Chapter Text
Snape stares at me with the outrage of a thousand bulls, like I said something infinitely absurd— like I just insulted his late mother beyond the grave. In a flash, he pulls out his wand from his sleeve, rigid, with controlled aggression; then swishes it around with strong elegance, holding out the piercing eye contact.
"Expecto Patronum!" he hisses, barely just a breath under his scrunched-up, hooked nose.
The silver cat jumps out playfully from the ebony tip, running up to my form in the air, doing a few circles around my head and torso, then settling gracefully on my shoulder. The kitty rubs her glowing head up to my cheek in an endearing way, leaving my thoughts amazed, and my skin warmed up where she touches me. She gently paws at my face, playfully interested in the escaped teardrop making its way down.
My fingers itch so badly to pet her beautiful body, but my hand would simply just pass through the cute guardian. Snape cracked a line on the rioting doubt in my mind with this move. It's unbelievable how he always manages to shake the very base of my convictions, with the most unelaborate of acts. The cat alone is a huge proof of his true feelings, but I'm still far from easing up. My attention is back on the potioneer.
"What do you see?" Sev asks, stern tone still present.
"Your patronus, identical to mine."
"And what does that say to you?" he asks again, but with his seriousness fading into a wounded expression.
Air does not want to enter my lungs, as I'm trying to find my words for a reply; I want to scold him, to ask him why is he avoiding the subject, why can't he give me a simple answer, and why, oh, why is my heart withering away with every passing second in this suffocating tension?... Was our connection a lie? Was I the only one who felt like I've found my soulmate? Am I really not enough for you? Can I never escape the looming memory of Lily? Is my unyielding affection truly incomparable with the cherished memory of your first love?...
After all this time...do you still want her?
Pain robs me from my voice.
"What memory do you reckon I used to summon her?" the dark man pulls me out of my spiraling thoughts, but at this point all I want to do is curl up in a corner and cry.
"I... I don't know." I only mouth the words to him, eyes dropping to the ground, my limbs numb already. I don't even have the strength for an outrage at the moment.
"Our very first Yule picnic in the greenhouse. The one you orchestrated after our duel in the forest." he comes a few steps closer, halting before my hanging head. His fists are clutched in a tight ball, but his tone tells of great worry and sorrow. "Can you guess why I chose this memory in particular?"
Our Yule picnic? What happened there that created a strong happy memory for Snape? And why do you even care, Mr. Bat, when you still pine after Lily!? At least that's what your latest behavior suggests... I'm beyond bitter now, because he still refuses to answer my question properly!
I shake my head impatiently as reply, raising my eyes full of hurt to connect with his gentle ones. Why are you looking at me like that? Don't give me that irresistible, tender gaze...
"Because that's where I love you first left your lips." Sev gets even closer, so close that I can now feel his body heat. My breath is trapped in me. "Not in a direct manner by any means, but that's where you decided to open up your heart for me for the first time, and what I saw inside you made me the happiest I've been my whole life, even if I refused to admit it to myself back then. You, in your own gawky way confessed your love, and this act started a reaction inside me that rewired almost everything I was. You changed me. You changed Severus Snape, the unapproachable prince, you broke down walls where others got frightened and ran away... you showed perseverance and loyalty to me beyond imagination... and now you start doubting yourself? Now? After you've brought me to my knees?" his last sentence comes with a nasal chuckle, and a smile so warm, the Sun would be sick with envy.
I can't. I just can't be mad at him. He's able to wipe my mind clear of any negative emotion, a sweet glance is enough. My legs jitter from his sheer presence, I worship and adore this man so much, that even if his eye continued following Lily's memory, mine would still follow his godly form. My dark prince, always.
"Come here—" he whispers, taking hold of my wrist, and pulling us to the leather wingback. Sev nestles himself in comfortably, and guides me onto his thigh, closing my upper body in a loving half-embrace. Just like he did during my school years.
"Listen, blossom. I loved Lily for nearly fifteen years, emotions that go that deep cannot be forgotten in a blink. And they shouldn't be forgotten. Lily was my dearest friend in the first place, only with time that friendship turned into something more serious on my part. If I asked you to erase your close relation with Donovan, you wouldn't be able to either, would you?" he juts his eyebrows up at me, confident in his point.
Damn. Touché. I could never banish Drax, neither physically, nor from my memories. He's like my brother from another mother.
"You two are connected deeply, even if your feelings do not fade into romantic interest like mine did with Lily, and that connection should be respected and cherished as a valuable memory until you die. Yes, I gave up pining for Lily when I chose you as my partner, my thirst for vengeance, however, was still making my blood boil. Not to mention the guilt for selling her out right in the hands of the Dark Lord. You can't expect one to continue life in blissful ignorance, after such a traumatic event. For so long I harbored deep hatred towards the person who betrayed her, and when the individual was finally revealed, I acted unconsciously. I know how perfidious it must have looked from the outside, and I'm sorry if I hurt you with my actions. But I just had to have my revenge for all those years of suffering. You can also call it a twisted attempt to atone for my own sin." he lays an apologetic kiss on the back of my hand.
"Lily will always remain in my memories as my first best friend, who saw the good in me when everyone else turned their backs. Nothing more. You mustn't feel threatened by the thought of her. Our past continues to influence our present, and some things reoccur, whether we want them to or not. What truly matters is, the choice we make right now. Because that's what shapes the future. And right now, I choose to be with you and love you with all my heart. Until the day I draw breath no longer." he finishes off with a tiny peck on my forehead, then glues my ear to his heartbeat, trapping his princess in the most intimate hug of our relationship ever.
It takes a while to fully let myself lean in into his touch, but in the end, I wipe my damp face next to his many buttons, and curl up in his arms, like a needy cat searching desperately for body heat. I grab the front of his cassock with one hand, and slide the other around his neck, holding onto him like I never did before. The low rumble of his saucy chuckle resonates with my entire being, it's like an all-penetrating, healing purr coming from my lover. He finally managed to eliminate the boulder-sized worry pressing my chest, and with arguments like these next to his patronus itself, I really can't say nothing more. He proved his love to me, and I can breathe freely again.
"Does this mean I am forgiven?" his cheeky tone prints a blush over my face.
"Shut up." I sulk in his chest, but the next moment I reach up and connect our lips in an urgent and passionate kiss. I can feel that he's smiling in our union, and for some reason his soft insolence pisses me off like hell, so I slide my fingers up in his hair, grabbing a fistful at his nape, and pulling his head back with determination.
"Oh, feisty, are we?" he asks, that molten gold vibrato paired with his shit-eating grin sending jolts right to the pit of my belly.
"Don't make me question your feelings ever again. Or I will leave you." I threaten him with the biggest pout, gaze shooting spikes at him.
"Oh really?" he asks mockingly, with a disgustingly sexy smirk. "I'd like to see how long you would last until you come back, begging for my touch..." his finger traces a slutty line down my spine and I visibly shudder into it. Then, he lightly brushes his lips over the underside of my ear, earning an involuntary gasp. Fucking bastard...
"Judging by these, I wouldn't even give you a week..." he flicks his digits over the protruding nipples, two hardened bumps on the fabric of my nightgown.
"Stop it—" I whine weakly, sweeping his brazen hands away, and turning my back at him quickly, but he catches my waist in a merciless tickle, and I fall right back. The giggle erupting is unstoppable, and soon, I am wrestled back snugly under the potion master's wings, his long arm securing my body to his, resting under my breasts.
I gulp the air in buckets, trying to calm down from the happy torture-session received, still, a slight smile pulls my lips to the side. My nape collides with his shoulder, eyelids falling lazily to the thrum of his heartbeat. Dry skin smooches my forehead.
"Cease your jealous thoughts once and for all. I am yours. Always."
"If you say so, mister Bat..." I grumble contently, snuggling up under his chin, trying to hide the fully widened beam his sweetness caused.
Severus spoils me with his embrace for a few more minutes, then gently removes my form from his lap, standing up with purpose.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting with my Slytherins, there are some truths waiting to be revealed to the school." pride is back on his features, radiating, his steps now hasty towards the exit.
"Try not to overdo it..." I can only sigh my worry into the air, getting one last reassuring glance from my love before he shuts the heavy door behind him.
Dear Merlin, what a mess.
*
A week later, warm summer breeze plays chase with my locks as I open the tall window to air out the infirmary for the last time this year. End of term already? With all the twists and turns we went through, time was an untame river, running wildly forward, but also, unnoticeable as well. We finished in a blink, it feels like.
Sev proved yet again that he always keeps his promises; after a lengthy speech in the Slytherin common room, the whole school became aware of Lupin's condition, and half of the student body expressed their shock and worry about having a werewolf as a teacher. Especially the Slytherins. Snape is indeed not playing around.
The very next day Lupin turned in his resignation in Dumbledore's office, and Sev entered his chambers that night with such a sneer of victory, not even an apocalypse could ruin his mood. He even opened a bottle of Elf-made wine to toast his triumph over his old enemy. I simply celebrated with him, although with a bit less enthusiasm.
The grounds below is filled with children pulling their trunks towards Hogsmeade station, where the train awaits them, each starry eye looking forward to the fun summer holiday. Their exams behind them, completed fortunately without any injuries or accidents, now free as a bird to relax until September.
Nostalgia creeps into the crevices of my mind as I look over them, reminiscing about my own school years, how good it felt to leave the castle with Drax, knowing we have two whole months just for ourselves to hang out and lazy away together at home. Oh, my dear Drax... he's come such a long way since we graduated... I can't believe he'll be an engaged man this summer. That of course, if Vince says yes. But why wouldn't he? Those two are the most loving couple I've ever known. I'm sure next year we can already busy ourselves with the preparations for the wedding. And it's going to be fabulous indeed.
Submerged in the happy thoughts of my best friend's ceremony, I barely notice the loud creak of the infirmary door, and I'm surprised to see the last man I'd expect, Lupin.
"Hello there." comes his greeting, in a somewhat awkward manner, but still in a good mood.
"Hello, professor." echoes my driest diplomatic speech. "Can I help you?"
Lupin fidgets around a bit, searching for a way to express his thoughts, then, quite cautious and almost apologetic, he begins.
"I know I'm the last person you want to see right now, but don't worry, I just came to say my goodbyes. I assume you've heard about my resignation?" the shabby professor halts at a two-bed distance from me, I think he doesn't dare to approach my form too much after what happened.
"Yes, I heard." comes the stale answer. My tone clearly bothers him, the hurt squint of his eyes betray his true emotions.
"Well... I just couldn't leave without telling you how sorry I am for causing you so much trouble. I should've kept myself in check, and respect your relationship with Severus. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, and maybe one day we can talk again like old friends." he confesses, this time I can tell he's genuine— he wouldn't have any reason to lie right now, after all, he's about to leave the castle for good.
"I... I don't hate you, Remus. I am disappointed— very disappointed, but... hatred is not something I like to feel. It's very bad for my health." I avert my eyes from him, and find a nearly empty Skele-Gro bottle on a nightstand to twiddle with absentmindedly. Looks like Poppy needed to mend some bones in the last week of school.
"You have your own demons to fight, just like everyone else. I just hope you will not face too much hardship in the future, and— I hope you've learned your lesson." This is all I can say for now. Even now I'm uncomfortable in his presence. However, I still fail to see why he chose to destroy a great friendship like that.
Were his emotions really this strong, so much so that he was willing to sacrifice his connection for something evidently out of his reach? Did he think that my love for Severus was so shallow, that if he tried hard enough, I would eventually bend his way? But that's even more disrespectful towards me! Dear Merlin I must stop spiraling like this, it only makes me more angry. The past is the past, and it should stay there.
I turn away, signaling my discomfort and wish to end this conversation, assuming the worn-out man picks up on my subtle hint. Thank Merlin, he does.
"Oh, absolutely!" he laughs a very nervous one, rubbing his nape, a bit tense. "Thank you for taking care of me this year. I wish you happiness in the future. And again, I'm truly sorry for being intrusive."
"Thanks, Remus. Take care of yourself." throwing a saddened goodbye to him over my shoulder with a half look, my hands fall to my sides, numbness weighing them down.
After few more moments of lingering, the creaky door shuts with a soft thud, and I'm left alone with my thoughts again. Phew, another crazy school term finished. Merlin, please let us have some peace next year...
~*~
"I still don't understand why I must attend." mister grumpy sulks next to my hurrying self. I'm dragging his majesty's delicate ass across the school grounds, headed straight to Hogsmeade on this beautiful late afternoon of August. School starts in a week, we arrived back to Hogwarts just last night, after another peaceful and scorching hot summer spent snuggled together at Spinner's End. However, none of that is important at the moment, because today of all is a special day. Today is Vincent's birthday, and also, the day my best friend finally pops the question to his darling redhead. But that's still a secret for now.
"Maybe because you were invited too?" I roll my eyes at his whiny demeanor, pulling some more on his cuffs, trying to gain a bit more speed.
"My love, I told you, this is absolutely not my age range..." he grumbles in a huffy manner.
"I will hear none of it! They are adults, not teenagers, you will be able to have a conversation with them just fine!" I trample forward, ears steaming.
Drax is throwing a nice birthday party for his unsuspecting lover in an outdoor tent, and he kindly invited us in a letter a few days ago. Currently we're late, because my dear bat thought he could avoid going to the party by starting to brew some potions for the year, and pretending he forgot the event. Mister, I wasn't born yesterday.
No matter how much he insisted that he can't leave the potions halfway like that, I stole the fire from under his cauldrons with a swish of my wand, and forced him out the door, dressed as he was, in his teacher attire.
My bestie also snuck the information between his lines about his intent of asking Vincent's hand at the party, so I'm beyond excited to witness this heartwarming moment with my own eyes. I won't let anything stop me today. On our way out of the castle, I threw a silent hissy fit about Sev's lack of care when it came to important events like this, when I told him clearly in advance, this day is very special, and I don't want to miss anything. But nooo, his majesty is a goddamn wallflower and hates society with true passion...
His main argument was that most probably Drax and Vincent only invited their friends and old schoolmates, and that this type of company is too young for him. Are you serious??
"You should be proud that one of your former students invited you to his birthday. Not to mention his engagement... this is a big day for him and he considers you important enough to be there with him. That's a reason to be happy if I ever seen one. But you're too busy sulking and finding excuses, just because you don't like social gatherings. With all due respect darling, get a grip!" I lecture him as we reach the entrance of the small village, and I look around to find the fastest way to reach the end of it.
Sev follows obediently in silence, although his soft grumble still reaches my ears. My silky crème cocktail dress flutters around my running thighs, I chose a simple and airy thin material for this, sleeveless, because absolutely no one is catching me with sweat spots at this event. This summer was hellish enough, and the heat still didn't subside yet.
Sunset slowly starts dressing up the sky in its nightgown, a gorgeous ombre from vibrant red to a sparkly deep blue, not a single speck of clouds on it. By the time we reach the boys' house, I feel like I'm going to hold my lungs in my hands any minute. An urgent knock, and a drop-dead gorgeous raven-haired young man opens the door, in a silky sapphire suit.
"Hello, sugar, good to see you again." he has a devilish smirk on his gorgeous features.
"Drax! Oh my god, you look stunning! Where did this come from?" I'm struggling to collect my jaw from the floor, hugging the living breath out of my best friend, and feeling the lapel of his clearly expensive tailored jacket.
"Vince designed it last month. You like it?" he flashes a wide grin as he gives a welcoming nod to Severus as well, then closes the door behind us.
"That's an understatement! You will rock the house tonight!" my exclamation is reduced to a whisper, since I know we're the only ones who know about the upcoming proposal.
"I plan to, honey." he says, oozing smugness and confidence. "You should see Vince's own attire. He outdid himself with these pieces. Come, make yourself at home. The party is in the tent outside. I was just about to offer some dirigible plum cocktails to the guests." And with that, he swooshes away to the kitchen.
"Dirigible plum cocktails? What an intriguing choice to serve." Sev ponders aloud behind my back.
"Why do you say that?" I glance back curiously.
"Think back for a second to fourth year herbology, love." he says, as we make our way through the living room, all the way to the large backyard, where the white summer tent is set up. My mind is franticly searching through the school year memories, and when it clicks, I gasp.
"The plums, they enhance one's ability to accept the extraordinary! But why would they choose to use this particular fruit at their engagement?" I wonder a bit confused, arriving to the white tulle curtain, and Sev moves it out of the way with a swan-like gesture, allowing me inside first like the true gentleman he is.
"Maybe they have certain guests who need a bit of assistance accepting what is about to happen. Considering today's society, marriage is only truly acknowledged if it's between a wizard and a witch. Same sex weddings are heavily judged, even in the muggle world. The plums help conservative people open their minds a touch, making them more accepting of concepts like this." Snape explains, pulling a grey veil over my jolly mood. Of course. Society and its fucking discrimination.
I must say, this is a brilliant move by my boys. With everyone drunk on the plums, there will be no unwanted homo-jokes or ugly looks from elders. Although, I'm sure the boys invited exclusively people who they trust, but one can never be careful enough.
The tent is breathtaking; white tulle, colorful flowers, and fairy lights lining the walls everywhere, soft candles float over a long buffet table loaded with snacks and many mouthwatering dishes. Ham and cheese pinwheels, fried zucchini, baked potato boats filled with bacon and sour cream, and a whole segment dedicated for bite-size desserts. Beverages of all kind stand in a row at the back of the table, so that no matter what type of thirst you have, there's a solution for your taste. Wow, the boys went all in this time.
A few round tables for those who want to sit, and cocktail tables scattered throughout, everything covered with a delicate beige cloth, simple but fancy at the same time. Soft jazz sifts through the air from a great gramophone in the back, and there's a cooling charm placed on the inside, thank sweet Merlin.
We have a decent amount of people; Drax's parents in one corner, a few past housemates of Vincent, including Frodo, whom I'm a bit surprised to see, but it seems they kept their close friendship with Vince after the whole fiasco of our last year in Hogwarts. And speaking of Vincent, Drax was not joking when he said Vince outdid himself with their attire, because he is rocking an identical silky suit, same as Drax's only the cherry prince chose an emerald green for himself, representing Slytherin. He is even more stunning than Drax is!
Many of our own housemates with Drax showed up as well, young men and women all conversing and mingling with other youths and elders alike. I see a few more unfamiliar middle-age faces, probably the parents and close relatives of our past schoolmates, and to my biggest surprise this evening, floor-length cherry hair catches my attention, a magnificent lung-colored sparkly dress— a heart-stoppingly gorgeous woman. No way. She's half-hidden behind a curtain, trying to blend in with the background as much as possible, only peeking out at her dear son, who's currently laughing together with his fellow Slytherins a few feet away.
"Excuse me for a moment." I mutter at Sev, and spurt directly across the crowded space, right to her concealed self. She jolts a little when she notices my approach, and tries to cover herself more with the curtain.
"Abina!" I call out softly with a smile, trying not to scare her too much. "You're here! I never thought— I mean—" words are hard to form, I'm too stunned to speak my mind. I never thought she'd be here, supporting her son. After the horrible outrun of Vincent's father, I thought poor woman was afraid to even breathe around her husband.
"Don't worry my dear, I understand you perfectly. I assume it is quite unbelievable for you to see me here, after Edric disowned my poor Vincent in such a heartless manner. Your darling friend sent me a letter in secret, telling me that he wishes to ask my son's hand in marriage today, and I simply couldn't miss this moment. A mother's duty is to be there for her nestling through thick and thin... although, I doubt he's a baby anymore... he's grown to be a beautiful phoenix, rising from his ashes, overcoming the hardships of life..." Abina trails off with her eyes lingering on Vincent, small teardrops holding on for dear life on her lower lashes.
"So I came in secret. If Edric found out, the consequences would be unimaginable... if I may ask you, please avoid drawing attention to my presence if you can." her soft and squeaky tone just melts my heart, and before I can even think, I reach out to take her hand in mine gently.
"Abina, trust me, no one here will tell anyone that they saw you, so please, come and socialize freely." I drop my voice to a hush. "I'm sure Vincent will want to ask his mom for a dance as a fresh groom." my wink seems to drop a bit of bravery in her coy form, and she slowly emerges from between the white material.
Shuffling back to the bat, I greet Drax's ma' and pa' on the way, they've always been like my second parents, and I'm instantly wrapped in suffocating hugs and loud smooches by my bestie's elders. Drax already distributed the plum cocktails, and once the glasses are halfway empty, he steps up to the middle of the crowd, and clinks a spoon repeatedly to his own, turning the chatting group silent.
"A moment of attention, please. First, I want to thank you all for coming, your presence means a lot to us." he casually slides a hand in a pocket. "We've gathered here to celebrate my dear partner— Vince's birthday, who's turning 24 today!" Drax raises his glass, and the crowd bursts out in applause, a few whistles rip through the merry atmosphere. Vincent, who's standing right next to his lover, is having a serious fight with a blush, but grins shyly in the end, giving appreciative nods to the people around.
"Let me tell you a little story." Drax continues, and I'm eagerly awaiting what he has in store for us. I'm so giddy that I reach over to Sev's hand, and squeeze my excitement in his skin, smiling ear to ear like a fool. He doesn't mind in the slightest, but rather weaves our fingers together, and hides them behind his back.
"I met Vince at Hogwarts, as most of you probably heard, but what you definitely don't know, is that this gorgeous redhead stole my heart with one simple gesture all the way back in our sixth year. That's right, one movement was enough to make me fall head over heels for him, and ever since that fateful moment, I considered myself the luckiest man alive, to have such a brave, resilient and caring boyfriend." He gives a sweet glance to Vince, who still has no idea what Drax is about to say, the cherry boy still thinks this is just a very emotional birthday toast. Oh boy, just you wait...
"You see, I was heading to class with a ton of scrolls and books in my hand, and out of nowhere, Vince ran into me by accident, scattering my stuff all over. At first I thought he's going to leave me there and carry on, since back then he had a small bad boy reputation—" chuckles emerge from our old schoolmates, they know exactly what a mafia boss Vince was in school, and even Sev lets out a small chortle escape his nose.
"—but against his usual frightening behavior, he got on his knees, and helped me collect the papers from the ground. The look he gave me then made me forget my own name, and his was the only one I could think about." Drax flashes his pearly whites to Vince, whom at this point can easily be envied by a lobster.
"That is why today—" my best friend faces his partner fully, the warmest endearing expression on his features. "I will kneel to make you happy."
Gasps bounce off the walls as we witness Drax get on one knee while pulling a small, midnight blue velvety box out of his pocket, and presents a silver engagement ring, three fairy-tear diamonds shining in the middle.
"Vincent Vaarn, will you be mine?"
The handsome cherry prince has his breath trapped deep in his lungs, Drax's charming confession rendered him absolutely speechless. His hands move to cover his violently blushing face, rivers bursting out from his sky blue orbs, and all he can do is nod, like he's never wanted to say yes to something more.
Vince holds out his left hand, allowing his now fiancé to slip the ring onto his finger, then the two lovebirds share a passionate kiss while the crowd roars up with applause, sharp whistling and shouts of joy. Drax picks Vince up by the waist and does a few happy turns with him, their face radiates with glee, the group is buzzing with positive energy, and I truly feel like this moment will stay engraved in our memories until we die.
Seems like the great wave of emotions reaches Severus too, because he discreetly wraps his arms over my shoulders, covering my front, and pulls me into a gentle hug, out to the very margin of the crew.
"I'm so happy for them." my head lolls back into the potioneer's chest, endless satisfaction coursing under my skin. Snape just plants a kiss to my roots, and squeezes me even more to himself. He's absolutely not the type to show affection in public, but the guests are too busy with congratulating the pair, and luckily no one pays attention to us in the back. This somehow gives a butterfly sensation to my stomach, and all of a sudden, I'm very proud of my darling for such a brave and out-of-character move.
The gramophone magically starts playing a heartfelt blues, and the engaged couple engage in a slow dance in the middle, prompting the group to form a circle around them and softly clap to the languid rhythm of the sensual record. They move body to body, Vince resting his head on Drax's shoulder, relishing the romantic moment, feeling each other's presence to the last atom of their being.
Sev slowly begins rocking away with me, barely noticeable at first, but gaining movement as the song crawls in our ears more and more. His hands slide back to my hips, then up my sides, all the while his hips move side to side in tandem with mine. A small shudder runs down my spine, eyelids fall shut as the potion master turns my form around to face him, and assumes a glued-together pose so he can continue caressing my aura with his.
As predicted, after the first song ended, the boys parted with a kiss to the hand, and Vincent immediately asked his mother for a cute little swirl-around. My heart swell to the size of a house as I saw the two gorgeous redheads whooshing gently to the music, Abina's face full of pride and genuine joy for her son. Their embrace at the end jerked a few teardrops and sniffles out of me, I'm so glad Vince has at least one parent who is here with him, come hell or high water. True mother's love is like no other.
Looks like Sev got used to the loathed social gathering, so much so, that he is now having small talk with some of his old students and their parents, though he keeps the conversation to a minimum. His social battery is finite, and by the time the clock hits eleven, he is back in his cocoon, sipping on firewhiskey in a hidden corner.
I had the time of my life; dancing away with both of my boys, wishing Vincent a happy birthday and happy marriage for the future, catching up with a few old housemates, and getting to know the Slytherins better on Vincent's side.
I sat down with Abina again, told her that now that we have a wedding to look forward to, she can write to me if she wants to take part in preparing the event, but I expressed clearly that there's no problem if she'll only be able to attend because of Edric. After all, she can only help her son from the shadows. However, she reassured me that she will be helping as much as she can, especially financially. Her son and his groom deserve the best, and I can't agree with her more.
Now, I'm back to my quite relaxed bat, done with schmoozing for the day— maybe for the year even— I cheekily slip his wide glass out of his grasp, and take a swig of the amber liquid, but regret it immediately. My face contorts in disgust.
"Serves you right for taking what's not yours." he smirks, and I pinch his side with a pout.
I'm just about to give Snape a witty remark, but suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I see Vincent approaching cautiously, like a small child who's about to confess a mischief. At first I think he came to discuss something with me, but a slight surprise, he addresses Severus.
"Um, sir, can I have a word?" he asks, almost in a coy manner. Snape's smugness dies away in a second.
"Of course." he replies calmly, a hint of kindness lacing his tone.
"Well, to be honest, I have a favor to ask of you. As you know, my father disowned me, and he doesn't even want to see my face ever again... so... I thought, maybe... if you agree as well, maybe— could you walk me down the aisle in my father's place?" the cherry boy clusters his last sentence into a gabble, like he's afraid of his ex-teacher's reaction, and poor Vince looks more and more tense by the second.
For a short while, the potioneer is too stunned to speak, however I, after fully comprehending what Vince just asked, snap my hand across my mouth to contain the elated scream threatening to escape. Are you fucking for real right now?! My grin has long passed my ears at this point.
"I don't know if I'm—" Severus manages to summon his basic speech function after such a shock, but he is still visibly taken aback and overwhelmed by a request this sacred.
"Please, sir!" Vince cuts in, nervous and desperate like a teen asking his biggest crush out for the first time ever. "I was under your supervision and leadership for seven years, you were like a father to Slytherin house. And I still view you as a very close mentor, that's why I'm asking you of all people. There's no one else whom I look up to and respect as much as you. Please... I've always wished to be walked down the aisle by my father, but alas, he doesn't exist in my life anymore. So I came to my Slytherin father instead." his gentle smile is breaking me into a million pieces and my eyes are swimming in tears already.
Oh my heart, Vincent, how can you be so precious!!
"Wouldn't your mother be a better choice— ow!" I elbow Severus hard in his ribs, and give him a very meaningful glare. He wants a father next to him, not a mother.
This will be a monumental moment in Vincent's life, and I don't want Snape to ruin it in any way. Vince just presented him with a huge emotional privilege, and he better not be stupid and refuse it. Sev's glance jump between me and Vince for a while, he ponders for a few more seconds, then, the deal is sealed with a gigantic sigh.
"Alright. I'll be your father figure at your wedding."