Previously on The Years Of Decisions 11: To Set Things Right
As Harry stood there waiting for the family to finish so he could clean up and have the remains, he fervently wished his parents had not died in that automobile accident. Straight behind that, Harry wished that someone somewhere was searching for him to take him away from Privet Drive. After ten bloody years, Harry knew better. There wasn't anyone to come rescue him and all the wishing in the world wouldn't change that. He did promise himself that once he came of age, he wouldn't ever let anyone treat him in the manner the Dursley's had treated him. Ever.
/*/
Janna tried to get out of bed, but Severus held onto her tightly until she finally threatened to soil the bed if he didn't let her go use the bathroom.
"I'll let you go only if you promise to relieve yourself and come quickly back to my engorged manhood. It needs you."
Janna ran for the bathroom laughing at her husband. They'd had sex four times since he first climbed on top of her and he was still hungry for more. As Janna took care of her needs she could not think of a place she'd rather be than in her husbands arms. However, when she returned to their bed Severus was sitting on the side of the bed reading an owl.
Reaching out his hand for Janna to come sit beside him Severus explained the owl. "Lucius and Narcissa have invited us to spend Sunday with them. Are you up to it or shall I send our regrets?"
Janna thought about it for a second before replying. "I'll accompany you, but I had hoped we could set aside time to speak with Dumbledore to formulate a plan of what he wants us to say to the Potter lad."
"Right. That is coming up rather soon. We'll speak with Albus tomorrow. I'm sure if we don't find him, he'll find us," replied Severus. "I'll owl Lucius to expect us by 3:00 and get brunch while you bathe."
The Years Of Decisions: Chapter 12: Moods
The exuberant mood Janna had found herself in had slowly dissipated while she showered and by the time she was back in the bedroom with Severus she felt like rubbish.
Still wrapped in a damp towel Janna sat down on the bed not moving. Severus who had stepped out of their study glanced at his wife with concern. He sat down beside her pushing her hair back over her shoulder rubbing her back lightly at the same time.
Janna turned to look at Severus and he became more concerned. "What is it love? You seen so despondent," he said taking her in his arms.
"I think the events of Saturday have caught up with me. I do not feel up to making small talk with Narcissa Malfoy this afternoon. I just want to curl up beside you and enjoy being in the comfort of your arms. You didn't turn away from me at the thought of another wizard trying to have his way with me and I love you for that, but now I need your warmth and protection."
Severus pulled Janna completely onto his lap, laid her head on his chest and began stroking her hair. "What that piece of filth tried to do to you has no bearing on what I feel for you. I wouldn't ever turn you away no matter what Janna. You must know that. I am at fault here my love. I should have been comforting you instead of forcing myself on you. I apologize."
Janna abruptly sat up. "Don't you dare Severus Snape. You didn't force yourself on me so don't you dare blame yourself for something I wanted just as much as you. I wanted to feel you inside me. I needed that. Now I need another type of comfort."
Severus held up both his hands as if to ward off Janna's words responding a little gruffly. "Alright Janna. You're right. I wasn't at fault. Let's get past this. I've already owled Lucius that we would be there. There is a matter I need to discuss with him. Would you be up to going to Malfoy Manor for a short bit of time? I'll make it clear to Lucius and Narcissa we have another appointment which of course is our appointment with each other."
There's no need to cut your visit short. I'll live. I'll dress and we can….."
Severus leaned over and kissed Janna on the mouth effectively cutting off whatever she had been prepared to say next. Using his wand to summon a pair of pajamas for Janna, Severus removed the towel, dressed her and carried her to the couch in the sitting room. After picking out one of Janna's favorite books, Severus sat with his back against the arm of the couch pulling Janna back against him. Severus wrapped his arms around her whispering she was much more important than Lucius and he held her as she began to read.
They sat there drawing comfort from each other and both dozed off. It was almost two hours later before Janna climbed up off the couch waking her dozing husband. "Thank you sweetheart. I needed that time. Why don't you shower while I dress, after which we will visit the Malfoys and you can have your discussion with Lucius."
"Ah. Well rested and ready to go then Mrs. Snape?" asked Severus rising from the couch. "I shall have a shower and be ready to go in a Merlin minute," he said kissing her on the nose as he passed.
The couple was dressed and heading to the main gate by 3:15 and at the door of Malfoy Manor by 3:22.
/*/
The visit to Malfoy Manor went as any visit to a Pureblood home would go. As soon as the couples greeted each other, the witches went to Narcissa's sitting room while the wizards settled themselves in Lucius' den.
Janna and Narcissa discussed all those things ladies discussed when men weren't around. Narcissa complimented Janna on how she had changed Severus for the better making him more like a proper Pureblood among other things.
Janna took immediate offense to Narcissa's assessment of Severus, but chose to respond in a dignified manner. "I realize you and Lucius have known Severus for many years and I am only a recent wife so I will temper my words although I am quite surprised by your words. One would think if as friends you don't care for his behavior, manner or the way he carries himself you would put a word in his ear or remove him from your circle of friends. Severus is his own man and carries himself as he sees fit. Personally, I think he carries himself in a much better manner than many other Purebloods including the shallow individuals I've met here. I love my husband and I find it insulting to have to sit here and listen to this drivel. Perhaps you should put a word in Lucius' ear to let him know you don't care to have Severus in your circle of friends. In future, if you have less than pleasant things to say about my husband, say them to Mrs. Greengrass or Mrs. Parkinson."
After Janna finished saying her piece, she sat back in her chair and inquired if Narcissa had anything stronger than wine because she needed something to smooth out her temper.
Narcissa Malfoy couldn't speak for a full minute. No one had ever spoken to the wife of Lucius Malfoy in that manner. Most, if not all the witches in her circle of friends deferred to her opinions in all things and here this, this poor excuse for a Pureblood witch sat there talking down to her. Narcissa wasn't going to sit still for anything so insulting. Then, just as Janna had, Narcissa thought twice about her words, tone and timbre before responding, but was hard pressed to keep the scorn out of her voice. "Janna, Mrs. Snape. It was not my intention to speak ill of Severus. I simply made an observation. However in hindsight, I realize my words may not have come out as intended. Severus is a dear friend to Lucius and I as well as Godfather to our son Draco. I meant no disrespect to either of you. Having said that, I will say that I resent being spoken to as though I'm some Mudblood on the street in my own home. Lucius and Severus have mutual respect for each other and I suggest we have the same or at least pretend we do," and with that she called out for a house elf to request Firewhiskey for Janna.
Janna thanked Narcissa for the Firewhiskey and they had begun a desultory conversation about mundane things.
/*/
With a silencing charm on Lucius' den, the two wizards had got right down to it. Their topic of conversation was of course the Dark Lord. Neither wizard was a fool. Each knew this conversation if overheard by any other Death Eater of Dark Lord sympathizer would put them in great peril and even though it was a silenced room it was a whispered conversation. The long and short of it was the only first step they could take was to find out if was any truth to the rumors floating about Albania. With that in mind, the men made plans to go to Albania themselves. Severus said he would be available Monday afternoon but had to return for an important engagement on Wednesday. Lucius had a Governors Board meeting on Wednesday as well so he was agreeable to the time frame. It was settled. They would go see exactly what was what and if in the process they could squash something purporting to be the Dark Lord rising so much the better.
/*/
By the time Lucius and Severus were through with their discussion it was coming up on 5:00. Narcissa heard them come into the main hall and immediately had the house elf call dinner. Even with the words that had been exchanged between Narcissa and Janna, the dinner was a pleasant affair with Draco, Blaise and Theo joining the adults for the meal.
/*/
During the meal, Severus glanced at Janna several times noticing that something was off. She laughed in all the right places, responded when spoken to, but somehow it seemed forced. Once she caught his glance and gave him a wan smile, but just at that moment Severus' attention was pulled away from Janna as Draco made several inquiries about Hogwarts.
Severus answered not only Draco's questions but Blaise and Theo questions as well. The questioning finally ended when Lucius ordered the younger wizards to save their questions and let Severus finish his dinner which they had.
Narcissa was at her most charming best speaking to Severus while Janna kept her eyes on her plate to keep from glaring at the arrogant, Pureblood witch.
After dessert, Narcissa sent the boys back up to Draco's wing and the couples imbibed in a few after dinner drinks before bidding each other goodnight. Lucius clapped Severus on the back and gave Janna a short bow. Narcissa and Janna gave each other quick pecks on the cheek. This time, Narcissa did not tell Janna they would have to get together in the near future. She had simply stood there smiling. That had been fine with Janna as she didn't have any intention of voluntarily presenting herself at Narcissa's door anytime soon.
Finally she and Severus were outside the Malfoy wards apparating their way back to Hogwarts.
/*/
As soon as they were inside the doors of their rooms, Severus grabbed Janna about the waist and turned her to face him. "Tell me what's on your mind. You seemed a bit out of sorts. I don't know why she would, but did Narcissa say something to offend you?"
Janna put a smile on her face as she told Severus she was fine and Narcissa had been pleasant enough and perhaps she was just tired.
Severus kissed her on the throat and hugged her to him as he told her she should shower and go straight to bed. Janna agreed and went to prepare herself for bed.
Severus was on the side of the bed waiting to advise Janna he needed to get back to Albania. He told himself he was going to forbid Janna from leaving the school. Severus had to smile at his use of the word forbid. That was not a word which would go over well with Janna just as it wouldn't have gone over well with Lily. Severus began to undress still with a slight smile on his lips. There had to be a better word.
/*/
The shower had taken fifteen minutes and for each of those fifteen minutes Janna debated whether she wanted to disclose Narcissa's stinging words to Severus. Back and forth she had gone with herself. Yes, I should tell him. No, I shouldn't tell him. Severus was who he was. He could be as arrogant and cold as the worst Pureblood bastard. She had seen that firsthand, but he loved her and treated her as the most important thing in his life and she loved him.
In the end, Janna decided she wouldn't tell him unless there came a time when Narcissa made more of the same type of remark. She would not embarrass her husband for all the galleons in Gringotts nor did she want to slip a wedge between him and Lucius, but neither would she stand still for any more derogatory remarks from Narcissa Malfoy or anyone else. In Janna's mind, if someone came for Severus, they were coming for her as well and she would be ready. She would protect him with her life.
Severus was stretched out on the bed relaxing and reached out when Janna came over to the bed. "Come here lovely," he said wrapping his arms around her. "I still have unfinished business in Albania. I need to get back there to follow up on a few important details. I'll be leaving tomorrow afternoon and will return Tuesday evening. I'm hoping that you will not find it necessary to leave Hogwarts while I'm gone." Here Severus held his breath waiting for a telling off. When none came he continued. "I will make you a promise. After we visit the Potter boy, you and I will get away from Hogwarts together." Severus looked up into Janna's eyes and was relieved to see her smiling.
Using both hands, Janna pushed Severus' hair back from his face and kissed him. "Back and forth to Albania Mr. Snape? Must be important. Are you sure you don't have a second witch waiting there for you?"
Severus jumped up and began pacing and growling about things he considered sacred.
However, before he got all the way into it Janna sighed loudly. "Haven't I told you on more than one occasion you need to learn how to recognize cheek. I know you do not have another witch so this conversation ends now. Will we be speaking to the Headmaster before you leave?"
"Janna."
"A simple yes or no will do Severus."
"I sent him a short note earlier. I believe he will see us in the morning. I'm sorry about…"
Janna glanced at her husband telling him there was no harm done and she would save her attempts at humor for the classroom.
Severus silently cursed himself as he climbed into bed drawing a stiffened Janna towards him, but some of his apprehension dissipated as Janna reached down to take hold of his hand.
/*/
Later Sunday evening as Narcissa and Lucius were preparing for bed, Narcissa commented that she didn't know if she cared for Janna Snape. If she thought her husband would immediately fall in line beside her, she was wrong. Lucius searched Narcissa's face trying to discern the reason for her change in attitude about Severus' wife and found nothing so he stated his opinion. "Whatever has gone wrong between you and Janna Snape, get it fixed. Severus is a close friend who will defend his wife to the death and I will not stand by and lose a friend over some foolish female problem. Get it fixed and I would prefer sooner than later," he growled before climbing into bed turning his back.
Narcissa sighed. There was no way she would win this. Whether she liked Janna Snape or not didn't matter. Lucius had spoken.
/**/
As was his fashion, Dumbledore rose very early on Monday had his breakfast then spent some time delving into his Pensieve. Sybil Trelawney had made another Prophecy. As Dumbledore prepared to view the memory at length a shudder went through his body. There had been signs and he could not afford the luxury of anything interfering with him stepping between Voldemort and his return to life.
Dumbledore poured Janna's memory into the Pensieve using his wand to make the memory appear in 3D instead of sticking his face into the liquid. He sat through Janna being attacked and there at the very end was Sybil.
As there is a double sided witch there is a double sided wizard as well. The time is coming for choices to be made. A mother who isn't a mother and a father who isn't a father will greet the son who has no mother or father. And all will be choked by the darkness.
Dumbledore watched the Pensieve memory three times before he would even admit to himself what he thought it meant. It obviously referred to Severus, Janna and Harry. Janna and Severus could both be considered double sided. Janna's other side was Lily while Severus was a respected Hogwarts professor on the one hand and a high level Voldemort supporter on the other. Severus and Janna were a mother and father who couldn't be a mother and father and Harry was a son who had parents, but couldn't be told he had parents. The most compelling part was the darkness surely had something to do with Voldemort.
Dumbledore sat back in his seat to ponder this newest Prophecy. Another confirmation that his thoughts were spot on. Janna and Severus should meet with Harry no matter the outcome and Voldemort would be back no matter what the world believed. This was not a very productive start to a new school year. He would have to expect the unexpected.
Dumbledore sat there for another fifteen minutes before putting everything away. He was sure Severus and Janna would shortly be appearing at his door to discuss Harry and he would need to be ready.
/*/
Severus was first to wake on Monday morning. He got quietly out of bed kissing Janna on the top of her head as he passed by. Severus figured he would allow Janna a bit more time to sleep while he bathed and dressed for their appointment with Dumbledore. Since he met and married Janna, Severus had become prone to taking his time with his toilet as well as his appearance. As absurd as it would sound to his fellow Death Eaters who were used to his scruffy appearance, Severus liked his new countenance. It pleased Janna, so it pleased him. With a last glance in the mirror Severus went back to the bedroom to wake Janna and was surprised to find her sitting up waiting for him.
"Good morning love," said Severus kissing Janna firmly on the mouth. Ready to meet the day? Better yet, are you ready to meet Albus to find out what pearls of wisdom he'd like to share?"
Throwing her arms around Severus' neck Janna gave her husband's ear a quick nip. "It's early. Shall we have a quick breakfast before we see Albus or would you rather wait until after?"
Leaning in close to Janna's ear Severus whispered hoarsely that they wouldn't be going anywhere if she kept messing about his person.
Janna just smiled at him as she jumped from the bed. "Too late sir. You missed your chance with this lovely body when you chose to get up before the sun came up," as she strode across the room managing to wiggle her arse from side to side.
The normally dour Severus Snape laid back on the bed and laughed his arse off.
/*/
Janna and Severus settled on having breakfast first so it was a well fed couple who knocked on the door of Dumbledore's office forty minutes later.
"Enter," called Dumbledore from the other side of the door rising from his desk to greet the couple. "Good morning Janna, Severus. Have a seat."
Janna and Severus took seats in front of Dumbledore's desk watching as the Headmaster returned to his chair, waved his wand summoning a few sheets of parchment which landed on his desk in front of him. Dumbledore had then spent ten minutes reviewing the documents.
Severus sat quietly for several minutes before getting annoyed. "How much more time will spend reviewing things you already know Albus? Will you divulge what you want us to know or shall we come back later?"
"Patience Severus," said Dumbledore fixing a steely gaze on Severus. "Although I know I'm asking a lot when I ask that you exercise patience."
Severus started to respond in a heated manner, but without turning in his direction Janna laid a soft hand on his arm which had an immediate soothing effect.
With a quick glance at Janna, Dumbledore began to speak. "Harry is quite unaware of his heritage or how much he means to the Wizarding World."
"We know this Albus," interjected Severus. "Get on with how we should approach this."
"Enough of your bad temper Severus. I hope you will be somewhat more gentle when you approach the boy," replied Dumbledore gruffly. "You will introduce yourselves as two professors from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Then you will explain to the boy all he needs to know. Do not under any circumstance mention what will be expected of him in the future." Here Dumbledore stared at Severus and cleared his throat before continuing. "Explain to him about his mother and father and how they met their end. Do it delicately Severus because the child will have had one great shock finding out he is a wizard. Take a copy of The History Of Magic with you." Here Dumbledore again paused. This time to address Janna. "Perhaps Janna you will be better suited to present the book to Harry. Please spend some time going over it with him."
"And what will I do while Janna explains the book?" drawled Severus in a sarcastic tone. "Shall I chat up the Muggles?"
Dumbledore removed his glasses and placed them heavily on his desk. "If you are adverse to doing this Severus, say so. I've had enough of your sarcasm. Hex the Muggles. Put them in restraints Dumbledore said raising his voice. "I do not care. Just get to Privet Drive and inform Harry of what he needs to know and be done with it."
There was silence in the room after Dumbledore's outburst. Dumbledore sat back in his chair glaring at Severus as Severus glared back at the Headmaster.
To ease the tension, Janna addressed both wizards. "I think we have everything we need Albus. I will send for a copy of A History Of Magic unless there is a current copy available for us to take to Mr. Potter. When Harry meets Hagrid he should be well versed about our world and all that will need to be done is get his supplies and get him on The Hogwarts Express."
"Thank you Janna," said Albus pulling a copy of A History Of Magic from his drawer and handing it to her. "I have no doubt everything will go well. Thank you."
Severus was obviously still aggravated with Dumbledore and guided Janna out of the office without another word.
Janna waited until they were away from Dumbledore's office before speaking to her husband. "Honestly Sev. You were almost hostile in there. We agreed to do this and we should act accordingly."
"Duly noted," Severus replied sourly before changing the subject. "You've just called me Sev and you do know what that means. Lucius and Albania will have to wait a bit," then leaning in close to Janna's ear he whispered, "I'll first have to show my lovely wife what Sev can do."
Even though it was summer break and the halls empty, they were two professors in the halls of Hogwarts so Janna held her tongue but hurried her husband along to their rooms.