40
Together At Last
June 1978
Hogwarts School:
Finally NEWTS were over, and those seventh-years who had taken them were anxiously awaiting their results. The results would not be in until the second week of June and Lily, Severus, Remus, Sirius, and James were all waiting impatiently for their results. If one wanted to join the Auror program, one needed at least two passing NEWT grades, and in order to pass a NEWT you needed to get an eighty percent or above. Each NEWT had a practical and a written portion, and their examiners had been Ministry officials and top Masters in their fields. Lily had nearly thrown up from nerves several times during the testing, but she managed to get through it without disgracing herself. Amanda Barnes, a Ravenclaw, had fainted. But now all that was left was the waiting.
The days dragged, for seventh-years had no final exams to prepare for save NEWTS, so all that was left was attending class. But at last the Ministry owls arrived, on a sunny day on June 17th. Lily was so nervous she had Cindy open her envelope and then asked timidly, "Is it . . .okay? Did I pass?"
"Oh, for heaven's sake, Evans," Cindy rolled her eyes. "Quit being such a worrywart and take a look." She shoved the paper under Lily's nose.
Lily read, then she started yelling, "I passed! Oh my God! I passed all five of them!" She had taken NEWTS in Charms, Potions, Herbology, Defense, and Transfiguration. She had scored very high in Charms and gotten a commendation letter as well.
Remus had taken the same and he also had passed, getting a top score in Transfiguration. James had taken three NEWTS—Transfiguration, Defense, and Charms—and he had passed them all. He was grinning widely, because now he could apply to the Auror program with no worries.
"And they're doing an accelerated one, Sirius, so I can complete the training in a year instead of three." James told his best friend excitedly. "How did you do?"
"Not bad," replied the Animagus, he had managed to pass Herbology, Transfiguration, and Defense by the skin of his teeth. "Maybe we'll be in the same trainee program together."
While the two Gryffindors dreamed of winning glory as Aurors, Severus and Regulus quietly celebrated Severus' passing all six of his NEWTS, the same five as Lily's, plus Ancient Runes. He had received the highest Potions grade ever in recorded Ministry history and had been given a small medallion to pin on the front of his robes. He could now attend the Academy of Potioneers and become a certified Master Brewer, which was what he had always dreamed of doing.
If not for the war going on with Voldemort and their roles as spies, Severus would have been cheering. He still felt very proud, however, and couldn't wait to tell Eileen and Dickon the good news. His parents and baby sister were still residing in the rented cottage in Hogsmeade, having opted to stay until the term was finished. Dickon spent his weekends there with his brand new daughter and wife, helping Eileen with Jess as much as he could. Fatherhood agreed with him immensely. Eclipse was happy as well, having yet another Marsh to safeguard.
That morning, Dumbledore congratulated all the students who had passed their NEWTS successfully and then he had an announcement to make regarding who would be Head Girl and Boy for their year. "As you know, that is a decision based upon specific criteria, such as academics and behavior. The student who is chosen by the staff must exhibit flawless academic marks and have almost no disciplinary actions upon their record whatsoever—"
"There goes our shot at it, Prongs," muttered Sirius ruefully.
James shrugged. "I'd rather not be put on a bloody pedestal, mate. Too much responsibility, having to be a role model for everyone." The truth was, he rather liked his reputation as a rogue and wouldn't have changed it for anything, and he knew Sirius probably felt the same.
Dumbledore was continuing his announcement. "This year's Head Girl is Gryffindor's Lily Evans—"
He was interrupted by cheers and applause and whoops from the whole Gryffindor table. Lily was shell-shocked. She had never expected to be picked for such a position.
Cindy was waving her napkin in the air and hooting, "Attagirl, Lily! You go, girl!"
James leaned over and kissed her on the cheek and said, "Way to go, babe!"
Severus concealed a smile and applauded quietly under the table. He was glad Lily had been chosen. She deserved it, she had worked hard all seven years for it. Good for you, little oracle!
Dumbledore held up his hand for silence. "Partnering Miss Evans as Head Boy is Slytherin prefect Severus Snape—"
Now it was the Slytherin table's turn to cheer and clap for their own brilliant scholar. Severus just sat there, too shocked to do anything.
Regulus was hooting and hugging him. "Congratulations, Sev! Finally, a snake gets honored! There hasn't been a Slytherin Head Boy since . . ." his voice lowered. " . . . since Tom Riddle."
Several Slytherin firsties were chanting, "Snape! Snape! Prince of Snakes!"
Even the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were applauding politely.
The Gryffindors were glaring at him however, and only a quarter of their number were clapping, though Lily and Cindy were among them.
"Filthy snake!" he heard a few hiss. He glared right back at them.
"Quiet, please. I wish to congratulate both Miss Evans and Mr. Snape for their performances, and point out that this is the first time ever that a Head Boy and Girl have come from rival Houses. It is my hope that this shall bring us closer together. Lily, Severus please come up here and receive your special pins and chasubles which you may wear along with your robes."
Severus slid from his seat, he felt as if he were walking in a dream, and together he and Lily marched up to the Headmaster. He did not look directly at her, for fear he would be tempted to reach out and hug her and kiss her breathless. But he did mutter a sincere, "Congratulations, Evans."
Lily hid her smile of joy and restrained herself from wrapping her arms about him and screaming, "We did it, Sev!" Instead she murmured a "Congratulations to you too, Snape," on her way to the podium. They would have to celebrate later on, once they were out of school.
Dumbledore gave them each a gold pin, with entwined letters upon a Hogwarts crest, HG for Lily and HB for Severus. Their chasubles, which were like thin scarves draped about their necks, were cloth of gold and had their initials embroidered upon them as well as their school and House crests. Dumbledore draped them about their shoulders and then stood inbetween them and caught up their hands and lifted them up towards the ceiling.
A hidden reporter from the Prophet snapped a picture to go with his small article.
The whole school cheered and clapped wildly.
It was a heady moment, and both Lily and Severus felt nearly drunk upon the emotions of the moment and the recognition given to them.
Even the staff were applauding, and to Severus' eternal shock, Dickon was waving a little Slytherin banner and yelling, "Brilliant job, son!"
Severus blushed at Dickon's public acknowledgment of their relationship, but then he turned and grinned at his stepfather, proud and happy to have a father who appreciated him for all that he was. It warmed his heart, because at last he was no longer the despised misfit son.
When all the hubbub had died down somewhat, the new Head Boy and Girl resumed their seats and breakfast was served.
Dickon sat down abruptly when poked discreetly by Pomona. "Oh, right. I . . .err. . . .got a little carried away." He quickly transfigured the Slytherin banner back into a napkin and placed it upon his lap.
Pomona laughed. "Oh that's all right, Dickon. You should be very proud of Severus, he has overcome so much, and it's only right that he wear the chasuble."
"I am very proud of him, Pomona. He's like my own son. But then . . .I guess you already know that." Dickon said, reverting suddenly back to his quiet self.
"It's good to see a father so openly show his approval for his son. Severus needs that, it'll do wonders for his self-esteem," said Pomona sagely. "And how is your baby girl, Dickon?"
Dickon beamed and began to tell Pomona all about Jess, and how she was finally sitting up and smiling, she had learned to blow raspberries, and was now sleeping for five hours straight. She was an extremely easy going baby, nothing seemed to faze her. Eileen had told him she was less fussy than her brother had been at that age.
"You're lucky, Dickon." Pomona said. "My neice cried and was colicy for three months, despite all the natural herbal brews I poured into her."
Dickon nodded. "One of my sisters was like that. I've learned to count my blessings, Pomona. Especially now, when darkness threatens everything we have and those I care about."
The portly Herbology witch nodded sagely. Voldemort's shadow was rising steadily, and nothing the Ministry or the Auror Department had done so far seemed to stop it. She feared that war would be coming soon and some of her students would never be seen again, whether it was because they would be killed in battle, or because they would be seduced down the dark road. She had been a young girl when Grindelwald made his bid for power, and that had been bad enough. Voldemort was worse, however. He was better organized, smarter and more charming. Grindelwald had been unable to gather enough followers to pose a serious threat, he was a thug compared to Voldemort, who was an evil mastermind. And Dumbledore had defeated Grindelwald in a single duel. The Head of Hufflepuff often wonder what made him stay his hand when it came to Tom Riddle.
He was mentor to the boy, it probably hurt him deeply to see his student turn dark, she mused while munching on her toast. Still, he threatens our whole existence, and sometimes you have to pluck a creeper out by the roots lest he strangle the whole crop. Sometimes a bush needs to be pruned down to the roots in order to preserve the balance of the whole garden. Any good herbologist knows that. But then, Albus never was a very good gardener—he wasn't ruthless enough when it came to exterminating pests and wild weeds.
She shook her head sadly. Unless someone took a stand, there would be bloodshed before too much longer. She looked out upon the students, who should have had such a bright future, and who might end up bleeding and dying instead.
SSLESSLESSLESS
A week later, James received his acceptance into the Auror Academy during the morning meal, as did Sirius. Remus opted to work for an independent security company, one that did not care if he was a werewolf so long as he was reliable and did his job. It paid less that the Aurors and didn't include benefits, but it was far better than what some who had the full moon curse did for a living. Most werewolves ended up eking out a miserable existence on the fringes of society, hated and scorned by all, even those who were once kin. The Lupins were very progressive in their views, and also loved their son very much.
Posted prominently in the Great Hall was an Auror recruiting poster, and the poster stated that new requirements were established for Auror trainees, due to the war in the offing, the Academy would now accept any recruits of age with reasonable marks in Defense, Potions, and Charms, and waive the requirement for NEWTS.
"Cripes!" Sirius exclaimed when he read that. "If I'd known that, I'd have never busted my arse studying for the damned things! It's unfair!"
"What are you going to do, Wormy?" asked James, idly twirling a pencil inbetween his hands. "Got any career plans?"
"Errr . . .not really. I could always go and work for my father's tax firm. He always needs someone to help around the office."
"Sounds dreadfully dull and boring," snorted Sirius. "Why don't you learn to live a little, mate? Do something totally unexpected, like work at a go go bar?"
James and Remus snickered at Sirius' wit and Peter blushed. "Good one, mate."
While the Marauders were ribbing their slyest member, Regulus and Severus were also discussing their future in hushed tones. Severus planned on marrying Lily as soon as they were finished with school. The two only wanted a small wedding, just family members and a few friends and they had decided it was safer to get married in a Muggle ceremony instead of a wizarding one.
But the wedding plans were the furthest thing from Severus' mind just then. He was concerned that the Death Eaters seemed to be recruiting heavily, trying to swell their ranks. As of yet, none of the senior Death Eaters had come to any of the Iron Mask meetings to inspect their younger counterparts, but Severus had an uneasy feeling that such a thing might happen soon.
"Has Malfoy asked you to . . .recruit anyone?" he queried Regulus in a bare whisper.
"No, not yet," replied his roommate in the same tone. "You?"
Severus shook his head. "But if he does . . .what should I do? I don't want to bring anymore people to him."
"We pretend and then say it didn't work and hope for the best." Regulus said. "What do you plan to do once you're finished with school? Besides marry the girl of your dreams."
"I'm going to go to the Academy of Potioneers and get my Brewer's Mastery. And then I might just open my own shop or something. Unless . . .other duties interfere."
"Sounds like a plan. I wish I knew what I was doing."
"You have another year left."
"I know, but . . .ah, I have time . . .unless other things get in the way." Regulus said. Then he lifted the gold cloth chasuble and said, "Looks good on you, Snape."
Severus smiled slightly. "I still can't believe I was nominated, let alone chosen."
"Why not? You deserve it if anyone does." Regulus said and then he began to eat his scrambled eggs after re-heating them with a Warming Charm.
Over at the Gryffindor table, they heard Sirius declaiming that he was going to become the best Auror and kick the arse of any dark wizard he came across. "To hell and back, I say! To hell and back!"
Most of his tablemates cheered and egged him on.
Regulus rolled his eyes in disgust. "Oh, right. He'll be lucky if he doesn't end up dead or yanked off the force for excessive brutality or not following orders or something. Dad would have said he's not Auror material, because he's too damn impulsive. And he'd be right. God help us all!"
Severus agreed, Sirius as an Auror was very scary, especially considering the other's penchant for deadly pranks and recklessness. He was unpredictable, a wild card. Severus had never really gotten over that incident in the Shack, in fact, he still had nightmares about Lupin's clawed hand reaching through the wall for him and then the wall shattering and him trapped in a tiny room with a savage beast that wanted nothing but to eat him. But he didn't blame Lupin so much, he blamed Sirius and Pettigrew. A mutt and a rat. Mayhem unleashed. And they wanted to recruit Black as an Auror! Truly, the country was going to the dogs.
SSLESSLESSLESS
Finally, the term was over, and the Class of '78 was finished with school. All the witches and wizards were of age and could now make their own choices about their magic and their lives. It was a heady feeling, especially with more and more news coming in of Voldemort and his followers attacking innocent people and any they viewed as blood traitors or Muggle supporters or those who dared to stand up against them. Many of the students streamed into the Auror offices and signed up for active duty, like Frank Longbottom and his girlfriend, Alice Stewert. The couple got married as soon as they could and then were accepted into the Academy.
James decided to delay his Academy training for a few weeks so he could prepare for his wedding and honeymoon. Actually, Petunia and Liana were doing the planning, he was just nodding and agreeing with them. It had been decided that the wedding would be in the wizarding way, since Petunia was marrying into an influential wizard family. Most of the guests were wizarding families, since the Evans family was very small and the wedding was a good way to introduce Petunia to wizarding society. Liana had asked Petunia if she would mind if the reception was hosted at Potter Manor. Petunia agreed, since that way she would not have to pay for a hall. She knew her father would be bankrupted if he had to pay for two weddings all at once.
Liana helped her choose decorations and the menu, while Lily and Polly helped her pick out a lovely gown and the attendants' gowns, her bridal party was small, consisting of Lily as First Witch and Sirius as First Wizard and Remus and Peter as Witnesses.
The wedding was set for July 15th, to avoid the muggy heat, a weather caster had foretold them it would be a warm day, with a small breeze, and perfect for an outdoor wedding. While Lily and Petunia agonized over bouquets and other minutiae, Sirius hosted a bachelor party for James three days before the wedding. He invited Remus and Peter, of course, Frank Longbottom and a number of old Gryffindor schoolmates. Beer and firewhiskey flowed freely, as did snuff and a few other recreational substances, and Sirius had even hired a pole dancer.
It was quite a wild party.
"Are you sure you wanna get hitched, Prongs?" a slightly drunk Sirius asked James.
They had rented a room at a tavern in wizarding London and everyone was having a fun time. All except Remus, who grew nervous in crowds and could not drink alcohol lest it lower his inhibitions and release his control over his werewolf nature. He was sipping a simple ginger beer and nibbling some pretzels. James was standing next to him with his third ale, laughing at some prank Remus was recalling.
"Huh?" he turned to his best friend. "What kind of question is that, Siri? You know I love Tuney. I love 'er so much!"
"Yeah, but wouldn't ya rather be a bacherlor, like me? An' then you wouldn't be tied down to one girl. You could have 'em all!" He gave Prongs a tipsy smile.
"The grass is always greener . . ." Remus said.
"Petunia's all the girl I need," James said.
"Then you didn't like Metera?" Sirius asked, indicating the pole dancer, who was still being drooled over, ogled, and given tips by the rest of the guys. "I paid thirty Galleons for her!"
James eyed the dancer. "She's nice to look at, I'll give you that, but . . .Petunia has my heart and she always will, Padfoot." Then he took another gulp of his beer.
"I'm happy for you, James," Remus said sincerely. "That you've found someone to love who returns your love. Do you see now what I meant when I said you were obsessing over Lily before?"
"Yes, I really do. I wanted Lily for all the wrong reasons and I'm glad you told me off, Moony. Merlin knows I needed it. When I'm with Petunia I feel content and she feels the same."
"That's great, James." Remus gave him a smile. "I wish you all the best."
"Me too, mate," Sirius said. "Though ya know, once you've tied the knot, old pal, she's gonna keep you on a short leash."
"Hopefully tied to the bed," James smirked. "I won't miss my freedom all that much, Padfoot. Being with Petunia isn't a chore or a duty. It's great fun and I love it." James cuffed him affectionately across the back of the head, then he looked for Pettigrew, who was curled up in a corner, nursing his sixth beer. Pickled like a herring, James thought in amusement. Then he turned back and snitched a chicken wing off a platter of appetizers.
When James woke the next morning, he had a bit of a hangover, but Bilbo soon put him to rights with a Hangover Cure, and then he felt fine. And more than ready to put his adolescence behind and marry Petunia.
SSLESSLESS
July 15th, 1978
Potter Manor:
"You are bonded, heart to heart, and now you may kiss the bride." Old Percival Wentworth declared, waving his wand over the happy couple and dissolving the magical ribbon that held the two tied to each other. It was no coincidence that sometimes getting married was called "tying the knot" for in the wizarding ceremony, the Bonder tied the groom and bride's hands together with a green ribbon and a love knot, to symbolize eternity and faithfulness.
James cupped Petunia's face in his hands and kissed her soundly.
He could dimly hear the cheers of family and friends, but they were far away, since all of his attention was focused upon Petunia, who was kissing him back with an intensity he had never known she possessed until now.
At last, he was married, and he didn't care if half the purebloods regarded it as a terrible scandal, that he had married a Muggle. Petunia was worth twenty of them.
Following the ceremony, everyone filed inside the house to the banquet hall, where several large tables had been set up with place cards beside them. Food appeared magically upon each plate upon request, like it had done at Hogwarts. You had merely to speak the words "Appetizer" or "Salad" or "Dinner."
The Evanses were particularly impressed by that little bit of magic, as well as their host's house, which was immense to a couple from Spinner's End. "They live like royalty here, Henry," said Polly, eating a canapé. "And now my Petunia's become a princess."
"I know. And she'll make a good one." Henry said. He frowned as the salt shaker began to hop around the table. "Good Lord! Why's it doing that?"
"I don't know," Polly said, alarmed. She looked about. No one else seemed to be having that problem. She reached for the salt, only to have it sidle away and spill across the mulberry tablecloth. "Oh dear! What a mess!" An invisible band was playing rather loudly, and so they missed the soft giggle coming from beneath the table.
Henry reached for his glass of water, only to have it inch away from him.
A series of bizarre happenings plagued them for fifteen minutes.
A large linen napkin tied itself about Henry's neck and half-strangled him. Polly went to help him, and her napkin fluttered into her face like some deranged butterfly. "Oh!" she cried, and her elbow upset her water glass.
After a house elf had come by and mopped up the spill, the strange mishaps resumed.
When Polly went to sip her soup, she got squirted in the eye. Hal reached for a cocktail hot dog only to have it fly up in the air. He began to grow angry. "What the devil is going on here, Polly?" Everyone else was enjoying their meal and whenever they glanced over at the Evans' table, the weird things quit happening and it just appeared that the Muggle couple were clumsy.
A few of the nearer guests began to whisper and titter behind their hands.
Dickon and Eileen Marsh had been seated diagonally to the Evanses, and Dickon had a good view of what was going on, plus he was used to observing students in the dining hall at Hogwarts. The students were always playing pranks on each other and he had learned early on as a professor to spot a prankster's target. He nudged Eileen. "Polly and Henry are being annoyed by a prankster somewhere in this hall."
Eileen looked at him. "What? At a wedding? But who would do such a thing?"
"Someone who doesn't like Muggles? Or an ill mannered child?" Dickon suggested.
Eileen started to get to her feet, ready to go over to the Evans table, but Dickon caught her arm.
"Wait, love. Let Charles handle it."
Eileen subsided when she saw Charles Potter, in his formal tailored black tuxedo pants, white shirt, and red stag embroidered robes making the rounds of the tables and speaking to his guests.
"Hello again!" he greeted his new in-laws cheerfully. "How is everything going for you? Are you getting enough food? If you don't like the menu, you can request whatever you wish."
"The food is superb, Charles," began Henry. "But we've been having the oddest mishaps . . .I can't understand it . . ." He related what had been occurring.
"It's almost like being haunted," Polly said, a bit fearfully. "Lily used to tell us stories of a poltergeist at school . . .this reminded me of that . . ."
Charles scowled. "Poltergeist, eh? My house is not haunted . . ." He shot a glance towards the table where he had placed Muriel and her cronies and his second cousin, troublemaker extraordinaire, Nathan Billingsby. Nate's chair was conspicuously empty. " . . .but we are plagued by a little scoundrel of a cousin." Abruptly, Charles flicked up the tablecloth to find a smirking Nate beneath it.
"Uh, hi, Cousin Charles!" the child said, giving Charles an angelic look.
He wasn't fooled for an instant. Charles reached in and dragged the boy out by his ear. "Nathan Michael Billingsby!" He shook the boy till he yelped.
"Ow! Leggo my ear!" The boy tried to squirm free to no avail.
"Did you prank Mr. and Mrs. Evans, young man?" Charles demanded.
"So what? I was just havin' fun!" the boy whined. "It was boring at Gran's table!" His dress robes were smeared with jam and pumpkin juice. He squirmed harder, but Charles had a death grip on the back of his robes. "Muggles can't take a joke."
"What you did to them was no joke, boy!" Charles growled, thoroughly disgusted with the boy's behavior and very embarrassed. "You know how to behave, and yet you insist upon acting like some ill-mannered spoiled brat! You've disgraced our whole family, using magic upon defenseless Muggles. Where did you get the wand?"
"What wand?"
"The one you have up your sleeve!" Charles said, rolling up the boy's sleeve to reveal an ash wand strapped there by an elastic band.
"Pinched it off Gram." Nate said, like it was a thing to be proud of.
Charles snatched it. "And now you add thievery to your list of naughty behavior. I'm appalled." He turned to Polly and Henry. "You have my deepest apologies. He knows better, but he's been indulged for too long by his doting grandmother." His mouth tightened. "But this time he's gone too far."
Recognizing the implacable tone in Charles' voice, Nate started to snivel, "But I didn't mean it . . .I was just playing . . .I want Gram . . ."
Charles ignored his pathetic whining and picked him up and stalked from the banquet hall, his face like a thundercloud.
"I'd say that's going to be one sorry little boy," Henry predicted.
Polly agreed. Then she gave a soft laugh. "Well, at least now we know we weren't going crazy. Thank goodness Charles found the little brat!"
In the hall, Charles had dragged Nate over to a long cushioned bench and was giving him a sound spanking, something he had longed to do for a long time. Muriel had always prevented him before this, but now even she could not deny him his right to discipline his wayward cousin, not at a formal function when he had behaved so abominably to a guest. Especially the Evanses, who were family now.
Meanwhile, Petunia and James were also making their rounds, talking with all their guests and thanking them for coming. When they reached Dickon and Eileen, Dickon told them what they had seen. "I would have gone right over there and cast a Dispel charm, but then your dad showed up, James, and he took care of it."
"Turned out it was a little brat using a stolen wand to cast pranks upon poor Polly and Henry," Eileen informed them.
"Nate!" groaned James. "Merlin's hat! Where is the little toerag? I'm going to tan his hide good, I swear it! How dare he behave like that at my wedding?"
"I'd say your dad already took care of that, from the looks of things," Dickon said, jerking his chin over at the Evans' table, where Charles was standing with a thoroughly chastened Nathan, who was sniffling and rubbing his bottom. Clearly, the head of the Potter clan was making the boy apologize for his behavior to Polly and Henry.
"About time!" James said.
A house elf popped into view suddenly, and then he took Nate by the hand and blinked off with him.
"Sent to bed early with no supper too." Eileen said approvingly. "Serves him right. I would have done the same if Severus had ever behaved that way."
"Speaking of Severus, where is he?" asked Petunia.
"At home, babysitting his little sister." Eileen replied. "I would have hired someone so he could come, but he told me not to waste the money and he would stay home with Jess. But he sends his congratulations."
James hid a smile at the mere thought of Severus taking care of a baby. But he said, "Tell Severus thank you, and it's too bad he couldn't attend. We're very glad you could make it. Is there anything you need or want, Mrs Snape . . .ah . . .I mean Marsh . . ."
"No, dear. Thank you, we're fine. Right, Dickon?"
"Everything is excellent. You make a brilliant couple."
Petunia blushed but managed to thank him.
Then they moved on to the Evans', where Charles related the whole sad tale over again, making James even more outraged. Sirius would have said it was a prank worthy of a Marauder, but James did not find it funny at all. "I'm sorry. Nate's worse than I ever was at that age."
His father snorted. "Barely. You tried pretty much the same thing at your grandfather's funeral, James, making the casket lid move up and down and the body sit straight up while people were walking past. Nearly gave your Aunt Muriel a heart attack."
"I did? I don't remember it. You must have tanned my rear."
"I gave you just what I gave Nate," Charles admitted. "You were six."
Petunia shook her head at her husband. "That sounds like you, James. I sure hope our kids take after me."
"Ha! You weren't perfect either, Tuney." Henry laughed. "You just didn't have magic to help you get into mischief. Remember the time you rearranged all my pill bottles at work when you were five, and it took hours to sort out the mess?"
"I thought I was helping," Petunia protested.
"Uh huh. You were helping my blood pressure go sky high, Pet."
James smirked. "Nice to know I wasn't the only mischief maker."
"I couldn't hold a candle to you, James, and you know it," snorted his bride. "Come, let's go dance. That's one way to keep you out of trouble."
Charles roared with laughter. "Ah, Jamie, lad, you've met your match at last."
His son nodded and then whirled his bride out onto the floor where the band struck up a lively regatta.
The guests clapped and smiled appreciatively, and some of them got up and joined the happy couple on the floor.
One of those was Regulus and Lily. Severus had known he wouldn't have been able to resist dancing with her, and so he had opted to stay away. Unlike Severus, Regulus could attend the wedding and not blow his cover because he had not quarreled publically with Lily and his escorting her about could be construed as good manners. But they danced at the very edge of the floor, where they were hidden by the other couples.
"My sister looks beautiful, doesn't she?" Lily asked, smiling.
"She does. That dress fits her perfectly." Regulus said. Petunia's dress was a simple A-line with a small train and the bodice was accented by pink damask roses and small pink pearls. Her hair had been piled high on her head and she was wearing a sparkling tiara lent to her by Liana. She also had sheer white robes over the dress, but she had left them off after the ceremony. "Potter's a lucky fellow."
"He'd better appreciate her. Or else I'll have to kick his arse." Lily said.
Reg chuckled. "You sound like Sev."
"Too bad he couldn't come," Lily said wistfully. "I wonder what he's doing right now . . .?"
SSLESSLESS
That same night
Spinner's End:
At that very moment, Severus was lying on the large baby quilt on the living room floor, grinning up at his little sister, who was swinging to and fro in her colorful magic baby swing. She was giggling at him, her chubby face crinkled in joy, for he was playing peek-a-boo with her again, which was her favorite game. She giggled hysterically when he hid his face with his hands and peeked through his fingers. "Jessa, baby, where am I?" Then he would remove his hands and cry, "Here I am!"
It always made her laugh. He loved to hear her laugh, it was like sunshine, and to hear it he would do almost anything, including acting like a ridiculous ass and playing utterly silly games with her. He had fallen in love with her the first time he had held her, and he could refuse her nothing. She had the Prince eyes and dark hair, though Eileen said it would probably lighten, and become more like her father's as she grew older. Right now it stuck up in silky tufts all over her head.
She held out her arms to him and he asked, "Want to get out and play on the rug, pretty baby?"
Jess burbled and Severus used wandless magic to remove her from the swing and set her down on the quilt inbetween his arms. She gazed up into his face, her eyes bright, and he began to tickle her gently.
She exploded into giggles.
"Like that, huh? Ouch! Jess, keep your hands off my hair. You don't want me to go bald, do you?" He pretended to shudder. "Then I'd look like a refugee from some kind of prison camp. You don't want an ugly brother, do you?"
Jess blew a raspberry at him.
He made a face at her. "Oh, yeah? Cheeky little miss." Then he blew one back at her. "Thank God there's nobody from school or from the Iron Masks to see me playing this way." He picked up a stuffed rattle from the quilt and Jess seized it.
She promptly hit him in the face with it. Then she cracked up.
He rubbed his nose. "Hey, be nice to your Sevvy." Only his mother was ever permitted to call him that, and now he allowed Jess the same privilege. It was a privilege that only family members could enjoy.
He played with her for another ten minutes with soft light up blocks, telling her the colors. The baby reached for them and sucked on them. Then she pulled his hair.
"No! Not my hair." He scolded. "That hurts!"
She stared at him and then she started to cry.
He picked her up and held her. "Okay, don't cry. Don't cry." He patted her back. "Shhh . . .it's okay."
She hiccupped and then he figured it was time for her bath. He gave her a warm bubble bath and showed her how he made bubbles come out of his wand. She laughed and popped them with her little hands. He dried her with a quick charm and dressed her for bed in soft pink bunny pajamas.
"Okay, little one, one last bottle and then you go to sleep."
He sat in the rocker with her and fed her. Jess drank the last bottle and then snuggled on his shoulder. It took him ten minutes of rocking and singing lullabys to get her to sleep. "Merlin, baby, but you are a lot of work," he muttered, yawning. "You're lucky I love you more than I love making potions."
He turned to look at her, her cheek pressed into his shoulder, and felt a wave of tenderness flow over him. Is this what it's like to have one of my own? I've never felt like this before. I just want to hold her and never let go. He could smell the sweet scent of the milk and honey lotion he had rubbed on her and he set the rocker going with a slight push and felt himself drift. . . .I hope Lily's having a good time. . . next it'll be our turn . . .Before he knew it his eyes had closed and he was asleep, with Jess cradled close.
SSLESSLESS
The night drew to a close, and James and Petunia danced one last time to the soft strains of Adoring Love, an old wizarding love song, the only one that James knew by heart. He spun his new bride about gently, her dress complimented his gold dress robes embroidered with crimson lions.
"Have I told you tonight how beautiful you are, Lady Petunia?"
She smiled up at him, and there were stars in her eyes. "Only about a dozen times, James. But I still don't believe it."
"Why? You have only to look in the mirror."
"No, I mean, you calling me a lady. Me, plain ordinary Petunia Evans, a lady."
"That's true too. When my father passes," he made a sign to avert evil. "I shall be the lord of Potter Manor and you, since you're my wife, will be my lady. I'm just giving you the title a bit early, out of respect."
Petunia was tickled by the notion. She leaned forward and kissed him gently. "I love you, James."
He laughed softly and returned the kiss.
"Humph! Disgraceful!" remarked Aunt Muriel spitefully, she was still fuming over what she called Charles' "high-handed" discipline of her grandson. "Showing such wantonness in public! Why in my day, a man didn't kiss a woman like that unless she was a tramp. Although, being a Muggle—"
Petunia froze, her face flaming. "Is that what they think of me?"
"Of course not!" James reassured her. "I have all that I'm going to take of that spiteful hag! Pay her no mind, my lady." He bowed to her as he escorted Petunia off the floor. "Wait here. I'm going to have a word with her."
He stalked over to where Muriel was holding court like some petty dowager empress. "Excuse me, Aunt, but I thought I heard you call my wife a derogatory term. A tramp, I believe it was." He towered over her, his hazel eyes flashing.
"If the shoe fits . . ."
"There is nothing wrong with showing affection to one's wife at one's wedding, Aunt," James said through clenched teeth. "Furthermore, Petunia is now a lady, in every sense of the word, and I will not put up with you slandering her any longer. If you feel ashamed to be associated with this family because of my wife, feel free to get up and leave. And take your brat of a grandson with you!"
Muriel put a hand to her chest. "You . . .you . . .are throwing me out? What would your father say, James Emerson Potter?"
"He has no say anymore over my behavior, I'm of age. And married. Now, it's your choice—stay or go. But know this. If you stay, you'll keep your viper tongue silent."
"How dare you! You go too far, boy! I can cut you out of my will like that, and don't think I won't!"
"Your money is your business, I don't need it or want it, and you can't buy me with it." James said flatly. "Decide, Aunt, and quit ruining my celebration." Then he spun on his heel and returned to Petunia. He picked up her hand and kissed it, then he flashed her a mischievous grin. "How was that for dragon slaying, love?"
"It was wonderful, Sir James. You put that old hag right in her place."
"Good. Come, it's the last dance, I think." He signaled to the band to play on.
They twirled one last time about the floor, and then the reception was over.
James and Petunia bid everyone good night, saying they had to get up early in the morning to go to Tahiti, on their honeymoon.
Several of James' friends hooted and Sirius called, "Have a great night, Prongs! I hear Tahiti's made for lovebirds."
"You heard right, Sirius. And Tuney and I are going to enjoy every minute," James called back.
Then he lifted his bride into his arms and strode out of the hall.
"James! What are you doing?"
"Carrying you upstairs to bed," he replied huskily, as he mounted the grand staircase, Petunia's train trailing behind them. "I always wanted to carry a girl up these stairs," he confided.
"Oh, James!" Petunia laughed. "You make me feel like I'm in a fairytale."
"Good, because you know what happens at the end of the fairytales, don't you?" His breath was moist upon her face and his hazel eyes filled with love.
At the top, he paused and turned, bowing to his guests one last time, Petunia clasped securely in his arms. They all waved and cheered, then James and his new wife retired to their new bedroom—which Bilbo had turned into a bridal suite just for them.
James carried her over the threshold of their room and then set her down.
The bridal suite was decorated in gold and cream striped paper and there was a huge bed, like that of a sultan's, covered in ivory and gold damask, with sheer hangings and lots of pillows. A small white table was set with some champagne and entwined flutes and a bowl of strawberries and chocolate. The room was scented with attar of roses.
"James, can you help undo my gown? I need to get out of it and then we need to pack, I haven't had time—"
"Pack? Dearest, the elves have already packed for us," James told her. "Tonight's our wedding night, and all we need to worry about is . . .us . . ." he ran his eyes leisurely down his bride and then he undid all her buttons with a wave of his hand.
Petunia slipped out of the beautiful gown and faced him dressed only in a lacey chemise. "I . . .I need to get into my nightclothes."
"Why? That looks good enough to sleep in."
"It does?"
"Oh, yes." He eyed her appreciatively.
She was suddenly shy. She blushed and stepped free of her gown, which hung itself up. "James, I . . .I've never . . .been with a man before . . .Vernon and I never . . ."
"Thank God! Just the thought of you and that beast . . .ughh!" His hands came up and cupped her face. "Don't worry, love. We'll go slow." He banished his robes until he stood before her with only his skivvies.
"Have you ever slept with anyone?"
"Mmm . . .yes. But until you I have never loved anyone." He undid the pins from her hair and gently combed it out. "Don't be afraid. Together, we'll make this a night to remember."
She looked him up and down, and had to admit she liked what she saw. He was lean and muscled and had tanned skin which complimented his dark wavy hair. She thought how lucky she was to be married to such a handsome and caring man, one who would defend her even to his own relatives. She felt truly loved and cherished at last. She smiled up at him invitingly.
Then he drew her towards the bed and showed her exactly what he meant.
SSLESSLESS
All during the week that Petunia and James were on their honeymoon, Lily, Eileen, and Polly helped Lily finalize her own wedding preparations. Lily and Severus had opted to have a very small intimate wedding, nothing like the gala the Potters had. This was partly to keep a low profile because of their clandestine work, but also because neither of them liked all the glitz and glamour of a large wedding. They were not society people. Lily had chosen a select few individuals to invite, and they were mostly family from her side, a few cousins, and Dickon's family.
Petunia was her Matron of Honor and Cindy her bridesmaid. Regulus was Sev's best man, and her cousin Andrew was a groomsman. They would be wed in St. Anne's, the little church that had seen the baptisms of both Evans' daughters, and would now see the wedding of the youngest. The date was set for August 5th, and the local paper ran an article entitled Childhood Sweethearts Severus Snape and Lily Evans to Be Wed! Boy Marries the Girl Next Door! The article featured small photos of Lily and Severus as children and then at seventeen.
Neighbors congratulated Polly and Eileen when they saw them shopping, saying how rare it was to such devotion in today's young people. So many teenagers today didn't go for commitment at all, or have plans for the future. The proud mothers told those who asked that both newlyweds intended to go to university, which was true, save that it was not a Muggle one.
The Evanses had booked a small hall, The Queen's Inn, and it would seat their fifty guests nicely. Fresh flowers were placed at each table, and Eileen had handmade all the linens for the occasion, using magic for part of it, cream tablecloths embroidered with entwined L's and S's in gold thread around two rings in the middle of each of the seven tables. She had embroidered the first pattern by hand, and then replicated it upon the other table cloths and napkins using a charm.
Cindy went shopping with Lily for jewelry, and picked out a fabulous pair of earrings to go with her bridal gown, which was a gorgeous white satin sewn with tiny crystals and lilies embroidered in sparkling thread. The bodice was form fitted and fit Lily like a glove, enough so she joked that she couldn't eat from now until August 5th. "I swear, if I gain an ounce, my dress won't fit."
"Lily, don't be ridiculous! If it doesn't fit, we'll magically correct it," Cindy said. "You're going to look incredible, like a fae queen come to dance with mortals on Midsummer Night. I'm so happy that you and Severus will finally be together. God knows, you fought long enough for it."
"Tell me about it. If it weren't for this bloody war going on, I wouldn't care who knew about it either. But for the sake of both our covers and our lives . . .we have to keep a low profile. Otherwise I would have had both a wizard and Muggle wedding."
"What does it matter, so long as you're married?" Cindy said practically.
"True. Vows are vows." Lily grinned at her. "I can't wait. By this time next week I'll be Mrs. Severus Snape!"
"And spending the night in a cozy Highland cottage all alone, just the two of you," Cindy squealed. "How did you manage to rent one on such short notice?"
"Regulus. It's his family's, and they weren't using it, and his parents said we could use it for our honeymoon. It's fully stocked and everything. We never would have been able to afford anything otherwise. The Blacks are good people."
Cindy nodded. "You'll have a grand time there, Lil. Try these on again, I think they go better than the last ones." She removed some dangling diamond and pearl earrings from the stand and held them up to Lily's face.
Finally, they managed to pick out a pretty pair, that went smashingly with her dress and then they left the shop, heading over to a small café for lunch.
SSLESSLESS
Grimmauld Place
August 4th:
Regulus and Severus were sitting in the game room, idly playing a game of darts and drinking a very mild pale ale. Severus didn't really care for it, but he drank it because it was supposed to be his bachelor party and he didn't want to seem like a stiff. Of course, the so-called party consisted of himself and Regulus, just two friends reminiscing about their childhoods and whatever else came into their heads.
"Sorry this is such a lame bachelor party, Sev," Regulus felt compelled to apologize. "I could have gotten a wizard rock band and a barrel of firewhiskey or something if I'd thought about it sooner."
Severus slanted his best friend a look. "Reg, do I look like I want a rock band and barrel of firewhiskey? Merlin!"
"No, but I heard about Potter's bachelor party from Sirius—he had an exotic dancer and other stuff . . ."
"I can imagine. Drugs and alcohol. No thank you. One alcoholic in my family is enough. I don't need any of that to have a good time, Reg. I'd rather spend my time with you than with a bunch of drunken yahoos. As for an exotic dancer—no show girl could ever hold a candle to Lily, I don't care what moves she knows or what she takes off. To her it's a job, and that doesn't excite me. Besides, you're too young to be calling escort services, little brother."
"I'm sixteen, Sev, not six!" Regulus protested. "And Sirius is my older brother, I'm not naïve."
"I know. You've got a thorough education in mayhem and sex that you don't really need. Just don't expect me to add to it." He tossed another dart at the dartboard. It landed directly in the center. "Bullseye. Beat that, Black."
Regulus picked up a white dart and tossed it. It came to rest inches from Severus'. "Damn. Here's a Sickle. You witch the board again, Snape?"
Severus smirked. "How'd you guess?"
"Because nobody can get three bullseyes in a row without magic."
"Think so? Check."
Reg waved his wand, laughing. "Nothing. Lord, Sev, you're good. Even half drunk, you can still throw straight. That's damn scary."
"I'm not even buzzed, Reg." Severus displayed his three-quarter full bottle. "You're the one half-drunk."
"Off one ale? Ha! You think I'm a girl?"
"I think you need to improve your aim, Black."
"Yeah, whatever." Regulus threw again and this time the dart landed in the bullseye. "Fifty points! You were saying, Snape?"
Severus threw his own dart, which nearly split Regulus' in two. "It's not over till the last hand, Reg." He held out a hand and Reg placed two Sickles into it.
The younger Slytherin ate a handful of pretzels sprinkled with some kind of spicy salt. "Are you excited about getting married, Sev?"
Severus shot him an incredulous look. "You are definitely smashed to ask me that question. I've been waiting for this day since the first time we kissed. There were times when I swear I thought it would never happen. But in spite of everything, it has. Am I excited? Hell, Reg, I wish tomorrow were here already."
"I'll bet Lily feels the same way."
"I hope so!" Severus laughed. "Otherwise I'm in trouble. You'd better catch the garter, mate."
"What's that?"
Severus explained the custom to him. "It's said that the man who catches the garter and the woman who catches the bouquet are meant to be together and will marry in the next year or two. So look sharp, Black, and catch it, because Lily says she'll be throwing the bouquet to Cindy."
"Oh. Okay, I will. Just what is a garter anyhow?"
"It's like a elastic ribbon that women used to use to hold up their stockings. Back in the day, it was considered a racy undergarment." Severus explained, he had been told that by his mother.
"Yeah. Guess they never heard of bras back then."
Severus nearly choked on his ale. "Regulus! Do you think I want you touching Lily's bra? On her or off her?"
"Uh, no. Guess not." He munched some more pretzels. "You ought to try these, they're really good."
"Later. I'm not hungry now." Severus leaned back on the sofa, his hands behind his head, and just relaxed.
Regulus copied him and asked how little Jess was and the rest of the Marshes.
"Everyone's doing fine, and Jess is a real imp. Loves to pull my hair out, and I can't stand to tell her no because it makes her cry."
Regulus laughed. "What a good father you're gonna be, Severus. Can't even discipline a four month old."
"It'll be different when I have my own."
"You planning on starting a family right away?"
"Uh . . .not really. I wouldn't mind it, but with the war on, I don't know if it would be a good idea. Lily and I talked about it once . . ."
"Cindy wants kids right after the wedding, but I don't know about that. I think we need some time alone before we drag a baby into this." Regulus said practically. "Especially with all this spying crap. I wish somebody would do us all a favor and blow Voldy apart one dark night. Then I could sleep soundly."
"Amen to that, little brother." Severus drank a bit more of the ale, finding that the taste seemed to grow on him a bit.
Regulus clinked bottles with him. "Here's to us, our gorgeous girls, and may all our wishes come true."
"I'll drink to that." Sev said, and he did.
They spent the rest of the evening playing darts, billiards, and Wizard chess. It was a far cry from the rousing party Sirius had thrown for James, but it suited the two just fine.
SSLESSLESS
August 5th, 1978
St. Anne's church:
Severus gazed at Lily as she walked down the aisle on Henry's arm and felt dazzled by the sight of his bride. She was, in a word, breathtaking. He could not keep his eyes off her. Her fiery hair, in all its brilliant glory, offset the gown perfectly. It spilled down her back like a crimson sunset, save for two braids entwined about her head, which held up her coronet of tiny pearls that had been Polly's. She had borrowed her mother's veil for her special day, fulfilling the old adage twice with the same item. "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue."
Her small feet were encased in satin pumps that had some sort of glitter upon them, they flashed like fallen stars with each step she took. And every step brought her closer to him.
He stood there, unable to move, as she approached, her green eyes glowing, radiating a joy so strong that he was sure everyone in the church could feel and see it. But her eyes were fixed upon him, drinking in the sight of him. I love you, Sev. Her eyes said.
I love you too, Lily. Always. His returned. You are my life, the gift unlooked for.
And you are mine, at last.
It was all he could do to remain at the altar and not go running up the aisle and snatch her away from her father. He took a deep breath and waited until Henry gave her at last into his keeping. "Take care of my little girl, Sev."
"I promise," he said solemnly.
He took Lily's hand, and that strange empathy flared between them, a fiery inner connection that Severus knew would sustain them both for the rest of their lives. They exchanged vows and rings, and the only part Severus was aware of was saying "I do."
"You may kiss the bride."
Finally! Severus took Lily in his arms and kissed her with everything in him.
It was electrifying and wild and sweet all at once. It was sweet agony and ecstasy, the fulfillment of everything he had ever dreamed. He never wanted it to end.
But at last it did. The world came back with a rush. Regulus was grinning, and he saw Eileen dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief, and Dickon winked knowingly. James shot him a smirk and Petunia was also teary eyed, along with Polly. Henry was smiling reminiscently and then he looked again at his bride.
"I love you Lily Anne Evans."
"I've always known that, Severus Tobias Snape." She took his arm in hers. "And now so do they," she indicated their relatives and guests. "And I love you forever."
They walked down the aisle, beneath a shower of rose petals, together at last.
SSLESSLESS
"And now, for the first time this evening, may I present—Mr. and Mrs. Severus Snape!" the announcer spoke into the microphone.
Lily and Severus entered the hall, walking beneath the large flower arch and inbetween Regulus and Petunia and Anthony and Cindy.
They ended up on the cedar dance floor and led the first dance of the evening. They had chosen to dance to "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole, which was one of Lily's favorite songs, and it described perfectly how Severus felt about their relationship.
As they swayed gently to the music, Severus found he was not nervous in the least, as he had been at Eileen and Dickon's wedding. He was too full of joy to have room for nerves. He held Lily close and whispered, "Tonight shall be unforgettable, Lily flower."
"Tonight and every night." She placed her head on his shoulder. "God, I love you, Sev."
All too soon, the song ended, and then it was Lily's turn to dance with her father. She danced to the ever popular "Daddy's Little Girl".
"Well, Dad, you finally got us all out of your hair," she teased as he twirled her about. "Now you and Mum can do all that stuff you always wanted but never could because of school or band camp or whatever."
"I know. But it's funny, now that you're both married, I'd give it all up to have you back." He dashed a tear from his eye. "I'm going to miss you, baby girl."
"Dad, I'm two streets over," Lily laughed, blinking back tears of her own. "Practically in your backyard. Sev and I found a nice little place to rent for now. Until we save enough to buy it. So we'll be over pestering you before you know it."
"It's not the same."
"No, but it's better." His daughter said, and then she kissed him on the cheek. "I love you, Daddy."
"You'll always be my baby," he said then.
They finished the set and Lily returned to her seat, smiling at Severus to reassure him that she was all right. He knew her too well, however, and handed her a handkerchief as he rose to escort Eileen onto the floor for their dance.
Eileen and Dickon were seated at the "parents" table along with Polly and Henry, right in front of the bridal table. Jess was asleep in her bassinet, with a Quiet charm over it so she would sleep through the loud music. Severus came to a halt before his mother, who was wearing a very pretty green gown and high heels. She looked chic. "May I have this dance, Mum?"
Eileen placed her hand in his and gave him a smile. "You certainly may, son."
They danced to What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong, and Eileen looked up at her tall son and saw a young man who had somehow beaten all the odds and emerged from the crucible with his spirit intact and the woman he loved by his side. "Such a wonderful moment, Sev. I'm so happy for you. You and Lily deserve each other." She sniffed sharply.
"Thanks, Mum. There were times when I wasn't sure if I would ever make it."
"But you did. Despite all the petty House rivalries and jealousy and everything, you never gave up and here you are, together at last. You make me proud, Severus. I wish you every happiness." She stood up in tiptoe and kissed his cheek. "But I'll miss the little boy who used to run to me and ask how much powdered newt to add to a draft, or how many stars were in the sky."
He hugged her hard. "I'm sure I'll always have questions for you, Mum. And at least you have Jess to raise now. That'll keep you from missing me too much."
"I'll always miss you, Sevvy. Jess can never take your place in my heart. But it's time to let you go. May you and Lily find the happiness I have with Dickon."
"We will. Come what may," Severus said firmly. "I learned that from you."
"At least I did something right," the War Mage muttered just as the song ended.
The rest of the reception passed in a kind of rose-colored haze for the happy couple. Lily ate dinner, and thought it tasted wonderful, though afterwards she couldn't remember what she ate. She kept reaching out to touch Severus' hand beneath the table, and they exchanged playful kisses all throughout the night, encouraged by their rowdy relatives and friends.
She tossed the bouquet, and Cindy stepped up, beating out Lily's younger cousin, and caught it. "Good one, Cin!" Lily cheered. "Now let's see if Reg can get the garter." She sat down in a chair in the middle of the dance floor and crooked a finger at her husband. "Severus!"
Severus turned, hiding a smirk. "Yes, Lily?"
"C'mere, loverboy." She extended one shapely leg.
He came. "You need something, love?"
She laughed up at him. "Would you mind?"
In answer he knelt and began to remove the garter, his eyes dancing with pure longing, while everyone whooped and hollered.
Severus held the garter in one hand, while the MC called all the single men out on the floor. As Regulus passed him, he hissed, "Better catch it, Black!"
"No sweat, Sev. Just give it a good toss and let me worry about the rest."
"All right."
Once every guy who was unmarried and under the age of seventy was out on the floor, Severus wound up and threw the garter behind him.
The little blue strip sailed through the air . . .right into Regulus' perfectly positioned hands.
"Told you, I'd catch it," Reg said, smugly.
Then he had the delightful experience of putting it on his girlfriend, while Lily called, "You're next, you two!"
"We'd better be," Cindy told Reg, jumping off the chair and into his arms. She gave him a long kiss then said, "Let's dance, star boy. My feet are itching to do a tango."
"Okay, babe. We can do that, if you'll tell me what it is." Regulus said, he wasn't familiar with Muggle dances yet.
Cindy laughed and then she showed him.
"Where'd you learn that?" Reg gaped at her.
"Dated a Muggleborn awhile back who liked dancing," Cindy replied, drawing him close.
SSLESSLESS
Several hours later, Lily and Severus waved goodbye to their guests and stepped into a white limo which brought them back to their new home, a small house on Weavers' Row, which happened to come mostly furnished. This was the first time the couple would spend the night in it, and right then all they cared about was the queen-sized bed in the master bedroom.
"Oooh! My feet are killing me!" Lily groaned as Severus dug the key from his pocket and unlocked the door. "I'd forgotten what a pain it is to dance in high heels."
Severus turned and gently lifted her off her feet and carried her over the threshold and then just kept walking. He set her gently upon the bed and asked, "Do you need me to massage a Foot Relieving Cream into them?"
"You have potions here already?" Lily's eyes lit up.
"Of course. Those were the first things I moved in here. I have a mini lab set up in the room down the hall," Severus replied. Thanks to a generous gift from Dickon, the couple had enough money to afford the rent upon the house for a year, and Severus had managed to secure a year's tuition because of his absurdly high NEWT scores from the Academy of Potioneers. Lily would be taking classes as well, and had been told from her boss at the cinema that she had been promoted to assistant management position, which gave her a good salary, enough for groceries and utilities with a bit left over. Severus had also told her he would be doing a bit of brewing on the side to make extra money and they would manage.
"Wait here." He headed out of the bedroom, throwing his jacket over a chair as he went.
He returned a few moments later with a jar and gently massaged the magical cream into her aching feet. "Better now, love?"
Lily stretched like a lazy cat, her green eyes glistening with passion. "Severus, you're a lifesaver. Now, can you please help me take this dress off?"
"Certainly. Turn over."
She shivered as his hands gently undid the buttons down the back of her dress, the touch of his hands upon her skin ignited a fire that only one thing would be able to put out. She wriggled out of the dress, and she smiled naughtily as he made a soft sound of longing behind her.
"Tease," he whispered, removing the coronet from her hair and placing it upon the dresser. He buried his face in her hair. "Now I can play with your hair all night long, little oracle."
She leaned back against him. "For as long as you want."
To prove his point, he began to stroke and part her fiery tresses, rubbing them between his fingertips until they crackled. It was intensely erotic.
When she could bear it no longer, she spun about and undid his shirt, making him burn as he had her. She had waited so long for this, so very long! And now she need wait no longer. She wanted him with every fiber of her being. Her heart was pounding and her hands flew across the fabric, nearly ripping it in her haste.
He gave a soft chuckle and said, "Slow down, Lily-love! We have all night. And the next morning and well . . ."
"Sorry. I guess I'm a little . . .impatient."
"A little?" he arched an eyebrow. Then he slipped out of the rest of his clothes and joined her on the bed.
She gazed at him, he was lean and well-muscled, like a cat, and she wanted to devour every last inch of him.
He ran his hand lazily down her, taking his time, for they had time now and he could finally touch and hold and adore what he had looked at for so many months and been forbidden to touch. "So beautiful, Lily."
"What is?"
"You."
"You mean my hair?" Her eyes were a brilliant smoky green.
"All of you." He began to trail kisses down her neck. "I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to do this . . .or this . . .or this . . ." His hands moved over various places, caressing and gliding. "I've made love to you in dreams so many times. And now I can do it for real. Don't be afraid. I'll try not to hurt you."
She wrapped her arms about him and nipped his ear. "You might intimidate little Slytherins and Gryffindors who misbehave, but never me, Sev. I could never be afraid of you. I love you too well. All I want is to hold you forever . . .among other things. It was a lovely wedding, Sev. Everything I'd ever dreamed."
"Good. That's good." He murmured huskily. Then he coughed. "Lily, I've never . . .I never made love before. . . so please tell me if I'm doing something you don't like . . ."
She giggled.
"What? I'm serious?" he said, flushing.
"Oh, Sev! This isn't like a test, where you pass or fail. Just do what you feel is right. I trust you. Now trust yourself. Let go, Sev. And take me with you."
So he did, and if at first he felt awkward, it soon passed as he allowed himself to relax and she accepted him and did not judge. Together, they discovered a place beyond words and dreams, a place of gold and green, where joy and passion met and became one glorious being, reborn in the fires of love. And there they gave to each other a gift beyond price—the greatest gift of all—themselves.
Afterwards, he rested his head on her shoulder and asked, "Well? Was I terrible?"
She shook her head.
"Lil? Are you sure?"
"Yes."
To his horror, a single tear slid down her cheek. "Merlin! I hurt you, didn't I? I'm so sorry . . ." He berated himself ruthlessly in his head.
Until she stopped his apology by kissing him. "Hush, you silly fool! I was crying out of joy, because you made feel so wonderful. I've never felt like that ever and I know that I'll never feel that way again."
"You were? How . . .did I make you feel?"
"Like I'd died and gone to heaven. How about you?"
He smiled slowly at her. "Me too." He began to play with her hair again. "Shall we try it again?"
"Yes. After all, practice makes perfect . . ." she said with a wicked grin. "And we do have all night . . ." She kissed his forehead. " . . .and all day . . ." She kissed his nose. " . . .and all of forever . . ." she ended by kissing him on the mouth, and then she stopped talking, for she had much better things to do, and so did he.
They indulged themselves shamelessly.
Hope you all enjoyed this very long chapter. I wanted to show the contrasts between the two types of weddings and the two couples. I also couldn't resist putting in some big brother/little sister bonding and the end of school as well. Also, I have the Head Boy/Girl results at the end of the term and not the beginning because I felt NEWT scores should count in selecting them, it may not be the way it's done in the books or RL but this is my story and that's how I wanted it done here.
Next: Sev and Lily's peaceful interlude is interrupted by the demands of their secret job as Voldemort calls all his followers together to procliam their loyalty. How will they fare? Find out next time!