Chapter 10

Severus mumbled something that sounded like a muggle sweet (the password, she guessed). The Snapes entered the headmaster's office. Skyrah took in every detail of the room with a tiny smile plastered on her face. Chirps got her turning her head towards Fawkes. The chick looked at her with big curious eyes that looked way too big for its head.

Her amazement was cut short by a familiar voice, "Welcome to Hogwarts, Skyrah."

"Thanks, Albus," she replied as her smile widened.

"Hello, Severus."

Severus nodded as a greeting.

"Please, take a seat," said Albus, sitting on his chair behind the desk himself.

The Snapes sat on the wooden chairs in front of the desk.

"I'm going to talk to the Dursleys and see what I can do regarding your suggestion. However, I doubt they will welcome any witch or wizard at their home. You must be aware of it."

"I know Petunia Dursley, Albus, if that's what you're implying. I also know you can be quite persuasive if you set your mind to it," Severus conceded flatly.

By the way her husband spat Petunia, Skyrah guessed they had a past, not a good one, at that.

"I don't doubt Skyrah's occlumency skills, but I would be lying if I didn't tell you I am disappointed you refused to teach the boy, Severus." Severus snorted. "Could you at least tell me why you are so against it?"

"Where do I begin, Albus? The teacher and the learner must trust each other in order to learn occlumency. Otherwise, it might get… nasty."

Skyrah was tempted to joke, Yes, that's why I'm a far better option. Harry Potter will blindly trust You-know-who's daughter! Wisely, she kept quiet.

"Potter hates me and I don't precisely like him either. He's just like James bloody Potter. In fact, it's you, Albus, the one he trusts the most. Why don't you teach him?"

"Although I admit I am a decent occlumens, I have not mastered the skill. You two, nevertheless, have deceived the greatest legilimens alive. Harry must do the same."

Severus scowled but did not retort. Albus had a point.

"I must know, if the Dursleys don't accept the offer, will Harry stay with you?"

His scowl became more visible.

"Those classes are of utter importance. Lily would have wanted you to reflect on it and to give her child a chance. You made a promise, Severus."

Skyrah wanted to help Harry and was on Albus's side, but she hadn't missed the emotionally manipulative words.

Severus felt sick. Albus always did the same: he spoke of Lily to persuade him to do whatever he deemed was for the greater good. He despised those low blows, effective as they were.

"I am only considering it for Lily."

"Of course, my child."

The nerve! First he practically obliged him to do something against his will and then he called him my child as if he cared for him. Skyrah was starting to fume.

"Don't call him my child, Albus, not after you have practically blackmailed him into agreeing to help you. I accepted to do it since the beginning. Severus didn't. We should respect his wishes."

Severus was speechless. He wasn't used to people defending him and he didn't know how to react.

"I didn't blackmail him, Skyrah. I only reminded him of a vow he took a long time ago. And believe it or not, I do care for him. A lot." A tense pause followed in which Severus avoided Albus's gaze. "I give you my word that I'll try to persuade the Dursleys. In fact, I'll go now." Albus looked at Skyrah. "Do you fancy a walk around the school? I'm sure Severus will gladly show you around so that you start to get familiar with the facilities."

"Thanks, Albus," she said in the most polite manner she could utter, "I'd like that very much."

"Come to my office to get updated after the tour."

Severus guided Skyrah out of the office. He looked as composed as ever. The conversation had agitated him, though. His forehead, which glistened with sweat, gave him away. Before she could question him, he walked to the closest classroom.

"Filius Flitwick, a part-goblin part-wizard Professor, teaches Charms here. He is the Head House of Rav-"

Skyrah touched his arm, cutting him off. "I'm sorry about what has just happened, Severus. I would have never thought that Albus would do something like this to-"

"It is no big deal. I am used to it, anyway," he finished in a bitter tone.

"You shouldn't. Albus should have used logic, not feelings, to convince you. He pressured you. If Harry ends up staying with us, I will teach him. I will make sure that you see him as little as possible," she said, squeezing his arm. When she noticed he was as immobile as a statue, she asked, "Are you all right?"

"Why have you defended me against Albus if you truly want to help Potter?"

She shrugged. "Your opinion matters. I didn't like how he used Lily against you. And you... You are my husband."

He felt warm inside. Was this what being cared for felt like?

"I'm sorry, but could you repeat again what this classroom is for? Hogwarts seems so similar yet so different from Ilvermorny…"

Severus was glad for the change of subject - he was not so glad for the fact her hand was no longer on his arm. They spent the following hour walking around the Library (which she thoroughly venerated), the Great Hall, the Black Lake, the Hospital Wing… Every time he showed her a new part of the castle, she smiled like a child on Christmas Day. Severus could tell that the witch really adored school, books and teaching. Despite everything, he was glad that Skyrah was going to be the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. He had no doubts in his mind that with someone as sharp yet as sweet as her, the students would actually learn something. Adore her, even. Unlike him, the greasy bat of the dungeons. Talking about the dungeons, they had just reached them

"My chambers are here," muttered Severus, afraid of her reaction.

The dungeons were home to him, but they were cold and dark, and most non-slytherin students did not like to spend time there. Her smile hadn't faltered, though. Maybe she was a slytherin. Voldemort was one, after all.

"It's our chambers now, Severus," she said amused. "Unless you do not want me here."

"I find your presence tolerable."

"Yeah, I figured, especially when I am snogging you or... riding you. Tolerable, indeed."

He choked, and blushed, and thanked the stars there were not portraits nearby.

"Skyrah!"

Timid chuckles resonated in the dungeons. The louder her laughter got, the more his sneer vanished. She landed a kiss on his cheek and said, "I was just teasing you. You still find me tolerable, don't you?"

"A little less tolerable," he said, gnashing his teeth.

"You are so grouchy."

"Stellar observation skills."

She gave him a lopsided grin. "You have a sarcastic sense of humor, too."

"Are you going to analyze me?"

She shook her head, sniggering. "I really like you, even if you only find me tolerable."

Encouraged by this statement, he whispered something Skyrah didn't quite catch. The door opened. They entered. She wasn't surprised to see that the place resembled their home. The minimal and simple-designed old wooden furniture required for only one person decorated the entire chambers. It could be easily changed, for the room was spacious enough. A smile was unconsciously drawn on her face. She could see herself living there with this man.

"I know it's not much but-"

"It's tolerable," she said, grinning playfully. Severus raised an eyebrow, and a chuckle escaped her. "Kidding. It's perfect, Severus. We'll just have to enlarge the wardrobe with a few spells. Oh! And we should also add a little room for our baby girl."

As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she regretted them. Severus had frozen.

"I-I'm sorry. I got carried away," said Skyrah, no longer in a mischievous mood. "I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."

He gulped. "No, you are right. We should think about it."

Skyrah took his hand, smiling gently.

By the time they got back to the office, Albus was already waiting for them, caressing Fawkes's wings.

"I have just talked to the Dursleys. They have agreed. You will go there four times a week, starting this afternoon. I will ask you to go at least once a week, Severus."

The Snapes nodded, relieved Harry Potter wouldn't be living with them.

"I suppose you've seen the school," Albus muttered, looking at Skyrah.

The unasked question regarding her opinion hung in the air.

"Yes. I love it. Hogwarts is much older than Ilvermorny, of course, but at the same time it's more…homey. I see myself working here."

"I'm glad."

He sounded sincere. His eyes darted to Severus's and Skyrah's tangled fingers. She hadn't let go of his hand yet. Albus looked at them with a twinkle in his eyes. Severus withdrew his hand, expecting the headmaster to tease him about having grown accustomed to her touch. To his surprise, he spoke to Skyrah.

"I see you are more affectionate than your father ever was."

She shrugged. "It is quite easy to beat him in that department."

Albus smirked. "I imagine so. Regardless, I'd suggest using charms to conceal certain love bites you left on your husband's neck before meeting Harry. Hogwarts teachers have a reputation to uphold."

Wasn't there a nearby rock to crawl under? Both Skyrah and Severus would appreciate it.

"O-of course, headmaster. This will n-not happen again," she stammered.

Albus turned his attention to Fawkes. The Snapes gladly took their leave.

"Use the charm before we forget about it," Skyrah said, back at home.

Severus didn't move. She frowned.

"Go on."

He averted her gaze. She sighed.

"You don't know the charm, do you?"

"It is not like I had many reasons to use it," he excused himself.

A pink light came out of her wand and tickled his neck until the love bites faded.

"But I guess you did..." he said, lifting an eyebrow.

"I was a virgin before I met you, but I did have snogging sessions, Severus," she said, amused.

He didn't want to think about another guy leaving love bites on her neck, so he went to the kitchen to cook lunch. She followed him, like his shadow. No matter how much Skyrah joked in the kitchen, he remained stiff. Even after eating, while reading on the couch, he remained colder than usual. She took the book from him and left it on the floor. She sat on his lap and put her hands on his shoulder, the same position that had convinced him to have sex with her earlier.

"Is something bothering you? Did I say something that offended you? I apologize, if that is the case. It was not my intention."

"You have not done or said anything wrong."

She sighed, relieved.

"If you are still upset about Albus or Potter, you can tell me. I will listen to you. And if... If you need some space, I will give it to you. It is okay."

"It's not Albus or Potter," he replied slowly and locking their gazes.

Skyrah frowned. "What is it then?"

"We are going to have a child."

Her mouth formed an "O" shape. "You are upset for my comment back in the chambers."

He shook his head. "I am not upset. I am worried. How are we going to hide a pregnancy from the Dark Lord?"

Skyrah took a big breath. "I don't know yet… I have heard of some spells that can help us with that, but none of them is adequate from fifth month on. They can endanger the baby's life. The secret will get out eventually. I just hope we think of something before that happens, or she... She'll die. I'm afraid, but I'm also hopeful. I will fight for her."

Absentmindedly, she caressed her belly under his gaze. It felt unreal to know that there was growing life he had contributed to creating inside of her.

"I will fight for her too."

She squeezed his shoulder, overcome with emotion.

"But I-" he trailed off, trying to think of the fitting words. Skyrah waited for him to continue. "I'm afraid I will not be the father she deserves."

"Why not?"

He hesitated. The hand that had been on her belly was now massaging his nape, steadying his nerves. "I didn't exactly have role models for parents."

Skyrah raised an eyebrow. "Welcome to the club."

"You aren't like him," he said, and for some reason, her eyes got misty.

"I try not to be like him. Father wasn't around much, and when he actually was, he only brought despair, death and misery. I am afraid of parenthood, too, but I refuse to ruin my child's life with my insecurities. I will not be as bad as my father. And the fact you are determined to fight for her and worried you are not worthy of her," She touched her womb. "Says a lot about you. You care for her. You are the father she needs."

Severus avoided her gaze. It was too intense, too sincere.

"You don't have to go to the Dursleys today… I'll start the lessons."

He shook his head. "No. Today we'll go together. I want to see Petunia's face when he recognizes me with a woman by my side."

It sounded like an ultimatum, so Skyrah didn't object. She preferred going with him on her first visit, anyway.

The Snapes were in the front door of Privet Drive number four.

"Are you ready?" Skyrah asked.

As a reply, he knocked on the door. They heard some unintelligible screams and, a few seconds later, a teenager with glasses and a scar on his forehead opened the door. His emerald eyes widened as he gasped, "Snape?!"

"Harry! Who's come? Answer me!" a voice shouted from afar.

Severus sneered, ignoring the strident sound. "Professor Snape. Just because it is summer, it does not mean you can forget about manners, Mr. Potter."

Harry was too shocked to say anything. In fact, he didn't even notice his usually solitary Potions Master had company.

"Are you going to let us in or do you fancy an outdoors class?" Severus growled impatiently.

"I…" started the boy.

In that moment, Petunia, tired of not receiving answers, stood next to Harry.

"You!" she yelled, eyes wide.

Severus could only smirk at her. He didn't bother hiding his amusement as he replied, "Yes, me."

"That freak told me that two Professors would be teaching him something… But you?!"

"Mr. Potter is my student, Petunia. He has attempted to learn Potions under my supervision for four years."

Harry's gaze shifted from Severus to his aunt. He wasn't a fool; Aunt Petunia and his Professor knew each other. The question was why.

Petunia shook her head in disbelief, and turned her attention to her nephew. "And who's the woman? Does this freak teach you too?"

On the one hand, Skyrah was glad that somebody finally noticed her. On the other hand, Petunia's manners, the way she had referred to her as a freak and the tone she had taken led Skyrah to realize the reason her husband disliked the muggle woman.

"This freak is Skyrah Andraste Snape," said Skyrah, before Harry could provide an answer.

Harry was speechless. Skyrah Andraste Snape? She didn't resemble Severus. This woman was far too attractive to be Snape related, unless…

"You are married? The Snape boy got married?" Petunia asked, grimacing.

"Thought I wasn't able to, Tuney? Believe it or not, she said I do on our wedding day."

Severus smirked. He was enjoying her reaction much more than he should have. He regretted it not.

"And to answer your other question, I haven't taught him yet, but I applied for the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor job, and I got it; so I will, next year," added Skyrah.

Harry blinked. Snape's wife was going to become the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher? Hadn't Snape always been after the job? Since when was he married, anyway? And to such a pretty woman? The git?! He was ugly! If Ron had been the one to see the woman, he would have blacked out when he found out she was the wife of the bat of the dungeons.

"May we enter, Mr Potter, or do you wish to cause a bigger scene?" inquired Severus with sarcasm in his voice.

Harry's last thoughts before letting them in were that he was doomed.