July 1998
Snapes' family home
Florence walked out of the fireplace and removed her high heels, closing her eyes and sighing, happy to be home.
It had been two months since the end of the war and she still felt giddy every time she walked into the living room of her beloved home and saw all the happy pictures on the walls, the full toy box on the corner, and heard the sounds of teenagers talking and kids playing.
No matter how stressful it was being to reorganise the Ministry and rebuild Hogwarts, just the thought that she'd be getting home to her family – the whole family and more! – was enough to have her smiling.
Florence removed her coat and inhaled deeply, savouring the smells of home – which told her they'd be having cinnamon biscuits that day –, and listening to the sounds around the house; she could tell that Chris and Sophie were in the pool, and Eileen was with them, Florence peeked out of the backyard door and saw the twin-babies' floating crib near Eileen's chair in the shade of the patio. And she could hear the voices of Harry, Draco and Hermione coming from the library – they seemed to be having some serious discussion.
She stopped by the library door, seeing Draco and Hermione both staring at Harry with a frown, and she took a moment to think about that unexpected trio; they had developed a surprisingly natural friendship in the past two months since they had started living there, under the same roof.
"Hey, guys," Florence entered the room, "What are you three talking about that has Mione angry?"
"We just got our Hogwarts letters," said Hermione.
"Oh! Yes," Florence smiled, "We're inviting all seventh-year drop-outs back to finish their studies. You'll all have private accommodations inside your common rooms. It's pretty neat."
"That sounds great, Mrs Snape," said Harry, "But I'm not going back."
"Oh. I see," Florence said, suddenly understanding why Draco and Hermione had been frowning at him before, "But you are, Harry," she added.
And it was Harry's turn to frown, "No, I'm not," he insisted, "The Auror's office has invited me to be part of their next training course and–"
"And," Florence continued for him, "You'll reply to them saying you'll be most honoured to join them next year – after you've sat your N.E.W.T.s," her lips held a smile, but her eyes sparkled dangerously – reminding both Harry and Draco of who she was the daughter of.
"Also," Florence went on, "You can be sure Tonks will be getting an earful from me for even thinking of inviting you!" she took the letter from his hand, "You are going to return to Hogwarts and finish your studies, like your mother would've wanted you to. In fact," she moved one hand over his Hogwarts letter and it vanished, "Consider yourself already enrolled."
But Harry, being the hot-headed teenager he was, growled: "I'm old enough to make my own decisions!"
But Florence didn't seem fazed by his anger, her voice soft as she replied: "Age doesn't mean maturity, Harry."
"One would think fighting a sodding evil wizard would make one mature enough!" Harry shouted, "You're just like the others! Trying to control my every step! I won't-" he stopped speaking for Florence had taken a step towards him and touched a hand to his face and the other to his shoulder, smiling at him.
"Listen, dear," she said in an understanding tone, noticing he was very uncomfortable, "This will be the first year of the rest of your life. Enjoy Hogwarts for once – I swear to you, it's a great place to study."
She let her hand down from his face and put it on his shoulder, "Rest, party, have fun, do your homework. I promise you no one will try to kill you this year for once."
"You can't promise that!" Harry scoffed, still angry, "There are many death eaters still on the loose."
But Florence just kept on smiling and looked at Draco, who watched that scene as amused as Hermione, "Your arm, Dray."
The blond boy gulped and gave her his left arm, where his short-sleeved polo shirt left his pale-white Dark Mark exposed.
"This, Harry," Florence held Draco's arm and moved her finger a centimetre above the tattoo, "is the best magical tracking device we could've asked for. Just last week, Severus and I were enjoying brunch in my office at the Ministry when he felt his Mark suddenly grow warm."
Harry and Hermione looked at her in confusion, but Draco knew why that had happened.
"It can help us recognise other followers nearby," he explained.
"Exactly," Florence nodded, "And that day we captured someone we didn't even imagine was a death eater! "Therefore, considering that Severus has been reinstated as Hogwarts Headmaster, and Draco will also be at the castle, finishing his seventh year alongside you, you can believe me when I promise that no one will attempt on your life this year. Hogwarts will be the safest place for you – for once."
She let go of Draco's arm and touched his shoulder, "Thanks, Dray," then she smiled at the three of them, "Now, I can tell Tiffany is about to serve us some delicious iced-tea with her amazing cinnamon biscuits; so, go wash up and get to the table, I'll go get the kids out of the pool," and she left the library.
Draco and Harry exchanged a glance, and the latter said: "Snape is crazy, man. I fully believe she'll protect me, but... can't imagine being married to her."
"Absolutely," agreed Draco, "She's... intimidating," he shivered.
Hermione frowned, "What? She's a smart and powerful witch, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous! Any man would be happy to call her his wife. Prof. Snape is a very lucky man!"
"She's terrifying, Mione," said Harry as if that was an obvious reason.
She rolled her eyes, "I sure am glad James is not afraid of a strong woman like you two idiots!"
And Draco snorted: "It figures the only bloke not afraid of you would be the one raised by the Dark Lord's daughter ."
Hermione gasped and slapped his arm, as she would Harry's had he been the one to say that – her sudden playful slap shocked the three of them for a moment but in the next second they were laughing together.
"Still strong, Granger," said Draco, smiling, "Sure am glad it wasn't my face this time."
And they laughed harder.
August 16th 1998
Snapes' family home
Florence lay fast asleep on top of her husband in their bed, both of them exhausted after spending most of the night up with their five-month-old twins.
Stephen and Lily-Rose had spent the night in a vicious circle of feeding, crying, soiling diapers and wanting to be fed again. Florence suspected the reason was something known as a growth-spurt, and it would usually happen in the third and sixth months of age, but since they'd been born prematurely, they didn't follow the expected pattern of growth.
Luckily, early that morning, as the sun was rising in the sky, starting what was certainly to be a beautiful Summer day, the twins had finally quieted down and fallen asleep in their crib – being immediately followed by their parents, who dropped on the large king-sized bed and were asleep before their heads had hit their pillows.
"Oh, no," whispered Tiffany, appearing inside their bedroom some hours later, looking at the exhausted couple on the bed reproachfully, "Master and Mistress should've called Tiffany," she tutted.
Florence sighed, not fully awake, but no longer sleeping, "You're overworked already, Tiff," she whispered, "There are already too many people for you and Mel to look after during the day, you need to rest."
"Tiffany can handle two sweet babies," retorted the elf.
"Fine, Tiffany," grumbled Severus, turning on the bed, eyes still closed, "Next time it'll be my pleasure to call you. Those two little shits tortured us the whole night..."
Florence glared at him, "It was not your tits they sucked raw."
"I know, love," he whispered sympathetically, pulling her closer, "Love you, you're amazing."
She rolled her eyes, "What brings you here, Tiff? I'm sure you didn't come here just to admonish us for choosing torture by babies instead of calling you and Mel to help with the twins."
"A Mr Longbottom is downstairs," said Tiffany.
"What?" Florence frowned, of all the people she expected to show up at her house, Neville Longbottom wasn't one of the first twenty names she could think of, "Why? Did he tell you why he's here?"
The elf shook her head, "Tiffany doesn't know; Longbottom-boy is crying and seems unhinged though."
Florence inhaled sharply, looking at her husband, suddenly taken by fear, "Do you think something happened to Frank and Alice? I sent a new version of the Golden Potion for them, three days ago... what if it harmed them?"
"Shit," Severus cursed, "Tell Longbottom we'll be down there shortly, Tiffany."
And the elf disappeared.
Neville was pacing the living room when Florence and Severus reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Neville, what happened?" she asked him, clearly anxious, "Why are you here, dear?" she saw his bloodshot blue eyes staring at her and feared the worst: "Oh no," her voice broke, "Please, tell me they're al-"
"They're back!" he cried, smiling.
Florence and Severus paused, not believing what they had heard.
"Back?" she repeated, "What do you mean?"
"The healers told me..." started Neville, breathing fast, clearly unable to control his excitement, "They think the years taking your Golden Potion- an-and all the improvements you've periodically made specially for them- they finally worked!"
Florence was stunned speechless.
Florence? Severus called though their bond, concerned.
But she only stared at Neville, struggling to believe what he was saying.
"You saw them today?" Severus asked, touching a hand to his wife's back, standing close to her in case she fainted, "How much do they remember?"
"A lot! More than they have ever remembered!" Neville nearly shouted, running a hand through his already mussed hair, elation making him tremble, "They remember me as a baby, and the war; mum cried- she cried when she saw me! They remember I've visited them during all these years! They're lucid, Madam Snape!" he threw himself at her, hugging her tightly, "All thanks to you!"
Florence finally came to and gasped, hugging him back, crying with him.
"They're going to be released?" asked Severus, not liking the way the boy was hugging his wife.
"No, not yet, at least," said Neville, letting go of Florence as his eyes met Severus' and he seemed to remember that was the man's wife he was hugging, "They... ahm ... won't be released until the healers know for sure they're truly healed, and there are no risks of them relapsing," he looked at Florence again, "But it's all thanks to you, Madam Snape," he held her hands, "I will never be able to thank you enough."
"I'm glad it all worked, Neville," said Florence, smiling through the tears, "All the years trying... and all the research..." she sniffled, her smile broadening, "I want to go to the Hospital, I need to see them!"
"Yes!" exclaimed Neville, "Let's go!"
And Florence flooed to St. Mungus, being followed by Neville and her husband.
She couldn't believe her eyes when she saw her friends; after seventeen years, Alice and Frank Longbottom were finally on their path to full recovery.
August 29th 1988
Diagon Alley
Elizabeth Snape and Draco Malfoy were walking down the packed Alley, shopping for school supplies. The girl would be starting her fifth year in Hogwarts – despite being almost sixteen –, and he'd be amongst the eighth-year students.
"People can't seem to mind their own business!" Draco growled as they walked into Flourish & Blotts.
"What's the matter, Dray?" Liz asked from behind a pile of books she had been looking at, her long-sleeved purple dress making her look older than sixteen. The delicate diamonds on her ears and the way her long silky dark waves cascaded down her back turning all eyes towards them.
"They won't stop looking at us!" Draco growled low.
"Well, you have to admit that we look pretty good together," she smiled at him, running a hand down his dark-grey shirt and hooking a finger on the waistband of his brand jeans, "Plus, everyone knows who you are. No one can miss that bright-white Malfoy hair."
"I'm dyeing it black-"
Elizabeth gasped, "Don't you dare!"
Draco laughed, his moodiness dying out as he wrapped his arms around her and pushed her chin up for a kiss.
Click. Click. Click.
They heard the sound of a camera being clicked nearby.
Fucking leeches! Draco spoke through their bond. I'm gonna-
Smile and be the gentleman we both know you were raised to be . Elizabeth added for him, glaring discreetly. We do not need the Prophet saying tomorrow their reporter was attacked by an ex-death eater.
Draco exhaled in annoyance and nodded, letting her do what she did best: steal the show.
Elizabeth smiled at him, whispering: "Good boy."
He smirked, I'll show you how good I am later.
She bit her bottom lip and looked him up and down with blatant desire, before turning to face the reporter and the cameraman.
"Hello, gentlemen, what can I do for you today?"
"Hello, Miss. What's your name?"
She tossed her hair back charmingly, proudly saying for the first time: "Elizabeth Snape."
The reporter gasped, " You're Severus Snape's daughter?"
"Yes."
"Your mother is the Minister of Magic?"
"Exactly," confirmed Liz.
"Wait," the photographer said, "So you're granddaughter of the late Dark Lord."
"That's me, yes," Liz nodded, feeling Draco wrapping an arm around her waist, "Never met him though," she said upfront, before they asked her things she couldn't talk about.
The photographer looked from her to Draco, "And you're dating Mr Malfoy?"
"Yes," Draco confirmed, "Elizabeth Snape and I are dating."
"Holy shit!" exclaimed the reporter, turning to look at the other man, "Has there ever been a more Slytherin-y couple?"
"Bloody never, man!" laughed the photographer, raising his camera again, "Can I take a couple of pictures? You two look so good together."
"Sure," Elizabeth said, posing beside Draco, touching him, making sure to rest her right hand on his chest and display the beautiful ring he had put on her finger.
Snapes' family home
When Elizabeth and Draco finally flooed to her house, they found Florence sitting at the dining table with Harry, Hermione, Tonks and another auror they didn't recognise.
"The aurors' office," Tonks was saying, "Will prosecute the Marked death eaters, take them in for questioning and send them to Azkaban. The Marked teenagers, however, will have individual trials, for we know some – if not all – were Marked under duress. And, of course, we're not prosecuting neither you nor your husband, for you two–"
Florence snorted, "Of course you aren't. After all we've done – and are still doing – if you make either of us step into court, I'll give you lot a taste of the family business ," her eyes glinted threateningly, letting them know she wasn't kidding.
Tonks gulped and nodded, glancing at the other auror beside her and noticing him shifting on his seat, clearly disquieted by her words.
"Elizabeth," Florence suddenly said, turning to find her daughter and Draco by the staircase, both looking freshly showered, causing her to shake her head, "You're lucky your father isn't home, it is obvious what you two have been doing," she pointed at the chairs to her right, "You two have arrived at the perfect time. Sit."
Once the teenagers had sat, Florence looked at Tonks, signalling her to continue.
"Well, next we have to talk about the Malfoys," Tonks said, looking briefly at her blond cousin.
"My mother isn't a Marked death eater," Draco frowned.
"I know," Tonks nodded, "Narcissa has offered to work as an advisor for the Ministry. She knows a lot of what happened within the Death eaters' circle. So she'll sit in court and warn us when someone is lying – since the use of Veritasserum is illegal."
"And what about me?" Draco asked, putting on a brave face, "If I have to be sued, it's alright-"
"That is not going to happen, Draco," Florence cut him off, "We're starting a new page; your mother's marital status as a widow will soon change for she's engaged to Charlie, and she's already received the part of the Malfoy fortune that was hers by marriage, as you have received yours as Lucius' son. You're not being sued – as the heir of an ancient House, you can write a new story."
Draco nodded, looking at Elizabeth who stared at him with a smile.
"Minister," said Tonks, visibly uneasy, "To not prosecute Draco is- well, it will not be seen by the people as fair. The Malfoys have been historically involved in the Dark Arts ascension to power. Our archives show that since Grindewald, they-"
"Listen, Tonks," Florence said, frowning, "My grandkids will carry the Malfoy name. My daughter will take that name as hers in a few years," she glanced at Elizabeth, "I do not want to see the Malfoy name being dragged through dirt. Lucius is gone. Narcissa will help the Ministry and Draco has been welcomed into the family of one of the greatest heroes of this war – my husband – and is friends with the Chosen One himself," she pointedly looked at Harry who nodded in agreement, "Also I can guarantee you that Draco won't perpetuate his family tradition of supporting Dark wizards from now on."
"No, ma'am," Draco said firmly, "You can be sure that I won't be enlisting my kids in the ranks of any genocidal mad man."
Florence smiled and looked back at Tonks, who seemed very displeased but didn't comment any further.
September 1998
Hogwarts
Welcoming Feast
Florence walked beside her husband into the completely remodelled Great Hall.
The sounds and the sight of the students talking and laughing were a blissful balm for their soul – for they had feared that parents would hesitate to send their kids to Hogwarts after a battle had been literally fought in the school grounds.
But the tables were full, and the large group of first years had yet to enter the room.
Certainly, having Harry Potter back in the castle had helped convince the parents that the school was a safe place for their kids.
Florence looked at the high table, seeing James and Nicholas already there, sitting to the left of the Headmaster's chair, talking to Prof Flitwick.
I'm relieved to know the boys chose careers that will allow them to be near each other. She said.
Yes . Agreed Severus. I don't think they'd be able to live and work away from each other.
Yes . She said, suddenly frowning. Wait. Live and work? What are you talking about?
Severus grimaced. They haven't told you yet?
Told me what? She asked as they reached the high table; but Severus walked towards his seat, refusing to answer her.
So Florence stood in front of the table, staring at the twins, her hands on her hips, "What is it that you two haven't two told me?"
James glanced at his father who sat beside him and then at his brother on his other side.
"Do you want to tell her?"
"What? No way, firstborn ," replied Nicholas, eyes bulging "I'm sure this type of news is of the responsibility of the oldest son to divulge."
James glared at him and then faced their mother, "We are moving out."
"Moving out?" Florence drawled, the air leaving her lungs and making her feel some tightness in her chest, "Moving out to where?"
"Not far, mum," explained Nick, "We both got homes in the village. Dad let us get the money from the bank and..."
She turned to her husband, "You gave my sons money to get their own houses without telling me?" she growled low.
Severus stopped his wine goblet halfway to his lips and glared at James.
"What?" James retorted, "This is your fault! You weren't supposed to tell her anything! We were going to get everything ready and surprise her in two weeks!"
" Two weeks ?" Florence gasped, "You're leaving home in just two weeks? Both of you?" she looked from James to Nicholas.
"Yes, mum," Nick continued: "We got homes across the street from each other, two blocks away from your house."
" My house?" she nearly shouted, her eyes turning light-green.
Then Severus stood up and jumped over the long high table to get to his wife – for walking around it would take nearly two minutes with all the teachers sitting down.
"Florence, you know what they mean."
"That's our family home!" she whisper-shouted, "I took you two to live there when you were just babies- you were raised there! That's not my house! It's our family house!
Severus gestured to both sons to get to the other side of the table at once.
So James and Nicholas jumped over the table like Severus had and pulled their mother into a hug.
"I've had you both with me since I was eighteen," Florence whispered, "I can't imagine what it'll be like to not have you two around anymore."
"It's ok, mum," said Nicholas, "It'll be strange to leave our home."
"Yes, it will," agreed James, hugging her tight.
The students nearby were watching that scene with interest, especially when Hermione Granger stood up and walked to them.
"Is everything alright?" she asked, stopping near James, worried.
"No," Florence sniffled, glaring at the three dark-haired men around her, "I've just learned my husband gave my sons money to leave me!"
The three men rolled their eyes.
"Stop it, mum," said James, "Drama doesn't become you."
Flor, Severus called. You knew this would happen sooner rather than later. Nick has Fred and Lynne. And James is Granger's problem now.
She looked at him with an angry frown, He's not a problem ; he is my first baby.
I know, love. Severus wiped her tears. You know I'm just joking. I'll miss them too. But they want to have their own lives... that means we did something right.
Florence nodded, Yes, they're both good and responsible young men.
She let out a heavy sigh, looking at her sons before kissing their cheeks, "I know you'll be very happy with the partners you chose," she smiled at Hermione, saying: "He's a pain to live with, but we all love him very much."
"True. Every word," Hermione laughed.
James pretended to be offended and pulled his fiancée towards him. Hermione bumped onto his chest, laughing.
"No snogging in the Great Hall!" said Severus, receiving a very telling look from Florence – which didn't go unnoticed by the twins.
James groaned, "Oh, no! I really don't want to know what you two have done here. Geez! No place is sacred to you!"
Hermione pulled him down for a quick kiss and went back to the Gryffindor table, blushing as many eyes turned to her.
James looked at his parents and shook his head, going back to his seat at the high table with his brother.
Florence turned to her husband, Can't believe they're moving out.
Severus sighed; I have to admit that it'll be strange. But we'll still see them here in the castle.
I know.
He heard a couple more sniffles from his wife as they moved to their seats.
McGonagall soon walked into the Great Hall with the group of new students – Elizabeth and Christopher amongst them, getting in line to be sorted.
"Snape, Christopher!" called McGonagall.
And Chris sat on the stool, putting the Hat on his head and they all waited; it took the Hat a little less than a minute to decide, and in the end, it shouted: "Ravenclaw!"
"As expected," whispered Severus.
"Our first little black bird," said Florence, smiling as she watched her son sit at the Ravenclaw table, being welcomed by Luna Lovegood, "Sophie will certainly be one as well."
"Snape, Elizabeth!" called McGonagall.
"Do we really need the Hat to tell us?" asked Severus, making Florence laugh.
And Elizabeth, dressed in an elegant black robe over her floral, knee-length, French-designer dress, and Jimmy Choo mary-janes, sat on the wooden stool.
McGonagall put the Sorting Hat on her head, but the brown battered Hat barely touched her dark hair before shouting: "Slytherin!"
"And it turns out we didn't," replied Florence, watching Liz sit beside Draco at the Slytherin table and be welcomed by her boyfriend with a hot kiss.
"I'm surprised the Hat didn't shout Malfoy Manor, " Severus growled, glaring at Draco.
"Or Draco's quarters ," said James from behind his wine goblet, "We all know where Liz will-" James stopped talking due to the ugly glare he was getting from his mother, " What ? That's public knowledge!"
Severus snapped his head towards Florence, who looked at him with a suspiciously innocent expression.
"Malfoy's got private quarters in the Slytherin common room," he said, as if he had just realised that.
Yes," she drawled.
He frowned, looking at her and demanding: "You'd better not let your daughter sleep there!"
" Let her ?" Florence laughed, "Do you honestly believe there's anything we can do to stop her from going to Draco's room?"
"We can charm the room to repel her," he said with certainty.
"Oh, yes. Like you did to her bedroom at home," Florence said, trying not to laugh.
"And it worked!" said Severus proudly.
"Oh, sure ," she nodded, smirking, "They didn't fuck in her room."
"Exactly!" Severus exclaimed.
"But the bathroom," said Florence.
"The library," said James.
"The kitchen and the pool," added Nicholas.
"ENOUGH!" Severus growled, "I see the problem."
Florence touched his arm, "You can charm every inch of this castle, Severus, and yet Draco knows the directions to the Room of Requirement."
Severus refilled his wine goblet and glared at the Slytherin table, seeing Draco had his arm around Liz and she was talking animatedly with his friends: Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott and Pansy Parkinson.
Liz and Draco are happy together. Florence said. He loves her deeply.
Severus just grimaced.
Then James spoke: "So, without giving me gross details, tell me more about the Room of Requirement's possibilities."
Florence looked at him, "You just have to picture in your mind what you want, and the Room will provide it."
"Even sexy muggle motels," added Severus, smirking, "With mirrors to allow you to watch her from all angles," his dark eyes glinted in Florence's direction.
"No gross details, dad!" complained James, "Geez," he rolled his eyes.
One year later
August 1999
Ministry of Magic, Atrium
As expected, it had taken many months for Florence to put the Ministry back together, reorganising all the departments and firing those who hadn't been followers but had helped her father's reign of terror in one way or another – making sure to keep employed those who had stayed but worked behind the scenes to frustrate some of the Dark Lord's plans.
Finally, after a year and two months , Florence stood with Severus in the Atrium in front of the new fountain, named One People – which depicted all magic beings as equals. The large space was filled with Ministry employees, aurors, reporters and photographers, there was a representative from the Muggle British Government as well.
Why?
Because Florence had called for new elections a month before and now they all waited for the last votes to be counted, which meant she could finally step down from the Minister position and go live the calm life she desired, as a mother, a grandma, a healer and the wife of Hogwarts Headmaster – which were more than enough titles for her.
Severus was there beside his wife, looking at the two candidates; Johann Flint (an unMarked Dark Lord supporter that no one had found enough evidence to send to Azkaban), and Charlie Weasley – whose candidacy was an unexpected surprise to everyone.
When Percy Weasley – who everybody expected would jump at the chance of being the Order's candidate – decided he'd never wish for a position of power for himself ever again (since he felt like he had done enough damage already), Charlie said he could do the job. And once his name was mentioned to the public, he became the immediate favourite, always at least twenty points ahead of his opponent in every poll.
Can't wait for this to end. Said Florence to her husband. We know Charlie will win; I don't understand why it's taking the aurors so long to count the bloody votes!
Yes . Severus replied, his lips touching her ear in a soft caress as he replied out loud in a very low voice just for her to hear: "But before you give the keys to your office to Weasley, I want to put your desk to good use one last time."
Florence looked at him with a sexy smile, her eyes turning a lighter shade of green.
But Severus suddenly frowned as he looked at someplace behind her.
"You're not going to like to see who's just arrived," he said, shaking his head.
Florence quickly turned to check what he was talking about.
"Cissy!" she hissed, walking towards her very pregnant friend, glaring at her, "Narcissa Black Weasley!" Florence said in a reproachful tone, "I know you have healer's orders to not leave the house. For I was the one to check on you yesterday and give you that order!"
"I couldn't not come, Flor!" she sat on a chair that Charlie had transfigurated for her.
"The chances of that little princess being born in the Atrium the same day her father is nominated Minister are extremely high, Narcissa!"
"I know, and I don't care! I wanted to be here for my husband," Narcissa took Charlie's hand and he kissed her knuckles, caressing her very large baby bump with love.
Then a door was opened and Tonks (the Head of the Aurors' Department) came towards Florence, clearly unable to hide her smile.
Florence, followed by Severus, met her in front of the fountain and received a sealed envelope from her hands.
"Good morning, ladies and gentleman," Florence said, "We're all here to learn the name of our elected Minister of Magic, chosen by our people to lead the Wizarding British Society into a future of justice and equality," she paused to open the envelope, "And it's with great honour that I call the name of our dear friend, war hero, Order of Merlin First Class, Mr Charles Gideon Weasley. You're our new Minister!"
And applauses filled the Atrium as Charlie walked towards Florence, slowly, for he was holding Narcissa's hand and she clearly couldn't walk too fast.
Florence shook her head at the look of pain that she saw cross her friend's face as she walked.
"Severus, lend Cissy your arm," Florence asked him, "For she might fall during Charlie's speech."
He quickly moved to stand beside the blond woman, letting her use his arm for support.
"I never thought I'd live this moment – being a politician was never a dream of mine, but when I learned how much I could do for those in need, if I were elected, I knew I had to take the chance. Thank you for you trust – I will do my best to deserve it."
Florence . Severus called. Narcissa's water just broke.
"Well, Minister Weasley," Florence removed the Minister's button from her dress and pinned it on his suit, took his hand in a handshake and they looked at the photographers to have their picture taken.
"Now," she continued, "I'm afraid we'll have to cut this inauguration short, for your daughter has decided to come into this world."
Charlie gasped and ran to his wife's side.
"Take her home," Florence ordered, "I'll clean up my office and meet you there in an hour."
Charlie nodded and disapparated home with Narcissa.
Florence turned to Severus, Help me clean up my office, Prof. Snape?
Absolutely, Mrs Snape.
And they walked to the lifts.
Hogwarts
January 10 th , 2000
Florence was enjoying tea with Pomfrey and McGonagall in the infirmary when James stormed in.
"So you've been learning more than just Potions from your dad, I see," said McGonagall.
Florence and Pomfrey laughed.
"It seems," said Florence, still chuckling, "That the art of storming into a room dramatically is a family tradition, professor."
The three women laughed again, a little too enthusiastically, and James frowned, picking up his mother's cup and sniffing it.
"You're drinking spiked tea? It's five p.m.!"
"Exactly: it's teatime, James!" exclaimed McGonagall.
He shook his head, disapprovingly, "Wait till dad hears about this."
"Yeah," Florence said, smirking, "He'll certainly punish me," she winked at Pomfrey and McGonagall.
James rolled his eyes, giving his mother her cup back.
"Now, my adored firstborn baby," Florence used her sweetest voice, "Could you, please , say what you came here to say and fuck off?"
He looked her in the eyes, knowing he was about to surprise her: "Mother, father blew up a cauldron of Dittany."
Florence nearly choked on her firewhisky tea, "WHAT?"
"He blew up-"
"I heard you the first time, James. I just can't believe it! How did he do that? It's such a simple concoction," she shook her head.
"He picked up gillywater instead of honeywater," James said.
"Oh, that would explain the exploding Dittany," Florence took another sip of her tea and then exclaimed: "Wait! Is he hurt?"
James shook his head: "Just his ego."
The three women roared with laughter.
"For fuck's sake," James exhaled in annoyance, "Mother, I think father needs glasses."
"So go tell him that!" she replied, "I'm his wife, not his keeper, James. He can get his own glasses," then she stopped, biting her lip as a thought formed in her mind: "Mm... glasses. Sev will look really sexy with glasses."
James, predictably, groaned: "Ugh, why do you have to be disgusting, mum? Geez!" and he quickly left the room.
Note: There's a picture on Pinterest where Sev is wearing glasses and he's so fucking sexy, I had to write about it!
By the way, I have a Pinterest Board for this fic, here's the link for it: /2HVgkbs
Just one more chapter to go!