Reunion Time

"Are they here yet?" asked Harry, patting Rowena, who'd Apparated to the cabin with him earlier in the day.

"Travel with a baby is full of delays," said Molly sagely. "I'm sure they'll be here soon."

She studied the young man fondly, thinking how well Harry looked. His eyes were bright and if she wasn't mistaken, he'd put on a few much-needed pounds during his time in America. It seemed he was finally beginning to feel accepted and a part of his vast adoptive family. Harry, Ron and Elijah had become thick as thieves since school had ended. Her adventurous son had been invited to join Harry and Elijah at Berkeley, and was learning a great deal about American Muggle culture, which delighted him.

"Professor Weasley, is there anything we can do to help you?" asked Vincent Crabbe timidly.

"Thank you, boys," said Molly with a kind smile. "We'll eat supper outside, under the trees. I believe we'll be nineteen all together this evening. Will you make sure the table and chairs will accommodate all of us?"

The pair went outside, accompanied by Harry and Draco.

"I can't believe we're here, with Professor McGonagall and everyone coming," mused Gregory Goyle. "A year ago…"

"Yeah, a year ago we were idiots," agreed Crabbe.

Draco glanced at Harry ruefully. Some of the guilt he felt over this pair was easing as he saw them finally able to grow and mature. They watched the pair magically enlarge the old table in the shade and carefully count as they placed the chairs around the table.

A faint popping near the cabin heralded the arrival of the Snape family and as if by magic, Hermione emerged from the cabin.

"Hello Professor, Zelda," she said happily, reaching eagerly for Alaric.

"It's lovely to see you, Hermione, even though I can see your real motive," said Zelda, laughing and bending to greet Rowena.

"He's growing so fast," she replied, kissing the baby's soft cheek.

Indeed, Alaric was an adorable baby. His small limbs were plumping up nicely and his black hair had grown out and was developing slight, silky curls. His eye color was darkening and his eyes sparkled with interest as his fist tangled in Hermione's hair.

Lily came outside, quickly kissed her mother and Severus, and then said, "Share, Hermione. Let's bring him inside and show him his new toys."

Without further discussion the girls went inside, leaving Zelda and Severus gazing at each other, empty handed. They saw Molly down near the trees, talking to a group of the boys, but decided to go inside and see that everything was ready for Alaric's stay.

"Hey, you're finally here," called Elijah, coming to greet them.

Ron waved but didn't move from the TV, where he and Elijah were playing video games with Neville and Arthur Weasley.

"It's a beautiful day outside," Zelda suggested mildly, hugging her son.

He laughed at her and replied, "How many years did you tell me that, and did it ever move me?"

Zelda snorted. "Go see your brother, if you can wade through the girls. We'll make sure we have everything for him."

Alaric was lying on a large blanket on the floor, where Ginny and Luna had joined Lily and Hermione. The girls were examining the toys surrounding him and positioning him on his belly; laughing and helping him roll over onto his back.

"I'll teach him to play Nintendo later," said Elijah cheerfully as he returned to the other video gamers.

Severus opened the door to their room and held it for his wife. A wave of nostalgia filled him as he sealed the door. So much love and healing had happened in this place and they'd married each other here, on that August night last year.

"I'll always love this place," Zelda declared, caressing his cheek. "I wouldn't mind hopping into bed right now…"

"You wished to be social, so we're forced to delay our gratification," he told her sternly.

He softened his response by gathering her close and beginning to kiss her. She melted into his embrace in a most satisfying manner.

"If you're very good, perhaps I'll take you swimming sometime," he murmured provocatively.

Remembering the previous summer's skinny-dipping made her smile. Already he'd gone Muggle for the weekend, wearing the faded blue jeans and black T-shirt he'd worn when she first found him. His bare arms and exposed neck made him appear shockingly vulnerable, but his black eyes were alert as always. A sardonic gleam showing that he was aware how different he looked here.

"You need to show Arthur how to dress like a Muggle," she said. "He'll never look as sexy as you do, but he should look more convincing."

"I'll survive this weekend, but I won't offer sartorial advice to Arthur Weasley," he declared, squeezing her bum. "Now, let's see if we need anything more to maintain Alaric in the splendor to which he's becoming accustomed."

Hermione, who'd come twice to their house to babysit Alaric for an hour or two, had gathered changing table, cot and supplies. Severus had to admit the girl was thorough and that she was deeply infatuated with his tiny son. He sighed.

"Let's get the evening over with, so I can return with you to bed," he said. "It's startling to see Malfoy and his thugs here, are you sure you can control them?"

"They're good boys," she replied. "I want to make sure things are okay at home for Crabbe and Goyle."

"How fortunate that you found my pathetic self before these other forlorn creatures appeared. With all the distractions you might not have noticed me," he commented.

"Fishing for compliments?" she asked as her eyes roamed over him admiringly. "I could say it's fortunate that you settled for my pathetic self before the slender and magical Sinistra made a play for you."

He pulled her against his body, running a possessive hand over her full breasts and snapped, "Never mention that scrawny spider to me again. You're perfectly, deliciously sexy, pet, and completely adorable. I want only you, my absurd wife."

Zelda rubbed her face against his neck, inhaling the familiar male scent of his skin. Impulsively she nipped his neck hard enough to make a small mark.

"Let's go. Dinner's probably just about ready," she said. "We'll be back here before we know it."

When they returned to the living room, Michael and Kingsley had just arrived.

"Already?" asked Michael, coming to hug them both. "I thought I'd have to drag you two out here."

"You'll embarrass the students by talking such nonsense," said Zelda, blushing as she realized that everyone was there.

Severus spied his son with Kingsley, who was laughing at the infant's fascinated stare at his gleaming gold earring. He went to greet the Auror.

"Severus, I can't believe how much the boy's grown in a couple of weeks," said Kingsley. "He's so handsome I can't believe he's really yours."

"He looks just like his father," cooed Zelda, coming to stand by them.

Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle watched the adults carefully. They were all aware that if Voldemort were still alive, these clever, brave men would be their enemies. And Zelda, a Muggle woman that their fathers would have despised, knew them and cared for them.

"We're lucky," whispered Goyle slowly.

"We are," agreed Draco, hoping fervently that his father would never get out of Azkaban.

Harry was watching the three who stood apart from the noisy group. He knew too well what it was to be the outsider, so he left the Gryffindors and walked across the room.

"These adults," he told the Slytherins ironically. "They make me laugh. I never knew adults could be so bloody silly."

"You know, I'm not used to kind adults," blurted Crabbe. "Zelda's serious sometimes, but always kind. My family… I thought wizards were different from Muggles, but there's no reason wizards can't be kind and funny, is there?"

"I wish my mum could laugh. She never did before and now she just cries a lot," said Goyle. "She's begged a job for me at Borgin and Burkes, but I don't want to work in Knockturn Alley. I'm supposed to accept the job on Monday. It's all I've got."

"Have you told Professor Snape?" asked Harry, frowning. It made a creepy sort of sense that Goyle's family connections would lead to Knockturn Alley, but it would be bad for him.

"No," he said gloomily. "I need a job, though. If I have to take it, I don't want Zelda to think I'm like that."

"What do you want to do?" he asked.

"I dunno. I wish I'd learned more. All those years at Hogwarts, but I couldn't read and write very well and I acted like a sick git."

"Vincent, what about you? Have you found a job?" asked Harry.

"My family says I need one that upholds the dignity of the Crabbes," he said darkly. "But… I know they mean something dark, because it's all they know."

A sad, guilty look passed between Harry and Draco. They both had exciting positions to look forward to. But before they could say anything, they were interrupted.

"It's time for dinner, boys," Molly Weasley told them kindly as she led them outside.

It was a glorious evening. The table was huge and since the party was informal, people scrambled to find places to sit. But Zelda had watched the small group of Slytherins and she was worried about Crabbe and Goyle.

"Come sit with me, boys," she said to them. "If I sit with Michael, he'll behave much worse than if he sits with Professor McGonagall."

Indeed, Minerva had collected Michael and Kingsley and they were already talking animatedly at the other side of the table. Lily and Hermione had decided to take turns holding the baby while he was awake. After a worried look at his son, Severus sat down between Crabbe and Malfoy. Remarkably, Harry had chosen to sit by Malfoy's other side, rather than with his oldest friends.

Molly and Arthur Levitated the food to the table, bowls and platters loaded with delicious food, and sat down. By common consent, food was passed, served and everyone tucked in enthusiastically. Conversations went on hiatus while they ate and only revived sporadically as the diners became replete and settled back in their chairs, preparing to digest.

"I'm glad you guys could come this weekend," Zelda told her tablemates. "I hope you don't feel too uncomfortable because you don't know everyone very well."

"Thanks for inviting us," said Goyle. "I never thought I'd go to America, and it's nice to be away from, uh, everything."

"I hope it's not too Muggleish for you," she said lightly.

Goyle looked at her, obviously hurt. "I haven't believed that stuff for a long time. Vince hasn't either."

"I'm sorry, I was joking, but I suppose it's hard for you," Zelda said, her eyes full of sincerity. "Hey, how's home been for you since school ended?"

His face fell and she was sorry she'd asked in such a public way. She put a hand on his and squeezed firmly.

"Let's talk about it later, okay?"

Their eyes met and the young man hesitantly smiled.

"Who's ready for dessert?" called Michael. "We've got five kinds of ice cream and all the trimmings. But you'll have to go into the kitchen and serve yourselves."

"You don't want to miss this," she said to Goyle and Crabbe. "I don't either, but I'm going to check on Alaric. Save some for me, I love ice cream!"

She watched the young people all move toward the cabin, except Lily, who brought Alaric to her.

"Thanks, sweetie. What do you think of the whole magical crew?" she asked, handing the baby to her mother.

"Professor McGonagall's amazing, and I haven't even seen her do any magic. The kids say she's brilliant," said Lily. "So she and Michael are the boy's godparents? He's a lucky little guy. He was so good during dinner."

Alaric was becoming fretful, waving his arms and complaining.

"He needs to eat and go to bed," said Zelda. "Go have some ice cream and I'll sit over here and watch the sun set."

There was a comfortable outdoor chair near the fire pit, a short distance from the cabin and the table. She sat down and settled the baby at her breast.

"Are you having fun, sweet boy?" she asked, smoothing the delicate black curls.

Alaric looked up at her but continued sucking eagerly, his tiny hand patting her as he fed.

"You're the dearest little guy," she told him. "Just like your dad."

"Hey, Zelda," said Harry. "Lily said I should give this to you."

Harry and Draco approached, walking softly so they wouldn't disturb the baby. Harry was carrying an ice cream cone that was piled high with green ice cream.

"Thanks! That's the only way I can manage ice cream while I feed this creature."

She smiled at them and said, "Will you start a fire? I love to sit by a fire here as it gets dark."

Harry Levitated some wood to the fire circle and pointed his wand at it, causing a small bright fire to crackle and burn.

"Thanks," she said. "Draco, I don't want to be nosy, but I'm worried about Gregory and Vincent. Are they okay?"

Grateful for the opportunity, Draco and Harry told her what they'd learned before dinner.

She looked to Draco, worry filling her eyes and asked, "Is it okay if I try to meddle? I don't know if it'll work, but I really want to help them."

"Please try," said Harry.

"Will you ask Professor McGonagall to come out and talk to me?" she asked them. "Alone, if you can get her away from the mob."

The pair moved away briskly and in just a few minutes Minerva joined her.

"I must tell you that I like your older children very much," she said, sitting down next to Zelda and smiling.

"They've accepted their new magical connections quite well," replied Zelda. "Better yet, they don't whine and wish they could do magic."

"I wish I believed more Muggles could be so sensible. But you wished to see me?"

Zelda unburdened herself and saw comprehension in the witch's eyes. She then asked her question and after more discussion they parted.

"I'll return to Hogwarts now, but I'll come back tomorrow," Minerva said in farewell.

The sky was darkening rapidly and she was only alone with Alaric for a short time as the adults came over slowly and sat down around the fire. The glow of the television through the cabin windows explained the absence of the young people.

"They're all in there?" Zelda asked.

"Arthur too," said Molly. "In spite of the beautiful evening, when he heard that they're watching a show called 'Star Wars,' he wanted to watch it. Lily's making popcorn for the whole lot. They're talking about taking the Slytherins, Luna, Neville and Arthur to see a movie tomorrow."

"Oh," said Kingsley. "I hope they don't take their wands."

"They'll be okay," said Michael confidently. "But maybe we should go along, King, if you're worried about them."

"Oy vey! Since when are you on the side of law and order?" asked Zelda mockingly, patting the baby's back and waiting for the resulting spit up and burp.

"Allow an expert, my girl," said Severus, coming up behind her and taking Alaric. "I believe he's ready for bedtime."

"Are you volunteering?"

"It's my pleasure. If you think it adequate, I'll leave Rowena in the room when I come back out here. She'll bark if there's a problem."

"Perfect," she said. "Thanks, Severus."

After some time he returned and magically enlarged her chair to make room for two of them. He sat down next to her and put his arm around her shoulders. Her head dropped onto his shoulder and she looked up at the stars, sighing contentedly.

"Molly, you should drag Arthur out here," said Kingsley. "I know how he is about all things Muggle, but here's a night made for love and you're alone. Watching Zelda and Severus grope, no less."

"This isn't groping," Zelda said lightly. "It's nice, though."

Molly watched her softly kiss her husband's cheek. In the firelight, wearing a black Muggle T-shirt and blue jeans, Severus was very different from the grim, black-clad spy of one year ago. They'd all grown so much in the past year, but Severus most of all. She'd never realized how much he'd needed to be loved. In essentials he was the same wizard he'd always been, but his new contentment allowed him to reveal himself somewhat and to trust others more.

"They're practically honeymooners, so leave them alone," Molly said firmly.

"Yeah, what she said," smirked Zelda. "We have only a few hours to play honeymoon before we become staid parents again."

Severus reflected he was undoubtedly behaving foolishly, but he felt his gloom lifting, temporarily at least. He tightened his arm around her and kissed her softly.

"Cease your mocking, Michael," he snapped. "I'm attempting to be emotionally healthy."

Everyone laughed and they stayed by the fire, not needing much conversation. The crackling flames, the Milky Way gleaming over their heads and the soft breeze combined in nature's spell, one that enchanted the spirit. It was a very magical night.