Aftermaths, Part 87

by Geri ([email protected])

Rating: Mostly PG-13, but NC-17 for overall story

Pairing: Snape/Lupin, Theodore/Blaise

Warning: AU; events that occurred at the end of Order of the Phoenix were significantly altered from the book.

Sequel to: Always, Summer Vacation, For Old Time's Sake, Three's a Crowd, Return of the Raven, Phoenix Reborn, and Phoenix Rising.

Summary: The various characters deal with the aftermath of the war, and Snape and Lupin try to build a family together with Theodore and Dylan. However, some people are unable to let go of the past...

Author's note: {} Indicates character's unspoken thoughts.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to J.K. Rowling, except Hob, who belongs to William Mayne; no money is being made off this story; consider it a little wish fulfillment on my part.
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From the head table, Lupin was relieved to see Harry and Ron laughing and getting along with Dylan and Daphne. He resolved to have a private chat with Harry later, but hopefully the Slytherin robe wasn't going to be a big issue. He turned his attention back to his dinner and his companions. Math and Goewin had brought Ariana with them, and Goewin was trying to feed the baby, but little Ariana seemed much more interested in all the bright lights and strange people around her than in the spoonfuls of baby food, which mostly ended up on her and not in her.

"Oh, dear," Goewin said. "She's usually such a well-behaved child."

"She's just excited to be in a new place, I'm sure," Dumbledore said genially. "Why don't I hold her for a little while you get something to eat? I'm sure she'll be hungry later." He took the baby and bounced her gently on his knee, and she stared at his long, white beard in fascination, then grabbed at it with both hands and tugged hard. "Oh my!" Dumbledore laughed, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon glasses. "She's a very healthy baby, with a good, strong grip!"

"Ari!" Goewin scolded while Math chuckled. Satoshi came over and distracted Ariana by turning into his tanuki form and wiggling his whiskers at her. She laughed delightedly and outstretched her arms, and the tanuki picked her up. She giggled and stroked his furry face, then laughed and pointed when she caught a glimpse of his striped tail. She was passed down the table from person to person, as nearly everyone, especially the women, wanted to coo and fuss over her.

"Such an adorable baby," Emilie said, and smiled nostalgically at her husband. "Remember when Isabelle was this small?"

"It seems like yesterday," Thierry agreed.

Two of the people at the table, however, were not overawed by the baby, and looked less than thrilled to be there. Lukas didn't like formal gatherings to begin with, and Dumbledore had seated Narcissa next to him, which Lupin feared was a mistake. Narcissa had changed a great deal, to be sure, but her pureblood prejudices could not be erased overnight. The odd thing was that they made a very beautiful and striking pair, both of them blonde-haired and clad in green velvet, looking elegant and aristocratic. But for most of the Slytherin elite, no amount of money or beauty could make up for the lack of blood purity.

"So you are the werewolf teacher Draco has been telling me so much about," Narcissa said disdainfully. "You are not what I expected."

"Funny," Lukas said with an ironic smile as he lifted a glass of wine to his lips, "you are exactly what I expected, Lady Malfoy." His tone of voice made it sound like an insult.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Narcissa asked coldly.

"A typical pureblood snob," Lukas told her bluntly. "Arrogant, petty, and narrow-minded. You look down upon others because in your mind, it makes you feel bigger to make someone else feel small." As Narcissa turned red with rage, he added, still with that ironic smile, "Even though, as a disgraced former Death Eater, you have no right to be looking down on anyone else. But I suppose you can comfort yourself with the fact that at least you're not a werewolf."

"Lukas!" Lupin snapped. "That's enough!"

"We had might as well be at one of my mother's parties," Snape sighed, looking glumly at his glass of wine. "I would like to spend one evening talking about something other than status and blood purity if it's all the same to you two, Bleddri, Narcissa."

"I will behave myself if the werewolf does," Narcissa said, glaring at the werewolf in question.

"And Bleddri," Snape continued, "you might consider this something of a test, a trial run, if you will. If you intend to win back the title, at some point you are going to have to associate with the pureblood elite without openly insulting them. You're going to have to prove to the court that you are able to conduct yourself as a proper Lord should." Bleddri looked sulky, and Snape added in an insinuating voice, "Note that I said 'without OPENLY insulting them'--my mother knows a thousand subtle ways to insult someone while being completely polite and proper on the surface. You should talk to Lady Selima, Bleddri. Subtlety is key when dealing with the purebloods, and no one does 'subtle' better than my mother."

"Great," Lukas groaned, slumping back in his seat. "I have to take lessons in etiquette from Lady Selima!"

"I feel for you, Bleddri," Snape said with a heartless grin.

"Should you really be helping him with this, Severus?" Narcissa asked, frowning disapprovingly.

"You've never been close to the Diggorys," Snape pointed out. "What do you care who inherits the title?"

"That's not the point," Narcissa argued. "It sets a bad precedent, appointing a werewolf head of a pureblood family."

Snape's black eyes gleamed dangerously and his voice took on a sharp edge. "Don't forget that it was a werewolf who helped save your son's life!"

Narcissa flushed and ducked her head, looking a little ashamed of herself. "Of course I didn't mean Remus," she mumbled.

"Lukas aided us in the battle, also, Narcissa," Lupin reminded her gently. "While he did not save Draco directly, he and his pack killed or disabled several of the Death Eaters and giants, who would otherwise have been free to hurt or kill the Order members--and the students." Narcissa bowed her head, and she and Bleddri ate in stony silence. Lupin sighed and tried to ignore them, participating in more cheerful conversations with other occupants of the table, and took a turn playing with little Ariana.

After dinner, the dancing began. Draco came over and dutifully danced with his mother for one song, then escorted her back to the head table before leading Serafina onto the dance floor. "Oh my goodness!" Narcissa exclaimed. "Is that really Serafina Avery?"

"Yes," Lupin replied cheerfully. "She looks very lovely tonight, doesn't she?"

"She looks beautiful!" Narcissa said, still in shock. "But she was always such a plain little thing..."

"I never thought she was plain," Lupin said. "She has beautiful eyes and a beautiful smile. The problem is that she never used to smile. Theo is a handsome boy, too, but no one ever noticed because he was always sullen and scowling. Beauty comes from within as well from without, Narcissa. Sera and Theo had learned it was safest not to attract attention to themselves, so they projected a sort of 'don't look at me' air, almost like a glamor or obscuring spell, if you will, although there was no real magic involved. But now that they no longer feel threatened..." Lupin smiled.

"Perhaps," Narcissa said, still staring at her son and Serafina in bemusement. "Although I think the new dress and hairstyle might have a little to do with it as well."

Lukas shook his head impatiently. "There are plenty of girls in the school who are prettier than Miss Avery, new hairstyle or no. None of them has ever made Mr. Malfoy smile that way before." Draco was smiling at Serafina shyly as they danced, a far cry from his usual air of superiority. He seemed a little bedazzled, and not at all aware of any of the other couples around them. Narcissa pursed her lips, looking unsure as to whether or not she should be pleased by this turn of events. "At least she's a pureblood," Lukas couldn't resist pointing out, and Narcissa glared at him.

Dumbledore was rising from his seat, having asked McGonagall to dance with him. "Why don't you take Narcissa out for a spin on the dance floor, my boy?" he suggested to Lukas.

Lukas and Narcissa both gave him identically incredulous looks. "You've got to be kidding," Lukas said.

"No, I'm not," the Headmaster replied, although there was a twinkle in his eyes. "Narcissa doesn't have an escort, and I know that you'll just sit here brooding all night unless I order you to have some fun." He patted Lukas on the shoulder. "You must learn how to relax and enjoy yourself, Lukas."

Lukas growled irritably. "I do know how to have fun," he grumbled. "It's just that your idea of 'fun' seems to differ radically from mine."

"A dance or two won't kill you, Master Bleddri," McGonagall said, looking amused. "All the other teachers are dancing." That wasn't quite true, because Snape and Lupin were still sitting at the table, but most of the other staff members were out on the dance floor. Branwen and Sirius were dancing together, of course, and Satoshi was dancing with a laughing Madam Pomfrey (he had changed back to his human form but retained his whiskers and tail). Even Filch was dancing with Madam Pince, although he looked awkward and ill at ease.

"Go on and dance," Dumbledore told Lukas and Narcissa. He added with a cheerful smile, "That's an order."

Lukas stood and bowed to Narcissa with icy formality. She rose and curtsied to him with equal coldness, then laid her hand on his proffered arm, just barely touching her fingertips to the surface of his velvet sleeve, as if she wanted as little physical contact with him as possible. They walked out onto the dance floor, and Dumbledore chuckled, not looking at all concerned by their less than enthusiastic reaction.

"Well, shall we, Minerva?"

"I hope you know what you're doing, Albus," McGonagall murmured as she took Dumbledore's hand.

That left Lupin and Snape alone at the head table, save for Math and Goewin, who were feeding Ariana, who was now finally ready to eat her supper. "Would you like to dance, Severus?" Lupin asked.

Snape scowled at him. "You've got to be kidding," he said, in much the same tone Lukas had.

"But all the other teachers are dancing," Lupin pointed out with a mischievous smile.

"I don't wish to make a spectacle of myself tonight," Snape informed him, the look on his face implying that Lupin had offered an affront to his dignity.

"Oh, what's the big deal, Severus?" Lupin asked. "Everyone knows we're a couple! And nearly everyone here saw me kiss you at the head table last term!"

"Don't remind me!" Snape groaned.

"Oh, pretty please, Severus?" Lupin wheedled in the whiny voice of a child begging for a toy or a sweet. "Pretty please with a cherry on top? Please, please, please--"

"Enough!" Snape snapped as Math and Goewin began to laugh. The Potions Master sighed in exasperation, as he realized that refusing to give in to Lupin could prove just as embarrassing as the opposite would. "One dance," he growled, "and that's it!"

"Three," Lupin bargained.

"One," Snape repeated firmly.

"Two," Lupin counter-offered, "and I promise not to kiss you in front of everyone at the Ball."

"Oh, very well," Snape said huffily, giving in with ill grace, then glared at his lover suspiciously. "Have you been taking lessons from Uncle Ali?"

"No," Lupin said sweetly. "It's a natural gift." He held out his hand, and Snape sighed and took it. They received a few shocked stares as they began to dance, but most of the students were used to seeing Lupin and Snape as a couple by now, and just grinned or giggled. Emilie Laroque, though, who had been away from England for many years, and who had never known Snape very well to begin with, stared at the couple, a dumbfounded look on her face, while her husband raised his eyebrows.

"Things are certainly different here at Hogwarts than they are at Beauxbatons," Thierry said mildly.

"Things must have changed since I was last here," Emilie said weakly.

Lupin smiled up at Snape lovingly, and he whispered, "Thank you, Severus." The Potions Master's grumpy expression softened for a moment, and he gave Lupin a small smile in return before turning to glare at a giggling Slytherin girl.

"You owe me for this, Lupin," Snape growled.

"I promise I'll make it up to you tonight," Lupin whispered into Snape's ear in a sultry voice, and smiled in satisfaction as he felt a shiver run through his lover's body.

"You're evil, Lupin," Snape whispered.

"It must be the influence of my Slytherin robe," Lupin laughed.

Nearby them, Narcissa and Lukas were still arguing as they danced. "You have corrupted my Draco, putting these notions of 'physical defense' into his head," Narcissa was saying. "Do you know that he asked me to buy him a sword? Apparently the Dietrich boy got one for Christmas, and now Draco wants a 'real' sword, too!"

"Then perhaps you should be angry at Mr. Dietrich, not me," Lukas replied.

"It's because of your class that he got interested in swordplay in the first place!" Narcissa retorted.

"Then take your complaints to the Headmaster," Lukas snapped. "He's the one who created the class in the first place; even if I wasn't here, someone else would still be teaching it. Anyway, you should be glad that your son is learning how to defend himself!"

"What does a wizard need with a sword?" Narcissa demanded. "Draco should be learning defensive and combative magic, instead of wasting his time on your silly classes! You are corrupting him--"

"It was your husband who tried to corrupt Draco and the other students!" Lukas interrupted, and Narcissa's face went pale, and then red. She abruptly jerked away from him and stormed off the dance floor.

"You went too far, Lukas," Lupin said disapprovingly.

"Nobody asked for your opinion, Lupin," Lukas snarled, although he looked just a little guilty. "She's a typical pureblood, refusing to listen to what she doesn't want to hear."

"Her whole life was turned upside-down," Lupin said. "She's not a bad person, but it takes time to overcome a lifetime's worth of prejudice. And Lucius may have been an evil bastard, but he was still her husband. You should apologize to her."

Lukas snorted derisively, but turned to follow Narcissa, calling, "Don't walk away from me when I'm talking to you!" Narcissa ignored him, and ran out of the room.

Snape sighed, "So much for subtlety. My mother has her work cut out for her."

Lupin smiled. "Lady Selima is up to the task, I'm sure. Do you think we ought to check up on the two of them and make sure no blood is shed?"

"If Bleddri hasn't killed my mother for meddling in his life, he isn't going to hurt Narcissa,"Snape said, unconcerned.

Draco and Serafina were still so wrapped up in each other that they didn't seem to have noticed the disturbance. Crabbe, who was dancing next to them with Luna, reached over and tapped Draco on the shoulder. "Huh?" Draco said, looking up with a start.

"Didn't you see?" Crabbe asked. "Your mum had a fight with Master Bleddri and stormed out of the room."

Draco shrugged. "She doesn't like the idea of me taking Physical Defense lessons, even though they're required, and she had a fit when I asked her if I could buy a sword. I'm sure she'll cool off after a little while. I'll talk to her later." Then he resumed dancing with Serafina.

Since Draco didn't seem worried, Crabbe turned back to Luna with a smile. Snape blinked his eyes in disbelief. "Lupin, is that girl dressed like a Christmas tree?" Luna was wearing a pointed green hat on her head that was topped off with a twinkling gold star, and she was wearing a green dress that flared out at the hem, giving her body a conical shape. The dress was trimmed with rows of tinsel and shiny red and green ornaments.

"Yes, Severus," Lupin replied calmly.

"Oh, good," Snape sighed. "I was afraid someone had drugged the wine. I know I didn't drink enough to start hallucinating."

Lupin laughed, then moved closer, resting his head on Snape's shoulder. After a moment of hesitation, Snape's arms closed around him, and Lupin sighed contentedly. He was here, in his lover's arms, and everyone could see his claim upon his mate; the wolf could not be happier.

"Time's up, Remus," Snape said softly when the second song ended.

Lupin sighed, reluctant to end the moment, but a bargain was a bargain. "Thank you for you indulging me, Severus," he said.

"You promised to pay me back tonight, remember?" Snape reminded him with a wicked grin, and although Lupin had been looking forward to the Ball for weeks, he suddenly wished the night was over.

"I always keep my promises, Sev," Lupin said in a husky voice.

"Yes, you are disgustingly honorable, like all Gryffindors," Snape agreed good-naturedly. "I've indulged you, so now it's my turn to have some fun." He reached for his wand and grinned again. "Let's go for a stroll in the garden," he said, offering his arm to Lupin.

Snape didn't often initiate public displays of affection, so Lupin was delighted, although he felt a bit sorry for the students who were making out in the rose bushes. Still, you'd think they would have learned by now to take their amorous activities somewhere else. "As you wish, Severus," he said, slipping his arm through Snape's, and they casually strolled arm-in-arm across the room and out into the garden.
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From the head table, Goewin smiled at the pair as they left the room. "An odd couple, but they certainly seem to suit each other. Remus seems to smooth out Severus's rough edges."

"And Severus seems to give Remus strength and confidence," Math said thoughtfully. "Back when we were all members of the Order during the first war, he struck me as being a little too self-effacing for his own good. Oh, he was brave, there was no doubt about that--he willingly risked his life, the same as all of us. But he didn't care to draw attention to himself or argue with the other members when he disagreed with them, although sometimes he would confide his misgivings to Albus in private. I assumed at the time that he thought no one would heed his opinions because he came from a poor and unimportant family. I didn't know about his lycanthropy until it became public knowledge a few years ago."

"I did not know Remus very well back in school," Goewin said, "but I remember how he always tagged along with James Potter, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew. And I remember that sometimes he looked uncomfortable, even ashamed of the pranks that they played, but he never spoke out against his friends. He has gained courage, and Severus has gained compassion." Goewin smiled. "Or maybe it is that Severus has learned not to hide his compassion. I must admit that I never much liked him when we were younger; he always seemed sullen and unpleasant. But it's clear that he loves Dylan very much, and Dylan thinks the world of him." She looked out at the dance floor, and saw her nephew dancing with Hermione, looking like the lovestruck teenagers that they were, and that was as it should be. Children should have the chance to be children, and be concerned with nothing but grades and Quidditch and dancing and dates--not war and death and Dark Magic. She was glad that Dylan finally had the chance to live a normal life, although she knew that he would never really be a "normal" teenager, after everything he had been through. Still, at least for the moment, he looked happy and carefree, and it filled her heart with joy to see him laugh and smile so easily.

Ariana gurgled, and Goewin smiled at the baby in her arms. "Yes, doesn't your cousin Dylan look so handsome?" she crooned. "And there are his friends, Theodore and Blaise..." The two Slytherin boys sat at their table, Theodore looking bored, and Blaise a little wistful. Goewin wondered why they didn't have dates, but perhaps it had something to do with Slytherin politics, which she had never really understood. "And there are Draco and Serafina, and Vincent and..." She did not know the girl's name, but Ariana laughed and waved her arms, seeming quite tickled by the girl's outfit. "Yes, that is remarkable, isn't it? She looks just like a Christmas tree! And there is Gregory and little Allegra..."

Goewin smiled at the sight of Goyle, his face set in an expression of intense concentration, as if he was trying very hard not to step on his partner's feet. Allegra, on the other hand, seemed blithely unconcerned, and appeared to be having a wonderful time. They looked very odd together; the top of Allegra's head didn't even reach the middle of Goyle's chest, but Goyle seemed to be treating her with an air of brotherly concern and affection. Dylan had told Goewin the story of how and why Goyle had asked Allegra to the Ball, and she thought it was a sweet thing for him to do. Suddenly, an image appeared in her mind, of the same couple dancing, but they appeared to be about ten years older, and while Goyle was still dressed in a formal black robe, Allegra was wearing a white wedding gown instead of a red party dress. Goewin shook her head and the image vanished, leaving the real Goyle and Allegra dancing in front of her as they had been before. She wondered if it was a true vision, or merely her overactive imagination. She had lost her powers of Divination when Gilbert had raped her years ago, but she had temporarily regained them while carrying her Seer daughter in her womb. She stared into Ariana's silver-gray eyes and wondered if she was still seeing her daughter's visions, which should be impossible, since they were no longer physically connected, or if the pregnancy had reawakened some small portion of her lost magical Gift.

"Is something wrong, my dear?" Math asked.

"Not really," Goewin said, and explained what had happened.

"Well, I suppose we won't know for sure until about ten years from now," Math said with a smile. "If Mr. Goyle and Miss Zabini do eventually marry, then we'll know that it was a true vision."

"Or just a lucky guess!" Goewin laughed. "I was thinking how sweet they looked together; perhaps my imagination was merely taking things a logical step forward."

"If your powers truly have returned," Math said, patting her hand, "there will be other visions, other signs."

"I do not really miss my Gift," Goewin said slowly. "I was angry to have lost it, because it could, perhaps, have helped to end the war sooner. But I do not miss seeing visions of blood and death."

"Every Gift always comes with a price," Math said solemnly.

"And a responsibility," Goewin said. "I do not wish to become a Seer again, but if my Gift returns, I will not shirk my duty. At least this vision--if it truly was a vision--was a happy one."

Math smiled, squeezing her hand. "Do you see wedding bells in the future for our nephew, my dear?" he asked lightly.

Goewin laughed. "I don't need the Sight to predict that Dylan will marry Hermione in a few years, my love!" She kissed the top of her daughter's head. "Don't you agree, my little Seer?" Ariana cooed happily and seemed to nod in agreement.

 

Part 88