July 1998
Snapes' family home
Florence walked out of the fireplace and removed her high heels, closing her eyes and sighing, happy to be home.
It had been two months since the end of the war and she still felt giddy every time she walked into the living room of her beloved home and saw the happy pictures on the walls, the full toy box on the corner, and heard the sounds of teenagers talking and kids playing.
No matter how stressful reorganizing the Ministry and rebuilding Hogwarts were being, just the thought that she'd be getting home to her family – the whole family and more! – was enough to have her smiling.
Florence removed her coat and inhaled deeply, savouring the smells of home – which told her they'd be having lemon tart that day –, and listening to the sounds around the house; she could tell that Chris and Sophie were in the pool, and Eileen was with them, Florence peeked out of the backyard door and saw the twin-babies' magical floating crib near Eileen's chair in the shade of the patio. And she could hear the voices of Harry, Draco and Hermione coming from the library – they seemed to be having some serious discussion.
She stopped by the library door, seeing Draco and Hermione looking at Harry with a frown, and she took a moment to think about that unexpected trio; they had developed a surprisingly natural friendship in the past two months since they had started living there, under the same roof.
"Hey, guys." Florence entered the room. "What are you three talking about that has Mione angry?"
"We just got our Hogwarts letters." Said Hermione.
"Oh! Yes." Florence smiled. "We're inviting all 7th years drop-outs back to finish their studies. You'll all have private accommodations inside your common rooms. It's pretty cool."
"That sounds great, Mrs. Snape." Said Harry. "But I'm not going back."
"Oh, I see." Florence said, suddenly understanding why Draco and Hermione had been frowning at him before. Then she added: "But you are, Harry."
And it was Harry's turn to frown. "No, I'm not." he insisted. "The Auror's office has invited me to be part of their next training course and–"
"And," Florence continued for him. "You'll reply to them saying you'll be most honoured to join them next year – after you've sat your N.E.W.T.s." her lips held a smile but her eyes sparkled dangerously – reminding both Harry and Draco of another pair of green eyes they had once known. "You can also be sure Tonks will be getting an earful from me for even thinking of inviting you!" she took the letter from his hand. "You are going to return to Hogwarts and finish your studies, like your mother would've wanted you to. In fact," she moved one hand over his Hogwarts letter and it vanished. "Consider yourself already enrolled."
But Harry, being the hot-head teenager he was, growled: "I'm old enough to make my own decisions!"
But Florence didn't seem fazed by his anger, her voice soft as she replied: "Age doesn't mean maturity, Harry."
"One would think fighting a grown-ass evil wizard makes one mature enough!" Harry shouted. "You're just like the others! Trying to control my every step! I won't–" he stopped speaking for Florence had taken a step towards him and touched a hand to his face, smiling at him.
"Listen, dear." she said in an understanding tone, noticing he was very uncomfortable. "This will be the first year of the rest of your life. Enjoy Hogwarts for once – I swear to you it's a great place to study." She let her hand down from his face. "Rest, party, have fun, do your homework. I promise you no one will try to kill you this year."
"You can't promise that!" Harry scoffed, still angry. "There are many death eaters still on the loose."
But Florence just kept on smiling and looked at Draco, who watched that scene as amused as Hermione, "Your arm, Dray."
The blond boy gulped and gave her his left arm, where his short-sleeved polo shirt left his pale-white Dark Mark exposed.
"This, Harry," Florence held Draco's arm and moved her finger a centimetre above the tattoo. "is the best magical tracking device we could've asked for. Just last week, Severus and I were enjoying brunch in my office at the Ministry when he felt his Mark suddenly grow warm."
Harry and Hermione looked at her in confusion, but Draco knew why that had happened.
"It can help us recognize other followers nearby." he explained.
"Exactly. And that day we captured someone we didn't even know was a death eater!" Florence nodded. "Therefore, considering that Severus has been reinstated as Hogwarts Headmaster, and Draco will also be at the castle, finishing his seventh year alongside you, you can believe me when I promise that no one will attempt on your life this year. Hogwarts will be the safest place for you – for once."
She let go of Draco's arm and touched his shoulder. "Thanks, Dray." Then she smiled at them. "Now, I can tell Tiffany is about to serve us some delicious iced-tea with her amazing lemon tart; so, go wash up and get to the table, I'll go get the kids out of the pool." And she left the library.
Draco and Harry exchanged a glance, and the latter said: "Snape is crazy, man. I fully believe she'll protect me, but... can't imagine being married to her."
"Absolutely." Agreed Draco. "She's... intimidating." He shivered.
Hermione frowned. "What? She's a smart and powerful witch, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous! Any man would be happy to call her his wife. Prof. Snape is a very lucky man!"
"She's terrifying, Mione." Said Harry as if that was an obvious reason.
She rolled her eyes, "I sure am glad James is not afraid of a strong woman like you two idiots!"
And Draco snorted: "It figures the only bloke not afraid of you would be the one raised by the Dark Lord's daughter."
Hermione gasped and slapped his arm, as she would Harry's had he been the one to say that – her sudden playful slap shocked the three of them for a moment but in the next second they were laughing together.
"Still strong, Granger." Said Draco, smiling. "Sure am glad it wasn't my face this time."
And they laughed harder.
August 1998
Diagon Alley
Elizabeth Snape and Draco Malfoy were out in the packed Alley shopping for school supplies. Liz would be starting her fifth year in Hogwarts – despite being almost sixteen.
"People can't seem to mind their own business!" Draco growled.
"What's the matter, Dray?" Liz asked from behind a pile of books she had been looking at, her long-sleeved purple dress making her look older than sixteen. The delicate diamonds on her ears and the way her long silky dark waves cascaded down her back turning all eyes towards them.
"They won't stop looking at us!" Draco growled low.
"Well, you have to admit that we look pretty good together." She smiled at him, running a hand down his dark-grey shirt and hooking a finger on the waistband of his brand jeans. "Plus, everyone knows who you are. No one can miss that bright-white Malfoy hair."
"I'm dyeing it orange and pretending to be another Weasley." He growled.
Elizabeth gasped, "Don't you dare!"
He laughed and wrapped his arms around her, pushing her chin up for a kiss.
And then they heard the sound of a camera clicking nearby.
Fucking leeches! Draco spoke through their bond. I'm gonna–
Smile and be the gentleman we both know you were raised to be. Elizabeth told him. We do not need the Prophet saying tomorrow their reporter was attacked by an ex-death eater.
Draco exhaled in annoyance and nodded, letting her do what she did best: steal the show.
Elizabeth smiled at him, whispering: "Good boy."
He smirked, I'll show you how good I am later.
She bit her bottom lip and looked him up and down with blatant desire, before turning to face the reporter and the cameraman.
"Hello, gentlemen, what can I do for you today?"
"Hey, Miss. What's your name?"
She tossed her hair back charmingly, proudly saying for the first time: "Elizabeth Snape."
The reporter gasped, "You're Severus Snape's daughter?"
"Yes."
"Your mother is the Minister of Magic?"
"Exactly." Confirmed Liz.
"Wait." The photographer said. "So you're granddaughter of the late Dark Lord."
"That's me, yes." Liz nodded, feeling Draco wrapping an arm around her waist. "Never met him though." She said upfront, before they asked her things she couldn't talk about.
The photographer looked from her to Draco. "And you're dating Mr. Malfoy?"
"Yes," Draco confirmed. "Elizabeth Snape and I are dating."
"Holy shit!" Exclaimed the reporter, turning to look at the other man, "Has there ever been a more Slytherin couple?"
"No way, man!" laughed the photographer, raising his camera again. "Can I take a couple of pictures? You two look so good together."
"Sure." Elizabeth said, posing beside Draco, touching him, making sure to rest her right hand on his chest and display the beautiful ring he had put on her finger.
Once the reporter and the photographer were gone, Draco pulled Elizabeth towards him, holding her close.
"I love watching you taking charge of situations." He whispered at her ear, "Making grow men eat at the palm of your delicate hand, rendering them powerless with your charms."
"Really? You like that?" she smiled.
"Hell yeah. I keep remembering how all that power and control of yours vanish the moment I touch you." He kissed the corner of her mouth and trailed kissed down the column of her neck.
"Mmm." She sighed, glancing around the store and noticing all the attention they were calling. "We'd better leave, Dray, I'm not fucking inside Flourish Blotts."
He chuckled, "Never, princess." and disapparated them both, surprising her.
"Where are we?" Elizabeth gasped once the feel of the sudden apparition fizzled out, and she was able to look around the beautifully and tastefully decorated room.
"We're in a muggle hotel near Diagon Alley. I got us a room to spend the evening after we finished shopping."
She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, loving the surprise. "You're so good to me, Dray. Always pampering me, loving me." She kissed down his neck, teasing his skin with her tongue. "I want to be good to you too." She whispered, unfastening his fancy jeans and slowly falling onto her knees in front of him.
"Yes. Be good to me, love." He hissed in desire.
She looked up at him as she pulled his pants and underwear down, her dark eyes fixed on his blue ones, which were a darker shade in his desire.
His dick sprung free and she opened her mouth to let its tip rest on her tongue before lapping at the precum coating the head.
Draco moaned above her, one hand touching her hair.
She closed her lips around it and circled her tongue around the head before taking him deeper and applying suction, hearing him groan and feeling his hands fisting her hair.
Fuck my mouth, Dray. She asked through their bond.
"Such a perfect princess," he groaned, "On your knees for me." And he moved his hips, pushing his cock deeper, choking her a little – just as she liked.
She hummed happily around him and the vibrations ran down his length straight to his balls, bringing his orgasm close.
"Are you taking it, love?" he asked.
Yes, fill my mouth with cum, Dray.
He groaned, fisting both hands in her hair and thrusting between her lips; after a couple more thrusts, he was spurting thick ropes of cum down her throat.
"Fuck, princess." He groaned, pulling her up to her feet and kissing her passionately, tasting a hint of his slightly bitter cum in her month.
He kissed down her neck, biting on the curve of her shoulder, "I'll make you mine now." He hiked her dress up, grabbing her ass with both hands and holding her close. "You smell so fucking delicious, Liz." He licked her neck, "I can't believe I'll get to have you at Hogwarts with me."
"Yes. And you'll be having your own room in the castle." She sighed as his hands and month kept teasing her.
Draco stopped all his touches then and looked at her: "Fuck, that's true!"
"And I'll be there every night." She said, biting his bottom lip.
He groaned in desire and his eyes showed a little fear, "You're gonna get me killed until the end of term." He resumed caressing her thighs under her dress. "Godfather is headmaster, your brothers are going to be around as well..."
Elizabeth laughed, "I'm sure neither the twins nor my father will be bothering us in the middle of the night, Dray. My brothers have their own houses now – not that mom knows it yet – but they'll be going home in the evenings; and dad has mom to occupy his nights – and she won't let him bother us."
"Mm. Every night, you said?" he asked with a smirk, nipping her shoulder.
"Every night," she replied, sighing in pleasure, "I'll be naked on your bed."
Draco groaned, feeling his cock getting fully hard again; he quickly hoisted her up and carried her to bed, dropping her onto the soft mattress and covering her delicious-smelling body with his.
"You're too fucking beautiful for your own good, Elizabeth." He ran his nose down her neck, going between her breasts. "That fucking smell, I just want to lick you all over." He whispered a Divesto and had her naked under him – knowing better than to remove her clothes himself and risk ruining any of the expensive items.
He took her lips again, caressing her lower belly teasingly, slowly touching her inner thighs.
"Don't tease me, Dray!" she complained as he kissed down her neck.
"You're mine to love and pleasure, Liz." He said, his hands playing with her hard nipples as he kept moving his kissed further down kneeling between her legs and sucking and licking her thighs and hips.
"You're torturing me, Draco!" Liz gasped, needing him to touch her dripping entrance, but he kept on purposely avoiding it.
He ran his tongue around her pussy lips but not between them, and she arched, begging: "Suck me, please! Mark me, Dray!"
He knew what she was asking, so he pressed the signet ring he had started to wear on his left pinky onto her skin, the cold metal a contrast to the warmth of her skin. He pressed it once right on her lower belly, watching as the 'M' of his family crest showed on her creamy white skin for a few seconds. He did it again right on her hips and then on her thighs.
"You're mine, love." He said, finally touching her pussy with two fingers; hissing as he felt the wetness between her legs. "You're fucking drenched, princess!"
"All for you, Dray." She moaned.
"You love being marked by my ring, don't you, babe?"
"Yes! Mark me! I'm yours!"
"You know," he kissed her hips, caressing her inner thighs. "My family name is no longer as prestigious as it once was."
"I don't care, Dray. I can't wait to be yours in every way." She gasped as he pressed his signet ring right on her clit. "Fuck!" she moaned, spreading her legs farther apart.
Draco groaned, lowering his head to her entrance and finally lapping at her as he kept his ring pressed against her clit.
Liz grabbed his head with both hands, his impeccably styled hair being all ruined under her fingertips.
"Yes!" she gasped as he thrust two fingers into her, caressing her g-spot. "Ooohh, Dray." she moaned and swirled her hips against his face, his tongue substituting his ring on her clit just perfectly.
And as she was clenching on his fingers, seconds away from a mind-blowing orgasm, he kneeled between her legs and thrust his hard cock into her.
"Aaah, Draco!" she shouted, arching and cumming hard under him, fisting her hands on the sheets and trashing wildly as pleasure took over her.
"Yes, princess." He groaned, feeling his cock being bathed by her hot juices as her walls massaged him deliciously. "Fucking tight pussy." And he moved, fucking her through her orgasm, making her moan louder.
Liz gasped and undulated under him, grabbing his ass with both hands, pulling him deeper.
"Is this what you want?" he thrust hard into her, bumping her cervix. "Is it here that you want me to cum?"
"Yes! Oooh, please! Cum in me! Fill me up with your seed!"
"Is that what you want, Liz? To be mine, to have me fill you up with my baby."
"Yes! Oohh!" she screamed, climaxing again.
"Fuck, Liz." He groaned, his eyes rolling in pleasure as she clenched around him and he lost the ability to speak full sentences: "Delicious cunt cumming on my dick... can't control yourself... all mine... will fill you up." And he was shooting his cum deep inside of her, taking her lips violently and joining her in the post-orgasmic gasps and whimpers.
"Love you, Draco."
He smiled and caressed her sweaty face, "You're everything to me, Liz." And he kissed her again, caressing her body lovingly. "How about a bath now, my princess?"
"That would be perfect, love."
He rolled off of her and walked naked to the bathroom.
Snapes' family home
When the young couple flooed home, they found Florence sitting at the dining table with Harry, Hermione, Tonks and another auror they didn't recognize.
"The aurors' office." Tonks was saying. "Will prosecute the Marked death eaters, take them in for questioning and send them to Azkaban. The Marked teenagers, however, will have individual trials, for we know some – if not all – were Marked under duress. And, of course, we're not prosecuting neither you nor your husband, for you two–"
Florence snorted, "Of course you aren't. After all we've done – and are still doing – if you make either of us step into court I'll go Dark Lady on you lot." Her eyes glinted threateningly, letting them know she wasn't kidding.
The sound of the floo had them stop talking to look at the couple that had just arrived.
"Elizabeth." Florence said, looking at her daughter's freshly showered state. "You're lucky your father isn't home." She shook her head, it was obvious what they had been doing. "But you two arrived at the perfect time. Sit." She pointed to two empty chairs.
"So, about Draco and Narcissa." Tonks said, looking briefly at her blond cousin.
"Mom isn't Marked." Draco frowned.
"I know." Tonks nodded. "But she has offered to be the Ministry's advisor. She knows a lot of what happened within the Death eaters circle. So she'll sit in court and warn us when someone is lying."
"And what about me?" Draco asked, putting on a brave face. "If I have to be sued, it's alright–"
"That is not going to happen, Draco." Florence cut him off. "We're turning a new page; your mother's marital status as a widow will soon change, and she's already received the part of the Malfoy fortune that was hers by marriage, as you have received yours. You're not being sued – as the heir of an ancient House, you can write a new story."
Draco nodded firmly, looking at Elizabeth who stared at him with love.
"Minister." Said Tonks, visibly uncomfortable. "The Malfoys have been historically involved in the Dark Arts ascension to power. Our archives show that since before Grindewald, they..."
"Listen, Tonks." Florence said, frowning. "My grandkids will carry the Malfoy name. My daughter will take that name as hers in a few years." She glanced at Elizabeth. "I do not want to see the Malfoy name being dragged through dirt. Lucius is gone. Narcissa will help the Ministry and Draco has been welcomed into the family of one of the greatest heroes of this war and is friends with the Chosen One himself." She pointed at Harry who nodded in agreement. "And I can guarantee Draco won't perpetuate his family tradition of supporting Dark wizards from now on."
"You can be sure," Draco nodded. "that I won't be enlisting my kids in the ranks of any genocidal mad man."
Florence smiled and stared at Tonks, who seemed very displeased but didn't comment any further.
September 1998
Hogwarts
Welcoming Feast
Florence walked beside her husband into the completely remodelled Great Hall. The sounds and the sight of the students talking and laughing were a blissful balm for their soul – for they had feared that parents would hesitate on sending their kids to Hogwarts after a battle had been fought in the school grounds, literally. But the tables were full, and the first years had yet to enter the room.
Certainly, having Harry Potter back in the castle had helped convince the parents that the school was a safe place for their kids.
Florence looked at the high table, seeing James and Nicholas already there, sitting to the left of the Headmaster's chair, talking to Prof Flitwick.
I'm relieved to know the boys chose careers that will allow them to be near each other. She said.
Yes. Agreed Severus. I don't think they'd be able to live and work away from each other.
Yes. She said, suddenly frowning. Wait. Live and work? What do you mean?
Severus grimaced. They haven't told you yet?
Told me what? She asked as they reached the high table; but Severus walked towards his seat, refusing to answer her.
So Florence stood in front of the twins across the table, put her hands on her hips and asked: "What haven't you two told me?"
James glanced at Severus who had sat beside him and then at his brother on his other side.
"Do you want to tell her?"
"What? No way, firstborn." Replied Nicholas. "I'm sure this type of news is of the responsibility of the oldest son to divulge."
James glared at him and then faced their mother. "We are moving out."
"Moving out?" Florence asked, the air leaving her lungs and making her feel some tightness in her chest. "Moving out where?"
"Not far, mom." explained Nick. "We both got homes in the village. Dad let us get the money from the bank and..."
She turned to her husband. "You gave my babies money to get their own houses without telling me?" she growled low.
Severus stopped his wine goblet halfway to his lips and glared at James.
"What?" James asked. "This is your fault! You weren't supposed to tell her anything! We were going to get everything ready and surprise her in two weeks!"
"Two weeks?" Florence gasped. "You're leaving home in just two weeks? Both of you?" she looked from James to Nicholas.
"Yes, mom." Nick continued: "We got homes across the street from each other, two blocks away from your house."
"My house?" she nearly shouted, her eyes turning light-green.
Then Severus stood up and jumped over the long high table to get to his wife – for walking around it would take nearly two minutes with all the teachers sitting down.
"Florence, you know what they mean."
"That's our family home." She whisper-shouted, "I took you two there when you were babies, you were raised there! That's not my house! It's our family's house!
Severus gestured to both sons to get to the other side of the table at once.
So James and Nicholas jumped over the table like Severus had and pulled their mother into a hug.
"I've had you both with me since I was eighteen." Florence whispered, "I can't imagine what it'll be like to not have you around anymore."
"It's ok, mom." Said Nicholas. "It'll be strange to leave our home."
"Yes, it will." Agreed James, hugging her tight.
The students nearby were watching that scene with interest, specially when Hermione stood up and walked to them.
"Has something happened?" she asked, stopping near James, worried.
"Yes." Florence replied, glaring at the three dark-haired men around her. "I've just learned my husband gave my sons money to leave me!"
The three of them rolled their eyes.
"Stop it, mom." Said James. "Drama doesn't become you."
Flor, Severus called. You knew this would happen sooner rather than later. Nick has Fred and Lynne. And James is Granger's problem now.
She looked at him with an angry frown, He's not a problem; he is my first baby.
I know, love. Severus wiped her tears. You know I'm just joking. I'll miss them too. But they want to have their own lives... that means we did something right.
Florence nodded, Yes, they're both good and responsible young men. She sighed, looking at her sons before kissing their cheeks, "I know you'll be very happy with the partners you chose." She smiled at Hermione, saying: "He's a pain to live with, but we all love him."
"True. Every word." Hermione laughed.
James pretended to be offended and pulled his fiancée towards him. Hermione bumped onto his chest, laughing.
"No snogging in the Great Hall!" Said Severus, receiving a very telling look from Florence – which didn't go unnoticed by the twins.
James groaned, "Oh, no! I really don't want to know what you two have done here. Geez! No place is sacred to you!"
Hermione pulled him down for a quick kiss and went back to the Gryffindor table, blushing as many eyes turned to her.
James looked at his parents and shook his head, going back to his seat at the high table with his brother.
Florence turned to her husband, Can't believe they're moving out.
Severus sighed, I have to admit that it'll be strange. But we'll still see them here in the castle.
I know.
And they moved to their seats, for McGonagall was walking in with the group of new students – Elizabeth and Christopher amongst them, getting in line to be sorted.
"Snape, Christopher!" Called McGonagall.
And Chris sat on the stool, putting the Hat on his head and they all waited; it took the Hat a little less than a minute to decide, and in the end it shouted: "Ravenclaw!"
"As expected." whispered Severus.
"Our first little black bird." Said Florence, smiling as she watched her son sit at the Ravenclaw table, being welcomed by Luna Lovegood. "For Sophie will certainly be one as well."
"Snape, Elizabeth!" called McGonagall.
"Do we really need the Hat to tell us?" Asked Severus, making Florence laugh.
And Elizabeth, dressed in an elegant black robe over her floral, knee-length, French-designer dress, and Jimmy Choo mary-janes, sat on the wooden stool and McGonagall put the Sorting Hat on her head. But the brown battered Hat barely touched her dark hair before shouting: "Slytherin!"
"And it turns out we didn't." replied Florence, watching Liz sit beside Draco at the Slytherin table and be welcomed by her boyfriend with a hot kiss.
"I'm surprised the Hat didn't shout Malfoy Manor." Severus growled, glaring at Draco.
"Or Draco's quarters." Said James from behind his wine goblet. "After all, Malfoy has his own room this year, we all know where Liz will –" James stopped talking due to the ugly stare he was getting from his mother. "What? That's public knowledge!"
Severus snapped his head towards Florence, who looked at him with a suspiciously innocent expression.
"Malfoy's private quarters are in the Slytherin common room." He said, as if he had just realized that.
Yes." She nodded.
He frowned, looking at her and demanding: "You'd better not let your daughter sleep there!"
"Let her?" Florence laughed. "Do you honestly believe there's anything we can do to stop her from going to Draco's room?"
"We can charm the room." He said with certainty.
"Oh, yes. Like you did to her bedroom at home." Florence said, trying not to laugh.
"And it worked!" Said Severus proudly.
"Oh, sure." She nodded, smirking. "They didn't fuck in her room."
"Exactly!" Severus exclaimed.
"But the bathroom." Said Florence.
"The library." Said James.
"The kitchen and the pool." Added Nicholas.
"ENOUGH!" Severus growled. "I see the problem."
Florence touched his arm. "You can charm every inch of this castle, Severus, and yet Draco knows the directions to the Room of Requirement."
Severus refilled his wine goblet and glared at the Slytherin table, seeing Draco had his arm around Liz and was talking animatedly with Draco's friends: Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott and Pansy Parkinson.
Liz and Draco are happy together. Florence said. He loves her deeply.
Severus just grimaced.
Then James spoke: "So, without giving me gross details, tell me more about the Room of Requirement's possibilities."
Florence looked at him. "You just have to picture in your mind what you want and the Room will provide it."
"Even sexy muggle motels." Added Severus, smirking. "With mirrors to allow you to watch her from all angles." His dark eyes glinted in Florence's direction.
"No gross details, dad!" complained James. "Geez." He rolled his eyes.
One year later
August, 1999
Ministry of Magic, Atrium
As expected, it had taken many months for Florence to put the Ministry back together, reorganizing all the departments and firing those who hadn't been followers but had helped her father's reign of terror in one way or another – making sure to keep employed those who had stayed but worked behind the scenes to frustrate some of the Dark Lord's plans.
Finally, after a year and two months, Florence stood with Severus in front of the new fountain in the Atrium, named One People – built to honour all magic beings as equals –, waiting for the last votes to be counted, so that she could finally step down from the Minister position and go live the calm life she desired, as a mother, a grandma, a healer and the wife of Hogwarts Headmaster – which were more than enough titles for her.
The large Atrium was filled with Ministry employees, aurors, reporters and photographers, friends and family of the two candidates, and there was a representative from the Muggle British Government as well.
Severus was there beside his wife, looking at the two candidates; Johann Flint (an unMarked Dark Lord supporter that no one had found enough evidence to send to Azkaban), and Charlie Weasley – whose candidacy was an unexpected surprise to everyone.
But when Percy Weasley – who everybody expected to jump at the chance of being the Order's candidate – decided he'd never wish for a position of power for himself ever again (since he felt like he had done enough damage already), then Charlie said he could do the job. And once his name was mentioned to the public, he became the immediate favourite, always at least twenty points ahead of his opponent in every opinion poll.
Can't wait for this to end. Said Florence. We know Charlie will win, don't understand why it's taking the aurors so long to count the votes!
Yes. Severus replied, his lips touching her ear in a soft caress as he replied in a very low voice just for her to hear: "But before you give the keys to your office to Weasley, I want to put your desk to good use one last time."
Florence looked at him with a sexy smile, her eyes turning a lighter shade of green.
But Severus suddenly frowned as he looked at someplace behind her.
"You're not going to like to see who's just arrived." He said, shaking his head.
Florence quickly turned to check what he was talking about.
"Cissy!" she exclaimed, walking towards her very pregnant friend, glaring at her.
"Narcissa Black Weasley!" Florence said in a reproachful tone. "I know you have healer's orders to not leave the house. For I was the one to check you yesterday and give you that order!"
"I couldn't not come, Flor!" she sat on a chair that Charlie had transfigurated for her.
"The chances of that little princess being born in the Atrium the same day her father is nominated Minister are extremely high, Narcissa!"
"I know, and I don't care! I wanted to be here for my husband." Narcissa took Charlie's hand and he kissed her knuckles, caressing her very large baby bump with love.
Then a door was opened and Tonks (the Head of the Aurors' Department) came towards Florence, clearly unable to hide her smile.
Florence, followed by Severus, met her in front of the fountain and received a sealed envelope from her hands.
"Good morning, ladies and gentleman." Florence said. "We're here to learn the name of our elected Prime Minister, chosen by our people to lead the Wizarding British Society into a future of justice and equality." She paused to open the envelope. "It's with great honour that I call the name of our dear friend, war hero, Order of Merlin First Class, Mr. Charles Gideon Weasley. You're our new Minister."
And applauses filled the Atrium as Charlie walked towards Florence, slowly, for he was holding Narcissa's hand and she clearly couldn't walk too fast.
Florence shook her head at the look of pain that she saw cross her friend's face as she walked.
"Severus, lend Cissy your arm." Florence asked him. "For she might fall during Charlie's speech."
He quickly moved to stand beside the blond woman, letting her use his arm for support.
"I never thought I'd live this moment – being a politician was never a dream of mine, but when I realized how much I could do for those in need, if I were elected, I knew I had to take the chance. Thank you for you trust – I will do my best to deserve it."
Florence. Severus called. Narcissa's water just broke.
"Prime Minister Weasley." Florence removed the Minister's button from her dress and pinned it on his suit, took his hand in a handshake and they looked at the photographers to have their picture taken.
"Now," she continued, "I'm afraid we'll have to cut this inauguration short, for your daughter has decided to come into this world."
Charlie gasped and ran to his wife's side.
"Take her home." Florence ordered. "I'll clean up my office and meet you there in an hour."
Charlie nodded and disapparated home with Narcissa.
Florence turned to Severus, Help me clean up my office, Mr. Snape?
Absolutely, Mrs. Snape.
And they walked to the lifts.
Hogwarts
January 10th, 2000
Florence was enjoying tea with Pomfrey and McGonagall in the infirmary when James stormed in.
"So you've been learning more than Potions from your dad, I see." Said McGonagall.
Florence and Pomfrey laughed.
"It seems," said Florence, still chuckling. "That the art of storming into a room dramatically is a family tradition, professor."
The three women laughed a little too enthusiastically and James frowned, picking up his mother's cup and sniffling it.
"You're drinking spiked tea? It's five p.m.!"
"Exactly: it's tea time, James!" exclaimed McGonagall.
He shook his head, disapprovingly, "Wait til dad hears about this."
"Yeah," Florence said, smirking. "He'll certainly punish me." She winked at Pomfrey and McGonagall.
James rolled his eyes, giving his mother her cup back.
"Now, my adored firstborn baby," Florence used her sweetest voice. "Could you, please, say what you came here to say and get the fuck out?"
He looked her in the eyes, knowing he was about to surprise her: "Mother, father blew up a cauldron of Dittany."
Florence nearly choked on her firewhisky tea. "WHAT?"
"He blew up–"
"I heard you the first time, James. I just can't believe it! How did he do that? It's such a simple concoction." She shook her head.
"He picked up gillywater instead of honeywater." James said.
"Oh, that would explain the exploding Dittany." Florence took another sip of her tea and then exclaimed: "Wait! Is he hurt?"
James shook his head: "Just his ego."
The three women roared with laughter.
"For fuck's sake." James exhaled in annoyance. "Mother, I think father needs glasses."
"So go tell him that!" she replied, "I'm his wife, not his keeper, James. He can get his own glasses himself." then she stopped, biting her lip and she realized something: "Mm... glasses. Sev will look really sexy with glasses."
James, predictably, groaned: "Ugh, why do you have to be disgusting, mom? Geez!" and he quickly left the room.
Notes: there's a picture on Pinterest where Sev is wearing glasses and he's so fucking sexy, I had to write about it!
By the way, I'm working on a Pinterest Board for this fic, here's the link for it: https/pin.it/2HVgkbs
Just one more chapter to go and then I'll really be done with this story.