The sour taste returned to his tongue as they stepped from the fireplace into the sitting room of The Burrow.
Molly sat on the sofa as they appeared on her hearth. Her eyes darkened briefly before she smiled and stood, straightening her apron over her skirts. "Ah Severus. Luna said she'd hope you'd be joining us one of these days. Welcome."
He lowered his head in acknowledgement. "She has been rather persistent about that desire."
Luna smiled. "Isn't it wonderful?" She stepped past him and spun a slow circle before heading toward the kitchen to join Harry and Ron who both appeared to still be dressed in their pajamas and just starting their breakfasts.
Molly nodded. "Yes. I can believe that. Please, make yourself comfortable."
His jaw tightened. He did not believe that would be possible. "Yes. Thank you." He sat in one of the many armchairs which cluttered the small sitting room and took in the home before him which seemed the exact opposite to Spinner's End in almost every way, filled with color, sentimental things, and set to accommodate a herd of people at any moment.
"May I offer you anything? Breakfast? A beverage?" Molly asked.
"No. Thank you."
She sat back into the sofa, her eyes trained on him. "Luna tells me you have welcomed her into your home."
"She is not one to lie." He steepled his fingers together as he watched the witch.
"Yes, well...I imagine it must be difficult for a bachelor like yourself to suddenly have a teenager in the home."
His eyes narrowed. Did she really not know the entirety of their situation? The Weasley daughter certainly knew. He was unsure whether to be relieved or frustrated. "Yes, well, Luna is a considerate houseguest and not your average teenage witch."
He glanced over at the table in the kitchen to find that the youngest Weasley had joined the other three at the table. They poured over something Luna and produced from her handbag.
Passing over the further formalities, he cleared his throat. "Has Luna made you aware of the threats she has received, Molly?"
"Yes. Arthur reported them to his superiors in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
"Is the Ministry in any shape to even manage such a thing at this point?"
Molly shook her head. "Not entirely, but obviously the Order has taken the threats very seriously as well."
As much as he hated to admit it, that was something of a relief. "Yes. A wise decision."
A look of surprise crossed Molly's countenance. "Yes. Well, of course she has our protection here as well." She glanced over at the kitchen table and then motioned up to the clock hanging on the wall behind her.
Severus studied the interesting piece for a moment, seeing the names of each of the Weasley's, Harry, and Luna etched onto the hands currently all pointing to 'Home.' he nodded as he considered the other options around the clock face. 'Mortal Peril' apparently did not currently apply to Luna's situation, assuming the magic was sound. "Thank you."
She narrowed her eyes. "Why the interest in her, Severus?"
"She is the one responsible for my current situation. If not for her and Mr Longbottom, I would not be alive."
"And her current situation?" Her lips tightened as she leaned closer.
He sighed. "I am not sure it is my place to say."
"But you are aware?" He voice lowered.
"Yes. She has confided in me."
Her face twisted, almost as though in pain, undoubtedly wondering why Luna would disclose her secret to him, and not to her.
He placed his hands on his lap. He looked away from the imploring gaze of Molly Weasley, back to Luna.
"Severus. I can't help but to imagine the worst," Molly almost whispered. "Please, at least put my mind at ease."
He closed his eyes, taking a long slow breath. "I cannot." He looked at her, wondering if she could even come close to imagining the truth
Molly hissed as her face twisted further.
He observed the matronly witch practically feeling the emotion washing off her in waves, her disgust, her frustration, her concern, but also her love and her distress. "She is strong, Molly."
She nodded as she sniffed back her building disquiet. "I know. But she shouldn't have to be. She's been through enough already." She looked over at the table again.
He nodded, suddenly unable to remember why he had disliked the woman. He sighed again. "I agree."
She stood. "I think I need some tea." She walked into the kitchen.
Severus stared into the fireplace, his fingers taping the fabric on the armrests.
A flash of flames and a figure appeared in the fireplace. "I think I have our next scoop," Hermione Granger said as she stepped into the living room. She froze as she noted him sitting in the arm chair. "Prof-Professor Snape."
"I am no longer your professor, Ms Granger. Carry on." He casually waved a hand although pleased at her reaction.
"Yes, Sir." She ducked her head as she moved into the kitchen.
"Luna, I've got some big news!" Hermione continued.
Luna's face brightened as she moved over on the bench to make room for Hermione to join them. "Great. We were just discussing the next issue. "We need another big story, and we're thinking something more in the order of moving forward, rather than looking back."
"This will be perfect then. Listen." She sat. "Minister Shackelbolt asked to meet with me this morning."
They all stared at her.
"Anyway. He told me that the Ministry has been discussing how to rebuild, and he requested my thoughts on one specific proposal."
"Just get on with it 'Mione, what do you know?" Ron said through a mouth full of toast and jam.
Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "He thinks that those of us of age who fought in the final battle have already proven themselves more than worthy witches and wizards and will be granted interviews for positions within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and possibly other departments as long as we pass end of year exams. Also, exams will be offered this fall to all those who would have been able to sit last month. So that means we can all graduate afterall and work at the Ministry together!"
Ron rolled his eyes. "Only you would think the opportunity to take exams is good news."
Harry shook his head. "No. She's right. Think about it Ron, we could be Aurors! Without N.E.W.T.S!"
Ron's face twisted, "If we pass."
"What are you talking about Ron? Of course you will pass. You fought Death Eaters and won. What is any stupid exam compared to that?" Ginny retorted.
Luna watched the exchange silently, a distant look on her features.
"As I was saying, Minister Shackelbolt believes those that fought are exactly the ones who should lead us through this time. And," she took a deep breath. "He wants the Quibbler to have the honor of publishing his proclamation."
With the mention of the Quibbler, Luna's attention jumped to Hermione's face. "Oh. That is big news. Thank you, Hermione. Would you be willing to write it up and send it to the Minister for final approval?"
"Of course. I'll get started right away. Then I need to get a revision schedule together. Two months is hardly enough time to prepare. I'll make one for each of you too." She hurried out of the kitchen and up the stairs leaving the others, including Severus and Molly to stare after her.
"Well, I guess that takes care of the front page now, doesn't it?" Ginny turned back to Luna and scribbled something onto the parchment before them.
Molly returned to the Living Room, handing him a cup of tea, and taking a seat nearest him on the sofa.
"She's hardly eating you know?"
He nodded.
"Are you not worried? It is not good for her or the baby. To have nausea this long is atypical you know."
Severus's lips tightened as he glared at the witch, and she drew back slightly. "I am aware, as is she."
"And?"
"And I promised not to harass her about it at her request." He took a sip of tea, his eyes not leaving Molly's face.
"Oh. Yes. That was probably wise." She huffed and sipped from her own cup. "I know she is trying." She added with a glance over her shoulder back to the kitchen. "And you Severus, how are you?"
He nearly aspirated his tea at the question. Regaining himself with a brief throat clearing, he considered her question. "Is that actual concern for my well being, Molly?"
"It was...but now I regret it." Her face soured.
He relaxed back into the chair. "Honestly?"
"Yes, of course. I would not ask if I did not want an honest answer." She huffed, but her features relaxed. "Honestly, Severus."
"Death would have been easier," he met her gaze.
She did not look away, but nodded as her eyes softened. "You have been given a second chance…"
She did not need to complete the thought for him to understand her implication. He needed to appreciate the opportunity instead of lamenting it. "Yes. One not deserved when so many much more worthy were not." Molly undoubtedly was thinking of her lost son. Why did Severus get to survive when Fred Weasley did not. Such a tragedy to lose a great mind so young.
"Then earn it, Severus. Find a way now to make it something."
He glanced into the kitchen again to see Luna smiling as the four huddled over more of her notes. "I am trying…"
Molly's gaze followed his own, but she said nothing. They sipped their tea in silence as the group in the kitchen continued their discussions of The Quibbler and later of returning to Hogwarts. Finally, Molly stood. "About time for lunch."
Severus would never admit it aloud, but the day was not as unpleasant as he had anticipated. His space and boundaries were mostly respected and there were no confrontations although he sensed the youngest Weasley struggled to bite her tongue. Molly graciously provided a satisfying lunch as Luna and Ginny assisted. He observed quietly from the living room as Molly attempted to teach the witches some domestic charms. Ginny was clearly disinterested but Luna enthusiastically practiced her new skills in the kitchen. He did get several sideways glances and awkward beginnings at conversation from Mr Potter, but thankfully "The Boy Who Lived" never got around the speaking whatever was on his mind.
Luna approached him as the Quibbler discussions came to a natural end for the day. "Severus….do you think we could walk up to my place before heading back?" Her silver eyes implored him.
He nodded. "If you wish."
"Mrs Weasely, would it be alright if we return in a bit to use your Floo?"
"What's that? Oh, yes, of course, Dear." Molly replied from the kitchen. "Arthur will be home shortly. I'm sure he will have questions about your mock-up for the next issue anyway."
"Wonderful. Thank you."
She moved to the kitchen door and waited for him to join.
They walked through the Weasley's abundant garden, up the sloping hillside, down the other side, and back up again. Severus found his lungs and limbs to be less tolerant of this activity than they had once been. He felt older than his years. Luna must have sensed his fatigue as she seemed to slow her pace and drift slowly from side to side exploring the plants along the way, quietly humming to herself. Despite his aching body, the fresh summer country air and sound of the breeze through the prairie grass did set about a certain ease within him even as he surveyed their surroundings intently for signs of danger.
Luna stopped and stiffened before him as they approached the broken down gate in front of the zigzagging path up to the ruins of her childhood home. "Someone has been here…" She whispered, grabbing her wand.
"How do you know?"
"The energy is different from when we came for the press…"
Severus pulled his wand from his robes as the two stepped through the gate. He silently cast protection and detection charms but sensed no immediate threat.
Luna stooped down reaching for something as they approached the former doorway. As she stood, he noted the metallic eagle door knocker in her hand before tucking it into her shoulder bag.
"Are we looking for something in particular, Luna?"
She shook her head. "No… just memories." She stepped over the threshold.
As Severus followed, it became immediately apparent, even through the rubble, that Luna Lovegood's childhood experience was very different from his own. The space was filled with color and joy. Family photos laid amongst the rubble as well as pieces to wizards chess and other games with which he was unfamiliar. At his feet laid a copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard. He stooped down to collect it.
Luna too bent down to pick up something. "The letters have been sent here too…" She turned the paper in her hands to reveal the black wax seal and the scrawling handwritten Luna Lovegood, Ruins of the Lovegood Household, Ottery St Catchpole.
He took it from her and placed it into an inner pocket of his robes as the both surveyed the space, wands outstretched.
"I think we are alone." Luna kicked a stray brick as she paced the perimeter of the structure. "It's still hard to see it all this way…"
"Why did you want to come here then?"
"I already told you… for the memories. It is easier to find them here." She reached out to touch the remaining wall.
Severus did not interrupt the witch's silent meditation.
After she'd paced the entire structure she turned into what was once likely the kitchen. "My father always had a story to tell as we sat down at the table together in the evenings, even if we'd spent all day together. Some of them were probably completely fabricated, but I always went along with it, even as I got older. He was such a good storyteller that sometimes I can't tell the difference between my actual memories or those he told me. They always seemed so real."
He nodded.
"I just keep thinking this place is still standing as it always was and that he has been here just waiting like he did while I was in school…"
He sighed as he stepped toward her. "It is not the memories you seek, but the reminder…"
Her silvery eyes glistened with unwept tears as she looked over at him and nodded. She inhaled sharply and closed her eyes.
A sudden urge to touch the witch, to offer some sort of physical comfort, came over him, and he closed the short distance between them thinking of the tears she'd shed at his bedside while at St Mungos.
As he moved to her, Luna leaned her forehead into his chest. He wrapped his arms about her without hesitation. Her form relaxed into him as her warm tears seeped into the layers of fabric covering his chest, and he closed his eyes.
She pulled away, wiping her face. "Thank you. I think I'm ready to leave now."
He nodded and dropped his arms to his sides, still holder the book of fairytales. "Yes."
She glanced around one final time before moving out of the ruins. "Everything is different now," she mumbled.
A/N: As always, I look forward to your thoughts. Thank you for the ongoing support and feedback.