Fic: ~The Wizard's Tale, A Continuation: Part 13~ NC-17
Title: The Wizard’s Tale: A Continuation
Part 13 contains chapter 55 and Epilogue


Chapter 55: Homecoming

Snape closed the door and leaned on it, tipping his head back and closing his eyes.

Lillith placed a hand against his chest.

“We have a couple of hours before dinner. Would you like to lie down?”

He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers.

“You’re far too intelligent to think it would be possible to seduce me in the state I’m in, so you must be trying to talk me into a nap.”

She tugged him gently forward. “A nap and a cuddle?”

“How about a talk and a cuddle?”

“Fine.”

They stretched out on the bed, Snape on his back with his arm around Lillith, and she snuggled into his side.

“It broke Meredith’s heart not to be able to tell you anything.” Snape was drawing circles on Lillith’s arm with his fingers. “Neither of us knew that you thought I was dead.” His voice hardened. “There was a note from Albus. It materialized when he fell. We had gone into the mountains for a couple of days, and didn’t learn of the battle, or find the note until this morning. That’s why I wasn’t here yesterday. Meredith fussed over me traveling, but she knew better than to try and stop me. I port-keyed most of the way, with Jon, then he Apparated me to the school. I ran into Dobby as soon as I got here, and he told me where you were, and sent me up to you.”

“Dobby did?”

“Free house elves have a lot more discretion in how they use their magic, it seems.”

“Then that’s how Minerva knew.”

“Probably. Nice of him to hold off a while, though.” Lillith could hear a smile in his voice.

“Oh.” Snape lifted his hand and summoned a thick envelope that was in his coat pocket. “I promised Meredith I’d give you this.”

Lillith took out several pages, closely written on both sides, and began reading. It was a catalog of Snape’s injuries and illness, and an inventory of treatments. Snape heard her stop breathing.

“Please, don’t make anything of it. It’s past now. I’m mostly mended; it says so.”

“Severus!” She whispered his name. The record was an almost impossible list of horrors; some of the treatments hardly better than the injuries. She finished reading, and placed the papers back in the envelope.

“You shouldn’t go to dinner.”

“You’re probably right. But I’ll go anyway.”

He looked down at her and saw her tears.

“Stop.” His voice was gentle as he rolled over to face her.

She wiped her tears on the pillow.

“I’m alive. I’m back, and it’s over.” He lifted her face to his and gave her a stern look. “I’ll not have you shedding any more tears for me, you understand?”

She sniffed and smiled at him. “All right.”

He kissed her gently, then drew the quilt up around their shoulders.

“How did the curse affect you? Were you hurt?”

“I was in the hospital a few weeks, but there was no damage.” She felt him stiffen. “As you said, it’s in the past.”

He blew out a long breath, but before he could speak, she changed the subject.

“So, everyone survived your convalescence?”

“They did. Any idea where I can write to recommend that woman for sainthood? She is a truly amazing person.” He shook his head. “They all are. And they all speak English now.” He sounded slightly smug.

Lillith smiled. “Do you speak German?”

“Yah.” He laughed. “The boys’ grades are better than they’ve ever been, but they say they will thank the gods every night that they don’t have to attend Hogwarts. They’re all coming for the wedding, of course. I hope Monday is alright?”

“Monday is fine.” Lillith laughed and snuggled close, enjoying being warm and laying in his arms. It wasn’t long before they drifted off to sleep.

~~

They awoke in time for a quick shower before heading to dinner. Snape was at his dresser when he noticed the framed charcoal sketch. Over the corner of the frame was draped a wide purple ribbon with a round metal attached.

“What’s this?” He fingered the metal with the words “Order of Merlin, First Class” on it.

Lillith came up behind him. “Once the Dark Lord was through with you, Albus was rather vocal on your behalf.”

“Meddling old man.” His words were soft and carried no sting. He looked at the sketch, squinting at the small signature in the corner. “Longbottom?”

“He made it for me last Christmas.”

Snape studied it for a moment before grinning. “He certainly hasn’t forgotten what I look like. He’s a talented young man.”

“And a generous one.” Lillith smiled as she handed him his coat.

Snape downed some potion from a small bottle he had in his coat pocket. Lillith took it to read the label. She raised an eyebrow at him.

“Not to worry.” He was buttoning himself into his frockcoat. “If I take too much it makes me stupid – and you know how I feel about that! I only take enough to take the edge off the pain, and only then when it’s absolutely necessary.” He scowled at her. “Do not be giving me calf eyes about that, either.”

She laughed at him. “When have I ever?”

“Well, don’t start now.” He finished the last button and picked up the walking stick. “I hate this thing. Makes me look like Bloody Malfoy.”

Lillith straightened his collar. “I hardly think anyone will mistake you.”

She started out the door, but he grabbed her arm and turned her around, kissing her soundly. She tasted the sweetness of the opiate on his tongue and shuddered.

“All right, I’m ready.” He gave her a grim smile. “Off to face the firing squad.”

They walked down the hallway together, Snape trying not to use the walking stick. They were nearly to the Dining Hall when someone came running out of a side corridor and almost collided with them. The young woman pulled up with a sharp gasp.

“P-Professor Snape! You’re... you’re alive!”

“Correct, as usual, Miss Granger.” He scowled at her.

“This is wonderful!” Her face was slack with amazement.

“Why? Your current professor not up to standard?” He was glaring at her but she didn’t seem to be noticing.

A radiant smile flashed across her face. “No one is up to your standard, sir.” She turned on her heel and was off at a run toward the Dining Hall.

Snape was frowning after her. “I must be losing my touch. I didn’t even deduct points.”

Lillith took his arm but he shook her off. “I don’t need help.”

“Of course not. I just wanted to touch you.” Her voice was gentle.

He sighed. “I’m sorry to be such a bear. This is harder than I thought.”

She took his arm, and they went around to the small door that opened behind the Head Table.

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.”*

Lillith gave his hand a squeeze. “They’re not the enemy.”

“Mmm.” He gave her a doubtful look and entered the Hall, moving the few feet to his chair while Lillith slipped behind him to hers.

The Hall went suddenly still, as though the noise had been turned off by a switch. Snape froze with his hand on the back of his chair, and let his glare rake the room.

For several seconds, there was absolute quiet. Then someone started to applaud. Instantly the room echoed with the sound of clapping as first a few, then all the students and staff stood to welcome Snape home.

Snape stood perfectly still, his eyes searching the room, taking inventory, noting the missing.

Professor McGonagall stood and waved the room to silence, though the students remained standing.

“As you can see...” her voice was thick and she cleared her throat, “As you can see, Professor Snape has returned.” She cast him a quick smile. “Starting next term, he will be taking on the duties of Deputy Headmaster as well as resuming his place as Potions Master, and Head of Slytherin House.”

The Slytherin table exploded. There were cheers and whistles and a stamping of feet as most of the Slytherins climbed onto the benches to make sure their feelings were known above those of the rest of the students.

A small smile tugged at the corners of Snape’s mouth as he surveyed his rowdy bunch of snakes.

“Silence!” The deep voice drawled the word above the din. There was an instant cessation of noise as the students fell into their seats, dragging the slower, slightly puzzled first years with them.

Snape gave McGonagall a brief nod, and seated himself along with the rest of the staff.

“Nice speech, Severus.” Madam Hooch, seated on his other side gave him a broad grin and a wink. “Good to have you back.”

He looked a bit surprised but nodded to her, then turned his attention to the full plate in front of him.

He didn’t eat much, and shortly after the dessert arrived, rose to leave the table. Lillith went with him, walking at his side as he made his slow, painful way back to their rooms. They were just by the Slytherin dorm when a voice interrupted them.

“Professor Snape, sir?” It was the Head Boy.

“What is it, Mr. Collins?”

“Sir, could you come to the Common Room for just a few moments?” He looked Snape in the eye. “Please, Sir?”

Snape’s body was screaming so loudly with pain that he could barely hear the boy.

“Of course.”

The boy grinned. “I’ll go assemble the group.” He was off at a run.

Lillith could feel Snape tremble where her arm touched his.

“I’ll only be a minute.”

“I’m going to run to the hospital wing to get the potions you should be taking. I’ll be right back.” Lillith headed back the way they had come, and Snape made his slow way to the Slytherin Common Room.

Five minutes later, Snape was back in the hall at the spot where he and Lillith had parted. He was leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, wondering if he should wait for her, try and get back on his own, or just fall down in his tracks. A voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Professor Snape?”

Oh, gods, not this. He struggled to open his eyes; the scowl was easy. “What is it, Mr. Potter?”

Harry stood a few feet away, his shoulders hunched.

“I just wanted to say, well...” he shrugged. “I guess...” Harry took a deep breath. “You don’t have to like someone to respect them.”

Snape looked into the young face. It was drawn and filled with lines of stress and fatigue. He remembered the empty seat next to Potter at the dining table.

“That’s very true, Mr. Potter.” He voice was gentle.

Harry drew himself up and took his hands out of his pockets.

“Would you allow me to be of assistance, Sir?”

Snape studied him for a long minute before nodding. Harry moved to his side and Snape put a hand on Harry’s shoulder. Together they moved down the hall, and Snape tried not to lean too heavily on the young man who, he noticed, was limping a bit himself.

At the door of Snape’s rooms, Harry turned away without looking at the older man.

“Goodnight, Professor.”

“Goodnight, Mr. Potter.” Snape watched him hurry away before letting himself into his rooms.

Lillith hadn’t returned, so he made his way to the bedroom alone. Removing his clothes, he sat heavily on the bed and drew the covers over his lap as he heard Lillith enter the other room. She hurried into the bedroom, a look of worry on her face, a box of bottles in her hand. She set the box on the dresser, and pulled out several bottles.

“You should have had some of these hours ago,” she chided gently.

“I know.” He took the glass she handed him and drank obediently, making a face at the taste.

“Stubborn man.” She refilled the glass with something else, and passed it back.

He flashed her a smile before drinking. He quietly took everything she gave him, washing it all down with a glass of water. She propped up a bunch of pillows for him as he lay back, tucking his feet under the quilt. Lillith sat next to him, smoothing the hair from his face.

“Want company?”

“I do.”

His hands touched her face, then trailed down her neck to caress her breasts. She flushed as her nipples instantly hardened to his touch. He smiled as he started to unbutton her robes.

She laughed. “I know you are a great wizard, but surely...” His hands slipped inside her robe, and fondled the warm skin of her breasts. She closed her eyes in pleasure.

He pulled her down into a kiss.

“There is nothing wrong with my hands.” He slid her robe off her shoulders. “Or my tongue.” He nibbled her neck, causing her to moan. “My ears have been too long without the music of your voice crying my name as you come.” He slid one hand up her thigh under her skirts. “Come lie with me.”

****************
*King Henry V; Shakespeare



Epilogue

It was a beautiful spring day. The garden outside the little cottage was a riot of color. The blues, purples, yellows, reds, pinks and whites of early bulbs competed in the tiny space in front. Out back, in the tidy yard, an herb garden lay quiet, not quiet ready for the growing season, and an apple tree displayed swelling buds of lightest pink.

The glory outside went unnoticed by the small group inside the cottage. They were all clustered in the airy upstairs bedroom.

Severus Snape looked as though he had just discovered a bug in his salad. His eyebrows lowered and his nose wrinkled in distaste.

“Why is he so ugly?!”

The blotchy skinned newborn stared in his direction with unfocused eyes. His large quantity of silky black hair was, in the eyes of the tall wizard, his only redeeming feature.

“He’s not ugly!” Tonks was indignant.

Slowly, Snape reached out and touched the infant’s cheek. Instinctively, the child turned his face and started sucking on the tip of Snape’s finger. The tiny hands came up and grasped two other fingers of the man’s hand. An odd look crossed Snape’s face and he stood perfectly still.

Finding nothing good came from the finger, the child screwed up his face and wailed. Snape jerked his hand back.

“He’s hungry. Will you hold him for a minute so I can sit up?”

Snape recoiled. “Do what?”

Tonks laughed. “He’s pretty tough for a little feller. He won’t break, you know.”

Snape scowled at her. “He’ll have to be tough with you for a mother. You’ll probably drop him at least once a week.”

Kat took the infant while Tonks worked herself into a sitting position on the bed.

Snape watched his son holding his grandson and got the most peculiar feeling in his chest. He was wondering if he was unwell when a warm hand slipped into his and Lillith smiled up at him.

“Isn’t he gorgeous?”

“No! He’s not. What’s wrong with you women, have you gone blind?” He shifted in irritation as Tonks took her son, and settled him against her breast. “His skin is funny colored, his head is an odd shape and he’s... he’s awfully small.” His voice trailed away.

“He was just born, for heaven’s sake!” Tonks refused to be irritated. “And believe me, he’s big enough. As for his looks, well, he is your grandson.”

“At least he won’t be an idiot.” Snape snapped back.

Kat sat on the bed, and slipped an arm around his wife. She smoothed the silky hair off the baby’s forehead.

“Hear that, Severus? It’s been officially proclaimed that you won’t be an idiot, and by an expert at that!” She tossed Snape a smile.

”What?!” Snape barked at her.

Her smile broadened to a grin. “Severus.” She glanced at Kat. “We’ve named him Severus.”

Snape opened his mouth but, unable to think of anything to say, closed it again.

Lillith squeezed his hand and leaned against his shoulder.

They watched in silence as the baby satisfied his hunger, and mother and son started to doze. Kat lifted the drowsy infant and passed him to Lillith, then helped Tonks settle for a nap.

Lillith turned to Snape and pressed the infant into his chest. Automatically, his arms came up to surround the child, the tiny head cradled comfortably in the palm of one long hand.

He studied the sleeping baby for a long moment, then, almost against his will, raised his eyes to his son. Kat was watching him, his face devoid of expression. Long minutes ticked by as the minds of the two men mingled. The echoes of Kat’s childhood, images, memories, fragments of events; sounds of laughter, a woman’s face surrounded by long chestnut hair. Feelings of happiness, love and belonging, pain, loss, a long empty darkness swirled together and grew light again.

With an almost visible effort, Snape unlocked the small box in the back of his mind and let the long denied memories of laughter, friendship, and a beautiful young woman flood out. Taking a deep breath, he released his hold on the rest of his mind as well. Kat’s eyes opened wide as he encountered the uncensored memories of his father’s past. He grew pale as the darkness and bitterness swirled around him. The fear, the pain, the rejection, the hatred; years of darkness and evil that threatened to overwhelm him. Then the smallest flicker of light. Redemption, acceptance and at last, the slow blossoming of love.

Lillith’s removal of the baby from Snape’s nerveless arms brought the men back to the present.

Snape took a deep breath and closed his eyes briefly, breaking the contact, closing the door. For a long minute the men looked at each other before Kat stirred himself, and closing the short distance between them wrapped his father in a hug. Snape stood rigid for a moment, then with a sigh, folded his arms around his son.

*************************

The End