Life Goes On
Dinner was a riotous affair, with everyone discussing the day's adventure. Severus could hardly make out a single conversation, but it seemed even his former Slytherins were dazzled by the delights of movies and shopping malls. Arthur Weasley described his adventure to Minerva for the duration of the meal.
"This culture's driven by commerce to a shocking extent, but Muggles are amazingly clever at creating gadgets and devising brilliant entertainment," he concluded.
"Have you discussed this with Piers?" asked Minerva, highly diverted.
"We talked sometimes," said Arthur, but lowering his voice he added, "I think he's rather taken with Zelda's pretty daughter, so he was distracted."
"Indeed," said Minerva with a low laugh. "Well, she seems too intelligent to rush into anything."
"Molly hopes it'll come to something, but I told her to leave it alone."
"Very wise," she told him. "What's their plan for tonight?"
"More movies," he replied, his eyes bright with anticipation. "Did you know that this Star Wars show is a series of films? It's marvelously entertaining."
Minerva glanced toward her young Muggle Studies teacher and saw him seated by Lily, talking earnestly. Michael was watching the pair closely, as if wondering if it might be serious. Time would tell, she decided.
Across the table, Kingsley asked Ron, "Are you ready for Auror training, young man?"
Ron grinned and said, "Definitely! I'm ordered to appear at the Ministry on Monday."
"You'll be dead tired by Friday," warned Kingsley. "There'll be months of class work that's taught in turn by each of us, followed by partnering for a month at a time with experienced Aurors. I look forward to seeing how you do. There'll be five of you beginning training, though all five of you may not complete the course."
"Really? Who else? Anyone I know?"
"I'd say so," replied Kingsley, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement. "Lee Jordan, Cho Chang, Penny Clearwater and Wayne Hopkins."
"They're older than me!" exclaimed Ron, smitten by a burst of insecurity.
"You'll be fine," replied the older wizard. "I can't play favorites, but if you have any questions, you know where to find me."
Ron beamed and his watching mother breathed a sigh of relief.
Zelda couldn't resist asking, "Luna, Neville, how did you like Muggle America?"
"A bit overwhelming," said Neville frankly. "I'm glad Elijah and Lily know what to do. I want to see more, though. I wonder if Brazil will be as amazing."
"Brazil has its own wonderful craziness," said Zelda. "I hope you'll tell me about the rain forest. There's so much to see, you might not want to come back."
Luna smiled gently and said, "He'll come back. Travel's wonderful. My father takes me on his expeditions, but I like coming home too. My dad doesn't know anything about Muggles, though."
Zelda looked around at this unlikely fellowship of people, drawn together by an evil wizard's war and the aftermath. Her life was transformed by Severus Snape's unlikely appearance in her life, but in her Muggle way she'd transformed his life too. Since they'd chosen a life together she was deeply conscious of choices people made. These young people, some coming from sad, dreadful lives, had chosen well. Affection for them filled her; she wanted them to have good, rewarding lives.
"May I have your attention?" asked Michael, banging his spoon against his glass.
They immediately fell silent and looked expectantly at him.
"Wow! I have the power, don't I?" he asked, looking fondly at the assembled group. "You'll be bored, but I want to make a quick speech anyway. First, I'm glad you're here. We all have busy lives, but it's good to touch base with friends and remember the big picture. Zelda and Molly suggested we make this an annual event, so if you agree, let's all set aside the second weekend in July every year to meet here."
Cheers and table pounding interrupted him. Crabbe and Goyle looked at each other, deeply pleased. To be included in this way was a new experience and they felt connected to something good.
"We'll see each other at times during the rest of the year, but this one weekend is something I'll look forward to all year long," said Michael. "Now I'll shut up, but I'll see you next year."
He sat down to cheers and laughter and smiled fondly upon them all. A biological family hadn't happened for him, he thought, but these people more than made up for it. His life was better now in his fifties, than he'd ever dreamed. He had Kingsley, the lover he'd given up hope of finding. Zelda and the kids were closer to him than ever and now Severus and Alaric were such a source of joy. And these young people, some who'd been so troubled, were now working to make good lives. They were his family now, for better or worse.
Severus had watched his friend closely during the short speech. This Muggle man was the first real friend he'd had and he felt a revolting rush of affection that threatened to be visible. He looked at the rest of them and saw that all the young people, even his Slytherins, looked deeply moved. It was too much, he feared his emotion might show, so he pretended he heard Alaric and stood up, moving quickly toward the small cot a short distance away.
"Sorry to disturb you," he murmured as he scooped up the sleeping child.
Alaric had been sleeping only an hour, and seemed unwilling to wake up for his father. He wriggled a bit and snuggled his face against his father's neck. Severus felt another rush of emotion as tiny fists moved randomly against his shoulder.
"Ah… I love you, Alaric," he whispered, his lined cheek pressed against the baby's soft hair.
"Is he all right?" asked Zelda, curious to see what had drawn Severus away from the table.
"I heard him whimpering," said Severus defiantly.
"I love to hold him when he's sleeping, just to feel him breathe," she said softly.
Tears threatened to fill his eyes when he realized the magic of his son's existence was the most powerful that he knew. He considered turning away, but Zelda deserved better, so he faced her, allowing her to see his vulnerability and his love. When tears filled her own eyes, he smiled wryly.
"Perhaps he needs changing," he suggested, craving solitude with these two.
"Definitely," she said, glancing back at the table, where the conversation had moved on and they wouldn't yet be missed.
They walked in silence and when the door to their room was closed, they faced each other.
"Come lie down with us," said Severus, placing Alaric on the bed and lying down next to him.
She did as he asked and waited, gazing from him to Alaric with a gentle smile.
"I never trusted like this," he said slowly. "Zel, it's been a year, but just now all that's happened has caught up with me. I saw our future and I believe it'll be good."
She caressed his cheek and her thumb traced the faint scar from a hippogriff attack on the night he thought his life was over. He carried many more scars from his unhappy life and always would. But there was healing as he moved forward in this new life.
He captured her hand and kissed it, looking into her eyes, and his lips twitched with embarrassed amusement.
"What?" she asked, unable to resist smiling in return.
"I've never asked for things… I thought it was weak, but really I feared being refused."
He fell silent and she gazed quizzically at him, wondering what was so hard to ask. He must know she'd give him anything…
"Zelda, I want us to have another child. A sister or brother for Alaric," he muttered in a low, hasty voice.
Shocked words of protest sprang to her lips, but died unsaid. He knew all of it, her age, her insecurity, and he'd been with her through one pregnancy, so he knew how hard it was. Still he wanted it enough to ask her. She looked down at Alaric, half asleep and sucking fiercely on his thumb.
"If you don't want to, I understand," he said softly. "I could never compel you, but I needed to ask."
They stayed there, the words between them but saying no more, until Alaric woke and competently gathered their attention to himself.
Epilogue
The Midsummer daylight in Scotland lingered in the evening sky, causing a deceptive brightness. It was past time for Alaric to go to bed, but he was so excited about his new proficiency at walking that Elijah and Lily decided to let him stay up and play.
"Come here, Alaric," wheedled Elijah, holding out his hands.
"Alaric," crooned Lily, her blue eyes twinkling.
The pair sat on the floor with the child standing between them. He looked at them in turn, his black eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Leee!" he crowed happily, taking several unsteady steps and tumbling into her arms.
Lily clasped the small body close and kissed the boy's fluffy black curls. He smelled so sweet, bathed and ready for bed.
"Now go to 'Lijah," she said, turning him to see their brother and setting him on his feet.
"Come here, big guy," said the young man, holding out a hand.
Alaric was finally getting tired and grasped his brother's hand in order to walk to him. He flung himself into Elijah's arms and hugged his neck.
"Time for bed, I'd say," he told his sister.
"I hope that Muffliato spell holds," she said. "The boy needs his bedtime reading."
They went upstairs to the small room next to his parents' room. It was a comfortable small nook, the cot having been replaced by a cozy magical bed. Suspended from the ceiling by the window was the mobile of fluttering bats that Hermione had given him. The evening breeze made the smiley creatures bob and flutter alluringly.
Lily changed his diaper while Elijah got the book ready and then all three lay down on the bed.
"Ready for Chicken Soup?" asked Lily, kissing Alaric's cheek. "Snuggle down on your pillow."
Obediently the toddler lay back, looking expectantly at them.
Elijah began in a deep, soothing voice.
"In January it's so nice, while slipping on the sliding ice,
To sip hot chicken soup with rice."
They went on, reading slowly as the little boy grew drowsy and fell asleep. They carefully crawled out of the bed, smiling at each other, and the bars of a crib magically appeared. They tiptoed out into the hall, leaving the door ajar so Rowena and Marshmallow could come and go during the night. Rowena slept by Alaric's bed and barked when he woke in the morning. Marshmallow slept by the boy's back, enjoying his warmth.
"Finished?" asked Severus, startling them as he came silently up behind them. "Your mother wants you."
He was sweaty and haggard, and his black hair hung limp. He was wearing a ragged Muggle T-shirt that Elijah recognized as one of his old castoffs, along with jeans.
"Is it over?" whispered Lily, wide-eyed.
The wizard nodded and gestured toward the bedroom, saying, "About fifteen minutes ago, but she must stay quiet in bed for some time now."
They peered cautiously into the bedroom before entering.
"Hey," called Zelda softly, "Come meet your sister."
"Oh, Mom," Lily murmured, wide-eyed.
Zelda was propped up slightly on pillows, looking disheveled yet triumphant. A tiny red newborn, covered by a soft cotton blanket, suckled at her breast.
"Isn't she amazing?" asked the exhausted mother. "I can hardly move, I'm too old for this stuff, but she's perfect."
Severus joined them by the bed and said, "Please sit down."
He Conjured two chairs and his stepchildren sat down, still staring in amazement.
"Is Alaric sleeping?" asked Zelda. "I wish I could've kissed him goodnight."
"He's fine and wonderful," said Lily. "And now you have four of us, even though you never wanted a big family."
"I changed my mind," replied her mother. "Now there's symmetry, two of each of you."
"What's her name?" asked Elijah curiously.
"Emelie Birgitta Snape," replied Zelda. "I offered to let Severus choose her name, but he said since I was doing the work, I could choose."
"You named her after your grandmothers," said Lily. "A little family history can go a long way, Mom. Is it spelled the old way?"
"Don't you like it?" asked Zelda, looking disappointed.
"I do," declared Elijah. "We don't need another Jennifer, Sarah or Ashley. My baby sister will be her own woman."
Dilys Smethwyck appeared and said, "Time to examine you again, Zelda. Perhaps Severus and your children would like to take the baby for a few minutes."
Gently she took the newborn and wrapped the blanket more securely. Then she handed the baby to Severus.
"Come over here," he said, leading them to the other side of the room.
"Would you like to hold her?" he asked them.
"I would," Lily said faintly. "God, I forgot how tiny they are."
She sat down and held out her hands, holding the baby close and feeling the faint breathing.
"Hey, little Emelie," she said softly. "I do like your name, little sister. We're going to have such fun, aren't we?"
Elijah touched one tiny fist in amazement and looked closely at the baby. Her eyes were open, but obviously unfocused. They were a grey-blue color and her hair, what there was of it, was black.
"Welcome to the family, baby," he whispered.
"I'll be right back," said Severus, pleased to trust his stepchildren with the new arrival so he could check on Zelda.
"How are you, my girl?" he asked worriedly.
"I'm okay, but if you want another kid, have it yourself," she quipped, looking wryly up at him.
He kissed her forehead and looked up at Dilys.
"She's doing well, but I'll be staying for a couple of days to monitor her," said the Healer. "You'll have quite a full house for a while, so let them all help you."
"Sev! Send a Patronus to Harry," said Zelda. "He'll tell people to stay away, but he should come this evening. Lily and Eli want him."
His lip curled instinctively, making her giggle, but he drew his wand and sent his Patronus away, knowing Potter would be at the door any minute.
&&&&&&&&&
Harry followed Elijah on tiptoe, wondering if this was really okay. He'd never imagined being able to see Zelda and the baby right after she was born. Knowing Zelda was thinking of him now, this evening, felt wonderful.
"Harry, I'm so glad to see you," said Zelda. "Come see the baby."
Harry glanced at Professor Snape, reclining on the bed near Zelda and holding a small bundle on his chest.
"Wow, I forgot how tiny they are," he said, watching in awe as Zelda took the baby from Professor Snape, straightened the blanket and showed her to Harry.
"She looks like Alaric did," he said in some surprise. "She's great, Zelda. Has Alaric seen her yet?"
"He's asleep, so we'll wait until morning. He's so young he wouldn't understand if we woke him up."
Harry grinned and asked, "Can I tell people?"
"Of course," she replied.
"Tell them to stay away," said Severus, almost at the same time.
"I'll tell them about the baby and to stay away," he promised, amused.
"Just for a couple of days," said Zelda. "This took a lot out of me and I need to rest."
"But you're okay, right?" asked Harry, frowning.
"I'm okay. I feel tired right now though, so why don't you hang out with Eli and Lily. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
She held out a hand to him and he took it, then gently leaned over and kissed her cheek.
"Good night everyone," she said. "If you'll take care of Alaric until it's time to see the baby, I'd appreciate it."
"Of course," said Elijah. "Don't worry about a thing, Mum."
&&&&&&&&&
The next morning Severus made up a comfortable bed on the couch for Zelda and brought down the small cradle Alaric had used. He settled his wife and new daughter comfortably and then signaled to the rest that it was time.
"Hey Alaric, let's go see Mummy," said Elijah, bending down so Alaric could hold his hand.
The toddler's face broke into a beaming smile when he saw his mother on the couch.
"Mumumumama!" he shrieked, heading straight for her.
"Alaric, how's my sweet boy? Let me give you a kiss," said Zelda, holding out her arms.
He climbed onto the couch and flung himself on Zelda, nuzzling frantically into her embrace.
"Oh, I missed you yesterday," she murmured, kissing him and savoring the feel of his sturdy small body.
"He was great, Mom," said Lily, entering the room with Harry. "He's the sweetest kid ever."
Alaric raised his head and earnestly patted his mother's face, making her chuckle. He pressed his mouth to her cheek in a baby kiss and licked her, making small murmuring sounds.
"I love you, sweet boy," she murmured. "I have to show you something, Alaric. We have a new baby for you and Lily and Eli. She's your sister and her name is Emelie."
Alaric looked quite piercingly at her and his black eyes were so like his father's that she wanted to laugh.
"Don't be so suspicious," she told him with a kiss. "Look over there, in the cradle. We have a baby to take care of now."
Lily sat next to the cradle and said softly, "Come see her, Alaric."
Slowly he climbed down from the couch and looked. He stared in confusion and looked up at Lily, then put a hand down close to the newborn's face.
Lily held his hand and said, "We can touch gently, see? It's our new baby; her name is Emelie."
After one quick glance Alaric climbed into Lily's lap and hugged her. The rest of them breathed a sigh of relief.
"Good work, Lily," said Harry softly. "Hey, since it's Saturday, I can stay and help with him if you'd like."
"We'd all like," said Elijah. "Alaric's had his breakfast, now let's make it for the rest of us. Mum, are you ready for a nice cuppa half caff?"
"I'd love it," she said. "A strengthening feast too, and then a nap."
The young people left, bearing Alaric with them, and Severus was alone with his wife and their new daughter.
"Does this feel like the beginning of the happy ending?" she asked with an ironic smile.
"More like a continuation of Potter buzzing constantly around our heads like a needy gnat, not to mention all the other pests that infest our life together."
She held out her hand and he knelt beside her, unable to maintain his sneer in the face of her delighted amusement.
"Curmudgeon," she purred, "I wish I didn't have to wait so long to have sex again. I love it when you sneer."
A faint, resigned smile replaced the sneer and he realized in horror that although this couldn't actually be the happy ending she'd spoken of, it might appear so to a good many dunderheads.