grounds. Riley's mother, a blonde, petite woman, stood prettily next Riley's father, a handsome man in his forties with dark chestnut hair sprinkled with salt and pepper flecks. The blonde woman waved heartily in Riley's direction, her brown, almond shaped eyes finding her daughter.
"Wow, Riley. That's your mum?" Sirius said, his mouth agape, "And she's a muggle? If You-Know-Who saw that muggles look like your mum he might reconsider his anti-muggle agenda. Introduce me to her later."
"Sirius, really?" Riley said slightly disgusted, swatting at his arm. "You're gross. You're not hitting on my mom."
"It's a compliment, Ry! The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree!" Sirius said, trying to justify his reaction.
He looked at her with a gentle smirk as she stared him like he had two heads.
"I'm so glad I get to sit next to you for the entire ceremony." She said, pulling her lips back into a grimace.
"You should count yourself lucky! Imagine how many ladies would kill for your position right now." Sirius said, folding his arms across his chest and leaning back in his chair.
Riley feigned retching into her hand and Sirius smirked at her, sitting comfortably in his chair.
The ceremony went off without a hitch. Dumbledore strode forward from the back of the lawn, waving his hand initiating the start of a beautiful classical number that played melodiously over the attendees. As he reached the front of the lawn, the music fell to a hush and he gave a sincere and powerful speech about the graduating class and the expectations he had for the great futures ahead of them. He then announced the names of each graduate as they strode forward in a singular and organized fashion and awarded them with a brilliant piece of parchment, signaling their graduate status from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The misty appearance of tears mingled in with shouts of joy as the Headmaster announced the official end to the ceremonial portion of the graduation ceremony. Lights suddenly flashed in the air in a dazzling manner much like the appearance of muggle fireworks, illuminating the sky. Dumbledore then announced the start of the dinner feast in the Great Hall for the graduating class and their guests as the crowd rose from their dedicated seats.
Riley quickly gave Sirius a departing hug as her parents walked towards their daughter from their seats in the back. Sirius winked at Riley's mother as her parents drew closer and the girl shoved him towards the Potters as the couple arrived glowingly happy in front of her.
"Who was that, Riley?" Riley's mother asked curiously in her charming Southern accent, watching the boy walk off.
"Just a friend, Mama." Riley said, picking up some of her mother's accent at the sound of a familiar voice.
"Congratulations, Riley." Riley's father said proudly, embracing his daughter in his strong, warm arms. Riley smiled happily against her father's chest, comforted by his paternal embrace. His eyes were shining with liquid looking down at her, pride glittering in his blue eyes. Her normally unemotional father caught her off guard and she choked back a tear or two, seeing the love that lit his eyes. She turned her head slightly to see Severus approaching them, his raven-colored hair framing his face, his hands tucked into his pockets. He sauntered at a slow pace, but confidence radiated from his stride. That princely, slender frame caught her breath in her throat for a different reason this time and her father and mother followed her gaze.
"Oh my, he is handsome, Riley." Riley's mother softly said, seeing the approaching figure.
Riley knew her mother was telling the truth by how surprised her tone was. Her parents hadn't met any of the boys she had dated in the past because none of them were as special as Severus. Clearly her mother had seen it too, her gaze transfixed on the young man who now was standing before them.
"Daddy, Mama, this is Severus Snape." Riley said quietly as Severus nodded to Riley's mother and extended his hand out to the Head Healer with a secure facade.
Riley's father released his daughter smoothly and surprised Riley by reaching out his own hand to shake Severus' in a standard muggle greeting.
"Hawthorn Brannigan. We've heard a lot about you, Severus."
Severus looked directly at Riley at her father's words and she sheepishly smiled back at him, blushing slightly. Severus nonverbally communicated his feelings to Riley through their passing glances and Riley cringed, sensing his irritation. The mass of people around them began to venture up the rolling grassy hills, conversation lively and vast throughout. Her father turned with the promenading crowd and sauntered alongside Severus towards the grand castle before them.
"Riley told us that you were the strongest Potions student in your year." Hawthorn stated, looking curiously at the younger man next to him. Severus' brow rose in reply, surprise written upon his face.
"Riley may have inflated my abilities." Severus said plainly.
"You may say that, Severus, but one thing I know for sure is that my daughter does not tend to impart anything but the truth." Hawthorn said firmly, his eyes glancing to his left side, viewing Severus' face.
Severus nodded quietly, agreeing with the older man and kept his gaze ahead of him as he heard the soft footsteps of the women behind them.
"You know, Severus, you could use those abilities to build a prominent career as a Healer. Hospitals are always looking for new talent on the rise." Hawthorn said, tucking his hands in his pant pockets. "If you ever would like to consider that option, you could owl me at anytime."
Hawthorn's tone was calm and warm, like a father's voice should be. Severus was surprised by the amount of care there was in the words that were spoken, never experiencing that kindness from his own father. His own father was a cold and dark human being, which appeared to be quite the opposite of the man who was strolling aside him on the right. He was unsure of how to speak in reply and was caught off guard. Severus merely nodded and mumbled a few words.
"Thank you, sir." He said, thinking the added 'sir' would display the respect that situation deserved.
Hawthorn glanced quickly behind them as they advanced to the entrance of the giant stone castle. He smiled affectionately at the two women behind him. Severus glanced as well and noticed that the two had fallen a couple of paces behind them, engaged in a very lively conversation. Hawthorn turned his head back towards the castle and spoke calmly to the man beside him.
"Do you love my daughter?" Hawthorn asked in a low tone that only their ears could hear.
Severus' normal emotionless mask was stripped at that moment, revealing a very raw plate of emotion. Shock presented itself on his face and Hawthorn took the expression for all it was worth.
"Ah, I see." The older man said with a grin and a twinkle in his eye. "I suspected as much. But you haven't said it aloud before, hm?"
Severus kept up his pace with the man as they entered the stony hallowed halls and found himself to be quite speechless in manner. Hawthorn chuckled at the younger man's silence and patted him softly upon the back.
"I don't need a response today, Severus. Just take care of my little girl?" Riley's father said warmly and then suddenly, his voice took on a slightly chilly edge, "The world is becoming a dangerous place. I'd at least like to know that Riley is safe."
Severus' black eyes swept over once again to Hawthorn's blue eyes and they gazed at each other for a second with serious looks upon their faces. Severus looked at Hawthorn firmly this time and clearly nodded his dark-haired head in response.
"I will, sir." Severus said with true sincerity and a simple tone.
Hawthorn smiled tenderly at the boy and turned around to the ladies behind him. He waved his arm towards his wife and captured her around the waist, pulling her to his side.
"I'd like my wife to accompany me into the Great Hall." Hawthorn said lovingly, making his wife laugh in return.
Severus dropped back to Riley, embarrassed by her parents' display of outward affection. Riley smiled at him, her cherry lips rising at the ends.
"They can be little 'lovey dovey' at times." She explained, seeing the look on Severus' face. "I'm glad you got to meet them."
Severus nodded at her, his black curtained hair shifting at the movement.
"I don't think your father will object to us living together." Severus said in a hushed tone as he watched Riley's parents chatter together, making their way to a table.
Riley looked at Severus with a new found respect glittering in her light blue eyes. She touched his arm softly as they continued to walk closely together.
"How did you manage that?" She asked in a curious voice.
"He is concerned about your safety. I assured him that I will keep you safe." Severus said, pulling out a seat for her at the white-clothed, transfigured smaller tables.
Riley's eyes met his and she practically melted under his gaze. Hawthorn and Marguerite looked up at the same time to see their daughter seated by Severus. Their gazes covertly lingered a little longer as they watched the silent exchange between two eighteen-year-olds. Marguerite turned her blonde head ever so slightly to place her lips near her husband's ear.
"Should I be worried?" Marguerite whispered gently.
"Not in the least, dear." Hawthorn whispered back with a smile.
A/N: My lovely and dear readers, thank you for your patience. It took me a while to figure out how to end the year for my two beloved students and I wanted it to be just right. We are approaching the end of my tale and I want to finish strong. Thank you for reading and continuing to stay with me!
