Geneva
Harry Potter's Invisibility Cloak seemed to have amazing powers. It easily covered Severus, Zelda and Minerva completely, once they were outside the grounds of Hogwarts.
"All right, Severus, you're a passenger," Minerva said sternly, knowing the wizard's dislike of ceding control. She put a firm hand on each companion's arm and with a pop, they Apparated.
They listened cautiously to see if they were alone at their destination.
"Where are we?" asked Zelda.
"The Cathédrale St-Pierre, in Geneva," said Minerva, amused. Cautiously she removed the cloak. They stood behind immense columns, in the entryway to a massive cathedral.
Severus looked around. The weather was similar to that at Hogwarts, damp and foggy, but it was not yet growing dark. The street below them was very quiet, with few people braving the dank weather.
"Where to now?" asked Minerva. This was turning out to be an amusing little jaunt, she thought.
"Lily lives in a neighborhood called Les Pâquis," replied Zelda. "Um… wow. It's all old here."
Wide-eyed, she peered out from behind the massive column at the city around them. Even in the late afternoon gloom, it was fascinating.
"Well, one more short Apparition and I shall leave you," said Minerva, matter-of-factly. "Merlin, I'd forgotten how fond I am of Switzerland."
She sighed nostalgically and, holding her companions' arms firmly, they Apparated again.
"We're now at the Brunswick Monument, on the Quai du Mont Blanc," she said, chuckling as she looked at their slightly nervous faces. "Now I must get back to Hogwarts, but that…" she said, pointing into the crowded city, "is Les Pâquis. Have fun, my friends."
She disappeared. Zelda glanced at the traffic-filled streets, and up at Severus, smiling comically.
"I suppose this was better than my idea to take a train into the city," she said, reaching for his hand. "Ready for a walk?"
"Bloody hell, Zelda," he hissed, rolling his eyes. "I feel like an idiot already - I detest crowds."
She hugged him impulsively, putting her face up for a kiss, which she received. She looked up suddenly and said, "What the hell is this thing? The Brunswick Monument…"
It was an odd looking structure. They were standing behind an extremely elaborate mausoleum, guarded by statues of lions.
"A tomb? Who was this guy?" she asked. She shook her head irritably. "Never mind, I'm not here to be a damned tourist."
Severus looked back over the fog and the water and saw the cathedral they had first Apparated to, stretching to the sky in the midst of a dense, bustling city. "I cannot imagine how Minerva knew of safe places in the midst of all this. How fortunate that the weather is so abysmal."
No sooner had he finished speaking than it began to rain fairly hard. He grabbed Zelda's hand and began to walk in the direction Minerva had indicated.
"What street are we looking for?" he asked, pulling her hand through his arm and walking close by her side.
"Rue de Berne," she replied. "She said it wasn't close to the water, so it's somewhere up there." She paused for effect, and then suggested airily, "If we meet someone friendly looking, I could ask for directions."
He glared down at her, his lip curling nastily.
Zelda began to laugh. "I knew it!" she exclaimed happily. "Just like a man. Okay, we'll trust my excellent sense of direction."
"Merlin," he muttered sardonically. "We'll be permanently lost in the wilds of Switzerland."
"Probably," she agreed happily. "Did I mention that I love you yet today?"
He pulled her firmly across a busy intersection, looking grim. "I don't believe so, but I'm gratified to know it."
She squeezed his arm, but walked faster to keep up with him. She studied the street signs, and after striding briskly along for many blocks, was the first to spot the one for Lily's street. Zelda stared, wide-eyed with curiosity at the shops and signs, amazed to be instantly in another country.
"It's so cool!" she whispered excitedly, skipping briefly. "It's all in French, Sev."
She stopped at the window of a patisserie, enchanted by the beautiful arrangement of pastries and pretty tarts. She moaned ecstatically at the luscious sight.
A growl emanated from her beloved as he dragged her firmly away. Turning quickly, he ran into a dour gentleman, who then tripped against Zelda, dropping his briefcase and umbrella into a puddle at her feet.
Severus glared at the unfortunate man, making Zelda want to laugh badly.
"Excusez-moi, Monsieur," she said placatingly, with a sweet smile.
The disgruntled looking Muggle looked irritably at them, but a freezing stare from Severus made him hastily collect his belongings and hustle away.
The rain came down harder as the streets became more crowded. However, people walked quickly, their heads down against the rain, so almost no one took note of Severus and Zelda as they searched for a building number.
"Here it is," she exclaimed.
The building was large and modern, with an intercom. Zelda pushed the button for Lily's flat and waited.
"Leif? Go away," snapped a young woman's voice.
Zelda smothered her laughter and said, "Hey Lils, it's Mom. Can we come in?"
"Mom? What? I don't believe it!"
A buzzer sounded, releasing the lock. Severus allowed Zelda to go first up the stairs.
"Who the hell's Leif, I wonder?" Zelda hissed mischievously. "This should be interesting."
Severus was suddenly nervous. He hoped, for Zelda's sake, that all would be well.
"Mom?"
A young blond woman raced down the stairs and met them on the landing. She threw her arms around Zelda, staring in disbelief.
"It's okay," said Zelda. "Can we go upstairs and explain? Oh, and this is Severus."
Lily stared into a man's intense black eyes, and was utterly amazed. "Um, nice to meet you, Severus," she said numbly. "Come on in."
They followed her into a bright, modern flat, and as soon as the door was closed, Lily Larsson-Graff looked at her unexpected guests in complete shock.
"I spoke to you on the phone an hour ago and you said you were at Michael's place," she said grimly. "How the hell can you be here, now?"
"Can we sit down?" asked Zelda.
Lily nodded impatiently.
"Wait, Zelda, you're soaked," said Severus. Eying Lily briefly, he brought out his wand and dried Zelda magically. He then helped her off with her jacket, dried himself, stowed the wand away and sat down by her side.
"Thank you," his wife said appreciatively, smiling at him before she turned to her stunned daughter. "Lily, I wanted to tell you in person that Severus is a wizard. So in fact, we traveled here magically."
Lily stared at them, speechless. She'd tried imagining what man her mother would actually trust, after years of fleeing from every man who showed interest.
This guy… Severus Snape was nothing like she'd imagined. In fact, she never thought someone like this existed. The black hair and clothes, the leather jacket, all made him look dangerous and slightly wild. His face was lined and grim, and… those eyes. They saw things no one should be able to see. He gazed expressionlessly at her.
"A wizard," muttered Lily in disbelief. "Magic."
Severus had been studying the young woman. Lily didn't resemble her mother closely, although her eyes were the same bright blue and her hair was blond. She was taller than Zelda, and would probably be considered by some people to be more beautiful than her mother. She was carefully dressed and obviously fussed over her appearance, much like his older female students. Clearly she loved her mother, but feared Zelda had gone mad. He waited politely, wondering what would transpire next.
Zelda was looking closely at her daughter. "I know it's kind of a, um… surprise," she said anxiously. "Are you okay?"
"Mom," Lily began, but her voice faltered and she stared in shock.
Zelda reached for Severus's hand, wanting reassurance. This was even harder than she'd thought, and she had a sudden, panicky feeling he might have to Obliviate Lily, to make her forget about magic.
Lily watched Severus hold her mother's hand comfortingly. The wizard seemed worried about her, and protective too. That was nice, something her mom hadn't had before, a man who wasn't totally self-centered. The hard, panicky feeling in her chest eased slightly and she felt less breathless.
"Does Elijah know?" she asked.
"I called him and he was working all morning. Also, since you're my first kid, I thought you should hear it first," Zelda said, striving for a light tone. "Lils, it's okay. I'm amazingly happy with Severus."
The girl turned and stared again at Severus. "Pardon my bluntness, but why should she trust you? My dad was a complete asshole to her and she doesn't need to get screwed again," said Lily fiercely. "How do I know you won't make her miserable, Severus?"
"You don't," he said sternly. "However, your mother is an intelligent woman, so perhaps you should trust her judgment."
"Hey, did you trust my judgment when we were trying to find this place?" asked Zelda with a slight smirk.
His eyes lit with affection as he gazed at her. "Dear girl, we were both utterly ridiculous. The only bright spot for me is that you didn't ask for directions."
Their eyes met, and the look they exchanged was as good as a kiss, to Lily's worried mind. She suddenly hoped maybe it would be all right.
"Can you stay for a while?" she asked grudgingly, hoping for reassurance that her mother was okay. "I have nothing going on before work on Monday."
"Really?" asked Zelda innocently. "But, er… who's Leif?"
"No one," replied Lily impatiently. "Yesterday's news."
"Well, then why don't we fetch your brother and go to the cabin for a bit?" asked Zelda. "It'll be easier if I don't have to explain everything twice."
"You mean, with magic?" asked Lily. "Is it safe?" Her eyes were wide with fear.
"We're here, aren't we?" asked Zelda. "Please come, Lily. There's so much I want you to know."
"Magic, huh?" she asked, unable to resist her mother's hopeful plea. She turned to Severus. "Will I survive this?"
"No one has questioned my Apparating abilities since I was a student," he said wryly. "Please come along."
"What should I wear?" she asked, looking flustered.
Zelda snorted. "Put on a coat, because it's cold at the cabin. Nothing fancy and European, though, if we're going to Berkeley to collect Elijah."
Lily stared doubtfully at her mother, then headed for the bedroom and shut the door.
"Well, that went well," said Zelda weakly. "I guess…"
Severus put his arms around her and gathered her into his lap. "You worry too much, my girl," he murmured, kissing her gently.
She rubbed her nose against his and replied, "I want them to appreciate how wonderful you are." She snuggled against him and ran her fingers through his lank hair. "So adorable," she whispered close to his ear.
The bedroom door opened and Lily was treated to the sight of the black-haired wizard kissing her mother enthusiastically.
"God, Mom!" she moaned, reverting to her whiny teenage voice. "Don't scar me for life!" Secretly she was glad to see how much this guy seemed crazy about her mother.
Zelda laughed. "Get over yourself, kid," she said happily. "I deserve some fun, don't I?"
Lily rolled her eyes. "Okay, what do I do?"
"Come here. Cabin, first, I think," said Zelda. "Finding this place took more time than I thought. Rowena's alone, and probably fretting."
"Rowena?" asked Lily.
"Our dog, but you'll see her in a minute. Bundle up, now, there's snow there."
Zelda put on her jacket and gloves.
"Now, hold on to Severus's arm, tight, okay?" She put her arm around his waist and said, "Come here, Lily." Then she put her other arm around her daughter, who clutched nervously at the wizard's arm.
Lily felt a strange pressure, and everything went oddly blank for a few seconds, and then she was standing in bright sunshine, in the snowy clearing around Michael's cabin.
Severus pointed his wand at the door, and as though running through the solid door, a large German shepherd raced through it and straight toward them.
"Rowena," crooned Zelda, smiling as the excited dog leaped up and licked her face.
Rowena ran to greet Severus, and then went to sniff curiously at the new human.
Lily chuckled. This was better, her mom having a big, sweet dog. She knelt and said, "Come here, baby." The dog's tail was wagging briskly, and she looked up at Lily with bright brown eyes.
"She's fantastic," said Lily, laughing as an active pink tongue licked her chin. "She looks really smart."
"She's the sweetest girl, and good with the cats," replied Zelda. "I don't like to leave her here too long, because she worries about us when she's alone."
"Are the cats okay? How's Muffy?" asked Lily, suddenly longing for home.
"He's fine, they're all fine. But you'll see them if you're coming home for Christmas." Worry crossed Zelda's face and she added, "Will you come home?"
Lily glanced at Severus and saw him watching Zelda with a slight, worried frown. He looked suddenly at Lily.
"I hope you will," he said seriously. "I hope to get to know you better, Lily."
She smiled, relieved that she still mattered to her mom, even if she had found this wizard guy. "I'll come home," she said. "I haven't made reservations, yet, but I will."
Zelda and Severus looked at each other.
"Unless you'd rather fly, we can come and get you," offered Zelda. "It's faster and cheaper."
"Awesome," Lily replied, realizing that having a wizard in the family would have its perks. "Um… is this magic stuff our new family secret?" she asked.
"Please," said Severus. "The magical world has been hidden for centuries, and there are wizards with the task of preventing too many non-magical people from knowing of our existence."
"Okay…" the girl replied slowly. She looked closely at this man who seemed to love her mother. "How old are you?"
"I shall be thirty-eight in January," he replied, looking apprehensively at Zelda. He was certain she'd forgotten their age difference, but was still foolish enough to fret about it. Sure enough, he saw her frown sadly.
"Way to go, Mom!" chuckled Lily. "A younger guy! How awesome. I hope I can manage that someday."
Severus saw Zelda's frown fade at her daughter's silly response, and felt a surge of approval for the young woman.
Zelda tried to ignore her painful twinge of insecurity at knowing that her husband was younger than she, and focus on their first priority.
"Sev, You haven't been to California before, and neither have I. Lily, can you think of an isolated place near Berkeley that we can Apparate to? It'll be broad daylight there, to boot!"
"Isolated?" Lily murmured.
She'd gone out to visit her brother for a few days, and she remembered the day they'd gone hiking.
"Yeah, I know a place, but how does that help?" she asked.
"If you can picture it in your mind, clearly, I can Apparate us there," said Severus.
"There's a place called Claremont Canyon where we went hiking, and it's near the campus," she said. But if the weather's nice, people might be hiking there today."
"Hey, it's cold out here. Come inside a minute, Lily. I want to feed Rowena before we go," said Zelda. "In case we end up lost in that canyon, or something."
Zelda opened the door and gestured Rowena inside.
"Mom! Holy… What happened to the cabin?" asked Lily, thunderstruck. "It's huge and gorgeous!"
She walked into the main room, looking at the sun shining through large windows, the comfortable furniture and the familiar fireplace. She opened the door to what had been the small and only bedroom and walked into a lovely, fantastical dream room. She peered into the bathroom and saw a large sunken bathtub. The colors were soothing and perfectly flattering to her mother, who'd followed her in, slightly embarrassed.
"Well?" asked Zelda.
"Mom!" said Lily, breathless with awe. "Did Severus do this?"
Zelda nodded. "Magic's amazing, isn't it?"
"Yeah, but even with magic, he made this place look perfect for you," she said. "He must really love you."
Her mother's face lit up with a shy, radiant smile. "Baby, I never thought anyone could love me the way he does."
"That's okay, then," she replied, hugging Zelda. "I want you to be okay, that's all. I couldn't stand it if you ended up with someone like Dad again." A slight frown appeared on her lovely face. "Um, Eli probably didn't tell you, but Dad's been staying with him for the past week. He's probably left by now, but… I don't want… I mean, Severus shouldn't meet him, should he?"
"Come on out here, so I can get Rowena's food," said Zelda, amused. "I hadn't thought of it, but I suppose I could ask Severus to hex him…"
"Am I to hex someone?" he asked, having given fresh food and water to Rowena already.
Zelda saw that he'd done the job and hugged him. "Thank you," she said. "Lily's afraid you'll hex her father."
"Ah…" he replied, kissing Zelda's forehead. "What do you think?"
"You might be tempted, but you won't do it," she said. "Anyway, he's already cursed by being himself. I don't think of him at all, anymore, so I don't care."
"Shall we be seeing him?" asked Severus, frowning slightly. "Does it bother you, Zel?"
Zelda looked at her daughter as she answered him. "I hope your relationship with him is good, Lily. I'd be sad if it isn't. I'd just be horribly embarrassed for Severus to see what a glaring error in judgment I made."
Severus looked intently at Lily. "I won't hex your father," he said.
"But… could you?" she asked, wide-eyed.
"Yes," he replied calmly.
"I have a lot to learn," she said. "But she's my mom… I want her to be okay."
His eyes softened. "I want that too," he said softly. He held his hand out to her. "I'll do my best, Lily," he said, his voice a promise.
She took his hand and gripped it firmly. "Good," she said, smiling.
Zelda saw her daughter begin to believe that Severus was a positive presence in their lives, and her tension eased.
"Why don't we go see if we Elijah wants to come here," said Zelda. "I hope he's feeling open-minded."
"Well, he's not used to seeing you with a guy," said Lily sagely. "But he's talked to Michael, and knows that he approves. Hey, does Michael know Severus is a… wizard?"
"He knows and loves it. He had magic envy in the worst possible way," replied Zelda. "But he's met a great guy. Did you know he's been in London for months?"
"He's called me once a week, but didn't mention London until a few days ago. But he promised we'd all be here, together, for Christmas."
"Do you females ever stop talking?" asked Severus coolly. "We should get this bloody California trip accomplished."
"Sorry," said Zelda, smirking. "I'll try to control myself." She kissed him. "I'm a little nervous," she confessed.
"We have Potter's cloak," he said. "Lily, carefully picture our destination, while I look into your eyes. I'll see it, and we shall go."
"Wow…" she murmured. "Can you read minds?"
"Only your mother's," he said sardonically. "But I'll see our destination when you picture it in your mind."
Severus unrolled the shimmering cloak. Zelda put one arm around his waist and one around Lily's as he draped the cloak over them all. He looked piercingly into Lily's eyes, seeing a hillside trail. He focused intensely on it, seeing every detail she offered, and suddenly, they vanished.