All things Harry Potter belong to JKR. Nothing but the story line belongs to me.
Rated M for language, subject matter some may find offensive and romantic interludes.
Previously on The Years Of Decisions Chapter 5: Making Amends
Severus stood as Janna stood and bid her good night as she walked out the door. After she left, he had taken several deep breaths to calm himself. He smelled Lily and his body was in agreement. For the first time in a very long time, Severus Snape found himself with a Lily Erection which is what he called it when he got hard in her presence. Severus allowed himself a small smile as he thought how Lily would hit him across the arm growling that a Lily Erection was the only kind of erection he was allowed.
Locking his doors, Severus stepped into the shower, closed his eyes thinking about sex with Lily and took care of his erection by hand. It might sound farfetched to some, but Severus normally ignored an erection by thinking hateful thoughts which always managed to soften his dick.
In the past, he thought it disrespectful to Lily to be stroking his dick and calling out her name. Now that there was a possibility of him getting back with the witch he loved, it didn't feel disrespectful at all. It felt amazing.
Severus was still angry that Dumbledore had taken the steps he had, but was also truly thankful to get a third chance with Lily. Severus caught himself. He had meant a first chance with Janna.
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The Years Of Decisions: Chapter 6: For Once In His Life
Severus now had to formulate a plan to get closer to Janna without seeming too forward, and to that end he had begun to religiously take dinner at the Professors Table often sitting next to Janna and holding a sporadic conversation. Severus found himself frustrated and annoyed on those nights when he entered the Great Hall to find the oaf Hagrid on one side of Janna and Flitwick on the other chattering in her ear. It was those times that had driven Severus to step up his game.
/*/
Janna didn't discuss her personal life at the dinner table so Severus couldn't glean from the conversation whether she and the wizard were still dating. It bothered and rankled him to think she might be lying with someone other than himself, but he found his chance to discuss things other than students and classes one day in March as he and Janna were setting up their first class with his third years.
"I'd like to thank you once again Janna for assisting me with this. I believe the little dunderheads might get something of value from the Potions/Magizoology class if they choose to do so, but we shall see."
"It's my pleasure Severus," beamed Janna. "I do hope the students find it useful."
This had been his chance and he took it. "It was kind of you to chaperone the Valentines Dance although it must have cost you a night away from the castle."
"A night away from the castle?" questioned Janna. "What would I look like traipsing about town on my own? What you must think of me. I had no plans for Valentines Day other than chaperone the dance which is what I did."
"My apologies for my careless words," said Severus. "It is not my affair where you go and what you do. I was not implying anything."
Janna sighed, "At some point in your life Severus, you will begin to recognize cheek."
Severus saw the conversation going in the wrong direction and had quickly answered back. "I simply meant that there are very few times during the year where we Professors are allowed a bit of freedom and I thought you and your wizard would take advantage of Valentines Day."
If Janna thought Severus was nosing, she didn't comment on it. She had simply explained the situation. "No Valentines gifts for me. The row I mentioned wasn't just any row. It was a breakup and walk away row. He walked away after telling me he wished me well, but would not play second fiddle to some unknown rival any longer. It's over and done between him and I. He is through with this surface witch and I have been a single woman for quite a while now."
Severus hadn't shown it on the outside, but his heart had buoyed with hope. "I'm sorry to hear that Li….Janna. He does not know what he lost," and Severus had pushed on. "Since you are a free woman, would it be too forward of me to invite you out during the next school break? Perhaps we could share a meal or visit an exhibition or two."
"I'd love that Severus," Janna replied. "Thank you for asking. I'm glad we're on better terms. From the first day we met, it seemed as though I had met you before. How silly is that? But I now have the chance to get to know you and I'm quite happy about that. The OWLS and NEWTS will be coming up shortly. Once they are out of the way, we can plan our date."
Janna blushed furiously as Severus smiled. "A date it will be then. I look forward to it."
From that day, he and Janna sat side by side at lunch and dinner. Even though they conducted themselves with the utmost decorum, most beings with a pulse noticed that Severus Snape had become interested in something other than Potions and the Dark Arts. But no one except Minerva noticed how cheery Albus had become. Minerva wondered, but she did not question. All she could figure out was that something somewhere had gone according to plan.
/*/
Albus Dumbledore may have been happy about Severus and Janna, but he was troubled about their son. The aunt and uncle Harry lived with were the worst sort and treated him horribly. He had to send a threatening note to Petunia Dursley reminding her of their agreement and of her duty. That was the most he could have done without showing his hand. Harry would know what he was soon enough.
Lily had done what she needed to do by putting James Potter down in the books as Harry's father, but it would be so much simpler if she could have left the father line blank.
There were many nights Albus agonized over the choice he had made sending Harry to Little Whinging, but as he had told Severus, he had done what he could with the choices he had. He had insured that Harry and Lily would survive. Dumbledore was all but certain Voldemort would turn up looking to kill Harry and if he tried that, there wasn't any doubt Voldemort would have to kill Lily as well.
There hadn't been much he could do for Harry at that time as it was his destiny to confront Voldemort in the future, but Lily had been a different story. She would never have stood still for her son being groomed as a lamb for slaughter and would have fought to the death to keep her son from being The Chosen One. He had to change her to protect her life as well as the fate of the wizarding world. He would have done the same for James had he lived.
Technically, the only one who mattered was Harry, but there hadn't been any other way of handling him as he had to remain with a blood relative and neither Lily nor Severus had been an option. In hindsight, Albus did think he'd been remiss not sending a teacher to Harry before his eleventh birthday. That way, The Boy Who Lived could have been prepared for his life as a wizard. But he hadn't. It was very seldom Albus would admit to having made an error in judgment, but in this instance he knew he had made a bad decision.
Albus had kept his word to Lily to protect her secret. He had put a few charms in place just in case Harry turned out to look more like Severus than Lily. He had set the spells so they would automatically be invoked on Harry's fifth birthday and remain intact until such a time when Harry either accepted Severus as his real father, or he himself reversed them. Dumbledore was pretty certain neither of those things would come to pass.
/*/
When he first announced that Harry was being sent to the Muggles, Minerva accused him of meddling and they had one of their very few confrontations. "What are you thinking Albus? His relatives are muggles who from the way they treated Lily and James do not approve of magic. You could have left Harry with any magical family because they would have been proud to take him in."
Dumbledore had tried to explain why he'd done what he'd done. "Minerva. Having Harry stay with a magical family would have made him and the magical family immediate targets to those who still followed Voldemort. Do you not realize that conniving Lucius Malfoy and a few others who pretended to be under the Imperius Curse after the war could easily have tried to get rid of Harry because that is what Voldemort wants. Besides, Harry had to remain with blood and Petunia Dursley is the only relative he has," and he had ended their conversation with a few firm words. "What's been done has been done. We move on from here. Hopefully, Voldemort will not reappear for a good many years."
In the long run, Minerva had sorrowfully agreed with Dumbledore, but she hadn't been happy with his decision and had let him know her feelings for years to come.
Minerva was important to Albus. If he had been predisposed towards women, she would have been his first choice, but seeing that his one and only love had been Gellert Grindelwald, Albus could only treat her as a revered companion even when they disagreed.
/*/
The OWLS and NEWTS had come and gone. The school was very quiet except for those few professors who were still there tidying up before leaving on summer break.
September coming would usher in the school year 1990-1991 with both Severus and Janna going into their ninth year as professors and their first year as companions. They still hadn't taken that next step, but they had kissed. Severus had been hard pressed to keep himself from going farther, but he wasn't looking for a quick shag in a classroom. He was looking for a life long commitment and was conducting himself in that manner.
Janna was another story. When she was close to Severus, she wanted him. While Severus was being a gentleman about it all, she wanted more, but didn't want to come across as a slag so she had to remain content to move at Severus' pace. Her other option was to make him want to do something sexual and think it was his idea, so she had begun to plot.
Janna had firm ideas of what she wanted to happen on their dates. She was going to plan carefully and do her best to have Severus on top of her by the end of summer break. One of her weapons would be her perfume. Severus seemed partial to it. She noticed on more than one occasion he seemed to go weak when she wore a certain scent. Janna being the smart witch had refrained from wearing it during the last month of classes, but she was going to douse herself liberally on their dates. She wanted Severus and she wanted him for keeps. If she had to use perfume to loosen him up, so be it.
/*/
For once, Severus was happy with the state of his life. However, there had been rumblings that the Dark Lord was once again a living force leeched to anything that could keep him alive until he regained a permanent body. It was a rumor Severus heard from Lucius Malfoy and didn't totally believe nor completely discount. Severus had been privy to certain dark secrets and knew as did Dumbledore, the Dark Lord had his ways although he was loathe to speak his thoughts out loud. Lucius was sure the Dark Lord would reappear within a few years because Gibbons, Yaxley and Travers were actively looking for their master determined to find him. Bellatrix would have been at the forefront of the search except for the fact her trifling arse was still locked up in Azkaban. It seemed as though it was only a matter of time before the Dark Lord found someone to accommodate him in his search for a new body.
Severus didn't look forward to the Dark Lord being revived. He was starting on his path with Janna and didn't want anything to spoil his plans, especially not the need to be sneaking around spying for both his devils. Unfortunately, he had made the unbreakable vow with Dumbledore which would necessitate exactly that if or when the Dark Lord returned. Severus knew he would be expected to return to the side of the Dark Lord, but he damn well didn't have to like it.
Another problem would be Janna. She was an upstanding witch just as Lily had been and would not stand still for him taking up the cause of a dangerous despot. If Severus knew anything, he knew she would wash her hands of him and he would have lost his witch for a third time and that was not an option.
/*/
Severus discussed all he heard with Dumbledore, but as usual Dumbledore knew all about the rumors going around and had revealed a few things to him. "I am aware of these things and more Severus. Although I have not been able to pinpoint his whereabouts, I am convinced Voldemort is desperately seeking a way to come back and I believe we will see his return within the year. Continue to keep your eyes and ears open Severus."
"I do not know what criteria you are using to form your opinions, but I hope you, me and the rumors are wrong. Janna and I are on the path we should have been on years ago and I do not intend to let anything deter us. I'll tell you this now Albus. I intend to see how things go with my son when he shows up next year. If they go well, I will take my son and Janna and we will leave Scotland. You've had your way and I will now have mine. The only difference between you and I is that I will not be doing anything for the greater good. I'll be doing it for Janna, Harry and myself" and rising from his chair Severus asked sarcastically, "Have I made myself clear?"
Before Severus could leave, Albus stood and angrily responded. "You've made yourself clear Severus. What shall I do about our vow?"
Turning back Severus walked up to Albus. "Are you threatening me Albus because if you are…?"
"Oh for Merlin's sake Severus, of course I'm not threatening you. I'm only reminding you of your duties."
"I know my duties," snapped Severus. "I've had them shoved down my throat for the last eight years. However, I will be protecting my son as agreed and since Voldemort is not back as of yet, I owe you nothing else. As I have said, my decisions will rest on the relationship that develops between myself and my son. Goodnight Albus."
/*/
After his discussion with Dumbledore, Severus found himself in a right state which upset him even more as this would be the first night he and Janna spent away from Hogwarts. Janna had invited him to her flat and they planned on going to dinner after which they would spend time together. Severus had specific plans and the last thing he needed was to be aggravated to the point his plans fell apart, so to speak.
It would seem they both had plans because as Severus was trying to get himself sorted, Janna was trying to sort herself as well. She had bathed with a bit of her special fragrance in the water and then sprayed her hair and body. In addition, she had slipped a small bottle into her purse vowing to use every ounce if that's what it took to get Severus into her bed. Janna figured she had gone along long enough and it was time to take Severus to where she wanted him to be. Severus was due to pick her up as they had agreed to leave Hogwarts together.
Janna put a few finishing touches on her attire and being quite satisfied with the way she looked began pacing the floor in anticipation.
As she gave herself a tenth look in the mirror, Severus knocked on the door of her rooms. "You look lovely," he said kissing her hand. "It is time for us to be off on our adventure."
Janna smiled up into the eyes of the wizard she had come to adore. "I look forward to a wondrous night."
Severus smiled down at his petite witch. "As do I Janna. As do I" and taking Janna by the arm Severus escorted her to the front gates where she directed them to her flat.
/*/
Once they arrived at her flat, Janna told Severus to make himself at home directing him to put any change of clothes in the dresser located in the guest room.
"If it is not an imposition, I will put several things in the dresser and I will be sure to collect them before we go back to Hogwarts."
Janna had smiled at Severus' comment because if it was possible she would have those items in her flat from now going forth. Her choice had been made and she would not give up easily. She was in love with Severus and would see it to its end.
Their reservations were set for 8:30 and they had a few hours before they had to be at the restaurant. To pass the time away Janna began talking about the classes they shared.
Severus responded to several of her queries before reminding her that they were on school break and should put the Hogwarts shit in a corner for now.
Janna blushed. "You are of course right Severus. I am only commenting on Hogwarts to give you something to think about."
"I have enough to think about" quipped Severus moving next to Janna. "I am with you."
Smiling, Janna turned herself to Severus and laid her head on his shoulder.
This was courting and Severus was ready to follow through. "Your manner and fragrance enchant me and I find myself in flux whenever you are near. May I kiss you with the intention of going further?"
Janna had longed to hear words of this nature and felt herself run wet. This was what she wanted and would allow it to play out. Whispering in Severus' ear she made her statement. "I want nothing more and I will not rebuff your advances."
Severus didn't wait for another word as he put both arms around Janna pulling her in so he could kiss her fully on the mouth. "Then we will start here and I shall have what I've wanted for so long."
Severus and Janna never used the reservations instead they sent an owl to the restaurant apologizing they would not be able to keep the reservation and insisting the restaurant charge them full price. The last thing on either of their minds was eating unless one counted Severus' tongue between Janna's legs.
/*/
Once the reservation had been discharged, Severus hadn't wasted any time. He whispered some things to Janna and then had moved to make her understand. "I have longed to have you in my arms and if you accept my attentions I expect to be the only wizard to hold you this way. I want to be the only wizard you make love to. I want you."
His words had been all Janna needed to melt into him. "This has been a long time coming Severus. I'm not sure if I can satisfy your needs, but I am willing to try" and she moaned as Severus gently began pulling off her garments.
There hadn't been any question. Janna and Severus came together as though it was meant to be. Severus wanted to please her and Janna wanted to please him and they had done just that. The sex had been magical and after Severus pleasured her with his mouth, they had come back together as he and Lily had come together in the days of the Alchemy rooms. Janna grabbed Severus about the shoulders and Severus grabbed her about the arse pulling her ever closer. It had been amazing as they groaned, grunted and moaned their feelings while thrusting together to achieve incredible orgasms.
After, Severus wrapped Janna tightly in his arms as they laid there savoring what Janna perceived as their first sexual encounter. Janna was happy she had achieved her ends and Severus was very sure what he had just experienced was Lily. His Lily. His erection began to form again and Severus rubbed himself to help it along in preparation of having the witch he had always loved one more time.
/*/
September 1990 was there before they knew it, but things were different with Severus. Being intimate with Janna during the summer break had brought about a certain change. He was still the beast of a professor he'd always been, but inside he was happy and allowed himself to hope.
Severus had gone as far as to introduce Janna to Lucius Malfoy when Lucius stopped by Hogwarts trying to insure a top placement for his son Draco who would be starting the following year. Severus didn't think as highly of Lucius as he had in previous years, but as a favor he had agreed to keep an eye on Draco when he did come through.
Janna had been gracious to Lucius when they met, but later told Severus that something about him just didn't sit well with her and she didn't care for him in the least.
"He is of no consequence to us," Severus had told her. "All that should matter to us is us," and Janna had been satisfied with that.
Dumbledore had obviously done an amazing job with Lily's transformation because Lucius hadn't suspected a thing. He had accepted Janna as a pure blood witch without hesitation. Severus was pleased there wouldn't be problems on that end. If his muggleborn witch had gotten past Lucius Malfoy, she would get past any of the others.
Before leaving, Lucius had clapped Severus on the back while shaking his hand. "It has taken a while Severus," he said referring to Janna. "But well done. Very well done indeed. Don't you find her much more suitable than some Mudblood?"
Severus who had been incensed by Lucius' remark had only wished Lucius a good day, but walked away muttering. "You pompous bastard. If you only knew."
/*/
By November of 1990, Severus contemplated asking Janna to be his wife. They had declared their love for each other and Severus couldn't see any reason to wait. He was sure Janna would accept his proposal, he just didn't know where or when to ask her.
As the winter break approached, Severus realized the holidays would be his perfect opportunity. Making an excuse one Saturday prior to the holidays, Severus set himself a portkey to London where he picked out an amazing diamond and emerald engagement ring. He also made reservations for a private table in one of the best restaurants in Wizarding London. With his tasks done, Severus returned to Hogwarts.
It wasn't long before the holidays were upon them and Severus and Janna were enjoying an evening of dinner and fine wine. This was the night Severus planned to ask Janna for her hand, but the last time he'd been this nervous was while he waited for Lily to get sorted into her house. Severus hoped this night turned out better than the sorting.
Janna noticed. "Severus? Is there something wrong? You've been fidgeting this entire evening."
Reaching across the table to pat Janna's hand, Severus assured her that everything was fine.
"Then I will excuse myself to the ladies room before having another glass of your fine wine," and she left the table.
The opportunity had presented itself. Severus would ask the question when she returned from the loo. Taking several deep, cleansing breaths, he pulled the ring from inside his robes and waited. Severus stood to seat Janna when she returned and as he went to take his seat he had the ring in his hand.
Gazing deeply into the eyes of the love of his life Severus began his speech. "Janna, you have brought me more happiness in the time we've been together than I'd ever imagined possible. You have changed my life and I would like you to continue changing my life. Therefore, I am asking you to be my wife. Janna Southway would you consent to grace my life for the rest of our lives?"
Janna gazed at Severus with love as tears began rolling down her cheeks. Severus reached over and gently wiped the tears away waiting for her answer.
"You've made me so happy Severus and I would like for you to continue making me happy for the rest of our lives. I do love you and I will be proud to be your wife."
Severus exhaled the breath he had been holding in, slipped the ring on Janna's finger then leaned over to kiss her hand. He had made the right decision to request a private table because they had sealed their engagement with one kiss after another until Severus suggested they have a toast to their future then go celebrate at the flat.
Severus poured two glasses of wine and they simply toasted, "To us."
/*/
Janna and Severus spent the remaining two days of holiday break expressing their love for each other and discussing their future. Soon enough it was time for the engaged couple to get back to Hogwarts to get their schedules in order.
They kept their engagement quiet except for telling a select few including Albus and Minerva who were both quite happy with knowing Severus and Janna had found each other.
/*/
As 1991 progressed, Severus and Janna set their wedding date. They made plans for a quiet ceremony before the new school year began.
So it was on July, 10th 1991 that Minerva, Albus, Filius and Sybil stood for Severus and Janna as they joined lives. Janna had insisted on a small party to celebrate their wedding with Severus content in the knowledge that after all this time he had exactly what he'd always wanted and to him no celebration was necessary.
/*/
In between the wedding service and the celebratory party Albus quietly took the bride and groom aside. "I want to offer my congratulations to you both as a couple. I wish you all the happiness Merlin will allow and just so you are aware, it is my plan to announce your marriage to the students on September first. However, I would like for Janna to remain Professor Southway to her students."
Severus cleared his throat asking Janna to go see how the party preparations were coming. Janna was puzzled over being sent away, but she kissed Severus on the cheek and walked away to check on the preparations.
/*/
As soon as Janna was out of earshot Severus lit into Dumbledore. "Here you are again Albus trying to dictate someone else's life. What import does it have to you if Janna is called Professor Snape. She is my wife and that is her name. Is my name that offensive or is it just the way Albus Dumbledore wants it?" asked Severus raising his voice.
This is your wedding day Severus. Why do you find it necessary to argue on this day? I am not trying to dictate your life. I am simply trying to reduce the confusion which might arise if Hogwarts has two Professor Snapes. Please see it for what it is, a plan to have the school run smoothly. It is my suggestion that Janna introduce herself as Mrs. Snape to the students following up during individual classes that she is to be called Professor Southway while class is in session. It will be fine Severus. Our students aren't as dim as you seem to think. Go be with your wife and get some enjoyment out of this day. We'll have plenty of time to discuss this before the start of the school year."
Neither agreeing nor disagreeing with the Headmaster, Severus did decide he was wasting the best day of his life, so with a nod in Albus' direction he headed to the rooms where their party was being held.
/*/
The party came off well and after everyone wished them a good life, Janna hugged the few witches in attendance and Severus shook hands with the wizards, after which they made their way to their new set of rooms Albus had specifically set up for them as a married couple.
The couple spent several hours consummating their marriage before Janna packed their bags in preparation of going off to celebrate their marriage.
/*/
Janna was his and in his entire life Severus hadn't ever been this happy. As he laid there gazing at his lovely wife, Severus thought about Harry. He hoped his son would be willing to recognize him as his father and accept Janna as his mother. Severus was reluctant to put too much faith in his hopes knowing his son had grown up hearing stories about his father the great James Potter.
Then leaning in, Severus kissed his wife on the shoulder whispering, "I have loved you all my life. Now we shall see what the future will bring."
Janna pulled her husband closer. "That's an odd thing to say Severus, but had I known you all of my life I believe I would have loved you as well."
Severus faced away from Janna as he ran his hands up and down her back whispering ever so softly. "You have known me for most of your life and you did love me."