Previously on The Years Of Decisions 7: Dumbledore And Dinner
"Are we all working toward the same end?" asked Yaxley. "What are you doing here Severus? Are you allowed to be away from your job? I thought you were charged with spying on Dumbledore. How can you be spying if you are here at Malfoy Manor enjoying the good life? I understand you even managed to find a Pureblood wife. Yes. Even though we are out there searching for the Dark Lord through bushes, mud, under bridges and any damnable place you can imagine, we do hear things. It's my guess that the Mudblood is nothing but a…."
Severus cut straight across him. "I have put up with your shite and innuendos for years and it ends here Yaxley. You've been known to run your mouth behind my back. How far you've come to stand there questioning me. Me who is second only to Lucius in the eyes of the Dark Lord." Then, a furious Severus whipped out his wand and with a z like movement had Yaxley on the ground mewling like a baby unable to move. Doubt me all you like behind my back, but don't fucking think to get in my face again or I will kill you."
Lucius clapped Severus on the back telling him to release Yaxley before turning to Travers. "Is there something you would like to say to Severus…to his face? If not, let's have a brandy and you can tell me why you've turned up at Malfoy Manor."
Yaxley staggered to his feet. "You've become entirely too sensitive Severus."
"ENOUGH!" shouted Lucius. "You are both in my home. Respect it. Now state your purpose."
"My apologies Lucius," replied a cowering Yaxley. "We are here because we have news."
The Years Of Decisions: Chapter 8: Anticipating Harry
"Then speak," roared Lucius. "And it better be of some import because I will not tolerate this nonsense. Severus has been set a task by the Dark Lord as have I. My suggestion would be that you wait until the Dark Lord returns and take it up with him. I'm sure he will invite you in for a cozy catch up to discuss one of his most favored followers."
"I have apologized," said a cowering Yaxley. "Let us move on. I have uncovered…"
"You have uncovered?" snarled Travers as he turned to Lucius. "We have been to Albania where we have heard rumors that some strange creature is raising havoc among the lower creatures. We are of the mind that our master is somewhere deep in the forests of Albania unable to make himself known. We intend to keep looking for him and assist him in getting back to his real self. We are here because we need funds to continue our search and you are the most likely candidate to fund us. We are not asking for ourselves. We are making a request for our master. Since we appear to be unwelcome in your mansion," and waving his hand in the air he finished, "Just give us what you can and we will be gone."
Without a word, Lucius strode over to the wall and knocked a portrait aside. Opening the safe on the wall Lucius withdrew what looked to Severus to be about ten thousand galleons. Handing the lot to Travers, Lucius warned both wizards that he wanted an accounting of the galleons he had just dispersed and would not hesitate to track them down if he didn't get it.
"One more thing," said an irate Yaxley. "There is some idiot Hogwarts professor sneaking about Albania. He claims to be looking for undiscovered flora and fauna, but has been asking about strange occurrences. We think Dumbledore has sent him to find what is left of our master and do away with him. We plan to stop him in his tracks including killing him if necessary."
Severus had heard enough nonsense. "You plan to kill a Hogwarts professor because you think he's been ordered to kill someone who is already dead. Have at it you imbeciles. I can guarantee you that you will be meeting the point of Dumbledore's wand when you least expect it. My suggestion would be for you to stay clear of any Hogwarts professor you meet. However, that is up to you."
"You two have gotten what you came for. Thank you for your information. Severus and I will send scouts to Albania. If our master is there and needs assistance, we will find him and bring him home. At that time, I will expect the return of every Galleon I've put in your hands. And you may trust that I'm not dead so if this is a ruse to collect money from me, you will regret it. Goodnight."
/*/
Severus sat himself down and watched Lucius as he paced the floor. "Fucking idiots like Travers and Yaxley try my patience. How could we have been so blind not to recognize their stupidity? I have spent enough time away from my wife and our guests. What do you think Severus?"
"I think we should move on with our lives Lucius, but remain prepared for the unexpected. You know the Dark Lord has his ways. We should not discard the notion that he will someday return to resume his rightful place."
Lucius clapped Severus on his back. "You have always been the smartest of the group Severus and I respect your opinion. If anything comes, we will meet it when it does. I would like to offer another quick reminder. The Potter bastard will be starting Hogwarts this year. Keep an eye on him. If he is as powerful as I suspect, we may be in for trouble."
Severus nodded his understanding as Lucius suggested they get back to the gathering.
Both Lucius and Severus headed to their wives. Severus led Janna to the dance floor to make use of the band Lucius had hired for the night while Lucius held a stiff back as he listened to Parkinson and Greengrass go on about bullshite that had no bearing on his life.
Severus smiled down at Janna as she whispered what she would like to do to the vacuous witches in attendance. He leaned down to tell his wife she could run circles around Mrs. Parkinson and Mrs. Greengrass because they were as idiotic as their husbands.
Janna smiled as she laid her head on Severus' chest. "Hold me tighter love. Let's give those bints something more to talk about. Let them know that Janna Southway has done something none of their little group could do. I have made the most brilliant wizard in their circle fall in love with me and they should make no mistake about it. I will hex a witch who approaches you in the wrong way."
Severus smiled at the ferocity of his jealous little vixen. No matter how annoyed he got with Dumbledore, he would be forever grateful to him for giving him Janna.
Severus bent down one more time. "I think we have spent enough time here. I believe we should say our goodnights and get back to our home. What do you think?"
"I think my husband has a brilliant sense of timing. Let's make our getaway."
Grabbing Janna by the hand Severus approached Lucius and Narcissa to offer their thanks for a lovely evening and wish them a goodnight.
Narcissa thanked them for coming and promised to have Janna over for tea before the school year began.
Draco also stepped up with a low bow in Janna's direction to mention he looked forward to the coming school year. Janna shivered at his touch. She considered Draco to be a smarmy, arrogant little git who thought he was better than anyone who wasn't named Malfoy. No matter what Severus said about his godson, Janna knew she would be hard pressed to like him.
Lucius accompanied Severus and Janna outside the Malfoy Manor wards and shook Severus' hand one last time before they Apparated away.
/*/
When Severus and Janna were finally back in their rooms he took the opportunity to explain what Albus had asked of them.
"That's strange," said Janna. "Why can't Albus do this himself? Why would he have us step in where we have no business? If you are asking me to do this, of course I will. However, I have my reservations."
Severus stared at his wife for several seconds before making a reply. "Albus feels we are the two people who may best be able to explain the Wizarding World to the Potter boy and I am inclined to agree. Who would you have him send, Professor Quirrell?" Severus asked crossly. "Imagine that. The stuttering fool trying to stand up to two overbearing Muggles. Not likely. I believe we should help prepare the boy for Hogwarts. It has to be done and I plan to do it with your assistance or without."
Janna began rubbing her hand across Severus' chest in an attempt to improve his mood. "You are my husband and have asked me to do something. Of course I'll do it. Now please go run a relaxing bath and I will be in to join you in a few minutes."
Severus went to run a bath as Janna had suggested while she sat on the bed mulling over what she needed to say to Severus. She would accompany him to see the Potter boy, but she also planned to set him straight about his surly moods. They were married and as Janna saw it they were equals who did not have to manipulate each other to get their way. Janna hoped after their discussion Severus would think twice about using a foul mood to bring her around to his way of thinking. The discussion might not turn out well, but she was going to speak her piece and go from there.
Five minutes later, Janna joined Severus in the bath. Once she had settled herself against his chest and his full fledged erection she told him exactly how she felt. Janna could feel Severus stiffen, but she pushed on sharing her thoughts and opinions. In the end, she was a bit hurt but not surprised when Severus extricated himself from both her and the bath without saying a word.
Severus stood beside the tub as he dried himself and proceeded to voice his own opinion. "I will be glad to excuse you from the trip to see the Potter boy. However, I don't intend to stand by while you make accusations against me because you don't care for something I have proposed. In addition, you will not reprimand me as though I'm some petulant child. I am quite the capable wizard if you recall. I maneuvered on my own before we became involved and I can do so again. Now if you'll excuse me…."
Janna stood up in the tub shouting at her husband. "Don't you dare speak to me that way Severus and don't you dare walk away from me. You're angry. I get it. No one outside of Professor Dumbledore has ever dared speak to you as I have spoken to you. I get it. But things have changed," she said lowering her voice. "You have declared your love for me and I have declared my love for you. If we can't discuss our differences without you walking away in anger, perhaps you've chosen the wrong witch. Walk away if you must, but I will feel the same in the morning. You will not treat me as though I'm chattel. Deal with it Severus or don't." Then snatching a towel to cover herself Janna walked past her husband, dried herself, got into her night clothes and climbed into bed.
Severus stood there with his mouth hanging open. Janna had raised her voice to him. Unacceptable.
Neither of then tried to remedy the situation and the room remained silent until Janna heard the door to their rooms close behind Severus. She was angry over her husband's unwillingness to admit he was culpable, but she was also hurt he would treat her as he had. Janna spent the next hour crying into her pillow before dropping off to sleep through sheer exhaustion.
/*/
Severus walked the silent halls of Hogwarts ranting against the woman he had always loved. Janna was acting like…. she was acting like Lily. Lily hadn't ever stood still for his bullshite. She would face him down and go toe to toe with him over any implied slight. He loved Lily. He loved Janna. His wife had done nothing wrong except state her opinion and the truth of it was she was right. He was so used to intimidating students, other professors and anyone else in his path that he was trying the very same thing with his wife in order to force her accept his behavior or lose his interest. Severus stopped in his tracks and leaned against the nearest wall. "I am such a bloody arsehole," he roared to himself as he hurriedly backtracked his steps. "The witch I love is lying in our bed and I'm out roaming the bloody halls. What in Merlin's name is wrong with me that I cannot recognize the best thing in my life?" and he raced back to their rooms.
Janna was sleeping when Severus got back to the room. He pulled up a chair and shamefully traced the tear stains on her face. Leaning over he kissed Janna's eyes and her cheeks and finally her lips. Janna stirred and finally opened her eyes to stare at him.
"Will you allow me to have thoughts and opinions of my own or will we have the shortest marriage down in Wizarding Books?" she asked him.
"Forgive my stupidity Janna. I beg you to bear with me as I become accustomed to having a strong willed wife who will not back down from my bullshite. I apologize for my earlier behavior. I will bide my time because come the First of September I will have an entire school full of dolts who will have to suffer my disposition gladly," he joked. "You are my wife whom I love and respect. May I now climb in beside you so we can enjoy each other as a husband and wife should?"
Janna reached out to draw him closer. "You will have to do a lot worse to push me away. I love you, but I want you to know I'm a witch in my own right and I need for us to understand each other rather than be at odds with each other."
"Understood," exclaimed Severus. "I will now remove all your clothing so I can savor the excellence that is your body. I intend to bring you to orgasm with my tongue because I love to hear you scream my name."
"And I do intend to scream," rasped Janna as Severus began sucking on her private lips.
/*/
While Janna and Severus straightened out the kinks between them, in the Albanian forest Quirinus Quirrell was following orders. On a previous visit he had been charged with coming back before the First of September to help out a wizard in trouble. So here he was scurrying about the forest in search of he didn't know who, but it had been ingrained on his brain that he had to rescue someone and that's what he would do. Quirrell had been searching for the last three days and had worked himself into a panic because he hadn't found anything. Then suddenly on the morning of the fourth day he had been accosted by something that looked like a naked, deformed child. As often happened in his life, Quirinus was frightened by what was before him and didn't have any idea of what to do next. But as he stood looking down on the hideous looking child thing something took over his mind and all he had to do was stand there while the ugly being jumped on him attaching itself to the back of his head and that had been that.
Whether he realized it or not, Professor Quirrell of Hogwarts had become the conduit for one of the darkest wizard of all times. He had done what was expected of him, so his next step was to return to Scotland to get his classes ready and prepare for the arrival of Harry Potter. It had been ordained that Quirrell meet and interact with the boy who had bested the Dark Lord, but he didn't know who ordained it or why. As usual, the weak and unassuming Professor of The Dark Arts was clueless and that was how The Dark Lord wanted it….. For the moment.
/**/
On Thursday morning when Severus finally allowed her to get out of bed, Janna showered, dressed and called for breakfast to be sent to their rooms. Severus languished in bed trying to entice his wife back to his arms.
"I've showered, dressed and called for breakfast so you might want to get that handsome arse out of bed and into the shower to prevent an elf from smelling the fragrant odor of our sex."
Severus smiled at Janna as he dragged himself out of bed, cleaned the air with a fragrance charm and headed for the bathroom just before a Kitchen Elf appeared at the door with their breakfast.
"I only just made it. Didn't I?" Severus asked as Janna set their places. "Perhaps until school starts and we are back on a formal schedule we should designate a specific time for breakfast. In the past it hasn't ever bothered me to have an elf catch me without clothing, but that has changed. I don't want anyone including a House Elf popping up in our chambers if you are not properly dressed. That reminds me. If that piece of Hippogriff dung Peeves approaches you in an inappropriate manner, please let me know. The piece of vermin has made some veiled threats which I will counter if he so much as puts a toe out of line."
Janna reached out to run her hand down Severus' cheek. "Do not let Peeves worry you. I think he likes me. He will not be a problem. Eat your breakfast. I would imagine Dumbledore is waiting to hear what you have to say on the subject of Harry Potter."
Severus grabbed Janna's hand and brought it up to his lips. "Right in one my dear. Albus is probably settled in a chair outside our door as we speak. The man will go to any lengths to get his way. I'll finish up quickly and go speak to our Headmaster. What do you have planned this morning?"
"It may be early, but I want to get some of my lesson plans in place. The Headmaster has mentioned that I may have to cover Care of Magical Creature classes this school year so I want my proper classes to be in order. Later this afternoon I was hoping to visit Hogsmeade for a few odds and ends."
"I'd rather you didn't go to Hogsmeade alone. Wait until I'm free of Dumbledore and we will go into Hogsmeade together. There are hellions about and I wouldn't want to have to curse anyone for interfering with my wife."
Janna smiled as she stood and ran both hands through Severus' hair. "Have you forgotten that your wife will give no quarter to thieves and hellions. I will duel to injure if the need arises, but I would be very happy to have you accompany me."
"Thought so vixen because you love me and can't live without me."
"Now you are getting ahead of yourself Severus Snape. Perhaps you should go see the Headmaster while your wife still has her wand holstered."
Severus laughed out loud as he headed for the door. "This should not take long. Do not leave Hogwarts without me. I'll see you in a bit."
Janna went to their small reading room and began looking over her proposed lesson plans. She was still there an hour later when Severus returned. She hadn't realized how much time had passed and was startled when Severus kissed her on the back of her neck. "You are back so soon love. I figured you would be gone longer. What does the Headmaster have to say for himself?"
"Dumbledore sends his thanks to you for agreeing to accompany me to Surrey. He also mentioned that he has ordered a cake which he hopes we will deliver to Harry. It's done and accepted that we will be the professors who will introduce Harry Potter to the Wizarding World. Albus definitely knows how to make a wizard feel special. Shall we get going? I want to get there and back before the new moon rises."
Janna laughed at her husband as she grabbed him by the arm. I was waiting for you Mr. Snape so don't go getting ahead of yourself. If you're ready, I am as well. Let's be off," and they headed off to the gates arm in arm.
/*/
Dumbledore was in an exuberant mood. He had met with Severus and two things had been resolved. Severus had met with Lucius and hadn't had anything negative to report. Everything remained stable. The only thing Severus could report was what he already knew. There were rumors but nothing more. Voldemort still hadn't made an appearance and that was good. Dumbledore didn't trust Lucius Malfoy as far as he could throw him, but he did trust that Lucius would tell Severus anything he knew. Dumbledore felt as though he could rest easy for a little while longer.
Severus had also confirmed that he and Janna would visit the Dursley household on July Thirty First to visit Harry and explain what he could expect once he joined the Wizarding World. As far as the Headmaster was concerned, everything was proceeding along nicely. In addition, he and Severus had a nice little chat about what they should and should not tell Harry about his heritage. They both thought it best that they not frighten Harry by telling him about his real father. It was agreed they would wait to see if any spell activated when Harry came in close proximity to his real parents. The best part of the conversation was that Severus had only growled once when Albus mentioned James Potter. Albus realized that the discussion could have gone so much worse.
Even Phineas had been upbeat about the whole thing only suggesting once that Harry should be told he was the son of one of the most brilliant Slytherins to come down the line in a long time. Severus had lowered his head at the compliment given him, but Dumbledore had shut Phineas up with one withering glance and several harsh words.
The conversation between Albus and Severus had ended shortly after Phineas' remarks with Severus leaving the office with a wide Slytherin smirk and Albus sitting behind his desk, hands clasped in front of him with a Gryffindor frown covering his face.
After Severus left his office, Dumbledore turned once again to Phineas Nigellus. "You are so worried about things which matter little. What matters is that we keep Harry safe. And for your information, Slytherin father or not, I do not think Harry will be sorted into Slytherin, but that is only my opinion. We will just have to wait and see."