***Chapter Eleven***

December 1981

Leandra looked up from her spot on the floor when she heard the floo in the fireplace activate. Harry was playing with a toy telephone Eileen had bought for him, and Everett was sleeping soundly on a blanket by her side.

She wasn't expecting Eileen until dinner. They had dinner together every evening. Eileen took care of the boys after the two of them had eaten so Leandra could spoil herself and take a long bath each evening after dinner.

She gasped and practically jumped up, startling Harry, when she saw that it wasn't Eileen at all. It was Severus.

She threw her arms around him almost as severely as he did to her in return.

"I'm so glad you're here," she said, tears spilling from her eyes.

Tears she'd been careful not to let shed the past month. If she started, she likely wouldn't stop with her hormones all over the place as they were.

"I am as well," he whispered, kissing the top of her head and resting his cheek against her there.

"Why do you smell like your house?" she asked. It was funny, he hadn't been at his parents' house for months, but she still recognized that was where he'd come from. A combination of soap and shampoo? She had no idea.

"Well, it's been busy. I figured I'd start at the house and go from there. Mum was home, and I took a few moments to make myself presentable."

Leandra chuckled, knowing that was his mum's doing.

"Tell me," she said.

She knew essentially what happened from history books, but things were different so she didn't know for sure anymore

"No trial. Lots of interrogations and interviews. Lots of testifying at others' trials."

"So no charges then? Albus said you took the Dark Mark as his idea?

"Indeed to the finding. No to Albus, at least not publicly. We … agreed it would be better if, when, and how, I became a spy was left off the record. The minister knows the truth."

"Thank Merlin," she whispered.

"Yes. Someone was listening to our prayers anyway. Now, Madam Snape. Might I meet my son."

"Oh, of course!" She blushed drawing away. "He's sleeping." She gestured to the swaddled bundle on the blanket. He was, obviously, quite a bit smaller than the swaddled Harry he'd brought her a little more than a month ago now.

Severus followed her lead, sitting next to her on the floor. She pulled the blanket away from the sleeping baby's face gently.

"Meet Everett Herman Snape."

He nodded, and she saw a bit of moisture in his eyes as he stared at the newborn for a while before lifting his eyes to meet her gaze. He did not try to disguise or wipe that moisture away, and her heart beat a little faster at the knowledge that he was willing to let her see him … weak. She didn't perceive him as weak, but she knew others (including probably himself) would be prone to think that crying was a weakness.

"Are you well? Mum says he was rather stubborn."

"I'm tired and sore, but no more than most in my position, I imagine."

"And Harry," he asked, regarding the boy who was still fascinated by the phone.

"He's fine. Busy. I've taken him outside a few times when Everett is sleeping so he gets fresh air and to play in the snow a bit."

Severus chuckled.

"Do you want to hold him?"

"I have heard you should let sleeping babies sleep."

"I am on a first name basis with that, yes."

"Then later," he said. " I would hold you, though."

She scooted in front of him then so he could do exactly that. Eventually, Harry joined them, seeming to know he had to be careful around the baby but Leandra still watched him like a hawk. Or a protective mother.

"Albus believes for my safety, and yours as well," he said, gesturing with a hand to the three of them. "That I should remain at Hogwarts for at least this school year. Not everyone was captured."

"That makes sense, yes."

"Will you join me there?" She could hear the … uncertainty in his voice, and felt bad that he didn't know she would.

"Can we?"

"Our bond is recognized, the binding document has been located. You are my wife. Albus suggested a legally binding ceremony might be wise, but he didn't seem to think it had to be done immediately when I mentioned you have just given birth."

"How nice of him," she said with a groan. "Of course we'll join you, Severus. I don't want to live separately from you any longer than I have to."

"Does that mean you really are staying?" She did not miss the hopeful tone in his voice.

"It does. I want you to see your child grow, Severus. This you," she said. "I want to get to know the differences in you as they happen, not seventeen years from now."

"Is that the only reason?"

"Well I have grown rather fond of this you as well and, admittedly look forward to seeing what the future brings firsthand. I don't want to have to read about it in books."

"Will you marry me?"

She turned a bit, slapping his arm playfully. "Of course I will, you dolt."

"Then let us go do that, we can tell Albus we'd like him to officiate. That should placate him for a while. I will show you my rooms, and have elves come for your belongings," he said.

"Will there be room in your quarters?"

"Albus says Hogwarts will make accommodations."

"Okay. I should come with the elves to supervise what stays. This isn't all mine."

"Very well."

x.x.x.

It had evidently been some time since Hogwarts: the castle, staff, or students had had a married professor. His rooms were very accommodating for two children and extra space that she would need.

Albus insisted Leandra and the children join them for dinner that evening so that they could be introduced formally all at once to everyone.

She felt very put on the spot, and hoped to be able to take meals in their quarters going forward. She didn't want elves taking care of Harry or Everett anymore than was absolutely necessary.

"What did you want to do?" he asked later when they were settled in bed. She knew what he was asking her. It had all happened so fast. Not just her ending up here in his quarters for the night either. The end of the war. Realizing Harry and Severus were dead. Coming to 1981. Realizing there was nothing they could do to save Harry's mum and dad.

Sirius tried getting others in the Order to scrutinize Peter's comings and goings more. It hadn't mattered. She hoped Harry would forgive her one day, and was just glad that Severus didn't somehow blame her. Getting rid of the horcruxes wasn't exactly a small job. As soon as they had more than a night together after not seeing one another for weeks, she'd ask him to brainstorm about ensuring there was no horcrux in Harry. And how to get rid of it, if he thought there might be.

"I really hadn't gotten that far. So many things seemed interesting."

"Well, think about it. If healing is an interest, I'm sure Poppy would love an apprentice. That would go for anyone here, I'm sure."

"I will think about it. Do you think they'd mind if I sat in on some sixth or seventh year classes?"

"I'm sure they wouldn't, but I'll clear it at the staff meeting this week."

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Get some rest, Witch."

"Yes, I know, Everett will wake soon. I'm so grateful Harry sleeps through the night."

x.x.x.

Soon they found a routine. Leandra had permission to sit in on any classes she wished to. She also talked to Poppy about assisting her. The woman seemed very interested in taking an apprentice if that was the path Leandra desired. It was good to know that she had options.

Another option she and Severus discussed, since they both knew Riddle was well and truly gone, so the curse on the position was as well, was Leandra applying for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. To this point it interested her most without her wondering what she'd do.

An apprenticeship would lead to her likely needing to take a job away from Hogwarts, which seemed to defeat the purpose of her staying there. She would have to prepare for an interview with Dumbledore if that was the path she wished to take.

So she worked with Severus throughout winter break and the second term to prepare potential lesson plans and interview tips on how to get the job that few seemed lined up to apply for.

She certainly couldn't be worse at it than Gilderoy Lockhart had been.

Harry and Everett grew and developed as babies were wont to do. Severus got more comfortable not just holding, but being affectionate, with both children. She considered herself very lucky to bear witness to him hugging and kissing Harry Potter good night. Forget his older self's hatred of the boy. Severus just did not allow people to see him display emotions. A student seeing them hold hands in the halls or on the grounds was a rare occurrence.

Minerva told her in confidence (and Leandra would never tell Severus) that he didn't need to demonstrate physically he loved his wife and the children. Anyone could see it by the look he got in his eyes when they merely entered a room. Leandra couldn't deny that observation had made her heart warm in a way that she hadn't thought possible. She thought she was the only one who noticed how expressive Severus' eyes could be.

The current Defense Against the Dark Arts professor resigned, effective the end of the school year. He waited until almost June to do so, which played in Leandra's favor. Hogwarts needed a professor, and Leandra needed a job. She was ready to start on the next chapter of her life now that she knew without a doubt that it was here in 1982 she would be doing it. They had elves to care for Harry and Everett the times Eileen could not.

Leandra loved how hands on Eileen wanted to be, and Severus seemed pleased as well. She had permission to floo into Albus' office on the bitterly cold days as needed. She imagined one day it might grow old, but to this point his mother hadn't overstepped her role, even with Harry.

So the 1982-1983 school year found Hogwarts with two Professor Snapes.

Severus came into their rooms just as she was preparing to leave when the term had been in session for a week.

"Where are you off to?"

"I thought I'd take the boys outside for a while. Maybe see if the squid is active."

"Very well," he said, looking a bit disappointed.

"You can come with us if you'd like."

"Are you sure?"

"Severus, in what world do you think I would prefer the company of a toddler and a baby over you? You do not need an invitation from me."

"Well I know sometimes you enjoy visiting Hagrid."

"I do, you're right. I can do that when you're not with us," she said. "Would you like Harry or Everett?" She gestured to the two boys.

Everett was already in her arms. She was hoping Harry would make it out on his own today if she walked slow enough. He didn't always.

Harry made the decision for Severus, tugging on his robes to be picked up. Severus huffed, but she knew secretly he liked that the boy was fond of him. Oddly, neither Remus or Sirius had balked at them taking Harry, both agreeing a ready-made family was the ideal situation. She imagined Sirius shared with Remus some of the information he had about Severus.

"They've spent all week at your mum's, I thought this would do them good."

Things had been rather hectic for both of them the past few weeks as they prepared for the new term so jaunts to the lake hadn't happened recently. Not that the Snape yard was terrible, but she wasn't with them when they played while with their grandma. In July, the four of them could be found by the lake often, enjoying the grounds with no one but them around. Things sure were different now!

"I've been thinking," she said when they were finally settled outside. They weren't the only ones with the idea to sit near the lake for a while. Soon enough the weather would turn. So, people were getting out to enjoy the weather before it did.

"Oh?" He sounded concerned.

She looked at him, trying to read what was troubling him but she just couldn't.

"Well, I really can't stay here, can I?"

She noticed him stiffen beside her, and knew now what was troubling him. Now that they were together and had a routine with two children, he thought she'd want to leave. Go back to her time. The problem was that they'd altered so much by defeating Voldemort and knowing the horcruxes were destroyed. There was no telling what future she'd be going back to.

And she truly had grown to love this Severus.

"I meant teaching at Hogwarts, Severus."

"Oh," he said.

"Eventually I will come. In less than ten years now."

"Oh right. I guess I hadn't thought that far ahead."

"Well it's my fondness for Hagrid that made me think of it. He's masybe not as smart as we are, but he's not stupid. I'm not sure I trust he can keep a secret," she admitted. She hated saying that about the half-giant, but it was true.

"I understand," he said with a nod.

"I think we should find a home. Hogsmeade maybe, so we wouldn't be far."

"And a career?"

"The Ministry, I suppose. I have months to figure it out. Plus, it would also make others believe the curse is still in place."

"Do we want that?"

"I don't think we want me to have the notoriety of being the one who broke it. Also, Albus seems convinced that he is not gone for good. So, maybe this would prolong him figuring out that something changed, or didn't go as he planned."

"Ah," he said with a nod. "Then we shall house hunt."

"Are you sure?"

"You are not being paranoid or unreasonable, so yes. We remained at Hogwarts this summer only because we had little time to do anything else. I was still deciding myself if I wished to remain."

"And?"

"I am enjoying teaching without having to play favorites with my pureblood Slytherins. I am enjoying not being torn three different ways. I would like more time to see if I can become the professor you seem to think I am capable of being."

"I think you will make a great professor now that you are free to do just that."

He slid his hand to hers, bringing it to his lips. "Not just that, 'dra. There is at least one other thing I wish to do. A lot of."

She blushed and he chuckled. "My blushing bride," he said, leaning over to kiss her nose. She lifted her chin and captured his lips with hers. Harry clapped, which made them draw apart a bit and chuckle. He gave her a brief kiss before pulling away and glancing at their ward.

More than one student stared at them and Severus scowled, which made Leandra laugh. She laced her fingers through his.

"I wish to do a lot of that, too, Severus."

They were both pleased their sex like hadn't taken a drastic downturn after Everett. Sometimes they were too tired or pressed for time for anything but a quick shag in bed or the shower, but he usually made up for that when they had the time and energy later.

"That is exceedingly good to hear."

"Does it make up for students having seen you kiss me?"

"Perhaps. I may ask for proof as to the accuracy of your definition of a lot when the boys are sleeping later."

"I will be prepared for such a daunting task."

They were quiet for a while then, watching the grounds as others walked, studied, and played games.

"Severus," she said, squeezing his hand.

"Yes, dear."

"I love you."

"I love you, too, 'dra," he said. Their eyes met and he pushed a thought to her. Leandra or Hermione makes no difference, you have ensnared my undying protection and affection.

"Me, too," she whispered, leaning against him as they turned their attentions back to Harry and Everett. The squid as it turned out was relatively quiet today, much to the dismay of Harry. Everett was a little too young yet to notice.

NOTE: Happy Wednesday! It looks like Winter is finally arriving here. Our first daytime below 0 Fahrenheit temps are forecasted for this weekend. The fact we made it to mid-January is pretty amazing for Fargo. Have a good rest of your week, and thank you for reading and commenting.