Chapter 26

Skyrah had taken a seat between her husband and Minerva. She hadn't questioned him about Madam Pince. There really hadn't been time. Students flooded the Great Hall. She tried to spot a messy black hair amongst the hustle and bustle, but her attempts were worthless. Some students were eyeing her in wonder, speculating about her position and whispering to their friends their theories while Albus gave a little speech before the Sorting Ceremony began. Most schoolboys and some schoolgirls were gawking at her and practically drooling as if she were some kind of Greek goddess. Skyrah was indifferent. She was used to having this effect on youngsters. It didn't mean that Severus was happy about it though.

"I swear, if they keep looking at you like that, I will do something I will regret later."

Skyrah didn't even look at him, but she somehow knew his brow was furrowed.

She couldn't suppress a mischievous smirk as she teased, "Are you jealous of a bunch of dunderheads?"

He snorted.

"Oh, come on, Severus! Crushing on teachers is normal. It is not something we can control. I'm sure you have your own fan club."

"Nobody's ever had a crush on me," he declared with a scowl on his face.

"Seriously? Are you telling me this?" She had told him a thousand times she was in love with him, which was more serious than a simple crush. He was tall, dark and lean and his deep silky voice was enough to drive any woman mad with desire. She was sure that more than one student had fantasized about him, even if he didn't acknowledge it. She shook her head. "I swear, you can be so blind sometimes…"

"Stop making this about me, Skyrah. I'm not the one who has a full army drooling over me!"

She finally turned her face to him and smiled slyly. "You know, I never thought I'd admit this, but your jealousy is endearing and sexy at the same time."

Even though she had said it as if she was speaking of casual matters, her eyes were darker. Severus found himself gulping and wishing that the heat he was feeling didn't reach his cheeks, flushing them endlessly.

Minerva had risen and taken the sorting hat. The first student was called. Soon enough they heard the hat screaming, "Hufflepuff!" The yellow table clapped and cheered as the first year girl sat with them. Skyrah smiled softly at the house pride. Another boy was called upon. After some deliberation, the hat shouted, "Gryffindor!"

Skyrah's eyes were fixed on the child, who sat next to somebody she already knew. Her dark brown eyes met his green ones. The corner of Skyrah's lips moved upwards, drawing on her face a bright and pure smile. Harry grinned back. He was sitting in front of the bushy haired girl and ginger boy she had got to know through the occlumency lessons. The magical moment was broken by Severus's grunt.

"What's wrong?"

"Even Weasley is drooling over you! Sweet Salazar, I will not survive this!"

"Well, I'm sure they will stop this nonsense once they find out that I am your wife."

"They better."

Neither of them noticed that a certain blond boy was eyeing them, looking distressed.

Meanwhile, Ron, Hermione and Potter were engaged in conversation.

"Blimey! Harry, she smiled at you! I repeat; she smiled at you! I can't believe she'll be teaching us! I don't know if I'll learn something, but I'll sure have a good time!" he said, giving Harry's back a pat.

Hermione glared at Ron, who swallowed hard. He sought succor in Harry, but he looked at him with a wrinkled mouth.

"Did I miss something?"

"She is a teacher, Ron, treat her with respect!" said Harry.

"I'm just pointing out the obvious, mate. No need to get mad! She's hot. So what? Is it so bad that I noticed it?"

Harry wasn't comfortable labeling Skyrah as hot. Granted, he had noticed she was gorgeous the first time he met her, but over time, he had grown to care for her as a motherly figure, and it just didn't feel right for Ron to look at her like that. Harry averted his gaze and clapped dejectedly as more first years were sorted. An awkward silence swept over the teenagers. Hermione broke it.

"Harry, you haven't told us how living with Professor Snape was..."

"Yes, mate, it must have been awful living with the greasy git."

Ron's pity boiled Harry's blood. That was exactly why he had been avoiding the topic since King Cross Station.

"Snape is not a git."

Ron raised his eyebrows. Even Hermione was stunned by his attitude.

"Has he brainwashed you, mate?"

"No. But he isn't like I thought."

"What do you mean?" wondered the girl.

"I mean that he has treated me way better than I imagined."

For better or for worse, their conversation was cut short when Albus spoke again. Nobody was really paying attention to his rambling; that was until the words 'I am pleased to welcome to our community Professor Skyrah Snape, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and Professor Snape's wife' resonated across the Great Hall. Some of the students who had been drooling over her considerably paled at the introduction. Severus smirked in satisfaction. The Hall lapsed into a deathly silence. The students' eyes were fixed on both Snapes, trying to figure out when and how the bat of the dungeons might have wedded the witch. The quietness didn't last long, for endless whispers and gossip filled the room.

"Skyrah Snape? Wait, Snape got married? Bloody hell!" cried out Ron. "How did the ugly bat get that woman?"

Hermione rolled her eyes at the immature comments and surmised, "If they are married, then that means that-"

"Yes, I lived with both of them," finished Harry for her.

"Why didn't you tell us?" asked Hermione.

She seemed to be offended by it, not angry. Ron's eyes couldn't have been wider.

"I was afraid of your reactions…"

That was a half-truth. The main reason was that he had promised not to tell anything he had found out about the Snapes. He could still remember a particular heated discussion they had had regarding the matter just two days ago. They had concluded that it was for the best that his friends knew as little as possible. He owed them that much. After all, they hadn't spread the secret of his abuse, not even to Albus.

The Feast had left the Snapes exhausted. Severus, as Head of Slytherin, had made his way towards the Slytherin Common Room in order to give his welcoming yet warning speech to first year students.

Skyrah was in their chambers. She put on a silky dark grey nightgown and lay in bed, thinking of the events of the day: Albus revealing he was dying, her sorting, the sex, Madam Pince acting as if she knew Severus rather well and he eyeing her with spite, and lastly, the feast. Yes. It had been a particularly intense day. Those thoughts weren't everything on her mind though.

Tomorrow would be her first day of teaching at Hogwarts. She had never been scared of teaching before, but the fifth year class she had prepared involved learning the patronus charm. Invoking a patronus; easier said than done. Skyrah hadn't used that spell in a long time. After everything she had been through, she doubted she'd be able to conjure it. Where did one find happiness after losing a fiancé, being separated from the family and having a miscarriage in a matter of months? She honestly had no idea, but she disregarded the negative thoughts and focused on succeeding on the complicated spell.

Skyrah sat on the bed, grabbed her wand and let the happy memory she had always used float through her mind and plague her senses.

Skyrah and Daniel, who were playing hide and seek with Skyrah's sister, were twenty-one and had just started dating after years of denial. Dione was looking for them and both youngsters were holding their breaths. Unexpectedly, Daniel began to peck her neck and before they knew it, they were kissing passionately. They only stopped when they saw that a six-year-old Dione was getting close to them. Skyrah tried to hide even more behind the tree of the park, but Daniel kept distracting her with more butterfly kisses. Annoyed, she smacked him playfully in the arm, but it only made him chuckle, revealing their hideout.

"I got ya!" cried out Dione with a smile, showing a missing tooth.

"Oh, really?" teased Daniel, and before they knew it, he had little Dione trapped in a tickling torture.

Skyrah began to laugh and joined her boyfriend, making her sister cry of the laughter.

Yes, the memory had always brought a smile to her face. She forgot about anything but the feelings it carried with it and muttered the incantation. She lifted her eyelids. Nothing had come out of the wand. She gulped. That memory had never failed her. Shutting her eyes and inhaling deeply, she tried once again. Nothing. Not even a spark. Skyrah rubbed her temples, reflecting on what could have gone wrong.

After a few minutes of internal debate, she heard the chambers' doors opening, meaning that Severus had just entered. In that moment, something seemed to click in her mind. She closed her eyes and let herself drown in her memories of Severus: their subtle touches while brewing potions, their playful teasing, that one time they had a food fight, his rich laugh at her silly jokes while cooking, his silky voice when he read to her as he played with her hair, his arms enfolding her and making her feel at home, his deep look that told her he only had eyes for her, his sudden loss of breath when he noticed she had been staring at him, his blush when she kissed his hooked nose, that smile he reserved only for her, his care and devotion when they made love…

Heart fluttering wildly, she muttered, "Expecto Patronum!"

Out of the tip of her wand, a silvery fume began to take form. She couldn't quite make out what it was at first, but it sure wasn't a dolphin, like usual. It was smaller. She narrowed her eyes as she saw a crow flying excitingly across the room. She let out a disbelieving giggle: not only had she managed to conjure a corporal patronus, oh no, her patronus's shape had changed.

A surprised puff startled her and her new guardian faded away. Skyrah turned her head to the direction she had heard the gasp. Severus was staring slightly agape and with wide eyes at where the crow had been hovering. It took him a few seconds to close his mouth. He gazed at Skyrah. His eyes were windows to his soul and his wife detected fear, disbelief and insecurity in them. Severus scurried away from their bedroom before she could articulate a word. She hurried after him. He was in the lab, grabbing the edge of the table they had made love on not so long ago, showing his back to her.

"Severus," she began softly. "What's wrong?"

He remained immobile. Skyrah put a hand on his shoulder. He flinched. It had been a long time since he last reacted like that. She was beginning to worry.

"Has it been always a crow?" he asked in a dangerously low voice.

"What does this have to do with-"

"Has it?!"

Skyrah retired her hand from his shoulder. "No. My patronus used to be a dolphin. It changed just now."

He turned around inchmeal. Now that they were face to face, Skyrah saw his unshed tears. She didn't comprehend what the deal was, yet her expression softened and she put a hand on his cheek, stroking it fondly. She was waiting for him to relax and tell her whatever it was that was bothering him. And he did relax. In fact, his eyes shut for a second and he leaned into her touch unconsciously.

"What's wrong, Severus? Why did you react like that? It's just a spell… Did something happ-"

Her questioning was cut short by his thin lips capturing hers. She wanted to smack him for his lack of answers and cooperation, but this kiss had been unlike any they had shared, almost aggressive. She could feel his sudden need to be close to her, so she kissed him back and curled her fingers in his hair. His hands travelled down her spine delicately, in contrast to their ferocious snog. He broke the kiss and rested their foreheads together while they caught their breaths.

"Severus, you are confusing me… Why does it matter to you that my patronus is now a crow?"

He pulled her away gently, eyes locked with hers. "It matters because my patronus was a crow."

She was the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Of course, she knew what that signified. By the way he talked, she gathered he also knew it.

"I am a lucky bastard," he continued. "Nobody has ever loved me, except Lily perhaps. I'm not used to it and I didn't believe I deserved it anyway, not until you walked into my life… You make me feel-" he trailed off, unsure of how to put all his emotions into words.

He ended up kissing her again, this time more gently but just as passionately.

"Thank you," he panted, his breath caressing her lips.

"Whatever for?"

"For entering my life, for loving me."

She grinned brightly at him in response. He didn't return the gesture though. His expression sobered.

"There's something you must know though." He appeared jumpy, so Skyrah grabbed his hand, encouraging him. "My patronus changed when Lily died. It became a doe, just like hers."

She let go of his hand at his words. So Severus loved Lily as much as Skyrah loved him. It hurt. She knew that he'd always love Lily, just like she would always love Daniel. But somehow, she felt her heart ripping apart at the thought that he'd never love her as much as she did him. Though her eyes misted, she refused cry.

"Oh… I-I understand. I'm tired… I'll g-go to sleep now," she stammered, giving him a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Good night."

She left before Severus could object.

Lily.

Why did he have to bring her into the equation? He didn't want to lie to Skyrah. But that wasn't the only reason. Deep down, he knew the main answer: he had a tendency to push everybody he cared for away. It had become a nasty habit. Push away people before they disappoint you or worse, break your heart. But she loved him. There was no denial now. The question was why her patronus matched his original one, instead of his current one.

Driven by impulse, Severus summoned his spirit guardian. He thought of his childhood friend, but nothing came out of his wand. Severus tried it three more times until he realized that thinking of Lily wouldn't make it. He closed his eyes and let himself wander through his happy memories. They weren't only about Lily, now. Skyrah also appeared in them. He remembered the peace he had felt after making love to his wife for the first time, after she confessed that she loved him. He recalled how wildly his heart had beaten back then while she was curled up in his arms, and the thought of it, got his heart pounding strongly now. He whispered the incantation and felt magic run from his heart to his arm and tip of his fingers, passing through his wand. He sensed that something had come out of it and he was afraid to find out what exactly, yet he opened his eyes.

A crow.

He uttered a loud laugh. The patronus flew around him before going straight to their bedroom. The shimmering crow contrasted against the darkness of the room. It fluttered over Skyrah. She opened her eyes and let out a gasp at the sight. In the doorway, Severus was smiling like he had never done before, showing all his teeth.

"I thought your patronus was still a doe, like Lily's," she voiced flabbergasted.

"So did I."

"You know what this means, right?"

He gave her a nod. Her eyes were glistening when she took out her wand and let her own crow roam with his. Both crows played affectionately with each other, rubbing their beaks together as if kissing, chasing each other. It was a spectacle to behold, yet Skyrah and Severus were staring at each other. They weren't talking, but somehow, one look transmitted more than words could at that moment. Severus lay next to her while their guardians melted away.

"I love you, Severus."

"I know just how much now."

Skyrah cuddled him in response.

"Are you nervous about the first class?"

"Not really. I have fifth years first, with Harry, and it's about the patronus charm. I was afraid I couldn't produce one after everything I went through. That's why I was practicing… I am glad it matches yours."

Both knew what that meant. It wasn't only a symbol of love. The fact that she matched her patronus indicated that she felt safe with him, that he made her happy despite how lonely and afraid she had been since Voldemort came back. Just as the fact that Severus's patronus returning to his original form meant that she had made him believe in himself again. She had taught him that a good man lay in him and that he should love himself, something he had stopped doing since Lily died. It was easier to love himself when another person already did.

First class. Fifth years. Skyrah was excited. She'd be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts at last. She crept into classroom. Everybody fell silent. She had always carried an air of authority with her, but she assumed some scared faces she spotted were due to the fact she was Mrs. Snape. She cleared her throat.

"Good morning. As you know, I am Professor Skyrah Snape and I'll be teaching you Defense Against the Dark Arts. You may call me professor or Skyrah. If you don't mind it, I'll be calling you by your first name as well. I find that it enhances a comfortable environment. You will be more relaxed and learn better. That being said, I expect you to participate in class and give your best. Respect not only me, but also your own classmates. It is something crucial, since you'll be working a lot in group, and not only with your friends." Some disappointing sighs were heard. She paid them no mind. "I don't know what your other Defense teachers were like, but my lessons will be very practical. There is no use in knowing the theory but having no idea of how to apply it. This subject should give you the tools to protect yourself, and that is why I need your collaboration. We must all work hard to achieve this goal. Any doubts up to here?"

Most students shook their heads, but a certain bushy haired girl raised her hand. Skyrah gave her a nod.

"Professor, won't we use books in your lessons then?"

Skyrah smirked. "Hermione, right?" she waited for the girl to nod. "Okay, Hermione. You may be under the impression that books won't be needed because of the practical character my lessons will take. However, one cannot start practicing without knowing what has to be applied. Knowledge is the base. Every time we start a new topic, I'll ask you to read the theory and sometimes research on it. Thus, everybody will begin the lesson with some previous knowledge. We may solve doubts and actually learn how to use it."

Hermione couldn't understand how a lesson without books would work out, but now that she knew that the textbooks weren't forgotten, she felt relieved.

"Are there any more questions?"

Everybody shook their head this time.

"We shall begin then. Today's lesson will be a little different, since you haven't read the theory first... Does anybody know what a patronus is?"

Some students exchanged looks, others seemed to be at loss and a few of them smiled knowingly, including the golden trio. Hermione put her hand up instantaneously. Harry didn't hesitate either and, after some vacillation from his part, Ron raised his as well.

Skyrah eyed the ginger boy, urging him to talk. He put his index finger in his sternum, as if asking, "Me?" without voicing it.

"You're Ronald, aren't you?"

He goggled. Although he had raised his hand, he had expected Skyrah to choose Hermione or Harry, not him. Nobody ever noticed him much, after all. He always blended into the background, having so many brothers and being friends with Harry Potter and the brightest witch of her age. Skyrah arched an eyebrow when he didn't speak, and he realized that he should provide an answer.

"Yes, professor. My name is Ro-Ronald Weasley."

"Well, Ronald, might you enlighten us?" she said, extending her arms.

"Er- A patronus is a magical guardian against dementors."

She smiled. Ron felt like he could swoon.

"Correct. Five points to Gryffindor."

Now. No one had seen that one coming. A Snape smiling and giving points to a Gryffindor, a Weasley, at that. Everybody began to tattle, stunned by what they had just witnessed, especially the Slytherins. Instead, Harry was eyeing Skyrah with a soft smile. The moment she opened her mouth everybody quietened down.

"Do all of you remember what a dementor is?"

Everybody nodded in affirmation, so she asked, "Would anybody add anything else about the patronus charm?"

Harry and Hermione raised their hands again.

"Hermione."

"One must think of a happy memory in order to produce a patronus. It may take the form of an animal."

"Exactly. Five more points to Gryffindor."

Hermione beamed, elated to find that Skyrah wasn't calling her a know-it-all.

First Weasley, now Granger. If Draco hadn't known any better, he'd highly doubt that this woman had married Severus.

"As Ronald and Hermione have said, a patronus is a charm which conjures a magical guardian, sometimes taking form of an animal, as a projection of our most positive feelings. It is one of the most powerful defensive charms and the primary protection against dementors, but also against lethifolds, dark creatures. You may find more information on them and on patronus's functions in Standard Books of Spells, pages 103 to 110. You should read them and make a list of possible situations in which one may need to conjure a patronus for next day. We'll dedicate some lessons to the patronus charm, but please, do not feel discouraged if you are not able to produce a corporal one. Many wizards and witches struggle with it. It is incredibly advanced magic, but the fact that I decided to teach you this now, must give you enough information to gather that I believe you can succeed."

There was a short pause.

"Now, I want you to write down people, things or places that make you happy. After that, try to remember any memory that includes some of those things. It is very personal, so please; don't pry into others' list. What makes your friend happy may be very different from what makes you happy. Don't worry, I will not pick up your parchments; it is just an exercise to begin thinking about happy memories."

Everybody concentrated on the task at hand and began to write something, everybody save for Draco. Frowning, Skyrah approached the boy.

"Hey, do you need some help?"

Draco looked at her askance, but when he saw that she was being sincere, his expression softened.

"I don't know what to write. Nobody in my family has ever produced a patronus. This lesson is useless."

Skyrah grinned ruefully. "Draco, just because your family isn't able to conjure the charm, it doesn't mean that you won't either. Hhave faith in yourself. Now, you said you don't know what to write. Don't panic. Everybody has had a blank mind sometime. Let's see… What are the simple things that you enjoy in life?"

"Simple things?"

"Yes. Do you have some hobbies? Something that always lights you up?"

"I like quidditch," he replied after some moments of hesitation.

"That's great! Write that down. Maybe it will end up being a memory which involves quidditch, the one that will produce your future patronus."

He snorted but Skyrah paid it no mind.

"Tell me. What is it you like about quidditch?"

That was easy. He loved the air hitting his skin as he flew; the way his father smiled proudly at him when he caught the snitch; the free feeling he experienced while flying, like nothing else mattered. Was he ready to admit that to Voldemort's daughter? Absolutely not. He blushed and Skyrah suppressed a giggle.

"I'm sorry. You don't have to tell me, but you should write it down. Remember, you can note down people or places too. If you need anything, call me."

"Why are you helping me?" he spat.

"Because I am your professor."

He was left speechless.

She helped a few students.

When she noticed that everybody had finished the task, she explained, "Pay attention please. Now that you have some idea of what memories to use, you must learn the incantation. It is 'Expecto Patronum'. Please, repeat it with me." The words resonated like a chant across the room. "Again." The students repeated it. "Perfect. This is the hand movement."

She moved her hand slowly for everybody to see. They all copied her. Most did a decent job for being the first try. A boy looked quite lost, though. He was looking at Hermione to see if he could catch the movement. Skyrah raised an eyebrow and stared at him. The whole class followed her gaze. The boy felt like leaving the classroom. All those stares were making him nervous. The students were silent, wondering whether Skyrah would snap at him like Severus would.

"What is your name?"

"Ne-Neville Longbottom, professor."

Pansy sniggered, waiting for Skyrah to ridicule the boy.

Much to her surprise, Skyrah inquired, "Neville, do you need me to repeat the movement?"

His ears had turned red. He wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Ugh... Won't you deduct Gryffindor points for... being distracted?"

"I will deduct Gryffindor points if a Gryffindor student like you isn't brave enough to ask the teacher to repeat an explanation when they need it."

Some students gasped at her strictness.

"Er... Could you please repeat the ha-hand movement, professor?" Neville asked, averting her gaze.

Skyrah gave him a satisfied smile.

"I could. In fact, you aren't the only one who didn't quite catch it," she said, looking meaningfully at Crabbe and Goyle.

She drew circles with her wand. This time, Neville, Crabbe and Goyle got the movement.

"Now, what I am about to say will sound sappy, but it is something essential: you must cast the spell with your heart, not with your mind. You need to feel. If you think too much, you will not produce a patronus. If it helps you, you can close your eyes and let the feelings of that happy memory invade you. I will do it one time. Focus on the way I utter the words and the hand movement."

Skyrah took a deep breath and thought of Severus.

As a smile threatened to appear on her face, she shouted, "Expecto patronum!"

Like last night, a crow soared across the room. There were surprised gasps. Everybody got excited to discover what their patronus would be like, chattering away not so lowly about it with their friends. The classroom had the tables of the students making up a circle and leaving a wide space in the middle, so she instructed the students to stand up and go there in order to practice. The moment she saw a silver stag running freely coming from Harry's wand, she let out a disbelieving giggle and smiled fondly at him, eyes glowing with pride.

"I'll have to give you many points for that… If you continue at this pace, the Slytherin House won't stand a chance. Please, have pity," she joked.

Harry chuckled. Ron had wide incredulous eyes. Hermione looked at the pair with a soft smile.

"I kinda tricked you. I already knew how to produce a patronus… I learnt it during my third year."

Skyrah arched an eyebrow, impressed. That was a very advanced spell, after all.

Her grin enlarged as she told him, "Would you mind lending me a hand then? See if you can help anybody out… I would appreciate it a lot and teaching one learns even more. What do you say? Do you want to become my teaching assistant during my patronus charm lessons?"

There was no way the boy could refuse to that.

The lesson finished with Skyrah's voice echoing across the classroom and reminding the teenagers to do the homework. Draco looked at her one last time before leaving with Goyle and Crabbe.

"Neville, a word."

Neville stood in front of her, fidgeting, sweating. Everybody had left.

"Did I hurt you?"

He shook his head.

"Did I insult you?"

He hesitated and shook his head.

"Then why did you look afraid of me?"

He babbled something quietly, averting her gaze. Skyrah only caught the word Snape.

"You are scared of my husband."

Neville wanted to crawl under a rock. Skyrah sighed.

"Following instructions is difficult for you as well, isn't it?"

"Y-yes, professor."

"Do you tend to forget things?"

He rubbed his nape. "My grandmother sometimes gives me a remembrall. The problem is I don't usually remember what I was supposed to remember."

Skyrah grinned ruefully. She studied him, his wringing hands, the sweat on his brow... Considering everything she had seen in some memories during Occlumency lessons with Harry and his current behavior, Skyrah made a mental note to talk to Albus about Neville.

"Professor, may I leave? Professor Snape detests lateness."

Skyrah sat on her chair and grabbed a piece of parchment. She took the quill and scribbled something before handing it to him with a wink.

"If you get late, show him this. He won't punish you if he knows you were with me. Now go."

He stayed though, staring at her.

"Thank you."

He had spoken so quietly she had barely heard him.